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.
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.
It does not matter if it's the father of the bride, mother of the bride, father of the groom, or mother of the groom—you decide who should give a toast. To make it easier, choose one parent from each side to speak for three to six minutes at your reception.
At the end of your father of the bride speech, you should congratulate the happy couple on a wonderful wedding, and express your confidence in their future happiness together. Traditionally, your closing should also contain some words of wisdom about life and marriage.
The traditional wedding speech order goes father of the bride, groom, best man and other toasts. "In same-sex weddings, it is also common for both partners to speak but sometimes only one does," explains Marc. If you're having an LGBTQ+ wedding, you can decide on an order that works best for you.
While you have so much to say about the bride, remember to mention and acknowledge their new spouse, too. Take this time to welcome them into your family and share what it means to you. You can also share some anecdotes of their relationship and what stood out to you most.
1. The Father of the Bride or Parents of the Bride. 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.
Traditionally the father of the bride speech includes a toast to the happy couple. The groom responds on behalf of his wife and toasts the bridesmaids.
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.)
The Welcome Toast
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. If you would like the parents of the groom to speak, they should do so following the parents of the bride.
A ring dish or jewelry box is a great wedding day gift. Many ring dishes and jewelry boxes can also be personalized with the bride's new name and wedding date to make it a keepsake she will never forget. If you want to give a really generous gift, you could gift a piece of jewelry with the ring dish or jewelry box.
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.”
Keep it simple. Keep your speech light-hearted. Nothing heavy or too detailed. This is a sure fire way to bring up so many memories your tears can handle it!
Traditionally, the groom's family pays for the rehearsal dinner—though this is becoming less and less common—so the groom's father would be first to speak, followed by the bride's father. These days, though, nearly half of couples are paying for their own wedding events so none of these rules may apply.
Finish With A Toast. 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.
The debate over whether it's OK to read your wedding speech ends here. Since not everyone is great at public speaking, experts say it's fine to bring notes with you, so long as you're familiar with your script.
There is a religious tradition that sometimes accompanies the father of the bride giving away the bride. As the father and bride approach the end of the aisle, the officiant will ask, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” The father will then answer, “I do.”
What is the father-daughter dance? The father-daughter dance takes place between the bride and the father of the bride. It usually happens just after the first dance to a song that represents the relationship between the bride and her dad.
Who Gives a Rehearsal Dinner Toast? The host of the rehearsal dinner (traditionally the father of the groom in a heterosexual couple) gives the first speech. This person is followed by members of the wedding party that won't be speaking at the reception (typically anyone other than the maid of honor and the best man).
The bride is escorted down the aisle by her father, who stands on her right side. Traditionally, the father escorts her to the end of the aisle and then takes his seat in the first row next to the bride's mother.
Who gives a toast at a wedding? Your parents/parent figures, wedding party members, best friends, or close relatives are generally the ones who give speeches or readings throughout your wedding celebration, but ultimately, you can ask whoever you want if it will mean something to you.
Traditionally, the father of the bride is the first to speak in the wedding speech sequence, especially if he has contributed financially to the wedding. The bride's father's speech should include; — A welcome to all the guests, and an expression of gratitude for their attendance and participation in the wedding.
Traditionally the wedding speeches are made after the main course and before dessert. However, these days it is becoming more common for couples to bring them forward to the beginning of the meal.