For many years, the tradition of the father walking the bride down the aisle and “giving her away” to her groom has been a standard part of wedding ceremonies. However, not everyone is comfortable with this tradition, as it implies the bride is a possession to be transferred.
Luckily, there are alternative wordings for this ritual that can better reflect the true meaning of marriage: the joining of two individuals in love and commitment. In this post, we’ll explore some of these alternative wordings for giving away the bride.
The Traditional Wording
Before we delve into the alternative wordings, let’s first take a look at the traditional wording. The father of the bride usually walks her down the aisle and, when asked who gives her away, responds with, “I do.” This phrasing implies that the bride is a possession that is being transferred from her father to her groom.
While this tradition has been prevalent in many cultures for centuries, many people feel uncomfortable with the idea of a woman being “given away” and prefer more egalitarian language.
Alternative Wording
1. “Who supports this marriage?” – This wording allows for the bride to be accompanied by anyone she chooses, such as her mother, sibling, or close friend, and emphasizes the idea of support rather than possession. The response can be, “Her family and friends do.”
2. “Who brings this couple together?” – This wording shifts the focus to the couple coming together of their own free will rather than being controlled by anyone else. The response can be, “We, the families of the bride and groom, do.”
3. “Who gives their blessings to this marriage?” – This wording acknowledges the importance of both families in the union and emphasizes their support for the couple. The response can be, “We, the parents of the bride and groom, do.”
4. “Who presents this couple to be wed?” – This wording allows for more flexibility and can include anyone the couple chooses to accompany them down the aisle. The response can be, “We, their loving families and friends, do.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the tradition of giving away the bride may be deeply ingrained in many cultures, it’s not for everyone. Alternative wordings that emphasize support, blessings, or the joining of two individuals in partnership can better reflect the true meaning of marriage and make the ceremony more inclusive for everyone involved.
It’s important to remember that the most important part of a wedding ceremony isn’t the wording or traditions but the love and commitment between the couple. As long as the ceremony celebrates that love and commitment, it will always be a special and memorable occasion.
FAQ
What do you call someone that gives you away at a wedding?
In a traditional wedding ceremony, the person who walks the bride down the aisle and gives her away to the groom is typically referred to as the “father of the bride.” However, in modern times, it is not uncommon for other family members, such as the mother of the bride or a brother or close friend, to take on this role.
This person’s role traditionally stems from the idea that a daughter was given away by her family to be married and start a new life with her husband. This tradition dates back to the days when arranged marriages were the norm and is still practiced in many cultures and religions today.
While the act of “giving away” the bride can be seen as patriarchal and outdated by some, for many couples, it is still an important part of their wedding day and a way to honor the bonds of family and tradition.
Regardless of who takes on the role of walking the bride down the aisle, this person serves as a symbolic representation of the family’s support and blessing of the union between the bride and groom.
What do you call the send off of the bride and groom?
The send off of the bride and groom is a special moment that marks the end of their wedding celebration and the beginning of their lives together as a married couple. This tradition is a beautiful and emotional way of saying goodbye to the newlyweds and wishing them all the best in their future together.
There are many different names for the send off of the bride and groom, depending on the cultural and religious traditions of the couple. In many western countries, this moment is called the “wedding exit,” “send off,” or “farewell,” and it often involves guests throwing rice or flower petals over the couple as they leave the venue. This symbolizes prosperity, fertility and good luck for the newlyweds.
In other cultures, the send off is called by different names and can involve different activities. For example, in Jewish weddings, the send off is known as the “Yichud,” where the bride and groom spend a few moments alone together before joining their guests at the reception. In Hindu weddings, the send off is known as the “Vidaai,” where the bride says goodbye to her family and leaves for her new married life with her husband.
Regardless of the name of the send off, it is always a special moment for the bride, groom, and their guests. The couple is often surrounded by their closest family and friends, all of whom have supported them through their wedding planning process. The send off creates a lasting memory for the newlyweds, a final celebration before they embark on their new life together.
What is it called when bride walks down the aisle?
The moment when the bride walks down the aisle is one of the most anticipated moments of any wedding ceremony. It is a highly symbolic and emotional moment that marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the couple.
The act of the bride walking down the aisle is part of the wedding processional, which is the opening segment of the ceremony. This is when important members of the bridal party, including the groomsmen, the bridesmaids, the flower girl, and the ring bearer, enter the ceremony space and make their way to the altar.
Traditionally, the wedding processional begins with the seating of the extended family, followed by the entrance of the groom and his groomsmen. The groom stands at the altar, waiting for his bride to arrive. Next, the bridesmaids enter in pairs or one by one, followed by the maid or matron of honor. Finally, the moment everyone has been waiting for arrives, and the bride walks down the aisle, escorted by her father or another important male figure in her life.
The music played during the wedding processional is typically a slow, romantic tune, such as “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel or “Trumpet Voluntary” by Jeremiah Clarke. The bride’s entrance is often accompanied by a crescendo of music, signaling the momentous occasion.
In many cultures, the bride’s entrance is filled with symbolism. For example, in Jewish weddings, the groom walks down the aisle first, followed by the bride’s grand entrance. In Hindu weddings, the bride is often carried in a palanquin or sedan chair, symbolizing her royal status.
The bride’s walk down the aisle marks the official start of the wedding ceremony and is a significant moment in the lives of the couple and their loved ones. The bride’s beauty and poise during this moment are a true testament to the love and commitment that is about to be celebrated.
