As a father, it’s an emotional moment when your daughter is getting married and there are sure to be tons of wonderful, funny, and sentimental experiences that you may want to include in your “Father of the Bride” speech.
It is the moment at most weddings that guests know to grab some tissues because it’s almost impossible not to have a few tears. As her wedding day grows closer, you should sit down and write a speech that you are proud of and that your daughter will cherish forever.
Photo Credit: Adobe stock photoWhile it might seem impossible to find the perfect words that express your feelings, it’s absolutely those emotions that are often the star of the show. Delivering a great father of the bride speech can be nerve-racking, following some basic toast rules should help ease the nerves. Check out these fantastic speeches for Dads.
What Makes A Good “Father Of The Bride” Speech?
The father of the bride toast typically kicks off all of the wedding speeches. And since you’re the first, you’re going to want it to be engaging so that you can captivate the crowd’s attention. The key to writing a good or great father of the bride speech is to just speak from the heart.
Of course, you should put some thought into it beforehand and have it written down so that you don’t forget any essential parts. But your real memories and raw emotions are what need to be shared.
Tips On What To Include In Your Father Of The Bride Speech
- Introduce Yourself (a no-brainer, we know, but the nerves may make you forget too)
- Thank Your Spouse, Groom’s Parents, Officiant & Other Vendors
- Praise Your Daughter
- Share A Story & Don’t Forget To Include The Groom.
- Add-In Some Fatherly Wisdom
- Thank The Guests For Their Attendance
- Add Some Humor But Avoid Inside Jokes
- Don’t Get “Too” Emotional.
- Congratulate the Couple
- Raise The First Toast
To help you get your creative juices flowing, we pulled together a collection of wedding speeches for the father of the bride that we like. These are sure to help you write a flawless, kick-ass father of the bride toast.
Father of the Bride Wedding Speech Examples
Pride and Happiness
“As I look at my daughter, the bride, I can’t help but reflect on all the years I was lucky enough to watch her grow and become the beautiful woman she is today. She captured my heart on the day she was born, and I became more and more in awe of her as the years passed by. She’s my little girl, my princess, and my ray of sunlight, and no matter what her age, she’ll always be those things to me.
But today, as I watch her marry a wonderful man, I’m filled with pride and am confident that she and (Groom) are about to embark on a beautiful journey filled with the love and happiness that can only come as man and wife. May the two of you always treat each other with love, compassion, and kindness.
I ask you to join me today in congratulating the bride and groom and wishing them all the best for a long and happy life together.”
(source)
Photo Credit: Adobe stock photoGreatest Father of the Bride Speech With Incredible Introduction
This is an example of the most hyped introduction of the Father of the Bride and an incredible speech filled with humor, love, and raw emotions. And this dad even wants the groom to take the bride’s last name.
A Father’s Love
“Hi, I’m (Father’s Name), (Bride’s) father. I have been waiting for this moment for twenty-five years, and I must say that it is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Although it is overwhelming to give your daughter away, it is so satisfying to know that she is marrying one of the greatest men I’ve ever met. If I had to choose someone for her to be with, I would not pick anyone else.
(Bride) has always been the type of person to find a good quality in everyone. Even when she was a little girl, she had such a large amount of compassion that it blew me away. From the time she was old enough to go to school, (Bride) made friends with every single person in her class. It didn’t matter if one child was not popular or if the other was too quiet; she found the best in every student that year. It surprised me that she was so sensitive yet made people feel like they had known her for years.
Since she has always had that quality, I was not surprised when she went into nursing. She thrived off of the fact that she could help people and save their lives. From that moment, she worked more for other people than herself. I always wished she would find a husband so she could do more for herself. Luckily, I introduced (Groom) to (Bride) when he started working for my company. I wanted someone who was just as warm-hearted as her but still had a great work ethic and a sense of determination. Even though (Bride) was appalled at the fact that I, her father, set her up on a date, I think she can thank me for it now. After all, I am the perfect matchmaker!
(Bride), although I have been cringing at the thought of letting you go, I could not be happier for my little girl. I have watched you go through school, around the clock internships, boyfriends, and breakups, and now I know that it was all worth it. I only wish the best for the both of you, and I know that you will have a beautiful marriage that will never once waiver.
(Groom), I am confident that you will take care of my daughter. You have been a dear friend and co-worker of mine for years now, and since day one, my impression of you has not once changed. Thank you for treating my daughter like gold. I know in my heart that you will be the perfect match, regardless of what happens later in life.
For this reason, I would like to make a toast. (Bride and Groom), may the future bring you happiness, wisdom, and children so I can be a grandfather! But in all seriousness, I give you my wholehearted blessing, and I know you two will last a lifetime. I am so happy that this day has finally come.
Congratulations (Bride and Groom)!”
Photo Credit: Adobe stock photoFather Of The Bride Speech Hilariously Roasting The Groom
We love this father of the bride speech. A little roast for the groom and some heartfelt memories and sentiments for the couple.
Prince Charming
“I raise my glass to toast my daughter (Bride’s name). She’s dreamed of this day since she was a young girl, and now her dream has come true, complete with her very own Prince Charming. (Bride & Groom), I wish you much love and happiness in your new life together.”
Loving Memories
“As I look at this beautiful woman before me in the lovely wedding gown, I can’t help but reflect on the girl she was and the woman she has become. She became “Daddy’s Girl” on the day she was born and has always been a princess to me. All through her life, she has brought joy to her mother and me, and while not every day has been perfect, the love I feel for her has been.
And today, she has joined hands with a wonderful young man, and in addition to the sparkle I have always seen in her eyes, today I see love and joy there beyond anything I have seen thus far. She and [Groom] today have completed each other as they become a new family unit.
Please join me today in wishing [Bride] and [Groom] every happiness possible and long and joyful life together as husband and wife.”
(source)
Inspirational
“Marriages, like births, mark a new beginning. The day I drove home from the hospital after [Bride] was born was a new beginning for me. To be the father of a daughter seemed a bit overwhelming, but anticipation for her life and for our relationship helped me overcome my fears and work hard to be a father worthy of such a daughter.
Today, we stand at another new beginning as [Bride] and [Groom] start a brand new family. Like me, they are probably filled with a feeling of being a little overwhelmed at it all, but those feelings will melt away in large part as they anticipate their new life together and as they build a relationship that will stand the test of time.”
Be true to each other always; share your joys and your burdens; love much and laugh much; be each other’s best friend. Always speak well of one another, even in private. And when things don’t go well, forgive as often as it is required. Married life is an adventure, and you embark today on that adventure together. Even though you are individuals, your covenant today makes the couple more important than either of you separately.
One day, if you are fortunate as I have been, you will stand in awe of a new life entering your family. That will be another beginning, filled with apprehension and anticipation. Bring to that relationship the same level of love and commitment you do to your marriage, and you will find joy beyond compare.
So today, your friends and family surround you as you begin something new and marvelous. Remember your promises, keep them with all your heart, and you will have that sense of joy and wonder that exceeds all you have heretofore known. With all my heart, I offer you my congratulations and warmest wishes as you begin the latest adventure life has to offer.”
(source)
A Humorous Touch
‘This is an important day for me… as I resuscitate my bank account and hand over Sarah’s spending habits to someone else.’
‘The good thing about weddings is that, as father-of-the-bride, you can show everyone how generous you are. I wanted to give you all an itemized bill so that you could see for yourselves how much these flowers cost, but Angela told me that it was not the done thing… as she slid into her astronomically-priced hat!’
‘Seriously, I have looked forward to this day for years. Sarah makes a stunning bride, John is a good man, and I wish them every happiness for the future. If they are even half as happy as my wife and I, then they will be very happy indeed.’
‘Marriage is an important commitment, so much so that you need a mortgage to pay for it! But it takes more than that. It needs patience and compromise, and I should know – I’ve been patiently compromising for years!’
‘Bob’s just looked at his watch, which is the signal that he needs a drink, so, ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding. I give you… the bride and groom.’
A Gift from God
“A toast to my daughter. She was a gift from God, and I will always be grateful to have been given the honor of being her father. May God continue to bless her and her new husband and grant them safety, love, and happiness all the days of their lives.”