| A big part of the wedding is families coming | | | | fun. It's okay to say no as long as you do it |
| together. It is supposed to be a time of joy, but | | | | nicely. Even if you don't get along well with your |
| sometimes the family issues can be challenging. | | | | mother-in-law, keep in mind she did one thing right: |
| Blending families is not always easy, and | | | | she raised your future husband! |
| sometimes there are second and third marriages | | | | Considering the Divorced Parents |
| that can really complicate things. Balancing | | | | Whether your parents are divorced or not, you |
| everything to run smoothly can require careful | | | | will want to consider everyone, as it is important |
| thought and planning. | | | | to not show any favoritism. If the divorced |
| Traditionally, the bride's parents are the first to be | | | | parents are remarried and/or are on good terms, |
| told that you are getting married, followed by the | | | | things are a lot easier. If two parents do not get |
| groom's parents. However, if either of you have | | | | along with one another, you will need to sit down |
| children, they need to know immediately. The | | | | with both separately to ask them to put aside |
| parent should to be the one to tell them, alone. | | | | their differences for this one special day. Usually |
| Sometimes children will need a lot of reassurance; | | | | that works. Assure them that they can have a |
| sometimes they already know and are | | | | hand in the seating arrangements as well as any |
| comfortable with the idea of a new dad or mom. | | | | family photo sessions. At the reception, you will |
| In either case, it is a good idea to include them in | | | | want to give each set of divorced parents their |
| the planning process as much as possible. If there | | | | own table with their friends and relatives. |
| is one or more ex-spouse, they should be told | | | | Considering Children |
| next by the partner who is remarrying. Don't let | | | | Including children in the wedding plans from the |
| them find out by accident. At that point you are | | | | beginning will make them feel better about this |
| now free to start spreading the good news to | | | | dramatic change in their lives. Inviting them to help |
| other relatives and friends. | | | | in the planning, shopping and some decision-making |
| Considering the Groom's Family | | | | can smooth the transition. You will need to decide |
| Modern weddings now find the groom's family | | | | if you want the children to be included in the |
| contributing to the wedding expenses as well. How | | | | actual ceremony as part of the wedding party-- |
| involved they are and how much they will | | | | flower girl, ring bearer, bridesmaid, and best man. |
| contribute should be determined as soon as | | | | But if you invite them to participate and they |
| possible. It is very important that the groom is | | | | don't want to, honor their decision. This can be a |
| the one to approach his parents about sharing the | | | | great time of adjustment for children. Having their |
| expenses. However, it is up to the bride's parents, | | | | parent marring someone new can be traumatic. It |
| if they are planning to pay for the wedding, to | | | | can be a very warm gesture to include the |
| decide if they want the groom's parents to help | | | | children of the bride or the groom in the |
| host it. | | | | ceremony. |
| Sometimes mother-in-laws want to be very | | | | The key to happiness in these blended family |
| involved in planning the wedding because they | | | | situations is communication and respect for |
| don't have any daughters. Having good | | | | everyone's feelings. When you pay attention to |
| communication directly with your future | | | | that you will have a wonderful wedding with |
| mother-in-law can make your wedding a lot more | | | | beautiful memories for everyone. |