Thoughts no father daughter dance?

My dad is still here but I'm not doing a father-daughter dance. I'm traditional but not with the reception. The only thing we're doing is the first dance. No toast. No cutting od the cake. No video. Nada.

This is a truly personal decision.

Depending on how many cousins you have, you could feel like you're constantly being passed from person to person, and will that make you miss your dad less? Probably not.

I went to a wedding where the bride lost her dad as a child. The groom danced with his mom then the DJ announced that the groom's dad wanted to dance with the bride to welcome her into the family. It was a different meaning than the dance traditionally is but still sweet.

I agree with Kate that only you can make this decision.

I'll tell you what we are doing. My father passed away 6 years ago and I have struggled with both who will walk me down the aisle and the father daughter dance. While I have many choices (large family) in the end for me it couldn't be anyone other then my 16 year old son. He will walk me down the aisle as well as being an usher and there will be a special dance just for us. My FH's mother is here and he will have a dance with her. We are also thinking of having a special dance with FH and my daughter and FH's son and I together but I'm having a hard time picking out the right song. BTW...this is a second marriage for both of us and we are both in our 40's.

Is there another important male figure in your life like a grandfather, step father, uncle, or close family friend that may be able fill the gap you are feeling?? No one will ever replace your Dad but perhaps someone could fill in so to speak to help make this moment a happy one. I'm sure your Dad will be there in spirit as I know mine will be and he wouldn't want you to cry or be unhappy feeling like you are missing out on something on your wedding day.

I wish you all the best of luck.

@Bridget m. I have thought about asking my brother but I feel like it might not be a fill in enough. I think my thought was if I had a "group" dance I could feel all my family's love at once? Is that silly? I could be just over thinking this.

Do whatever is right for you. When my dad was sick and might not make it to the wedding or be able to dance, DH told me he would skip the mother/son dance. We were going to cut parent dances completely. If you struggle during father daughter dances at other weddings, are you going to be ok dancing with your cousins in this position?

My father and I no longer speak so this was also not an option for me and honestly? I was only sad for about 5 seconds. My friend lost her dad shortly before her wedding and did her dance with her mom. I think it was easier on her than a longer dance with her brothers or cousins or uncles. Maybe that if you don't want to skip?

We are also opting out of the father/daughter dance and mother/ son dance. Instead we are dancing as a couple with our parents and grandparents to a song. And I'm really considering my son walking me down the aisle because I want him to play a big role in our wedding. Dont be afraid to find alternatives. The only thing that matters is that you find a way that makes you comfortable and happy. Good luck to you!