I'm beginning to piece together the seating arrangements for my october wedding. For both my FI and I, family is everything and we have made our siblings and our parents a large part of the planning process and the ceremony. Looking to the seating arrangements for a small wedding of 60 people in a lodge style cabin ( a small thing, I know, but I'm still concerned) a question and a concern began to emerge... I'll explain.
My parents have been divorced for about 10 years. They still love each other, but their stubborness and passionate personalities combusted after nearly 20 years and 5 children. Today, they live about 5 minutes away from each other; they call each other every other day to "talk" and argue about the same silly little things. They had a fiery relationship and they have a fiery divorce and post-divorce. As hard as they try, they find it hard to act like "adults" around each other - either tempers are flying for no apparant reason (name cursing, bashing, literally fists are flying), or they're like the best of friends.
My father is bringing his girlfriend of about 2 years and my mother will undoubtable find herself a date in response. At our reception, I want both of my parents close by. I want them sitting near or with me. It's something that means the world to me. HOWEVER, I also want to a avoid that special kind of "awkward" situation that erupts whenever they are near each other and their NEW significant others - a situation that will be even more awkward since it will bring up both happy and unhappy memories of their wedding/marriage (an observation from my father after seeing the reception site). Should I even be concerned? Or should I try and figure out a way to have them separate but near me? (Not even sure how this would work...) Again, a silly question with an obvious answer, but at this point, I'd just appreciate some friendly advice. Thanks ladies!