I have a dilemma. I am getting married this summer and I want to honor my dad's ex-wife and her husband as they are very close to me even though they are not actually my parents. I am wondering if anyone has had this issue. I really do not want to offend my actual parents, yet I do not want to slight these people who are so important to me. Has anyone any suggestions as to how to announce them as part of the wedding party?
I would introduce them as "Step mother of the bride Mrs. Mary Smith and her husband Bill Smith". If anyone asks later on you can explain.
How about just announcing them all equally, together at the reception, just saying that they are all family and special to you?
You could give everyone "fun" titles: Sister and close friend, mother of the groom and maker of the greatest Christmas cookies, etc. Then your dad's ex-wife and her husband can be "Mr. and Mrs. so-and-so, family by luck and choice" or something like that. Then it doesn't stand out because everyone has had something nice said about them too. It's also a nice way of finding a short and special way to honor everyone in your wedding party. Congratulations!
Maybe as close family friends?
Your parents know that they are important to you, talk with then and see what they think and how you should do this, be sure and let them know that it is what you want to do because they were so much of you life, and important to you.
They are not godparents as one said below. They are really not related at all however there is nothing wrong with you acknowledging them if they are an important part of you life. You might want to do it at the reception and stand up and thank your parents and tell them how much they mean to you and then you might say you would also like to mention x and y, though they are not actually related to me they are an important part of my life and thank them for being who they are and you want to let them know how important they are to you as well. Or something like that. That would be nice and very touching and I am sure they would appreciate it. A very nice gesture on your part wanting to acknowledge them. We all have people who are important in our lives and they are not all related. I am sure your parents will not be offended but if you think they might you might mention to them that you are going to toast this couple at the reception so they can be prepared and accept it. I am sure they will understand. It is your wedding.
I would introduce her as your beloved stepmother and her husband as long as your Dad has not remarried. If he has it may hurt the other lady's feelings. It is your wedding, so do it the way that makes you feel good. This is the one go around that you get so make it what you have always wanted. Anytime we have a big family get together, my parents get the "talk" on how they are expected to behave around one another. It is silly that we have to tell them this stuff at 60 something. Divorces cause hurt feelings period. You have a magical day that is all you. Good luck with your new adventure!
IDK? In today's world I would think that "My, at one time, stepmother and her husband" would be good enough:)
Good for you for keeping the connection...family is what you make it!
Introduce them as close family friends or extended family
Very Beloved Friends of the Family and Yourself.
Be honest with your parents about wanting to include them. Then make sure they do not have a more important job than your parents.
I like the second set of parents, or honorary parents, ideas.
Hey T.,
I agree with the other posts...you could introduce them as "dear friends" or "extended family" or "close family friends" Or introduce them as "This is Brad and Angelina, they are my second set of parents" something like that. Hope we have helped you, I know it is frustrating when you have a big event and you are trying not to hurt anyones feelings or leave anyone out. Congratulations and have a great time!
If dad is not remarried then its stepmom and husband. If dad is remarried then its god-mother and husband or godparents...and I like the funny titles mentioned before also.
Just simply say "this is so & so & her husband so & so" & leave it at that, if you HAVE to explain how you know them just say "oh she and my dad were married at one time" & if you hafta explain even further why you invited her, which you shouldn't hafta explain why you invited her but ppl can be nosy, just say "well she was a part of my family & wanted to invite her".Hope this helps, good luck!
If they are in the wedding party, I would have the announcer introduce them as "So and so" close friends of the bride. You should not refer to them as in any way your parents as that could be very hurtful to your real mom and dad. and they are important on this day to be the proud parents of their beautiful daughter. so i think "close friends of the bride" is sufficient. and when you introduce them personally to others, you can explain if you want to that she was married to your dad and that you are still very close. Hope this helps!
I agree with Dawn. Just introduce them as close family friends and that they mean a lot to you.
"Dear friends" would be nice.
I have several young women that call me Mom, when I introduce them to people I say this is Jane, my daughter by proxy, or my surrogate daughter and then giggle a little and let it go. It lets everyone know she is special in my life, and the humor eases any awkwardness on everyone's part.
Its wonderful that you have extra special people in your life that love you and want to be part of your special day.
Good luck and God Bless
