Father of the Bride Speech Advice

How To Write a Great Wedding Speech - Your Expert Guide

The father of the bride speech is a wedding highlight, full of emotion and expectation. But entertaining a crowd while summing up a lifetime of love is no easy task. No wonder so many dads resort to platitudes, cliches and googling ‘how to write a father of the bride speech’ at 2am.

As professional TV scriptwriters & comedians, the Speechy team know how to entertain an audience. And, as parents ourselves, we understand why this speech matters. Here’s all you need to know about writing & delivering an amazing speech.

*Of course, if you want more than ‘advice’, check out all the different ways we can help dads with our FOTB products and services.

Speechy are the authors of ‘The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’ and we’re ‘Excellent’ rated on Trustpilot for a reason.

What You’ll Find In This Blog

Modern father of the bride speech etiquette
Step-by-step tips on writing a great FOTB speech
How to deliver a FOTB speech with confidence
How to make a father of the bride speech funny, not cheesy
The wedding speech dos and don’ts
Where to get expert speech help

What You’ll Find In This Blog

Modern father of the bride speech etiquette
Step-by-step tips on writing a great FOTB speech
How to deliver a FOTB speech with confidence

How to make a father of the bride speech funny, not cheesy
The wedding speech dos and don’ts
Where to get expert speech help

Father of the Bride Speech Advice Etiquette

1 - Don't get sucked in to tedious traditions

Forget stuffy traditions. Your job is simple:

Welcome guests
Pay tribute to your daughter
Thank her mother for her help in raising such a wonderful girl
Say something lovely about your daughter’s new partner
Acknowledge the new in-laws (and in a way that sounds like you actually like them)
A toast to the happy couple

And that’s it.

Don’t feel you need to go formal. Just be warm, polite, and genuinely yourself.

Addressing the room with a sincere “hello” is better than a formal opening that sounds like it’s from a Victorian play.

2 - Who should the father of the bride thank?

Apart from your daughter’s mum? No one’s expecting a thank you from you.

The biggest trap dads fall into is thinking they’re the event’s MC. They’re not. Thank yous are the newlyweds’ gig.

So resist the urge to namecheck every second cousin who’s flown in from Canada. It’s not your show—and endless gratitude gets dull fast.

The bridesmaids? They’ll be thanked by the groom, the bride, and probably someone who’s had too much prosecco. Keep it short and save the charm offensive for the dancefloor.

Do make space for a warm nod to your daughter’s new in-laws though. Even if you barely know them, a classy “We’re looking forward to sharing special moments in the years ahead” does the trick.

3 - How should the father of the bride pay tribute to the mother of the bride?

Whether you’re married, divorced, or widowed, pay tribute to her role in your daughter’s life.

As we say in The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches: “A wedding isn’t the day to harbour grudges-it’s a chance to show your daughter what love, kindness, and respect really look like.”

If you’re still married: show appreciation for her love, support, and patience (especially with you).
If you’re separated: be respectful and gracious.
If she’s passed away: include a concise but heartfelt tribute.

4 - Should the father of the bride mention absent friends & the dearly departed?

Skip the shout-outs to anyone who couldn’t make it – unless they’re actually watching the livestream and counting on a mention.

As for loved ones no longer with us, honour them with heart and personality – not just platitudes.

Bring them to life. Yes, they’d be proud of the woman she’s become, but would they also be first on the dancefloor demanding ABBA and Lionel Richie?

Read our guide to toasting the dearly departed.

5 - Who should the father of the bride toast?

A father should end his speech by inviting guests to raise a glass to the happy couple. It’s the big finale – so make it count.

A classic example:
“Please join me in a toast and raise your glasses to [couple’s names]. May their marriage be filled with love and laughter. To the happy couple!”

You might prefer something more traditional, like this timeless verse:

“May thy life be long and happy,
Thy cares and sorrows few;
And the many friends around thee
Prove faithful, fond and true.”
See more traditional wedding toasts

Or you could opt for something with a wink of wit:
“Before we raise a glass to the newlyweds, I’d like to share a Pauline Thomason quote with you: ‘Love is blind – marriage is the eye-opener.’ To the happy couple!”
Check out some of our favourite funny wedding toasts

That said, nothing beats a personal toast – one that feels like it could only have come from you.

Here are three great examples of bespoke father-of-the-bride toasts…

The Dancefloor Dad (for a bride who loved dancing as a kid):
“As I stand here, proud and slightly bewildered that the girl who once choreographed living-room dance shows is now a stunning bride, I raise a glass to a lifetime of love, joy, and my new role as the man trying not to embarrass her on the dance floor. To Emma and Josh – may your love always have rhythm. Cheers!”
The Dad Jokes & Eye Rolls (for a funny, light-hearted couple):
“To my daughter and her ever-patient husband… may your marriage be as strong as Tom’s ability to laugh at Amy’s eye rolls. Here’s to a lifetime of laughter, love, and knowing when to pretend you get the joke. Cheers!”
The IKEA Chaos (for a couple who’ve just moved in or survived a renovation):
“As a father, I’ve learned that giving away your daughter is a bit like watching her and Dan try to build that flat-pack wardrobe – confusing instructions, a few tense moments, but ultimately worth it. May your marriage be sturdier than those shelves and more fun to build together. Cheers!”

Want help crafting your own perfectly personal toast?
SpeechyAI is made for that moment.

How to Write Your Father of the Bride Speech

Rule 1. Father of the bride speech structure

Every speech should reflect your daughter’s unique story but it helps to know the classic structure before you start breaking the rules.

Welcome all the guests and get them laughing straight away
Tell some funny anecdotes from your daughter’s childhood (ideally giving a hint of the woman she grows into)
Pay tribute to the woman she now is — the good stuff, the lovely stuff, but most importantly, the funny stuff
Recount meeting the groom for the first time and how you’ve grown to love him and his family (it helps if there’s an element of truth)
Possibly add some funny or heart-warming advice to the married couple
Conclude your speech with a toast to the married couple.

If you’re struggling to master the art of speech structure, then our father of the speech template can help!

Rule 2. A father's opening lines

As the father of the bride, you’re generally up first. That means setting the tone for the speeches – and helping everyone relax.

Introduce yourself clearly and aim to get a laugh in early. Don’t waste time on formalities.

Here are some great father of the bride speech opening lines to consider (or shamelessly steal):

“Hi everyone. I’m [your name] – father of the bride, occasional life coach, and the man who spent 25 years learning how to let go. Today, I’m doing it in front of 100 people. No pressure.”
“Good evening! I’m here today as the proud father of the bride – and also the emotional wreck who still remembers her first steps like they were this morning. If I cry, just nod supportively and pretend it’s charming.”
“Hello all. I’m the man who used to be her hero, until Google came along. But today, I get the mic – so buckle up for some selective nostalgia and heartfelt rambling.”
“I was told to keep this short, emotional, and funny. Which is interesting, because that’s exactly how I’d describe my daughter’s teenage years.”
“Hi everyone. I’m the father of the bride, and I’ve been preparing for this speech ever since she was born. Which explains the bags under my eyes and the wine in my hand.”

Rule 3. Tell a story & find your theme

A great father of the bride speech isn’t a checklist of compliments and thank yous. It needs structure, a hook at the start, a narrative theme and a proper ending that ties it all together.

Think story, not scrapbook.

One dad we worked with took inspiration from the wedding venue – a theatre. He shaped his speech around his daughter’s “greatest performances,” from epic toddler meltdowns to full-blown bridezilla moments.

He ended with a heartfelt toast and a well-earned “standing ovation.”

Still waiting for that lightbulb moment? Don’t worry. The Speechy team are masters at finding a story and building a speech that’s original, funny, and full of heart.

Check out our Bespoke Speech Service.

Rule 4. Avoid cliches & pay a loving tribute to your daughter

The heart of your speech should be a tribute to your daughter but skip the generic praise. Every father thinks their daughter is beautiful, kind, and generally amazing.

What makes your daughter different?

Is she a vinyl-collecting indie queen?
A tech geek who talks to Alexa more than people?
A bookworm who once shushed the dog?

The best speeches highlight quirks and real-life traits, not princess clichés. Maybe she’s brilliantly chaotic, laughs at her own jokes, or has a true-crime obsession that’s slightly worrying.

Whatever it is, own it. This is your chance to show how much you love her, not in spite of her weirdness, but because of it.

Rule 5. Don't forget her partner

Whether you love them or simply tolerate them, your daughter’s choice of partner needs more than a few cursory compliments.

Provide an anecdote about your time together and share what you’ve bonded over – even if it is just a mutual frustration at your daughter’s habit of stealing other people’s food!

Rule 6. A father's closing lines

You’ve told your story—now land the plane.

A strong father of the bride speech ends with a final paragraph that ties everything together. It’s classic storytelling: tell them what you’re going to say, say it, then remind them what you just said (but make it feel like a mic drop).

One brilliant way to do that? Use a callback.

A callback is a comedy trick where you plant a small detail early on – then refer back to it at the end. It creates a satisfying full circle and makes you look effortlessly clever.

Say you start your speech with a memory of your five-year-old daughter throwing a strop when she wasn’t allowed a second ice cream. Cute. Funny.

Then, at the very end, after all the emotion and laughs, you raise your glass and say, “To a lifetime of love, laughter, and – [partner’s name] – please, just buy her that second ice cream.”

It’s simple. Personal. And guaranteed to get a final laugh.

Callbacks work best when they link to your theme or running joke – so look back at your intro and see what you can bring full circle. Just one well-placed line can make your ending memorable for all the right reasons.

Rule 7. Father of the bride speech length

If your daughter hasn’t given you a specific time limit, aim for six to nine minutes. That allows for laughter, ad-libs, and the occasional emotional wobble.

No one’s ever left a wedding saying, “Great speech… wish it was longer.” Even if you’ve got a treasure trove of stories, be disciplined.

The sweet spot is 1,000 to 1,200 words. Over 1,300, and you’re heading into ramble territory.

Consider turning any extra stories or heartfelt lines into a letter for your daughter to read on the morning of the wedding. It adds a private, emotional moment to the day and gives her something meaningful to keep forever.

How to Deliver Your Father of the Bride Speech

Rule 1. Rehearse like a pro

Great delivery starts with preparation.

Read it out loud – repeatedly. Record yourself. Yes, it’s cringey, but it’ll highlight your pacing, tone, and any awkward bits that need smoothing out.

Once you’ve got a recording you like, listen back everywhere: on walks, in the car, doing the washing up. The aim? Get the rhythm of your speech so familiar it becomes a song you could sing along to.

Decide your note strategy – paper, cards or tech?

Whatever form of notes you use (and we do recommend using some) don’t read it word-for-word. Try to ad lib as you go.

You’re aiming to sound like you’re telling a story, not reading a formal letter.

Rule 2. Plan your set-up

Don’t leave logistics to chance.

Double-check that you’ll have a microphone if needed, and practise holding one if you’re not used to it. Let your daughter know how vital it is that guests can actually hear you.

If you’re using a mic, practise holding it 15–20cm from your mouth and don’t drop it as you warm up.

On the day, eat something beforehand (even if it’s just a canapé or three).

Avoid alcohol.

Have water on hand.

All very simple, but they make a big difference to how you feel in the moment.

Rule 3. Use your body

Presentation matters. Stand tall, smile, breathe deep. Let your body language reinforce your confidence.

Use eye contact to engage your audience — look around the room, especially when telling personal anecdotes. If you’re feeling nervous, find a few friendly faces and return to them.

A small gesture (like a well-timed eyebrow raise) adds theatricality and authority.

You’re in charge. Own it.

Rule 4. Ride the laughter

Don’t talk through laughs – let the room enjoy the moment. Pausing shows confidence, and it also gives your speech better rhythm.

Worried about hecklers or overenthusiastic aunties? Prepare a gentle comeback or two:

“And that is exactly why the bar has a two-drink limit now.”

Laughter is contagious – if you laugh at your own line, others feel encouraged to join in.

Rule 5. Speak with heart

This isn’t a TED Talk. It’s a proud dad speaking from the heart. If emotion hits mid-sentence, embrace it. No one minds a tear or a wobble.

What people remember isn’t perfect phrasing but real connection. Speak slowly. Smile. Let yourself enjoy the moment. This is a once-in-a-lifetime speech.

And if you want expert eyes on your delivery, our coaching service can help refine your performance. Personalised feedback and one-to-one online tuition with Heidi Ellert-McDermott, Speechy founder.

Because even a brilliant script deserves a standing ovation.

Add Humour to Your Father of the Bride Speech

All speeches should be funny. No one’s expecting a stand-up routine but try to get everyone chuckling within the first 20 secs. It relaxes everyone, including you.

Rule 1. Avoid 'dad jokes'

Being funny isn’t about finding good jokes on the internet (if only it were that easy). Instead, it’s making witty observations about your daughter and your family.

Imagine her in a sit-com – what sort of character would she play? The high-powered career woman who can’t work the remote control? The fitness fanatic who jogs as she eats her toast? Have fun with her character.

Avoid the obvious dad-gags and, instead, check out our How To Be Funny blog.

Rule 2. Hunt the comedy gold in stories

You’d think it’s obvious a good father of the bride speech needs a good story or two. And yet… so many don’t.

Big mistake.

Science agrees with us on this—neuroscientists say our brains light up when we hear a story. We’re wired to connect, to care, and to lean in when someone says, “Let me tell you about the time…”

The good news? A cracking anecdote doesn’t need to be dramatic or life-changing. It just needs to say something real about your daughter—the quirks, the chaos, the charm.

Ask yourself…

What made her hilarious as a toddler?
What was her naughtiest moment?
What bizarre habits still make you laugh?
Who was her first (questionable) crush?
What’s her weird guilty pleasure?

Once you start remembering those little gems, the stories write themselves. And they’re what make your speech unforgettable.

Rule 3. Get help

Gather the family and start brainstorming. It’s not cheating – it’s research.

Ask her mum, her siblings, her nan… even the dog might jog your memory. Everyone’s got a different version of that time she locked herself in the bathroom because her hair wouldn’t “sit right.”

Raid the attic. Dust off the photo albums. Read the old school reports. (Top tip: anything that says “easily distracted” or “talks too much” is usually speech gold.)

You’re not just hunting for stories – you’re unearthing the moments that show everyone why she’s completely, wonderfully, unmistakably her.

Rule 4. Get real

Comedians have a skilled eye when it comes to noticing the strange things in life that we take for granted but it’s often just about taking the time to look.

Everyone in this world is weird in their very own way. Take the time to look at your daughter through a new lens.

Does she like her food with spicy sauce on everything – even salad?
Does she still secretly listen to Justin Bieber?
Can she eat a whole bag of Doritos in one sitting?

Those specific little observations will show you truly ‘get her’ as well as making people laugh.

And if you can surprise you audience with your observations, all the better. These days our attention span requires constant stimulation.

Rule 5. Get inspired...

You can check out three father of the bride speech examples to see how some other dads do it. You can also read a father of the bride speech written by SpeechyAI.

Of course, if all this advice has done nothing but convince you, you need help – then jump straight to all the different ways the Speechy team can help you, including SpeechyAI; a genius tool we’ve built that’s guaranteed to help you develop unique and hilarious lines.

Speech Do's

Start writing your speech

Obvious but honestly, ideas will keep popping into your head once you start.

Cut your speech in half

When you’ve written your first draft, edit it by 50% and we guarantee it will be better as a result. As Ernest Hemingway said, ‘The first draft of anything is s*&t’ and every speech is better when it’s punchy!

Use clever quotes

Ensure you credit the author or someone else will! Check out our Father of the Bride Quote Inspiration Guide.

Practise and watch it back on your phone

Watch it back, promise yourself you’ll do something about your paunch and spot where your speech can be improved.

Speech Don'ts

Don't hint at any financial contribution you've made to the wedding

Yes it seems dads are still paying a fair whack for their offspring getting hitched but that’s no excuse for moaning about it publicly.

Don't talk about your daughter's exes

Even if you know your daughter would be cool with it, her husband might not be.

Don't resort to clichés

Really? You want to waste time telling us how little she slept as a newborn?

Don't talk over laughter

You’ve worked hard for those laughs – don’t rush them. Always wait until your guests have settled down before continuing with your speech. Check out our Speech Delivery Guide.