[dr0591]

This will be my second marriage and my fiance's third. I have no children, and he has two grown children. I have asked his daughter to be my matron of honor, and she has joyfully accepted (no other bridesmaids). I thought my fiance was going to ask his son to be Best Man, but he and his son have recently had a falling out so he says now he's not comfortable asking him to be BM. Fiance says he doesn't want or need a best man anyhow. I think it will look strange to have his daughter standing up with me but no one next to him, plus it will really seem like a slap in the face to the son to see his sister up there with us but not him. Is there any etiquette rule to advise us on this uncomfortable situation?

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Dr,

He is correct that as long as you two have witnesses, neither needs anyone standing with you. But, you are correct that it could seem a slap in the face. And, we can probably bet others will notice and wonder what is going on.

It really would be best if he could mend fences at this point even if his son declines the opportunity to stand with his father. A wedding is a life event and if there is a riff during this time, they could both relate your wedding day as less of a positive.

Good luck with this!

[the_admin]

I agree that it might seem odd to have just the sister standing up for you. If your futre husband cannot get past this problem with his son, then perhaps it would be best if neither of the children participated.