The bride will most certainly want her biological parents to sit in the first row followed by her stepmother. According to wedding etiquettes, biological parents always sit in the first row whereas the stepparents will sit two to three rows behind.
Traditionally speaking, your mother will be on the front as mentioned above (with her significant other if in attendance), and her immediate family will be directly behind her in the next row back. This generally would place your stepmother on the third row back in the second seat from the aisle.
The bride's stepmother is seated by an usher because her husband (the bride's father) is busy preparing to walk the bride down the aisle.
Conduct Readings or Toasts. Do you want a stepmother to play an important role in the wedding? Jennifer Thye, owner of Imoni Events, suggests asking her to conduct readings and prayers during the ceremony. Brides or grooms can also honor their stepmother by mentioning her in a reception toast.
You may decide to have each parent walk down individually. You may also choose to have a sibling or family member walk a parent or step-parent to their seat. Whatever you decide – including your step-parents in your ceremony processional is a great way to recognize them.
If you are close with your step-parents or they have financially contributed towards your wedding, it can be seen as the right thing to do. Having step-parents at the top table makes having awkward seating arrangements less likely, and keeps everyone (or most people!) happy on the day.
Proper Wedding Protocol for Step-Parents
Generally, the natural mothers of each party sit closest to the aisle; the mother's husband sits beside her. Natural fathers and step-moms belong on the other side of the step-father during the ceremony unless that makes any party uncomfortable.
So if the bridesmaids are wearing blue, the bride's mother is wearing pink, and the groom's mother is wearing lavender, don't wear any of these colors. Instead, you could wear a pale mint green, pale yellow, light gray, or peach; even taupe would work. Err on the side of a more subdued color.
Being a stepmom is just like being a mom.
Reality: Stepmom may be the woman of her home, but she still isn't her stepchild's mom, even during her partner's custody time. She may do some of the same tasks: cooking, cleaning, nurturing when her stepchild is ill or hurt, etc.
A wedding couple may want to have a special dance for the groom and his stepmom. A stepmom and stepson dance does arise when the groom's mother has passed away and his dad has a new girlfriend or wife. The stepmom may have filled the shoes of the son's biological mother too.
If yours is the first scenario, the answer is emphatically yes! If your birth mother is not alive (or not around), your stepmother is your real family and she should be included as you would with your birth mother.
The groom's parents precede the bride's mother during the processional. Here's a rundown: After the ushers have seated all of the guests, the grandparents start up the aisle, followed by the groom's parents. Then the bride's mother takes her turn. She is the last to be seated before the bridal party procession begins.
Include both biological and step parents on the top table if there is room. Explain to the step parent that you would love them to be on the top table however there just isn't room and then make sure and mention them in your speech, ensuring they feel included and valued.
Stepmom Outsider Syndrome is, in short, when you feel like you don't belong. Like you're on the outside looking in – with your own family. Here's my tough love: You are an outsider. The hard truth is that you weren't a part of the first family unit and you never will be.
"I'll get it," "I'll drive," "I'll wash it," "Forget about me," etc. Don't let your stepkids (or their father) turn you into the creature everyone in the world resents: a martyr. Martyrs make people feel creepy and guilty, and when kids feel that way, they generally act out.
So, a step parent only becomes a step parent upon marriage to one of the biological parents. You are not a step parent from a legal perspective if you are only living together with your partner – no matter how long for. Typically, a stepparent doesn't have any legal 'custody' rights to stepchildren.
Navy is the most popular mother of the bride dress color. Not only is navy timeless, but this color dress will work in a variety of wedding venues and locations. We have many navy gowns from which to choose.
Updos are a mother-of-the-bride hairstyle favorite for a reason: they're timeless, they frame your face and they work with a wide variety of dress styles. Whether it's a beautiful braided bun, an elegant chignon or an updo with a few wispy tendrils, you really can't go wrong.
Because the mother of the groom isn't part of the bridal party, she should avoid choosing a dress in the same color as the bridesmaids' attire, the mother of the bride's dress, or the wedding gown.
Mothers and Stepmothers
Mothers of the bride and groom, as well as stepmothers, should receive corsages to wear.
What that looks like will vary from family to family, but typically it means that although the stepparent might offer advice or compassion to their stepkids or spouse as needed, they stay out of big decisions, such as where the child will attend school or whether they are allowed to get a smartphone.
Your husband should ask his daughter directly if she wants you there. If she says no, then stay away. If she says "yes" or she doesn't care, it might be best for you to attend only the ceremony, and your husband should remain for the reception.
Parents and the ceremony officiate should be seated in front of the couple. If there is room at the parents' table, seat all grandparents there. Otherwise, seat grandparents to the left for the bride and right for the groom at the next tables over.