The father of the bride is the most worst-equipped key character in the wedding. Women, wives and daughters, realize all about weddings, the groom just needs to show up reasonably sober and shaved, and the best man gets to plan a party ” how hard is that?

The father of the bride on the other hand is still expected to shell out a boatload of money to pay for almost everything. Therefore, unless he plans on investing a wheelbarrow of money, there are a few things that he must know and do.

1. Be part of the planning process. If youre not involved you might as well shouting, Free Money. Dont take charge of the planning, but offer your help and suggestions in the areas that you know about. A wedding reception is nothing more than a large, expensive party with a lot of rules.

2. Resolve yourself to dealing with crazy women. There is something about weddings that causes all women to go crazy. I am positive that at least five times before the wedding occurs you will be accused of trying to ruin everything. This is one of those times in life that it is generally better (but there are exceptions) to just suck it up. For the most part your wife and daughter will just want to vent about their frustrations. For this you need to learn only two responses, That bitch, and Those bastards. Repeat frequently.