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Storm
Savvy December 2019

Dad refusing to come to my wedding

Storm, on December 26, 2019 at 11:57 AM Posted in Family and Relationships 0 14
I’m a family oriented person. I take my relationship w anyone very seriously. In my eyes, despite their flaws, my parents walk on water. Especially my mom. My dad always remained involved in my life but honestly it was my mother who did like 87-90% of the work. Raising 2 girls theoretically by herself. My parents split when I was in the 6th grade.


Fast forward, I told my mom I was going to have a courthouse wedding bc it’s too expensive for a real wedding right now and In 7 short days she (& my future mother in law) threw together a quick beach wedding. I want my mom AND my dad to walk me down the aisle, but my dad thinks it would be a slap in his face, or he’d come off as incompetent if he weren’t walking me without my mother.
At this point, he told me he’s not going to come if my mom is gonna walk me down as well and my wedding is in like 4 days. I told him so late bc my mom was telling me to make sure he knows and I didn’t even think it would be necessary.
But idk what to do. I can’t imagine my mom not hand me off w him. They both raised me and my mom did the most. Maybe I’m taking too much of a feminist approach but idk what I should do.

14 Comments

Latest activity by Maggie, on December 27, 2019 at 12:17 AM
  • Caytlyn
    Legend November 2019
    Caytlyn ·
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    If he chooses not to come, that's his decision. He's the one who has to live with it.

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  • Storm
    Savvy December 2019
    Storm ·
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    Yeah, I just feel like where I can understand why he’s upset, he doesn’t understand my standpoint and doesn’t want to either. Seems very prideful but it still hurts my feelings. Just trying to remain head strong.
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  • H
    Master July 2019
    Hannah ·
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    I agree with the previous poster. This is not a place where I would give in. Your mother raised you and you want to honor her by having her walk you down the aisle. In Jewish tradition, both parents actually walk the bride down the aisle. If he chooses to not go to his daughter's wedding because he is acting like a petty child (and I'm sorry, but him giving this demand is very childish), then that's a consequence he has to live with, and it shows what kind of man your father is.
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  • Storm
    Savvy December 2019
    Storm ·
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    I agree. It feels childish. And I hate ultimatums
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  • Samantha
    Expert October 2021
    Samantha ·
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    Hi Storm, I'm sorry that you are going through this. First I would like to say that no one has the right to hold you hostage. If your father is unable to put his ego aside for his daughter then this is not your problem. He is a grown man and knows that the consequences of his actions will be reflected in all future interactions.
    If you are not able to live with the idea of your father missing your wedding day, I would suggest walking yourself down the aisle and having both parents meet you at the end. Or, you could have the groom walked by both his parents down the aisle followed by the three of you. This way it is an integrated part of the ceremony and not a bride/father only dynamic.
    Best wishes to you.
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  • Storm
    Savvy December 2019
    Storm ·
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    Maybe walking down alone is the most neutral way to go. Hadn’t thought of that, much appreciated.
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  • Samantha
    Expert October 2021
    Samantha ·
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    Be strong Storm, it will be an emotional day for sure. In the end you are starting a family and that's what matters most.
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  • Storm
    Savvy December 2019
    Storm ·
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    You’re right. Thanks Samantha ❤️
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  • Sierra
    Dedicated July 2021
    Sierra ·
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    All due respect - it doesn't sound like he has earned the privilege of walking you down the aisle. I know I am a stranger and only you can know what matters most to you on your wedding so discount everything I write if you disagree, but it seems like the only reason he would walk you is because of the tradition of his gender, not that he was a true role model in your life. Your mom raised you, threw a wedding for you, and chances are will be by your side every step of your life until the end. If he won't go because he can't bask in the glory of a solo walk, will he really be there in the hard times of children, troubles, and sickness? All that said, I am so sorry you're in this position.

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  • Gen
    Champion June 2019
    Gen ·
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    If he isn’t going to come over this then honestly I don’t think he deserves to be there. It’s his decision if he’s choosing not to come, that’s a huge mistake and it’s his loss!
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  • Nikki
    Devoted April 2021
    Nikki ·
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    Have you had a conversation with him about how it would make you feel if he doesn’t come? Maybe if you could show how it would hurt you and your dynamic over his pride he’ll finally understand it. Maybe also subtlety remind him that if he skips because of his pride that he’s missing out on an opportunity he’ll never be able to get back.


    I agree with the other posters, you shouldn’t give up on letting your mom walk you down the aisle after all she’s done for you
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  • Storm
    Savvy December 2019
    Storm ·
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    I’ve tried to tell him why I feel as though he should just make it less about him and let me walk the 15 paces with both my parents but he’s really not receptive and so I doubt he’ll try to hear me out.
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  • L
    Beginner December 2020
    Lana ·
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    Your mother deserves the honor of walking you down the aisle with or without your father. Don't let his actions deny her the honor she has earned through her years of actions, dedication and love.

    This is just my opinion. I understand that you're stuck in a terrible place. I'm so sorry for that. Please, whatever happens, enjoy your special day.

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  • Maggie
    Super April 2020
    Maggie ·
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    My sister had both of our parents walk her and our parents aren’t even estranged. Maybe you could compromise and have both walk down but then your mom sit when the officiant asks who gives the woman to be wed so your dad can have that (non feminist) say in the ordeal.... idk of that would help
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