The father of the bride has to work hard at his speech

The father of the bride is expected to do more than just walk his daughter up the aisle. In today's age he may not always pay for the wedding but he still generally acts as host. Whatever about that the father of the bride speech is an integral part of most weddings. For most fathers that is where their problems begin. No matter how accomplished a speaker he may be at a work conference he usually finds it much more difficult to say how much his daughter means to him. It is even more difficult for him to say it in the context of a sincere yet light-hearted speech. The father of the bride's wedding speech should express his love for his daughter but it should be sentimental only in parts. A few light-hearted words about his daughter being less than perfect or about the traumas of preparing for the wedding will certainly add to the speech. He may talk about the fact that the bouquets contained weeds when delivered or that the cake sank. He may mention his daughter's inability to resist the sales or how she sings in two keys at once. Overall though his speech will reflect his daughter's abilities and talents and will convey his pride in the beautiful bride.
Obviously too the father of the bride should be gracious in welcoming those who have come to share the big day and certainly he should thank those who have made the ceremony special in any way. That is, of course if the clergyman or singer or organist is present at the meal. He ought to welcome his new son-in law and his parents into the family and perhaps give the groom a few hints on how to keep his new wife happy. It adds to the speech too if he mentions the bride's mother in a complimentary way.
The father of the bride should do his research and be able to mention something of the background of the groom and his parents. When he is preparing his speech it is worth remembering that many of the guests will only know either the bride or the groom. So his speech should paint a picture of both their backgrounds. Finally, of course, the father of the bride toasts the couple. It goes without saying that such a toast should express his love and best wishes for their future. It will add immensely to the speech if the toast is very personal and specific to the couple.


Niamh Crowe has written speeches for 20 years. She has written thousands of speeches for every event and occasion including Graduation speeches, inspirational speeches, funeral speeches etc.

Niamh Crowe
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