Your Ultimate Guide To A Moving Father Of The Bride Speech

According to tradition, the bride’s father delivers the first speech at the wedding reception. Thus, the ‘father of the bride’ speech sets the tone for the evening and is one of the most anticipated events of the evening. As the bride’s dad, it is your responsibility to formulate a well-rounded speech that speaks volumes about your love for her and conveys your good wishes for the couple. In this article, we have compiled a list of helpful pointers, illustrated with examples to help you write the perfect ‘father of the bride’ speech. Keep scrolling!

Father Of The Bride Speech Template

1. Introduce Yourself And Welcome The Guests

Most people in the room will know who you are, especially if you walked the bride down the aisle, but it is worth a quick introduction. Make sure to include your name and connection to the bride in the speech to offer a brief introduction of yourself to the guests who are unfamiliar with you. You can start with a joke to break the ice. For instance, you can begin your speech by saying, “Hello, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I am (bride’s name)’s father. Her unofficial life coach for the past 25 years. I thank you all for unwittingly attending my TED talk today!” You can then sincerely express your gratitude for their presence, however, you do not need to thank all the guests; it is the groom’s job. It will suffice to convey your gratitude in a sentence or two.

Quick Tip

If yours is not the first speech of the event, you need not welcome the guests. You can skip it and introduce yourself.

2. Reminisce Stories From The Bride’s Childhood

As a father, delivering a heartfelt father-of-the-bride speech is not only a special moment among celebrations on the wedding day but also a way of showing support and expressing gratitude for the journey of fatherhood.

It is your daughter’s day. So, she should also dominate your speech. Think about some fond memories from her childhood that reflect her personality today. For example, she was sensitive and caring as a child and has grown into a kind-hearted individual. Yes, you can roast her, but avoid tales that can be too embarrassing for her.

3. Praise Your Daughter

Building on the memories from the golden days of her childhood, you can elaborate on how she has always and still makes you proud. For instance, you can talk about the academic awards she has received or significant milestones she has achieved in her career. You can also talk about her acts of kindness and compassion, and how she stood up for her friends and families in times of need. You can also talk about important moments that have shaped her the way she is; you get popularity points for sharing funny or embarrassing stories!

The wedding reception is not the time to hold back your admiration for your daughter but shower her with all the love and praises that she can handle. You can expect a tear or two; keep tissues handy!

Quick Tip

Many people present at the wedding may not know your daughter personally. So, it is important to praise your daughter’s qualities and mention a few cherished memories you share with her.

4. Acknowledge Your Daughter’s Spouse

The father of the bride speech is the ideal occasion to welcome your son-in-law to the family. If you know them well, focus on the positive aspects of their personality. Talk about why you think he makes a great partner for your daughter. You can also talk about your unique connection with him or how your affection has grown over time. If you are not too close to your daughter’s new spouse yet, you can base your speech on how your daughter feels about them.

5. Add A Funny Story About The Couple

At this point, you can include a humorous story about the couple. It could be a funny take on how they met or your first meeting with your daughter’s spouse. Remember not to make it too uncomfortable or humiliating for the newlyweds. Further, take a moment to celebrate the couple and talk about the positive attributes of their relationship. Make sure to express your confidence in their future together.

6. Thank Bride’s Mother And New In-Laws

It is a good practice to include the bride’s mother and in-laws in your speech. You can thank the mother for playing an important role in raising a daughter who makes you so proud. For instance, you can say, “I would like to thank my beloved wife for being such an extraordinary woman and helping me raise our wonderful daughter. She clearly has inherited grace and wisdom from you.” Thank the in-laws for being a part of the wedding and welcome them to the family. You can say, “My daughter is lucky to have new parents in (Groom’s parents’ name). We are thrilled to officially have you as part of our family.”

7. Sprinkle Some Parting Wisdom

It doesn’t matter if you are married, divorced, or happily single. As the eldest of the speakers, you may include some wisdom and marital advice for the newlyweds. It could be about maintaining a healthy marriage or living a happy life. It is the ultimate moment for dad talk, so enjoy it to the hilt. Conclude your speech with heartfelt wishes for the couple’s future by inviting all guests to join in for a toast.

If you are somewhat au fait with public speeches, take cues from the above template and formulate your piece. Otherwise, head to the next section for some engaging and well-structured father of the bride speeches.

Father Of The Bride Speech Examples

• Traditional Speech

“Hi, I am (your name), (bride’s name) father, and waiting for this moment is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Although it is overwhelming to give my daughter away, knowing that she is marrying a great man is reassuring.

(Bride’s name) has always found good qualities in everyone. Even as a little girl, her compassion blew me away. From the time she was old enough to go to school, (bride’s name) made friends with every person in her class. It didn’t matter if someone was popular or too quiet; she found the best in every classmate.

Since she has always had that quality, it didn’t surprise me when she became a nurse. She took pride in how she could help people and save their lives. But she worked more for her patients than herself. So, I always wished she would find a husband who could help her pay attention to herself.

When I introduced (groom’s name) to (bride’s name), he had just started working for my company. I found him just as warm-hearted as her. He also had a great work ethic and a sense of determination. So even though (bride’s name) was appalled that I, her father, had set her up on a date, I think she can thank me for it now. After all, I am the perfect matchmaker!

(Bride’s name), although I have been nervous about letting you go, I could not be happier for my little girl. I have watched you go through school, around-the-clock internships, and emotional turmoil, and now I know it was all worth it. I only wish the best for both of you, and I know you will have a beautiful marriage that will never once waiver.

(Groom’s name), I am confident that you will take care of my daughter. You have been a dear friend and co-worker for years now. Thank you for treating my daughter like gold. I know in my heart that he is her perfect match, regardless of what happens later in life.

For this reason, I would like to make a toast. (bride and groom’s names), may the future bring you happiness, wisdom, and children so I can be a grandfather! But in all seriousness, I give you my wholehearted blessing, and I know you two will last a lifetime. I am so happy that this day has finally come.

Congratulations, (bride and groom’s names)!”

• Short Speech

“As (bride’s name) proud father, it is my honor to give the first speech. I am a little anxious today, so please bear with me.

What a magnificent venue (bride and groom’s name) have chosen today. It was impossible to get her out of her Cinderella dress as a kid, so it is a dream come true for her to marry at this beautiful castle today.

(Bride’s name) will always be my princess, but I am grateful she found her prince charming. The bravery with which he handles her demands for chicken nuggets at 1 A.M. and his polite acceptance of all her Amazon deliveries at his work told me he was the one! And thankfully, (bride’s name) realized it too!

(Groom’s name), welcome to the family. You are joining a large, loving, and loyal family. I am not losing a daughter, but instead, I am gaining a brawny son-in-law who will clean my car and cut my grass when I get older.

I don’t want to embarrass my daughter any further — it is reserved for the dance floor — so please raise a glass with me to the new Mr and Mrs!”

• Funny Speech

“Welcome, everyone, and thank you so much for joining us on this incredibly happy day as I walked my daughter down the aisle.

When (groom’s name) asked permission to marry (bride’s name), I went to his local police station to carry out some background checks and asked if he was well-behaved. And the sergeant was very reassuring. Apparently, he never bothered them whenever he spent the night there. Of course, I am joking, (groom’s name) is a great man, and (bride’s name) makes a beautiful bride, and I wish them every happiness for the future.

Marriage is an important commitment, and I was looking forward to the day (bride’s name) finds the person who makes her happy. Marriage takes love, trust, and respect. It needs patience and compromise, and I should know; I have been patiently compromising for years! Still, if they are any bit as happy as my wife and I, they will be very happy. So, ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses for the bride and groom!”

• Heartfelt Long Speech

“Hi everyone, thank you so much for coming to this blissful occasion. For those who don’t know me, I am (your name), and it brings me great joy and honor to be the father of the bride.

(Bride’s name), my beautiful daughter, I have been thinking about this day ever since I held you in my arms for the first time. As parents, we spend a lot of time wondering who our children will get married to, how it will unfold, and what exactly will we say when this time comes. Well, let me tell you, (Bride’s name), you have turned into something more wonderful than I could think of. As I watched you grow, I always admired your honesty, curiosity, and fierce independence. You have grown up to become beautiful inside out. You have a gentle, compassionate spirit that knows to give love alone. Watching you navigate life with grace and determination has been my greatest joy as a parent.

And (Groom’s name), I will never forget the day you asked my blessings to propose to my little girl. You truly won my heart that day. I could see the love, sincerity, and commitment in your eyes and I knew in that moment, that you were the one for my daughter. You have been a great source of happiness and encouragement to her. I really admire the way you treat and prioritize her in your life.

All I can say is, I couldn’t be happier for you both. The way you two balance out each other is remarkable. (Bride’s name), the way you bring excitement and joy with your cheerful demeanor is truly uplifting. You have the ability to make every moment special. And (Groom’s name), your thoughtful mindset, practicality, and wisdom, are sure to provide stability and strength to your marriage life. I believe, (Groom’s name) and (Bride’s name), you two make for an extraordinary team.

As you embark on this journey, all I want to say is, make sure to always find time for each other and never let your relationship take a backseat. Steal moments for each other, prioritize your marriage, and always cherish and respect this bond.

(Bride’s name), know that your mom and I are always there for you, every step of the way. We love you a lot and you can always count on us for anything.

So, let’s raise our glasses to the happy couple. May your love be a shining example to all you know. To (Bride’s name) and (Groom’s name)!”

• Candid Speech

“Hello Everyone! Welcome to the wedding of (Bride’s name) and (Groom’s name). What a beautiful day this has been so far, and an emotional one too! I have been doing my best to hold back my tears and stay composed. But when I see my little girl decked in her wedding attire looking oh-so-beautiful, I can’t help but feel overwhelmed.

(Bride’s name), I know that I don’t say it often, but I really love you. I can say it a million times and yet it won’t be enough. I feel so privileged to have walked alongside you and wiped those occasional tears on the way. You are my light and I have seen you growing into a strong woman with a big heart. Today marks a new beginning in your life. And looking at you today, I am sure your marriage will be filled with light, and happiness, grounded in trust and strength.

(Groom’s name), Thank You! I couldn’t have found anyone more deserving than you. From the moment I saw you looking at her with love-filled eyes, I knew you were the one. You have brought a great deal of calm and steadiness into her world. You keep her centered. Together, you will build a world filled with love and stability.

So, to wrap this up, I just want to say, marriage is a journey made of small and big everyday moments. It won’t be easy always. There will be challenges and obstacles along the way, but make sure to never stop holding each other’s hands. Know that with love you can overcome any hardships that come your way.

Thank you to everyone who has been with us today. Now, let us raise a glass to (Bride’s name) and (Groom’s name). Wish you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness. Cheers!”

• Quirky Speech

“Welcome to the wonderful wedding of my little daughter (Bride’s name) and (Groom’s name). I can’t tell you how proud I am today to represent my beautiful daughter on the most happening day of her life. It is the day I have always looked forward to with anticipation. I want to tell everyone, ‘I am honored to walk my daughter (Bride’s name) down the aisle.’

From the moment she came into my life, she turned my world upside down. Growing up she was stubborn and moody, don’t know where she got that from! But she was always there for her friends and family. She was a source of great help to us. She has spent a lot of time around the house, helping with chores, taking care of us, and leaving her mark everywhere. Now that she has all grown up and is glowing with happiness, I can’t help but feel a little emotional. You have grown to become such an incredible person. You are intelligent, beautiful, strong, and have an endearing smile that can light up a room. I have always liked your energy, enthusiasm, and well let’s be honest, a few strong opinions too.

Now, I am handing you over to (Groom’s name), someone I know will cherish and love you deeply. (Groom’s name), I was truly impressed by your polite and charming behavior, especially your ability to keep calm while (Bride’s name) throws a ton of tantrums. You get her quirks, occasional stubbornness, and wild ambitions (good luck with that). But on a serious note, I couldn’t have asked for a better son-in-law. And I am so thankful to the Almighty for that.

If I can give you one piece of advice, it will show up for each other every day, even if things turn messy. Remember, marriage isn’t about perfection, it’s filled with ups and downs. You guys make for an unbreakable team and I am sure that the future holds incredible things for you.

To Mr. and Mrs. (Surname), wishing you a happily ever after! Keep choosing each other every single day!”

In keeping with tradition, your speech should end with a toast. Just say a few short sentences congratulating the newlyweds and wishing them a happy life together. Then, ask everyone to stand with you and raise your glasses to the couple. Find below some helpful examples of ending your speech with a toast.

How To End Father Of The Bride Speech

• Example 1

Please stand with me and raise your glass to toast the happy couple. (Bride’s name) has been the light of my life, and today I hand her over to (groom’s name). I know he will love and cherish her every bit as much as I do. Here is a toast to a happy and healthy life full of endless love and laughter!

• Example 2

Please join me in a toast to (bride and groom’s name). (Groom’s name), you have become like a son to me, and I am entrusting (bride’s name) to you. Cherish every moment you have together. Let us all wish the happy couple a lifetime of joy!

• Example 3

When (bride’s name) was only 13, she told me she wanted to marry (groom’s name). I watched them grow from carefree teenagers to loving and caring adults. Let us offer a toast to many years of wedded bliss!

• Example 4

When (groom’s name) first showed up at our door, I couldn’t have known he would be the one to steal my baby’s heart. But here we are today, and I couldn’t be happier for them. Let us raise our glass to (bride and groom’s name) and wish them a lifetime of happiness!

• Example 5

Please join me as I raise my glass to the beautiful, kind, and loving couple. (Groom’s name), we welcome you to our family and look forward to many years of holiday dinners, family vacations, and late-night phone calls. Cheers to (bride and groom’s name)!

Naba Barkakati, a YouTube vlogger, shared the video of his speech at his daughter’s wedding. It was fun and entertaining, gaining a lot of laughs from the audience. He ended the speech on a sweet note, saying, “Take vacations every year and that should see you through a long and happy life. Before I close, may I propose a toast to the most important couple in the room… Ladies and gentlemen, Emily and Anran. May you both have a long and happy married life (i).” How sweet is that!

We understand you must be all jittery about the ‘father of the bride’ speech. However, you must follow the dos and don’ts mentioned in the next section, and you will be set for a heartwarming speech.

Essential Dos And Don’ts For A Memorable Father Of The Bride Speech

Dos

• Include a brilliant anecdote. Brainstorm with your wife and family members and fish out a gem from the best memories.
• Practice makes perfect. Rehearse your speech repeatedly before a mirror or audience.
• A simple and honest speech will be easy to remember and will feel more natural.
• Speak slowly and allow time for laughs.
• Use cue cards or a prompt, but don’t read your speech. Instead, just look at them for reference points.
• You must hold on to your emotions during the speech. Otherwise, all that guests will be able to hear is some gibberish.
• Cut out the clichéd jokes but be funny. Serve unique humor with funny takes on personal memories.
• Speak about the love you have for your daughter, but also include some compliments for the groom. It’s his wedding, too!

Don’ts

• Leave the big jokes to the best man and stick with short quips or one-liners.
• Avoid anything too embarrassing. Now is not the time to discuss ex-boyfriends or crude and inside jokes.
• You may not adore the groom much, but don’t include anything negative about him in the speech.
• You may be a key element of the wedding, but it’s their show. Try not to steal the spotlight!
• While you may be tempted to make a joke about how you lost your life saving on organizing the wedding, do not talk about money. It will only make guests uncomfortable.

Armed with these dos and don’ts, you are well on your way to delivering a ‘father of the bride’ speech that is sure to touch hearts. But even the most beautiful sentiments lose their impact when they are not communicated properly. Understanding how to structure your thoughts will bring flow to your well-chosen words in the best possible way. Let us explore how you can put those thoughts, anecdotes, and emotions into one speech that would be sure to captivate the audience all the way to the end.

How To Structure Your Father Of The Bride Speech

A good Father of the Bride speech has the right amount of warmth and humor. We have compiled the following tips to help structure and outline your speech.

• Your introduction should be about 2-3 minutes where you greet and thank the guests for coming while you introduce yourself briefly. You can also write down and read the names of friends and family members who deserve special mention. For example, someone who has traveled a long distance to attend the wedding, or significant family members who passed away.
• Next, you can talk about your daughter using a few anecdotes or two about her upbringing, look into her best qualities and her achievements. You can even structure your speech by first mentioning the cherished memory of her birth, followed by anecdotes of childhood, and conclude with stories of her teen years, reflecting on her life journey. Do not forget to mention the pride and love you have for her.
• Next, talk about the groom for another 2-3 minutes. Welcome him into your family and mention the instances when you were getting to know him. Appreciate him as well. You can talk about the positive impact he has left on your daughter. Try to link this quality to their marriage and how those traits can contribute to an enduring partnership. You can also take a minute to mention the groom’s parents here.
• For the next 2-3 minutes, talk about them as a couple and shower your hopes and wishes upon them for their future together.
  Do take a minute or two to share bits of wisdom regarding marriage or life. You can give advice based on your own experiences. For example, how to avoid conflicts or how to resolve them, how to maintain the spark in the relationship, or what to prioritize in marriage.
• Keep it lighthearted and very positive. Avoid mentioning any embarrassing or awkward memories that can make your daughter, her partner, or wedding guests feel uncomfortable. Make sure your speech remains appropriate for everyone.
• For the closing remarks, make a toast to the bride and groom. You can also add a personal touch by ending your speech with “I know you are in the best hands” rather than going for the traditional health and happiness option.

As a bride’s father, this speech comes at a high emotional value. It includes love, pride, and hopes for the daughter as she starts this new chapter in her life. This speech would not only touch your daughter’s heart but give her lifelong memories as well. Do not be afraid to show those emotions. Remember, authenticity resonates in everyone’s hearts. So, celebrate this opportunity and reflect on the wonderful journey of fatherhood as you experience this special day.

You do not have to strictly follow this structure, it is just to help you build your individual style. So, relax and enjoy the limelight. Just add some warmth, a bit of humor, truckloads of love, and you are ready!

Infographic: 4 Essential Sections In The Father Of The Bride Speech

Preparing a speech for your daughter’s wedding can be exciting and scary. You may be confused about what to include and what to pass off as an off-hand remark. Do not fret! As you take a deep dive into the ocean of memories with your loving daughter, here is a map to help you navigate the complete breakdown of your speech. Check out the infographic below to know more.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to read a father of the bride speech?

Yes. It is alright to read a father of the bride speech if you aren’t confident about memorizing it. However, you should familiarize yourself with the script beforehand to some extent.

How long should a father of the bride speech last?

A father-of-the-bride speech should ideally be 6-8 minutes long, with 3 minutes being the lower and 10 being the upper threshold.

Who speaks first at weddings?

According to the formal order, the bride’s father should speak first at the wedding.

What are a few top tips for delivering a brilliant father-of-the-bride speech?

Writing a good father-of-the-bride speech is only one part of the effort; a perfect rendition requires practice. Reading it out loud will help you get the pronunciations and pauses right. You can also consider recording yourself to evaluate your performance and make the necessary changes. Make sure you are not cramming in the words. You do not have to memorize, but make sure that you are acquainted with the speech and that each word comes from the heart.

Where is the mother-of-the-bride when the father-of-the-bride gives his speech?

The mother-of-the-bride may choose to stand beside the father while he is giving the speech or be seated. Usually, if the mother is giving a speech following the father’s, she may choose to stand next to her partner. It is the personal choice of the mother-of-the-bride and the daughter to decide if she wants to give a speech or not.

Illustration: Father Of The Bride Speech: Templates Examples And More

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Take a look at this heartwarming father-of-the-bride speech video that beautifully describes the relationship and the father’s emotions as he watches his daughter become a bride.

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Reviewer Author Editor

Ricardo CruzCertified Wedding Planner

     

Ricardo Cruz is a certified wedding planner and has over 15 years of experience in the service industry, including hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies. He aims to create unforgettable memories for couples and families on their wedding, vacation, or any special occasion.

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Shivani ChandelBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Shivani Chandel is a postgraduate in English literature from Panjab University, Chandigarh and a certified relationship coach. She has four years of experience in copy editing and writing about entertainment, health, lifestyle, and beauty.

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Subhrojyoti MukherjeeAssociate Editor

Subhrojyoti is an associate editor at StyleCraze with four years of experience. He has a master’s degree in English from Presidency University, Kolkata, and has also done a post-graduate certificate course in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

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