Dads The Word: Father of the Bride Traditions
Of course, a wedding is a beautiful day for the couple, but let’s not forget about how momentous it is for the bride and groom’s parents.
As the father of the bride, there’s no feeling quite like seeing your little girl get married to the love of her life. And of course, you’re just as important to the ceremony as the groomsmen and bridesmaids.
Once upon a time, the role of the bride’s father was largely financial — responsible for covering the costs of the ceremony. Luckily for dads out there, traditions have since evolved! There are some wonderful father of the bride traditions that are a beautiful way to be a part of your daughter’s big day (and won’t break the bank). Let’s take a look.
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Before The Wedding
Give Permission
While we’ve definitely moved past the idea that women are property to be passed from father to husband, the act of asking a dad for his daughter’s hand in marriage is still a super sweet notion that many couples still uphold.
Potentially help out with the financial burden
Again, it’s not essential for dads to shoulder the cost of the wedding –– but if you’re in the position to help out, your daughter and her future spouse will surely be beyond grateful for any assistance.
Don’t forget though, that financial input doesn’t mean you can pressure them into planning the ceremony your way. It’s their day, after all!
Get to know the other half
Your daughter’s fiancé is going to be a part of your family for the rest of your life, so it’s a great idea to clock some quality time with them before the wedding. And a great way to do that is by attending the stag do!
Perhaps you’ll only go for a couple of drinks at the beginning of the night, but it’s important to get to know the groomsmen and show your support and approval.
Choose attire that goes with the celebration
Selecting an outfit for the big day is one of the most exciting things in the lead-up to a wedding: embrace it, rather than seeing it as a chore. Even if you’re not typically interested in fashion, a wedding is a perfect opportunity to push the boat out and wear something you’d never have the chance to.
Channel your inner James Bond and opt for a tux if it’s a black-tie wedding, or crack out the white linen for a ceremony on the beach. A Tweed three piece suit is always a timeless option –– and one you can continue wearing for years after the wedding.
During the ceremony
The father-daughter first look
Before a bride walks down the aisle, the father-daughter first look really kicks off the ceremony.
Dads are one of a girls first loves — the first to hold her hand, to teach her how to ride a bike, to wipe away her tears. Why shouldn’t he be one of the first to see her in her wedding dress? Father-daughter first look is exactly as it sounds. It involves the father of the bride getting a first look at his daughter in her dress before the ceremony. It’s an opportunity for the bride to express her love and gratitude to her father, and for the father to express his love and pride for his daughter. And, it’s a great photo opportunity.
Walk her down the aisle
Though some brides don’t like the idea of being “given away”, it’s still a lovely tradition to walk your daughter down the aisle.
Remember to go slow, savor the moment, and allow the photographer to get some good shots.
Give a speech
Both fathers of the wedded couple traditionally say a few words during the speech section of the evening.
This is your opportunity to welcome your daughter’s partner as a new member of the family, tell everyone how happy and proud you are, and raise your glass to the happy couple. Slip in a couple of dad jokes, too, of course! The more groans the better.
Father/daughter dance
Before the wedding, it’s important to find the perfect song for you to dance to –– you want to be comfortable up there!
Think about the theme of the wedding and your relationship with your daughter. Don’t be afraid to go with something uptempo, quirky, and fun.
Looking for the perfect suit to wear to your daughter’s wedding? As we said, tweed is the obvious choice –– the perfect blend of vintage and modern. Take a look at Tweedmaker’s range of three-piece suits for inspiration!
