Who gives the bride away at the altar?

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Evelyn Carpenter

Marriage of Enzo & Francisca

Marriage traditions are adapting to the new times and this is what has happened with the wedding march, one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony. And while traditionally it is the father who accompanies his daughter to the altar, today there are many more possibilities and combinations.

What will be the right decision? Simply the one that makes you happy, betting on bonds and affection over protocols.

    The father

    If you are a traditional bride and you have the possibility to do it, you won't think of anyone other than your father to escort you to the altar. You will feel safe walking on his arm and it will certainly be an unforgettable moment.

    The tradition dates back to ancient times, when the father would literally "give" the bride to her fiancé, with a previous financial agreement. Fortunately, that is a thing of the past and today, the bride walks down the aisle with her father, representing the deep love that exists between the two.

    Marriage of Daniel & Javiera

    A relative

    You may wonder, then, who walks the bride down the aisle if the father isn't there? There are many possibilities, although one of the most common is to turn to another male family figure.

    It could be a grandparent, an older or younger sibling, a close cousin, or an uncle with whom you have a close bond. However, if you grew up with a stepfather, with whom you have a good relationship, he is probably the best person to walk you down the aisle as a bride and groom.

    The mother

    If your father is no longer alive or you don't have a direct bond with him, there is another person who is ideal to fulfill this task and that is your mother. For many brides, the mother is the best friend, the advisor and the unconditional accomplice, so it will be a privilege to walk down the aisle with her.

    If this is your choice, you will live a very emotional moment with the person who has been with you every step of the way. And on their part, your mother will be honored to accompany you in such a special moment.

    Rodrigo Batarce

    The children

    If you have children, another alternative is to have them accompany you as you enter the church, or perhaps you can walk the first half of the route with your older child and the second half with your younger child, for example, if you have two siblings, regardless of their ages.

    Handing the bride down the aisle doesn't have to fall into the hands of an adult, so go ahead if you long for your kids to be the ones to lead you down the aisle.

    The groom

    Especially in the civil marriages If you feel more comfortable with this alternative, or if you just don't like the protocol, then you won't find a better companion than your future husband.

    Also, when it comes to choosing songs for the bride's entrance to the altar, the two of you will surely choose the right one.

    La Negrita Photography

    The bride

    With the approval of equal marriage in Chile, many couples will be getting married in 2022. If this is your scenario and you want to save yourself the conflict of choosing who waits at the altar and who makes the journey, an emotional and beautiful option will be for you to both do the wedding march together .

    It will be very exciting, after so much struggle to get this right, to walk down the aisle hand in hand with your fiancée.

    The Godfather

    Although it's usually a parent or family member, the best man can also be your best friend, a family friend who watched you grow up, or a teacher with whom you have a close relationship.

    Whoever you choose as your sacrament sponsor, he or she will also be able to accompany you in the encounter with your loved one. For you it will be a gesture of gratitude, while for that person it will be a gesture of gratitude, guide the bride's entrance to the altar It will be an honor and an unforgettable moment.

    Ximena Muñoz Latuz

    The godmother

    Can you imagine walking into church on your sister's arm? Or being escorted by your childhood friend?

    As you know, it doesn't necessarily have to be a man, so your sister, who knows you better than anyone else, or your best friend, with whom you have lived great experiences, will be able to fulfill this mission.

    Or, really, any woman you feel is the right one to accompany you on your journey. If you have chosen her as your sacrament sponsor, it's probably because she has made a mark on your life.

    In solitary

    Joel Salazar

    Finally, it is also a valid option to make your entrance unescorted. For some it will represent independence, for others empowerment, and perhaps there will be those who don't have their father and don't want to replace him.

    Regardless of the reason, don't question whether you have made this decision and, on the contrary, feel proud. A bride walking down the aisle, alone or accompanied, will always be the star of the moment.

    Although traditions are being readapted, the wedding march remains one of the most emblematic moments of the wedding ceremony, hence the importance of choosing a person with whom you have a deep bond, or no one, if you prefer to march alone on your big day.

    Evelyn Carpenter is the author of the best-selling book, All you need for your marriage. A Marriage guide. She has been married for over 25 years and has helped countless couples build successful marriages. Evelyn is a sought after speaker and relationship expert, and has been featured in various media outlets including Fox News, Huffington Post, and more.