Bridal Directory

• Feature Articles
• Accommodations
• Cakes
• Catering
• Ceremony
• Decorations
• Dining
• Entertainment
• Florists
• Gift Ideas
• Health & Beauty
• Invitations
• Jewelers
• Transportation
• Photography
• Reception
• Travel
• Wedding Attire
• New England Bridal Expos
• Wedding Tip of the Week

Announcements

• Lowell
• View Engagements
• View Married Couples
• Submit an Annoucement!



• Fitchburg
• View Weddings/ Engagements
• Submit an Annoucement!

Wedding Planner

• Planning Checklist
• Bride Checklist
• Groom Checklist
• Budget Planner

Advertise

• Ad Rates

Headlines

Plan Ahead...full story

The Rock Chart...full story

Make Money off your Wedding! ...full story

Don't Become 'Bridezilla' ...full story

Something about 1991's Father of the Bride always makes the best of us break down in tears. When George Banks, played by Steve Martin, shoots a round of hoops with his daughter, Annie, in the driveway. When George watches Annie go out with her fianc, Bryan. When George watches his daughter head off on her honeymoon and then she runs back to him for a final good-bye hug and kiss.

Sure, Dad may be sad that his daughter has found another guy, but that's no excuse to leave him out of the wedding planning. And there is more for him to do than just sign check after check. He may not want to help you pick out the bridesmaids dresses or go to 10 different stores for your tiara, but he can be an untapped resource for many a duty. Here are some ideas:

* You need a first dance with your Dad. Let him do some research on a song that will be fitting and find a dance lesson or class that you can take together.

* Give Dad a "to do" list of stuff you can't handle on your own. He can make sure the photographer, florist and band have directions to the wedding and know what time to arrive. He can arrange and confirm transportation for the wedding party to get to the wedding. Maybe you can ask him to pick up or drop off some out-of-town guests from the airport.

* You'll be spending a lot of time discussing ideas with women like your mother and the bridal party. Why not get your father's male perspective of your wedding dress or the wedding rings? He'll be happy that you asked for his point of view.

* Let Dad be the master of ceremonies of sorts. Have him welcome guests to the rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception. Let him be the go-to-guy for questions about the coat check, the restroom location, directions or parking.

And, be sure to thank him for all his love, support and money too.