Father Of The Bride's Guide To Crafting The Perfect Wedding Toast

Writing a wedding toast as the father of the bride can be a daunting task, but it's also an opportunity to express your emotions and share some heartfelt words about your daughter and new in-law. Here's a paragraph to get you started on your introduction:

Today is a momentous occasion, and I stand here with a heart full of joy and pride as I celebrate the union of my daughter [Daughter's Name] and their partner [Partner's Name]. I want to welcome all of you, our family and friends, to this joyous event. I'd also like to thank those who have played a part in making this day so special, especially [People to Thank]. For those who don't know me, I'm [Your Name], the proud father of the bride, and I'm honoured to share a few words as we celebrate the love between my daughter and her soulmate.

Thanking guests and introducing yourself

Thanking the guests and introducing yourself is a crucial part of the father of the bride's speech. Here are some tips to help you craft this section effectively:

Start with an Introduction and Thank-You's:

• Begin by introducing yourself as the father of the bride and welcoming the guests to the special day. You can make a "dad joke" or a pun if that suits your style.
• Express your gratitude to the guests for their attendance and to those who played a role in planning the wedding, such as your spouse, the wedding planner, bridesmaids, ushers, and other friends and family members.
• If you'd like, you can also thank the couple's parents for their support and welcome them to the family.

Share Special Memories:

• Share fond memories and anecdotes from your child's life, especially those that showcase their unique personality and your relationship with them. Avoid stories that are too embarrassing, as you don't want to embarrass the bride on their special day.
• Talk about their accomplishments, adventures, and the little quirks that make them special.

Mention Loved Ones:

If it feels appropriate, you can mention any family members who couldn't be physically present at the wedding. This can be a simple and heartfelt tribute.

Keep it Light and Engaging:

• Use humour to lighten the mood and engage the audience. Share light-hearted anecdotes or playful teasing about the bride or groom, ensuring it's all in good spirits.
• You can also share a funny story or two about yourself, especially if it's related to the couple or the wedding.

Set the Tone:

• As the father of the bride, your speech often sets the tone for the rest of the reception. Keep your delivery upbeat, funny, and light-hearted.
• Let your personality shine through, and don't be afraid to embrace your emotions. This is a day filled with joy and love, and it's okay to show it!

Sharing childhood memories

Choose Heartfelt and Funny Memories

Select anecdotes from your daughter's childhood that are funny, endearing, or slightly embarrassing. Avoid stories that are too humiliating or graphic. For example, you could share how your daughter brought a wounded bird home and demanded that you both nurse it back to health, showcasing her caring and generous nature. Or, recall the time she broke a bone (for the sixth time) because of her adventurous spirit. These stories will add a touch of nostalgia and humour to your speech.

Reflect on Her Accomplishments

Share stories that highlight your daughter's accomplishments and the proud moments you've had as a father. Talk about her academic achievements, career success, or any other milestones that have made you proud. However, avoid turning this into a recitation of her resume. Instead, focus on a few standout highlights that speak to her character and strengths.

Connect the Past to the Present

While sharing childhood memories, try to create a narrative arc that ties the past to the present. Talk about how your little girl has grown into a confident and compassionate woman. Mention any relevant stories or adventures you've shared that have contributed to her growth. This will create a sense of continuity and showcase the strong bond you share.

Include Relevant Stories About Her Adult Life

In addition to childhood memories, share anecdotes from your daughter's adult life, especially those that showcase her unique qualities. For example, if she has always been obsessed with animals, you can talk about how she brought various bugs into your house as a child, and now she's a veterinarian. Or, if she was a clumsy child, share how she has transformed into a graceful dancer as an adult.

Make It Personal and Meaningful

Choose stories that are relevant to who your daughter is today. Avoid generic descriptions and clichés like "beautiful," "amazing," or "kind." Instead, focus on the traits and experiences that make her who she is. It's okay to acknowledge that no one is perfect; your daughter doesn't have to be portrayed as the ideal woman on her wedding day. Sharing authentic and meaningful stories will create a more genuine and engaging speech.

Involve Family and Friends

Before writing your speech, consider brainstorming with your daughter's mother, siblings, or close family members. They may remember hilarious or key stories that you've forgotten. This collaborative approach will not only reduce the pressure but also ensure that your speech includes a diverse range of memories and perspectives.

Speaking about your new in-law

Welcoming Your New In-Law

Welcome your new son- or daughter-in-law to the family. Share positive thoughts about them, their character, and your hopes for their future together. You can also reminisce about the first time you met and share funny moments or endearing traits that won't embarrass them. By including your new in-law in your speech, you show your support for the union and build a bridge between the families.

Sharing Stories and Anecdotes

If appropriate, share funny, endearing, or slightly embarrassing memories involving your new in-law. Remember, the point is not to make a joke at their expense but to highlight the special bond they now share with your child. You can also narrate the story of how your child met their partner and include any humorous or touching details.

Expressing Gratitude

Express your gratitude towards your new in-law and their family. Thank them for the role they played in making the wedding happen, whether it be through financial or moral support. You can also thank them for the happiness and love they have brought into your child's life.

Offering Words of Wisdom

Offer some sage advice to the newlyweds, drawing from your own life experience. Share insights about love, marriage, and building a strong, lasting relationship. You can also offer advice specifically for your new in-law, welcoming them into the family and wishing them well as they embark on this new chapter.

Toasting the Couple

Finally, raise a toast to the happy couple, wishing them a future filled with love, laughter, and endless beautiful memories. You can also offer a more personalised toast, such as wishing them a marriage "filled with endless laughter, adventure, and joy" or a life filled with "unending joy, love, and shared dreams."

Offering advice

• If you are married, offer a secret to a happy marriage. It can be real or a joke, but try to avoid sexist tropes. For example, instead of saying, "Married men always have the same boss," try something more sincere and genuine.
• If you don't feel comfortable giving marriage advice, you can offer general advice about life. Perhaps there is something you were told on your wedding day that you've always remembered and wanted to pass on.
• Share what you have learned from your own marriage, the good and the bad. What does love and partnership mean to you? What are your values when it comes to marriage?
• If you are not married, you can still offer advice. After all, no one is perfect in love or relationships, and everyone has a learning lesson they can share.
• Keep it light and sincere. Avoid joking about the divorce rate, as this will only create an awkward atmosphere.
• This is your opportunity to impart some wisdom, so relish the moment!

"My advice to the newlyweds is to always communicate, be honest with each other, and most importantly, never forget why you fell in love with each other."

"Love and laughter. Although marriage is serious, just be sure to have fun. Life will bring its ups and downs, but as long as you remember to laugh at each other and with each other through it all, you will succeed."

"May your marriage be full of unconditional love, mutual respect, and laughter that never ends."

Concluding with a toast

> "Please stand with me and raise your glass to toast the happy couple. [Bride’s name] has been the light of my life for the past 25 years and today I hand her over to [Groom’s name]. I know he will love and cherish her every bit as much as I do – a toast to a happy and healthy life full of endless love and laughter!"

> "Please join me in a toast to _____ and _______. [Groom’s name], you have become like a son to me, and I am entrusting [Bride’s name] to you. Cherish every moment you have together. Let us all wish the happy couple a lifetime of joy!"

> "Please raise your glass to the newlyweds. When [Bride’s name] was only 13 years old, she told me that she wanted to marry [Groom’s name]. I watched them grow from happy and carefree teenagers to happy, loving and caring adults. Let’s offer a toast to many years of wedded bliss!"

> "When [Groom] first showed up at my front door, I never imagined he would be the one to steal my baby’s heart. But here we are today, and I couldn’t be happier for them. Let’s raise our glass to the [Bride and Groom] and wish them many years of happiness!"

> "Please join my wife and I as we raise our glasses to the beautiful, kind, and loving couple. We welcome you to our family, and we look forward to many years of holiday dinners, family vacations, and late-night phone calls. Cheers to ___ and ___!"

> "Cheers to you starting the next chapter in your love story."

> "May your marriage be full of unconditional love, mutual respect, and laughter that never ends."

> "I’m so grateful that my little girl, my dream chaser, has made her biggest dream come true today."

Frequently asked questions