Traditionally this is the “Presentation of the Bride” or “The Giving Away of the Bride”. It is the time in the ceremony when the minister asks, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man” and the bride’s father says “I do”.
In contemporary weddings the minister may ask both sets of parents “Who gives these individuals to be given in marriage”? The parents answer “We do”. Other scenarios may have a different relative, family representative or child of the bride or groom that “gives them away”.
In contemporary weddings the minister may ask both sets of parents “Who gives these individuals to be given in marriage”? The parents answer “We do”. Other scenarios may have a different relative, family representative or child of the bride or groom that “gives them away”.
Some people may view this element as outdated and sexist and may choose to not include it in their ceremony. This is due to times in the past when the woman was considered as property and was given away in arranged marriages. Unfortunately there are many parts of the world where that is still the case. We are blessed to live in the United States of America, where women have equal rights and most people are not forced into arranged marriages.
This 1697 painting by Antoine Dieu, depicts the giving of the bride or the presentation of the bride, Maria Theresa of Spain to Louis XIV of France in an arranged marriage.
