In some situations, there is the sadness of an absent father, so a bride might choose her mother, a grandfather or grandmother, an uncle or aunt, a brother or sister, her own son or daughter, or any combination of people to walk her up the aisle.
If you have an uncle, cousin, pastor, friend, or even a boss, you could choose one of these men to escort you down the aisle and into the arms of your beloved. For some, this is a beautiful option for including someone in your life who has meant a great deal to you and been there for you when your daddy couldn't be.
This could be an uncle, family friend, step-parent, sibling, the mother of the bride, or friend. It's also appropriate for the bride to walk herself down the aisle. This is a highly personal decision, and whomever she chooses—or doesn't choose—to walk with her will honor her father.
Walking the Bride Down the Aisle
This task can be undertaken by another family member or a friend if your father isn't at your wedding. If you are a mother you could even ask your son to give you away. You don't have to be 'given away' at all, of course.
The answer is anyone! Anyone can walk the bride down the aisle as long as that's what the bride wants on their wedding day. Whether it's the parents, the groom, or someone else, “traditional” doesn't matter unless it's something that makes you feel good about your day.
We've seen many other ways that a bride can walk down the aisle — with a family friend, with a grandparent, with her child, with any combination of these. We've also documented many weddings that do away with the aisle all together!
She can be accompanied by another family member (a son, nephew or cousin, if not in the bridal party) as she walks down the aisle, or she can opt to walk alone. Once she reaches the end of the aisle, she will take her seat on the left side of the aisle (traditionally) in the first row.
The Father of the Bride role means more than just contributing financially to the wedding. The bride's father is a critical role in any enjoyable wedding. The father of the bride usually has fewer responsibilities than the mother of the bride, but that doesn't mean Dad's role is any less significant.
In traditional weddings, the father of the bride walks her down the aisle and hands her off to the groom. If this seems old-fashioned, that is because it is. The practice dates back to the days when women were the property of their father, and he gave her away in exchange for a dowry.
That being said, a material gift isn't necessary for your daughter—especially if you've financially contributed to the wedding—but a sentimental gesture or action the morning of the wedding can still go a long way.
Most weddings still include the tradition of giving away the bride. However, today's brides are opting to not just have their fathers give them away, but also both parents, just their mother or a brother.
In many cultures, it's traditional to have both the mother and father walk their daughter down the aisle.
The officiant can ask, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” The audience or her parents will answer, “She gives herself, but with her family's blessing.”
IN THE PROCESSIONAL
There are several ways you can include your stepfather in the ceremony. If you have a birthfather you can have them both walk you down the aisle.
Jennifer Thye, the owner of Imoni Events, says you actually can walk down the aisle with both dads. If they're okay with it, she suggests having both men by your side during the processional, then having your stepdad take his seat and have your father proceed to walk you to your groom.
The Walk Down The Aisle
Traditionally, a bride's father walks her down the aisle and gives her away. However, if she is close to her stepfather as well, the bride may want to include him in some way in the big day.
The custom of "giving away the bride" stems from the days of arranged marriages. In ancient times—and, sadly, in some parts of the world still today—women were considered the property of their father. It was his responsibility to find them good husbands who could provide a handsome bride price.
Additionally, after the walk down the aisle, the dad usually takes the bride's hand and gives it to her future husband.
If the mother of the bride is taking part in the wedding processional, she is traditionally escorted by a close male relative like a son or brother or may enter alone. If the parents are divorced, she may be escorted by her partner. In some cases, a groomsman or best man will escort her down the aisle.
While in some families and cultures, the parents do give a tangible gift to the bridal couple, other families and cultures feel the wedding itself is enough. This means it is completely your choice.
On the day of the wedding, the mother of the bride should be prepared to help the bride with whatever she might need. This might include playing hostess, helping guide out-of-town guests, or being ready with a tissue box!
Not only does the bride's family pay for the wedding day outfit and accessories (veil, shoes, jewelry and more), but they're also responsible for the bride's wardrobe for all of the pre-wedding events (the shower, bach party, rehearsal dinner and honeymoon).
Your Wedding, Your Choice
Now we get to your wedding. You may decide that you don't want your father to walk you down the aisle. Whatever your reasoning is, it's valid. Everyone's family situations are different, so you may want to talk your feelings over with a therapist or qualified mental health counselor.
From walking down the aisle first to last, the traditional order is: Mother of Bride, Mother of Groom, Grandparents of Bride, Grandparents of Groom, Groom, Officiant, the Wedding Party, Maid of Honor and Best Man, Ring Bearer, Flower Girl and lastly the Bride and her Father.
She can certainly find her way to her seat on her own but it's traditional for a male relative or friend walk her. Since the bride's father will be busy walking his daughter down the aisle, whose arm does she take? As it turns out, there are a number of different options.