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Emily
Just Said Yes May 2025

Am i in the wrong? Surrogate father of the bride

Emily, on July 2, 2024 at 3:56 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 16
Hi everyone! I’m getting married next year and I have a dilemma which I’ve known for years would arise when I eventually was to get married. I don’t have a relationship with my father - he walked out when I was quite young and I haven’t had a real conversation with him in 10 years, there is literally no relationship there and and no chance of reconciliation so he’s obviously not coming to my wedding. I have 2 older brothers who I’m not actually as close to anymore the older I’ve gotten. I have a very close relationship with a work colleague who I’ve worked with for the last 5 years who has been a surrogate father to me. He’s given me lots of great life advice and has been there when I needed someone, but most importantly he is the reason I am getting married as he set me and my fiance up on a blind date. So I have asked him to walk me down the aisle.


I told my mum this 2 weeks ago and she hadn’t spoken to me since. I rung her a couple of days ago to say hello and she was just angry at me on the phone, I literally had no idea why. She said I hurt her feelings by asking “a stranger” to give me away. She said I’ve never been to a wedding and there are protocols to adhere to and I’m making the wrong decision. My fiance’s sister is also getting married next year. My mum said to me “How do you think your fiancé’s mother would feel if his sister didn’t ask their dad to give her away?” To which I replied it’s a completely different situation; she has a dad, I don’t and I told her the reason I’m getting married is because of my work colleague. She said you have two older brothers you could’ve asked. She continued to say I was wrong and making the wrong the decision and hung up on me. The reason I didn’t ask my brothers is because they’re my brothers - neither of them have been a father figure to me.
So - am I in the wrong here?

16 Comments

Latest activity by Sammey, on July 20, 2024 at 2:03 AM
  • H
    Master July 2019
    Hannah ·
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    I don’t think you’re in the wrong. However, in your situation, I’d maybe walk myself down the aisle instead of any of the above options especially since 5 years also isn’t that long in the grand scheme of things. If you want to honor your coworker, maybe he can give a toast or you can do a special dance with him if you are considering not having him walk you down the aisle but still want to honor him. Ultimately, it’s your choice of what you do, as it is your wedding.
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  • A
    Amy ·
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    I personally would have had my mother walk me down the aisle or walked down alone. It seems a bit odd to me to have a coworker that you have known for 5 years have the honor of walking you down the aisle. I can see why your mother is upset. She raised you and you are asking a coworker to walk you down the aisle.

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  • Jacks
    Champion November 2054
    Jacks ·
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    I can see how your mother may be taken aback a bit by this as she very likely has little to no relationship with this person. Personally, I would have divided the walk, as he walks you 1/2 way up, she's waiting there, then she walks you the rest of the way. Also, the person walking you doesn't have to be male, so she could have walked you as well.

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  • C
    Just Said Yes September 2024
    Callista ·
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    Its your day and its your decision, one of the biggest issues i had to come to terms with when planning my wedding is that most people dont agree with you. But its not their day it yours! Do what makes you happy!

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  • Cece
    Master October 2023
    Cece ·
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    I think this would’ve been a feasible option, had she not already asked the coworker to walk her down the aisle. Resending that now would be pretty terrible.
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  • Cece
    Master October 2023
    Cece ·
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    This is your day, your wedding. I think you should absolutely choose the person that feels right to you. I would have a sit down talk with your mother, though (not over the phone). I would let her know that you understand where she is coming from invalidate her feelings. Then explain to her how important this man is to you, and how meaningful it is for you to have him escort you down the aisle. Can you have your brothers perform another task at the wedding? Perhaps letting her know that they will be honored in a different way will appease her a bit.
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  • C
    CM ·
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    Yes, you're in the wrong. You should have asked your mother, who raised you, to walk you down the aisle over a coworker. It doesn't have to be a father figure, especially if there wasn't one. She's obviously upset because she sees it as a very public statement that you aren't close to your brothers or worse.

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  • Trenita
    Just Said Yes July 2024
    Trenita ·
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    Your day your wedding ..My dad passed away in 2023 so my mom and 4yr old son is walking me down the aisle
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  • R
    Rosebud ·
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    Technically you can have anyone you want walk you down the aisle but I can see why your mom is upset. I personally would have honored the coworker in another way and asked my mom to walk me down the aisle. Maybe they both can walk you down or find another significant way to honor your mom. Best of luck to you.
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  • M
    Just Said Yes December 2024
    Marlie ·
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    No , you not wrong . You should be able to do what is gonna make you happy .
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  • Emily
    Just Said Yes May 2025
    Emily ·
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    Thanks, what do you mean by or worse?
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  • A
    Super January 2024
    Andrea ·
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    Not the poster you’re replying to, but if I saw someone have a coworker they’ve known for a few years walk them down the aisle instead of a parent or brother, I’d assume there was a big family rift and/or the family didn’t approve of the wedding.
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  • R
    Dedicated June 2018
    Rae ·
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    It sounds like your mom may have been expecting to walk you down the aisle. I think a lot of parents would be offended to have a child's coworker of 5 years have that representation instead of someone who's been consistent through their life. I would rethink the whole thing. Do you really want your coworker (who could quit, retire, you can get fired any day, etc.) to play such a crucial role when there's a chance you have no relationship in the future? Idk.

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  • C
    CM ·
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    That you aren't close or worse, meaning there's a serious rift in the family. My guess is she's worried about appearances.

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  • E
    Expert August 2023
    Elly ·
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    First and foremost, no, you are not in the wrong. I think it is a lovely gesture that is a very high honor to the gentleman you are having walk you down the aisle. I also agree with you that unless you were close to your brothers, it would feel awkward having them walk you down the aisle.

    Secondly, if your mother doesn't know too much about this man, other than, "He's a co-worker" and "He set ____ and I on our blind date", then I don't blame her for feeling a bit taken aback. However, I do feel that she is overreacting to the situation, and from how your post was written, I don't know if your mother, and your sister's father are still together. (It doesn't sound like they are, but I could be mistaken.)

    I will say this, as gently as I can, but, if your mother is not with your sister's father, and/or not currently in a relationship, I feel that there is some underlying unrest on her part because it seems like what she may want is the appearance of a "united" or "close-knit" family, which is the opposite of what her life has been. It is not your fault, and only you can decide to what degree your mom had to play in how close-knit you and your siblings and blended family are.

    I am not saying that your mom is responsible for your biological father walking out, or that she is the main reason why relationships have or have not worked out. Only you know the reasons.

    If you wanted to offer an "olive branch" if she hasn't met your "surrogate" dad, have a talk with her that is more in depth about your relationship with this man, and offer to take them out to lunch so they can meet. From your post, your mother's reaction was volatile, and I would recommend bringing your fiancé with you, and giving both your "surrogate" dad and your fiancé a run down regarding how your mom reacted, and what to do in a "what-if/ worst case scenario".

    At best, your mom may see the dynamic between the three of you, and be reserved but cordial (she doesn't strike me as the type to be overly accepting). At worst, she says or reacts inappropriately, and the three of you leave.

    Please take solace in the fact that you are taking steps to create a healthy marriage with your fiancé and those who choose to stay in your life. Some people are blessed enough to have supporting families and friends, while others don't have a large support system. You should not be expected to be the peacemaker or reach out to everyone. You are doing what is best for you in the most thoughtful and considerate way, the rest is up to them.

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  • Sammey
    Sammey ·
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    Your feelings are valid. It's your wedding, and choosing someone who has supported you and played a significant role in your life is completely understandable. Explain this to your mom gently. This day should reflect your journey and meaningful relationships. You're not in the wrong. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

    Note:-

    I am Sammey i am Working on Uno Minda private limited

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