So, your daughter is getting married, and has asked you to give a “Father of the Bride” speech? You may be either totally bewildered, or feel very unprepared to do so. This is basically the kind of help you need—this article!

Most of the time, the best man will introduce the father of the bride. The father of the bride’s speech is what starts the reception festivities underway, and also opens the door to other speeches.

First you may wish to welcome the new son in law’s family to your family. That is an important gracious point to make. It is customary for the father of the bride to include in his speech any special thanks that need to go out to those who devoted much of their time and hard work in making the wedding as perfect a possible. Thus, you will point out those people and introduce them to those gathered there, as well as saying a few words about what these people accomplished.

Following this, a comment about how wonderful the wedding was, or how beautiful the bride is may be in order. Next, you might wish to deliver an anecdote or a memory that you have regarding the bride and groom. Perhaps something funny, like when the bride came home all haughty and angry because her date had smiled at a waitress. Just be sure that you end the story with how lighthearted she was the next time she saw that same date. Also present your idea for a lighthearted story to a few caring people so that you know it won’t embarrass either your daughter or your new son-in-law.

The father of the bride often gives a short description of how happy marriage has made his life, if that is a factual statement. If not, then just a bit of marriage advice fits well here.

Rehearsing what you are going to say is a great idea, and if you rehearse it enough, you will not need to carry notes with you or write an outline in the palm of your hand, for heaven forbid that you hand sweats! Rehearsal will make your speech sound as natural as can be, and as soon as you start it you’ll feel any nervousness you may have just fade away.

Next, if there is no wedding MC per se, you might describe where the food will be as well as the drinks, and whether a cash bar is being used for example. Just cover general items that will be helpful to the guest, rather than letting them muddle through themselves.

Of course, any father of the bride speech will include some sort of toast to the happy couple. Toasts are quite easy to make. You may say things about your wishes for a happy loving and long marriage. Do not make either your speech or the toast too long, a shorter speech and toast will be more natural and better received.

In conclusion, your speech tips are to thank and introduce special people that made the wedding go without a hitch, make a funny anecdote or story that will not embarrass the couple, rehearse, calm down and whatever you do smile!

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