How to Give a Father of the Bride Speech

On the day of the wedding, the father of the bride realizes his daughter has grown up to take her life into another direction. The best speech comes from the heart and not a book. Use your life experience and the joy of marriage to guide your father of the bride speech.

Instructions

1. Prepare to open the reception with your speech. Traditionally, the bride's father speaks first.

2. Begin by welcoming the groom's immediate family into your family, and then welcome the guests, friends and other attendees. Open with, "On behalf of (mention your daughter, her new husband, your wife and your other children) we welcome (name the groom's family) into ours."

3. Mention how nice the bride looks with her husband and how beautiful the marriage ceremony was.

4. Choose several stories about your daughter while she was growing up and share them with the guests. Consider something humorous or a heartfelt remembrance.

5. Give positive advice pertaining to the married life. Relate your own benefits of marriage, particularly how two people must work together to ensure a happy union.

6. Prepare the guests for the upcoming celebration. Orient them to menu choices, self-serve, music and dancing. Thank the caterers and others who decorated the facility.

7. Raise your drink to propose a toast. Briefly dedicate your thoughts to the bride and groom in words that wish them happiness in their life together. Finish by introducing the groom for his speech or toast.

Tips & Warnings

• Rise from the table to deliver the speech.

• Make eye contact with your daughter.

• Stay calm. Even if you're nervous the guests won't know it, and if they do, they'll understand.

• Avoid mentioning family controversies or embarrassing situations.

• Never give a lengthy speech. Everyone wants to begin the celebration.

• Don't tell offensive jokes or use offensive language.