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Traditional & Custom Wedding Ceremonies

Tradition

Perhaps one of the more emotional events in the wedding ceremony, besides your vows themselves, are the giving away of the bride. Everyone gets a little misty eyed seeing the proud dad 'giving away' his little girl, as it were.

And then came the 90's...

When everyone was feeling much more independent and liberated. Women were offended by the idea that they might be handed over from their fathers/parents to their husbands--indeed, they were much too modern for such an old-fashioned act. Why not walk down the aisle themselves or, better yet, with their fiance?

It's Your Choice

Bottom line, as is the case with most of this planning, how you want to handle the escort and presentation of the bride to the altar for the ceremony is up to you and your fiance. Following are some suggestions that may be helpful as you consider this ceremony element:

• You may love tradition and be very close to your father and relish the idea of walking in on his arm.
• You may want to showcase both parents and have them both escort you down the aisle.
• You may want to walk in with your father/parents but leave them with a kiss at their front pew and then continue on your own to meet your groom at the altar (instead of having them escort you right up to your groom and 'turn you over' to him).
• You could ask to officiant to replace "Who gives this woman in marriage?" with "Who blesses this marriage?" In this case, both sets of parents could answer, "We do."
• You may love your parents dearly (or not) but prefer to walk down the aisle on your own.
• You might choose to be escorted by a favorite brother or other male relative.
• You and your groom may choose to walk down the aisle together. This is more common among, but certainly not limited to, couples who have been living together prior to the wedding.

Regardless of how you choose to handle this final approach to the ceremony, it is almost sure to be tender and emotional for you, your groom, and all of the guests. Enjoy--it really is a special moment!

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