How can I walk my daughter down the isle and be maid of honor; and mother of bride

Question

My daughter has asked me to be her maid of honor in her wedding. Her father passed away several years ago. I have not remarried. My question is, how do I fullfil my mother rolls (lighting candles); maid of honor roll, and walk her down the isle?

Answer 1

Luckily, those are all done at different times, provided you're not escorted down first by a groomsman.  I don't see that as a problem.  If there is one extra guy, have 2 guys escort one lady down the aisle before you and your daughter.  You will then stand in your maid of honor spot.  Then, just go to the candle lighting from where you are.  The only thing I can think of is maybe not being able to hold your bouquet and your daughter's during the ceremony, if you need to leave.  She can designate another bridesmaid to hold them, or just pass them off on your way to the candles.  

Or, just choose which one is most important to you.  Maid of honor would be my choice.  Many women are not escorted by anyone down the aisle, so that isn't a huge deal (unless it is to her).  Or as someone else suggested, there may be another male relative willing to fill that role.

Good luck, and talk it out with your daughter.  She may have a different view on things than you do.

Answer 2

I think it's touching that your daughter wants you to be MOH, but that presents other issues, is there another male figure that could walk her down the aisle, if not, then you can walk her in and just continue to where the MOH would stand.  When you get to the end of the aisle just have your daughter stop and you walk over and light the candle.  It will be a little unusual but it could work.  I would check with your daughter and make sure that she wants to do a unity candle ceremony.  There are alternatives to you lighting the candle, one of the ushers could light them as well.  There is also a "sand ceremony" that is really pretty, and the sand can be brought in with you.  Talk to a coordinator and I'm sure they will be able to help with the logistics.  Just remember there are no right or wrong way to do it, as long as it's what your daughter wants everything will be just fine and it will all work out.  

Best of luck..

Answer 3

Ask your daughter what she has in mind for you. She may want to ask her uncle, grandfather, brother, etc. to walk her down the aisle.

If she wants you to walk her down the aisle I think that can easily be done. After you give her away to her husband just take your place by her side at the altar with the other bridesmaids instead of taking your seat.  

Answer 4

Walk her down the aisle and stand to one side during the ceremony.  

Answer 5

My sister walked her daughter down the aisle, but she had other people fill the other roles. I could imagine you being both the escort down the aisle and the Maid of honor, but get someone else, a friend of the family perhaps to light the candles.

In another niece's wedding, her father, my brother had died so my niece and her husband-to-be lit the candles, designating one in honor of her departed father who couldn't be there.

Answer 6

Have all the bridesmaids and groomsmen (best man included) do their processional, and then walk your daughter down the aisle, but instead of sitting down, as most mom's or dad's will do, take your place in front of the other bridesmaid's, behind the bride.  When it comes time to light the candle, step away and do so. :)

This is a beautiful thing you're doing, and you'll be so happy that you were such a huge part of her day. I'm sure you're really excited and honored. Just make sure you plan out all those details beforehand, and you'll be fine.

EDIT: If you end up feeling like you have to pick one role over another, I would pick walking her down the aisle. I think it would mean more to her and you. My mom is walking me down the aisle, and i wouldn't have it any other way, nor would she.