The Voltmeter is a device used to measure the potential difference between two points.
Recall the mathematical expression from Ohm's Law : V = I.R (V - Voltage, I - Current, R - Resistance)
You know the value of I and R. It's the V you are seeking. Now, if you connect it in series, nothing magnificent would happen. The Voltmeter is a device of significantly high resistance, and it would impede the flow of current. Open circuit, and nothing spectacular achieved.
Now, the Ammeter, is a device of a marginally lower resistance value, since it's designed to measure the value of current in circuit. So, it allows the current to pass through it, so as to obtain a reading. Now, if you connect an Ammeter in the parallel configuration, a large value of current would flow in the branch with the Ammeter (It's all in the facts. Current chooses path of least resistance.