The groom’s parents recently finalized their divorce. His mother had cheated on his father for the last 2 years of their marriage, and the divorce dragged for 2 years. She is now engaged to the man whom the groom, and his father, sees as breaking up the marriage. Until earlier this year, the groom had not talked to his mother in almost 3 years- I’ve only met her once. His father wants to bring his girlfriend to the wedding, who he has been dating for almost 2 years and who I have met on many occasions. But he does not want the ex-wife to bring her fiancée, nor does the father want the groom’s godfather invited because the godfather knew about the infidelity but did not inform anyone. His father has threatened to walk out on the wedding if his godfather or the ex-wife’s fiancée show up and not attend if his girlfriend is not invited.
We are paying for the wedding entirely on our own. Personally, I think if they can’t play nice with each other the father and mother should be invited- each without a guest.
Please, help! What is the proper etiquette on who should be invited and who should be able to bring dates? I don't even want to think about seating charts yet!
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
Post #2 of 2
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Re: Messy divorce, new partners, and invites
[In reply to]
Dear Njbride,
The rule is that they would both be allowed their escorts since they are involved in a relationship. And, we shouldn't allow the past "infidelity" issue to be an issue here, although it has caused quite a problem with the family. So, on your end, it would be most polite to invite all and ask your fiance to inform his dad of your decision to be fair and polite. His dad then has his decision to make at that point.
On the parent's end, it would be best if neither of them brought their significant others. Mom most likely knows of the perception of her significant other and if she leaves hers home, so should dad. But, we can't tell them what to do or what I think they should do. You can only do what it right from your end and hope they play nice.
About the seating charts...I'd seat them in separate rooms if possible
Messy divorce, new partners, and invites
