Hello, My wonderful fiancee and I are getting married Sept. 2008. My problem is this wonderful man does not come with wonderful parents. They have through many different ways managed to alienate themselves and my fiancee from ALL of their family. And I mean all. Groom's father died when he was 5, and the groom has not see or heard from that side of the family since then. The groom's mother does not communicate with her side. Also my groom is an only child. My side, on the other hand, is an insane clan which is friendly but intimidating.
NOW THE QUESTION I am sure you were waiting for: How do I blur the lines of his side and my side? I am planning a receiving line to introduce them to everyone, which is a formality not used by my clan (they tend to mob instead of lines). I am inviting the MOG to all special bride events (trying on wedding dresses, getting ready for the big day ect.). How do I gently encourage no sides without making rude announcements or hurting my side too (by making them think that i didn't want them on my side) and without foregoing my center aisle. Any hints of things I have not thought of to do to make this one happy family for just this one day. Any activities to include the groom's step-father in(which he does not care for).
Thanks
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Jul 23, 2007, 12:12 PM
Post #2 of 2
(915 views)
Re: [jelliefishes] The Groom's side Only have 5 people Vs. my 75
[In reply to]
Dear Jelliefishes,
I just had to laugh. Mob? Too funny. It sounds like so many families, especially large ones.
Your fiance should speak to his mother about her behavior and his expectations. You could do the same on your side. Just remind them that this isn't just a marriage of two people. You are joining two families.
If you have ushers, your ushers could inform your guests that there will be no 'sides' except for the parents--that you will be seating all guests on both sides because they are all family now.
I can't think of any way to include the step father, except perhaps he could seat his wife. He wouldn't really be an usher, but would be viewed as one only for this one task.
The Groom's side Only have 5 people Vs. my 75
