A Toast To The Bride's Leading Ladies

The father of the bride's speech is one of the most anticipated toasts at a wedding reception. While there is no set structure for the speech, there are several elements that are typically included. The father of the bride should welcome the guests and thank them for attending, welcome the bride's partner into the family, share fond memories and anecdotes about the bride, and offer words of wisdom to the newlyweds. While it is not mandatory for the father of the bride to specifically mention the bridesmaids in his speech, it is common to thank the bridal party as a whole and acknowledge their efforts in supporting the bride. The father of the bride may also choose to pay a compliment to the bridesmaids, being mindful to keep the tone refined and classy.

Welcoming the guests and thanking them for attending

Welcoming the guests and expressing gratitude for their attendance is an important part of the father of the bride's speech. Here are some ideas and suggestions to craft this section of the speech:

Welcoming the Guests

The father of the bride's speech usually kicks off the wedding speeches and thus serves as a warm-up for the other speakers. It is an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the reception, so it is essential to keep it upbeat, light-hearted, and funny. The father of the bride should welcome all the guests and make them feel appreciated and welcomed at the reception. Here are some ways to do that:

• "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am [your name], the proud father of the bride. On behalf of my partner, [partner's name], and our entire family, I want to extend a warm welcome and express our deepest gratitude for joining us on this joyous occasion."
• "Good evening, everyone! I'm [your name], and I have the incredible honour of being the father of the bride. I must warn you, though, my sense of humour can be a bit questionable. So, brace yourselves for a few dad jokes along the way!"
• "Good evening, everyone. I am [your name], the father of the bride, and it warms my heart to see all of your smiling faces as we gather here to celebrate love and family."

Thanking the Guests for Attending

It is essential to express gratitude to the guests for taking the time to attend the wedding and show their support. Here are some ways to do that:

• "We would like to take a moment to thank all of you who have travelled from near and far to be here today. Your presence means the world to us. We are also incredibly grateful to our friends and family who have contributed their time, support, and resources to make this day possible."
• "I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for gracing us with your presence today. We truly appreciate your love and support."
• "Before we proceed, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation to each of you for being here today. Your love, support, and presence mean the world to us."

Additionally, the father of the bride can also thank specific people who have played a significant role in the wedding preparations or the couple's lives. This includes the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, pageboys, best man, mothers of the bride and groom, wedding planner, and staff. Here is an example:

"I'd like to thank Imogen's bridesmaids for everything they've done for our little girl. Not just today, but throughout your years of friendship. No doubt you've been a drunken shoulder to lean on many times for our Imogen, and I expect that'll be evident shortly after the bar opens... But for that and all the support you've given her over the years, we thank you."

In conclusion, the father of the bride's speech should include a warm welcome to the guests and sincere gratitude for their attendance and support. This sets the tone for the rest of the reception and helps create a heartfelt connection with the audience.

Thanking the bridesmaids

Keep it classy and complimentary

It is important to avoid making lewd or inappropriate comments about the bridesmaids. The father of the bride should aim for general, non-specific comments that focus on the bridesmaids' beauty rather than their sexuality. For example, it is better to use words like "beautiful" and "elegant" rather than "stunning" or "cute". Steer clear of commenting on their physical attributes, such as their legs or bust, as this will likely result in awkward stares and disapproval from the guests. Instead, be refined, generous, and gentlemanly in your praise. This will ensure you come across as a sophisticated and charming older man.

Acknowledge their efforts and friendship

In addition to complimenting their appearance, it is important to thank the bridesmaids for their contributions to the wedding and their friendship with the bride. You could say something like: "I'd like to thank my daughter's bridesmaids, not just for their efforts today, but for their years of friendship. I'm sure you've been a drunken shoulder to cry on many times, and I expect that will be evident soon after the bar opens! But for your support over the years, we are truly grateful." This type of acknowledgement shows gratitude and appreciation for the bridesmaids' role in the wedding and in the bride's life.

Be mindful of the tone and context

It is important to consider the tone and context of the wedding when thanking the bridesmaids. If the wedding is more formal or conservative, it may be more appropriate to stick to traditional compliments and expressions of gratitude. However, if the wedding is more light-hearted and casual, you may have more room to be playful or humorous in your remarks. Additionally, consider the relationships between the bridesmaids and the wedding party. If one of the bridesmaids is your sister, for example, it might feel strange to comment on her appearance. Similarly, if one of the bridesmaids is particularly self-conscious, you may want to avoid drawing attention to their looks. In such cases, you could say something like: "And to the bridesmaids, you've been a wonderful help to my daughter, and I know that if wedding customs allowed it, she would thank you herself. But since they don't, please accept my thanks on her behalf."

Add a touch of humour

While it is important to be respectful and tasteful, you can also bring a bit of humour to your acknowledgements. For example, you could jokingly acknowledge the competitive nature of bridesmaids, saying something like: "I'd like to thank the bridesmaids, who look wonderful and have performed their roles well, despite the well-known rivalry that tends to erupt between such ladies. In fact, just before the service, I overheard a furious argument about who would dance with the Best Man first. But ladies, that was all for nothing because we intend to buck tradition and dance together!" Adding a bit of levity to your thanks can make your speech more memorable and engaging for the guests.

Welcoming the groom into the family

The father of the bride's speech is one of the most anticipated toasts at a wedding reception. It is a beautiful mix of happy memories, heartfelt advice, and funny anecdotes about the bride. Typically, the father of the bride welcomes the new son- or daughter-in-law to the family. It is an opportunity for reflection on his relationship with his daughter and to offer some words of wisdom to the happy couple as they start their new journey together.

A Classic Introduction

"Now, let me welcome our new son-in-law, [groom's name], and his wonderful parents [parents' names]. From the moment we met [groom's name], we knew he was the perfect match for [daughter's name]. His kindness, sense of humour, and unwavering love for her have brought us immeasurable joy. We are thrilled to officially welcome him into our family."

A Light-hearted Welcome

"Now, let’s welcome the man who has stolen [bride's name] heart and made her laugh louder than I ever could… [groom's name]! From the first time we met, I knew [groom's name] was the one for our girl. His genuine heart, contagious smile, and endless dad joke repertoire instantly won me over. [Groom's name], welcome to our more than slightly eccentric family!"

A Sentimental Tribute

"Now, let’s welcome [groom's name], the man who has captured [bride's name]’s heart. From the moment I met [groom's name], I knew he was someone truly special. His unwavering love, loyalty, and devotion to [bride's name] are evident in every interaction. [Groom's name], today, we gain a son, and I couldn’t be happier."

A Whimsical Greeting

"Let’s give a warm welcome to [bride's name] partner in crime, [groom's name], and his amazing parents, [parents' names]. [Groom's name], I have watched you and [bride's name] create countless memories together – some hilarious, others heartwarming. Your shared sense of humour and love for adventure make you a perfect match. Welcome to our wonderfully wacky family!"

A Poetic Salute

"Let us warmly welcome [bride's name] partner in life, [groom's name], and his wonderful parents, [parents' names]. [Groom's name], from the moment we met, your kind heart and unwavering devotion to [bride's name] have touched our souls. We are overjoyed to welcome you into our family with open arms."

A Heartfelt Greeting

"Please join me in welcoming [groom's name], the man who has captured [bride's name] heart and become an integral part of our family. [Groom's name], your love for [bride's name] shines through in everything you do. Your kindness, intelligence, and unwavering support have touched us deeply. Welcome to our family, [groom's name]."

A Humorous Introduction

"Now, let’s give a warm welcome to [bride's name]’s partner in crime, [groom's name], and his amazing parents, [parents' names]. Ethan, from the first time I met you, I knew you were the perfect match for our adventurous girl. Your shared love for hiking, pizza, and terrible puns solidified my belief in true love. Welcome to our quirky family!"

A Warm Welcome

"Let us warmly welcome [groom's name] into our family. From the moment I met him, I knew he was the perfect match for [bride's name]. His intelligence, kindness, and unwavering support have made our daughter’s life even more radiant. [Groom's name], thank you for loving [bride's name] and bringing such happiness into her life."

Sharing funny, endearing, or slightly embarrassing memories about the bride

Childhood Memories:

• "I still remember the day she was born; a bundle of joy that filled our lives with laughter and love. Her childhood was filled with countless funny and touching moments, from her infectious laughter to her mischievous adventures."
• "From her first steps to her first day of school, my daughter has always been a ray of sunshine in our lives. I recall one time when she..."
• "One of my fondest memories is when she demanded her own side of the table at the age of four. Even then, she knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to speak up for herself!"

Teenage Years and Beyond:

• "I'll never forget the time she came home a little tipsy from her first grown-up party. It was a reminder that she was growing up and embracing new experiences."
• "When my daughter turned seventeen, she decided to go on a trip with her friends. I was nervous at first, but it turned out to be a wonderful adventure that helped her gain independence."
• "I have to share a story about the first time she brought her partner over for dinner. Let's just say there was a slight kitchen mishap, and the smoke detectors were quite impressed!"

Embarrassing (But Lighthearted) Moments:

• "I recall one time when my daughter decided to give me a makeover. Let's just say my wife was not impressed with my new look, and it took a lot of convincing to let me keep my moustache."
• "My daughter has always had a unique fashion sense. One time, she insisted on wearing her bright purple rain boots everywhere we went, even to the beach! It became her signature look for a while."
• "My daughter has always been a brave soul. I remember when she decided to cut her own hair, and let's just say it took a while for it to grow back to its usual style."

Remember to choose stories that ultimately highlight the special bond you share and showcase your daughter's best qualities. These anecdotes will add a personal touch to your speech and create a heartfelt connection with the audience.

Offering words of wisdom to the newlyweds

The father of the bride's speech is one of the most anticipated toasts at a wedding reception. It is usually the first speech of the night and is a chance to welcome all the guests, express gratitude towards friends and family, and welcome the groom into the family.

The father of the bride can also offer some words of wisdom to the newlyweds. Here are some ideas:

• Nurture your relationship by setting aside time for each other, going on dates, and creating your own traditions.
• Communicate effectively by learning each other's love language, choosing to love each other every day, and focusing on being better rather than being right.
• Strengthen your bond by embracing each other's quirks, supporting each other's goals, and always being willing to forgive.
• Enhance your connection by sharing meaningful conversations, expressing appreciation, and creating shared experiences through adventures and hobbies.
• Build a strong foundation for your marriage by setting realistic expectations, dealing with financial matters together, and always being honest with each other.
• Cultivate a positive mindset by smiling at each other, seeing the best in each other, and choosing to be joyful and grateful.

Frequently asked questions