I've seen a lot of people having a 'sweetheart table' in situations like this. It would mean that your parents could sit with their own family and who they'd want to be with and you and your new husband would be on your own. I've heard it's quite popular but personally I wouldn't want to do it, I dont want all my friends and family together having fun while we're sat on our own!! But everyone's different :) x

We have a similar situation, my mum and dad are still together and will be seated together on our top table, but Dave's mum and dad are spilit and his dad has a long time gf whom his mum dislikes. We will have his mum and dad seated together at the top table and his GF will sit with the members of the family she is comfortable with. We have been quite stern about this, because his mum and his dad both have the right to sit at the top table, and instead of having a massive TT to accommodate everyone and cause animosity, we think this way has solved it. Woe betide any of them who kick up a fuss as Ive just about had enough of their crap!

We are not having a traditional top table, we are having us, best man, couple cousins and friends, and OHs mum and dad will host there own table, as will My mum, as neither of Us want to put up with each others parents for a big part of the day but they will be on a table close to ours so can turn around and chat . Its about who you want to be sat with. x

They are interesting suggestions thank you. I remember graduation and keeping the parents apart, me and my sister kept having to separate to keep them separate and take it in turns with each set. I refuse to do that on my wedding day I am going to sit them all down and tell them they just have to deal with it. I like the idea of them having their own tables but I would like my dad on the same table for his speech x

Aw I never thought of that. That is such a good idea thank you x

We're having a small top table, and I too have a broken family, plus neither of our families have met. So we are having (ourselves in the middle), my Mum and step Dad next to me, and My fiance's parents next to him. We don't have a best man yet, it may well end up being my father in law at the moment, so only 6 on the top table!

this is my headache too! OH's mum and dad are still together and will be seated with us at the top table alongside the best man. However, my mum and dad are divorced. My mum has remarried whilst my dad is currently single - however I am not particularly close to my 'real' dad so my step dad is giving me away and I want my mum and step dad on the top table. I've not actually told my dad this yet but when I do I'm expecting WW3 and maybe even him saying he won't come. In that case though it's his choice. He wills till be there, as my biological father, and I will still have a photo with him - but in a nutshell I don't WANT him to be at the top-table and that's all that really matters x

I was in similar situation, and just had myself, my husband, best man and Chief bridesmaid at the top table.

When my dad done his speech he just stood up at his table and read it out :)

This is a tricky 1! My parents hate each other and to make it worse my mum is giving me away. My choice because I believe my mum deserves to as she is my parent. Difficult relationship with my dad. X

My parents aren't together either. We aren't inviting my Dads partner as the last thing I would want is my Mum to feel awkward. Both my parents are civil (ish) with each other when they have to be but it can feel a little awkward at times.

We looked online and found the traditional top table seating does not have brides parents next to each other or the grooms parents next to each other so we are going with the following;

CBM, My sis (BM), My Mum, H2b's Dad, H2b, Me, My Dad, H2b Mum, H2b bro (Usher), Best Man.

The rest of our Ushers and BM's and their partners are amongst 2 of our other guest tables.

I haven't made a definite plan but thinking of having my parents (still together) plus his parents and their partners, plus MOH and best man (maybe their partners too). Not sure how well his parents get on, especially with new partners - hence why not a definite plan yet! Don't want anyone to feel awkward but I really want my parents on the top table so it wouldn't seem right to not have his (or a 'sweetheart' table). Also we want a round top table which makes it more complicated I think as with a long top table they can sit at opposite ends and not really need to see each other!

Who would have thought arranging our top tables would be so complicated. Was talking to my fiance's sister and she had her and her husband plus maid of honour and best man at the 'top table' then had her dad and step mam host their own table, then her husbands mam and step dad and then his dad and step mam all on their own tables. Everyone has good ideas though its really helpful.

Funnily enough I'm watching don't tell the bride and they are having top table issues too! The step parents want to be on the top table and its all kicking off.