Tradition has it that the bride’s father is the host of his daughter’s wedding breakfast. In times past that meant paying for the reception too, though this is not often the case today. In keeping with that custom, the bride’s father is usually expected to act as the host for the wedding reception.

In some cases a professional wedding master of ceremonies is engaged, especially for society weddings. At most weddings the bride’s father is expected to give an opening speech and propose the toast to the bride and groom at the start of the wedding reception.

There are five key elements to a successful father of the bride speech.

At the outset it is usual to say a few welcoming words to set the scene and create a celebratory mood for an enjoyable wedding reception. The primary objective is to get the guests to relax. A good way to do this is to talk about the wedding ceremony, how gorgeous the bride looks, the location for the reception or even the weather — anything that all the guests have their own views about — and how much you are looking forward to sharing in the fun that is yet to come during the reception.

Secondly, as the host, the father of the bride welcomes all of the guests. It is usual to introduce any important guests, especially the groom’s family and those who have gone out of their way to be at the wedding. Missing guests are often mentioned at this stage as well, especially those with close connections with the bride or groom who have been unable to get to the wedding. A much loved grandparent or favorite aunt who has recently passed away is often remembered at this stage.

A third key component of the speech is to build some anticipation about what will happen during the reception, such as the always popular best man’s speech and any entertainment planned for during the reception, and for after the reception. Your guests will appreciate knowing what lies ahead for the reception.

As a fourth step in their wedding toast, most proud fathers take the opportunity to say a few heartfelt words in public about the bride, their daughter. This is often the most emotional part of the speech to prepare for many fathers. There is not just one way to express your love for your daughter. Telling funny stories about your daughter meeting the groom and quoting poetry are popular approaches, among other ways to express yourself.

Finally, to draw the attention of the wedding guests firmly on the newlywed couple it is usual for the bride’s father to call for guests to join him in a toast to the bride and groom. Some fathers spend a lot of time selecting the right words for the toast.

Every father of the bride will inject his own way of speaking, humor and emotions into their father of the bride speeches around this or a similar basic five step speech framework.

Because few fathers will have much prior experience speaking at their own daughter’s wedding, most will find a professional wedding speech guide can be very helpful. Speech templates and sample wedding speeches can be downloaded, along with checklists of things and people that really should be mentioned, and valuable suggestions, such as popular jokes, quotes and poems to choose from.

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