There is a wide array of wedding traditions that couples may incorporate into their ceremonies, each with its own unique significance and history. These traditions can be deeply religious, culturally significant, or simply rooted in shared familial history. One such widely recognized tradition is the act of “giving away the bride.” Often, this prompts a sentimental and important question: “What does the father say when giving away the bride?”
In the paragraphs below, you will find examples of scripts used during the “giving away the bride” portion of the ceremony, each accompanied by a brief explanation of its meaning and historical origin. We also present a set of crucial considerations linked to this tradition, options for alternative wordings during the ‘giving away the bride’ moment, and answers to some frequently raised questions regarding this practice.
Who Gives This Bride Away Scripts
Script 1
Officiant: There are not enough words to describe the significance and meaningfulness of the relationship between a child and their parents. As such, it must be so difficult yet heartwarming for any parent to watch their child get married.
With that said, I kindly ask the father of the bride to please rise. Do you give your permission for (name of the bride) to be married to (name of the partner)?
Father of the bride: I do.
Script 2
Officiant: The love of a parent knows no conditions or boundaries. Therefore, I have never met a father who was willing to “give away” his daughter. Instead, I want to ask, do you give your blessing for the union of (name of the bride) and (name of the partner)?
Father of the bride: Her mother and I do.
Script 3
Officiant: I kindly call on the father of the bride to rise.
Weddings are usually exclusively seen as a celebration of love and commitment. While that is true, we tend to forget that weddings are also a recognition of the importance of family. Today, we will witness the coming together of not only (name of the bride) and (name of the partner) but also their families.
To honor the impact their families have had on their lives, the couple wishes to ask for their parents’ blessing.
(Name of the bride’s father), do you provide your support for the union of this couple and, subsequently, the union of your families?
Father of the bride: We do.
Script 4
Officiant: Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
Father of the bride: I do.
Script 5
Officiant: Before we start, I want to share a special reading from the book of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two is better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” We are here today to celebrate and solemnize the relationship of (name of the bride) and (name of the partner). Who supports the marriage of this woman and this man?
Father of the bride: We do.
Script 6
Officiant: Parenting is a lifelong responsibility that is full of hardships; there might have been times when you were low on strength and confidence. However, there are also a lot of fulfilling moments, such as seeing your children mature into God-fearing, kind, respectful people.
I humbly ask the parents of the couple to please rise.
(Name of the parents), you have done a spectacular job raising (name of the bride and the partner). They stand here in front of everyone, and they affirm that you have been amazing, loving parents. With that said, they would like to ask you for your support and blessing.
(Name of the bride’s parents), do you support (name of the bride)’s decision to give her hand in marriage to (name of the partner)?
Father of the bride: Her mother and I do.
Script 7
Officiant: The journey of parenthood is filled with countless joyous moments and lessons of love. Today, as we gather to unite (name of the bride) and (name of the partner), we also acknowledge the role of parents in nurturing these two individuals. May I request the bride’s father to stand?
(Name of bride’s father), in presenting your daughter in matrimony, do you affirm your continuous love and support for her new journey with (name of the partner)?
Father of the bride: Absolutely, with all my heart, I do.
Script 8
Officiant: The bonds of family are precious and immeasurable. The presence and blessing of a parent during significant life moments are invaluable. As (name of the bride) embarks on a new, exciting chapter of life with (name of the partner), we take a moment to seek parental blessings.
Could the father of the bride please stand?
Sir, do you joyfully encourage and stand by the decision of (name of the bride) to unite in marriage with (name of the partner)?
Father of the bride: Without a doubt, I do.
Script 9 (Both Parents Involved)
Officiant: Marriage is a wonderful journey embarked upon by two individuals, but it also signifies the blending of two families. At this moment, let’s take a minute to acknowledge the importance of family support and blessings in making this union strong and resilient.
Could the parents of (name of the bride) please rise?
As (name of the bride) is about to begin her marital journey with (name of the partner), do you, as her parents, offer your blessings, support, and unconditional love for the couple’s lifelong happiness and prosperity?
Parents of the bride: Together, with immense joy and love, we do.
Why Is It Called Giving Away the Bride?
The “giving away the bride” tradition has been a marriage custom for centuries, thus giving it antiquated roots and meanings. Historically, women have been viewed as the property of their families. Unmarried women, in particular, “belonged to” their fathers. For a prospective groom to be allowed to marry the woman, he has to pay a certain bride price, dowry, or amount of labor to the family.
The “giving away the bride” tradition occurs after the processional. Specifically, it happens after the bride finishes walking down the aisle. The officiant can wait until everyone is seated, or they can proceed with the tradition immediately. The father, or whoever escorted the bride, would provide a verbal or non-verbal blessing to the union.
Nowadays, the notion of “giving away the bride” might make some couples uncomfortable; if improperly executed, this tradition can imply that women are dispensable property. To remove this implication, officiants are more careful and inclusive with how they word the tradition. There are also many modern alternatives that are more in line with current beliefs.
Things to Remember for the Giving Away the Bride Tradition
Other Giving Away the Bride Wording
There are plenty of ways your officiant can word the “giving away the bride” tradition. Besides those already listed above, here are more phrases they can incorporate into your ceremony:
- Do you give your daughter’s hand in marriage to this man?
- Who gives this man and this woman to be married to one another?
- Do you give your consent for the marriage of this man and this woman?
- Who presents (name of the bride) to be married to (name of the partner)?
- Do you wholeheartedly entrust (name of the bride) to (name of the partner) as they get married?
- Do you support the union of (name of the bride) and (name of the partner)?
- Who stands with this woman and gives their blessing to this marriage?
- Parents of (name of the bride), do you welcome (name of the partner) into your loving family?
- Who supports this woman’s decision to marry this man?
- Who presents (name of the bride) to be married to (name of the partner)?
- Who blesses the union of this couple?
Is It Only the Father Who Can Give the Bride Away?
Traditionally, it is the father who expresses his consent to the union. However, nowadays, both sets of parents are encouraged to show their support. In place of parents, here is a list of other people who can “give away” the bride:
- Godparents
- Uncle and aunt
- Siblings
- Godly mentor
- Children of the couple
- Close friend
- A member of their found family
They can do this through verbal and non-verbal ways; the officiant and coordinators will guide them through the process.
You Are Not Required to Do This Tradition
As with any wedding tradition, you are not required to incorporate it into your timeline. As illustrated above, the “giving away the bride” tradition is not for everyone; whereas some couples want to have it in their ceremony, others might be uncomfortable with it. Ultimately, do what feels right to you and your partner.
Final Thoughts
Marriage is not only a union of two people but also of two families. Couples can dedicate a small but meaningful part of their wedding ceremony to honor their parents with traditions like the giving this bride away scripts. After all, they would not be where they are without the love and support of their parents.
The tradition of “giving away the bride” is just one option among hundreds, allowing you to celebrate and acknowledge your parents in a way that feels right for everyone involved.
