My dad has been mostly out of my life since my parents divorced when I was 10 and even more so since he got remarried about 20 years ago. I love him, he’s my dad, but my mom is the one who really sacrificed, raised us, and worked her butt off to support us, so I don’t really feel like he’s earned the right to walk me down the aisle. I am inviting him and my step-mom to the wedding and in lieu of walking me down the aisle, I was going to sit him in the front row (opposite end from where my mom will sit), but I would like my 5-year old son to walk me down the aisle instead to give my hand to his dad in marriage. I think it would be insulting to my dad and my mom to have either one of them walk me down the aisle, tense and awkward if they both did it, and I really want our son to be a big part of our ceremony since I feel it’s as much for him as it is for me and his dad. So after that long road to my question, do you think it’s OK to have my son walk me down the aisle? Oh, and our son is also going to be the ring bearer because I want him up at the altar with us when we are getting married. Thank you for any help on this subject.

Nancy Tucker

Although it is highly irregular for a child of five to give away the bride, as long as it fits with the formality of your wedding and the clergy doesn’t have a problem with it, go with it. The other option is for you to walk unescorted and meet your groom and your son at the altar.

Rebecca Black, Etiquette By Rebecca

I agree. It might be much better for your son to wait for you with his dad. It may be difficult and may seem odd for him to walk up first and then come back for you. No bride needs to be escorted anyway.

Since your dad didn’t ‘mainly’ raise you, it is more common for him to sit in the third row, giving your mother the honor of the first row, while placing a full row in between them. But, if your mother doesn’t mind, it is fine for he and his wife to join her.

Best wishes,

marchbride

Thank you so much for your time and advice. Walking alone might be the way to go. [:)]

Donna, Wedding Queen, President; Top Wedding Sites, Inc

I’m having trouble understanding the logistics here. How will your son be the ring bearer and escort you down the aisle? I agree with the others that it might be best to allow your son to fulfill his ring bearer role, which is more traditional, and walk un-escorted.