If you’re a lucky bride or groom who has a great relationship with your father, you’ll want to make him feel special on your big day. Here are 10 ways to roll out the red carpet for Dad and make your wedding a day he will always cherish.

1. Share the first look. Even if you’re planning to wait for your ceremony for your partner to see you, your dad can get in on the game with a proper first look. If you’re the bride, wait until you’re ready and then sneak up behind him or have him open the door to your getting ready room for the big reveal. If you’re a groom, ask him to help you get ready by tying your tie, putting on your cufflinks, and pinning on your boutonniere.

2. Have him walk you down the aisle. This is an old tradition that honors dads by putting them front and center in the ceremony.

3. Let your father join you in the receiving line to welcome your guests. Having dads and moms on both sides of the family there to say “hello” and wish your guests well is a wonderful sign of family solidarity.

4. Give him a place at the table. Rather than having a table for just the two of you, choose a long table and have your family join you. 

5. Have a microphone handy for the opening toast and let him know before your wedding that you would like him to say a few words.

6. Show your gratitude by sharing a sweet story or sentiment about your upbringing. What did your dad do to show you how much he cared when you were growing up? Those are the stories well worth sharing.

7. Choose a song from your childhood for your special dance. These moments are always full of emotion and a song that you sang together will bring back beautiful memories. Some of the songs we love are You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder, Lean on Me by Bill Withers, Wildflowers by Tom Petty, You Raise Me Up by Rascal Flatts, and Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Judy Garland or Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

8. Buy him a monogrammed handkerchief. Dads have a way of surprising people with the waterworks at weddings. When he goes to use your gift he’ll be reminded you anticipated his needs.

9. Tell your florist to make each father a special boutonniere and have it match the groom’s.  

10. Have some special portraits taken with just the two of you. Let your photographer know you’ll need some additional time to devote to these so you can add them to your album.

If your loving father has passed away before you get married, he will be dearly missed. Make a memorial table with his photo surrounded by candles, wear a locket with a picture of him, and add a tribute to your toast.

Honoring your father who has done his job and gotten you to this part of your journey is a lovely way to lighten your heart and touch his own on your wedding day. 

This Sunday is Father’s Day, so don’t forget to give him a call to say “I love you”. There are few gestures in the world that are so welcome.