Declaration Of Support

Who supports this couple in marriage?

The Declaration of Support can be a father giving his daughter away, or asking parents and everyone present if they support the couple in the choice to marry.  

Traditionally, the bride is escorted down the aisle by her father, and then we ask, "Who gives this woman to be married?"  That still happens, but a lot less often than it used to.  Yes, the bride is usually walked down the aisle by someone.  It might be her dad, stepdad, or both!  She may be escorted down the aisle by both parents.  She may be escorted by a brother, uncle, her children, or she may choose to walk alone.  Not to mention grooms! Grooms get to have their moment, too!  Many grooms walk down the aisle with their parents. It may not be quite the same fanfare as a traditional bride, but it's still a thing!

If two men or two women are getting married, they may each have their own idea of what they want on their wedding day.  One partner may take on a traditional role, but sometimes they both want to have their moment walking down the aisle on their wedding day.  There is no right or wrong, only possibilities!  

I may ask who gives this woman in marriage?  Or, who presents this woman to be married? I may ask nothing at all.  More often, we are asking ALL of the parents for their formal blessing.  You can check out some options below. 

Keep in mind, the "presentation of the bride" has always traditionally been the first thing we say during a ceremony.  If we are asking for a parent's blessing, I usually work it into the ceremony a little later, where it flows better and makes more sense.  

Presentation 1

Who gives this woman/man/person to be married (to this woman/man/person)?

Presentation 2

Who presents this woman/man/person to be married to this (woman/man/person)?

Presentation 3

Who gives this woman/man/person and woman/man/person to be married to each other?

All Parents answer:  "We Do."

Presentation 4

​I’ve never met a father who was willing to give up his daughter, so instead I ask, do I have your blessing for this marriage?

Blessing 1

Name and Name, it is your choice to love each other and live together as lifelong companions in marriage. This will be easier with the love and support of your families.  At this time, I ask for your parents ' blessings. 

​Who stands by Name and Name supporting their choice to marry?

Blessing 2

The marriage of Name and Name brings together two different families and their two unique story lines.  Today, a new chapter in their lives begins to unfold. Although this relationship was formed out of the love these two have found in each other, their marriage will ultimately be blessed by the support of their families.  At this time, I formally ask for that blessing.

Name’s Mother and father, Name and Name, do you offer this couple your goodwill?  Do you welcome Name as a member of your family and give him/her/them your  love and affection?  Parents: We do.

Name’s Mother and father, Name and Name, do you offer this couple your goodwill?  Do you welcome Name as a member of your family and give him/her/them your  love and affection?  Parents: We do.

All of you here present, As these two people join together in marriage, they ask for the support and love of not only their families, but of their friends as well. On this day, they ask that you be more than only Friends, family and honored guests, will you recognize this special union as well?  Welcoming the marriage of Name and Name into your lives?  If so, please say, “we will.” 

Thank you!

Blessing 3

The relationship between children and their parents is one that’s often understated, yet very deep.  And one of the rare occasions when it can be publicly acknowledged is at a wedding ceremony. On this occasion, Name's parents proudly stand here beside their son/daughter representing his/her/their family. And Name’s parents proudly stands beside their son/daughter representing his/her/their family. They are displaying, for all of us to see, their individual and combined love for their children.

Now, I ask, who brings these two people to be married to each other?

Parents answer:  "We do.”

And are you all willing to sustain and strengthen this marriage by giving the two of them the public commitment of your love and support through all the ups and downs ahead of them?

Parents answer:  “We are.”

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** Formal Wedding Ceremony Guide ** Formal Wedding Ceremony Scripts ** Elopement Ceremony Guide ** Elopement Ceremony Scripts ** Parts of a Wedding Ceremony ** Vow Writing Guide ** Unplugged Ceremony ** Opening Prayers ** Welcoming ** Moment of Silence ** Declaration of Support ** About Love and Marriage ** Non-Religious Readings ** Christian Readings ** Secular I-do's! ** Christian I-do-s! ** Ring Meaning ** Ring Blessings ** Secular Ring Exchanges ** Christian Ring Exchanges ** Unity Ceremonies ** Secular Blessings ** Christian Blessings ** The-pronouncement-Secular  ** The Pronouncement - Christian **