Expert: Weddings Etc LLC - 2/13/2008

Question
Hello, I am a bride to be in approx. 10 days. I just received an e-mail from my father saying he and my step mom will not be coming to my wedding because of "work". We live in the same town and he has been at his company for many years where he is well known, so i know work is easy to get out of. He has known about our engagement for a long time and he's known about the date since we set it. He's had plenty of time to say he can't come to my wedding. But right now I am ready to cancel this wedding and just elope with my fiance. He doesn't agree with me and says I'll regret it in the future. I may regret in the future but right now, eloping seems like the best way. What should I do??
Very upset and confused bride.

Answer
There has to be another reason your father doesn't want to come.  Can you sit down with him to get to the bottom of things?  You need to, if you haven't already, express to him how important it is to you to have him there to walk you down the aisle. Is there anyone else who might be able to get through to him, such as an uncle, your mother, grandparent who would be willing to talk to him?

If he still decides not to come, go forward with your plans.  You can walk down the aisle by yourself and have your groom meet you half way to walk you the rest of the way.  (I actually did this when a father decided the morning of the wedding not to come.)  

If he misses your wedding, it will be his loss.  Being just 10 days out, you would probably lose a lot of money if you eloped at this point.  Remember, there's a lot of people coming who do support you and are happy for you.  This is your special day and eventhough there may be an empty spot, where your father should be, try to enjoy your day as much as possible.

Hopefully this will help a bit.  There's no understanding, sometimes, why parents do what they do, but you need to look forward and keep your eyes on your handsome groom waiting at the end of your walk.  With him, you can withstand anything on your wedding day.