Giving away of the bride

With two very different weddings in the past week, I thought I would bring this aspect of a marriage ceremony to the forefront. What is the " Giving away of the bride"?

These words were read out at a wedding ceremony just last week at the couple's request.

"In ancient times, it was the custom for a young woman to be under the authority and the protection of the man who was the head of her household, usually her father or her elder brother.

When she married, the authority and the responsibility passed to her husband. This was the origin of the giving of the bride ceremony.

Times have changed and so perhaps have women, however some bride's still like to honour this ancient custom, and in doing so, they honour their father. So I will simply ask this age old question to Wilma’s dad Harry :- Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"

Other couple's like their families to be involved in a ceremony, and yesterday, there was an asking by the families. These words were written by the couple:-

" Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and downs, its trials and triumphs. With full understanding of this, Fred and Wilma have come here today to be joined as one in marriage. Others would ask at this time “Who gives the Bride in marriage?” but as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I simply ask this of both families :- do you welcome this union between Fred and Wilma?"

As is a common theme throughout all of my blogs and my daily work, it is all about choices - it's up to you!