Walking down the aisle... Non-traditionally

When a man has a daughter it's a beautiful thing to watch them tell people. It's like you can see their chest puff up! And if you were a Daddy's girl then this is one of those puffed up moments. If he is one of those Dad's then you are very lucky. Maybe as some others have said skip the giving away part and let him just escort you down the aisle. Just something to think about. It's ok if you decide not to, but I wish I would have had my Dad alive to make that choice. Much happiness to you.

Thanks for all your opinions, guys. I guess for some added info: I'm going barefoot (like I said, tradition is pretty much out the window at this wedding); I hate heels and I don't want my feet to perish in them so I have no worries of falling, and I want to still be able to walk at the end of the night.

Second, my mom had mentioned she was concerned that people would take it the wrong way if I didn't walk down the aisle with my father. Seeing as almost everyone will be RSVPing online and see our website, I plan on having a tab that explains all the nerdy terminology and other things people won't understand that is in our ceremony (Dr. Who, anyone? )

The reason why I suggested my alternative is because the walk from venue to aisle is quite long, then I could have both parents with me up to that point.

Also: my dress is kind of... poofier. Since it cost over $1100 I kind of don't want my parents squishing it, and I sort of want the attention to be on that costly dress

I did something like you're suggesting. we also had to contend with my family being Christian and DH's Jewish. he walked in with both his parents and I walked in with mine. they stopped a few feet behind us, the JP asked "who will support this couple in their marriage?" all the parents said we will-- hugs, kisses, DH and his dad did a high five and all the parents went and sat in the first row. we didn't have a religious wedding at all.

have to say, I disagree with the people who are saying this is a minor thing and to just give in. obviously it's not really "giving you" but it's still symbolic, and I did NOT want to be given to DH.. we live together, we chose to be together and it's the 21st century. I don't happen to like the "tradition" of giving people away, even if it's just symbolic now.

I'm gonna be honest here. One day your dad is gonna be dead and I guarantee him walking you to your

Husband is gonna be your best memory with him. Just like him holding a grand baby for the first time. Those memories get engraved in your head. There are many of us who don't have our dads anymore and or never had one growing up. Be thankful for the great parents you have. The best and most recent memory of my dad was taking pics with him in my wedding gown when he died one week later. The happiness in his face is absolutely priceless. Stop being a brat.

I'll add that I had a big dress (not poofy, just big) and decided ahead of time that I wanted both parents to walk me down the aisle. I'm not Jewish and didn't realize this was a Jewish tradition until later on in my planning. I figure my parents brought me in to this world so they can lead me down the aisle and my husband can lead me back out. My father walks with a cane and the aisle was very narrow so my dress was stepped on. I didn't care, honestly a few feet of walking isn't going to screw up your dress and I wouldn't have it any other way. It never occurred to me that they were "giving me away." They're supporting me as much as I'm supporting them.

Jordan, I don't mind the advice being given however name calling does not contribute to the discussion, and is meaningless when you don't actually know the other person. Please refrain from that. I'm sorry for those that did not have the chance to walk down the aisle with their fathers and wish that they could, I really am. But that doesn't mean that I should hop to it. We are all different people, have different relationships with our parents. People on this thread clearly have strong opinions, which is fine, however I'm more so asking about my alternative: it seems a decent compromise to me and I was curious if others thought it so. Just because I don't have my father walk me down the aisle doesn't mean I'm not thankful for him; I will still be having a father-daughter dance. I don't overly mind the alternative of walking partway down the aisle, getting hugs, them sitting down, then FH meeting me and we walk to the officiant together. That may be a better compromise.

Im happy you aren't giving in. My dad died also and my opinion is still the same as I stated before. No one else has the right to tell you how it should be done or how you will feel. Its all opinions not law or fact. We are different people and not everyone has the same experiences. You do whats right for you. No rude comments and name calling are needed. Act like adults and be respectful.

I'm going solo. It's nice to be almost 50 years old, so my parents have no say, but I don't think they care anyway. There are lots of pews along the way to hold me up if I feel a little woozy, but I'm so excited, I don't think it will be a problem.

You DID ask for opinions. =) Take them and do what you wish with them...but please do not get offended when they do not match what is your already made decision.

You're asking what "seems fair". I think only you can answer that question. To others, your idea may be unthinkable...like to me. I couldn't imagine NOT having my dad escort me down the aisle. However, that's my opinion, but that may not seem "fair" to you.

I don't think she minded the opinions on how she might regret it, etc. Calling someone a brat is completely different because someone else disagrees with her. Its uncalled for and rude.

I feel the same way you do. I asked both my parents to walk me down the aisle. I was worried my Dad would think I was stealing his thunder but once I explained my reasoning with them, they seemed happy that I was able to think for myself and was willing to go against the grain. Honestly, most weddings I've been to lately have had both parents walk the bride down the aisle. Here on WW, people tend to be more traditional.

To me, it's about both my parents showing support in my choice. I certainly won't be having anything about them giving me away!

Id love both my parents to walk me down the isle. my parents are divorced and have been since i was 4 and they just do not get along. I need to keep them across the room from each other at all points during the wedding which is pretty much like babysitting. my dad hasn't asked me about walking me down the isle yet but i'm sure it will come up eventually. my mom would love too and if my dad doesn't mention it, ill just have my mom do it..i have a better relationship with her anyway.