The Father of the Bride Handover: Heartfelt Alternatives for Modern NZ Weddings

The Father of the Bride Handover: Heartfelt Alternatives for Modern NZ Weddings

Gone are the days of stiff arm-links and formal goodbyes! The father-of-the-bride handover is evolving into a moment brimming with personality and love. Here’s how to make this tradition uniquely yours.

Beyond the Traditional Arm-Link
Modern Kiwi couples are reimagining this moment:

• A Hand Squeeze: A quiet “I’m proud of you” as hands clasp.
• A Shared Vow: Some dads write a short promise to support their child’s new chapter.
• A Simple Hug: What else do I need to explain this?

Creating a Moment That Feels Authentic

• Private First Look: Have a quiet father-daughter/father-child moment before the ceremony.
• Walk Together, Then Let Go: One dad walked halfway, then gestured to his child’s partner: “Your turn to take care of my treasure.”
• Include Stepparents or Siblings: Blend families by having multiple loved ones share the walk.

A Christchurch bride asked her dad to “hand her over” by placing her hand in her partner’s… then pulled him into a group hug.

Takeaways

• Discuss the moment with your parent(s) beforehand to align expectations.
• Keep it short but meaningful—2-3 minutes max.
• Practice the logistics (where to stop, who steps back) to avoid fumbling. This is why a rehearsal is so important and it's often here where we will go over the details

This handover isn’t about “giving away”—it’s about celebrating the journey from one chapter to the next. However, you choose to do it, let it reflect your family’s love and personality.