Is There a Correct Way for Guests to Be Seated?

The ushers will show all guests to their seats. They should ask any guests they don't recognize whether they wish to sit on the bride’s side (the left) or the groom’s side (the right).

When taking guests to their seats, each usher should offer his crooked right arm for the female guests to hold on to, with their escorts walking behind them. Or the usher may lead the way as the couple follows him to their seats. If a male guest is being escorted alone to his place, the usher should walk to the left of him.

Seating parents

The parents of the bride always sit in the first pew on the left; the groom’s parents, in the first pew on the right. They should both be seated in the center section.

If a parent is widowed, they may prefer to have someone by their side rather than sitting alone. The companion isn't required to participate in any way, but every effort should be made to make this guest feel honored.

For divorced parents, it's best to give the ushers specific instructions for seating arrangements well in advance. Unless the bride is estranged from her mother, her mother and stepfather are seated in the front pew. Members of her mother’s immediate family sit in the first couple of pews directly behind her. The bride’s father, after escorting the bride down the aisle, will take his seat in about the third row with his wife and immediate family members.

Seating immediate family

Behind the front pews, several pews on either side of the center aisle are reserved for immediate family. The couple may send pew cards to these guests, or the usher may keep a list of these important names.