How To Include Your Dad In Your Wedding/ Grand Junction, Co

Organizing your wedding includes many components, and including your dad can make it a memorable and special aspect of your wedding day. As a wedding business owner for the past 10 years, we have witnessed many ways to include your dad in your wedding. Our barn wedding venue, located in Western Colorado near Ouray, Ridgway, and Gunnison, makes it easy to include your dad. In this blog, we will share some insights and experiences we have seen over the years. At our premier wedding barn venue, we offer candid content for free to our couples, allowing us to share fun videos with our brides featuring dad photos—from officiating the ceremony to the first dance, first look, or being the head BBQ expert.

First Look

The first step in involving your dad in your wedding is deciding what role best fits him. Would he be comfortable in the traditional role that dads play in a wedding, such as walking their daughter down the aisle or giving a speech at the reception? Or would he feel more comfortable being behind the scenes and participating in roles such as preparing a BBQ meal for your outdoor rehearsal dinner?

"First Look" Grand Junction Dad waiting for the first look!

Inviting your father to participate in planning the wedding can be a delightful experience. This inclusion provides a chance for shared moments during the often stressful planning phase. Consider discussing various aspects of the wedding, from venue selection to floral arrangements, and invite him to the tasting so he can be involved in the menu selection. Perhaps he has some insights or experiences that could influence decisions in unexpected ways. By making him part of the planning process, it allows him to feel directly connected to your special day.

Father of the bride included in setting up Cocktail hour.

At our Western Slope barn wedding venue, we have been seeing more of the "first touch" or "first look" that is traditionally reserved for the couple, but now the "first look" with dads provides an opportunity to share a memorable moment with your father.

First Look with Dad and Daughter

Surprising him with a first look can instill a rush of emotions and set a beautiful tone for the rest of the day. It may also offer a calming effect, providing both of you with a moment of connection before the ceremonies begin. You won't want to miss this photo opportunity and create a memory of a lifetime. It is our recommendation that you also video such a special moment. At Antler Ridge, we love providing a short video clip of the "first look" with your dad..

Father of the Bride officiating the wedding!

Involvement in the Ceremony

While many fathers traditionally “give away” the bride, there are diverse ways in which fathers can play a role in the wedding ceremony itself.

Consider having your father read a passage, light a unity candle, or even give a short speech.

1. Read a special poem or a passage.

2. Light a unity candle.

3. Give a short speech.

These meaningful gestures will enhance the overall ambiance of your ceremony and showcase the significant position fathers hold in our lives.

The Father-Daughter Dance

The father-daughter dance is a classic tradition that allows fathers to shine on the dance floor during the reception. It serves as a heartfelt way to celebrate the years spent together and the journey ahead. There is a bittersweet beauty in these dances, reminding us just how precious and fleeting these years are. It's a moment every dad and daughter will hold in their hearts forever. Choosing just the right song will make this moment even more memorable. Below, we have listed some of the best song ideas for a father-daughter dance.

1. Yours - Post Malone

2. I Hope You Dance - Chris Stapleton

3. When You Need Me - Bruce Springsteen

4. Never Grow Old - Taylor Swift

5. Joy of My Life - Chris Stapleton

   Father-Daughter Dance

Giving a special gift to your dad can be very meaningful. Whether it’s a handwritten note or a small gift, showcasing appreciation for your father’s role in your life can add warmth to your wedding celebrations. Expressing gratitude can take many forms, such as providing a special place at the reception table or sharing a dedicated toast in his honor. Adding a signature drink in honor of your dad gives your cocktail hour a unique and memorable touch.

Nothing captures the moment better than giving your dad the honor of making a special toast! This is a time when he can share his feelings about the wedding and your unity as a couple. He may even include family memories and share some funny stories about your childhood.

Let's not forget the traditional duty of walking you down the aisle. It is the most cherished tradition of a wedding. It symbolizes the father giving away his daughter and is often the most emotional.

Bride giving her dad a memorable gift at Colorado

Premier Wedding Venue .

IIncluding your father in your wedding celebrations can enhance the joy of the occasion and create lasting memories. Whether through special traditions, intimate moments, or recognizing his contributions, it is important to make his presence felt in a meaningful way. By incorporating your father thoughtfully into your wedding plans, you create a day that reflects not only your love for your partner but also the unwavering bonds of family.

Dad walking Bride-To-Be down the aisle

Antler Ridge Weddings is locally owned and in Grand Junction, Colorado's surrounding area. Our barn wedding venue is centrally located and surrounded by farmland and open spaces with amazing sunsets and the best mountain views on the western slope of Colorado. If you are a bride looking for a natural setting, a rustic, elegant barn with open spaces and mountain views, we would love to meet you. Contact us today to schedule a tour and follow us on TikTok and Instagram.

Premier Barn Wedding Venue/Antler Ridge

Thank you so much for stopping by our blog. We hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service, and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate-owned or investor-owned venues. As you plan your wedding, we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like Antler Ridge.