As the bride’s father, you have the honor of making the first toast at her wedding reception. If you have previously written a father of the bride speeches, this might not seem overwhelming. However, if this your first time, you might be a bit flustered. You might be wondered:
How long should the father of the bride speech be?
Typically, the speech itself should be around 5 minutes.
So, here are some tips for preparing your speech. If you have ever given a best man speech, you might have some idea as for where to start. However, there are some differences to take heed to the following advice.
Introduce Yourself And Welcome Guests
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The first thing you want to do is introduce yourself. You can start off with a joke if you want, but keep it short and clean!
Next, you want to formally welcome your guests including family members, friends and other esteemed guests, including the groom’s parents and officiant. Thank them for coming and sharing in this important occasion.
Hi! My name is (your name), (daughter’s name) father. She calls me “Dad”, to my face at least, but you can call me ______. I’d like to welcome all of our family and friends as well as ____ and ____ (groom’s parents.) as well as the rest of our special guests who took the time to share in this joyous day.
I’d like to thank (officiant) for the moving wedding ceremony that joined (bride and groom) together for eternity.
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Share Heart-Warming Stories From Bride’s Childhood
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Endearing stories about the bride are the heart and soul of the father of the bride speech. You are one of the few people who has known her for her entire life so undoubtedly you have quite a few tender moments you could share. Also, you could talk about how you felt the day the bride was born and how she changed your life for the better.
Include some funny and touching moments from her childhood and teenage years. Tell her how proud of the woman she is today. Mention how you are happy that she found the love of her life (mention husband here). Also, remember that her best friend may cover some of the same stories in her maid of honor speech so you may want to compare notes with her.
Talk About Your Son-in-Law
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Next to talking about your daughter, speaking about your son-in-law is the most important part of your father of the bride speech. Be sure to tell him how you feel about him and how much he means to your family.
You can incorporate some humor as well, but try to keep it heart-warming. You could talk about the first time you met him, or how he has changed your daughter’s life for the better. Lovingly and sincerely welcome him to your family.
Add A Funny Story About Couple
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At this point, you could include a funny story about the couple. Remember to keep it clean, and nothing too embarrassing. Making the newlywed’s blush and giggle is one thing. You don’t want to humiliate them or make them uncomfortable on their wedding day.
Funny anecdotes will keep the guests engaged in your father of the bride speech. Perhaps you have a humorous story about the first time she brought him over for dinner. Or maybe something funny from the wedding preparations. Keep it light and appropriate.
Add A Few Words About Groom’s Parents
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You should always include something about the groom’s parents in your speech. They are now part of your family, as you are part of theirs. You will be spending time with them during the holidays, birthdays and other joint family events. And you could even share in the blessing of future grandchildren.
Thank them for sharing in the big day and becoming part of your family, as well as any part they took in the wedding. Congratulate them on the fine job they did raising their son and how happy you are to welcome them all to your family.
Talk About Your Own Love Story With Bride’s Mother
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Do not neglect to introduce your wife, the bride’s mother. Share a brief story about how you met and your lives together. Tell her that you love her as much today as you did on your wedding day.
Thank her for her part in raising your daughter to be the beautiful woman she is today. Perhaps share a story of how much your daughter is like her mother. Spend a moment or two doting on your wife and then tie it into your daughter and her new husband.
Finish With A Toast
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In keeping with tradition, your father of the bride speech should end with a toast. Ask everyone to stand with me and raise their glasses to the happy couple on their wedding day.
The toast itself does not have to be long. In fact, it should not be longer than the speech itself. Just say a few short sentences congratulating the bride and groom and wishing them a happy life together.
Use some examples of father of the bride wedding toasts:
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 for the past 25 years 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 a toast to a happy and healthy life full of endless love and laughter!
Example 2:
Please join me in a toast to _____ and _______. (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:
Please raise your glass to the newlyweds. When (bride’s name) was only 13 years old she told me that she wanted to marry (groom’s name). I watched them grow from happy and carefree teenagers to happy, loving and caring adults. Let’s offer a toast to many years of wedded bliss!
Example 4:
When (groom) first showed up at my front door, I never imagined 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’s raise our glass to (bride and groom) and wish them many years of happiness!
Example 5:
Please join my wife and I as we raise our glasses to the beautiful, kind and loving couple. We welcome you to our family, and we look forward to many years of holiday dinners, family vacations, and late night phone calls. Cheers to ___ and ___!
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Father Of The Bride Speeches: Examples And Template
Here is an example of a father of the bride speech to help you with your preparations for your wedding speech.
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Download the template for FREE: CLICK
Keep these tips for writing a father of the bride speeches when you are composing your own speech. Take the time to practice in front of your wife, a friend or even a camera. Just speak from the heart and you will be fine!
