Moms and Maids

MOG and FOG walking down the aisle

My FH's parents are divorced, and have been since he was a child. They still get along "for the kids" but are two very different people and would never spend time together outside of events for their sons. Both of them are in long-term relationships but neither are married. FMIL has been dating her boyfriend off and on for the past few years. They break up like at least once a year - sometimes for months - but always get back together. FFIL has been with the same woman for 8 years; they are committed to one another but he's vowed to never remarry just out of principle.

My question is twofold ... first, do I / should I / can I have them walk down the aisle together? They're not a couple, so I don't know what the etiquette is really like for that. Second, if they don't walk together, should they walk with their current boyfriend/girlfriend ... or should we have someone else escort them or have them walk alone?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!

Re: MOG and FOG walking down the aisle

  • edited October 2013
    I wouldn't have your FMIL and FFIL walk together. They're not a social unit. They should walk with their current partners, with whom they are social units.

    ETA: clarity
  • If you want them in the processional, I would suggest.....
    Grandparents walk up....
    FFIL walk up aisle escorting his SO. He seats her, and sits himself.
    FMIL walk up aisle, either escorted by her SO, or escorted by usher with SO already seated.
    MOB walks up, escorted by usher.
    Wedding party begins processional.

    Often, the MOG and MOB are escorted by a member of the bridal party, regardless of marital status.
  • It doesn't matter if they are long term relationships, flavor of the month, one night stands or just good friends. All adults should be escorted by their dates and should sit with their dates during the ceremony and reception. If either parent doesn't have a date for the wedding, they may choose an escort. I have seen the groom escort his mother to her seat and then proceed to his place for the processional. 

    Sometimes couples are escorted by a member of the wedding party. The escort takes the lady's arm and the gentleman follows closely behind. 




                       
  • In Jewish weddings, both parents escort the bride and the groom.  Regardless of marital status, that is the family unit and is a really nice tradition.  Parent's SOs can be escorted to their seats by a groomsman just prior to the processional.  
  • In Jewish weddings, both parents escort the bride and the groom.  Regardless of marital status, that is the family unit and is a really nice tradition.  Parent's SOs can be escorted to their seats by a groomsman just prior to the processional.  
    This is what we did even though we aren't Jewish. DH wanted both his parents to walk him down the aisle and so did I, so that's what we did. His parents and my parents are still married so it was a non-issue.

    OP - Does your FH want to walk down the aisle alone? With his mom? Will he already be standing at the altar with the officiant? If he'll be standing up front, his dad should walk with his SO and his mom with her SO. If he'll be escorting his mother down the aisle, his mom's SO can already be seated (not part of the processional) and dad can walk with his SO. If he wants both his parents to walk him down the aisle, I think both SOs can be seated.
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