The father of the bride’s speech is the top Daddy duty on your little girl’s big day. It’s a much-anticipated, heartfelt, and tear-jerking speech filled with joy and bittersweet nostalgia.
But writing a great father of the bride speech can be tricky. How do you strike the right balance between wit and sentimentality? How do you keep your audience engaged after a long wedding service? How do you properly capture your love, pride, and hope for their future in one 5-7 minute speech? Don’t stress. We’ve got you covered.
In this post, we’ve captured everything you need to know about writing a heartfelt and funny wedding speech. We break down what you should include, the structure of the wedding speech, a few top tips, and those 10 all-important examples of brilliant father of the bride speeches.
Ready to get going? Let’s jump right in!
What is a father of the bride speech?
A father of the bride speech is the speech made by the bride’s father during the wedding reception. It should be 5-7 minutes long and end with a heartfelt toast to the new couple.
The father’s wedding speech is a beautiful mix of happy memories, heartfelt advice, and funny anecdotes about the bride. Typically, the father of the bride speech welcomes your new son- or daughter-in-law to the family, is an opportunity for a father to reflect on his relationship with his daughter, and offers some words of wisdom to the happy couple as they start this new journey together.
What should you include in a father of the bride speech?
Here are some key elements you should consider including in your father of the bride speech:
- All about the bride. Talk about how wonderful your daughter is. Tell her guests about your love for her, her amazing accomplishments, and fabulous qualities. Be sure to let them know she got it all from you!
- Welcome the bride’s partner. This is the perfect opportunity to welcome your new son- or daughter-in-law to the family. Share positive thoughts about them, their character, and your hopes for their future together.
- Anecdotes and memories. Remember when your daughter came home a little too merry from her first grown-up party? This is the perfect opportunity to share funny, endearing, or slightly embarrassing memories with your daughter. But remember, the point isn’t to make a joke of her on her special day. Any stories you pick should ultimately highlight the special bond you share.
- Some pearls of wisdom and advice. Offer some sage words of wisdom to the newlyweds. Draw from your life experience and share insights about love, marriage, and building a strong, lasting relationship.
Father of the bride speech structure
When structuring your father of the bride speech, following a clear and organised framework can be helpful. Try using this structure to get you started:
Introduction
The first part of your speech should focus on introducing yourself and thanking everyone for attending. Your role is to ensure that everyone feels welcome and appreciated at the reception.
Take a moment to acknowledge and express gratitude to those who have travelled to attend and those who have supported the wedding, whether morally or financially.
The thank yous
You should then move on to thank those who have helped organise the wedding. Give a shout-out to the bridesmaids, the ushers, and other friends and family who have been involved.
It’s also a nice idea to thank the wedding planner (if they used one) and the staff working on the wedding day. They’re as much a part of making the big day happen as everyone else.
This is also a good opportunity to remember any family members who could not attend or are no longer with you. Keep it upbeat, but it’s a nice way to remember those you’ve lost who were a big part of your daughter’s upbringing.
The bride
Now is the time to discuss your special relationship with your daughter. It’s the perfect chance to talk about her childhood, accomplishments, and the little quirks that make her so special. Share any funny stories or special adventures you’ve shared. These anecdotes will add a touch of nostalgia and humour to your speech, creating a heartfelt connection with the audience.
End this portion of the speech with how proud you are of the person she’s become. Talk about her loving relationship with her new partner, and don’t forget to sprinkle in a genuine compliment about how stunning she looks on her wedding day – a moment that will surely make her smile even brighter.
The happy couple
You should then welcome your new son- or daughter-in-law and their parents to your family.
It’s a great time to talk about the groom and your experiences with them. You can reminisce about the first time you met, share funny moments you’ve shared together, or highlight some of their endearing traits. By including the groom in your speech, you’re showing your support and building a bridge of connection between families.
Some words of wisdom
You should then move on to sharing some pearls of wisdom with the newlyweds.
You can draw from your experiences and the lessons you’ve learned along the way. You can talk about love, commitment, their future, and building a strong family.
If it’s more appropriate, some carefully chosen quotes about love and marriage or a nice reading are also great options. Remember to deliver your words with clarity and calmness, whatever path you choose. This is the penultimate part of your speech; you want to round it off well.
The toast
You should then invite everyone to join you in a toast to the happy couple. Raise your glass, and present the couple with their new shared name. Congratulations, you did it!
Father of the bride speech template
To help you navigate the complete breakdown of your speech, it can be helpful to have a visual guide to refer to. Check out our handy infographic below:
Top tips for delivering a brilliant father of the bride speech
- Know where you fit into the overall wedding speech order. The father of the bride traditionally gives the first speech at the wedding reception. That means you go before the groom’s speech and are the first family member to address the guest. How you deliver your speech will set the tone for the rest of the reception, so keep it upbeat, funny, and light-hearted.
- Don’t panic! Pre-speech jitters are natural. But remember, this is one of the best audiences you could be put in front of. Everyone there knows your daughter or her new partner, and everyone is there to celebrate and have a good time. Embrace the excitement and joy of the moment, and let that energy carry you through your speech.
- Let your own personality shine through. This is a unique opportunity to connect with the audience on a personal level using charm and wit. Inject your speech with your personal touch, sharing heartfelt stories, cherished memories, and insights only you can provide. Embrace your authentic self and let your love for your daughter be the guiding light in your words.
- Include a few jokes. Humour can lighten the mood, enhance feelings of joy, and engage the audience. Keep the jokes tasteful and relevant to the occasion. Share some light-hearted anecdotes or playful teasing about the bride or groom, keeping it in good spirits. It’s about making the audience smile and creating connections on this special day.
Top 10 father of the bride speech examples
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our top 10 examples of great father of the bride speech ideas, from the simple and sentimental to the light-hearted and humorous. And remember that these are just examples. You can use them as templates for your own speech, but it’s important to speak from the heart, and add your own personal touch and unique family anecdotes.
A lot of traditional father of the bride speeches and examples will refer to a bride and groom, but you can simply change the references to your daughter’s partner and the appropriate pronouns if you’re attending an LGBTQ+ wedding.
Speech Example 1: The Classic Touch
Introduction: “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am [your name], the proud father of the bride. On behalf of my partner, [partner’s name], and our entire family, I want to extend a warm welcome and express our deepest gratitude for joining us on this joyous occasion.”
The thank yous: “We would like to take a moment to thank all of you who have travelled from near and far to be here today. Your presence means the world to us. We are also incredibly grateful to our friends and family who have contributed their time, support, and resources to make this day possible.”
The bride: “As I stand here today, I can’t help but reflect on the beautiful journey my daughter, [bride’s name], has taken. From the first time she wrapped her tiny fingers around mine to the accomplished woman she has become, it has been an honour to witness her growth. [Bride’s name], you radiate love and happiness, and I’m so proud to call you my daughter.”
The happy couple: “Now, let me welcome our new son-in-law, [groom’s name], and his wonderful parents [parents’ names]. From the moment we met [groom’s name], we knew he was the perfect match for [daughter’s name]. His kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering love for her have brought us immeasurable joy. We are thrilled to officially welcome him into our family.”
Some words of wisdom: “As you begin this new chapter together, my wish for you is to always cherish and respect one another. Remember to communicate openly, be each other’s biggest cheerleaders, and embrace the journey that lies ahead. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day.”
The toast: “Please join me in raising a glass to [couple’s names]. May your lives be filled with an abundance of love, laughter, and countless beautiful memories. To the newlyweds!”
Speech Example 2: The Light-hearted Twist
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone! For those who don’t know me, I’m [your name], the proud father of the bride. Before we dive into the heartfelt moments, let’s take a moment to appreciate the fact that my jokes will be the second-best thing tonight. The first, of course, being my daughter, [bride’s name]!”
The thank yous: “I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for gracing us with your presence today. We truly appreciate your love and support. A special thank you goes to our wedding planner, [planner’s name], for transforming our vision into reality, and to the incredible staff who have worked tirelessly to make this day unforgettable.”
The bride: “[Bride’s name], my sweet daughter, it feels like just yesterday you were teaching me how to change nappies. Today, I stand here in awe of the remarkable woman you’ve become. Your determination, kindness, and ability to put up with my terrible jokes are truly admirable. You look absolutely stunning, and I couldn’t be prouder of you.”
The happy couple: “Now, let’s welcome the man who has stolen [bride’s name] heart and made her laugh louder than I ever could…[groom’s name]! From the first time we met, I knew [groom’s name] was the one for our girl. His genuine heart, contagious smile, and endless dad joke repertoire instantly won me over. [Groom’s name], welcome to our more than slightly eccentric family!”
Some words of wisdom: “As you embark on this incredible journey together, remember that laughter is the secret ingredient to a happy marriage. Life will throw challenges your way, but facing them with humor and a dash of silliness will make them more bearable. Keep making each other laugh, and your love will always shine bright.”
The toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we celebrate the union of [couples’ names]. May your lives be filled with never-ending laughter, adventure, and joy. To the bride and groom!”
Speech Example 3: The Sentimental Tribute
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. I’m [your name], the father of the bride. Today, we gather to celebrate love, family, and the beautiful journey that lies ahead. Thank you all for joining us on this momentous occasion.”
The thank yous: “Before we proceed, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation to each of you for being here today. Your love, support, and presence mean the world to us. We are also immensely grateful to the incredible team of suppliers who have worked tirelessly to create this magical day.”
The bride: “As I look at my radiant daughter, [bride’s name], I am reminded of all the cherished memories we have shared. From tea parties to late-night heart-to-heart conversations, she has filled my life with immeasurable joy. Samantha, you are not only a beautiful bride but also a remarkable woman, and I am so proud to be your father.”
The happy couple: “Now, let’s welcome [groom’s name], the man who has captured [bride’s name]’s heart. From the moment I met [groom’s name], I knew he was someone truly special. His unwavering love, loyalty, and devotion to [bride’s name] are evident in every interaction. [Groom’s name], today, we gain a son, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Some words of wisdom: “As you begin this incredible journey together, my advice to you is to always choose love. Cherish one another, celebrate your shared dreams, and support each other through life’s ups and downs. May your love continue to grow and flourish, and may your marriage be filled with endless happiness.”
The toast: “Please raise your glasses as we toast to the happiness and love of [couples’ names]. May your hearts always beat as one, and may your lives be filled with infinite love, laughter, and beautiful memories. To the newlyweds!”
Speech Example 4: The Quirky Antics
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone! I’m [your name], and I have the incredible honour of being the father of the bride. I must warn you, though, my sense of humor can be a bit questionable. So, brace yourselves for a few dad jokes along the way!”
The thank yous: “I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for joining us today. Your presence here is a testament to the love and support our families and friends have showered upon us. We also extend our appreciation to the catering staff for keeping our bellies full and the dance floor energetic!”
The bride: “My beautiful daughter, [bride’s name], has always been full of surprises. From her knack for disappearing in supermarkets to her endless passion for art, she has brought laughter and adventure into our lives. [Bride’s name], you are a brilliant artist and an extraordinary woman. Seeing you as a radiant bride today fills my heart with overwhelming pride.”
The happy couple: “Let’s give a warm welcome to [bride’s name] partner in crime, [groom’s name], and his amazing parents, [parents’ names]. [Groom’s name], I have watched you and [bride’s name] create countless memories together – some hilarious, others heartwarming. Your shared sense of humor and love for adventure make you a perfect match. Welcome to our wonderfully wacky family!”
Some words of wisdom: “As you embark on this exciting journey of married life, my advice is to never stop embracing your inner child. Laugh together, play pranks, and find joy in the little things. May your marriage be filled with endless laughter, happiness, and a dash of mischief.”
The toast: “Please raise your glasses high as we toast to the incredible bond of [couples’ names]. May your lives be blessed with a lifetime of laughter, love, and whimsical adventures. Cheers to the newlyweds!”
Speech Example 5: The Poetic Musings
Introduction: “Greetings, dear friends and family. I am James, the proud father of the bride, and it is an absolute delight to see you all gathered here today to celebrate the love between our families.”
The thank yous: “Before we proceed, I want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has played a part in making this day truly magical. From our extended family to the dedicated team of suppliers, your contributions have made this celebration possible.”
The bride: “As I stand here, my heart swells with love and admiration for my daughter, [bride’s name]. From the day she was born, I knew she was destined for greatness. [Bride’s name], you have blossomed into a strong, compassionate woman, and witnessing your growth has been the greatest privilege of my life.”
The happy couple: “Let us warmly welcome [bride’s name] partner in life, [groom’s name], and his wonderful parents, [parents’ names]. [Groom’s name], from the moment we met, your kind heart and unwavering devotion to [bride’s name] have touched our souls. We are overjoyed to welcome you into our family with open arms.”
Some words of wisdom: “As you embark on this remarkable journey together, my dear [couples’ names], I offer you this advice: nurture your love like a garden. Plant the seeds of trust, water it with patience, and watch it bloom into a beautiful oasis of love and happiness.”
The toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, let us raise our glasses in celebration of [couples’ names]. May your love be as timeless as the stars, as pure as a morning sunrise, and as enduring as the ocean waves. To the happily married couple!”
Speech Example 6: The Thoughtful Reflection
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. I am [your name], the father of the bride, and it warms my heart to see all of your smiling faces as we gather here to celebrate love and family.”
The thank yous: “Before we continue, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for joining us today. Your presence is a true testament to the love and support our families have received throughout the years.”
The bride: “As I look at my daughter, [bride’s name], standing before me today, I am reminded of the beautiful journey we have shared. From her first steps to her achievements as a confident, compassionate woman, every moment has been a blessing. [Bride’s name], you are the embodiment of grace and strength, and I am incredibly proud to be your father.”
The happy couple: “Please join me in welcoming [groom’s name], the man who has captured [bride’s name] heart and become an integral part of our family. [Groom’s name], your love for [bride’s name] shines through in everything you do. Your kindness, intelligence, and unwavering support have touched us deeply. Welcome to our family, [groom’s name].”
Some words of wisdom: “As you begin this new chapter together, I offer you this advice: never underestimate the power of small acts of kindness. Embrace empathy, forgiveness, and patience in your journey. Remember that a single act of love can have a ripple effect, changing lives and bringing light to the world.”
The toast: “Let us raise our glasses high as we toast to the love, commitment, and future happiness of [couples’ names]. May your hearts always be filled with love, and may your path be blessed with joy, understanding, and a lifetime of shared dreams. To the newlyweds!”
Speech Example 7: The Personal Reflection
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. I am [your name], the father of the bride, and it fills my heart with joy to see all of you gathered here today to celebrate this remarkable moment.”
The thank yous: “Before we continue, I want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for being here. Your presence is a testament to the love and support we have received throughout this journey.”
The bride: “My daughter, [bride’s name], has always been a ray of sunshine in our lives. From her infectious laughter to her unwavering determination, she has brought immense happiness into our family. [Bride’s name], your strength, resilience, and beautiful spirit make me immensely proud to call you my daughter.”
The happy couple: “Let us warmly welcome [groom’s name], the man who has swept [bride]s name] off her feet and into a world of love and adventure. [Groom’s name], from the first moment I saw the sparkle in [bride’s name]’s eyes whenever she was with you, I knew you were the one. Your kindness, integrity, and love for [bride’s name] are truly extraordinary.”
Some words of wisdom: “As you embark on this journey together, my wish for you is to never lose sight of the importance of cherishing one another. Treasure every moment, celebrate your successes, and support each other through life’s challenges. May your love be the guiding light that illuminates your path.”
The toast: “Please raise your glasses as we toast to [couples’ names], two souls destined to be together. May your love continue to grow and flourish, and may your journey be filled with unending joy, love, and shared dreams. To the happily married couple!”
Speech Example 8: The Humorous One
Introduction: “Hello, everyone! I’m [your name], the proud father of the bride, and I must say, it’s an incredible honour to stand before you all today. Now, don’t worry – I promise to keep my speech sweet and simple, and certainly shorter than the time it takes for my daughter to get ready!”
The thank yous: “Before we proceed with the fun, let’s take a moment to express our gratitude. Thank you all for joining us on this special day. Your presence means the world to us, and we appreciate the love and support you’ve shown our family.”
The bride: “Today, I have the pleasure of talking about my daughter, [bride’s name]. From her mischievous pranks as a child to her caring and determined nature as an adult, she has always kept us on our toes. [Bride’s name], your free spirit and zest for life inspire me every day. You look lovely and I couldn’t be prouder.
The happy couple: “Now, let’s give a warm welcome to [bride’s name]’s partner in crime, [groom’s name], and his amazing parents, [parents’ names]. [Groom’s name], from the first time I met you, I knew you were the perfect match for our adventurous girl. Your shared love for hiking, pizza, and terrible puns solidified my belief in true love. Welcome to our quirky family!”
Some words of wisdom: “As you embark on this crazy rollercoaster called marriage, remember to embrace the silly moments, laugh at each other’s quirks, and never take yourselves too seriously. May your marriage be filled with laughter, inside jokes, and an endless supply of funny GIFs.”
The toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast to the love, laughter, and happily ever after of [couples’ names]. May your lives be a series of amusing anecdotes and unforgettable adventures. Cheers to the newlyweds!”
Speech Example 9: The Heartfelt Journey
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone! I am [your name], the proud father of the bride, and it fills my heart with joy to welcome you all here today as we celebrate the love between [couples’ names].”
The thank yous: “Before we continue, I want to express our deepest gratitude to all of you for being a part of this joyous occasion. Your presence and support mean the world to us, and we are grateful for the love that surrounds our families.”
The bride: “Today, I stand before you with overwhelming pride as I talk about my daughter, [bride’s name]. From her first steps to her academic achievements, she has always impressed us with her determination and compassion. [Bride’s name], you are an extraordinary woman, and seeing you as a beautiful bride today fills my heart with immense joy.”
The happy couple: “Let us warmly welcome [groom’s name] into our family. From the moment I met him, I knew he was the perfect match for [bride’s name]. His intelligence, kindness, and unwavering support have made our daughter’s life even more radiant. [Groom’s name], thank you for loving [bride’s name] and bringing such happiness into her life.”
Some words of wisdom: “As you begin this incredible journey together, remember that a strong marriage is built on love, trust, and communication. Cherish and respect one another, be each other’s biggest supporters, and face the challenges of life as a team. May your love grow deeper and stronger with each passing day.”
The toast: “Please raise your glasses high as we toast to the happiness and love of [couples’ names]. May your days be filled with endless love, laughter, and shared dreams. To the newlyweds!”
Speech Example 10: The Genuine Connection
Introduction: “Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. I am [your name], the proud father of the bride, and I want to thank you all for joining us today to celebrate the love between [couples’ names]. Your presence here is deeply appreciated.”
The thank yous: “Before we continue, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this beautiful day. From the family and friends who have travelled far to be here to the dedicated wedding team who have made everything run smoothly, thank you all.”
The bride: “As I stand here today, reminiscing about the beautiful moments we’ve shared, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride for my daughter, [bride’s name]. From her first steps to her accomplishments as a talented writer, [bride’s name] has always radiated warmth, creativity, and love. [Bride’s name], you are a shining light in our lives, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
The happy couple: “Let’s take a moment to welcome [groom’s name] into our family. From the first time I met him, I knew he was a kind-hearted, genuine person. His love for [bride’s name] is evident in every glance, every smile they share. [Bride’s name], thank you for bringing happiness and love into [bride’s name]’s life. We are over the moon to have you as part of our family.”
Some words of wisdom: “As you embark on this incredible journey together, my wish for you is to always cherish the small moments. Life is made up of a million tiny fragments, and it’s in those fragments that love thrives. Embrace each other’s quirks, be each other’s confidants, and build a home filled with love, laughter, and endless memories.”
The toast: “Let us raise our glasses high to celebrate the love and future of [couples’ names]. May your lives be filled with happiness, love, and countless shared adventures. Cheers to the newlyweds!”
Start planning your father of the bride speech today!
The father of the bride speech is one of the most anticipated parts of the wedding reception. It’s your chance to tell the world how amazing your little girl is and how proud you are of her.
Make sure you leave plenty of time to plan your wedding speech. This way, you know you’ll be happy with the content and have plenty of time to practice. Follow a time-honoured structure, throw in a few jokes, and let your personality shine through. You’ve got this!
If you’re still feeling nervous, we can support you in writing a brilliant father of the bride speech. Whether you want to keep it simple or make it funny and heartfelt, we have plenty of wedding speech ideas to give you inspiration. Sign up to Bridebook today and write a cracking speech!
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