10 Traditional Father-of-the-Bride Duties

There's a lot more the father of the bride can do than simply nod passively and hand over his credit card. Much like the mother of the bride's, father-of-the-bride duties can vary depending on the father-daughter duo. If dad and daughter are especially close, the father of the bride may take on a more prominent role with additional responsibilities. On the other hand, if the bride's dad prefers to hang back and offer support only when needed, that's perfectly fine, too! If you're still asking yourself, "What does the father of the bride do," we've got you covered. From touring venues to making toasts, here are all the traditional father-of-the-bride duties and responsibilities.

In this article:

• What Is the Role of the Father of the Bride?
• Traditions Involving the Father of the Bride
• His Full List of Duties and Responsibilities
• Our Best Advice for Fathers of the Bride

What Is the Role of the Father of the Bride?

Weddings can be a lot of work (we don't need to tell you that), and the couple likely needs all the help they can get. Typically, this includes financing a large portion of the wedding as the bride's family traditionally pays for the engagement party, wedding ceremony and reception, catering and more. But while funding the wedding is a FOB wedding duty, it's certainly not the only one. Whether financial, physical or emotional, the most important father-of-the-bride responsibility can be summed as one thing: support.

To that end, dad should lean into his strengths as much as possible. If he has a green thumb, he can accompany the couple to the florist. Is he an expert negotiator? He should join the bride and his future child-in-law on venue tours. Perhaps he's a foodie who'll have an expert opinion when it comes to catering options or even the wedding cake. Whatever it is, each father-of-the-bride role can be as unique as he is. But if you're curious about more traditional responsibilities, read on.

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Traditions Involving the Father of the Bride

While the father-of-the-bride role in the wedding can vary, there are some things (father-of-the-bride protocol, if you will) that he can use as a jumping-off point. We're not referring to things like airport duty, moving tables or doling out tips to wedding day staff—though those are all things dad can (and should) take charge of. No, these father-of-the-bride traditions are a tale as old as time and arguably the most important way for him to be involved in his special girl's big day. Some include:

• Financing the wedding (at least partially)
• Attending (and possibly hosting) prewedding and postwedding events
• Escorting the bride to the venue
• Participating in the father-daughter dance
• Making a father-of-the-bride speech

His Full List of Duties and Responsibilities

Nicole Ryan Photography

Though there are certainly some father-of-the-bride traditions the bride's dad can follow, ultimately he, his daughter and her partner should pick and choose what works best for them. For before, after and during the wedding, we've laid out all the FOB duties you need to know, like your very own father-of-the-bride duties checklist!

1. Be financially involved.

First things first: Every family's different, so how involved parents are financially will depend on the specific relationship and circumstances. That said, while the stereotype of dads begrudgingly whipping out their credit cards to pay for everything is pretty outdated, our Real Weddings study reveals most couples do get financial help from their parents. (See the full breakdown of who pays for what.)

But before anyone writes a check for anything, a money conversation has to happen. The to-be-weds might be planning to pay for their wedding themselves. In that case, even if dad isn't footing the bill, he can be a valuable resource to help the couple manage spending. Or, he could consider hosting another wedding event like an engagement party, rehearsal dinner or part of their honeymoon, otherwise splurging on an extra-special wedding gift. But if they're requesting a little help covering costs, the bride's dad should plan in advance how much he's willing to contribute.

2. Attend (and possibly host) prewedding and postwedding events.

Though hosting duties for events like the wedding shower and engagement party typically fall to the mother of the bride, the father of the bride should lend a helping hand (or take the lead if hosting is more in his wheelhouse!). If the couple wants to have a casual gathering following the big day, a postwedding brunch or barbecue is something the bride's dad could host. The lowkey event (typically just attended by close friends and family and out-of-towners) might be just the place for dad to show off his skills and shine in an environment he's comfortable in. At the very least, the bride's dad should attend all traditional pre- and postwedding events.

3. Look the part.

If the wedding's black tie, it's time for dad to get out his tux—or rent or buy a new one. If renting a tuxedo from a brick-and-mortar store (rather than somewhere online), choose a spot near the wedding location. Order or go to your local tux shop (if it's not the one you'll be picking up at, formalwear chains will usually be willing to send your measurements and order to any of their locations) to get fitted about three months out. And don't forget the extras—think of anything you may need, from suspenders to shoes. If the wedding's less formal, your attire might be totally different. Look to the couple for their style requests or recommendations for father-of-the-bride attire.

4. Escort the bride to the venue.

Traditionally, the person walking the bride down the aisle escorts her to the venue. Dad can take charge of both booking the transportation and riding with her to the ceremony. If the bride and her dad are riding to the wedding with others in tow—such as the mother of the bride, bridesmaids and other members of the bride's family—that's okay, too!

5. Walk her down the aisle.

If the wedding includes a traditional processional, father-of-the-bride etiquette is to walk the bride down the aisle. If the ceremony's more personalized, he might be asked to officiate the marriage, walk the bride's spouse or his own mother down the aisle or even make a solo procession. And don't be surprised if the couple enlists him to have a special role in the ceremony, whether it's lighting a candle, sharing a reading or being an usher at the beginning and end.

While "giving the bride away" is a little antiquated, the couple may still decide to have the officiant ask, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" or some variation of it during the ceremony. For some more modern and inclusive phrasing ideas, check out our guide, which also includes some general father-of-the-bride advice on how to respond.

6. Pose for pictures.

Get that mega-watt smile ready! The bride's dad is, of course, expected to participate in all photo shoots on the wedding day. This could even include a "first look," a.k.a. the moment the father-of-the-bride sees his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time. From happy tears to smiles during the toast to twirling on the dance floor, a photographer will capture all those special moments for dad (and the whole family) to look back on.

7. Hit the dance floor.

Thomas & Penelope Photography

Speaking of the dance floor, it's father-of-the-bride protocol to do the classic father-daughter dance. If dancing has never really been dad's thing, a few dance lessons never hurt (we can't recommend them highly enough!), or he can practice with his partner at home. In addition to the more traditional father-daughter dance and dance with his partner at the wedding, the father of the bride should bust a move with the best of them and encourage others to dance as well.

8. Make a speech.

The couple's fathers usually each make at least one toast throughout the wedding festivities. Whether it's the rehearsal dinner or the wedding (or sometimes both), it's customary for the dads to say a few words. Need some father-of-the-bride tips on the speech? Rather than rambling, it's always best to stick to the basics: thanking everyone for being there, telling everyone how happy and proud he's feeling at that moment and raising a glass to the happy couple.

9. Lend a helping hand.

Even if the couple hires a wedding planner or coordinator, a few things inevitably come up that need to be taken care of. Do the vendors cost more than expected? Dad can help negotiate or even be the point person for communication and logistics. Did Uncle Reggie forget to arrange transportation from the airport? The father of the bride can pick him up. Maybe the FOB has been asked to step into a dad role for their future child-in-law. Whatever the circumstance, however big or small, the father of the bride should do his best to be available and lend support.

10. Enjoy it.

On the wedding day, there will be a lot going on. Walking down the aisle, accepting everyone's congratulations, playing host, dancing a parent dance and, of course, taking it all in. It's not just a huge day for the couple, it's a celebration for the entire family!

Our Best Advice for Fathers of the Bride

We can't say it enough: Between dealing with the wedding party, guests and beyond, wedding planning can lead to some sticky situations. When things get tough, the bride and her partner need to know dad is on their side. Whether it's providing a resource, offering advice or just being a listening ear, the father of the bride plays an essential role in keeping things together. He should rise to the occasion and embrace these moments, knowing his support will create memories both he and his daughter will cherish forever.

Additional reporting by Shyla Watson