Why are Brides "Given Away"?

From June Hoffman and Erik Michaels of Megasound

Throughout history, many marriages were pre-arranged even before the bride and groom were teenagers. Social standing and status had a lot of weight in these matters. Sometimes, the groom and his family were expected to “pay a price” for the bride. The groom, in a sense, purchased the bride and compensated her family for their "loss".

At the wedding ceremony, the bride’s father would escort her and “present” her to the groom. By acknowledging the Officiant's question ("Who presents this woman?"), the father would verbally reaffirm that the arrangement was completed and he approved of the union. This also represented that the bride’s family had no additional legal claim to her. She was then dependent on her new husband and his family.

In this day and age, a father is basically giving his blessing to the marriage when he presents his daughter to her groom. Brides may have both parents or her child “give” her away and some brides select to walk unaccompanied down the aisle.

2010 wedding dates are filling up quickly, so contact the Officiants at Megasound to see if we still have availability for your wedding ceremony!