The classic "Who gives this bride away?" moment! Here are some humorous takes on the traditional wording:
1. "Who gives this bride away? Mom, because Dad's still trying to get a refund."
2. "I give this bride away... reluctantly."
3. "Who gives this bride away? Me, after she promised not to leave me for a sports team or a cat."
4. "I present this bride to you today, with a note saying 'you're going to regret this'."
5. "Who gives this bride away? The guy who had to deal with all her drama and still loves her anyway."
6. "I give this bride away... because I'm the only one left in this house who doesn't think she's crazy."
7. "Who gives this bride away? The person who finally figured out that marriage is just a form of hostage-taking."
8. "I present this bride to you today, with a warning label saying 'do not attempt to return or exchange'."
9. "Who gives this bride away? The guy who's been paying off her student loans for the past 10 years."
10. "I give this bride away... because I'm the only one left in this house who still thinks she's got a spark of sanity."
Remember, these are just playful takes on the traditional wording and might not be suitable for every wedding or audience.
The traditional phrase "Who gives this bride away?" can be a bit outdated and may not resonate with all couples. Here are some alternative phrases you could use:
1. "Presenting the proud parents..." - This option emphasizes the importance of the couple's family, especially their parents.
2. "Introducing the beautiful couple..." - This phrase shifts the focus to the bride and groom themselves, highlighting their union.
3. "This bride is supported by her loved ones..." - This option emphasizes the idea that the bride is surrounded by people who care about her and want to see her happy.
4. "Brought forward by [name], with love and support..." - This phrase acknowledges the importance of the person presenting the bride, while also emphasizing the positive emotions involved.
5. "Surrounded by those who love her, [bride's name] is ready to begin this new chapter..." - This option highlights the supportive network surrounding the bride and sets a tone for their future together.
Remember that you can always come up with your own unique phrase that reflects your personalities, values, or personal style. The most important thing is to make it meaningful and special to you both!
In recent years, there has been a trend towards alternative phrases or practices that replace the traditional "Who gives this bride away?" question during the wedding ceremony. Here are some examples:
1. **"I present to you my daughter...""**: This phrase emphasizes the parent's role in giving their child to the world, rather than focusing on possession.
2. **"We give her to you with love and blessings..."**: This version highlights the parents' love and blessings for their child as she begins a new chapter in life.
3. **"I entrust this daughter of mine to your care..."**: This phrase conveys a sense of responsibility and trust, rather than ownership.
4. **"We release her to you with joy and gratitude..."**: This alternative emphasizes the idea that the bride is being released into a new life chapter, rather than given away.
5. **"My child has grown up and now begins her own journey...""**: This phrase focuses on the bride's growth and independence, rather than emphasizing who "gives" her away.
Some couples may also choose to:
1. **Skip the question altogether**: Simply move on to the next part of the ceremony without addressing this specific question.
2. **Use a personal or cultural tradition**: Incorporate a meaningful ritual or phrase from their own cultural heritage or family traditions.
3. **Involve both parents (or other important people)**: Have both sets of parents, or other important figures in the bride's life, participate in the ceremony and say a few words.
Ultimately, the choice depends on the couple's personal preferences, cultural background, and values.
Here are some notable quotes from the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding":
1. "It's a tradition! And traditions are important!" - Toula Portokalos (played by Nia Vardalos)
2. "We're not Italian, we're Greek. We don't have 'mob'... we have 'yiasas'" - Maria Portokalos (played by Lainie Kazan)
3. "I'm a vegetarian because I love animals. I don't want them to be killed or eaten." - Toula Portokalos
4. "You can't say 'Yahshua'! You have to say 'Jesus'!" - Aunt Voula (played by Andrea Martin)
5. "Bless this messy house, and these clothes that are stained with love... and this kitchen sink full of last night's dinner." - Toula Portokalos
6. "He's a little bit Greek, and you're a little bit not-Greek!" - Maria Portokalos
7. "The only thing I want to do is make my mama proud." - Toula Portokalos
8. "It's the worst... it's like a bad souvlaki!" - Angelo Papadopoulos (played by John Corbett)
9. "If you're going to be a Greek, you gotta behave like one!" - Maria Portokalos
10. "I'm not Greek, I'm American. I just happen to have some Greek genes." - Ian Miller (played by Michael Constantine)
These quotes capture the humor, culture, and heart of the movie, which is a charming and relatable portrayal of an interfaith marriage between a Greek woman and a non-Greek man.
The person who gives the bride away at a wedding is typically referred to as the "groom's escort" or the "bride's giver." However, there are some common terms that are used in different cultures and traditions:
1. Father of the Bride: In Western cultures, it is traditional for the bride's father to give her away. If the bride's parents are divorced or separated, the mother may take on this role.
2. Stepfather: If the bride's biological father is not present or involved, her stepfather may give her away.
3. Mother: In some cases, the bride's mother may give her away, especially if she is a single parent or has taken on a more significant role in the bride's life.
4. Guardian: If the bride does not have a biological father or mother, a guardian such as an uncle, aunt, or other family member may give her away.
5. Groom's Father: In some cultures, it is traditional for the groom's father to give the bride away, especially in African and Asian traditions.
It's worth noting that the person giving the bride away does not necessarily have to be a blood relative. The choice often depends on the bride's personal preference, family dynamics, and cultural traditions.
A popular topic! Here are some quotes related to the theme of a father giving away his daughter at her wedding:
1. "This is my favorite day... and it's not because I'm getting older, it's because I get to give my baby girl away." - Unknown
2. "As I stand here today, I am reminded that this little girl has grown into an amazing woman. And now, I get to give her away to the love of her life." - Unknown
3. "I never thought I'd be giving away my little princess today, but I couldn't be prouder of the strong, beautiful woman she's become." - Unknown
4. "Today, I give away not only my daughter's hand in marriage, but also my blessing for their future together." - Unknown
5. "As a father, there is no greater joy than seeing your child happy and in love. And now, I get to give her away to start the next chapter of her life." - Unknown
6. "I'm not losing my daughter today; I'm gaining an amazing son-in-law and a beautiful new family to love." - Unknown
7. "This little girl has grown into a remarkable woman, and I couldn't be more grateful. Now, it's time for me to give her away to start this new chapter of their lives together." - Unknown
8. "As I look at my daughter standing here today, I am reminded that giving her away is not the end; it's just the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in her life." - Unknown
9. "Today, I stand before you and give away my heart to the love of my daughter's life. Congratulations, [son-in-law]! You've stolen my girl's heart!" - Unknown
10. "I never thought I'd be giving away my little girl, but now that she's all grown up, it's time for me to take a step back and let her start this new chapter with the love of her life." - Unknown
These quotes are meant to capture the emotions and sentiments that many fathers experience when giving their daughter away at her wedding.
In many cultures and societies, the tradition of the father walking the bride down the aisle is a significant part of the wedding ceremony. However, there are circumstances where this may not be possible or relevant, such as:
1. The bride's parents are divorced: In cases where the bride's parents are divorced, it might not be clear who should give her away.
2. The bride's father has passed away: If the bride's father has passed away, another family member or a close relative might step in to fulfill this role.
3. The bride is an adult with dependent children: In some cases, the bride may have dependent children of her own and be considered the head of household.
In these situations, there are alternative options for who can give the bride away:
1. Mother: If the bride's mother is still alive, she could take on this role.
2. Stepparent: A stepparent (e.g., a stepfather or stepmother) might be willing to participate in the ceremony and provide emotional support to the bride.
3. Brother: In some cases, an older brother might choose to give his sister away.
4. Close relative: Another close relative, such as a grandparent, uncle, or aunt, could take on this role if none of the above options are possible.
5. Significant other: If the bride is not married to her children's father, another significant person in her life (e.g., a partner, best friend, or mentor) might be asked to give her away.
Ultimately, the choice of who gives the bride away depends on personal preference and cultural traditions. It's essential to consider what would be most meaningful and respectful for both the bride and her family.
I think I know where you're going with that!
"When to Say 'Who Gives This Woman to Be Married'?" is a popular article by David Popenoe, a sociologist and author. In it, he argues that the phrase "Who gives this woman to be married" in traditional wedding vows has lost its significance in modern times.
The phrase was originally meant to signify the transfer of authority from her father (or legal guardian) to her husband, signifying her transition from being under their care to becoming his equal partner. However, with changes in societal norms and family structures, this phrase no longer accurately reflects the modern understanding of marriage or the role of parents.
Popenoe suggests that couples might consider alternative vows that better reflect their values and commitment to each other. He offers some suggestions for updating traditional wedding vows while still honoring the original spirit.
What do you think about this topic? Should we update our wedding vows to better reflect contemporary values, or is there value in holding onto traditional language and customs?