Start your own tradition

Who is the right person to walk with you down the aisle and give you away to your partner?

A traditional wedding sees the father of the bride walk her down the aisle and hand her off to the groom.

This practice is old fashioned and has evolved since then, with many modern day couples seeing it as a symbol of love and support.

There are many who believe your father should walk you down the aisle, but this day is about you, so that decision is ultimately up to you.

To help you decide, we’ve given you options so you have all the information to make a decision.

Father or father-like figure

If you’d like to be traditional and choose a father or father-like figure, it is a perfect one if you have a great relationship with them.

But for those people who don’t have a father, they don’t have to forgo tradition. If there is a man that has raised you or mentored you throughout your life (step-dad, grandfather, family friend, etc) you may choose them to fulfil the fatherly role.

Mother

Your mother can be an obvious choice, especially if you have a very close relationship. This option can be even easier if she has been very involved with the process of your relationship.

Choosing someone that is close to you and your relationship is important. But if you can’t decide, you can choose to have both your parents.

Grandparents

A grandparent is a special option as they can play an important part of your upbringing and may have had to step up to assume a role of your parent.

People choose their grandparents to walk them down the aisle as it can be special for all involved.

It can also give people a moment that they can cherish forever.

If your grandparent has physical limitations, you can cater for this by having them in front of you for a short walk or meet them at the alter where they can pass your hand to your partner’s.

Extended family member

An extended family member may be an easy choice for you.

You may have a close relationship with an uncle, aunt or cousin and may want them to give you away.

It is a bit of a different choice, but if you feel closer to them than anyone else then you’re right to make that choice.

Adopted parents

If you where adopted, then of course it is appropriate to have them walk you down the aisle.

If there will be an awkwardness because your biological parents may be in attendance, you can explain the situation or try get them involved in the process.

Get creative as not everyone has the traditional family set-up; if it means having several people walk you down the aisle, then so be it.

Walk it yourself

If you don’t feel any of these options are right, and you’d like to walk alone, then that is fine as well.

After all, you’ve been involved in the whole process so who better to give yourself away, than yourself.

At the end of the day, go with your instincts and what feels natural to you in who should walk you down the aisle.