Three Things Your Dad Should Do at Your Wedding

Fathers are an important part of any wedding. For the father of the bride, there is plenty to do. Traditionally, this included paying for the whole affair! While this might not be the case today, there are still three things that your dad should plan on doing at your wedding.

1. Walk you down the aisle. This bit of tradition can be a special moment for you and your dad. Even though he might not admit it, he's probably thought about it since you were a little girl dressing up as a bride. Beyond being tradition, though, it's a way of your dad standing in for your entire family. It's a way of giving the family's blessing to your marriage.
   
2. Give a toast. When it's time for the reception, the father of the bride should say a few words. While this should include thanking guests for coming and otherwise making people welcome, it can also include an anecdote or two about you. Let him have his moment talking about his little girl and how far she's come, but don't be afraid to put a time limit on him, either!
   
3. Dance with you. A father-daughter dance is a great addition to the special dances at your reception. Usually done after the first dance, and sometimes alongside the mother-son dance, this is a way of symbolizing that even though you're now your husband's wife, you're still your father's daughter. Be sure to have your maid of honor ready with a tissue, though, as it can be an emotional moment!

These are just a few ways your dad can be involved in your wedding. If you want to include him in the preparation, why not bring him to check out the beautiful Philadelphia wedding venue we offer. Give us a call to find out more!

Photo: Flickr/tearsxintherain

Should You Write Your Own Wedding Vows?

There are many different ways to make your wedding unique. From the decor to your dress, you'll have a wedding that is special to you. When it comes to the ceremony, writing your own vows is a great way to make it all more personal. However, it isn't for every couple.

While a growing number of couples do choose to write their own vows, many do want to stick with tradition. This might be to connect their wedding with that of past generations, or to reflect a religious ceremony. It can also be a good choice if you are worried about what to say.

If you are writing your own vows, you can be as creative as you'd like. The beauty of writing your own vows is that there is no right and wrong. As long as your words come from the heart and reflect what you want to say to your new spouse, they will be just right for the day.

To have both elements, you can also consider having traditional vows during your ceremony and a toast to one another during the reception. This can allow you to stick to tradition but still express yourself.

For more tips on planning the perfect Philadelphia wedding, or to find out more about using Flourtown Country Club for your venue, give us a call today!

Photo: Flickr/Jennifer Longaway

Who Should Toast?

Your wedding reception is a time for great food and good fun. Part of that fun is listening to the toasts. As you plan your big day, you will need to decide who will be giving a toast.

Traditional choices

The traditional choice is to have three toasts. One from the groom, one from the father of the bride, and one from the best man. The groom's toast thanks guests for attending, thanks the wedding party and parents for their help, and says a few lovely words about his bride. The father of the bride will also thank the guests, welcome the groom into his family, and perhaps tell a story about the bride. The best man thanks the couple and says a few words about them, with a focus on the groom.

Common choices

In addition to the three traditional toasts, many couples also have a toast from the bride and her maid of honor. The bride's toast will have similar content to the groom's, while the maid of honor's toast will mirror the best man's toast.

Additional ideas

Depending on family situations, it can be a good idea to either cut back on the toasts or add extra toasts. For instance, if the bride has both a father and step-father, it could be necessary to have both give a toast. If you are worried about toasts going on too long, or there being conflict, you can limit it to just the bride and groom's toast.

Another way to limit the time toasts take is to split them into two sessions. One can be delivered with the meal while another set is given after the cake is cut. You should also be comfortable giving each person a time limit. 

Having great wedding toasts is just one part of having the perfect wedding. One big part is finding the right venue. To find out more about why the Flourtown Country Club is the Philadelphia wedding venue for you, give us a call today!

Photo: Flickr/pudgeefeet