Need ways to include your dad in your wedding? This is the post for you.
I think we can all agree that dads may vary in their interest with their kid’s weddings. Some dads are all about it. They want to attend the pre-wedding events. They know what the plan is. Perhaps they are offering advice, footing the bill, and inserting themselves whenever they get the chance. Other dads are very hands off. They don’t know what’s going on, and they don’t really want to know. Both dads are great, if you ask me, and all the ones in between.
The thing is, no matter how involved your dad may want to be in your wedding, there are just certain things that are more dad-appropriate than other things. Maybe you want to corral your dad to do just these things. Or, you want your dad to show more interest, and want to entice him to participate and aren’t sure how. This post can help you with both scenarios.
14 Ways To Include Your Dad In Your Wedding
This post will go over fourteen ways to include your dad in your wedding. It will have suggestions on pre-wedding events and planning that may appeal to him. It will also suggest ways that he can be involved during your wedding, in direct and indirect ways. Go over some of these ideas with your dad and see what appeals to him. Chances are, he will appreciate you looking into including him and will enjoy the effort you take to see what he wants to be involved in.
Let’s get into it!
1. ASK YOUR DAD TO BUILD SOMETHING FOR THE WEDDING
This way to include your dad in your wedding comes first because it may be the longest and most involved way to include him of them all.
Asking your dad, if he’s handy, to build something for your wedding, can be a great way to include him. Not only does it give him a project, but he will likely feel honored that something he creates will be at your wedding. It can be elaborate, or it can be simple, depending on how skilled your dad is. There may even be kits available for items such as an arbor, boxes for your centerpieces, or any structures you think would look good at your wedding.
2. MAKE YOUR DAD A GROOMSMAN
I’ve seen this done before, and I think it’s super sweet.
If you are close with your dad, or if your fiancé is close with his dad, think about asking dad to be a groomsman. There is no rule saying that you can’t make this happen. This is a wonderful way to include a dad by giving him a specific role in the wedding, without creating too much pressure. Some dads would be super honored just to be asked.
3. BRING YOUR DAD ALONG WHEN THE GROOM PICKS OUT HIS OUTFIT
If you are the groom in your wedding, or if your fiancé is a groom, think about asking dad to come along when the groom’s suit is picked out.
Now, of course, picking out a suit isn’t as involved as choosing a wedding gown. Not by a long shot. Many suits are rented, or they are fairly basic with the accessories. However, still, it’s a momentous occasion when one picks out their wedding outfits. Plus, dad may want to wear something similar.
4. ASK YOUR DAD TO JOIN THE GROOM THE MORNING OF THE WEDDING
This is such an easy way to include your dad in your wedding. Just invite him to join the groom the morning of the wedding.
What does this look like, exactly? Well, some grooms like to make the morning of their wedding day something special. They may go get a close shave, or do something fun with their friends. Some grooms like to go to breakfast and relax before getting ready. Others like to just hang out. No matter what the groom is feeling, see if dad wants to tag along for part of it. It can be a total “guy thing” and a way for the groom to bond with his dad or future father-in-law.
5. WRITE YOUR DAD A LETTER
Think your dad won’t want to be super included in your wedding? Why not just write him a letter?
This is a simple act, but it can be really sweet. Letters from a bride or groom on their wedding day to their parents are not something to just brush off. The letters become something worth saving, worth reading again later on in life. Not sure what to write? Honestly, turn to the internet. There are tons of examples and suggestions for what to write to your dad on your wedding day.
6. DO A FIRST LOOK WITH YOUR DAD
You all know I’m a big fan of first looks between the couple getting married. That said, first looks can be fun when you include other people associated with the wedding. Including your dad.
So, do a first look with him. This is a little more exciting when it’s a bride showing off her gown to her dad, but there’s no rule that a groom can’t have a first look with his dad. You do you. To do this, all you need to do is get totally ready and then go see your dad. It’s nice if a camera is there to capture the moment, but if you want it to be private that’s fine, too. Chances are dad will feel the feels when he sees you.
7. HAVE YOUR DAD WALK YOU DOWN THE AISLE
Of all the ways to include your dad in your wedding, this is by far the most common. Dads walking their daughters (or sons) down the aisle has been done for centuries and is an incredibly common wedding tradition.
Arranging this is simple. Just make sure your dad is okay with walking you down the aisle, and then practice at your rehearsal. There may be some words included in the act when you reach the end of the aisle, or there may not be, depending on the type of ceremony you’re having.
8. ASK YOUR DAD TO OFFICIATE
Just as with seeing dads act as groomsmen, I’ve seen dads officiate weddings, too. It’s super sweet, and creates a familial intimacy with the ceremony.
As you may know, it’s pretty easy to become ordained online. And, it’s free. A simple search can bring you to the right place. When it comes to the ceremony, work with your dad on what to say, and practice if you want. Remember, there will be some paperwork after the ceremony, so if your dad isn’t great with paperwork you may need to research what is required and make it happen. Still, this is a great way to include your dad in your wedding.
9. GET YOUR DAD TO DO THE WELCOME SPEECH
Did you know that most weddings have a welcome speech? Well, most weddings have multiple speeches, but often the first one is more focused on thanking everyone for being there and then talking about the couple.
Often, parents of the couple getting married are the ones to do the speeches. Rather than just have your dad say a few words at some point, have him actually do the welcome speech. This will, in a way, force him to pay attention to who is at the wedding and what’s going on with the wedding. If he’s at all comfortable with public speaking, this may be an honor for him.
10. HAVE A DANCE WITH YOUR DAD
Having a dance with your dad is a tried-and-true wedding tradition, and one that I wish I could have done with my dad. BTW, you can learn more about the reason my dad wasn’t at my wedding here.
Of course, a dance with your dad can be simple. Slow. With a song you are both comfortable with. Or, if you are both gifted dancers, you can mix it up. Do some choreography. Incorporate multiple songs and have a lot of fun with it. In either case it’s going to be a special moment with your dad.
11. SERVE YOUR DAD’S FAVORITE DRINK OR DESSERT
Maybe your dad isn’t one for the spotlight. Perhaps he likes to be included, involved, or just there, without all eyes on him.
If so, serving a drink or dessert that resonates with your dad is a fantastic way to include him. All you have to do is think about what he likes. Or, just ask him. And then work it into the menu. No one needs to know it’s a nod to your old man. However, you can also name the drink after him, or leave a little sign close to the dessert letting guests know your inspiration. This can be as involved, or not, as everyone is comfortable with.
12. PLAY SOME OF YOUR DAD’S FAVORITE SONGS
I don’t know about you, but certain songs remind me of my dad. They are just his tunes.
Just as with a drink or dessert, you can include your dad in your wedding with music. Perhaps he likes classic rock and you make sure the DJ has some great songs on the playlist. Or, you enter into your ceremony while an orchestral version of one of your dad’s favorite songs plays. He can also pick the song that the two of you dance to, if you’re doing a dance. Once again, this way to include your dad is easy, low maintenance, and sure to please him.
13. TOAST YOUR DAD WHEN YOU GIVE A SPEECH
Remember when I said that speeches were common at weddings? Chances are that you, or your new spouse, will give one at some point.
While you’re at it, toast to your dad.
Yes, eyes will be on him at that point in time. But, it’s okay. It’ll only be for a second. And then eyes will be back on the speaker. A gentle acknowledgement or appreciation will go a long way. Plus, there’s very little expectation on your dad for this way to include him. All he has to do is be gracious when mentioned.
14. GIVE YOUR DAD A GIFT
Last way to include your dad in your wedding! Give him a gift.
Now, a gift can be subjective. It doesn’t have to be expensive. It doesn’t have to be sappy. A gift, from you, to your dad, on your wedding day, will inheritably hold sentimental value. Just think about what he likes, what he will use, or what he will display, and go with it. Then find a moment on your wedding day to give it to him. It will be sweet, and it will make him feel included.
THOUGHTS ON HOW TO INCLUDE YOUR DAD IN YOUR WEDDING
Friends, there are so many ways to include your dad in your wedding. From giving him projects, to having him in your wedding party, or giving speeches, he can be super involved or more low-key. It’s totally okay to have moments with your dad that are private, or gentle nods to him in your wedding. The key is to make your methods work for both of you. Happy wedding planning!
More On Family At Your Wedding From Hummingbird Wedding Advice
11 Ways To Include Your Future Mother In Law In Your Wedding
Dress Planning Tips For The Mother of the Bride (or Groom!)
How To Ask Your Partner’s Parents For Their Blessing To Get Married
Did you find this post helpful, inspiring? PIN it to your Wedding Planning Board on Pinterest!
Leave a Reply