No Family on My Side

Can you ask his dad to give you away? I have seen that done before and it was quite beautiful

/Maybe you and FH could walk down the aisle together? Or you could walk down with FH's dad since you say they've practically adopted you? I can imagine it must be hard, but try to think of creative ways to make your situation special, even if it's unconventional.

I totally feel you on this...I'm in a similar situation. First of all, don't worry too much. I've had my fiance tell me all the time (and I know it's hard to believe first hand), but no one is thinking those things. It is all about what we put on ourselves. For me, I'm choosing to walk down alone. I feel like I've walked through life myself and come out stronger, so I've earned that right to walk myself!

I like Kayla's idea of you and your FH walking down together. Or even meet halfway and walk up to the front from there.

Hun I feel you - the family I have left is opting not to attend because they have disowned me, and it's really been getting to me.

I think PP's idea of having your FH walk you down the aisle is a nice one. You can just look at it as not needing 'giving away' - some women hate to be treated like a possession for weddings. Have your FH meet your halfway down the aisle when you start walking so the two of you can walk together, it will be sweet.

Try not to let the 'sides' of the invite list bother you. After the wedding, you'll all be one 'side' anyway, so just remember that when you get down.

As for something to do for your FHs family to show how you feel about them taking you in, try to find them each a nice heartfelt gift? I ordered a wonderful family tree necklace for FMiL with a keepsake box, engraved with 'For a wonderful woman, mother, and grandmother' - addressing it to mother only and not Mother in law was a way I could show my appreciation as being part of the family and not just legally being stuck with her. Find something you know each of them will truly love to give them as a thank you. I'm sure they know you appreciate them already though.

Maybe have his dad walk you down the aisle, or meet FH halfway? Don't be depressed! You are gaining a family who loves and accepts you!

Sometimes blood relatives are over-rated. I've been treated better by complete strangers than by some family members. Besides, "family" is whoever you decide. If you want to have someone walk down the aisle with you, I would walk with his father. Walking with FH is also an option. Otherwise, I've seen brides strut their stuff down the aisle by themselves, but please don't let the thought of not having blood relatives dampen your day. We are unsure if my father will be here to walk me down the aisle (travel issues), so I might have my bestman walk me down. Focus on the people who have lovingly accepted you. They are worth their weight in gold! Hugs!

A friend of mine that is Army (like me/veteran) suggested I contact the American Legion and ask if a veteran would like to walk me to my FH since we met while serving and my FAVORITE uncle was a Korean veteran. We are cutting our cake with an NCO sword loaned to us by a friend that is USMC to honor our military ties-we met while serving almost 9 years ago.

I'm in a similar situation - my FH has 7 siblings, and most will probably attend. I have only 1 sibling and he said he'll come. My parents are still living, but are too frail to travel half-way across the country. Not sure if my youngest son and his family will attend, I'm estranged from my other son. His daughters will be there.

I'm planning on walking the aisle alone. No one needs to give me away. My dad did 40 years ago, and I've been on my own (single) for over 20 years now, so I think I earned the right to walk myself down the aisle.

You can do this, too!

I like your idea of having a veteran walk you down the aisle since the military is such a big part of your lives.

Me too girlie. Don't feel sad. People like that do not deserve to share such a wonderful, beautiful day like your wedding with you. Invite only those who actually deserve to be in your happy bubble. Walk yourself down the aisle. You are on strong woman to have come this far without them and now you get to start a new life with the person of your dreams. Forget them and enjoy this engagement process!

You can have your FIL walk you down, I'm sure he will be honored to do so, considering he knows your family situation.

Don't stress to much about "family" the last time I made my list, I noticed a lot of "Family" was cut from it, and I've seen past posts about the same feelings.

You mentioned how the military plays a huge role in your wedding, I say go with your friend's suggestion and I am sure a Veteran would love to have the honors of walking you down the aisle.

I love the idea of a veteran walking you down the aisle. They would honored to do so. I'm sorry this is hard. I can't imagine!!

Veteran or FIL would be wonderful. I'm sorry that you're in a tough situation. Hopefully you will be overwhelmed with the love and support from your chosen family on your wedding day.

I have 2 blood relatives coming out of 160 guests...so I totally understand. I think it would be so cool to walk down the aisle with FFIL! That sounds really sweet. I've never seen bride and groom walk together but that sounds kind of neat also! I hope your day is nothing but happiness!

Don't be sad - it sounds life you have a wonderful family, they're just blood related to FH. Blood doesn't matter when it comes to defining family in my book.

If you're doing a first look before the ceremony, absolutely you and FH could walk together! It's a sweet way to start your ceremony. If you want to save the first look for the aisle, there is nothing wrong with walking yourself. Your idea of asking a veteran would be great too! If the American Legion doesn't have any Korean vets, try the VFW or local base! Or maybe the friend who is letting you borrow his sword?