Disabled parent - walking down the aisle

Hi everyone,

I'm Jewish and in a traditional Jewish wedding both the parents walk the bride down the aisle. I've been debating with family over this and tired of all their opinions.

Long story short, my mother has Parkinson's and under our Chupah will need to be sitting during the ceremony. Her walking abilities are very limited at this point. I can only imagine in 10 months from now her walking will be even worse.

My father is morbidly obese and his walking abilities will be limited as well.

I'm extremely close with my aunt as she has pretty much stepped in a lot when both my parents had major issues health wise. I've also never been close to my father at all as my parents divorced when I was 5.

My question is who do I have walk me down the aisle?

I would say my father providing he can get his act together and try to lose some weight for the wedding. But do I have my father and my aunt and then have my mother sitting with the Rabbi under the Chupah? My mother is also very shy and really rather not be part of the ceremony if she can help it. She hates how she looks and doesn't want to be seen in front of everyone using a walker/cane.

Thoughts?

Disabled parent - walking down the aisle - Long Island Weddings

I like the idea of her being under the Chupah waiting for you for sure. This way, she can be part of the ceremony but all eyes don't have to be on her walking down the isle. As for who actually walks you, I'd wait closer to the wedding to see how you feel. People change dramatically when it comes to weddings and you don't want to feel 'stuck' with a decision. I know this from experience unfortunately... Not because of my parents but because of someone I chose to have in my party that hasn't exactly been the greatest friend to say the least.

Disabled parent - walking down the aisle - Long Island Weddings

I'm not sure really about the traditions of a Jewish wedding, but have you considered entering on your own (makes for some very dramatic photos too) and then having them meet you right before the Chupah? so they would only need to really walk a few steps but still be 'giving' you away and still have those photos of them on each side of you.

Re: Disabled parent - walking down the aisle

If you're mother prefers to not be in the spotlight then I really like the idea of her waiting for you. Maybe she can stand to greet you and then sit again. If you're not close with your father I would have your aunt do it. I too am battling with how to walk down the aisle. sigh so difficult. hope this helps!