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Where in the processional should the bride's divorced father and step father be?

Q. My daughter has made the decision not to have her father walk her down the aisle, simply because they are not close nor is he paying anything towards her wedding. In order to prevent problems, she will not be asking her step father to walk her down the aisle either and has chosen to walk down the aisle herself.

The question we have is the processional. The brides mom walks down just prior to the bridal party, but what order should we follow for her father? At this point, we don't know if he will have a guest attending or not.

Does the bride's mom & step father walk down the aisle together?

Also, where does the bride's grandmother fit in (on mother's side only)?

Your response will certainly be appreciated.

A. You have some options in this scenario, some depending on whether or not there is animosity among any parties.

It is perfectly acceptable for you and your husband to jointly walk your daughter down the aisle, a Jewish tradition that is now used by members of all denominations when desired.

You and your husband can jointly walk your daughter down the aisle, and her father could be seated like any other guest.

You and your husband or only your husband could precede your daughter down the aisle, with her walking alone and her father following.

Her father could walk her partway down the aisle, and her stepfather walk her the rest of the way - somewhat symbolic of her father walking beside her in early life and her stepfather in later life.

The bride's father's guest doesn't participate in the processional and is seated as any other guest would be.

Typically, after the groom and best man are in place, an usher escorts the grandmothers of the bride to their seats, followed by an usher escorting the grandmothers of the groom, if applicable. Next, an usher escorts the groom's mother to her seat and, if you are not walking with the bride, you would next be escorted to your seat.

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