Planning your wedding with an absent parent can be a challenge when you’ve dreamed of this moment your whole life. Check out Briana’s story and get some tips on how to successfully plan your wedding even if one of your parents will not be present. 

Briana’s Story

Briana imagined her whole life what her wedding would look like one day. Ever since she was a kid, she always dreamed of this Cinderella happily ever after fairytale story. The first time that she ever brought it up was when she was about 12 years old. She told her mother, “when I grow up, I am gonna have a princess dress, and I’m going to marry a prince.” At the time, Briana‘s mother was a single mother with two kids. Briana was oblivious to wedding traditions because she was never taught anything about them. Her parents were never married. They only lived together temporarily but separated when Briana was an infant. Her father was never involved in her life consistently. 

Fast forward to years later:

Briana met Mike in their freshman year of high school. From the first day that she met him, she knew that he was the one. Mike is kind, loving, caring, and nurturing. He’s everything that she always dreamed of. However,  after Mike and Briana graduated high school, they both went off to college and took their separate ways, but they stayed in contact with each other over the years. Shortly after they both graduated from college, they rekindled their romance. It wasn’t long before they decided to move to New York together. Mike proposed to Briana is one of the most romantic ways during a nightly walk through iconic Central Park. 

As Briana began planning her wedding, she realized that several things included the bride's father. Briana felt like her world was crashing down. She was planning her dream wedding, with her dream partner, in her dream location.. but something was missing, her father was not going to be present. After several conversations with couples with similar experiences, Briana realized that she was not alone and could still plan a breathtakingly beautiful wedding ceremony. 

What if you could still plan your dream wedding ceremony?

Many people have an absent parent, whether it’s one or both of their parents. This can be discouraging when tradition calls for both parents to be a part of the wedding. However, we want you to know that just like Briana did, you, too, can plan your dream wedding ceremony. Check out the tips below to find out how you can plan your dream wedding even if you have an absent parent. 

Tip # 1. Remember that Your Wedding is About You and Your Partner

It’s easy to get caught up in emotions when planning a wedding without one of your parents. Your feelings are normal. It’s important to remember that your wedding is a special day for you and your partner. With that being said, remind yourself how deserving you are to be happy and how happy you are with your partner by your side. 

Tip # 2. Show Appreciation Towards your Loved Ones That are Special to You 

Show appreciation towards your loved ones that surround you on this special day. You can make a toast to them, give them a particular seat, or do something else, such as mention them at the ceremony. 

Tip # 3. Walking Down the Aisle 

Ok, who wouldn’t be honored to walk you down the aisle? If you haven’t received offers yet, send out an invite to the person deserving of this position. If one of your parents is involved in your life in a meaningful way, give them the honor. A few other options would be to:

• Ask your in-laws
• Ask other family members
• Ask a close friend
• Go solo. Let the light shine bright on you as you make your grand entrance alone

Tip # 4. Create Wedding Invitations that are Going to Make you Happy

Honestly, many people get a wedding invitation and throw it away once the wedding is over. So why not create invitations that meet your personality and style? Design them in a way that you choose and include information that meets you and your fiance’s likings. 

Tip # 5. Switch out the Daddy/Daughter Dance

If your father isn’t going to participate in your wedding, switch up the daddy/daughter dance for something different. If one of your parents is present and this dance is important to you, ask them to be a part of it. For example, go for a mommy/daughter dance and find a song that fits your relationship.

Tip # 6. Enjoy your Dream Wedding to the Fullest 

Couples should enjoy their wedding to the max. I mean, most people spend months or even years planning for this special day. Unfortunately, most couples are stressed before, during, and after their wedding ceremony for different reasons. Either there is too much of one thing and not enough of another, maybe the guests you expected to attend aren’t going to, or the weather isn’t what you thought it would be, and now you have to make other arrangements. You can plan a great wedding and still run into issues with something. Remember, your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. So embrace the hiccups. What’s important is the love you share between you and your partner and enjoying your iconic moment to the fullest! 

AND Last but not least…

Planning a wedding without a parent is painful, and we understand that. Remember that some things are out of our control, but again, you deserve to have the most memorable wedding for you and your partner, regardless of whether or not your parents are involved. Be easy on yourself and make your Happenings™ become a reality.

Happenings™ Ever After

Most people give up on their dreams of an iconic wedding ceremony because it feels too overwhelming to plan for many different reasons. We’re here to help you create a memory of a lifetime through thoughtfully organized planning tailored to iconic locations throughout Central Park so you can step into your moment with the one that you love.

"The most valuable and important thing we can deliver is 

an unforgettable memory."

BOOK YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY TODAY