How to Handle Divorced Parents at Your Wedding Reception

Your wedding day should be a joyous occasion. But if you have divorced parents who aren't on great terms, every little thing-from where to seat them at the reception to where to place them in the receiving line-can become big issues. Here, how to keep the parental peace so you can enjoy your first day of marital bliss.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Give the parent who had the biggest hand in raising you the seat of honor. For example, if you lived primarily with your mom, let her sit in the front pew at the ceremony. Your dad may sit behind her (and hey, if they are on good terms, by all means, ask them to sit together).

2. Downsize the receiving line. Ask the fathers of the bride and groom to mingle with guests rather than stand in the receiving line-that will help minimize at least one area of contact. An added bonus: it shortens the receiving line, which means you and your groom as well as your guests can get to partying sooner.

3. Seat your parents at separate reception tables. This may be a good idea even if your parents can manage to stand the sight of each other. Each one may feel more comfortable sitting with their own family and friends. And seating parents together when one or the other has remarried can prove awkward for all in involved.

4. Make sure your parents have a dance partner when they are invited out to the dance floor. Recruit your brother, an uncle or her date to swing her around the floor when you're busy with your dad during the Father/Daughter dance.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have stepparents and are on good terms with them, include them where possible. For example, perhaps you could have your stepfather walk you halfway down the aisle, your father the other half.