Is it rude to split a couple at a wedding?

It's fairly normal for couples to be separated during the ceremony when one is in the wedding and the other is not. You'll literally just be sitting and watching just like everyone else. In regards to your edit, I'm not sure if you're upset that your so is in the wedding and you're not or what? The majority here have agreed with you that splitting up couples is rude and extremely poor hosting. However, if you're upset about him actually being in the wedding than that's on you to deal with. Even though the couple has known you longer the groom obviously feels closer to your so than you and the bride doesn't feel close enough to include you at all in the bridal party. It is what it is. Your so also wants to be a part of the wedding party because he said yes. Why should he have run it by you at all?

We splitting ours up and luckily everyone are social butterflies and will have no issue being alone for a few minutes before the party starts.

Yes - it is acceptable wedding etiquette to split up couples when one is in the BP. Some couples opt to do a sweetheart table (just the couples), some opt to to a table with the couple and BP with SO's at another table and others opt to do a table with the couple, BP and the BP's SOs.

Yes - it is acceptable etiquette for your So to speak in the ceremony

No - it is not acceptable for him to MC dinner. That is what the DJ is for.

If you feel uncomfortable going since your SO will be busy and you do not know anyone else then decline to go.

ETA: I think it is horrible to split up couples at weddings but I have seen it on WW.

Thank you, Rachel! You know the feeling is mutual :-)

J.Clo if you think it's horrible, then why do you say it's acceptable?

Rica, if after 5 pages of people telling you why it's an issue, you still don't get it, I don't know what to tell you.

ItsaDunnThing, just because your guests haven't told you it's an issue doesn't mean it's just fine. Trust me when I say, when you read the forums for a while, you'll see there are a lot of things brides and grooms do that their guests don't tell them are issues. I would bet all the people on this thread saying they experienced this and hated likely didn't tell the bride and groom about it.

Laprisha, that's great!

I think that it the whole situation could have been handled differently. I am curious what part actually bothers you tho. The fact that you are not included or the fact that SO has so much to do and you will kind of be alone. When my FH has bartending gigs and we attend parties together I help so I don't feel alone but I also have a drink or two and mingle. I think that head tables are ridiculous I personally am having a sweet heart table and seating my BP with their SO. I don't think that is your issue tho. However; I don't think what the couple did was rude either. It's their day and they have a vision that does not include you. If it bothers you that much don't go.

I understand the up and down side to this...if you think you will feel too uncomfortable, dont attend.

Hey there,


I agree that it's very rude on behalf of the bride/groom to split you from your date and it is completely your choice whether to still go. Since they are hosting this function it should be their responsibility to make their guests comfortable, that is how I would see it anyway if I were the bride. I am in a similar situation in which my SO said yes to a sudden change to be a groomsmen without asking how I felt. Ultimately I told my SO to have fun and that my team at work needed me more as there I have an actual role to play. I think it would still be good etiquette to give the married couple a gift however.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do!