For starters, deciding to include your stepmother in your wedding was entirely your decision to make. Etiquette exists for both including and excluding stepparents from the bridal lineup.
The fact that your stepmother has been in your life since you were a young child further supports your decision to include her in such a big day. Since the relationship is obviously strained between your biological mother and your stepmother, however, you might want to consider a few simple tweaks and adjustments to try and make the day easier for all involved.
Hopefully, once your biological mother understands how important it is for your stepmother to be honored at your wedding as well, she will see the necessity of putting her own opinions aside long enough to celebrate with you during this once-in-a-lifetime event. Read on for my top suggestions when dealing with mom vs.
Let your florist create corsages or tussie-mussies that match for both your biological and stepmom to draw a parallel to their importance in your life, rather than letting the attire become an issue. You could then also have your stepmother do something small, such as read a brief passage of Scripture or a poem you love. This way, you honor both without taking away from either. In order and place, your biological mother should be seated after everyone else and on the first row.
In this scenario, she would sit closest to the aisle, which gives her the best seat. Again, since emotions will likely be running high for both your biological and stepmother, you may want to consider spacing them apart rather than seating them side-by-side on the first row.
