Q.
My bride-to-be's parents do not support our wedding and almost certainly are not attending -- nor are virtually any other relatives from her side. How should we deal with our ceremony (particularly the walk down the aisle!) and receiving line to avoid bringing additional attention to this unfortunate and painful situation?
A.
It is unfortunate that your fiance's parents will not give your wedding their blessing, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't go ahead and make it a special, personal day. Instead of highlighting family matters, choose to focus on you two as a couple. Your bride can walk down the aisle solo (plenty of gals do these days!), or she might ask a close male or female friend to be her escort. As for the receiving line, many couples do a mini line that only includes the two of them instead of the usual with both sets of parents. It's still a wonderful way for you to greet your guests and thank them for their support. Do be careful, however, not to exclude your own family. The bride's parents' absence does not make your parents' presence less important! Your mother should still be the last woman seated before the ceremony begins, and your parents should certainly have seats of honor at the reception. If they are hosting, perhaps your father would like to make a welcoming speech at the party, as well. No matter who is or isn't there, you two should still be able to make it an amazing day.
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sweetgotham
I am in the same situation so we do not have anyone other than ourselves listed on the invites (i.e. we are the hosts). This is especially appropriate since we are also the ones paying for the wedding. I have had no issue re the aisle walk (there is a narrow staircase I will be descending at the location so couldn’t go two by two but if I did have an aisle to walk down I would have walked down it with my fiancé or a close friend. Maybe it is because this is my second wedding, in my 30s etc, but even at my first, much large wedding I walked alone while both my parents attended…I guess I have always felt strong/ independent enough on my own to give myself ‘away’, I didn’t even have a ‘first dance’ with my step father (which a lot of people gave me grief over). The reality is many of the ‘traditions’ are recent and, frankly, made up so, in short- it’s totally ok!
Hylmarey
Aparent, I'm in the same situation and asking how should be the wording if ourselves are the guests* *Sorry, the hosts
Hylmarey
Aparent, I'm in the same situation and asking how should be the wording if ourselves are the guests.
aparent
Out of curiosity ladies, how will you be wording your invitations? I have a similar situation and I'm not sure how to word the invitations when the groom's family is hosting....
LorC
That's too bad that your fiance's family isn't accepting of your wedding. I do hope that they will come around and be there for you and your fiance. No matter how painful it is, do make sure your wedding day is special, try not to think about your fiance's family and to enjoy your special day!