Toast & Vows The father of the bride often speaks first, which means your words set the tone for the whole evening. Traditionally you also welcome the guests on behalf of the family, thank the people who helped, and welcome your new son- or daughter-in-law into the family.
That is a lot to fit into a few minutes. Add a memory or two of your daughter growing up and anything you want to say to the couple, and the generator arranges it into a warm, well-paced speech that covers all of the traditional parts without feeling like a checklist.
How to structure a father of the bride speech
- Welcome and thanksWelcome the guests, especially those who travelled, and thank the people who helped make the day happen, including the other family.
- Your daughter, then and nowA short memory from childhood and a line about the woman she has become.
- Welcome the new family memberSpeak to your new son- or daughter-in-law by name and tell them what you see in them.
- Advice or a blessingOne piece of advice for married life, ideally something you learned the hard way.
- Toast the coupleInvite everyone to stand and toast the newlyweds.
Tips before you stand up
- Keep it to four to six minutes. The welcome and thanks can eat half your time, so keep that part brisk.
- Name the other family in your thank-yous. It matters more than you think.
- One childhood story is plenty. Pick the one that best explains who she is today.
- If you might get emotional, practice the hardest line until you can say it steadily.
- Check with the couple whether you are the host and speaking first, as traditions vary.
Example opening lines
Borrow one, or use it as a starting point. The generator writes a full speech around your own details.
Good evening, everyone. On behalf of our family, thank you for being here to celebrate Emma and Jordan. Seeing so many people who love them in one room is a gift in itself.
Twenty-eight years ago, I held Emma for the first time and promised to always look after her. Tonight, I'm happy to say I have some help.
They say a father of the bride speech should be short. I've been practicing short for years. Emma calls it 'Dad not listening'.
Frequently asked questions
Can a mother, stepfather or both parents use this?
Yes. Use the Mother of the bride page, or choose Father of the bride and write 'from both parents' or 'from her stepdad' in Other requests.
Should I thank people by name?
Thank groups (the other family, the wedding party, everyone who travelled) and name only one or two people who went above and beyond. Long lists lose the room.
Is it free?
Yes. Generate and edit as many versions as you like.