The traditional roles of the father of the bride include travelling to the wedding with the bride, walking the bride down the aisle, 'giving her away' at the altar and giving a father of the bride speech.
During the reception it is customary for the father of the bride to make a short speech, thanking the guests and those that have helped with the wedding planning, and talking a little about his daughter and new son-in-law. At the end of the speech the father of the bride usually proposes a toast to the happy couple.
Put succinctly, tradition states that the father of the bride is responsible for paying for the wedding.
Pay For The Wedding
Traditionally, the father of the bride is financially responsible for the wedding. Nowadays, that's not always the case, and that's okay. Sometimes the bride and groom will contribute, as well the parents of the groom.
Traditionally, the father of the bride gives the first speech at a wedding. But, of course, couples can choose any order they want speeches to take place in.
A traditional father of the bride speech includes a few key elements such as welcoming the guests, anecdotes and compliments about your daughter, a welcome to your new son-in-law or daughter-in-law, words of advice and a toast to the new couple.
Of course, it would be amazing to give your daughter thousands and thousands of dollars as a wedding gift, but not at the risk of making your own financial situation dire. Depending on their relationship with the bride, wedding guests typically give between $50 – $150 when making a monetary gift.
While it is traditional (although not obligatory) for the mother and father of the bride to receive a thank you gift from the newlyweds on the big day, a little memento from the bride's parents to their daughter is also becoming more popular.
Even though many modern couples are breaking wedding traditions left and right, one tradition is definitely sticking: parents paying for the wedding. To be fair, many couples do try to pay for some of the wedding, but it seems a hefty percentage is still being shelled out by both sides of the family.
Dads are often looking for a gift to bestow upon their beautiful daughters before they take the walk down the aisle. Often, fathers get a little special time with the bride before the ceremony begins, which is the perfect time to gift something special to their daughters.
An easy rule of thumb is to stay within the average range of $75 to $200, but you can adjust the exact amount based on your personal finances, as well as your relationship with the couple.
At the end of your father of the bride speech, you should congratulate the happy couple on a wonderful wedding, and express your confidence in their future happiness together. Traditionally, your closing should also contain some words of wisdom about life and marriage.
If you are including these, the order should go: father of the bride, groom, bride, bridesmaids/maid of honour, best man. But honestly, you can pick an order for your wedding speeches that works for you!
It is okay to read the father of the bride speech. No one is required to get a certificate in public speaking before giving wedding speeches, so it's fine to have notes as long as you have at least practiced beforehand.
Whoever is hosting the event should speak first and should take the microphone as soon as guests have found their seats. This first toast is most often made by the parents (or father) of the bride and should combine both a toast to the happy couple and a welcome message to the guests.
The father of the bride should traditionally thank guests for coming and participating in the wedding, thank anyone who has contributed to the cost of the wedding, compliments and praises the bride and welcomes the groom into the family and ends with a toast to the newlyweds.
Loving fathers who provide praise, support, and unconditional love give their daughters the gift of confidence and high self-esteem. Daughters who have these traits grow into happy, and successful adults. Even better, dads don't have to go to extraordinary lengths to make this happen.
For parents that do choose to contribute, it has been said that the bride's parents pay around 45%, whilst the groom's parents contribute 15%. But obviously this will change from wedding to wedding. You may find that other relatives, such as grandparents and aunts and uncles, want to contribute, too.
The parents of the bride are the hosts of the wedding, and the wedding weekend. The father of the bride and mother of the bride duties include welcoming guests when they arrive in town, and host events over the weekend. They may include a welcome dinner, round of golf, a spa day, and the post-wedding farewell brunch.
Dresses and Suits
The bride and groom are responsible for paying for what they will wear on the wedding day. Oftentimes the bride's mom will help pay for her dress and accessories. The groom should handle any costs associated with their suit.
Congratulations to our beautiful daughter on her big day! Wishing you all the best in life, that you may succeed in everything your heart desires, and that your love brings you joy and comfort no matter where life takes you. Congratulations, my dear, for finding your one true love.
Please stand with me and raise your glass to toast the happy couple. (Bride's name) has been the light of my life, and today I hand her over to (groom's name). I know he will love and cherish her every bit as much as I do. Here is a toast to a happy and healthy life full of endless love and laughter!
Wedding Blessing
Father God, I pray a blessing on Groom and Bride. Thank you for directing their paths toward each other. May their lives be examples of true love and commitment. Give each of them the heart of a servant, keeping the others' needs ahead of their own; in this way, both are satisfied.