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Well, Dad, believe it or not, for your little girl's wedding, you have a few
other duties besides picking up the tab (which, though not required, is still
expected in traditional wedding circles). Amid the hubbub, you may be wary of
chiming in with your two cents -- but making sure your daughter knows how much
her big day means to you is a great way to add to the festivities. Here's how
you chip in:
Help with everything from scouting reception sites to recommending dance tunes.
Attend the rehearsal dinner and be prepared to toast the groom into the family.
If there are many out-of-town guests arriving, play chauffeur at the airport; if
needed, arrange for guests' transportation to and from the wedding festivities.
You may be in charge of making maps with directions to the wedding site(s),
which will be included with invitations.
Travel to the ceremony with your daughter and walk her down the aisle. But Dad,
take no offense if your independent offspring wants to aisle-trek alone. She may
be a woman who balks at the notion of being "given away." It might
hurt, but try to respect her wishes.
Stand in the receiving line beside your daughter.
Make a short toast or welcoming speech when the reception starts. Quoting
Shakespeare usually helps.
Dance with your daughter's mother during the official first-dance sequence.
Share an honored father-daughter dance at the reception, to a meaningful song
you've chosen together.
During the reception, keep an eye on the bar and champagne supply, and alert
whomever is in charge if supplies run low.
Stay until the celebration's bitter end, possibly settling final bills.
When your duties are done and the newly married couple is en route to Tahiti,
take time to congratulate yourself on a job well done.
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