Father of the Bride Speech Tips and Examples
A Father of the Bride speech can be a little intimidating for many fathers. Giving speeches in front of large gatherings is high on the stress-level guage.
But per tradition, the father of the bride is expected to give a speech and propose a toast to the new couple.
The father of the bride’s speech sets the tone for the whole festivities as it is usually the first toast given. The father’s heart will be full of pride for his daughter, and it will be an emotional day for both the bride and groom and their parents.
Communicating the right words at this pivotal moment is critical. But, with some thoughtful preparation, Dad can come out looking like a star. Read through our tips on writing and delivering the speech, and review these father-of-the-bride speech examples to go in with confidence. Please proceed.
How to prepare the father of the bride’s wedding speech
Here’s some speech structure guidance on the father of the bride’s wedding speech to make it a special one.
Introduce yourself and welcome guests
Start by introducing yourself (Using the phrase, “I am the Father of the Bride” is perfectly acceptable), welcome the wedding guests, and thank them for attending the event.
Next, move on to mentioning the bride’s mother, other family members, and the groom’s parents. This way, you show respect, and you are officially welcoming them into the family.
Praise your daughter
Your daughter is the main reason you are in that position, giving the speech, so start by praising her. Talk about some of her childhood memories, something funny or emotional, etc. Tell her how proud you are of her, from being daddy’s girl to a grown woman. For a heartwarming speech, include a quote on father-daughter love that best expresses your relationship.
Welcome your new son-in-law
Don’t forget the groom and give him a proper welcome into the family. Talk about the first impression he made on you when you met (make it funny but warm) and how happy you are that your daughter has chosen him to spend the rest of her life with.
Sprinkle some marriage advice
During the speech, the father of the bride may offer some marriage advice, having been through the experience. Introduce the mother’s bride and tell her how much your love through the years means to you still.
Raise a toast
In the end, ask the guests to stand and raise a glass to the bride and groom. No doubt the best man will do the same, but this is the traditional way to end the father of the bride’s speech.
How to deliver the best father of the bride speech
A good speech should stir emotions, but at the same time, it should bring a smile to the faces of all guests. And because not everyone is talented and words are hard to put together, here are some tips and tricks on writing and delivering the best father-of-the-bride speech.
Timing is important. The ideal time for a speech is at the beginning of the party when everyone is at their tables, and the room is quiet.
Keep it short and sweet. The speech shouldn’t last more than 6 or 8 minutes because you wouldn’t want your aunt to fall asleep at the table with her face in the soup.
Keep it real. It would be preferable if the text of the speech is original. People will feel when the words don’t come from the heart. The most appreciated wedding speech will be a simple one, with personal notes and honest impressions.
Practice makes perfect. It’s advisable to read it several times before writing it, notice possible mistakes and practice, and get used to the idea that you will make a speech, and thus some of the tension will diminish.
Joke, but in moderation. Jokes are allowed, even indicated, but not in excess. Even if you plan to deliver a funny speech, don’t go from one joke to another continuously; you are not a standup comedian (unless you really are one!).
Don’t Improvise. If you feel that you can wing it at a wedding, you should think again if you really want to say something worthy. A wedding speech is like a presentation, so it needs structure; it needs to capture the audience’s attention and be short and to the point. The key is to prepare it in advance, so you can follow your train of thought and impress everyone.
Keep your emotions in check. Of course, it is normal that you feel emotional and teary because your baby girl is all grown up and getting married, but don’t let the tears of joy overwhelm you.
Examples of the Father of the Bride Toasts
End your speech by raising a glass of champagne as a toast to the newlyweds. Feeling uninspired? Here are some examples of a father of the bride toasts:
Please join me in a toast to (bride) and (groom). I wish you both an incredibly happy life, joy, love, and tenderness to live in your heart, now and forever. Live in peace and harmony!
Please raise your glass to the newlyweds! I congratulate you both on your special wedding day. May love, faithfulness, mutual understanding, and respect always live in your family. A toast to many years of bliss!
Please stand with me and raise your glass to toast the happy couple! My beloved daughter, today you are a bride, and tomorrow morning you will become a wife. To my new son-in-law – take good care of your wife. I congratulate you on your wedding day and wish you to live in happiness and prosperity!
Please raise your glass to the bride and groom! I wish you all the best: prosperity and happiness. Love, support, and protect each other in everything, and never let the winds of fate destroy your union!
Father of the Bride Speech Example 1
Hello and welcome! If you didn’t figure it out already, I’m the happy (and a bit nervous) father of the bride.
Big thanks to all of you who are gathered here today to celebrate [Bride] and [Groom] ‘s wedding!
To my daughter on her wedding day, I want to say how beautiful you look in your white dress.
[Bride] – you have filled my heart with joy since the day your beautiful mother [Wife name] brought you into this world. For better or worse and for many years to come, remember that you will always be my little girl. [Bride] – Today, the time has come to see you unite your destiny with this fine young man – [Groom Name], that I salute and respect and welcome to our family. [Bride] and [Groom] found love, and I think that is the most wonderful feeling on Earth. I hope that each one of you feels or has felt the power of love in this lifetime. If not, please keep searching….And now, without any further ado, ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast the happy newlyweds.
[Bride] and [Groom], I wish you endless years of happiness and a beautiful life together!Father of the Bride Speech Example 2
Good evening everyone, and welcome to [Bride] and [Groom] wedding.
I am the bride’s father, and I am terribly proud to give this speech in front of such an amazing audience this evening.
Today also marks my wife’s birthday – hey [wife name] – so you can imagine overall what an extraordinary day it is for our family.
As you can easily tell, [Bride] gets her beauty from her mother, [wife name], and I am lucky to have been surrounded by such two beautiful and amazing (and stubborn) women.
[Bride] – I remember when you were just a little girl, playing with your dolls in our backyard, dreaming about the day when you will be a bride. Now you are all grown up, and that day has come. And what a joy, because you have found love! [Groom] – I am proud of having you as my son-in-law, and I welcome you and your family into ours. Together we are now one big family of love and support.At the end of my speech, if I may offer you a simple piece of advice, always have each other’s back, no matter what. This has served me and [wife] good all through our 30 years of marriage!
Now, I would like us to raise a glass to my wonderful daughter and new son-in-law.
[Bride] and [Groom], I wish you both a lifetime of happiness! Cheers!Funny Father of the Bride Speech Example Video
Father of the Bride Speech Example 3
Good evening everyone, and welcome to [Bride] and [Groom] ‘s wedding.
If you haven’t guessed already, yes, I am the father of the bride, and I am honored and delighted to start the wedding toasts with mine (no pressure at all)…
First of all, I want to thank you all for joining us today, and it means the world to us to have you by our side on such a special occasion.
Then I want to thank [Bride] – can’t believe the beautiful woman you have become. Only yesterday, you were just a little girl that brought constant joy and happiness to me and your mother. We are so proud of you; words are not enough to express how I feel…
And today, you have decided to join your destiny with [Groom], whom I am already very fond of.
As your father and biggest fan, I hope that your days together will be full of sunshine and dark clouds of sorrow will always keep away.
With that being said, please join me today in toasting to the [Bride] and [Groom]!
For a new blessed life together and harmony!
Quotes of Love from Father to Daughter
A girl’s first true love is her father. (Marisol Santiago)
Fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man. (Frank Pittman)
The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature. (Antoine Francois Prevost)
A son is a son till he gets a wife; a daughter is a daughter for the rest of her life. (Irish Saying)
To a father growing old, nothing is dearer than a daughter. (Euripides)
No one can make the female a queen except her father. (Arab Proverb)
There is no place higher than on Daddy’s shoulders. (Unknown)
A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart. (Unknown)
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding a father-of-the-bride speech.
How long should the father of the bride’s speech be?
Ideally, the father of the bride’s speech will be around 5 to 8 minutes top. This is the ideal speech length to guarantee your audience is kept engaged. Time yourself after writing your speech (including pauses for applause and laughter) to ensure you don’t end up with an endless monologue.
Is it necessary to memorize my father of the bride’s speech?
Are you overcome with emotion when you speak into the microphone to the bride and groom and only utter short, childish phrases? Do you lose your temper when all eyes in the room are on you? Then it’s best to practice your speech at home or learn it by heart so you will wow the newlyweds and guests alike.
What should you say in the father of the bride’s speech?
Here are a few takeaways to remember and include in your speech:
- Welcome guests and thank them for coming.
- Share a heartfelt story of the bride.
- Be genuine and acknowledge your emotions.
- Mention and praise your new son-in-law.
- Offer words of wisdom to the new couple.
Is there something that you shouldn’t say in your speech?
Nothing lightens up the audience like a good joke. But remember not to go overboard with jokes. Please avoid sharing embarrassing stories of the bride or groom that might make them feel uncomfortable or ashamed. Don’t roast them either, and this is not a standup comedy moment. Always keep it light and entertaining!
Final Words
Remember, speech is still the most beautiful way to communicate and convey emotion on your daughter’s wedding day. The important thing is to leave a part of your soul in the memory of that day through simple and sincere words.
By Mike O’Halloran
Mike is the founder and editor of Greeting Card Poet. He is proud to have given a couple of Father-of-the-Bride speeches.
You are on our How To Give The Best Father of the Bride Speech page.
You might like:
