8 Special Ways to Include Your Dad in Your Wedding!

It’s no secret that weddings can be an emotional time for the father of the bride – after all, this is the first guy who ever loved you! So, in celebration of Father’s Day, we wanted to share some thoughtful ways to make your dad feel extra special both before and during the big day.

From getting him on board with DIY projects to serving his signature drink, keep reading for 8 of our favourite ideas to involve your dad in your wedding below.

Image via Ivy Road Photography

Include him in the wedding planning

While he might not be your go-to guy when it comes to choosing napkin colours or floral arrangements, you can still tap into your dad’s talents in other ways for your upcoming wedding.

For example – is he a bit of a handyman, a whiz with numbers, or a serious foodie? Consider getting your dad on board with building a DIY backdrop, creating a budget spreadsheet, or attending your menu tastings. Whether he admits it or not, your dad will secretly love the fact that you’re asking him for help and including him in the wedding prep.

Organise a father-daughter first look

Father-daughter “first look” photos get us right in the feels, every time! Ask your wedding photographer to capture a candid shot of your dad’s reaction when he sees you in your dress on the morning of your wedding. Trust us – this a moment you’ll both want to remember and look back on after the day.

Image via Matt Officen

Serve up his signature drink

Does your dad have a signature drink? Maybe he’s known for his love of a particular beer, late-night glass of whisky, or cheeky cocktail. Whatever it might be, dedicate a drink to your dad on your wedding bar menu (and make sure you steal him away for a cheers during the night, too).

Gift him a boutonniere

Boutonnieres aren’t just for the groomsmen! Surprise your dad with a boutonniere from your florist to signify him as an important member of your bridal party. To make the moment extra special, be the one to attach it to his lapel on the morning of your wedding.

We also love this idea for grandads, step-dads, future father-in-laws, brothers, or any of the other special men in your life.

Image via Mad Rose

Travel to your ceremony together

When your nerves are at an all-time high, some last-minute reassurance and wise words of advice from your dad might just be exactly what you need.

Travel to your ceremony together (in style, of course) to stay cool, calm and collected in those final moments before walking down the aisle. Because what could be a better way to settle those pre-ceremony jitters, than with a good old dad joke or two?

Write him a letter

Surprise your dad with a heartfelt, handwritten letter on the morning of your wedding to say thanks for everything he’s done. You can include your favourite memories together, things you love about him, life lessons learned, and the different ways he’s shaped you into the person you are today. Just make sure you guys have some tissues at the ready – this one could get teary!

Image via Pineapple Images

Image via Nathan Lapham

Hold a memento

If your dad can’t be with you on your wedding day, keep a memento from him close to your heart throughout the celebration. We love the idea of adding a personal keepsake like a handkerchief, cufflinks or even a photo to your bouquet before you walk down the aisle, so you can still share this beautiful moment together.

Share a father-daughter dance

We think this timeless tradition is definitely one worth honouring. Make your father-daughter dance even more memorable by choosing a sentimental song that holds a special meaning to you both, or even sharing dance lessons before the day. Don’t forget to ask your photographer or videographer to capture the moment, so you can look back on it for a lifetime!

Image via Mad Rose