Q. How do I arrange the top table seating for my daughters wedding bearing in mind my future son-in-laws parents are divorced and dont get on. One has a new partner the other doesn't.

A1.If you want a traditional top table I would suggest the following:

Best Man - Groom's Fathers Partner (if he has new partner) - Grooms Father - Bride's Mother - GROOM - BRIDE - Bride's Father - Groom's Mother - Groom's Mothers Partner (if she has new partner) - Chief Bridesmaid

If you want an alternative layout then you could consider having round tables and each of the key players hosting their own table.

I hope this helps.
(Answered by Toni Henningsohn)


A2. This situation is more common than you would think. What I have advised couples to do, in the past, is to not have a traditional top table – but instead have a table where the bride and groom sit, with the best man, his partner, bridesmaids and their partners, and other brothers and sisters or close friends.

This allows for putting parents and new partners at separate tables, but also allows attendants and their partners to sit with each other….

The tables with the parents would be situated close to the “top table”, thus avoiding anyone feeling any less important.

If you have a horse shoe set-up, then this can be adapted so that parents are seated nearest the top end of the horseshoe, close to the bride and groom, but again separate.

Hope this helps…..
(Answered by Aileen Paterson)