Dad vs. Grandpa Walking Me Down the Aisle

This sounds very stressful, but that’s great that your grandpa is such a consistent and reliable presence! You should definitely pick who you want to walk you down the aisle, especially if your dad has been treating you poorly. But you should expect your dad to maybe be hurt if it’s not him, especially since he’s giving you so much financial assistance. So if you’re not going to choose him, I would be prepared for a kind of tough conversation. And maybe this is a good opportunity to be frank with him about how much he’s been hurting you (maybe it’s been unintentional and he didn’t even realize). But since your dad might not be able to make it anyway, can you use that to your advantage and ask both of them to walk you (one on each arm)? That way you still get to honor your grandpa, and if your dad isn’t able to make it, you’ll still have your grandpa beside you. Good luck!

Definitely pick whoever *you* want to walk you down the aisle. These days many couples are bucking tradition, which I think is awesome as everyone should feel free to gather the people who are most supportive of them. It sounds like you would feel very loved and supported having your grandpa walk you down the aisle, so I definitely vote asking your grandpa 😊


Kimberly does make a point about your dad possibly having feelings about that, however seeing as it’s possible he may not be there, perhaps you could extend something to him you would feel comfortable with him doing if he were to show? Maybe asking him to give a short welcome announcement at the beginning of the reception? If he doesn’t show, that’s something that could easily be taken over by someone else or to just ask the DJ to say a 1 min welcome.

Sounds like a tough situation. If it were me, I probably wouldn’t have anyone walk me down the aisle. I wouldn’t want to choose between dad and grandpa, potentially hurting their feelings. I’d just walk by myself. I hope you find the best option for you. Good luck!

What did you end up doing? I am in the same boat.

View Quoted Comment After a conversation with my dad, we finally decided my grandpa would be better suited for the role. My grandpa ended up walking my down the aisle and doing my parent dance with me and I wouldn't change anything!

View Quoted Comment Aww so sweet! That’s what I would like but I have to know- was your dad offended and upset?

View Quoted Comment He was a little upset but this was definitely the best chance for me to stand up for myself so I believe it was worth it in the end! I still talk to my dad so definitely no burnt bridges or anything.