THE FATHER OF THE BRIDE

Hi!

Let me introduce myself. I am the father of the bride. Apprehensive. About her future. You know what I mean. Here is this girl, the apple of your eye, on the very threshold of holy matrimony. From the very minute she stepped into your life - the frail little bundle wailing by the side of your exhausted, but very happy, wife at the maternity ward - she has been the focus of your attention. Life took on a new meaning. Her first smile (though it was on seeing her mother and not you!), her first words (mamma! Not pappa!), her first step - in all these, you realised how much she means to you and how much she depended on you. Overwhelming is too weak a word to describe the sense of responsibility you felt. You had to ensure that she got the best deals in life. The best toys, the best clothes, the best schools …

All too suddenly, this sweet little bundle of joy has transformed herself into the young woman standing before you. The young woman who is going to become someone's wife. Her very future is now in your hands. She trusts you. You - her father, will have to find a suitable groom for her. One wrong step on your part and you end up being, not her mentor, but her tormentor!

You realise that the world is full of grooms seeking brides, and vice-versa. But your girl is special. You would like to choose the best for her. As always. This magazine tries to help you that little bit in your quest. All the best for your daughter. And you.