How to Write a Great Father of the Bride Speech (With Wording Ideas)

If you're the father of a bride-to-be, you've probably dreamed of (or dreaded!) your daughter's wedding since she was a little girl. Now that the big day is finally here, you'll be tasked with presenting a heartwarming father of the bride speech. Yes, it's a father-of-the-bride duty to give a speech—and it's usually a central moment during the wedding reception. So, bring a pack of tissues along for the emotional roller coaster ride and use our helpful wedding speech ideas for a father of the bride, plus tips to write your own tribute. To top it off, we've created an easy-to-follow checklist that you can screenshot or print to make sure you've hit all the important points in your father-of-the-bride toast. Keep reading to learn how to write (and deliver) one of the best father-of-the-bride speeches ever!

In this article:

• Printable Father of the Bride Speech Template
• How to Write a Father of the Bride Speech, Step by Step
• Inspiring Father of the Bride Speech Examples
• Father of the Bride Speech Advice and Etiquette

Printable Father of the Bride Speech Template

In a pinch? Use our step-by-step father of the bride speech outline as a guide to write something in just a few minutes.

Design: Natalie Romine

How to Write a Father of the Bride Speech, Step by Step

"This, without a doubt, is one of the most emotional speeches, so there will surely be many tears," says Fátima Falcon of Momentos Weddings and Events in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Emotions are sure to run high on the day of your daughter's wedding, which can make it difficult to deliver a heartfelt father-of-the-bride wedding toast to your daughter and her new spouse. We've compiled expert public speaking and father-of-the-bride speech tips to help you write an authentic father-daughter wedding speech that's sure to wow everyone in the crowd.

1. Start with a welcome greeting.

Begin the speech by introducing yourself as the bride's father (or father figure), including your name.

2. Thank the guests for coming.

Share a few words of gratitude for everyone who attended the wedding—you can even include a brief mention of how much you've been looking forward to this day, especially if you were part of the planning process.

3. Talk about your bond with your daughter.

Once you've introduced yourself, sharing a short anecdote about your daughter or a touching comment about how proud she's made you are two father-of-the-bride speech icebreakers. Whether you mention a funny wedding planning moment that happened leading up to the day or you share a fond childhood memory that captures her personality, guests will love the personal touch in your father-of-the-bride reception speech. Not only will this give them a glimpse of your daughter's character, but it will double down on just how special your relationship is.

"Use this writing opportunity to express your love for your daughter and the special bond that you share now and will always share," says wedding planner Lynne Goldberg of Ms. Wedding Planner in South Florida, New York and Las Vegas. "Let her know that even though she is starting a new life, you will always be there for her." If you're stuck on what to mention, Falcon recommends writing about how it felt when you first found out you were having a little girl, what moments you've most enjoyed with her and the times you felt especially proud of your daughter.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

That being said, err on the side of caution by avoiding any embarrassing—or potentially awkward— memories, moments or mishaps that could make your daughter, her new spouse or wedding guests feel uncomfortable. This includes past relationships/breakups, mentions of future grandchildren and any other topics that are private or personal. You'll also want to avoid jokes related to your bank account. "You may have spent a ton on this event, but joking about your now empty bank account will only make people feel awkward," says Katelyn Peterson of Wedding Words, a wedding vow and speech writing service.

4. Welcome your daughter's partner to the family.

"Make sure you include the person she has chosen to marry in your speech," Goldberg says. But be sure to steer clear of any cliches. "We've all heard the line about how you're not losing a daughter, you're gaining a son," Peterson adds. "Instead, express how you feel about your new son-in-law or daughter-in-law in your own words." Falcon suggests: How did you feel when your daughter first met her now-spouse? How has your affection for her partner grown over time? Address your new in-laws directly and share a few words about something unique to your connection with them.

5. Speak about the couple's relationship.

Take a moment to talk not just about your daughter's partner but about their relationship with each other. Mention something positive you've noticed about their partnership and congratulate them for taking this next important step. You can also share a few words of encouragement for their next chapter or your best piece of marriage advice.

6. Raise your glass for a toast.

When it comes time to end your speech, think short, sweet and sentimental. "When the father of the bride inspires guests to wipe a tear away, that's when you know you've hit speech writing gold," says Peterson. Alternatively, end with a toast to the couple followed by a "wish for their future together," says Parks.

Now that you've got the father of the bride speech format down pat, the next step is to start writing your own bride's dad wedding toast. Here are a few final tips to make note of (and the wedding speech mistakes to avoid).

Inspiring Father of the Bride Speech Examples

Wedding speeches for a father of the bride can be short and sweet, charming and funny or simple and to the point. Figure out which one fits you (and your relationship with your daughter) best, then once you're ready, follow these fill-in-the-blank options.

Simple Father of the Bride Speech

Of course, you'll have a lot of thoughts and feelings about your daughter getting married. But if you're struggling to put all your emotions down on paper, feel free to keep it easy. This simple father of the bride speech example should do just the trick.

Welcome everyone. I'm [insert your name], Danielle's dad. On behalf of her mother and me, thank you for joining us tonight. We're incredibly grateful to celebrate the beautiful marriage of Danielle and John. We raised Danielle to be kind and independent and to embrace everything that life has to offer, but we could only hope that she'd someday find her match who embodies all of that and more. John, I'm so happy to say that you're that person, and we're thrilled to welcome you into our family. I admire [insert a characteristic about her partner] most about you, and I know that you're going to be a wonderful lifelong partner for Danielle. If I had one piece of advice for both of you, it's this: 'Whenever you are wrong, admit it. Whenever you are right, shut up!' But seriously, life is too short, so do your best not to sweat the small stuff. Danielle, I'm looking forward to celebrating many more happy moments in the future for you and John. Now, I'll ask that you all join me in raising your glasses for the newlyweds. Here's to a lifetime of love.

Short Father of the Bride Speech

While the bride's father's wedding speech is a traditional moment during the reception, it doesn't necessarily have to be long. This short father of the bride toast example is the perfect structure for how to make just a few words the most impactful.

Hello, and thank you everyone for joining us to celebrate Jennifer and Melissa. I'm [insert your name], Jennifer's dad, and I'm so excited for her as she and Melissa take their next step in life together. When Jennifer was a little girl, one of the things I loved most about her was [share a favorite memory or characteristic from her childhood]. I could only hope that someday she'd find a partner who cares about her as much as I do, and Melissa is that person. Melissa, we are so thrilled to have you join our family, and I'm looking forward to many more years of [insert a common interest that you both share]. Cheers and congratulations to you both!

Funny Father of the Bride Speech

Wondering how to write a father of the bride speech that'll have the guests doubling over with laughter? Check out this funny father-daughter wedding speech example to learn how to bring some levity to an emotional moment.

I've long been ridiculed by my wife, family members and now-adult children for my so-called 'awful' dad jokes, so bear with me as I try to keep those to a minimum. As the father of the bride, the pressure is on me to deliver a poignant, powerful speech. Hopefully, I live up to your expectations. If not, there's the door.

I've been picturing Alex's wedding day in my head since we first brought her home from the hospital. Honestly, I'm having trouble wrapping my head around how fast Alex has grown up. It's hard to believe I'm standing here today, in front of you all, giving this speech. When I look into my daughter's eyes, I am amazed. Instead of the little girl who'd force me to play dress-up, watch Disney movies, and host fake tea parties with her stuffed animals, I now see a beautiful bride and an all-around exceptional young woman. And although I will miss being the man you always run to for guidance, I won't miss getting the bills for your designer handbag obsession.

When Alex brought Sam home for the first time, I was terrified at the thought of her leaving the nest. And I almost didn't want to like Sam—after all, dads aren't supposed to like their daughter's significant others (or so I've been told by my much older, less-wiser friends). But as soon as Sam walked through our door and began chatting me up about the Mets, he nearly swept me off my feet just as they did with Alex. Over time, our casual conversations evolved and our bond became much stronger. She loved Sam, and I did, too.

Sam, you make the perfect addition to our family, and I'm so excited to call you my new [son/daughter/child]. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. Now that I'm all puffy-eyed, please join me in toasting this incredible couple before we get back to the dance floor!

Sweet Father of the Bride Speech

While there are many types of good father of the bride speeches, it's the sweet, emotional ones that usually bring a tear to the bride's eye. Take a look at this sweet father of the bride sample speech below.

Hello, ladies and genetleman! I want to thank each and every one of you for being here tonight. For those of you who don't know me, I'm [Your Name], the proud father of [Bride's Name].

On the day [Bride's Name] was born, I cried as I held her—imagining all the things I would get to teach her over the years as she grew up. When she was one, I taught her how to talk. By the time she was two, I'd taught her how to talk. When she was four, I taught her how to ride a bike—and how to pick the best ice cream flavor to make you feel better about falling off and scraping your knee. When she was nine, I taught her the lyrics to the best Queen songs—"Bohemian Rhapsody" isn't easy, let me tell you. When she was 13, I taught her how to two-step for her first dance. When she was 15, I taught her (I'm pretty sure incorrectly) how to find the circumference of a circle. When she was 17, I taught her how to drive. When she was 19, I taught her how to make a gin and tonic that would impress her sorority (What can I say, I'm a bad influence!). When she was 22, I taught her how to write a résumé. Also when she was 22, I taught her how to replace a flat tire after a road trip gone wrong. It's been the honor of my life to teach her these things and more.

But what I never expected was all the things she would teach me. [Bride's Name] has taught me how to be patient. She's taught me how to be curious about the world around me. She's taught me that it's never too late to pursue a dream. She's taught me how to be resilient. She's taught me how to be empathetic towards those in my life, as well as strangers. She's taught me how to find joy in the little things and how it's okay to fail. She's taught me what it means to be a good father, a good friend and a good person. Most importantly, she's helped me learn to love in a way I never thought possible.

[Bride's Name] was able to teach me these things because these are the qualities she possesses; this is the type of person she is. And they're the qualities that are going to make her an incredible wife and partner to [Spouse's Name]. I'm so proud of the woman you've become—thank you for everything you've taught me by being my daughter. I love you.

Cheers to the beautiful couple!

Wise Father of the Bride Speech

Speeches from the father of the bride usually include a few free words of wisdom for his daughter and her new spouse. Refer to the speech example below for a father of the bride toast infused with advice.

Good evening, everyone!

First, let me say how thankful I am to see all of you here today to celebrate the union of my daughter, [Bride's Name], and her amazing new spouse, [Spouse's Name]. As a father, it's an indescribable feeling to watch my daughter marry someone who treats her with such love and respect. I couldn't have asked for a better person to join our family.

There's a quote from author Mignon McLaughlin that says, "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." Now, as someone who's been married himself for over [X] years, this is one of the most accurate statements about marriage I could find. The person you married today during that beautiful ceremony, the person sitting beside you now, is not the person you'll find yourself married to in ten years or five years, maybe not even next year.

We constantly change and evolve—and if you're lucky enough to find the right person like you both have, your partner will be one of the people who helps you do this, who encourages you to grow and reach your potential. I've seen my daughter and [Spouse's Name] over the past couple of years—they're supportive of each other, they know how to communicate, how to make one another laugh, and most importantly, how to listen. My biggest piece of advice for you two is to take these parts of your relationship and continue to nurture them throughout your marriage. Keep finding new ways to fall in love with each other—through the quiet moments, the milestones and even the challenges. Remember that love isn't just something that happens; it's something you actively choose every day.

Congratulations on day one—and cheers to all the rest!

Proud Father of the Bride Speech

Getting married is one of the biggest, most important moments of your daughter's life. Tell her how proud you are of her with this unique template for a father-of-the-bride speech.

Hello everyone! I'm [Bride's Name]'s Dad. Thank you all so much for being here as we celebrate the love between my beautiful daughter and her lovely new [Bride/Groom/Spouse].

When [Bride's Name] was about eight years old, she was cast as one of the leads in her school play, A Wrinkle in Time. For weeks, she practiced her lines non-stop—at the dinner table, in the car, even while brushing her teeth, which sent toothpaste flying everywhere! She was so determined and worked so hard. On the day of the big performance, she stepped onto that stage in her cute costume, flashed her biggest smile, and... completely froze. My baby girl got stage fright and forgot all her lines. But instead of running off the stage like I would've, she ad-libbed her way through and finished the show as best she could.

I rushed over to her afterward, expecting her to be in tears. I said, "It's okay, honey. It happens to the best of us." She said, "It's okay, I'll do better next time," and then asked if we could go for ice cream. A few months later, she auditioned for the next play. And this time, she practiced not just her lines but conquering her fear—she rehearsed in front of our neighbors, created her own makeshift stage at home and even asked us to shine flashlights to mimic the spotlights. When the show premiered, she completely nailed it. I'll never forget that moment—watching her stand on that stage, confident and poised, after facing failure with grace and determination.

Today, I see that same resilience as she begins this new chapter with [Spouse's Name]. I know that, just like with the play, there will be times in your marriage when things don't go exactly as planned. But if you face those moments together with grace and humor, there's nothing you can't overcome.

I'm so proud of you and can't wait to see you take on your new role of wife. Congratulations!

Welcoming Father of the Bride Speech

This brilliant father of the bride speech example will help you welcome your new child-in-law and their family. While your daughter is obviously the star of your speech, mentioning your new loved ones is both good etiquette and an opportunity to build strong relationships.

Hello everyone! Thank you all for being here tonight. Wasn't that just the most beautiful ceremony? It was such an honor walking my beautiful daughter down the aisle so she could marry the love of her life, [Spouse's Name]. It was a moment I've dreamt of ever since becoming a dad. I couldn't be prouder of both [Bride's Name] and [Spouse's Name] for taking this big step in their future.

But today isn't just about the two of them—it's about the coming together of two families. We are so happy to welcome the [Groom's Family's Last Name] into ours. Thank you for raising such a wonderful person. It's clear that the love and values [Spouse's name] carries with them come from a family who truly knows the meaning of love, respect and support. We are thrilled to continue growing bonds, building traditions, making memories and supporting our children on this incredible journey.

Cheers to the happy couple and welcome to the family!

Father of the Bride Speech Advice and Etiquette

Are you new to writing father-of-the-bride speeches? No problem. Here's what's expected when it comes to timing and who you should thank once you take the mic.

How long should a father of the bride speech be?

A bride's dad wedding speech can be about three minutes on the short side and up to 10 minutes long for a more in-depth speech.

According to Falcon, the best father of the bride speeches last around six minutes. She continues, "The tone should be more formal at the beginning and, as the minutes go by, more emotional." However, beware: "Anything over 10 minutes will lose the attention of the guests," advises Joanna Kwok of Honour and Blessing Events in Vancouver, Canada.

When does the father of the bride give a speech?

The father of the bride can expect to make the speech at the start of the wedding reception, "just before dinner is served," says Peterson.

Alternatively, you can also give the father-to-bride speech right before the father-daughter dance, says Goldberg. "That way, the very last line in the father of the bride speech can be: 'My beautiful daughter, may I have this dance?'" (I'm not crying—you are!)

Who does the father of the bride thank in his speech?

It's important to thank your wedding guests for attending, especially anyone who traveled from out of town to be present. You can also mention your wife or partner and reflect on how you've bonded as a family throughout the wedding planning process. Lastly, it's nice to give a special shout-out to your new in-laws and anyone else who contributed significantly to the wedding.

However, Peterson warns, "Long thank-yous are boring and not necessary." Instead, she recommends "focus[ing] on the main folks who it would make sense for them to receive a dedicated shout-out."

What should be avoided in a father of the bride speech?

While a father of the bride toast is mostly a dad speaking to his daughter, the speech should still feel inclusive. Avoid inside jokes that will alienate other guests or, worse, her new spouse. You should also avoid mentioning past relationships, previous marriages/divorces and negativity about marriage in general. This is a happy occasion and even if you have advice for the happy couple, it should feel hopeful rather than cautionary.

How can a shy father of the bride prepare for his speech?

If you're a father of the bride who's not as comfortable with public speaking or being the center of attention, the most important thing to do is be prepared. First and foremost: practice. Giving a speech at your daughter's wedding is a big moment and even the most extroverted dads should plan to rehearse. Say a few lines in front of your spouse, friends or even in the mirror. We also recommend that you jot your words down on a couple of note cards and refer to them when delivering your speech—you don't need to memorize it! If you're still feeling anxious, consider opting for a speech on the shorter side. Your sweet messages and advice will be just as impactful and you won't be in the spotlight too long.

Additional reporting by Samantha Iacia and Shyla Watson