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Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 2

I will have a church wedding in May. Unfortunately, both of my parents and my fiancé’s parents are still in our home country and will not be able to present at the wedding. Instead, we will ask my uncle and our special friends to play the parents’ role and represent our families. So, my uncle (his wife will also present) will walk me down the aisle, and my friend (a lady) and my fiancé’s friend’s wife will light the candles at the beginning of the ceremony. My question is how we should acknowledge them on the wedding program? For the lines of “Seating of Bride’s (Groom’s) Mother” and “Parents of the Bride (Groom)”, what I should put instead?

Thank you in advance for your help and time!

Site Admin Joined: 08 Jun 2002 Posts: 1174

On the wedding program, you can omit the names of parents or you would list your parents even if they don't attend. You could list where they live after their names, which would make it apparent why they are not there.

The person who walks with you is listed as "Bride's escort," then list his name and say "bride's uncle." The people who light candles are listed as "Candle lighters." You do not need to draw undue attention to the fact that your parents are not in attendance.

Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 2

Thank you so much for your prompt reply and help! I just have one more quick question: so for the "seating" line, can I put "Seating of Families and Family Representatives?" (Families refer to my uncle and aunt, and family representatives refer to our special friends).

Site Admin Joined: 08 Jun 2002 Posts: 1174

You can do as you suggest or you can omit that section entirely. Your program can be as detailed as space allows or it can be less detailed and simply say: Processional, entrance of the bride, etc. For instance, you do not need to list each song that is played unless you have plenty of space.