Branch Blog Vol. 18: Dads at Weddings: More Than Just a Walk Down the Aisle
Let’s take a moment to talk about dads at weddings. Not just the part where they walk you down the aisle with a slightly terrified but deeply proud look on their face. I’m talking about all the ways they can show up, support you, and absolutely steal the show on your big day.
Weddings are often filled with traditions. But what if you and your dad aren’t exactly the “let’s slow dance in front of 150 people” type? That’s where things get fun.
The First Look with Dad
This might be one of the most underrated moments of the day. There’s something incredibly moving about the first look between a father and daughter. It’s not flashy. It’s not public. It’s just the two of you, probably holding back tears, possibly trying not to mess up your makeup or wrinkle your dress.
This moment hits in a very real way. It’s part nostalgia, part pride, and part realization that time is flying by faster than anyone expected. If you’re considering it, do it. You’ll never forget it.
Pre-Aisle Wisdom
Right before we walked down the aisle, I was extremely nervous. My heart was pounding, my mind was racing, and I was dangerously close to spiraling. Then my dad looked at me, completely calm, and said, “It’s just another day, Sophia. We all knew you two would end up here, so do not freak out. You got this.”
It was exactly what I needed to hear. In that one moment, he brought me right back down to earth with a single sentence that was full of love, humor, and classic dad logic.
The Non-Dancing Dance Moment
My dad and I don’t dance. We don’t even pretend to enjoy dancing. And I knew that long before the wedding.
I actually remembered going to a daddy-daughter dance with him when I was little. I didn’t exactly glide across the floor with grace. I mostly jumped up and down and stepped on his toes. Repeatedly. It was sweet, chaotic, and very us. But I had no interest in repeating that moment in front of our nearest and dearest.
So instead of the traditional father-daughter dance, we planned a surprise performance. I’m a trained singer. He is not. But he was all in. We practiced, we laughed, and when the moment came, he absolutely nailed it. It wasn’t polished or perfect, but it was unforgettable. Our guests loved it, but more importantly, we loved it.
That performance is one of my favorite memories from the day. It felt genuine, creative, and full of joy.
Father-in-Laws Count Too
My father-in-law is also a huge part of my life, and I didn’t want him to be left out of the celebration. He and my dad both gave speeches at our rehearsal dinner, and they were fantastic. Honest, emotional, funny in the way only dads can be.
There’s something special about hearing the two most important father figures in your life talk about love, commitment, and memories. Those speeches were meaningful to both me and my husband, and we’ll remember them forever.
Let Dads Be Dads
Your dad might cry. He might freeze during his speech. He might sing louder than anyone asked him to. But that’s the beauty of it. Dads bring a certain kind of love to weddings. It’s quieter sometimes, but powerful in its own way.
Let your dad be involved in whatever way fits him best. Maybe it’s a heartfelt toast. Maybe it’s an epic duet. Maybe it’s just standing beside you while you take a deep breath before walking down the aisle.
Whatever it is, let it reflect your relationship. Because those are the moments you’ll treasure most.