Make Your Daughter's Wedding Day Extra Special

There are many ways to make your daughter's wedding day special, from thoughtful gifts to meaningful roles in the ceremony. Here are some ideas to make the day memorable:

- Give her a heartfelt gift, such as a piece of jewellery, a sentimental card, or a family heirloom.

- Include her in the wedding rituals, such as a sand or salt pouring ritual, a hand-fasting ritual, or a ring blessing.

- Have her do a reading or prayer during the ceremony, or perform if she loves to sing or play an instrument.

- Walk up or down the aisle with her, sharing this special moment and creating lasting memories.

- Stand beside you during your vows, with your daughter as a maid of honour or best man.

- Ask her to give a speech, a wonderful opportunity for her to shine and share her thoughts on the occasion.

- Exchange vows with her, promising to cherish, love, and protect her as you embark on this new chapter together.

- Coordinate your wedding ensembles, from matching shades to complementary accessories, creating a unified family look.

- Involve her in the unity ceremony, such as a family blessing or a fun activity like a family painting.

- Make her feel part of the bridal party, inviting her to pre-wedding events and including her in the wedding preparations.

Include her in the wedding ceremony

Including your daughter in the wedding ceremony is a great way to make her feel special on your big day. Here are some ideas to help you achieve that:

Involve her in the planning process

Get your daughter involved in some of the wedding plans. This could be anything from letting her help choose flowers or linen colours to picking out your jewellery or accessories together. She could also be involved in choosing her own dress, especially if she is going to be a junior bridesmaid. If she is old enough, you could even ask her opinion on your wedding dress!

Give her a role in the ceremony

Depending on her age, your daughter could have a special role in the ceremony, such as being a flower girl, junior bridesmaid, or ring bearer. She could also sign the register as a witness, or hold your vow cards when it comes time to exchange vows. If you are having a unity candle ceremony, she could light a candle, or if you are doing a sand ceremony, she could pour sand into a vase along with you and your partner.

Include her in your vows

You could mention your daughter in your vows, or even say some short vows directly to her. You could also give her a gift, such as a piece of jewellery, during the ceremony.

Walk with her

Including your daughter in the ceremony can be as simple as walking hand in hand up or down the aisle together. If she is very young, you could walk with her, or she could walk with a bridesmaid or another family member.

Let her perform

If your daughter loves to sing or play a musical instrument, she could perform during the ceremony. She could also do a reading, either on her own or with a family member.

Have a family dance

Save a special dance for your daughter, or have her join you at the end of your first dance. You could also have a second dance with just you, your partner, and your daughter.

Remember, it's important to consider your daughter's age, personality, and confidence levels when deciding how to include her in the ceremony. Be prepared to improvise, as kids sometimes have a way of throwing a spanner in the works!

Give her a thoughtful gift

Giving your daughter a thoughtful gift is a great way to make her wedding day extra special. Here are some ideas for gifts that are not only special but also show your love and support:

Letters to My Daughter Notebook

This gift idea tops the list of sentimental presents. Throughout your daughter's engagement, you can write down memories, advice, and messages of love in this notebook. You can choose from seven fabric binding colors and personalize the cover with your daughter's name. This will be a sweet souvenir that she will cherish forever.

Interlocking Loops Necklace

You can't go wrong with fine jewelry as a wedding gift for your daughter. This necklace features two interlocking loops, one made of sterling silver and the other of gold vermeil. It beautifully represents the bond between a parent and child, as well as the union of two families. Your daughter will surely reach for this symbolic necklace on her wedding day or any other special occasion.

Personalized Wall Art

You can gift your daughter a piece of handmade artwork that symbolizes her growing family. This steel wall art is welded to look like two trees growing together, with a budding apple symbolizing the couple's choice of each other. You can add the newlyweds' names and their marriage date to make it even more special.

Gold Heart Earrings

Even if your daughter has already chosen her wedding jewelry, you can still gift her some pretty baubles as a token of your love. These dainty gold heart earrings are simple yet chic. She can wear them alone or stack them with other studs for a layered look. These earrings will remind her of your love whenever she wears them.

Date Night Subscription Box

Just because your daughter is getting married doesn't mean date nights are over. The Adventure Box Subscription provides a creative and fun way to keep the spark alive. Each month, your daughter and her spouse will receive everything they need for a fun and interactive date night, such as making a memory box or learning a new skill together. It's a thoughtful gift that will help them create romantic memories.

Illustrated Couple Portrait

You can commemorate your daughter's wedding day with a cute caricature of her and her partner. These illustrations can include up to 10 additional figures, such as family members or pets. You can also add icons to symbolize the ceremony decor and personalize it with the newlyweds' names, wedding date, and a wooden frame. It will be a fun and unique keepsake for your daughter.

Write a heartfelt card

Writing a heartfelt card to your daughter on her wedding day is a beautiful way to express your emotions and let her know how proud you are of her. Here are some ideas to help you craft a meaningful message:

Begin with a Warm Salutation

Address your daughter by name to make the card more intimate and personal. This simple act will make her feel special and loved.

Express Your Love and Emotions

Start the card by telling your daughter how much she means to you and how proud you are of the person she has become. It's okay to be emotional and let your feelings flow. You can write about how you felt when she was born, the joy she has brought into your life, and how you admire the person she has become. You can also mention how privileged you feel to be her parent and how grateful you are to be a part of her big day.

Acknowledge the Significance of the Day

Mention that her wedding day is not just a celebration but also a new beginning in her life. Recognise the importance of this milestone and how it will impact her future. You can also reflect on how you felt when you first heard the news of her engagement and how that feeling has only grown stronger as the wedding day arrived.

Offer Your Blessings and Well Wishes

Wish your daughter a lifetime filled with love, happiness, and all the good things in life. Offer your blessings for a strong and enduring marriage. Let her know that you are excited about her future with her partner and that you are confident in their love.

Share a Personal Memory or Impart Advice

Recall a special moment from your daughter's childhood or teenage years. You can write about teaching her to ride a bike, dropping her off at school dances, or any other cherished memory. Alternatively, you can offer words of wisdom based on your own marital experience. Share the lessons you've learned, the challenges you've faced, and how you've navigated them.

Mention Her Partner

Express your excitement and happiness about your daughter's union with her partner. Welcome them into the family and let them know that you support their relationship. You can also mention their unique qualities and how well they complement each other.

Conclude with More Love and Well Wishes

Reiterate your love and support for your daughter as she embarks on this new phase of her life. Let her know that you will always be there for her and that your heart is with her on this important day.

Remember, it's okay to speak from the heart and be creative. You can include a quote from her favourite film, write a letter, or even add a touch of humour to your message. The most important thing is to let your daughter know how much you love and support her.

Involve her in wedding preparations

Involving your daughter in her wedding preparations is a great way to make the day extra special for her and for you. Here are some ideas to make that happen:

Planning and Preparation

In the lead-up to the wedding, there are lots of opportunities to involve your daughter. If she wants you to be part of the planning process, you can help her to pick out her dress, choose the flowers, select the menu, and decide on the music. You could also offer to host an engagement party or a post-wedding brunch. If your daughter is writing her own vows, you could ask her if she would like any input or suggestions from you.

The Ceremony

There are many ways to involve your daughter in the ceremony itself. If you want to be part of the processional, you could walk her down the aisle, or she might prefer to walk with another family member or her partner. You could also escort her to the altar, where you can share a greeting, such as a hug or a handshake. If your daughter is being joined by children, you could walk with them too.

Readings and Rituals

If your daughter is planning to include any rituals or readings in the ceremony, you can get involved here too. You could be asked to hold the wedding rings, sign the marriage license, or take part in unity ceremonies, such as lighting a unity candle or presenting your daughter with a rose. If your daughter is having any readings, you could offer to recite one, or even write one yourself.

The Reception

At the reception, your daughter might want you to make a speech. You could also be part of the receiving line, where you can greet and thank guests as they arrive. If your daughter is planning any activities or games, you could offer to help set them up or join in.

Remember, it's important to talk to your daughter about how she envisions her wedding day and respect her wishes, even if they don't involve you as much as you would like. It's her special day, and your support and understanding will mean a lot to her.

Take family photos

Taking family photos is an important part of your daughter's wedding day. These photos will be treasured mementos for years to come, so it's worth putting some thought into how to make them special. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this special occasion:

Planning and Preparation:

• Work with your daughter and her partner to create a family photo list. Include different combinations of family members, such as the couple with both sets of parents, the couple with each set of parents separately, the couple with siblings, and extended family members if desired.
• Ask your daughter and her partner to provide the names and relationships of each family member to be included in the photos. This will help the photographer call out names and move things along smoothly.
• Consider the dynamics of your daughter's family. If there are any delicate relationships or divorced parents, communicate this to the photographer so they can be sensitive to these situations.
• Discuss the timing of the family photos with the photographer. They usually happen after the ceremony when all family members are present, but you can also consider taking some photos before the ceremony to capture the pre-wedding butterflies and candid moments.
• If your daughter's family is large, consider starting with the largest groups and working down. This will help prevent people from having to wait too long and ensure a smooth flow.
• If possible, scout the venue in advance to choose photogenic backdrops for the family photos.

On the Wedding Day:

• Designate a family member or friend to help organise and gather family members for the photos. This will ensure that everyone is present and save your daughter and her partner the stress of coordinating.
• Start with the immediate family photos first, and then work through the extended family combinations. This will help to keep things organised and ensure that the most important photos are captured.
• If there are young children involved, consider having them walk down the aisle with a bridesmaid or family member. This will provide support and prevent shy or tired children from becoming overwhelmed.
• For preschool-aged children, consider including them in the wedding party or having them stand by the couple during the ceremony. These moments often result in adorable candid photos.
• If your daughter has a special relationship with a grandparent or another family member, make sure the photographer is aware so they can capture these precious moments throughout the day.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. The photographer and the designated organiser can work together to ensure that the family photos run smoothly and efficiently.

Frequently asked questions