Father Of The Bride: Practical Wedding Planning Advice
Let’s begin by looking at the typical duties of the father of the bride.
Tradionally the father of the bride paid for the majority of the wedding costs. However, these, the groom’s parents and the couple themselves generally contribute.
Of course, the father’s main duty is to walk his daughter down the aisle. Even if you are not having a church wedding most brides still choose to observe this tradition.
The other very public duty of the father of the bride is to make a speech at the reception. Normally this includes some funny and touching tale about his daughter, welcoming his new son in law into the family and thanking the guests for joining in the wedding celebration. The speech usually ends with a toast to the bride and groom.
Generallythe bride’s parents act as hosts for the wedding reception. If there is to be an official receiving line then they will usually be the first two people to greet the guests. Alternatively, a parent from both families could be the first two people to greet the guests.
The father of the bride may be responsible for ensuring the wedding cars, or other modes of transport such as horse drawn carriage, arrive on time. And of course he has to make sure his daughter at the ceremony arrives on time, or only a few minutes late!
Often the father of the bride can feel left out of all the preparations that go into planning a wedding. Whilst most fathers would not want to get involved in picking floral arrangements, color schemes, wedding reception themes etc there are some duties that he might might be willing to take on.
For example, most men consider themselves good at map reading and giving directions so what about asking your father to be in charge of sending maps and directions for getting to the ceremony venue and from the ceremony venue to the reception venue? Such information is sure to be welcomed by all out of town guests.
Now let’s take a closer look at the emotional side.
Don’t just assume that your father will give you away on your wedding day. Ask.
If there is to be a father and daughter dance at the reception why not let your father pick the song you dance to. Maybe something that reflects his personality or a song that has some special meaning.
Ask your future husband to discuss outfits with both his own father and yours. Traditionally the fathers wear the same outfit as the groom and best man so you want them to be comfortable with the choice of outfit.
Your wedding day is an emotional occasion for your father. Leave a little momento for your father to find on his return home after the reception. Maybe a framed photograph of you and your dad, or a poem about fathers and daughters, or a hand written note thankingt your dad for all that he has done for you over the years.
And don’t forget to say a special goodbye to your father before you and your new husband leave the reception.
One of the best ways you can ensure that you, your husband to be and the rest of the Wedding Party can relax and enjoy the wedding reception is to ask a responsible friend or family member to act as your master of ceremonies. Check out these articles to learn more
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Wedding emcee duties
Filed under Relationships