How to Handle Divorced Parents During the Wedding Planning Process
Your entire wedding is meant to be a joyous occasion from start to finish, but divorced parents can sometimes throw a spanner in the works. Luckily, with a little preparation, you can ensure your wedding stays drama-free at a stunning outdoor venue like Green Gables Farm.
Here are some tips that will help you navigate having divorced parents at your wedding:
Speak to your parents. One of the best ways to avoid drama is to speak to your parents individually prior to your wedding. Communicate your expectations so that everyone is doing their part to keep your day peaceful and happy. Discuss who will be involved in different parts of the day, including the first look and walking the bride down the aisle. This way, there are no arguments or hurt feelings later on in the planning process.
There are no hard and fast rules. When it comes to deciding which parent will be involved with what, there are no distinct rules. For example, if you have a better relationship with your stepfather, it’s perfectly fine to have him walk you down the aisle instead. You could even have both fathers walk you down the aisle if they are open to it.
Let everyone help. In most instances, all parents will want to help out. To avoid disagreements, find a way to give everyone a job. This way, each parent feels included in your big day and there’s no reason for anyone to fight at the wedding.
Plan your photos ahead of time. Instead of things being awkward on the day of your wedding, carefully plan out family photos ahead of time. Give your photographer a clear list of who should be included in each photo so that things run as smoothly as possible. You may even want to separate certain parents by taking family photos with each at different times.
Think carefully about your seating plan. If you know that certain family members won’t want to sit together, assign seats at both the ceremony and reception.
With these tips in mind, divorced parents are not something extra you need to worry about as you plan one of the biggest, most joyful days of your life.
Blessings,
Christi
