Weddings are filled with traditions. The walk down the aisle. The father-daughter dance.The speech that leaves half the room in tears.

But for many brides, these moments can quietly become some of the most emotionally complicated parts of wedding planning, Because not every bride has a father at her wedding.

For some, their fathers have passed away. For others, the relationship is strained, distant, or non-existent. Some grew up with stepfathers, grandfathers, mothers who played both roles, or other people who stepped in and became their safe place. And yet, wedding culture still often assumes every bride has a father standing proudly beside her on her big day.