5 Ways to Honor Your Dad at Your Wedding

We’re heading into Father’s Day weekend, so we can’t think of a better time to acknowledge all of the dads out there. Fathers have traditionally played an important role in weddings, from footing some (or all) of the bill, to giving the bride away, to toasting the happy couple at the reception. Sometimes, they’re even the groom! Whatever the case, they deserve our appreciation and recognition for all they do.

Here are five of our favorite ways to honor your dad(s) on the wedding day:

1. Borrow something from him as your “something old.” Traditionally, brides borrow jewelry from female relatives for this tradition, but there’s no rule saying that brides and grooms can’t borrow something from their fathers instead. You can just as easily secure your dad’s favorite tie pin to your bouquet as you could a cameo, for example, or grooms can carry or wear a favorite watch.

2. Let him choose the father-daughter dance song. This dance is often emotional for both the father and bride, and allowing your dad to choose the song can make it more so. But if your dad isn’t the sentimental type, that’s okay too. Just let him pick the song that he thinks best represents the two of you. For a fun touch, let him surprise you with it!

3. Give him a gift. This is a tried and true way to thank anyone important to you at your wedding. Consider giving your father an embroidered handkerchief, special cufflinks reading “Father of the Bride” or “Father of the Groom,” or a framed photo of the two of you, maybe one that includes a picture of you when you were younger and one left open to be filled with a photo from the wedding day.

4. Spend a few minutes together before the ceremony. Often, the wedding day flies by so quickly that you don’t get to say or do the things you planned. Arrange for five minutes alone with your father. You could even have it be a “first sighting” photo where he first sees you in your wedding attire. Then take those five minutes with him and tell him how thankful you are that he’s there to celebrate with you.

5. Write a poem or speech for him. If your father doesn’t mind having attention focused on him, take time during the reception to give a toast or speech in his honor. For the creative types out there, writing a song or poem dedicated to him is also a lovely touch.