A father holds a special place in a girls’ heart and you’ll undoubtedly want him to have a special place in your wedding.
In the minutes before the church doors opened and I would begin walking down the aisle, I was incredibly comforted by having my father there with me. He would be leading me in and handing me off to my soon to be husband. Having my dad with me through that symbolic transition was such a special moment. There are already several special moments for dads in wedding tradition, including walking the bride down the aisle, wedding speeches and the father-daughter dance, but here are a few more unique ways you can include your dad or a special male figure in your big day, and I’m sure he’ll love the extra involvement and care.
Ask him to help with a wedding project.
I know brides who have had their fathers help them build the altar cross or arch they’ll stand in front of on their wedding day, or who had their dads help them plan and set up the reception area in their historic family barn. Working on a project together is a great way to bond amidst the craziness of wedding planning.
Take a dance lesson with him.
You’re going to have the spotlight on the two of you during the father daughter dance, so why not make it a date and practice together? Whether you take a professional lesson or just spend an evening dancing in the living room, it’s a sweet way to get ready and it’ll probably ease some nerves about the dance, too.
Do a first look with just your father.
It’s a big day for him, too, and seeing you in your dress for the first time will be a special moment for you both. It’s crazy how it all becomes real the moment you put on the dress, and capturing the moment he first sees you will be a cherished memory.
Carry his handkerchief or a special momento with you.
Having a piece of him with you throughout the day is a great way to honor him, and it can even do double duty as your something old or something borrowed. Consider tying something of his around your bouquet or carrying a memento with you.
Dedicate a signature cocktail to him.
Is your dad a fan of old fashioneds or a certain kind of liquor? Have a signature cocktail that is uniquely him. He’ll enjoy having a drink he likes and your guests will have fun with personified drinks.
Play your parent’s first dance song.
After you do your first dance and the father-daughter dance, consider playing the songs your parents and in-laws danced to at their wedding. It would make for a sweet surprise and a wonderful tribute to the marriages that came before you.
Be sure to thank him.
He’s done a lot for you and possibly even forked out a huge chunk of change on the wedding for you, so make sure you thank him for everything. A gift with a special message and a handwritten note can go a long way.
A father is an important part of a girl’s life and he would love to be included in your big day. How are you involving your father in your wedding?
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