Top 3 Problems and Solutions For Dealing With Family Drama for Your Wedding | Ultimate Edge Photography
Family is family and we love our family! But let’s be real, they can be a big pain in the ass sometimes! Planning Your Wedding can be stressful especially if you think you’ll have some family drama. Planning it all should be a fun time! So to help with the stress, here are some tips on how to deal with family drama for your wedding.
Problem #1: Parents are divorced and they do NOT get along.
Solution:
Walking down the aisle: Tradition has it that Dad will walk you down the aisle. But from my experiences… weddings nowadays are everything but traditional. Maybe you and your dad haven’t been close. Maybe a step-father raised you. Consider giving your step-dad the honor of walking you down the aisle. If you don’t want to hurt any feelings, ask both dad and step-dad to walk you down the aisle. If all the above seems way too complicated than ask mom or even consider walking down the aisle alone!
Photography: When it comes to pictures, and you are wanting a picture with Mom and Dad, let them know in advance so they are not taken by surprise. Be sure to let your photographer know of any divorce, remarries, or deaths in the family!
Seating: During the ceremony, it is the etiquette with divorced parents to have mom sit in the front row and dad to sit in the second row. During the reception, avoid having them sit at the same head table. Consider separate tables, which they can each host.
Parent Dances: If you are close with both dad and stepdad, consider dancing with both! Start with dad and in mid-song dance with step-dad. If you think that may cause a problem then consider dancing with mom instead or not doing a parent dance at all!
Problem #2: Over Barring Parent Or Sibling
Solution:
First of all, remember to breathe. When it comes to your Momzilla keep in mind that this is a very emotional time for her. They may be blowing up your phone, have a million suggestions or ideas but they are wanting to make sure that you have the most perfect day possible. Your Sisterzilla is the same, she wants complete perfection for you.
With that being said, try to include them in as much of the wedding planning as you can. Bring them along for the dress shopping and the dress fittings, designing centerpieces, designing the invites, etc. When it comes to your wedding day they will feel more at ease because they helped you the whole way. But keep in mind that if they are pushing the boundaries on the wedding day, you should have a talk with them. Even talking to them before the wedding will help easy any stress or conflict that may arise the day of.
Do not call them out in front of everyone, pull them aside or go somewhere private. Don’t have an angry tone, but be firm with them. You want to make sure they are taking what you are saying seriously, but not to the point where they feel belittled or shamed.
TIP: Don’t be afraid to warn any venders of your potential Zilla. It will be easier for the vendor to figure out solutions and answers when your Zilla comes running at them to destroy!
Problem #3:You are only inviting immediate family to your wedding and the rest are hurt.
Solution:
Be upfront with the people that didn’t get invited. Explain to them why you are having a small wedding. Do not let people overpower you or make you feel bad about your decision… own it! Consider having a small get together or party sometime after the ceremony for all those that were not invited. This will make your family and friends feel better about being able to be a part of the celebration.
Remember:
It is your day! You should be able to plan and have your day any way you want… anyone that disagrees with that can kick rocks!
