I’m having a bit of trouble with the seating arrangements for our reception.
At my cousins’ weddings, both sets of parents “hosted” their own separate family tables (and I should note that their in-laws get along well with each other). My parents would like to do something similar at our wedding (my parents are hosting), but this is offensive to my fiance and my fiance’s parents. They think the families should sit next to each other at the wedding, as that is what they are used to seeing. To them, separating the families looks strange and isn’t very welcoming. My parents have seen it both ways, but our family normally has each family sit at different tables so that relatives can catch up and chat with each other.
This really should not be a big deal. I see it as two different options for seating. No offense is meant. Looking at wedding websites, both options are suggested as possible arrangements.
Both sets of parents (in-laws) are frustrated with each other for various reasons. I love my parents and I have a good relationship with my fiance's parents. Both sets of parents are wonderful and supportive. Unfortunately, due to personality differences and different customs/traditions, we've had lots of misunderstandings, miscommunication, and because of this, quite a bit of drama. Now, little tiny things are becoming "big deals" because of past grievances.
To be honest, even if everything was rosy I think his parents would still be offended with the seating. To them, having "one big happy family" is very important.
My parents think my own relationship with my in-laws and my fiance is more important than how both sets of parents get along. For them, if a good relationship develops naturally between both sets of parents, that's great. But it shouldn't feel forced.
Any ideas on how to resolve this issue? Thanks in advance.