The Father’s Wedding Responsibilities
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As a father, your first instinct is always to help your child. That’s no different once they get engaged. Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking, and you’ll witness your child feeling stressed and overwhelmed at times. If you want to ease their burden, you can learn more about the father’s wedding responsibilities below.
CONTRIBUTING TO Planning & the budget
Both the parents of the groom and the bride can contribute to the wedding budget. Sit down with the couple to discuss if there’s a specific dollar amount you’re willing to contribute or if you’re willing to pay for a specific service like the flowers or wedding dress. Typically, the Father of the Groom pays for the rehearsal dinner, and the Father of the Bride contributes to the wedding day. Both sets of fathers can offer to research venues, reserve hotel blocks, and should help play host at the reception by greeting guests.
Don’t forget to pick out your suit or tux with help from our Men’s Formalwear pros! You can go shopping with the couple, or use their guidelines on color and style to select your attire on your own.
HELP WITH THE GUESTLIST
You are also expected to create your own guest list. There are certain people you’ll want to invite – your aunt, boss, or best friend. While there’s no guarantee that your child will include these guests in their final guest list, it’s customary for you to present them with a list to consider. Once the final guest list has been solidified and the RSVP deadline has passed, call any of your guests who didn’t respond. Make sure to play your part as host by greeting all the guests at the wedding reception!
Twenty Two Photography
PREPARE A TOAST
It’s customary for the Father of the Groom to give a toast at the Rehearsal Dinner, and the Father of the Bride to deliver a toast at the Wedding Reception. If the couple gives you the green light, prepare a three- to five-minute speech. Haven’t written a speech before? No biggie! Use these Tips for Writing Your Toast.
ESCORT AND DANCE
During the ceremony, it’s a tradition for the Father of the Bride to escort the Bride down the aisle. This special walk requires extra practice, so don’t skip it during the Rehearsal. At the Wedding Reception, the Father of the Bride joins his daughter on the dance floor for a special Father-Daughter dance. While some Brides may surprise you with a song choice, it’s not a bad idea to select the song together. That way, you can practice your dance moves (or learn some new ones) before your big moment. These are some of the most important of the father’s wedding responsibilities – make sure to enjoy every second (and wear some comfortable shoes)!
Chris Smanto Photography
You should also be available to help make decisions if the couple needs advice. As you’re probably used to, they might not take your advice. Don’t doubt that they still appreciate your help. They rely on you for constant support and undying love, so offer it in abundance.
