The Father Of The Groom
The role of the father of the groom isn’t one that traditionally comes to mind when you hear about weddings or wedding planning but it’s a very important role that shouldn’t be forgotten. This is a big day for you and even though you may not know it, your son is watching you to see how you are dealing with it all and learning from you. Making sure your there for him and that you become involved in the wedding planning process is important, as are the other duties and responsibilities that come with being the father of the groom. So far, he’s in there alone with the women of the family talking florists, photographers, buttercream icing, and who knows what else! He can’t go it alone – here’s what you can do!
Become Involved with Wedding Talk
This doesn’t mean that you have to spend hours talking about the pros and cons of roses vs. lilies with the women but when wedding talk does come up, don’t automatically tune out. Although you may not care to be that involved with the frills and lace aspects of weddings, this is definitely a great time for you to share what you loved most about your own wedding and what tradition is in your family. No one will think that you’re pressuring them to use these ideas but don’t be surprised if at least one of them pops up into the wedding program!
The Rehearsal Dinner
This is traditionally the main role that you will play as father of the groom – hosting the rehearsal dinner (yes, that means paying for it too!) This is a great time for the family to relax before the big day and give toasts and exchange gifts. It may come at the end of wedding planning but it’s a very important event and one that you should pay special attention to.
Spend Time with the Groom and the Bride
Now will be your last chance to spend time with your son before he becomes the man of his own household so spend some time giving him your best advice and thoughts on marriage and talking about how marriage is a time for taking care of each other. Make sure he understands that he has your full support, both now and once he’s married.
Also be sure to spend some time alone with the bride. Maybe go with her to carry decorations to the hall or run her around on various wedding errands. As the saying goes, it’s not what you do, it’s the time you spend together that matters. It will not only give you a chance to get to know each other better but will also make her feel more comfortable as she’s about to become an official part of your family.
Then spend some time with both of them together! Joke about how she can’t enter the family until you’ve seen her golf skills and set up a game between them and you and your wife. It will be a fun afternoon away from wedding planning for everyone and you can become involved in a way that makes you feel comfortable!
