Dad's Big Day: Making Him Feel Special At Your Wedding

There are many ways to make your dad feel special at your wedding. One way is to involve him in the wedding planning, such as by asking him to share memories of his wedding day and incorporating his suggestions into your wedding. You could also give him a special role in the ceremony, such as reading a scripture, poem, or a line from his favourite movie. Another idea is to organise a first look with your dad, where he sees you in your dress before the ceremony. You could also surprise him with a heartfelt, handwritten letter, or give him a call if you're not able to be there in person.

Involve him in the wedding planning

Involving your dad in the wedding planning is a great way to make him feel special. While he may not be your go-to for choosing colour schemes or floral arrangements, you can tap into his talents in other ways. Here are some ideas to include your dad in the wedding planning process:

Building and Budgeting

If your dad is a handyman or a whiz with numbers, consider getting him on board with building a DIY backdrop or creating a budget spreadsheet. He'll appreciate being included and it's a great way to bond before the big day.

Food and Drink

If your dad is a foodie, bring him along to menu tastings. You could also serve his signature drink at the wedding—whether it's a particular beer, a late-night glass of whisky, or a cheeky cocktail. You could even name a specialty cocktail after him!

Transportation

Travelling to the ceremony together is a great way to calm your nerves and spend some quality time with your dad before the wedding. He can offer reassurance and wise words of advice, and maybe even a dad joke or two!

First Look

Organise a "first look" with your dad. This is a great way to capture his reaction when he sees you in your wedding dress for the first time. It's an emotional moment that you'll both cherish forever.

Gifts and Letters

Surprise your dad with a heartfelt, handwritten letter on the morning of the wedding. Include your favourite memories, things you love about him, and how he's shaped you into the person you are today. You could also give him a special gift, like a boutonniere or a father-of-the-bride gift with a personalised message.

Organise a father-daughter first look

Organising a father-daughter first look is a wonderful way to make your dad feel special on your wedding day. It's a chance to capture the look on his face when he sees his daughter dressed up and ready to walk down the aisle. Here are some tips to make this moment extra special:

Set Aside Time for the First Look

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and preparations of the big day, but it's important to schedule a dedicated moment for the father-daughter first look. Ask your wedding planner or photographer to allocate around 15 minutes for this special moment. This will allow you to relax and savour the experience before the wedding begins. It's also a longstanding tradition for the father and bride to share a private moment before the ceremony, which can be incredibly meaningful.

Choose a Meaningful Location

Consider selecting a location that holds significance for your first look. This could be your favourite hotel, a beautiful room, or even your family's home. A meaningful location will add to the emotion and symbolism of the moment. Additionally, opt for a spot with plenty of natural light to enhance your photographs.

Prepare Dad in Advance

To ensure Dad is ready for the first look, it's a good idea to have him dressed for the wedding before you are. This way, he'll look formal and well-prepared for the photographs. You can even have him waiting at the bottom of the stairs as you make your grand entrance.

Involve Your Photographer

To capture the magic of the moment, ensure your photographer is close by and ready to capture the interaction. They can provide guidance on the best locations and angles to capture the perfect shot. Consider sharing your plans with them in advance so they can help you create a priceless photo.

Make it a Private Moment

While it's tempting to have your bridesmaids or a large audience present, an intimate moment between you and your dad can often lead to more authentic emotions and reactions. This private setting will allow you both to be fully present and savour the experience without distractions.

Embrace the Candid Moments

Your wedding day is filled with countless special moments, both big and small. By planning a father-daughter first look, you create an opportunity for natural interactions and candid memories to be captured. This is your chance to connect honestly and meaningfully with your dad before the ceremony.

Give him a heartfelt, handwritten letter

A heartfelt, handwritten letter to your dad on the morning of your wedding is a wonderful way to make him feel special and loved. It will be a cherished keepsake for him to look back on and remember your big day. Here are some ideas to make your letter extra meaningful:

Share your favourite memories

Think back to all the special moments you've shared with your dad over the years. It could be your first game of catch, the time he helped you move into your college dorm, or any other memory that holds a special place in your heart. Write about how those moments made you feel and why they are important to you. For example, you could write something like, "Dad, I'll always remember our father-daughter trips to the lake. Teaching me how to fish and telling me stories as we waited for a bite—those are some of my happiest memories, and I'll always treasure them."

Express your gratitude

Let your dad know how much you appreciate everything he's done for you. From the little things to the big sacrifices, acknowledge the ways he has supported you and been there for you throughout your life. You could say something like, "Thank you for always being there for me, whether it was helping me with my homework or offering a shoulder to cry on during my first breakup. Your love and guidance have meant the world to me, and I am forever grateful."

Share the life lessons you've learned from him

Think about the values and lessons your dad has instilled in you and how they have shaped you into the person you are today. It could be his work ethic, his sense of humour, or his ability to always make you feel loved and supported. Let him know that you admire these qualities in him and that you strive to embody them in your own life. For instance, you could write, "I admire your unwavering integrity and the way you always treat people with kindness and respect. You've taught me the importance of leading with empathy, and I strive to live my life by that example every day."

Tell him how much you love and admire him

Don't hold back on expressing your love and admiration for your dad. Tell him how much he means to you and how he has impacted your life. You could write something like, "I love you, Dad, and I am so proud to be your daughter. You are the standard by which I measure all other men, and I feel incredibly blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for being the best dad I could ever ask for."

Include a special photo or memento

Consider including a favourite photo of you and your dad in the letter, or use a piece of stationery that holds a special meaning. For example, you could write your letter on the back of a photograph, or use a piece of stationery that matches your wedding theme. Another idea is to spritz the letter with your favourite perfume or a scent that reminds you of him. These small touches will make the letter even more personal and heartfelt.

Include him in the ceremony

There are many ways to include your dad in the ceremony and make him feel special on your wedding day. Here are some ideas to consider:

Involve him in the planning

Although your dad might not be your go-to for choosing colour schemes or floral arrangements, you can tap into his talents in other ways. If he's handy, ask him to help build a DIY backdrop. Or, if he's good with numbers, get him to create a budget spreadsheet. You could even invite him to attend menu tastings with you. He'll secretly love being asked for help and being included in the wedding prep.

Invite him to read during the ceremony

If your dad loves public speaking, ask him to read a scripture, poem, or a line from his favourite movie during the ceremony. This is a great way to include him and make him feel valued.

Thank him in the ceremony programme

Give your dad a special mention in the ceremony programme. You could use the final page, which is usually reserved for thank-yous, to show your gratitude. You could even include some of his words of wisdom in a flowery script to make it extra sentimental.

Walk down the aisle together

Ask your dad to take your arm as you walk down the aisle. This is a traditional way to include your dad in the ceremony, but it's a classic for a reason. He'll help to calm your nerves, and it will be a special moment for both of you.

Father-daughter/Father-son first look

Organise a 'first look' with your dad before the ceremony. This is a great way to include him in a non-traditional way and will give your photographer the opportunity to capture an emotional moment for you both to cherish.

Father-daughter/Father-son dance

The father-daughter dance is a timeless tradition worth honouring. Make it memorable by choosing a sentimental song or taking dance lessons together beforehand. You could even choreograph a fun, upbeat number to bring smiles to your guests' faces.

Create a signature cocktail or dish named after him

There are many ways to make your dad feel special at your wedding, and creating a signature cocktail or dish named after him is a great idea! Here are some tips to help you create a memorable and meaningful tribute to your dad:

Choose a meaningful name

Involve your dad in the process by asking him about his favourite drinks or dishes. You could also consider incorporating his name or nickname into the signature item's name. For example, if your dad's name is John, you could create a fun play on words like "John-ito" for a margarita or "John Collins" for a gin-based cocktail. If your dad has a favourite movie, book, or song, you can incorporate that into the name as well.

Incorporate his favourite flavours or ingredients

Think about your dad's favourite flavours and try to incorporate them into the cocktail or dish. If he has a sweet tooth, you might want to go for a dessert-inspired cocktail or create a unique dessert dish named after him. You could also include ingredients that hold a special meaning for him, such as local ingredients from his hometown or a type of alcohol he enjoys.

Make it personal

Add a special touch by including a handwritten note or sign with the cocktail or dish, explaining the significance of the item and why it is named after your dad. You could also include a fun illustration or caricature of your dad, or use colours that he likes.

Plan a tasting session

Organise a tasting session with your dad before the wedding to perfect the cocktail or dish. This will not only ensure that the item tastes amazing but will also give you an opportunity to bond and create special memories with your dad before the big day.

Offer it as a surprise

Surprise your dad by offering the signature cocktail or dish as a special treat during the reception. You can even create a mocktail version for him to enjoy during the toast, if he prefers non-alcoholic drinks.

Make it a feature

Display the signature cocktail or dish prominently at the reception. You could create a special sign or menu card that explains the significance of the item and invites guests to enjoy a taste of your dad's favourite flavours. This will not only make your dad feel special but will also add a unique and personal touch to your wedding.

Creating a signature cocktail or dish named after your dad is a wonderful way to honour him and show how much you care. It will not only create a memorable experience for your dad but will also be a fun and delicious surprise for your wedding guests!

Frequently asked questions