While it’s traditional for a father to walk his daughter down the aisle and ‘give her away’ at the altar, many people feel that it’s unfair that only dad gets to have such a prominent moment with his daughter. In a recent discussion on Facebook group Wedding Talk, many women said that they had both their parents by their side as they went down the aisle, to share the special moment with both of them.
Many argued that having both mum and dad by their side takes the sexism off the old tradition, whilst allowing you to keep the special moment between parents and child.
“Being given away by the father meant the daughter was her father’s property, which was being passed to her husband to be,” said Jessica*. “I didn’t want it that way. Since I was raised by both my mum and dad, I had them both with me on the walk down the aisle.”
“I had my parents give me away – I wanted to share that experience with both of them as they are equally a huge part of my life. I also had a non-traditional wedding, so I tried to break most of the traditions!” said Paula*.
Others agreed that since their mother had had just as much of a hand in bringing them up as their father, it didn’t make sense to leave them out of the picture.
“They raised me together and they sacrificed all that they had for my sister and I, so I want both of them there,” said Sarah*.
“I had both my parents by my side – I felt that even though the stereotype is to have your father walk you down the aisle, they both raised me to be the woman I am today and I am thankful for both,” said Victoria*. Sophia* agreed. “It is because of both my parents that I am who I am today.”
All in all, while it may be a little unconventional, it’s a trend that’s gaining in popularity and makes for beautiful memories. “Both my parents walked me down the aisle,” said Julia*. “Two and a half years after I got married, my mother died. I was very close with her, so everything I did was with their help and support. No other persons will take their place.”
*Names have been changed for reasons of privacy.
Elena Damy