Father of the Bride

A very kind reader reminded me that I have not addressed the father of the bride and his role towards the newly married couple. He is correct, I do often overlook the father of the bride and for that I am sorry. Fathers play a very important role in the wedding. Many times, the industry has reduced their role to signing checks and walking the bride down the aisle, but in reality, they do so much more than hand over money.

They are the stalwarts of the wedding planning process. When all seems to be stressed and running amok, the father of the bride often steps in and restores calm and order. I have seen fathers step up to the plate, calm an entire audience with a certain superior air and then hand the event back to the newly married couple as if this was something that he did everyday!

I have seen fathers calm their daughters and speak reason when reason had seemingly taken a hike. I have seen them hang flowers, drape balconies, climb ladders, light tiki torches, figure out the electrical system, and chase after wayward ring bearers. Fathers are the backbone of the family and as such carry on with a quiet but determined force that has everyone calm and back in order.

So why is it that when it comes time to say a few words to his daughter and her new husband, that many men shy away from this honor task? Please don't! Your toast to your daughter and new son-in-law set the tone for the reception, puts everyone at ease, gives thanks where thanks is due, and elevates you to beyond hero status in the eyes of your little girl. It will melt the heart of your wife, bring a tear to your parent's eye and remind yourself of just how fortunate you really are in this particular moment of time.

So when asked if you would like to say a few words to the new couple, stand up, proud and strong and speak from the heart. This is not a time for funny punch lines, making fun of anyone, or even worse, airing vendettas. This is the time to say thank you, God bless, and let the couple know that you are there to support and love them as they mature into marriage together. See how important you really are?