Advice: Father of Bride Wearing Uniform At Wedding?

tammythetiger

Need advice....

My father is a retired Army officer and I've always dreamed of him walking me down the aisle in a uniform but I am unsure of the etiquette.  Neither myself nor the groom are in the military, nor anyone else in our wedding party.  So we having a formal evening wedding in a Catholic Church - not a military wedding.  Is it still appropriate for my father to walk me down the aisle in dress blues?  Being an "Army brat" has shaped me in so many ways that this would be highly sentimental and meaningful.

iluvmytxrgr

If he wants to wear his uniform, there is nothing wrong with it.  Talk to him about it.  Does his uniform still fit?  It is put together and ready?  If not, it may be very expensive for him to get it ready for your wedding.  If it doesn't fit, it will cost him at least $500 to buy a new uniform and all the things he needs to put on it.  Like I said, talk to him about it and see what he says. 

kmmssg

It's absolutely appropriate and let's face it - guys in dress blues always look great.  I've actually seen this done before and it was really sharp.

SamiJoeB

My FIL is retired CG and he wore his uniform. Hubs wanted anyone who was currently serving or retired to wear uniforms so thats what happened. Ours wasn't really a military wedding, we had touches of the military like small branch flags for both of us, but no Arch or anything, so I think it's fine if your dad wants to wear his!

megmac24

Definitely fine! One of my good friends got married in March and her father wore his dress blues. She was so proud and it actually made me tear up because it was personal to me since I'm marrying a Marine and my father is a retired Army officer. I say if your dad wants to wear his uniform, then let him. I think it's a sweet personal touch.

firsttimersluck

Dress blues are a formal uniform. If he has it all ready to go and it won't cost him a ridiculous amount (like pp said..) definitely ask him about it! I bet he would be honored... My father is retiring this summer right before my wedding and I'm hoping he will wear his. (most of the old retired guys really like wearing their glory days uniform )
You're on a board that LOVES those dress blues.

tammythetiger

Thanks everyone!!  Very helpful and I can't wait!  Dad said he's love to wear it.

firsttimersluck

YAY! I love it. I'm glad he loves it. It makes me BEAM when I see men in their uniform, active duty or retired. That uniform stands for a LOT, and it's a great alternative to a suit/tux if you allow him to wear it. Plus it'll look so wonderful in pictures of the two of you together!

hakeefer1

I feel like you'd be fine having your dad in his uniform.  If you're husband was military and wearing his uniform it could get sticky with salutes, but I'm really not sure how that would work for a wedding anyway.  I think the pictures would be great too.