Dad, Celebrating His Presence, Love, or Memory at your Wedding in Columbus County.
- Christine
- Jun 2
- 5 min read
Ways to make dad feel special on your wedding day
Weddings are deeply emotional and symbolic events, and one of the most meaningful relationships honored on this special day is the bond between a father and his child. At The Cellar at Grapefull Sisters, a wedding venue located in the heart of Columbus County, we’ve seen countless beautiful moments between fathers and their sons and daughters—each one unique, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
For the Bride: A Father’s Guiding Hand
One of the most traditional and touching roles for a bride’s father is walking her down the aisle. It’s a powerful moment—one that symbolizes love, support, and the transition from childhood to a new chapter of life. Included below is a photo from my own wedding over 20 years ago while on a carriage ride to my wedding—a cherished moment with my dad that holds a permanent place in my heart and still brings a smile to my face and reminds me just how special these memories truly are.
One of the most meaningful ways to make your dad feel special on your wedding day is through thoughtful, personal gestures that reflect your unique bond. A touching idea is to attach a small piece of fabric or another sentimental item—with a handwritten note sewn or pinned to the back of his tie. It can be a short message like “Forever your little girl” or “Thank you for walking by my side today and always.” This hidden token becomes something he’ll carry close to his heart all day. You can also surprise him with a private first look, include him in the ceremony with a reading or prayer, or play his favorite song during dinner or the reception. Whether it’s a father-daughter dance, a shared toast, or a quiet moment before the aisle walk, these intentional touches make your dad feel not only honored, but truly loved and remembered in every detail.
Beyond the aisle, many brides choose to share a father-daughter dance, a time to celebrate memories, laughter, and the unbreakable bond they’ve built over a lifetime. Whether it’s an emotional slow dance or a fun, choreographed routine, it’s a moment that often becomes a highlight of Columbus County wedding receptions.
Here are some of the most popular and timeless father-daughter dance songs that are frequently chosen for weddings:
Classic Favorites:
"My Girl" – The Temptations
"Isn’t She Lovely" – Stevie Wonder
"Unforgettable" – Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
"Butterfly Kisses" – Bob Carlisle
"What a Wonderful World" – Louis Armstrong
Country Hits:
"I Loved Her First" – Heartland
"My Little Girl" – Tim McGraw
"It Won’t Be Like This for Long" – Darius Rucker
"You’re Gonna Miss This" – Trace Adkins
"There Goes My Life" – Kenny Chesney
Sentimental Choices:
"Daddy" – Beyoncé
"Daughters" – John Mayer
"Forever Young" – Rod Stewart
"Cinderella" – Steven Curtis Chapman
"You’ll Be in My Heart" – Phil Collins
Modern Picks:
"Never Grow Up" – Taylor Swift
"First Man" – Camila Cabello
"One Call Away" – Charlie Puth
"You Raise Me Up" – Josh Groban
"Count on Me" – Bruno Mars
For the Groom: A Father’s Steady Presence
For grooms, having their father by their side can be equally significant. From sharing a toast during the rehearsal dinner to helping adjust a tie just before the ceremony, these small, quiet moments often carry great emotional weight.
Some grooms honor their fathers by asking them to serve as a best man or to offer a blessing or speech at the reception—moments that reflect mutual respect, guidance, and love. At Columbus County weddings, these father-son connections often stand out as some of the most meaningful.
Ways to Make Dad feel loved
Here are some heartfelt and meaningful ways to make dads feel special and remembered on your wedding day beyond the traditional moments:
Gift a custom keepsake – A watch, handkerchief, or cufflinks engraved with a personal note or date can be both sentimental and lasting.
Write him a letter – A handwritten letter from the heart, shared privately before the ceremony, can be incredibly touching.
Include him in the ceremony – Have him do a reading, give a blessing, walk you both down the aisle, or even help officiate if he’s up for it.
Play “his” song – Choose a song that holds special meaning between you and your dad and surprise him with it during the reception or dinner.
Photo tribute – Include photos of you and your dad growing up in a slideshow, photo wall, or on your reception tables.
Share a private moment – Before guests arrive, carve out time just for the two of you—no distractions, just gratitude and love.
Toast or speech for him – During your speech or thank-you moment, directly address him and share a short anecdote or memory.
Custom tie or socks – Gift him wedding-day wearables with a personal touch—embroidery with a note like “Forever your little girl” or “Thank you for walking beside me.”
Honor him during getting ready – Have him involved with helping you dress (zipping your gown, adjusting your tie), or schedule a toast with him while getting ready.
A first “dad moment” photo – Beyond the first look, capture a photo of a shared laugh, hug, or tear—these candid moments often become the most cherished.
Alex Jones Photography
When Dad Can’t Be There: Meaningful Alternatives
Not every bride or groom is able to have their father present on their wedding day. Whether due to distance, estrangement, illness, or loss, the absence can feel heavy—but there are still many beautiful ways to honor the paternal presence:
Walk with Someone Meaningful: If dad can’t walk the bride down the aisle, consider a sibling, mother, grandparent, or close family friend. What matters most is the love and connection shared.
Honor His Memory: For those whose fathers have passed, including a photo on a memory table, a reserved seat with his favorite hat or jacket, or a tribute in the ceremony program can be a gentle, touching gesture.
Wear or Carry Something of His: Brides might tuck a piece of their dad’s shirt into their dress or carry a handkerchief of his. Grooms might wear his cufflinks or favorite tie.
Play His Favorite Song: Dedicate a moment during the reception for his favorite tune—maybe even a dance in his honor.
Light a Candle: A simple, symbolic way to bring his presence into the ceremony and offer a moment of reflection.
Celebrating the Role of Fatherhood—In All Its Forms at your Columbus County Wedding
At The Cellar at Grapefull Sisters, we believe that weddings are about celebrating the people who have helped shape us. Whether your father is walking you down the aisle, cheering from afar, or remembered in spirit, there are countless ways to make him a part of your day.
Love, after all, is the foundation of every wedding—and that love comes in many forms. From rustic outdoor ceremonies to elegant vineyard receptions, Columbus County weddings offer a personal and heartfelt space to celebrate these unforgettable bonds.
Alex Jones Photography
The Cellar is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it's time to book your wedding venue and vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceed expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. You can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map and a few of our favorites are listed below.
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