The Sad But Momentous Day for the Father of the Bride!

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For the father of the bride, the wedding day is typically a day of mixed emotions. On one hand, there is pride and joy at the fact that his beloved daughter is getting married to someone she loves. At the same time, it is mixed with the sadness that comes with the realization that his daughter has grown up and is no longer daddy's little girl.

One of the most important things that the father of the bride does on the wedding day is to give away the bride. As per custom, once the congregation has been seated, the bride is escorted down the aisle by her father while the groom waits for them at the altar. This tradition is rich with emotional undertones. The father who has looked after his daughter is now symbolically handing over the care of his daughter to the new man in her life.

Of course, there are many who feel that this custom is no longer relevant today when most women have a career and are no longer under the care of their parents and are unlikely to be under the care of their husbands. On the flip side, the sight of the father of the bride escorting his daughter down the aisle to the uplifting notes of "Here comes the Bride" still resonates with many of us and captures the transition into marriage beautifully. Ultimately, whether this custom is included in the ceremony or not must be decided by the father of the bride and the bride herself.

Once the wedding ceremony is over, the father and mother of the bride leave for the reception venue. Since they are the hosts of the reception, it is important that they arrive there ahead of the guests so that they can welcome the guests as they come in. During the reception the father of the bride will be called on by the Best Man to make a speech and propose a toast. Once the reception is over, the father of the bride is expected to stay until the end of the party to help with any final bills or to make last-minute arrangements.

The level of involvement of the father of the bride in the wedding planning and preparation depends on the decision of the bride and groom and their parents. Sometimes the wedding is held in the house of the bride's parents - at such times, it is natural that the father of the bride ends up deeply involved in almost every step of the wedding preparation.

At other times, and especially if the wedding is being held far away from the bride's parental home, the involvement of the father of the bride in the wedding preparations may be minimal. However, keep in mind that most fathers would love to be involved in their daughter's weddings in some way or the other so do ask them for their help whenever it is needed.

Traditionally, the father of the bride also shoulders the cost of the reception. However, this trend is changing, partly due to the fact that both the bride and the groom are earning members and partly because of the rising costs of a reception party. The accepted practice nowadays is for the cost of the wedding and the reception to be jointly borne by the parents of the bride, the parents of the groom and the couple themselves. However, if the father of the bride offers to foot the bill, the gracious thing to do would be to accept the offer.

Whatever you as the couple choose regarding the costs of the whole event, remember the day is for celebration and significant day for the father of the bride. It is a day where he relinquishes his daughter to a another man and where the groom resumes the responsibility of caring for her. The father of the bride will be sad on one side but will know that his daughter will always be daddy's little girl no matter what.

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Father of the Bride Speeches - Make Her Day Memorable

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Weddings are such lovely occasions. They are just the perfect place for love, laughter, romance and tears. There is a very magical and exciting feel about weddings. Everyone enjoys a wedding. It must be because of the gorgeous ladies in their beautiful dresses and the handsome men in their stunning tuxedos, or it might be because of love and romance all around which makes it so attractive.

Maybe it's all that is stated above and more.

During the wedding, the bride's father is in a complex position, where he has mixed feelings of love, happiness and sadness because he finally realizes that his little child is going to have a life of her own with the person she loves. He has to give his daughter away to another man.

Father of the bride speeches are a formality but they are a great way for the father to accept that his lovely bud has now blossomed into a flower and it is time to give her away. It is also the best time to welcome the new man. It isn't that easy to express your feelings in limited words, so just let your heart guide you. Father of the bride speeches should be memorable, humorous, witty and sincere. Whatever you write in your father of the bride speech won't be found anywhere, for it is exclusive.

Father of the bride speeches are usually touching, heartfelt and warm. Walking down the aisle with your daughter can be the proudest but a very heart rending moment for a father. He has to accept the fact that he has been sweetly nudged by his daughter to obtain the second position for the most important man in her life.

However you have to prepare a speech and show her how happy you are for her. All father of the bride speeches are serious with a pinch of humor. When it comes to giving that wonderful father of the bride speeches, you should be very careful not to embarrass anyone, especially your daughter. It is fine to talk about her young age, her growing up years, and such sweet moments like a family outing, or her first step, teaching her to ride a bike etc. Try and keep the stories short and sweet.

Another aspect that should not be ignored in the father of the bride speeches is the topic about your son in law. Everyone loves a little humor and stories; this is normally expected in the father of the bride speeches. Be sure to compliment the groom and welcome him and his family to your own and even let him know how he makes your daughter happy.

You should write the father of the bride speech well in advance, and even get a second opinion on the format. Practice is very important; if you are the nervous types it will help you gain confidence. Speak clearly so that everyone can hear and appreciate your speech. Father of the bride speeches are elite, make it your best.

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