How to Dance with Your Father AND Stepfather at Your Wedding

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By KatieKinne
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Dance with Your Father AND Stepfather at Your Wedding

I imagine (although I can't remember) a time where families simply had a mom and a dad. And that was it. But brides of today come from all manner of families. They may have a father and a stepfather, been raised by two fathers, or their father is deceased. So how does the modern bride handle the father-daughter dance under these "non-traditional" circumstances?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Decide if you even want to have a father-daughter dance. While some people find this a cherished time for fathers to officially let go of their baby girls, others consider it a mere formality. Decide how important this tradition is to you.
Step 2

If you choose to have a father-daughter dance at your wedding reception, it's time to figure out the logistics. The best way is to broach the subject with the interested parties.
Step 3

Communication is the key. Ask your relatives for advice on how they think each father will feel about the subject. Then speak with each father about what their interests and preferences are. Make sure you consider their feelings and reassure them how much they mean to you. MAKE SURE you speak to all of your father figures before the event. None of them will want to feel left out or forgotten. Even if they don't want to participate in the dance, at least they'll know you care and not have to wonder what's going on.
Step 4

Once you've communicated with everyone, it's time to consider how to fit everyone into a single dance. The best way to handle it is to switch dad dance partners halfway through, just make sure they know who you'll be starting the dance first. Also, decide on a specific point in the song to switch partners for a seamless transition.
Step 5

Brides who have been raised by two fathers (who are a couple), consider dancing with both of them at the same time. Put your arms around both of them and slow dance together, or have them twirl you back and forth between them.