What Is the Father of the Groom's Duty?
The duties of the groom's father are far more general than the father of the bride. Although there are many traditional duties that are expected of the groom’s father, this person should ideally ask his son if there is anything that is required, particularly at the wedding reception. The groom’s father may be asked to be the official time keeper during the reception, or to help with any one of numerous other tasks, none of which will necessarily be on a list of more formal duties.
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Before the Wedding
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The father of the groom is expected to meet the bride's parents prior to the wedding. It is normally a good idea to arrange for a get together, either at a restaurant or at the home of the groom’s parents. Such a relaxed gathering will give both sets of parents the opportunity to get to know one another before the wedding day. The father of the groom will also host the rehearsal dinner. He should also offer to pay for a number of items, including the marriage license, liquor or flowers.
Second Engagement Party
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The father of the groom can also host an engagement party for his son and soon-to-be daughter-in-law, but this function must be held after the engagement party arranged by the bride’s parents. The main purpose of this function is to introduce family and friends to the bride-to-be.
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Lists and Pre-Wedding Parties
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The father of the groom should provide a list of wedding guests, including their titles and full addresses. It is important for the father of the groom to remain within the budget for his side of the family. The father of the groom should discuss any family or cultural customs that are required to be observed, with both the bride and groom. The groom’s father should attend all the pre-wedding parties which involve the men, such as the bachelor party. He must also attend the wedding rehearsal.
Co-Hosting the Wedding
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The father of the groom and the groom’s mother will co-host the wedding, regardless of whether they have contributed financially to the event. As a host, the father of the bride must mingle with the wedding guests. This will apply to both the ceremony and the wedding reception, where he should be part of the receiving line. The father of the groom will sit with the groom’s mother and the bride’s parents, at the parent’s table. He is also expected to dance with the bride at the wedding reception and to give the newlyweds a special gift.
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