May My Stepdad Be My Aisle Escort?

My stepdad and dad both want to walk me down the aisle. My dad's paying for most of the reception, so he says that if he doesn't get to escort me, he won't come (or pay). What can we do?

Money can't buy you love, nor should it be able to buy anyone the right to walk you down the aisle. But it doesn't leave you with many options—if you can't convince Dad to cave in, you'll have to exclude your stepdad or be prepared to take on the financial responsibility.

Make one more effort to get Dad to give in. Tell him that he'll always be your number-one guy, but that you also have a close relationship with your stepfather, and it hurts you incredibly that on this special day you won't be able to honor both of the men in your life. Mention a few double-escort options and let him choose which would work best for him. You could walk with both dads (if they can handle it); walk the first half of the aisle with your dad, because he started you out in life, then switch to your stepfather; or have Mom escort you.

If he still says no, you'll have to decide whether to sacrifice the walk with your stepdad or the wedding funding. You could walk alone, and give no one the honor of escorting you. Or consider asking your stepfather to take on another honored role, such as doing a reading or giving a special toast at the reception.