Wedding Traditions - Giving Away the Bride

Why does your dad walk you down the aisle? Find out why here.

The tradition of a father walking his daughter down the aisle – “giving her away” – dates back to the days when women were subordinate to men, and lived under their father’s roof and rule until marriage, at which point their authority figure became the husband. Walking his daughter down the aisle was a father’s way of handing his “ownership” to another man.

Over the years with equality between the sexes and women moving out of home before marriage, this has become a more sentimental gesture; a father’s last walk with his daughter before she becomes a married woman. For many women it is more a gesture of love and support – which is why it is now increasingly common for a bride to have both her parents walk her down the aisle.

Regardless of tradition, the walk down the aisle is a significant moment for every bride – she is walking towards her future. It is a wonderful feeling to have one or both of your parents, or a close relative or friend, stand with you in that moment and take the walk with you. If you can, try to take a moment before the ceremony to sit with the person who will be walking you down the aisle, and soak it all up.