Turns out Dad needs to do more than simply complain about how much this all costing him!

It's not just the father of the bride that has all responsibilities on the wedding day, there's plenty for the father of the groom to take care too. From hosting the rehearsal dinner to greeting guests, the father of the groom should make sure all these boxes are checked as they get ready for their son's big day.

It may feel like the father of the bride gets more of the spotlight on the big day. Traditionally walking the bride down the aisle and giving a father of the bride speech. However, the father of the groom role is also a significant one.

If you are the father of the groom and want to know how you can give a helping hand on the big day and during the run-up, take a look at some key father of the groom duties that will really help the happy couple.

Offer Emotional Support

Never underestimate the value of emotional support during the wedding planning process. Your son is planning the biggest day of his life and that is bound to be stressful.

You can offer emotional support in a variety of ways. Make yourself available to talk to, give your constructive opinions (when asked!) or simply go out together for a walk or a trip to the pub to take his mind of the stresses of planning a wedding.

Help Pay for the Wedding

Although it is tradition for the bride’s family to pay for the wedding, sometimes the bride’s parents foot the entire bill for the big day. The most common option is for both sets of parents to contribute what they wish, and then the couple pay the remaining amount.

If you would like to help out financially, then tell your son and future daughter-in-law early in the planning process, so they can build it into their budget.

Help Order the Suits

When the groom and the groomsmen are shopping for their suits, the father of the groom should definitely join and get his suit or tux sorted too.

If you would like to book your Farther of the Groom in with our Groom department click here!

Get Ready With Your Son

If the groom invites you, it’s a lovely idea to hang out with him and the groomsmen on the morning of the wedding.

Whether they’re chilling out or playing a round of golf, it’ll be lovely to get involved, get some photographs and help him tie his tie!

Keep Everyone Calm

On the wedding morning the bride, groom, father of the bride and best man may all be feeling a little nervous.

As the father of the groom you have the exciting role of being an integral part of the wedding party without having any speeches (traditionally) or too much pressure, so as one of the more relaxed members of the bridal party make it your role to help keep everyone calm with words of encouragement – and be ready with the drinks if all else fails!

Help Greet the Guests

It’s impossible for the happy couple to greet every single person at their wedding, so make the effort to speak to as many wedding guests as possible. As father of the groom you are basically a ‘wedding celeb’ for the day and the other wedding guests will appreciate you giving them your time.

You may also be asked to stand in the receiving line on the way into the reception, if the bride and groom choose to have one. This is a lovely way to personally say ‘hello’ to everyone before they sit down to eat.

Consider Offering to Give a Toast

If the father of the bride is giving a traditional speech, then you may not want to tread on his toes. But there is certainly nothing wrong with offering to give a toast on the big day. If you would really like to say a few words on the wedding day, offer your public speaking services to the happy couple and if they are happy for you to make a short speech or toast on the day then go for it!

If your son is marrying a man, then you might want to mix up the speech rules and both fathers of the groom give a speech. Talk to your son, his partner and his future in-laws to see what would work on the day. You may both do a separate father of the groom speech, one of you may simply give a toast, or you might want to write something together.

Dance with the Bride and the Bride’s Mother

When the dancing begins make the effort to have at least one dance with the beautiful bride, it’s a lovely way to welcome her into your family, and it will be a special moment that you will both remember. Hopefully!

We hope we have shone a light on some of the Father of the Groom duties you can expect before and during a wedding. If you haven’t got your suit for the big day yet, please do get in touch with the experts in our Maidstone, Kent showroom using the details below.

Email: grooms@thekentweddingcentre.com

Phone: 01622 873434