My mother and father are divorced...what is the etiquette?

I assisted with a wedding once where the mother of the bride and the father of the bride were divorced. The divorce was very messy. The mother never forgave the father, especially because he moved on and found another wife. The mother of the bride adamantly exclaimed that she wanted to be "no where near that man." Well, the father had to walk his daughter down the aisle. So, where does the new wife sit? And, where can the father go when the mother strongly opposes being anywhere near him?

My advice, through experience, is to hold an adult conversation with both parents - separately. Both have their best interests at heart for their daughter. So, please can we get along for one day?

The parents compromised in the end. The father walked his daughter down the aisle. He sat in the second pew with his new wife - on the opposite end from the first wife. The mother of the bride was seated at the front pew nearest the couple. At the reception, all of the "family" photos were taken according to a list. The mother opposed any picture-taking with the new wife, especially with her daughter.

Sometimes, these situations can be pretty sticky. Weddings are emotional events and should be handled delicately when both parents are at odds. As far as strict etiquette, I would say: Yes, there are rules, but when dealing with potentially volatile situations playing it according to each case is my best take. Wedding coordinators should know how to deal with situations like this in order to make the day memorable for the couple.

Happy planning!