Giving Away

This is the point in which I will ask who will be giving one partner to be married to the other today if anyone. This will happen in the beginning of the ceremony before the aisle escort is asked to take their seat but after being greeted at the end of the aisle by the partner who is waiting there. 

I can't stress enough that this part is 100% optional. A lot of brides are not into the whole "giving away" thing and that is absolutely ok!

The traditional giving away of the bride involves the father walking the bride down the aisle and giving her to the groom. 

If it's your thing, a 'giving away' can be asked and it will go a little something like this...

Usually, the person giving the bride away will be asked to answer a question along the following lines-

I now ask who bring (Partner one) here to be married to (Partner two) today?

Response- I do

Are you willing now and always to nurture this marriage with your continued love and support?

Response- I will.

An alternative option here is a family blessing/acknowledgement, where the parents of both the bride and groom are asked to confirm their love and support of the marriage. 

All of the guests could show their support, in a question and response from me along the lines of-

“Family and friends, will you support and love the marriage being celebrated here today?”

The guests respond, “We will!”.

As it is a more traditional element, you may be wearing a veil over your face at this point, this is something you will need to consider in regard to who will lift it and when. 

Often the aisle escort will lift this following the giving away, but you may prefer to have your partner to lift it instead. 

To represent the modern version of the tradition the groom could thank the father as he reaches the alter, offering a handshake, high five or a hug and even verbally acknowledging him.

Some dads aren’t too fussed on talking in front of the crowd or feel they will be too emotional to do so, in this case is certainly acceptable to walk the bride down and take your seat without being asked the 'giving away' and simply having it symbolised by the walk.