Honoring Fathers on Your Wedding Day: both present and no longer with us.
father toasting
Your wedding day is more than just a celebration of love between two people — it’s also a chance to honor those who’ve loved and supported you along the way. And for many couples, that includes celebrating a very important man: Dad.
Whether you want to stick to tradition or plan something unique, your venue can offer the perfect setting for meaningful moments with your father or father figure. Here are some beautiful ways to include and honoring Dad on your special day:
1. A Grand Entrance Together
Let your venue set the stage. A dramatic staircase or long aisle? Invite your dad to escort you for a moment that feels cinematic. Here at the Admiral Room, the grandeur of the space turns that traditional walk into a showstopping moment.
2. Special Seating or Recognition
Reserve a prominent seat for Dad at the ceremony or reception — perhaps with a custom sign, flower arrangement, or personalized keepsake. A framed photo of you both or a handwritten note placed at his seat can be a thoughtful touch.
groom and parents @nicolegattophotography
3. First Look in a Private Space
Ask your venue coordinator to help arrange a private room for a “first look” with Dad before the ceremony begins. These tucked-away moments often become some of the most emotional — and they photograph beautifully in elegant indoor settings.
4. Spotlight Dance on the Ballroom Floor
The father-daughter or father-son dance deserves a proper spotlight. Have your DJ or band dim the lights and play a song of your choosing under the venue’s chandeliers or uplighting. Let your venue help set the mood with special lighting cues to make it even more magical.
groom and father @nicolegattophotography
5. Raise a Toast Together
Invite your father to give a toast or thank him in your own — made even more powerful when the whole room can see and hear him clearly with the venue’s surround sound setup.
6. Family Photo Moment
Take advantage of your venue’s architecture or signature backdrops for a special photo of you and your father. Whether it’s in front of a marble fireplace, historic columns, or grand windows, the setting adds timeless elegance to the memory.
7. Include Him in the Ceremony Setup
Does your father have a favorite quote, song lyric, or photo? Your venue can help you incorporate it into ceremony signage, welcome displays, or even part of your altar design. It’s a subtle but meaningful tribute.
8. Play His Favorite Song During Dinner
Let your DJ/band sneak in one of Dad’s favorite songs during the dinner hour. Watching his reaction as the music fills the room will be a moment you’ll never forget — and your venue’s acoustics can make it sound amazing.
9. Dance Together Under the Stars (or Chandeliers)
We can project stars, fireworks or a video on the ceiling/walls of the Admiral Room. One couple projected a video of the bride and her dad dancing together when she was a little girl and played this while they were dancing on her wedding day.
Whether your dad is outgoing and sentimental, or quiet and strong, we can assist in ways to make him feel seen and celebrated. From grand gestures to intimate moments, these memories become part of your story — and the ADMIRAL ROOM is the perfect place to bring them to life.
first dance @nicolegattophotography
5 heartfelt and respectful ways to honor fathers who have passed on your wedding day:
