ASK THE EXPERT: How Do I Handle A Bridesmaid-Groomsman Breakup?

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Q: One of my bridesmaids and one of my fiance’s groomsmen just ended their longterm, live-in relationship, and our wedding is in two weeks. Is there anything we can do to make being in this wedding together less painful for them—and keep them from possibly making a scene?

A: A heart-to-heart with your ‘maid and her former beau—separately, of course—can help you get a feel for their attitudes about the Big Day and even help avoid disaster, says Angela Malicki of Philly’s Angela Malicki Events. “Say, ‘Listen, I know this is uncomfortable. We love you both—and we want you both to still be a part of our day,'” she advises. If they feel uneasy and want to bow out of the wedding party, let them.

But if not: Make sure they don’t have to walk down the aisle together, allow each of them the option to bring a new date, and rework seating arrangements so they’re at tables on different sides of the reception venue to try to prevent their paths from crossing more than they have to.

And maybe keep an eye on the champagne.

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