Processional - who is included?

this is a tough one I wouldn't include her

View Quoted Comment What do we do with her? Have her take a seat with everyone else? What does this mean for FFIL- does he just walk himself down the aisle? Lol. I mean I’m fine with that- I’m just curious haha

This is definitely tricky. You can certainly just have her sit down and have his father process in alone. Is his mother remarried? Will she be escorted by someone down the aisle?

View Quoted Comment Mother isn’t remarried either. He also has a stepmom but I’m guessing her son (FH half brother) will escort her. I think I already know the answer but would it be weird if his dad escorted his mom even though they are divorced?

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This really depends on their relationship and how comfortable they are with each other. I wouldn't make that decision without discussing it with each of them though. Pictures are forever and you don't want his parents looking frustrated and uncomfortable during the processional.

View Quoted Comment That’s a very good point. Do people walk down alone?? Or is that weird? His brother is his best man so he won’t be able to escort mom.

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I've seen people walk alone. I've also seen the groom escort his mom up the aisle before taking his place so maybe your FH could do that.

View Quoted Comment He could definitely escort his mom that’s a good idea! But have his dad walk alone? Is that ok?

Have gf seat herself just like all the guests. Have FiL and MiL walk FH down the aisle. Have your parents walk you down the aisle

View Quoted Comment Does gf seat herself WITH other guests? Or in front row?


Also are you saying FIL and MIL should walk together? Or separate

View Quoted Comment You could also have both parents escort him down the aisle. This happens in Jewish weddings because it is signifying the individual going from his parents (old family) to his wife (new family) and same for the bride--slightly different than the "giving away" customary in some other traditions. That could be one option.


Also, I would probably still allow girlfriend to sit with her partner (FFIL) in the front row. She just would go directly there instead of walking in the processional.

View Quoted Comment Gf can seat herself in the front row at the same time other guests are finding their seats. My bride friend's brother was a groomsman but his gf was not a part of the bridal party. The gf sat in the front row, wasn't part of the processional. The idea is a gf sits next to their bf but doesn't have to be a part of the processional.


MiL and Fil can both walk the groom down the aisle, if they're both comfortable with it.

I agree with the person above. She's played no role in your life so far, so absolutely doesn't have to be in the processional. Just have her seat in the front row (or whatever area your FH's dad will sit).

I don't think she needs to be included at all! If MIL & FIL are OK with it - they can walk together. If not, then FIL can walk alone - it's not weird or anything out of the ordinary. FIL girlfriend can sit in the front next to FIL.

I'd have him walk alone. If she were his fiance it'd be different.

Another take—my mom is remarried to someone I have zero relationship with and my FIL has Parkinson’s and is uncomfortable being on display. We skipped parentals in the procession. Made it super easy and no one was insulted.

Parents don't have to walk down the aisle at all. I don't think ours are

If you want your FFIL in the processional, is their a grandmother that he could escort?

View Quoted Comment Unfortunately all of our grandparents have passed away at this point 😔. He does have a great aunt that his dad is close with but she is very handicapped (mentally and physically) and definitely would not be able to make it down the aisle.

I’ve seen parents walk down with the groom. Sounds like the GF is not a significant person in your life so she should sit and it’s ok if she sits in the front row as she waits her FFIL