Are there any restrictions during the ceremony for divorced parents of the bride or groom?
This is a very sensitive issue and requires that each situation be handled separately and with consideration and understanding. If the bride were raised by a stepfather, she may select any of the following options when walking down the aisle: • walk down the aisle alone • walk with her mother • walk the first halfway with her father and the remaining distance with her stepfather • walk with the both her father and stepfather together on each side If the bride walks with the stepfather, she may also wish to include her father in the ceremony (i.e. by doing a special reading). As far as seating arrangements during the ceremony, customarily, mothers and their spouses sit in the front seats on the respective sides. Fathers and their spouses sit directly behind the mothers. Of course, this is all subject to the wishes of the bridal couple. For instance, if the bride or groom prefers, it is quite acceptable to have divorced parents also sit in the front rows with their spouses.
