Seating Arrangements: (In Church)       Typically the bride's family and friends sit on the left hand side and the groom's on the right. Parents are seated in the first pew, followed by other important guests. Often these pews are differentiated from the rest with special pew markers/bows. Sometimes general guests are seated evenly on both sides, if there is a strong imbalance.       If the parents of the bride or groom are divorced they can be seated in the front row along with any new spouses they might have. If the divorced parents do not get along they can be seated in separate pews. For example the mother in the first pew and father in the second pew. Alternatively there may be a few rows of family member seated in-between if extra "space" is required. (Each situation is unique and may require some creativity and compromise to find the "right" solution for you.) Even though sometimes the divorced parents may seem to get along fine, remember that weddings can be an emotional event and the seating arrangement, and the other noted changes below should be considered when dealing with divorced parents..       If the Bride's Parents are divorced, as her mother is being quided to the first pew by an usher, the step-father (if any) walks behind the Mother and Usher. The Bride's Father, of course, walks the bride down the aisle and then takes his approriate seat. If the Father is remarried then his wife should be seated when grandparents or other special guests are seated. If the Groom's Parent's are divorced this same type of seating should occur.       If your church has two aisles the bride's family and friends are usually seated on both sides of the left aisle and the grooms on the right. Parents and special guests usually sit next to the appropriate aisle, but in the center section.       Seating arrangements at the church may vary depending on the religion and clergy. If you have any questions or concerns about seating arrangements you should address your clergy. Receiving Lines:       Receiving lines serve many different purposes. First of all they allow each guest the opportunity to see the bride and groom and offer their best wishes and congratulations. Secondly it is an opportunity for introductions.       Traditionally receiving lines are comprised of the parents of the bride and groom, the bride and groom, the maid of honour and the bridesmaids.       As each guest passes through the line they should be introduced to those in the receiving line with whom they are not acquainted by the person standing adjacent to them.       Flower girls, ring bearers, and ushers are not part of the formal receiving line, but can mingle with the guests.       In the case of divorced parents organize the receiving line such that divorced parents do not have to stand next to each other. Following are suggestions for each. Receiving Line Order: ( Non-Divorced Parents ) Mother of the Bride Father of the Bride Mother of the Groom Father of the Groom Bride Groom Maid of Honour Bridesmaids Receiving Line Order: ( Bride's Parents Divorced ) Mother of the Bride Bride's Step-Father (if desired) Mother of the Groom Father of the Groom Bride's Step-Mother (if desired) Father of the Bride Bride Groom Maid of Honour Bridesmaids Receiving Line Order: ( Groom's Parents Divorced ) Mother of the Bride Father of the Bride Mother of the Groom Groom's Step-Father (if desired) Bride Groom Father of the Groom Groom's Step-Mother (if desired) Maid of Honour Bridesmaids Receiving Line Order: ( Both Parents Divorced ) Mother of the Bride Bride's Step-Father (if desired) Mother of the Groom Groom's Step-Father (if desired) Bride Groom Father of the Bride Bride's Step-Mother (if desired) Father of the Groom Groom's Step-Mother (if desired) Maid of Honour Bridesmaids Seating Arrangements: (Reception)       Typically the parents are seated on either side of the head table. Normally, the bride's parents to the left and the Groom's parents to the right of the head table. Head Table: Bridesmaid Usher Bridesmaid Best Man Bride Groom Maid of Honor Usher Bridesmaid Usher Toasts       There are many acceptable variations on the order of toasts and their presentation, however they usually follow this traditional guideline: Toast to the Bride Toast to the Bride & Groom The Groom's Response followed by the toast to the bridesmaids. The Best Man's Response on behalf of the bridesmaids. Other Toasts Toast by the Father of the Bride welcoming the groom to the family and inviting guests to enjoy their evening. Note: If you are being toasted you should never drink at the end of the toast and should remain seated. If you should have any questions for Simons, please e-mail us at: janet@simonsbridal.com Home | Gowns | Proms | Accessories Tuxedos | Tips | Wedding Info | Coupon | Services | Books A website created by: Russ Pickett  of  RussPickett.com  ©, 2000-2007 Updated: 7/21/2007