[tammy1234]

As the mother of the groom do I have a right to decide the seating arrangements of the groom's side of the family. As you know every family has their own dynamics.WHO LIKES WHO. The bride to be has informed me she has already done the seating.She looked annoyed that I wanted to do this.I have had no say in anything that has been decided.I have given money for this affair of 200 people. Thanks for the help. Tammy

[Wedding Queen and MOG]

Hi Tammy -

The seating arrangements are often very frustrating. Where is your son, the groom, in this decision? He should be working together with the bride to be sure that all wedding guests are comfortable. It might be best to speak to him and gently remind him that Aunt Betty and Cousin Jim haven't spoken in years and may be best seated apart. I think if the couple were approached with reasonable suggestions based on the guest's comfort level your ideas should be met without too much guff.

Your monetary contribution should be considered a gift for your son and his bride and should have nothing to do with decision making, though.:)

[Panache by Erin]

I agree. A seating chart can become an extremely touchy subject when there are family members who don't get along very well. Talk with your son about it and surely he'll be able to explain it to the bride to be. I know she wants everything to run smoothly on her weddng day so she'll make the appropriate changes.

[Etiquette Now]

All great advice. I completely agree. The couple creates the list, so keeping the discussion positive, as the Wedding Queen suggests, is very important.