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What was the original purpose of the father-daughter wedding dance?
March 9, 2010
I understand that a father "gives" his daughter away at the altar (there is significant historical context to this), but why a separate dance? I am looking for other sentimentally siginificant alternatives to this practice (though it is common and largely expected).
I think it signifies that even though her father has "given her away" in marriage, that she is still "daddy’s little girl" and always will be.
3 Responses to “What was the original purpose of the father-daughter wedding dance?”
This is probably completely wrong, but I always looked at it….(and planning my wedding for december)…. as a way to show respect to the father.. Think of it like this… The father gives the girl to the new man in her life. The first dance as a new woman- is with her new man… and then followed by a dance with her old man… Kind of like a way to look back and say "this is who i use to belong too" Somehwat of an opposite way of looking at the father giving the daughter away. The daughter dances with the father as a new woman… a connection of old-new…
that’s how *I* view it, but this is in no way have any connection to historical or traditional reasons for it- this is my own lil way of seeing it. lol
References :
By Amanda R on Mar 9, 2010
I think it signifies that even though her father has "given her away" in marriage, that she is still "daddy’s little girl" and always will be.
References :
By Elizabeth on Mar 9, 2010
What father doesn’t feel a bit of reluctance to part with his little girl? It is with a peculiar mixture of pride and protectiveness that he leads her down the aisle at the church and later, out onto the dance floor at the wedding reception. The lovely tradition of the Bride dancing with her father is an acknowledgment of the special relationship between father and daughter and in more modern times between the Groom and his mother.
The Honors dance has been a tradition on both sides of the Atlantic for many years. In this country the first dance is most often the Bride and Groom followed by the Bride dancing with her father. In Europe however, this is reversed and therefore tends to be another visible sign of letting go of "Daddy’s little girl". Both traditions have their merits. While the European is more symbolic, the American way showcases the Bride and Groom more. It also allows for the Groom to take his mother out onto the floor midway through the dance which then can snowball into general dancing, first for the wedding party, and then for the rest of the attending guests.
References :
http://www.firstdanceimpressions.com/HonorDance.html
By Tracey E on Mar 9, 2010