Daddy problems

I am sorry you are dealing with this, no daughter ever should. I personally LOVE the horse idea if it would work & your venue would allow it! I was in a wedding and the bride's 3 year old son walked her down the aisle, I think every person there cried. The pictures were so cute. Could your mother or maybe your fiance's father walk you down the aisle, depending on your relationship? Or your brother or fiance's brother if you either have one? I also think walking down the aisle by yourself is 100% okay and acceptable.

Hi Kendall, I am so sorry that this is the situation you're dealing with. I think you should either walk yourself down the aisle or walk with you doggy who better than your furry lifelong companion who will do everything to comfort and protect you. You might even add on a little bow tie, it'll be so cute. You don't need to have anyone walk you, more than that you do not want to have someone there just to have someone. Good luck.

Hi Kendall!

First of all. HUGS. I am having a really difficult day myself with a parent relationship. So I totally understand what you're going through. I think one thing that makes it hard for me is that my fiancé has a truly understanding and supportive family, and I want to have that feeling on my wedding day from my family as well. Alas, they are their own people, just like your parents are their own people. We can't change them, but we can try to change how we feel on the subject. Remember that you are LOVED by your fiancé, and that so many people are there to support you. They don't care who walks you down the aisle, they're just there to see you HAPPY. Every time I fight with my mom I remember how hard it was to cut my guest list down, because there are so many people in my life who appreciate me and who I appreciate.

You can have anyone walk you down the aisle. Doesn't have to be family, doesn't have to be male. Is there someone (not already in your bridal party) that supports you through thick and thin?

I also really like the dog idea! Depending on the size of the dog, you could either have the dog on the leash or just carry your dog (if it's small and well-behaved, I don't own a dog so idk how that works with a wedding dress).

Feel free to message me anytime you need to talk. I know it gets hard and depressing during the planning stage.

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. Divorce is so difficult already, but it is made so much worse when your own family is unsupportive.

You don't need anyone to walk you down the aisle if you don't want. My SIL has a very troubled relationship with her father - to the point that even though her dad was at her wedding, she still chose to walk down the aisle by herself. She looked so gorgeous and elegant striding down the aisle alone, and seemed much more comfortable than if she'd forced herself into something she didn't want to do. My fiancée's relationship with her dad is somewhat less contentious, but still pretty strained. He was invited but won't be coming. Instead, my fiancée will be flanked on each side by her mom and her brother, which I think will look so beautiful, and is a really lovely way to incorporate them into the ceremony.

The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all wedding. What is a highlight for some is totally skippable for others. The only thing you really need is the exchange of vows; everything else is just (pardon the pun) icing on the cake. This day belongs to you and your fiancé and no one else. A lot of people will tell you that you have to have this or do that, but it's your wedding, not theirs - if that's not what you want, then don't do it! And you certainly don't need a daddy-daughter dance! I feel like that has fallen out of favour somewhat in recent years - not quite as outdated as certain traditions, but I've only seen it at maybe a third of the weddings I've attended. Again, your wedding, your choices. Guests can deal.

Oh my gosh, I am so sorry you are going through this. I have a cousin that is going through something similar. Parental abandonment is one thing, when they choose the side of the ex, that is a whole new level of hurt. I can't imagine doing that to my child.

I think you should walk yourself down the aisle. You are strong. You made it through the storm. You are walking to marry the love of your life. Nothing should get in your way or distract you. I walked myself down this time and it was the best feeling, just focusing on my husband.

Best of luck to you!

I'm pretty close with my dad and I didn't even do a father daughter dance. If you can't think of someone who is the one to walk you down the aisle then just go it alone. You don't have to have someone walk you down.

I don't know what your thoughts are on seeing your groom before the wedding, but I had friends getting married who walked in as a couple. There isn't that moment of him looking at you from the end of the aisle, but it can be symbolic of you taking this journey together. I think the alone thing would be fine. I don't know how well behaved your animals are, so I won't comment on that. I think it could be really cute of your dog is good around a lot of people or if your horse doesn't spook easily. What were you thinking of having your son do as ring bearer? He could still carry a pillow or sign or something and escort you.