Ceremony Procedure Question

Never seen the hug and kiss in real life except In videography samples. Most parents just sit down once they reach the end of the aisle with no pomp and circumstance.

I see hugs and kisses in this situation. There's no protocol, however, just sentiment.

I was just at a wedding a few weeks ago. The bride's father gave her a hug and a kiss and shook the groom's hand & then it turned into a hug.


I have never seen the parents just sit down.

Is this question for the poster's sake -- maybe to avoid embarrassment? Or, might the parents not likely wanting to show such sentiment? It seems the behavior is spontaneous and voluntary, at least by those who initiate hugs and kisses.

View Quoted Comment You don’t think it’s awkward?

View Quoted Comment My parents are awkward and haven’t been to weddings. I’m trying to make sure they know what proper protocol is so we don’t all loook stupid.

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I agree with CM. There isn't really a protocol, and I think it depends on the context. My parents just went to their seats after they walked down the aisle. But they walked together, and I walked on my own after them. I think that if they're walking down with you, then you could have them give you a hug and kiss and a handshake for your fiance, or they can go straight to their seats. As long as they don't hesitate and look like they don't know what to do, it won't be awkward. Try different options during the rehearsal and see what you like.

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That moment will not make or break the ceremony. I think the best thing is that the officiant or coordinator just tell them to do what is natural to them by sharing a few options. If your parents are self-conscious about that moment, it probably is best if you just say "the officiant will help you with that moment"

We didn't have a rehearsal, and my priest just offered what to do right then and there. I was walked by both parents, and at the end of the aisle, I kissed mom, then kissed dad, husband hugged mom then dad. Then the priest told my dad to take my right hand and put it in my husband's hand. I thought that overly traditional since I'm a grown, autonomous adult, but it doesn't really offend me, just weird. I think the offer of a hello from future spouse to parents is nice but not strange if not done. Parents or any escorts can easily walk to their seats while the couple takes each other in hand and walks over to the officiant.

So the first time I got married My dad walked me down and my mom stood up from her seat when we got to the alter, i would recommend this honestly because having 3 people walk down is awkward for photos and for walking. Personally I think it takes away from seeing the bride when you have both parents but totally your preference. Once you get to the end the officiant will ask who gives this woman to marry this man, they would both say we do or your dad says her mother and i, then dad would give your hand to your future husband. I didn't exchange hugs or kisses with them, they just sat down after that. This time just my dad will walk me down and he will say her mother and I and he will sit by my mom. At the end of the day it is your day, do what feels right to you.

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Yes I do think it is awkaerd

Most weddings I’ve been to, Dad just kisses the bride’s cheek before he goes to sit down. (Both parents if both are walking you.) I think more of a production just feels awkward and staged.