Ceremony Seating for Step Parents

steffieallen

Ok, so the groom's parents divorced over 10 years ago, but things are still weird/awkward.  His mom is bitter about his dad's new wife, is definitely a squeaky wheel, and is bringing a date.  How do I seat them at the ceremony?  I know obviously they'll have the front row, but I can see them already fighting about who gets to be closer to the center aisle.  They'll both be bringing their respective significant others.  Should it go (starting from the center aisle) his mom (the squeaky wheel), her date, his dad, his wife?  We have never met his mom's date, but are really happy she is seeing someone, but it seems odd to put mom's date in a better position than his dad's wife, whom we've known for years.  Am I way overthinking this?  Could I put the two sets right close to the center aisle, but one behind the other? (can only imagine the fireworks that might cause).  Are there rules?  Please say there are rules, and they are established!

aurianna

We did this (starting in center)

1st Row: Mom, Step-father, maternal grandparents (then maybe my aunt, uncle and cousin?)
2nd Row: Dad, Step-mom, paternal grandmother
3rd Row: More family

So both of my parents were on the center aisle.
They shouldn't be fighting over who gets to sit closer to xyz. They are adults.
If they are going to get petty over it, flip a coin if you have to so they don't think you chose.
Or seat one set closer for the ceremony, but set thte others' table closer to the head table for the reception or something.

steffieallen

Thank you both so much!  Two rows, done!

LiLe422

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_ceremony-seating-for-step-parents?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:1d3b6355-6d7a-4b34-a67c-b018d1794476Post:615482ae-a2d0-49d7-9c54-bde86a5ff087">Re: Ceremony Seating for Step Parents</a>:
[QUOTE]In general, the parent who raised the bride or groom gets the front seat.  <strong>Not certain if you are suggesting stepparent should not sit with spouse.</strong>
Posted by NYUgirl100[/QUOTE]

How do you possibly get that impression? 

ZiggyZos

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_ceremony-seating-for-step-parents?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:1d3b6355-6d7a-4b34-a67c-b018d1794476Post:102c9db2-c763-48e6-989e-96ded29f2982">Re: Ceremony Seating for Step Parents</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Ceremony Seating for Step Parents : How do you possibly get that impression? 
Posted by LiLe422[/QUOTE]

Because she's bitter about her own relationships and is totally okay with stepmoms being treated like crap because they "aren't moms".

OP - I'm glad you got it worked out! My divorced parents were, luckily, able to suck it up for me and get along for the day. From the aisle inward, we sat my stepdad, mom, dad, and stepmom. Had they not been able to get along, the first row would have been my mom and stepdad with my dad and stepmom in the aisle seats of the second row.

[Deleted User]

Personally, I'd put mom in the front row and dad in the second regardless of who raised FI. My FI was raised by his dad, but we're still introducing his mom first, putting her first in programs, etc. It's sort of traditional etiquette to have "ladies first" and I think she'd appreciate it.

But either way, I think the two row deal is the way to go