Let Dad have a shining moment at your wedding. And follow these simple ways to show him you care.
Thanks to Colin Cowie for the wisdom and advice.
“With Father’s Day around the corner, I thought it’d be great to share all the ways you can show Dad you appreciate him, both on your wedding day and beyond. It’s easy for Dad, unlike Mom, to feel like the odd man out during wedding planning. He may not have as much of an opinion on décor, your dress or all those little things that need to be decided upon. However, this doesn’t mean the day is any less significant for him. In fact, many fathers get very emotional not only on their daughter’s wedding day, but in the months and weeks leading up to the big day.
Clearly one of most obvious ways to involve your dad at your wedding (trusting you have a great relationship with him) is for him to walk you down the aisle. It’s a significant ritual fathers and daughters have been celebrating for centuries, one that is always cherished. But there are other ways you might engage him in the process.
Here, four more ways to involve Dad in your wedding and show him how much you love him:
- Tap his expertise. Is Dad a wine lover? Perhaps he enjoys classical music, or is a great craftsman. Whatever his interest, find a way to incorporate his insight or advice into your big day. Bring him with you when choosing the wine for your wedding or ask his opinion on the wedding band. Reaching out to Dad and showing him how much you value his opinion will mean a lot.
- Let him surprise you. I know it’s hard to give up control, especially when it comes to your wedding day, but letting Dad pick the song for your father/daughter dance and keeping it a secret until the big day is a wonderful gesture. And you may be surprised at the song Dad picks. I’ve found that most dads spend a lot of time thinking about this and their daughters are always happily (sometimes tearfully) surprised and how sentimental Dad can be.
- Make him feel special. There are many ways you can do this, but one of my favorites is by pampering Dad. Send him for a professional shave, manicure and pedicure so Dad looks and feels his best. Or, buy him a great shirt and tie and add a pair of monogrammed cufflinks, so he feels polished and ready to shine.
- Say thank you. Sometimes, that’s all dads need to hear. Take the time before, during, or even after your wedding to take dad aside, give him a bug hug and tell him, “Thank you.”
As always…more to come!