The Father of the Bride Speech Guide and Tips

The Father of the Bride Speech Guide and Tips

It is customary for the father of the bride to give the opening speech at a wedding reception, followed by the groom and the best man. The father of the bride's speech is usually considered to be the opener before the main event, the groom's speech.

During his speech, the father of the bride traditionally thanks guests for coming and pays tribute to his daughter's new in-laws before extending his warmest welcome to his son or daughter-in-law.

It's a speech similar to the best man's, but it's meant to warm the audience rather than make them laugh. With some planning and preparation, however, the father of the bride may make his speech and time in the spotlight truly unforgettable.

The father of the bride's toast at a wedding is one of the most anticipated speeches and is likely one you've been looking forwards to (or dreading) giving for quite some time. The father of the bride typically gives a touching speech at weddings, and this is the time when everyone prepares their box of tissues. Your daughter's wedding day is quickly approaching, so take some time to sit down and compose a heartfelt toast that you can be proud of.

Finding the appropriate words to communicate your feelings might be challenging, but it's often your feelings themselves that need centre stage. Feel free to express your sentiments openly and see the audience succumb to your fatherly charms. Still, even the most articulate paternal figures occasionally have trouble putting their thoughts into words. We have compiled a list of our top Wedding Celebrants to help you celebrate your special day.

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Father-Of-The-Bride Speech Template

When trying to put your thoughts on paper, an outline can be helpful in keeping you focused and on topic rather than writing in a disorganised stream of consciousness. Following are some suggestions for improving your flow when you deliver the toast.

  • Say hello to the visitors. At both the rehearsal dinner and the reception, it is customary for the parents of the bride and groom to give the opening toast. If you are the first person to give a toast, you should start by thanking the hosts and welcoming everyone to the reception.
  • Mix in a few happy thoughts. There's nothing like hearing touching stories from the bride's childhood and teenage years as told by her doting father to get the tears flowing. Pick either an amusing (not humiliating) or extremely touching memory from your daughter's childhood or adolescence. Don't forget to tell everyone that one time her SO was a part of one of her favourite experiences.
  • Think about what has happened, what will happen, and what might happen. You should aim to include these major points in your speech. Recall some memorable moments from your time spent with your daughter in the past, touch on some current events, and look ahead to the future of the newlyweds by sharing your hopes and dreams for their marriage. This provides a helpful structure for arranging your ideas, and you may use it to establish a broader subject or tone for the entire speech. Although a strictly chronological order will always be the most user-friendly for your guests, feel free to get unique with the flow.
  • Express gratitude. Since you're in charge of the microphone, make sure you thank everyone who made the effort to attend the wedding, as well as the parents of the groom and bride.
  • Take into account your daughter's new partner. Although the bride is the focus of your attention, don't forget to give props to her new hubby as well. Share your joy at the couple's decision to marry your daughter and the significance of this momentous occasion with them.
  • Express your feelings. It's understood that today is a difficult one for you; there's no need to put up a brave face. Do not fake a lack of emotion about having to let go of your little baby. Those listening to these confessions will certainly have their eyes watering. The same goes for you, dad. It's okay to cry a little bit today.
  • Just tell her how you feel. That's your little girl over there, and now's the time to tell her how much she means to you. Tell your daughter how much she means to you and how much you appreciate her. Remind her how much you value your friendship and your hopes for its future development or stability.
  • Feel free to gloat a little. You have every right to be immensely pleased with yourself as the father of the bride. Give examples of times when you were extremely proud of your daughter and explain why she has earned your admiration. Don't take this as permission to recite her entire CV; instead, zero in on a few key accomplishments that illustrate her best qualities.
  • Give some parting advice. Sprinkle in some insightful advise for the newlyweds, whether it's a nugget of marriage wisdom or simply your best wishes for their future. This is prime time for dads and daughters to bond, so take it all in and enjoy the experience to the fullest, but keep in mind that you won't be alone for much longer.

Tips for the Bride's Father Speech

Dads, please be patient. With your outline in hand, consider these suggestions for delivering the most memorable father-of-the-bride speech ever.

  • Repeated practise is essential. Continue to hone your skills. You should try to remember your speech, or at least have the key points written down and a rough outline ready to go. If it is unrealistic to expect yourself to memorise the entire speech in such a short amount of time, at least practise it enough so that you can maintain eye contact with the happy couple and the other guests as you speak. There is no way out of this. You could be a professional TED Talk speaker, but on that special day, your emotions will overwhelm you and leave you speechless.
  • Don't drag it out. It's understandable that you've been looking forwards to this moment for a long time, but remember to keep your toasting succinct and lighthearted. If there's a lot you want to tell your daughter on her wedding day, you might want to consider putting your thoughts on paper in advance and gifting her a card to read in secret.
  • Make an effort to avoid trying to elicit laughter. The best laughs usually come when you aren't even attempting to make others laugh. If you're not the jokester in the group, don't feel like you have to fill your toast with a bunch of jokes. Never put on a show for other people; be genuine. Your daughter is the most important person in the room, and she will know if you're not being genuine with her. She doesn't need a comedian, just her dad.
  • Don't make a fool of yourself. Don't drag out embarrassing anecdotes or memories your daughter would rather you forget. Keep in mind that you are giving a toast, not a roast. Consider that not only her new husband but also his entire family and even some of her coworkers will be there to celebrate the happy occasion. If you're on the dilemma about whether or not to reveal a certain fact about yourself, ask yourself if you'd be comfortable with your in-laws and coworkers knowing that knowledge. Looking for the ultimate Wedding Reception Venue in Melbourne? Look no further, Boutique Events Group is here. 
  • Remove all references to your exes. Don't bring up the bad behaviour of her exes in conversation; she doesn't need to hear about it. Regardless of how much you despise old what's-his-name, it won't do any good to bring up the subject of past relationships during your daughter's wedding. Recall just the excellent times you've shared with your daughter and highlight those, rather than any negative experiences.

Wedding Speech Rules

While there is less pressure on you to make people laugh as fathers of the bride, the rules of etiquette surrounding fathers of the bride have changed. The experts at Speechy have revealed the latest guidelines for the dad of the bride speech.

Explore Your Options

Get your information together and send for reinforcements. Gather the rest of the clan around the kitchen table and have a brain storming session. Recall some of the best (and funniest) memories you've made with your daughter. Don't forget to consider the reasons why she is so funny. We can assure you that both your daughter's mother and her siblings will provide plentiful material.

You should also have your daughter fill you in on who everyone is expected to attend the wedding. Knowing that her yoga friends and the groom's rugby companions will be there will help you choose your anecdotes and tweak your humour accordingly.

Naturally, there are increasingly guests who have English as a second language, so be careful not to offend them with a speech full of cleverness.

Get Rid of Cliches

Remember that every father thinks his daughter is "gifted" and "pretty," therefore you'll need to focus on what makes your daughter special.

No one cares about her professional accomplishments or academic background, but they do want to celebrate the qualities that make her such a wonderful friend. Appreciate your daughter for the fantastic person she is, flaws and all, and not some idealised image of her.

Stay Away From Discussions Regarding Financial Matters

Don't bring up jokingly or otherwise that you've made a monetary contribution to the wedding.

Always keep the groom in mind

The focus of your speech should be on your daughter, but you should also make a point of complimenting her new husband. Today is the day to celebrate his qualities, whatever they may be, even if there are some nagging doubts at the back of your mind. You can be playful (especially while recalling your first meeting with him), but remember to keep it friendly.

Use Humor

All presentations today need to be humorous and engaging. You aren't under any pressure to be the best man, but you still have to make people laugh right away.

Finding wedding jokes online is not the only way to be humorous. Finding the right things to make fun of your daughter and son-in-law about can be the key to your comedic success, whether you're referring to their unhealthy addiction to Game of Thrones, their inability to do any DIY without calling you first, or their love of quinoa (and not knowing how to pronounce it).

Timing

Since you're up first, it's best to keep your remarks brief, notwithstanding their significance. Guests may become restless if they realise yours is only the first of several speeches. This is particularly true if the wedding speeches will be given before the meal. Avoid going over seven minutes if you want to get people's attention. Prepare by timing yourself in advance.

You Cannot Be a Stand-Up Comedian

Not that you're set, but now is not the time to start one. Joking about is a terrific way to lighten the mood and get people laughing, but don't feel like you have to be humorous just to keep the tone light. Terrible dad jokes are the last thing anyone wants to hear.

"Lighthearted jokes are fine and welcome in wedding toasts," Eddie from Customized Speechwriting chimes in. Remember, though, that anyone with a smartphone may become an aspiring cameraman. Verify that you are comfortable with the idea of having your every utterance captured on video and posted on YouTube for what seems like an indefinite amount of time online.

When Feeling Emotional, What to Do

We recognise the emotional toll today will take on you. Unfortunately, if you start stuttering and babbling during your speech, your daughter may start to fear that she made a mistake. Instead, we advise that you rehearse your presentation.

Robin, the "Wedding Speech Guru," wholeheartedly agrees: In order to perfect one's delivery, he suggests practising the speech aloud ten to fifteen times. No, it's not enough to merely read the whole thing. Make flashcards or have the speech printed, but format it such that you can remember key points by looking at the image. If you've gone over the speech enough times, you should be able to recite it from memory.

You aren't the focus here.

This day belongs to your daughter and her new husband. Talk about them in your Dad of the Bride speech, both positively and negatively. Take those steps, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Moreover, If You Feel Anxious

Adam's number one piece of advice is to "learn to breathe properly" (Adaptable Speechwriting). Breathe deeply in the pauses... Take your time; no one will notice if you don't rush it. It seems roughly four times longer when you're standing there than the audience will feel. Check out Boutique Events Group Wedding Venue for your ultimate wedding reception.

Robin (The Wedding Speech Guru) recommends that hesitant presenters have a champagne flute to toast with and a drink of water in front of them. As a precaution, you should meet with as many attendees as possible before giving your speech. When you address an audience comprised of people you know, both you and they have a vested stake in the outcome of your speech. "And finally, crack a smile!"

Conclusion

It is customary for the father of the bride to give the opening speech at a wedding reception, followed by the groom and the best man. With some planning and preparation, the father's speech may make his time in the spotlight truly unforgettable. Take some time to sit down and compose a heartfelt toast that you can be proud of. It is customary for the parents of the bride and groom to give the opening toast. An outline can be helpful in keeping you focused and on topic. There's nothing like hearing touching stories from the bride's childhood and teenage years as told by her doting father to get the tears flowing.

Content Summary

  • It is customary for the father of the bride to give the opening speech at a wedding reception, followed by the groom and the best man.
  • The father of the bride's speech is usually considered to be the opener before the main event, the groom's speech.
  • During his speech, the father of the bride traditionally thanks guests for coming and pays tribute to his daughter's new in-laws before extending his warmest welcome to his son or daughter-in-law.
  • It's a speech similar to the best man's, but it's meant to warm the audience rather than make them laugh.
  • With some planning and preparation, however, the father of the bride may make his speech and time in the spotlight truly unforgettable.
  • The father of the bride's toast at a wedding is one of the most anticipated speeches and is likely one you've been looking forward to (or dreading) giving for quite some time.
  • The father of the bride typically gives a touching speech at weddings, and this is the time when everyone prepares their box of tissues.
  • Your daughter's wedding day is quickly approaching, so take some time to sit down and compose a heartfelt toast that you can be proud of.
  • Finding the appropriate words to communicate your feelings might be challenging, but it's often your feelings themselves that need centre stage.
  • Feel free to express your sentiments openly and see the audience succumb to your fatherly charms.
  • Still, even the most articulate paternal figures occasionally have trouble putting their thoughts into words.
  • When trying to put your thoughts on paper, an outline can be helpful in keeping you focused and on topic rather than writing in a disorganised stream of consciousness.
  • Following are some suggestions for improving your flow when you deliver the toast.
  • Say hello to the visitors.
  • At both the rehearsal dinner and the reception, it is customary for the parents of the bride and groom to give the opening toast.
  • If you are the first person to give a toast, you should start by thanking the hosts and welcoming everyone to the reception.
  • Mix in a few happy thoughts.
  • There's nothing like hearing touching stories from the bride's childhood and teenage years as told by her doting father to get the tears flowing.
  • Pick either an amusing (not humiliating) or extremely touching memory from your daughter's childhood or adolescence.
  • Don't forget to tell everyone that one time her SO was a part of one of her favourite experiences.
  • Think about what has happened, what will happen, and what might happen.
  • You should aim to include these major points in your speech.
  • Recall some memorable moments from your time spent with your daughter in the past, touch on some current events, and look ahead to the future of the newlyweds by sharing your hopes and dreams for their marriage.
  • This provides a helpful structure for arranging your ideas, and you may use it to establish a broader subject or tone for the entire speech.
  • Although a strictly chronological order will always be the most user-friendly for your guests, feel free to get unique with the flow.
  • Express gratitude.
  • Since you're in charge of the microphone, make sure you thank everyone who made the effort to attend the wedding, as well as the parents of the groom and bride.
  • Take into account your daughter's new partner.
  • Although the bride is the focus of your attention, don't forget to give props to her new hubby as well.
  • Share your joy at the couple's decision to marry your daughter and the significance of this momentous occasion with them.
  • Express your feelings.
  • It's understood that today is a difficult one for you; there's no need to put up a brave face.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Speech

The father of the bride speech usually begins by thanking the wedding guests for attending and acknowledging his daughter's new parents-in-law, while welcoming his new son or daughter-in-law to the family. It's traditionally a speech that's a bit more heartwarming rather than funny, like the best man speech.

In keeping with tradition, your father of the bride's 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 belong. In fact, it should not be longer than the speech itself.

Traditionally, weddings are hosted by the bride's parents, which meant the father of the bride would give the first toast. If the father of the bride isn't present, this role can be filled by a close family friend. Whoever makes the first speech should toast the newlyweds.

The father of the bride speech is often one of the most special and tear-jerking speeches at the wedding reception—and it's usually the first toast given. The father of the bride will typically start off by welcoming guests and thanking them for coming.

Welcome and thank everyone for coming. Pay tribute to the bride and share stories and memories of her from childhood and today. Talk about meeting their new husband or wife for the first time, getting to know them and welcoming them into the family.

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