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Father of the Bride: Getting Him Involved

Dads represent the largest untapped resource an engaged couple could hope for: They are intimately familiar with the personalities involved and all father of the brides want to feel useful in their daughter’s wedding day.  Here are some tips to keeping him involved:

  • Need someone to check out limousine companies for that perfect stretch? Want to know if the hall you're considering is suitable for a large sit-down dinner? Dads are great at legwork. Give him a checklist and the names and addresses of businesses to review, and then send him on his way.
  • If a menial job threatens -- licking 200 envelopes, folding programs, transporting wedding favors -- ask Dad to help. He'll surprise you with his willingness to help, especially if you let him watch sports while he works.
  • Don't underestimate Dad's artistic coordination. He may offer the right balance of elegance and practicality when selecting everything from invitations to your groomsmen's gifts. Just because he can't explain why he likes -- or hates -- something doesn't mean he does not have good taste.
  • Brides, you and your dad have a big dance number to think about. Pre-wedding dance lessons can be a great break from planning stress. Just don't outdo your first-dance with your future hubby.
  • When you're suffering from pre-marriage cold-feet, your dad might be the perfect confidant. He’s been there. Instead of stressing about the "until death do us part", have a cup of coffee with your dad and soak up his wisdom.
  • No matter how much you try to get done before the day, you'll always be overwhelmed the day before your wedding. Enlist Dad to help with last-minute activities like confirming the number of guests with the caterer, calling your vendors to verify the time and place, and calming your mother.
  • At the wedding reception, ask your father to play wedding coordinator. Write up the event timeline beforehand and ask him to keep track of time. You'll be amazed how smoothly the reception flows, and he'll like having a position of responsibility on your big day.