FIVE THINGS THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE NEEDS TO KNOW and other words of wisdom Part 2

 FIVE THIBGS THEFATHER OF THE BRIDE NEEDS TO KNOW—and some other words of caution or wisdom

The  first two  things to know  were…. 

1. Chill while you may be an uptight dad who likes to plan stuff—wedding planning is a specialty  held by many and that many is not you.  In addition, almost every outrageous wedding extravagance  from 12 million dollar dresses to 300 pound  cakes has already been taken so given that each couple usually wants an individualized unique event… you are  probably safe or safe enough.
2. Every wedding includes some mistakes or little glitches so your daughter’s wedding will have some and you have know constitutional  right or duty to point them out and determine blame.  
3. This event —is not about you… Yes you  will get dressed up and be in pictures, however, it is your duty to follow whatever ideas your Bride and Groom declare as sacred on that day.  If they say wear matching socks, brush both of your teeth, leave your pet coon in the double wide…etc… then smile and and make it so.  Even if it is an outdoor wedding. And it is raining the Bride’s train is not to be used for a slip and slide.  Your daughter may be your universe but you are not at the center of it she is.

4. There will be a father and daughter dance…No twerking in fact make sure  you and your daughter have chosen it jointly.  Don’t demand  a Congo line  the limbo, the Chicken dance or any of those dances  that are really disguised exercise routines Ike the Cha Cha or  Casper slide… Everybody can clap their hands  later in the reception…but not during this precious duet…. And no pole dancing.  During the dance there. Are a few things you should say.  “You look great…the ceremony was perfect and wow how did you get so grown up are acceptable.  You should avoid  saying “hey I think you  have a little  cake right there on your cheek or Hey your new hubby does have a nice butt.’  

Tip  number Five

You will be asked to give a toast.  Now if you  are good at dad jokes you can pull out one but only one. Do not make fun of anyone either at the rehearsal dinner or the wedding  reception with  your words.  There are a lot of good toasts  on the web but be careful.  Avoid Andrew Dice clay.com or Rodney  Dangerfield’s love potions.  Pledge your support for the marriage and try to get the crowd engaged and remind them that  the new couple  needs  support or that you will support them all along the way.  Keep your toast short—after all it didn’t take. That long for you to conceive your children now did it.  

Now just some odds and ends…

If it’s a Catholic Wedding and you are hungry. Or thirsty… do not take a handful of hosts or grab the challahs  and slam it back.  When the  minister or officiant  says. Who gives this bride or asks if anyone would speak  up to why these folks shouldn’t be united don’t smart off.  Don’t ask  to see the groom’s credit score  or a recent check stub.  Make sure somebody has the rings… Onion rings are. Not an acceptable alternative.  You can  have a release  of doves at the wedding but don’t substitute pheasant and have  the men  folk see if they can bag their  limit.  If you are not married and there is a “guarded  belt toss… “. Don’t suggest a undergarment for hole  game instead.  

Finally Dad… it’s okay if you cry… these are tears of joy because in spite of your parenting your daughter  made it to a cool point in life.  Which brings us full circle … go back to the top and  look at tip one  approach today with gratitude and  if it works for the wedding day try it every other day too…. 

Congrats  Caleb and Amanda