Keep it short. Though you've been waiting for this day to come for many years, try to keep your toast short and sweet. The ideal length is about five or six minutes with the three-minute mark being your lowest threshold for a proper speech.
The Father of the Bride speech shouldn't be more than ten minutes long with 6 to 8 minutes being the sweet spot. (For the average speaker that's around 900 to 1,200 words.)
A traditional father of the bride speech includes a few key elements such as welcoming the guests, anecdotes and compliments about your daughter, a welcome to your new son-in-law or daughter-in-law, words of advice and a toast to the new couple.
If you're unsure of how to end your father of the bride speech, a toast is a crowd-pleaser. Offer up your congratulations and invite everyone to toast to the happy couple. Remind your daughter that you are proud of her, that you love her, and that you're so happy for her that she found someone who treats her well.
It is okay to read the father of the bride speech. No one is required to get a certificate in public speaking before giving wedding speeches, so it's fine to have notes as long as you have at least practiced beforehand.
Introduce Yourself
We advise beginning your speech with a little introduction, explaining that you are the father of the bride - and perhaps even a little joke to break the ice. Perhaps something like, "Without all of you here today, it wouldn't be the same…but it would be cheaper.”
“Hi, I am (your name), (bride's name) father, and waiting for this moment is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Although it is overwhelming to give my daughter away, knowing that she is marrying a great man is reassuring. (Bride's name) has always found good qualities in everyone.
During the reception it is customary for the father of the bride to make a short speech, thanking the guests and those that have helped with the wedding planning, and talking a little about his daughter and new son-in-law. At the end of the speech the father of the bride usually proposes a toast to the happy couple.
If you are including these, the order should go: father of the bride, groom, bride, bridesmaids/maid of honour, best man. But honestly, you can pick an order for your wedding speeches that works for you!
As a host, the father of the bride gives a toast to thank guests for attending his daughter's wedding. However, like with many wedding traditions these days, toast etiquette is something you can play with and make it your own. The father of the bride does not need to give a toast.
Speeches sound better when they seem less rehearsed and more ad lib. So remember the key details and freestyle around it.
The father of the bride should traditionally thank guests for coming and participating in the wedding, thank anyone who has contributed to the cost of the wedding, compliments and praises the bride and welcomes the groom into the family and ends with a toast to the newlyweds.
Traditionally, the father of the bride gives the first speech at a wedding. But, of course, couples can choose any order they want speeches to take place in.
Whoever is hosting the event should speak first and should take the microphone as soon as guests have found their seats. This first toast is most often made by the parents (or father) of the bride and should combine both a toast to the happy couple and a welcome message to the guests.
Dads are often looking for a gift to bestow upon their beautiful daughters before they take the walk down the aisle. Often, fathers get a little special time with the bride before the ceremony begins, which is the perfect time to gift something special to their daughters.
Dad can wear a tie, bow tie, and/or pocket square that complements what the groomsmen are wearing, or he can choose to coordinate his accessories with his partner's attire. "The father of the bride should feel free to experiment with accessories," continues Men's Wearhouse.
What Are the Duties of the Father of the Bride? The traditional roles of the father of the bride include travelling to the wedding with the bride, walking the bride down the aisle, 'giving her away' at the altar and giving a father of the bride speech.
Keep it Short
The ideal length for a speech is three to five minutes, with five minutes being the absolute maximum you should speak for. That's it.
However, in general, a wedding speech should typically be no longer than 5-7 minutes. You might only need to speak for a few minutes if you're giving a toast at a small wedding. On the other hand, if you're giving a lengthy speech at a larger wedding, you may need to talk for about 10 minutes.
How do you end a wedding toast? You end your toast by asking everyone to raise their glasses and saying a charming, funny or meaningful sentiment out loud for everyone to echo – you'd usually end it with 'to the bride and groom/happy couple/newlyweds' or use their names, and the wedding party would say it back to you.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As (name's friend/relative), I'm delighted to welcome you all here tonight." "Thank you so much, (name), for such a wonderful introduction. I only hope I can live up to your kind words!"