Want to know how to write the best father of the bride speech for your daughter on her wedding day? Here's some essential tips and advice.
If you want to know how to write the best father of the bride speech, we’ve talked to the father of the brides in our lives and have done some research to give the ultimate tips and advice.
These father of the bride speeches are sure to bring a tear to the eye, for all the right reasons…
HOW TO WRITE THE BEST FATHER OF THE BRIDE SPEECH
Traditionally, at the reception, the bride’s father is the first one to make a speech to the wedding guests. The father of the bride is usually seen as a bit of a warm-up act and something to be endured rather than enjoyed. However, with a little effort, you can make sure your moment in the spotlight is something to be remembered.
What to Include in Your Father of the Bride Speech
Whether it’s short and sweet or a moment to enjoy the spotlight, your father of the speech needs to contain some basic elements. That’s if it is to be in keeping with tradition. Here’s a simple father of the bride speech template to follow…
Father of the Bride Speech Template
The intro
You need to introduce yourself, but it doesn’t have to be reminiscent of an AA meeting. Tell them your name and maybe crack a little joke to make you, and loved ones, feel relaxed.
The welcome
Make a formal welcome to everyone, and thank them for coming. Try to also mention the bride’s mother and the groom’s parents too.
Your daughter
She’s made you pay for it, and now’s your chance to get a little of your own back on her! Recall a funny anecdote, or simply tell her how proud you are of the woman she’s become. This is her big day, so say something memorable and touching.
Your son-in-law
Formally welcome the groom to your family. You can mention how you felt about him when you first met him, or a moment when you’ve been particularly glad he’s around. Try to be positive about the future and look forward to him being an official family member.
Parting wisdom
As the elder speaker at the wedding, you should impart some of your wisdom to the happy couple. This could be about maintaining a healthy marriage or living a happy life. This is also a good place to throw in some jokes, however, err on the side of tasteful. You don’t want to upset anyone.
The toast
Finish up by asking everyone to stand and raise a glass to the happy couple. The best man will do something similar at the end of his speech too, but it’s the traditional way to close yours.
Tips for Making Your Father of the Bride Speech Funny
The father of the bride might be a gentleman, but that doesn’t mean your speech has to be dull. Here are some top tips to make it as enjoyable as possible for everyone involved.
Timing is everything
Father's of the bride have been known to drone on for some time. However, to keep things fun, and engaging, aim for a speech that lasts around six to seven minutes. Also read your speech through at your normal speaking pace to gauge how long this really is.
Keep it clean
Jokes are a great way to break the ice and loosen up the crowd. However, don’t be too focused on being funny. You’re the elder statesman of the speakers today, so you can afford to be a bit more conservative with your words.
That doesn’t mean you have to be dull though. A few jibes at the expense of the wedding or your daughter’s love of spending are fine, just don’t cut too close to the bone. Leave it to the best man to really roast up the groom, and focus on welcoming your new son-in-law to the family.
Hold on to your emotions
This is such a big occasion for you and all your family, it can be easy to get caught up in the emotion of it all. Do your best to keep things light and happy. If there are some more emotional, or overly sentimental things you would like to say to your daughter, have a quiet word with her before you walk the aisle.
The last word
Ask any public speaker what their biggest fear is, and they’ll often say it’s losing their place. Fumbling over your words and getting lost is nothing to be ashamed of, provided you make a recovery.
Take your speech on cue cards with bullet-pointed reminders of what you want to talk about. This will give you a more natural delivery and will save you struggling to find your place.
If you do get stuck, use a moment to clear your throat, take a drink of water or give your daughter a kiss. These moments might feel like a lifetime to you, but will feel like a natural pause to your audience. This will also give you the breathing space you need to get things back on track. Take your time, don’t panic and try to enjoy your moment of fame.
We hope that has calmed some Father of the Bride nerves and given you a clear template of how to write the best father of the bride speech ever!
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