Should my dad walk me down the aisle?
Should my dad walk me down the aisle?
A father walking his daughter down the aisle is a tradition that dates back centuries but is something many families still choose to continue today. Having your father walk you down the aisle is not only a heartwarming gesture but it’s symbolic of the relationship you have with your family. Sure, you might not need them to “give you away” these days but it shows a sense of solidarity, pride, love, and respect between the bride and her father.
Bride and dad at traditional Christian Raleigh, NC wedding.
Father giving bride away at this Pinehurst, North Carolina wedding.
All smiles for this bride and dad duo ready to kick the ceremony off in Emerald Isle, North Carolina.
Traditional ceremony at Topsail Island, North Carolina wedding.
This destination bride opted for a traditional entry and dad walked her down the aisle for he beautiful Emerald Isle, North Carolina wedding.
Dad walking bride down the aisle at church wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina.
This Asheville, North Carolina stuck to their Cuban tradition and had the father walk the bride down the aisle.
Of course, not every bride is able to have their father walk them down the aisle. This can be challenging but there are other, equally as endearing options.
First, if you are close with another family member – stepfather, mother, brother, aunt, uncle, or even a godparent – they can definitely walk you down the aisle. Having someone special and close with you during that moment can be especially heartwarming and memorable for you and for them.
This bride below wanted to respect both her step father and biological father, so she chose to have them both walk her down the aisle. A great start this this Crystal Coast wedding!
This bride had two brothers walk her down the aisle! She’s surrounded in love at her Durham, North Carolina wedding.
What a sweet moment between this bride when her brother and father walked her down the aisle. This was a beautiful gesture at Mooresville, North Carolina wedding.
Second, if your father feels uncomfortable doing it, ask your mother to join in! Many brides opt to have both parents walk them down the aisle.
Mother and Father walking the bride down the aisle at Chapel Hill, North Carolina wedding.
Third, if neither one of those options are representative of you and your family, there’s no harm in walking down the aisle by yourself. Even with both parents in attendance or not, some brides feel this is a poignant moment to show the independence and confidence they’ve experienced throughout their adult life.
Finally, if your father wants to join you down the aisle but has limited mobility, explore options for the easiest way to make the walk down the aisle a memorable one. Figure out what is safest for him and if it’s important to you, then the two of you can make it happen.
No matter who you walk with, do them the courtesy of asking them beforehand and not assume they’ll just do it. They'll be truly honored.
Photos: Keepsake Memories Photography