Father of the bride speech: example and checklist
The father of the bride often speaks first, so the speech has two jobs: welcome everyone and say something true about your daughter. This checklist and example help you do both in about four minutes.
What to include
- Welcome the guests, especially those who travelled.
- Thank the other family by name.
- One story about your daughter that shows her character.
- A few words to your new son- or daughter-in-law.
- The toast to the couple.
Example
Father of the bride · opening
Good evening. On behalf of Linda and myself, welcome. Some of you flew in from three time zones away, and it means the world to us. When Claire was ten, she organised a protest in our kitchen because we wanted to cut down an old apple tree. She made signs. The tree is still standing. Michael, if you ever wonder whether she will fight for something she loves, I can tell you: she will. And today, that is you.
Delivery tips
- Print it on cards in large type; do not read from a phone.
- Pause after the welcome so people can settle.
- Look at your daughter during the story, at the room during the toast.
- Keep it under five minutes; other speeches follow.