The Complete Guide to Father-of-the-Bride Duties
Dads, please take note of this father-of-the-bride checklist.
Now that your little princess is all grown up and ready to walk down the aisle, you should understand your role and how to support her. Yes, you also have a significant part in a memorable celebration.
It’s a priceless moment watching your daughter in a beautiful bridal gown and marry the life of her life. But you might not be familiar with the father of the bride’s duties and responsibilities. That’s why we’ve created this checklist, ensuring you are well-prepared for this special occasion.
Post-Wedding Duties
- Be the Emotional Anchor – Being the emotional anchor for your daughter is your primary role as the bride’s father. The wedding can be exciting and stressful for her, so be there to listen and offer encouragement. Provide your daughter with a shoulder to lean on and reassurance.
- Help Out Financially (If Necessary) – Traditionally, the bride’s father covers the wedding’s cost. But today, couples may choose to finance their celebration. But you can establish open communication about the financial expectations and your contribution. You can offer assistance in budgeting, tracking expenses, and discussing other financial matters.
- Contribute to the Venue and Vendor Selection – Your daughter can rely on your opinion and guidance when selecting the wedding venue and vendors. Be actively involved in visiting potential venues. You can join the couple in attending vendor meetings. If you know about food and wine, help them select the menu. Your wisdom and experience can greatly contribute to making informed decisions.
- Assist with Wedding Day Logistics – You can help your daughter with logistical arrangements on the wedding day. This includes coordinating with vendors, ensuring venue transportation arrangements, and troubleshooting last-minute issues. Your composed and calm presence will help run the day smoothly.
- Prepare Father-of-the-Bride Speech – Does the father of the bride have to give a speech? You must prepare a memorable and heart-warming speech to honor your daughter and celebrate her marriage. You can express your love and pride, offer wisdom, or share anecdotes. You can keep the speech light-hearted by injecting some humor. This makes it enjoyable and engaging for everyone.
During the Wedding Duties
- Join the Wedding Dress Reveal – Doing the bridal dress reveal is your first primary duty on the wedding day. This moment is usually emotional. It also makes one of the most heartfelt wedding pictures. After that big reveal, you can travel with her to the ceremony venue.
- Walk Her Down the Aisle – Walking your daughter down the aisle can be your most cherished moment as a father. It symbolizes her transition from her family to her future spouse. Offer her your arm and give her a reassuring smile. Additionally, remind her to slow down, look at the guests, and enjoy the moment.
- Give Her Away at the Altar – The officiant in Christian or Western ceremonies asks, “Who presents this woman to be married” at the altar. You can reply, “She presents herself with her family’s blessing,” “Her family and I do,” or “Her mother and I do.” After giving a response, you can hug and kiss her. Also, acknowledge the groom with a handshake or hug.
- Be a Gracious Host – Extend your warm hospitality as the father of the bride to your daughter’s in-laws and friends. You also have to create a welcoming atmosphere at the reception. You can greet the guests and ensure everyone feels comfortable. It’s best to coordinate with the venue staff or wedding planner to stay informed about the schedule.
- Give a Toast and Your Speech – Before the dinner starts, give a toast to the newlywed couple. Most dads get emotional during this moment, so practice your toast and keep it positive. If the couple is hosting, you can give your speech after serving the dinner’s first course or after dinner. Be sure to give the wedding coordinator a heads-up if your speech will take more than five minutes to keep the event’s flow in order.
- Take Part in the Father-Daughter Dance – The father-daughter dance is a beautiful wedding tradition that usually evokes emotions. You can help your daughter choose a meaningful song. Be sure to rehearse the dance for a smooth performance. Use this moment to share a few tears and laughs and create a lasting memory.
- Help Wrap the Celebration – Ensuring the event is wrapped up is another father-of-the-bride duty. You can help distribute tips to vendors, check if they have been paid, or transfer the gifts from the reception to a safe location if the event coordinator is not in charge. You can also bid goodbye to the guests as they leave.
Post-Wedding Duties
- Return Tuxedo Rentals – If you’ve rented your tuxedo, volunteer to send it back and other clothing rentals. As you notice that the groomsmen are too tired because of last night’s party, offer to return theirs.
- Help with the Thank-You Cards – If you co-paid and hosted the wedding, you can help the couple write the thank-you notes. This ensures that everyone’s presence and support are acknowledged.
Being the bride’s father is a role filled with love and pride. As you actively participate in your daughter’s wedding planning and post-wedding activities, use this checklist to navigate your duties efficiently and smoothly.
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