Walking me down the aisle

I avoided it by not walking down an aisle at all.

Very few if any people put any actual stock into the "giving away" aspect of being walked down the aisle. More people than not see it as someone the bride is close to keeping her calm at a slow pace so she doesn't freeze up 2 steps and can't walk the rest of the way due to nerves.


Many brides choose to walk alone and there's nothing wrong with that.
If you don't have a great relationship with your father, it doesn't make sense to ask him to traditional things reserved for fathers who have a great relationship. Just be honest about your feelings and decision. His reaction is his and you can't control that. But if there's no relationship then there shouldn't be a bad reaction or drama.

You can either walk alone, walk with your fiancé, or dance up to the isle with your bridesmaids.

Hi, Samantha! Sorry to hear you’re going through this. I’m in the same boat (telling my dad he’s not walking me down the aisle) and it can be quite emotionally stressful to worry about his reaction. I haven’t told him yet, but the best advice I got from WW was to bring it up gently, but be firm in your decision. Let him have his dramatic moment (I know my dad will probably have a hissy fit) and give him space, but stick to your guns and, if you feel obligated, explain your reasoning with as kindly and clearly as possible.


I think I may also have my dad serve in another role (maybe a reception greeter/welcome speech) if he seems really upset about it so that could be an option for you. There are a few other posts on this topic as well (search: mom walking me down the aisle, walking down aisle by myself) that could also offer some good insight. Wishing you the best of luck!

The only time I have seen bride walk down the aisle by herself is when she was estranged from her dad.

It depends on how close you are or if it would ever come up. Personally I'm making my decision known by simply not asking my dad at all. Otherwise I feel like I'm going out of my way to tell someone I didn't pick them which isn't necessary in my case, because he's never expressed to me that he expected to have this role.

Walking alone is a completely valid choice and I have seen it done multiple times. It can mean that a bride doesn't get along with her dad, or it can simply mean she prefers to walk alone. I absolutely wouldn't worry about how it looks!

As for addressing it with your dad, I wouldn't bring it up at all. Don't discuss wedding stuff with him as a general rule. If/when he brings it up himself, tell him your choice with very minimal explanation (because there is likely no explanation you can think of that will appease him) and then change the subject. If he handles it badly, that doesn't mean you did anything wrong. He can be upset; that is on him.

I strongly considered walking down the aisle by myself, but ended up having both parents join me, and I was happy with that.

Walking alone is totally valid and not weird at all imo, and I think some PPs have good ideas. Will he still have a boutonniere? Maybe a 'father of the bride' chair tag or something to give him some recognition?

I am walking down the aisle by myself. I see it as I’ve been an independent woman for many many years, I’ve raised a 9 year old daughter on my own, I do not need anyone to walk with me down the aisle. It is perfectly fine to walk alone to your FH.
As for your dad, just present it to him as you feel it is important that it be a moment just between you and FH. Good luck!

My father walked me down the aisle, but if you told him he was "giving me away", he'd probably laugh his entire head off.

We're just very close, he loves DH, and it was a special moment for the two of us... also, I *was* wearing 3 inch heels, and I'm not particularly graceful?

You can view it as emotional support, physical support, or even a nod towards, "this is a person who has guided/mentored/helped me, and I want them acknowledged as also very important in my life."

In the end, you can do whatever you want.

But, unless your officiant asks, "who gives this woman"... it's not giving away. (I'd have skewered someone with the several rather handy swords.)

I just walked down the aisle alone, and didn't discuss it with my dad beforehand. It has cause a bunch of grief, and while it sucks, it was the best decision for me. I've read about many brides doing this (Meghan Markle, anyone?) and I just didn't like the idea of walking with anyone. If I would have talked about it beforehand, I feel like it would have caused grief beforehand and caused more waves, and honestly, I've just never been a very "traditional" person.

I just walked down the aisle alone, and didn't discuss it with my dad beforehand. It has cause a bunch of grief, and while it sucks, it was the best decision for me. I've read about many brides doing this (Meghan Markle, anyone?) and I just didn't like the idea of walking with anyone. If I would have talked about it beforehand, I feel like it would have caused grief beforehand and caused more waves, and honestly, I've just never been a very "traditional" person.