One of the most symbolic moments of a traditional wedding ceremony is the father walking his daughter down the aisle and giving her away to her future husband. It signifies the transfer of responsibility from the father to the groom and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the bride’s life. During this moment, the father has a few important words to say that embody his feelings towards his daughter and the groom. In this blog post, we will explore what the father traditionally says when giving away the bride.
The Significance of the Father Giving Away the Bride
In traditional wedding ceremonies, the father escorts his daughter down the aisle, standing to her left and holding her right arm. This symbolizes his protection and support over her throughout her life, culminating in her marriage. While this tradition has evolved over time to include other family members or even the bride walking alone, it still holds a lot of significance for many couples.
Once the father reaches the altar, he will give his daughter’s hand to the groom, signifying the transfer of responsibility from the father to the husband. This moment is a beautiful and emotional one, as it marks the start of a new journey for the bride and groom together.
What Does the Father Say?
As the father gives away his daughter, he usually has a few words to say to the groom. These words vary from wedding to wedding and can be customized depending on the father’s relationship with his daughter and the groom. However, there are some traditional phrases that have been used throughout time.
“I Have Done My Very Best to Present You, My Daughter, as a Pure Bride”
One of the most popular phrases that fathers say when giving away their daughters is, “I have done my very best to present you, my daughter, as a pure bride.” This phrase emphasizes the father’s role in bringing up his daughter and preparing her for this moment. It also highlights his trust in the groom and his belief that he will take care of his daughter in the same way he has.
“I Approve of This Man as Your Choice for a Husband”
Another phrase that fathers commonly use is, “I approve of this man as your choice for a husband.” This phrase shows the father’s trust and confidence in the husband-to-be, indicating that he is happy with the match. It also signals to the groom that he is taking on a great responsibility by marrying the father’s daughter.
“I Bring You to Him”
The final phrase that fathers typically say is, “I bring you to him.” This signifies the father’s acknowledgement that he is no longer the primary provider and protector for his daughter. Instead, he is handing over that role to the groom, and they will work together to take care of his daughter.
Customizing the Father’s Words
While these traditional phrases are lovely and meaningful, they may not work for every couple. It’s important for the father to feel comfortable with the words he is saying and for the couple to feel that they accurately represent their relationship.
If the father would like to say something personalized, he can consider including stories or memories that highlight his daughter’s character or the relationship between her and the groom. He may also want to express any wishes or hopes he has for her marriage or comment on how proud he is to see his daughter become a wife.
Conclusion
The moment when the father gives away his daughter is a poignant one in a wedding ceremony. His words can express his feelings towards his daughter and the groom while also highlighting his belief that the relationship is strong and built on trust. Whether a father chooses to use traditional phrases or customize his own words, the act of giving away the bride is a testament to the love and support he has given his daughter in her life until this moment.
FAQ
Does the Father of the Bride usually give a speech?
Yes, traditionally the father of the bride is expected to give a speech during the wedding reception. This speech is usually about five minutes long and is delivered after the meal has been served. It serves as a way for him to express his gratitude and love for his daughter, his pride and happiness for her on this special day, and his enthusiasm for her new spouse. It is also a time for the father of the bride to thank the guests and those who helped make the wedding happen.
The speech is an opportunity for the father of the bride to share some personal stories, anecdotes, and memories he has shared with his daughter and her new partner. It can be emotional and heartfelt, as well as humorous and lighthearted. The father of the bride can also offer some words of advice and wisdom to the newly married couple, and propose a toast to their future happiness.
However, it is important to note that every wedding is unique, and how traditional or non-traditional elements are incorporated can vary widely. Additionally, not everyone has a father in their life to give a speech, so it is acceptable to have someone else fill in. Some brides may also choose to speak on their own behalf or not have speeches at all.
In short, while it is expected for the father of the bride to give a speech during the reception, it is ultimately up to the wedding party to decide how the speeches will be handled and who will give them.
What is the famous line from Father of the Bride?
The famous line from the 1991 comedy film “Father of the Bride” is spoken by the main character George Banks, played by Steve Martin. The line goes: “I used to think a wedding was a simple affair. Boy meets girl, they fall in love, he buys a ring, she buys a dress, they say I do. I was wrong. That’s getting married.” This line has since become a popular quote among fans of the film and is often cited as a humorous commentary on the complexities and costs of modern-day weddings. The film tells the story of a father who struggles to come to terms with the fact that his daughter is getting married and the pressures he experiences as he tries to navigate his role in the wedding planning and preparation. Despite the challenges, the film ends on a heartwarming note as George learns the true meaning of love and the value of family. With its unforgettable quotes and memorable performances from its all-star cast, “Father of the Bride” remains a beloved classic in the rom-com genre.
What does the priest say before the bride and groom say I do?
Before the bride and groom say “I do” during a wedding ceremony, the priest says a very important declaration. This declaration acknowledges that the couple has declared their consent to be married, prays for God’s blessing on the couple, and declares, “What God joins together, let no one put asunder.” This declaration is known as the consent or the exchange of vows.
The consent is the most vital part of a Catholic marriage. It is what makes the marriage valid and binding in the eyes of the Church. During the exchange of vows, the bride and groom publicly express their lifelong commitment to one another to live as husband and wife, to love and honor each other for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do them part. The priest then asks them if they are freely and without reservation willing to enter into this covenant with one another. The bride and groom answer with a resounding “I do.”
Once the couple has declared their consent to marry, the priest then asks them to exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment to one another. The rings serve as a reminder of their promises to love, honor, and cherish one another until death separates them in this life.
It is important to note that before the exchange of vows, the couple must go through pre-marital preparation with their priest or a licensed marriage counselor. This preparation includes counseling, reflection, and discernment, ensuring that they are fully aware of the commitment they are making to one another and the sacrament of marriage.
The priest’s declaration before the bride and groom say “I do” is a crucial part of the wedding ceremony and sets the tone for the lifelong commitment that the couple is about to make to each other. It acknowledges that the couple has freely exchanged their vows, and God is present within their union.