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divorced parents of the bride on the program - ETIQUETTE - PLEASE HELP

10102009Bride Posted:

divorced parents of the bride on the program - ETIQUETTE - PLEASE HELP

No idea what to do.
You ladies are pros w/ this etiquette stuff. I figured this is the best place to ask.

I’m working on my programs and got stuck w/ parents of the Bride.

My parents are divorced. Dad is remarried and his wife is only 4 years older than me. They got married when I was 19. I don’t consider dad’s wife my parent. And frankly we don’t get along so well. That’s another long story. Do I absolutely have to say Mr. and Mrs. John Smith or can I get away with Mr. John Smith.
My mom kept my father’s name, since she used it for 20 something years. Maybe I should use her maiden name to show that they are not together. Or should I just use my dad’s name for my mom?

So here are the choices:
1.
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith (dad and his wife)
Ms. Mary Jones (use mom’s maiden name)
2.
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Ms. Mary Smith (use dad’s last name as my mom continues to use it)
3.
Mr. John Smith
Ms. Mary Jones

Or do you have other suggestions. Please help. Thank you.
Cacarina Posted:

Re: divorced parents of the bride on the program - ETIQUETTE - PLEASE HELP

I would not have your dad's wife in the program under parents. As for your mom's last name...I would do whatever she is confortable with. Good Luck...I kind of know how it is, my parents are divorced too and there is always an issue.
geegee827 Posted:

Re: divorced parents of the bride on the program - ETIQUETTE - PLEASE HELP

My mom also kept my dad's name.

She goes by Ms. Jane Smith

My dad and his wife are Mr. & Mrs. John Smith

I don't think you really need to include his wife on your programs if you don't want to (unless it will cause World War III)

I would list my parents as

Ms. Jane Smith
and
Mr. John Smith

Separate lines with both of their first names and no 'mrs' indicates they're no longer married.

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