Father can’t walk down the aisle

Does your dad have a brother that could step in? Can you include him via virtual meeting so he can still participate?

View Quoted Comment My dad has a brother but I am not close to him. My mom has two brothers I am closer to but I sort of feel bad replacing him with them. We were already streaming the wedding for some people who couldn’t come so there is that. But I wanted try to do something else for him since I know it is hard on him too.

Would your mother be willing to walk you down the aisle? This seems the most fitting (assuming you two have a positive relationship).

What about your mom? In Jewish tradition, both parents walk the bride (and groom actually) down the aisle. Both of my parents were supposed to, but my dad has a spinal issue and it was especially bad that day, so he couldn't do the walk, so only my mom walked me down.

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I'm so sorry, Ashley. I can't imagine what you're feeling right now. If your mom can't like Natalie and Hannah suggested, maybe you can FaceTime him and walk down the isle with your phone so it is like he is there or put a picture of him on a stick. I know that sounds weird and cheesy, but it could make for a fun memory. I wish there was a way for you to get him there in person that would be safe for everyone.

Would you be able to have your dad on video call on a tablet or phone or something, and you walk down the aisle with that device? That way, he is still next to you as you walk down the aisle. You could also ask your mom to walk with you if you have a close relationship with her.

I’m so sorry that your Dad is sick. Sending you love right now! I agree with the idea of having your Mom walk you down , if possible. No one could ever replace your Dad but I think your Mom standing in would be appropriate for the circumstance. Especially since it’s your parents that give you away to your future husband.
I pray your Dad recovers well and that you have a beautiful wedding day and more peace, joy, and excitement in the days to come!

I hope your father is doing well, and that he experiences no serious symptoms.

I would either ask your mother, if you have a good relationship with her, or honestly just go it alone. That is always a perfectly viable option, if replacing your father in this moment feels wrong.

I’m sorry to hear about your Dad. I would have my Mom walk me down the aisle. That’s very common now and if you are close to your Mom I’m sure she would love to do it. I would also have someone who could FaceTime with your father during the ceremony so he could see and hear everything as it happens so he feels included. If you don’t have a videographer I would ask a friend to at least tape it on their phone. Good luck on your wedding day!

My Grandfather is supposed to be walking me, but he might not be able to travel to the wedding (we live across the country from each other). My last resort for if he can't make it is to have an Ipad with him on a video call, and someone else will hold the Ipad while walking next to me down the aisle.

I’m sorry to hear that happens so close to your wedding. I really like the iPad idea. You might be able to hold your bouquet in one haad with the iPad and the other

Ooops! ^^^ (hit reply too soon typos)


Or the idea of someone else holding the iPad next to you is nice as well.

If my dad could not walk me down the aisle I would have my younger brother do it. I don't care about the tradition aspect but he is one of those people who has always supported me.



From the sounds of it, you can either ask your mom, have someone on a video call with your dad do it, or walk alone. I really hope your father is doing well and that he doesn't experience any severe or lasting symptoms.

Your mom would be the best choice to walk you down the aisle

Oh my gosh. Sending you big hugs and hope that your dad gets well soon. My dad passed away in February suddenly and I thought about having my mom or 2 of my uncles (my moms brother walk me half way and my dad’s brother walk me the rest of the way; I’m also an only child) and I came to the conclusion that I don’t want either and I am walking myself down. It’s already too an emotional of a day (FH’s parents have passed away as well) and in my eyes my dad is still there walking beside me no matter what I just can’t touch or feel him 😢. Good luck with your decision; congratulations and wishing your dad a speedy recovery

View Quoted Comment This is actually what I decided on. My fiancé had actually suggested this as well (since I am a “strong, independent women” as he put it). But I think importantly, it didn’t feel right having someone step in; no one could take his place.