Monthly Ritual Overview

As with many of our wedding traditions, the giving away of the bride goes back in history to a time completely different to our world today. Females were once considered the property of their father and as such were “given” to the groom in exchange for a dowry. Even well into the 20th Century the words “who gives this woman to this man” were still used by the celebrant or minister and a male family member walking the bride down the Aisle is still favoured today.

While most women, today, do not feel it necessary to be “given away” to the groom the inclusion of bride and grooms families can be quite meaningful in the ceremony. With more and more weddings between people who have children already (either together or from previous relationships) the inclusion of these children could also be quite meaningful.

Rather than asking “who gives this woman” the celebrant may like to ask “who stands here today in support of this couple”. Both families can then answer “we do”.