No mother or father of the bride

I haven't had either of parents for 10years this year (dad died of cancer & mother abandoned me)

We've just started planning our 2013 wedding & have booked viewings at several venues at it has really just hit me i'm not going to have either parent at our big day.

The biggest thing is not having anyone to give me away. I had planned on having my grandad do it but after choice words a couple of years ago when he found out I was pregnant I no longer want him to do this.

Is anyone else giving themselves away or coping with absent parents whilst planning/getting married?

i'm sorry your having a difficult time with this hun. ould your child walk you down the aisle? or i have seen some grooms meet the brides at the start of the aisle and walk down together. i hope you work it out xx

This is a tricky one - I'm sorry you're having to go through it. I agree with debbmlawrie though - could your child walk you down? Or a sibling or close friend? If not I've seen brides walk down on their own, or even the bride and groom walk in together. I hope you figure it out. xx

I'm in the same position as you- and am still trying to decide what to do. Did consider asking a male friend, or one of my uncles, but decided that was too much like trying to replace my parents. Currently deciding between walking down the aisle with my best friend (who's also my bridesmaid)or possibly going it alone if I'm brave enough! Hope you find a solution that makes you comfortable and happy xx

I like the idea of walking down with my son, might help him feel involved & stop him getting too bored, he'll only be 27months so will be added aww factor.

Dr maddie - I did think of asking my godfather who was my dad's best friend but it didn't seem quite right. Good luck with your decision.

Instead of favours we are making a donation to cancer research which is in my dad's honour. Had just never really thought about it til now and had always thought i'd be ok with it.

Luckily my h2b parents are the lovliest people you could ever hope to meet so am gaining some cracking in laws.

I really love the idea of your child, a friend, or the groom walking you in. I think that could be really nice and is something special. And it is really lovely that you are making a donation to cancer research.

I love the idea of walking in with h2b but sounds just as good with your son. Good luck

Steph xx

Iazhooley I am also in the same position and it has had me in tears my dad passed away six years ago and I don't have a brother or anyone I feel close enough to I was thinking of my mum to do it but then I could see she was quite nervous about it and she shouldn't have to do it so I decided I'm going to walk alone and my mum is going to pass me to h2b at the end I think if he isn't there to do it nobody should take his place and he will be there in spirit. I also like the idea of your son walking you down the isle as in a way he is part of ur dad. I hope u find a way that ur most happy with and wish u all the best for ur wedding x

Sorry you are feeling like this, i know exactly how you feel.

My "father" has never been around he left before i was born, and i recently lost my mum to cancer. Its really difficult not to have my mum there.

I think walking down the aisle with your son would be beautiful, and something to always remember that he "gave you away". My brother in law is giving me away, him and my sister have always been there for me and it feels right. I initially was going to ask my sister, but i dont think we could cope with the emotion of the situation and she is my chief bridesmaid.

I dont really have a lot of advice for you, i can only empathise. Concentrate on your planning and remember that the day is all about you becoming his wife

If you ever need to talk feel free to pm me x

A young friend of mine who had lost her mum to cancer and had a father who was never around asked her new FIL to give her away, she felt strongly that in the previous few years he had become her strongest father figure. He was so proud when he walked her to meet his son.