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Home > The Wedding > The Father of the Groom > Responsibilities

Responsibilities

“Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.”
— Unknown
Before The Wedding

Before The Wedding

  1. Review expenses.
    See what’s traditionally paid for by the groom’s family (what you actually pay for may vary).
  2. Know the cost.
    The average US wedding in your area (not including the honeymoon). The big ticket items include: venue, food, alcohol and the photographer.
  3. Set your budget.
    Decide what you feel comfortable spending, and review how the bride and groom can cut costs.
  4. Be there for guests.
    Assist with travel arrangements for out-of-town guests.
  5. Get your attire.
    Pick out a tux or suit (follow the groom and groomsmen). If they are getting suits, just be sure to match your tie with one or multiple wedding colors.
  6. Attend pre-wedding events.
    Depending on what the groom wants, you may or may not be invited to the groom roast or bachelor party. Regardless, you will go to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner (traditionally hosted by the groom’s family).
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Wedding Day

  1. Be ready for pictures.
    Arrive 4 hours before the ceremony to get dressed (if you're planning to come dressed, then getting there at least 3 hours before the ceremony should be fine). The timing for pictures will depend on whether the bride and groom are going to see each other before or after she walks down the aisle. If they wait, then there will be more pictures right after the ceremony.
  2. Get your boutonniere.
    Someone will be giving this to you, so make sure it’s on your left lapel, stem down.
  3. Greet guests.
    Take part in the receiving line (if applicable). This is where you shake hands and give hugs to guests as they exit the ceremony or enter the reception area
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Ceremony

  1. Know how to enter.
    Follow behind your wife as she’s being ushered in.
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Reception

  1. Be prepared to speak.
    After everyone has had their dinner, you will be asked to give your toast to the bride and groom.
  2. Get ready to dance.
    Besides dancing because you want to, you may be asked to take part in a couples and/or anniversary dance.
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After The Wedding

  1. Take care of your attire.
    Return your tuxedo/suit to the rental shop. If it was purchased, take it to the cleaners.
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