One of the most memorable moments of any wedding day is when the bride walks down the aisle. It’s considered to be the bride's "grand reveal" and marks the beginning of the ceremony and overall marriage journey. "The bridal walk down the aisle is the ultimate spotlight moment, a major core memory, and the one major moment on the wedding day that [a couple is] equally excited for," explains Nicole Harris, owner and creative director of Dreams in Detail. "It is filled with anticipation and excitement and nerves, and it holds so much meaning for everyone. It marks the start of the ceremony, the start of forever, and it changes the energy in the room."
Traditionally, fathers are usually tasked with walking their daughters down the aisle, creating a sweet and sentimental moment for all to see. But since every family dynamic is different and not all relationships are the same, this custom has evolved tremendously to suit modern-day nuptials and personal values. Some brides, for example, are uncomfortable with the symbolism behind their dads "giving them away," so they've created new ways to embrace this tradition, like having another family member accompany them to the altar or walking down the aisle solo. The options are truly endless when it comes to personalizing this custom, and individuals are encouraged to do what works best for them and their relationships.
Meet the Expert
- Nicole Harris is the owner and creative director ofDreams in Detailsbased in Los Angeles.
- Susan Waggoner is a wedding historian and author.
Here, we spoke with two experts to break down the history and meaning of walking the bride down the aisle. Plus, we share modern-day alternatives if this storied tradition doesn't work for you, and answer a few questions many brides-to-be have when planning this special moment. Read on for everything you need to know.
15 Modern Ways for Brides to Walk Down the Aisle at Their Wedding Ceremony
The History and Meaning of Walking the Bride Down the Aisle
According to wedding historian Susan Waggoner, the custom of walking the bride down the aisle "stems from the days of arranged marriages, when a father’s looming presence was a good way to prevent the groom from backing out.” She further explains that, in the past, a bride was a “financial liability” who would be transferred from the household of her father to that of the groom. So, in short, the father would personally present the bride at the altar to ensure the groom didn't get cold feet and tarnish the family's name.
Today, the act of the father walking the bride down the aisle is seen as a way to show support for this next chapter in life—and not as a business deal. (It's looked at as less of a "giving away" and more of a "letting go.") Harris additionally shares that this tradition is now deemed as a way to honor "the father-daughter bond, as many brides are 'daddy’s girls.' It is also a way for the father to show his support as she starts this new chapter."
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Modern-Day Alternatives of Walking the Bride Down the Aisle
Not all families and relationships are the same, and the father-daughter tradition of walking the bride down the aisle isn't a custom that everyone will want to partake in. So as you begin to plan your wedding ceremony, you may start to self-reflect and ask: "Do I have to select my father to walk me down the aisle?" "Can I have both parents walk me down the aisle?" "Is a friend or a parent figure able to walk me down the aisle?" The short answer: You can adjust and modernize this tradition however you see fit. While it's perfectly normal to choose to go the traditional route, there are plenty of other options to consider if you'd like to switch things up.
Harris explains that many brides opt to walk themselves down the aisle or have a sibling and/or mother accompany them to the alter. "Lately, brides have been changing up how they want to walk down the aisle. Some brides decide to walk down solo because it is more of a spotlight moment or they don’t have a male figure in their life that they want to walk down with; for some, it’s a sign of their independence," she shares. "Many brides see it as a way to honor their mom or sibling because they played such a fundamental role in their life."
But that's not all: Some carry memorabilia that reminds them of their late parents, while others even walk hand-in-hand with their partner down the aisle. Additionally, there has been a surge in couples eliminating the aisle walk altogether; this is a good option for folks with tense family situations or LGBTQ+ couples who feel put off by the heteronormativity of the processional. Ultimately, how you approach this tradition should be a personal choice that symbolizes your core values—not based on what society tells you to do.
FAQ
Should I stand on the left side or the right side when walking down the aisle?
In Christian or non-denominational weddings, the bride typically stands on the left side. In Jewish weddings, however, the bride typically stands in the middle as both parents accompany the bride down the aisle—the father on the bride's left arm and her mother on the right.
What should I do if my father is no longer in my life?
You can select someone who is close to you, like a mother, another family member, or just someone who has played a significant role in your life.
Can I choose an untraditional song to walk down the aisle to?
Absolutely! The go-to song is typically "Here Comes the Bride" or "Canon D" by Johann Pachelbel, but there are plenty of modern tracks to choose from.
Does my father have to "give me away?"
Of course not. If the history behind the tradition turns you off, you can have the officiant skip the part when he asks the question, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?". Instead, have your partner simply thank your father when he reaches the altar—or ditch tradition and walk down the aisle solo.
Who Walks the Groom Down the Aisle at the Wedding Ceremony?
