sample groom speech at rehearsal dinner

Father of the Groom Rehearsal Dinner Speech Samples

So your son is getting married? Congratulations! But he’s asked you to give a speech at the rehearsal dinner and you have no clue what to say. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below we’re sharing exactly how to structure your speech plus providing you with some father of the groom rehearsal dinner speech samples.

Why give a rehearsal dinner speech? 

Well, the best reason to give a rehearsal dinner speech is probably because your son or daughter asked you to give one! But why do speeches at the rehearsal dinner happen at all?

A rehearsal dinner is a more intimate occasion – usually a nice dinner following the wedding ceremony rehearsal . It’s generally for the couple, their parents, the wedding party and maybe some out of town or close family and friends. The guest list is smaller than the wedding and the focus is on the new family and upcoming wedding day.

With a rehearsal dinner speech, you can welcome the two families coming together and set the stage for a beautiful wedding day. Note that while speeches may happen at the rehearsal dinner, there will likely be speeches at the wedding reception too. Check in with the almost-newlyweds about when they would like you to deliver your speech.

PS: Don’t miss our resource for bride and groom wedding speeches! 

by Tomasz Wagner Photography

What about the mother of the groom? Or the bride’s parents? Who should speak at the rehearsal dinner?

While this post is all about father of the groom wedding speeches, a lot of our advice and samples below will apply to all parents of the couple getting married. And, of course, not all weddings have brides or grooms (and not all couples have moms and dads), so a “father of the groom” may not even exist!

Traditionally, only the men of the family would speak at weddings. Speeches were done by the father of the bride, the groom and the best man. But these days, anyone who is special to the couple can be invited to say a few words! There’s no reason why only the men get to speak.

Typically, a rehearsal dinner speech is given by whoever is hosting the event (aka paying for it). Sometimes one side of the family will take on the responsibility and cost of hosting the rehearsal dinner, so it would be customary for someone from that side of the family to give a speech.

The wedding couple may also ask a few other people to speak at their rehearsal dinner, such as members of the wedding party or other family members. This is typically done so we’re not leaving all of the speeches for the reception. Couples will break up the speeches – some happening at the rehearsal dinner and some happening at the wedding reception – so everyone gets a chance to speak and no one event becomes hours and hours of speeches.

by Sachin Khona Photography

How to structure your father of the groom rehearsal dinner speech

Check out our step-by-step instructions for writing your father of the groom speech, plus father of the groom rehearsal dinner speech samples below!

Step #1: Begin with a toast introduction and welcome

Start your father of the groom speech off by simply introducing yourself and your relation to the couple. If you are the first to speak, the host of the event, or the first to speak from your side of the family, this would also be a great opportunity to welcome everyone to the rehearsal dinner.

Note: If you are not the host of the event, it may not be appropriate to welcome everyone. That would be like attending a friend’s birthday and welcoming everyone to the party – not your place. Instead, share how happy you are to be there and thank the hosts for their hospitality.

Step #2: Talk about the groom

As the father of the groom, your speech should naturally start with a few sentences about your son. You can talk about how proud you are of them, what a joy it was to raise them, how much you’ve loved getting to know them as an adult, etc. You could also share a short story from their childhood that showcases your father-son bond.

Step #3: Talk about the groom’s partner

Next, you’ll want to bring in your son’s partner and soon-to-be spouse. You can talk about how you knew they were the one, the affect they’ve had on your son or what you admire most about them. Most importantly, be sure to welcome them into your family.

Step #4: Share a fun story about the couple

Now that you’ve talk about both the groom and his partner separately, it’s time to bring them together! You can share a short story about how the couple met, what brought them together or any favourite memories you have with them.

Step #5: (op) Share some marriage advice

If you’d like to add to your father of the groom rehearsal dinner speech, consider adding a bit of marriage advice. This should be something short and sweet that you want to pass onto the happy couple.

Step #6: Look forward to the wedding

As you begin to wrap up your speech, don’t forget to reference the wedding around the corner. Talk about how much you’re looking forward to it, share any advice you have for the newlyweds on the big day, and thank anyone who has been helping with the wedding planning.

Step #7: End with a toast conclusion

Lastly, you’ll end your speech with a toast to the couple of the hour. Cheers to the almost-newlyweds!

Hint: Don’t forget to remind everyone to raise their glasses! So often, speakers will just dive into their toasts and only half the guests will know what’s happening. Take our advice and start this section of your speech by saying, “Let’s all raise a glass…”

Father of the groom rehearsal dinner speech samples

Need some more inspiration for your speech? Check out our father of the groom rehearsal dinner speech samples below!

Father of the groom example speech #1

My name is Herb and I am the father of the groom. Together with his mother, we would like to thank you all for being here tonight as we celebrate Taylor and Cory.

Growing up, I always knew Taylor was going to go on great adventures. From finding him camping out in our backyard at four years old to wiring him money on his first backpacking trip in Germany, I knew Taylor was going to see and do everything he set his mind to. And that’s why I’m so glad he has found his perfect adventure companion in Cory.

Cory, it has been the pleasure of my life to watch how you and Taylor love, support and cherish one another. I couldn’t be prouder of the life you two have built and am thrilled to welcome you to the family. 

Ever since the moment you two met at a hostel in Thailand, I think we all knew this was it. Taylor had found his person. And we are all so excited to celebrate the two of you finding one another at your wedding this Saturday! 

So if everyone could please raise their glasses to Taylor and Cory, who are about to embark on the greatest adventure of their lives. Cheers! 

Father of the groom example speech #2

Hello, my name is Lin and I am the father of the groom. I’d like to start by thanking the Sheng family for hosting this beautiful rehearsal dinner and truly making us all feel so welcome tonight.

My husband and I could not be more proud to be standing here on the cusp of Taylor and Cory’s wedding day. Cory, having you as a son has been the greatest blessing. Being able to raise you and see the man you have become has meant so much to your dad and me. We could not be more proud of you!

The only thing any parent wants is for their child to be happy, to have purpose and to find love. Cory, I am thrilled that you have found all of that and more in Taylor. Taylor is the most kind and warm human and we are so excited to officially welcome them into our family. 

I still remember when you first introduced us to Taylor. Cory, you were so nervous! But right away, we could tell that Taylor was someone special. The way you two lit up around was another was so wonderful to see. We knew after that first dinner that we’d be seeing your wedding one day – and here we are! 

Taylor and Cory, as we look forward to your beautiful wedding day this weekend, I want you to remember one thing: Choose one another. Every day when you wake up, choose each other. Choose your relationship. Choose your life together. Do that and you’ll never spend a day wanting. 

And so, let’s all raise our glasses to Cory and Taylor, and a love that chooses us every single day! 

Father of the groom example speech #3

Hello everyone! My name is Jeff and I am the father of the groom. Together with Randy, we are thrilled to welcome you all here tonight to Taylor and Cory’s rehearsal dinner.

Cory, I am so proud to be your father. Raising you from a baby into the impressive young man you are today has been the best job I could ever ask for. You taught me so much about what it means to love, to care and to go the extra mile.

Taylor, when I first met you I thought, “Cory, don’t mess this up!” I knew you were so special and could already see how much you had changed my son for the better. We are all better people for having known you and I am so glad you are finally joining our family.

When Taylor and Cory got engaged, Cory called to share the news with Randy and me. But instead of saying “she said yes” or “I asked,” Cory said, “We did it! We’re engaged!” And right from that moment, I knew that everything Taylor and Cory would do, they would do together. There was no more “I” – there was only “we.”

And so, as we look forward to Cory and Taylor becoming an official “we” this weekend, let’s all raise our glasses to the best team ever. Taylor and Cory, congratulations on finding your perfect teammate!  

Father of the groom rehearsal dinner speech do’s & don’ts

DO check in with the couple and ensure they want you to give a speech. Don’t just rush the stage or grab the mic! Check in with the couple ahead of time or wait until they ask you to give a speech.

DON’T talk forever . Keep it short! A good speech is 2-3 minutes long and never more than 5 minutes. Again, check in with the couple. Odds are they will have the night scheduled out and a specific time they want you to aim for.

DO remember to mention your son’s partner . Even though you are the father of the groom, you shouldn’t just talk about the groom. Remember, this event is about two people. So include both members of the couple in your speech.

DON’T bring up anything embarrassing . There’s a fine line between funny and cringe-worthy. A story about your son wearing a cape to school? Funny! A story about your son’s ex-girlfriend or how he dealt with your divorce? Not funny.

by Page and Holmes Photography

DO write your speech down . This isn’t one of those times were you should wing it. Take the time to plan what you’re going to say and write your speech in advance.

DON’T leave the other parent out . If you’re the one giving the speech, don’t forget to mention your co-parent or spouse and share sentiments from both of you.

DO practice . You don’t have to memorize your speech but you should be comfortable and familiar with it. Take time to practice at home in front of the mirror before the rehearsal dinner.

There you have it! Everything you need for an amazing father of the groom rehearsal dinner speech! And speaking of important words at weddings, don’t forget to check out our wedding officiant packages and free vow writing guide ! 

Riana Ang-Canning

Riana Ang-Canning has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!

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Speeches for the Rehearsal Dinner

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It's traditional for the host to give a rehearsal dinner speech, but this task comes easier to some people than others. If you're not sure about what to say, a few tips and rehearsal dinner speech examples can help you put together a wonderful speech that sets the right tone for all the festivities to come.

Examples of Rehearsal Dinner Speeches

The rehearsal dinner is usually hosted by the groom's parents , and the groom's father is expected to give a short speech at some point during the gathering. However, another family member or friend can host the dinner, so the content of the speech will vary a bit according to that person's relationship to the happy couple. The following examples can be modified with your own names and the circumstances tweaked to make them your own.

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If you need help downloading the printable speeches, check out these helpful tips .

Father of the Groom or Parent Speech

Good evening everyone. For those of you that don't already know me, I'm Ron Miller, this is my wife Gina, and we're the parents of the groom. We'd like to thank everyone for joining us on the eve of Jack and Carol's wedding.

As I look at these two beautiful people tonight, I think back to when Jack first introduced us to Carol two years ago. She was kind of quiet and shy, and I wasn't sure she'd last long with a rowdy family like ours. Once we got to know her, though, we could see why Jack fell in love with her and why they fit together so well. Now, it's hard to imagine our family without her, and after tomorrow, she'll officially become a Miller. Carol, we love you, and we couldn't be happier that you're marrying our son. Jack, your mother and I are very proud of you, and we love you.

I don't want to hold up the rest of the celebration, so let me wind this up with just a bit of advice for Jack and Carol. Every morning when you each wake up, make a promise to yourselves that today you will be the very best spouses you can be. Put each other's happiness before your own, and try to perform at least one act of kindness for each other everyday. If you can do that, everything else will fall into place. Congratulations to the two of you, and may your marriage be blessed.

Mother of the Groom Rehearsal Dinner Speech

Thank you, everyone. As John's mother and Karen's soon-to-be second mother, I'd like to thank you for the support and love you've shown us all throughout the wedding planning process and tonight. I/We're so glad you were all able to join us for a shared meal before the craziness of the big day tomorrow.

Watching John grow up, I could only dream about who he would marry someday. When he was 10, he told me he would marry our family dog, Daisy, because no one would ever love him as much as she did! Well, I'm pleased to say that Karen is a far better choice! Karen, I/we are excited to welcome you into our crazy family filled with not only pets, but love and fun, too. Bill and Susan, you have raised a delightful daughter and I/we adore her.

Before the big day, I just want to reflect on how John and Karen have grown as a couple. They hit it off right away, and we knew she'd be the perfect fit when she agreed to go with us on our family trip the following summer. If she can put up with three dogs, two parents, John, and his two sisters, she is a keeper. John told us when he made the decision to propose, and we were all bursting with the secret. Now the secret's out and everyone will gather to share in the joy and love you have for one another.

Let's raise our glasses and toast not only John and Karen, but Bill and Susan, and everyone here who has made tomorrow possible. Cheers to many happy years and a wonderful wedding day!

Speech from the Groom

Hello everyone. On behalf of Carol and myself, I want to thank you all for attending the rehearsal earlier this evening, as well as this wonderful dinner we're all about to enjoy. I want to thank my parents, as well, not just for hosting the dinner, but for everything they've done to support Carol and I on this journey.

I also want to thank Carol's parents, Michael and Linda, who've been behind us all the way. When you see the beautiful wedding they helped us put together, you'll know what Carol and I already know; they are awesome.

To my beautiful fiancée, soon to be my lovely bride, I want to thank you in front of all the wonderful people gathered here tonight for agreeing to join your life with mine. I know we have a fantastic future ahead of us. The path may not always be smooth, but that's just part of life. I know that we can handle all the bumps along the way as long as we always have each other. I truly cannot wait to take our vows tomorrow.

So, thank you everyone. Eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves. Tomorrow we do it all again.

Speech from the Bride

Good evening everyone. As I stand here tonight looking around the room at all of you, I feel so blessed, and I know that Jack does too.

I'd like to thank Jack's mom and dad, Ron and Gina, for putting this lovely rehearsal dinner together for us. We truly appreciate it. And I want to thank you both for welcoming me into your family as well. I'm so happy to have another set of parents to love and rely on.

To my parents, Michael and Linda Warner, I want to take this opportunity before we all get caught up in the wedding festivities tomorrow to thank you for everything you've done for us. I hope you know how much we love you.

To everyone else, thank you all for being part of our celebration and for helping us make our dream wedding a reality.

Speech from a Close Friend

Hello everyone. For those of you that don't know me, my name is Doug Cameron. I have been friends with Jack for quite some time, and I'm happy to say that after getting to know her so well over these last two years, I call Carol a friend as well.

At first, it may not seem obvious how these two became a couple. After all, Jack's so outgoing, and Carol's more on the quiet side. But as it so often happens, opposites attract, and I think these two quickly realized how well they complete each other.

So here we are two years later sitting down to this lovely dinner provided by Jack's parents, and tomorrow we'll all be at the wedding that Carol's parents have so graciously helped put together. It warms my heart to see all the examples of love in this room, and I think we're all privileged to be a part of it. Let's wish Jack and Carol every happiness and a long life together.

Tips for Giving Your Speech

Giving a rehearsal dinner speech can be a bit nerve-wracking, but if you remember just why everyone is gathered to celebrate and you speak from your heart, you will be able to express your joy and love for the happy couple. Practice your speech ahead of time so it will roll naturally off your lips, and it's all right to have a written copy to keep you on track. When you're finished, you can offer it to the bride so she can add it to her wedding scrapbook.

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How to Write an Amazing Rehearsal Dinner Speech + Examples

• Posted by by Lisa Plaitt
• Last updated: December 10, 2022

The rehearsal dinner is an important tradition that happens just before the wedding day. This dinner is typically held the night before the wedding as a sort of calm before the storm!

It is a chance to sit down, share a meal, some drinks and memories together with your friends and family. 

The purpose of the rehearsal dinner is to celebrate together for the upcoming nuptials. It is also a chance for family and friends to come together and give speeches and pay tribute to the couple, especially if they aren’t able to on the big day.

During the rehearsal dinner, there will likely be a lot of speeches, as everyone will want to say how much the happy couple means to them.

There will be toasts, short speeches and funny anecdotes shared, but the speeches are not like the wedding day speeches, as they may be a little shorter, and more to the point, so that anyone that wants to speak can.

The thing is, most people get nervous around audiences, and speeches can make us really anxious and unsure what to say. So, if you’re unsure what to say in a rehearsal dinner speech, or how it should go, then follow this guide! We’ll go over what to do, what not to do, along with some examples that you can use. 

What To Do In A Rehearsal Dinner Speech

Let’s take a look at some of the things you should do in a rehearsal dinner speech, to make sure it goes as swimmingly as possible. 

Check With The Bride & Groom

The first step is a very important one – make sure you have asked the betrothed couple if it is okay to take a few moments to do a speech prior to the rehearsal dinner.

They have likely planned the evening to every specific detail, so never just stand up and decide to do one there and then, as this could delay dinner being served or any other timings.

If they approve of your giving a speech at the rehearsal, then go ahead and start planning what you’ll say. 

Let’s face it. No matter how confident you are as a person, in the moment of the speech, you will likely forget or stumble over your words briefly if you try and do it off the cuff. So, always be prepared, and write notes. 

Take a few days before the rehearsal speech to plan what you are going to say, and how you are going to say it. That way, there will be no awkward silences, and you won’t get sidetracked during the speech. 

You don’t have to read the speech from your notes word for word, but at least they will be there if you get distracted or lose what you were saying. 

Introduce Yourself To Everyone

At the start of your speech, be sure to introduce yourself, and how you are related to the bride/groom or both components of the couple.

People there may already know you, especially if it is your brother or sister getting married, but it’s nice to say hello to the group as a whole and make yourself known, along with what your relationship is to the couple. 

Talk About The Happy Couple

This is important. Your speech should not single out one side of the happy couple, even if you know them better or are related to the groom.

You need to talk about both halves of the couple in the speech, and tell a story about the two of them, rather than something you did with just the bride or just the groom. 

Keep It Clean

It’s all too easy to use a speech to talk about funny stories or inside jokes you have with the betrothed couple, but this can sometimes isolate the others present, who are not aware of your inside jokes and funny experiences.

It is best to relay a funny anecdote, as long as it is appropriate. 

In addition, think about who is attending the dinner. Are there children present? Are there elderly relatives present? Is the family traditional or conservative? It could be a good idea to leave out the dirty jokes or toilet humor in his case! 

You should also try to avoid inflammatory language, offensive jokes, anything about exes, vulgarity or curse words to keep it clean, fun and enjoyable for all.

A great tip is to not drink too much before the speeches take place so you don’t slip up and say something you shouldn’t. 

Speak From The Heart

One of the defining factors of a rehearsal speech is that it gives others a chance to learn more about the bride and groom through the eyes of the speaker. The speech can be revealing, with fun stories and memories shared with the audience about the soon to be wed couple. 

Family members and friends that are going to make the speeches may already know the bride/groom well, and can use this time to tell some stories about the couple’s personalities and defining characteristics. 

While telling a story is good, it can be more impactful to show how you feel than saying it. Don’t be afraid to get emotional, and speak straight from the heart. 

What Not To Do  

When it comes to making a rehearsal dinner speech, there are a few things you shouldn’t do too, to make sure it all goes smoothly and the speech is received well. 

Don’t Make It About You

The purpose of a rehearsal speech is to wish the bride and groom or the betrothed well before the wedding day. You should be talking about them. It is not the chance to talk about yourself and your endeavors with the betrothed. 

While it’s great to introduce yourself to the crowd, and how you know the couple, your anecdotes should be about them, and not about yourself. You should be talking about why the couple are great together, and wishing them good luck for the future. 

Don’t Speak Too Quickly

At a rehearsal dinner, you will likely be in a large room with lots of people scattered around tables, so they may struggle to hear you depending on where they are sitting.

So, try not to speak too fast or too quietly, as they will miss your speech entirely. Speak clearly and slowly, and don’t forget to pause for a moment in between what you are saying for laughs, toasts, or responses. 

Don’t Try To Be A Clown

You can easily get caught up trying to make your speech the funniest and most entertaining of them all, but if you try too hard to be funny, you’ll likely crash and burn. 

This is not the moment to try out your dreams of being a stand up comedian, it is just a chance to talk a little bit about the bride and groom, and wish them well.

It is also not the time to roast the happy couple and make lots of jokes at their expense. It’s not funny for everyone, and it’s not classy.

Example Father Of The Groom Speech

Good evening all, I’m Jeff, father of ( groom). I’d like to thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate the union of ( bride and groom). I’ve known ( groom) all his life! From when he was a young boy, he was always so determined to get what he wanted, and that’s not changed over the years. 

When he brought home the beautiful ( bride) , from the moment we met her, we knew she was the perfect one for him. She brings out the best in him, as he does in her. When she returned to college, he told us that she was going to be the woman he married, and I had no doubt in my mind that he was right. 

It’s been my absolute privilege being ( groom’s) dad, and I feel honored to now have another daughter to dote upon.  ( Bride and groom), we love you both very much, and can’t wait to see what your future holds. To the bride and groom, everyone! 

Example Maid Of Honor Speech

Hello everyone, my name is Julia, I’m the best friend of our wonderful bride to be, ( bride’s name ). I’ve known ( bride ) ever since I remember, having grown up next door to her. I first met her the day we moved into ( street name) and she helped me make friends starting in a brand new school, and we have been inseparable ever since. 

I remember the first time she ever told me about ( groom). She was in a time in her life when she had sworn off men forever…for the second time that year…and we were making plans for our next girls vacation and heading off to college. We were talking about how we didn’t need to date anyone for a while, and that was until ( groom) walked into her life and totally swept her off her feet.

All I remember from this time is her humming love songs to herself, and going all gooey whenever she had a text from him, and I knew that was it. Our girly vacation was definitely off the cards! But seriously, ( groom) treated her how she deserved to be treated, and has always been there to celebrate her successes and victories.

I’ve watched the two of them build a beautiful relationship and life together, and I’m so excited to see where this next chapter takes them. I can only hope that one day we can all share a love as special as ( bride and groom) ’s. 

( Bride), it’s been an absolute privilege being your friend for the past X years, and I feel incredibly blessed to have gained another friendship in ( groom), too. I wish you both all the love and happiness in your future. Cheers to the bride and groom! 

Rehearsal Dinner Speech Example Format

Introduce Yourself : Hello, my name is X, and I am (groom name)’s little brother. I’ve also known (the bride) for ten years now, having been in the same class in High School growing up. 

Insert Anecdote(s) About The Couple: example, first time you met your brother’s partner etc or a funny story about them together.

End On A High: I just want to say that there are no two people more perfect for each other. You truly bring out the best in one another, and I wish you all of the best for your future. Cheers, everyone. (Raise a glass and toast)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should talk at a rehearsal dinner.

The rehearsal dinner is everything you think it is. It’s a chance to get together, and have a run through, or a sort of mini version of the event before the big day arrives.

As a result, there will be speeches and tributes paid to the bride and groom to be.

A rehearsal dinner is traditionally paid for by the parents of the groom, and they will also likely be the hosts of the dinner. Therefore, the father of the groom, and occasionally the mother of the groom would be the main speakers. 

That being said, nowadays, traditions tend to go out of the window. The happy couples often choose how they want the rehearsal dinner to go, including who does the speeches and when. 

For some couples, there may not even be a groom, or some individuals do not have great relationships with their parents or fathers, so the rehearsal dinner may be organized by the couple themselves. In these cases, anyone the happy couple wants to give a speech is able to give a speech. 

Most of the time, a rehearsal dinner is hosted by the father of the groom, but if this is not the case, then the wedded couple-to-be can choose a host to run things and say a few words.

They may also choose friends or family members to speak during the night. In many cases, the people who are unable to make a speech at the wedding are the ones who will get a chance to speak at the rehearsal dinner. 

How long should the speech be at a rehearsal dinner?

A rehearsal dinner speech should be short and sweet. No one wants to listen to anecdotal stories that go on for 20 minutes at a time.

For the best results, a rehearsal dinner speech should be around five minutes long. This ensures that the audience’s attention is captured, it is fun, lighthearted, relaxed and easy going. 

Keeping the speeches short can also ensure other people can have a chance to give their speeches too. We recommend aiming for about 3 minutes in length when practicing, so if you stumble or lose track of time on the night, you still shouldn’t exceed 5 minutes by much.

All you need to do is offer your congratulations, reminisce on your relationship with the couple, and engage the rehearsal dinner guests, and that’s it!  

How many speeches should you have at a rehearsal dinner?

In a typical rehearsal dinner, the host would begin the speech section of the evening. This is typically just before the dinner is served,while the drinks and cocktails are flowing.

The host will first welcome all of the guests, before saying a few words of congratulations towards the bride and groom. 

The host may then share a short speech about the happy couple, before introducing the next speaker, and sitting back down. Then, the family members and friends who are planning on saying a few words can stand and take their turn. 

The whole point is so those who won’t be speaking at the wedding can wish the couple well at the rehearsal dinner. However, if the parents of the bride or groom are hosting, then they are able to speak at the wedding too. 

Do the bride and groom have to do a speech at a rehearsal dinner?  

Not traditionally, no. The bride and groom do not have to speak or give a speech at the rehearsal dinner, unless they really want to, but it is sometimes best to leave their speeches for the wedding. 

This is because everything is leading up to the special day, including the rehearsal dinner. Once it is all said and done, and the wedding has come to a close, then the bride and groom can give their speeches and thank everyone for attending. 

That’s not to say that a bride and groom or the happy couple cannot do a speech at the rehearsal dinner. If they would like to say a few words of thanks, then that is perfectly fine to do so. It’s their rehearsal dinner after all! 

The general rule of thumb is that if you are giving a speech during the wedding reception, then you do not have to give one at the rehearsal dinner too.

That keeps it fair for everyone so no one has to do two speeches, and those who wish to say a few words but can’t at the wedding can say their peace at the rehearsal prior to the big day. 

Final Thoughts

We hope that this article has given you an insight into how to write the best rehearsal dinner speech and what is best to include. If you write from the heart, you can’t really go wrong.

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Lisa Plaitt

Hello, I’m Lisa Plaitt and I have been married to my wonderful husband for almost five years. We met almost a decade ago now and I love him more everyday. But on my wedding day - the day that was supposed to be about celebrating us - I was far too stressed to enjoy it. My husband proposed to me in spring and it was a very lowkey setting, in our backyard without anyone else around to see it. It was a perfect proposal. But then everything got real, and I was suddenly thrust into planning mode.

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Groom Rehearsal Dinner Speech Ideas & Tips

Need some tips on what to include in your wedding rehearsal dinner toast? Typically the groom has to make a toast at the rehearsal dinner, and it may be hard to come up with the proper words to say.

Here are some ideas of what to say during the groom’s rehearsal dinner toast. 

What is the Rehearsal Dinner?

The wedding rehearsal typically takes place the day before the wedding day, when everyone gets together to practice the wedding ceremony. Usually the groom’s parents are given the responsibility to host the rehearsal dinner. The wedding party, family relatives, or anyone else who is in the wedding is usually invited to the rehearsal. 

Typically the rehearsal dinner is when all of your friends and distant family members get together and meet each other for the first time. Distant relatives who live far away have the opportunity to meet your partner’s family for the first time and see the happy couple in person. 

What is the Rehearsal Dinner Toast?

At wedding rehearsal dinners, it is normal for members of the bridal party to make toasts. These are similar to speeches given by the wedding party at the wedding reception, but typically reception toasts are longer than the rehearsal dinner toasts . 

Members of the wedding party that typically make a speech at the rehearsal dinner are the maid of honor , best man , and the groom. Sometimes, the parents of the groom or just the father of the groom speaks as well.  The parents of the bride may speak as well. Often, the maid of honor and best man save their speeches for the wedding day, but sometimes they speak at both.

Since the groom’s parents typically host wedding rehearsal dinners, it is in good faith that the groom and often his parents thanks the guests for coming. 

Typically the groom’s speech and maid of honor speech at the rehearsal addresses the upcoming wedding. Your rehearsal dinner usually takes place the day before the actual wedding day, so your speech should prepare guests and family for the next day’s events. 

One thing to mention is how much you love your partner and how you think they are a wonderful person. Everyone is gathered here today to celebrate your love for one another, so make sure they know how much you love your partner at the rehearsal dinner. 

How Long Should the Groom’s Speech Be? 

The perfect time for a rehearsal dinner speech varies. It is usually nice to stay between 2 to 3 minutes. The groom’s speech at the actual wedding should be no longer than 10 minutes, so it is in your best interest to stick to a shorter speech for the rehearsal.

If you are a storyteller, it is better to stay with quick moments instead of a long story for the rehearsal. Keep the love story of how you two met for your actual wedding day. 

Tips for the Groom’s Rehearsal Dinner Toast

The biggest goal of your rehearsal dinner toast is to get everyone to say thank you to everyone who helped with your wedding day and to get your wedding guests to toast to the bride and groom. 

Good topics to focus on are how you and your partner are the perfect match for each other, and to allude to the upcoming nuptials. It’s important to make sure you save some things to talk about at your wedding toast for your reception speech. 

Rehearsal Dinner Toast Template Ideas

The perfect groom’s wedding speech usually comes from the heart. Your wedding day is the best opportunity to let your wedding guests and your partner know just how thankful you are to have this moment. Your wedding rehearsal toast should not be any different. 

Make sure you personalize your rehearsal dinner toast. Following a guide you found on the internet is not a good rule of thumb because it means you did not put your soul into writing special words from your heart. You need to sit down, focus, and let yourself think of the words to describe how you feel in this special moment. Your wedding tomorrow should serve as great inspiration to write your speech. 

The first thing to mention is who you are. Most people know that you are the groom, but for those family members that are meeting you for the first time, it is nice to introduce yourself. Let your guests understand why your partner chose you to marry. Let your personality shine and try to be as friendly and personable as you can. It’s likely that you and your partner will be a bundle of nerves the day before the wedding day, and so will your closest family members, so break the ice by being charming and engaging. 

Some popular toast topics range from a funny story about you and your partner to incorporate your sense of humor to your engagement story. Even if you break the ice by telling some funny stories and bad jokes, it will be appreciated by the crowd who may not know each other. It is your responsibility to make sure everyone feels comfortable and ready to party with each other the next evening! You can even break the ice by sharing an embarrassing story that only your closest friends know. This will make all of your new relatives feel like they really know you when you exchange vows the next day. 

Take advantage of this special moment in time. Tomorrow is the day that you will be married. It’s nerve wracking but it’s also one of the best days of your life. One idea for your speech at the rehearsal dinner is to speak about the beauty of marriage. 

Some rehearsal dinner toast story ideas are to tell a personal story. This can be anything from a funny moment in the wedding planning process that didn’t go as planned, or a personal story about how even as a young boy you also dreamed of your wedding day. Let your personality shine by letting your wedding guests get to know the real you. This is the perfect time to be sentimental and reflect on everything before the special day. 

Rehearsal Dinner Speech Examples

When writing your rehearsal dinner toast, it is important not to use a canned, impersonal template that is taken from the internet. Although this is advised against, some groom’s may feel as though they do not know where to start when writing their own.

This sample speech was taken from LovetoKnow.com , to give you a better idea of what is a proper groom’s toast at the rehearsal dinner. If you decide to use this as a template, remember to include personal details that make your speech original and from the heart. 

“Hello everyone. On behalf of Carol and myself, I want to thank you all for attending the rehearsal earlier this evening, as well as this wonderful dinner we’re all about to enjoy. I want to thank my parents, as well, not just for hosting the dinner, but for everything they’ve done to support Carol and I on this journey.

I also want to thank Carol’s parents, Michael and Linda, who’ve been behind us all the way. When you see the beautiful wedding they helped us put together, you’ll know what Carol and I already know; they are awesome.

To my beautiful fiancée, soon to be my lovely bride, I want to thank you in front of all the wonderful people gathered here tonight for agreeing to join your life with mine. I know we have a fantastic future ahead of us. The path may not always be smooth, but that’s just part of life. I know that we can handle all the bumps along the way as long as we always have each other. I truly cannot wait to take our vows tomorrow.

So, thank you everyone. Eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves. Tomorrow we will do it all again.”

Funny Rehearsal Dinner Speech Example

Here is an example of a funny story being told at the rehearsal dinner. This speech was found on LovetoKnow.com . Use this as inspiration to write your own personal account of a funny story that you want to tell family and friends.  

“I want to take you all back to several years ago when we took a wild road trip to Colorado. It took two days longer than we anticipated and we had not one, but two flat tires. When we finally got to Colorado we all realized that skiing wasn’t nearly as easy as we thought it would be. Who knew that flying down a mountain with two sticks stuck to your feet could be hard?

But the important thing here is that we all had a great time, even when things got bumpy. Even when Jerry broke his foot. Even when the lodge ran out of hot chocolate. It didn’t matter. Please raise your glasses to a couple who will endure the flat tires, the difficult tasks, the broken bones, and even hot chocolate shortages, all in the spirit of love.” 

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Caroline Kinsley

Caroline Kinsley is a recent graduate from the University of Delaware. With a degree in media communications, Caroline’s passions are marketing and journalism. Caroline has always loved the wedding planning process, being the daughter of an event planner. In addition to contributions to Yeah Weddings, Caroline Kinsley has published articles in Delaware Today Magazine, Her Campus, and YOUR Magazine.

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How to Write a Father-of-the-Groom Speech

Pepper in a healthy dose of your personality and follow these general guidelines, Dad.

Photo by Cinzia Bruschini

In This Article

Your child’s wedding is likely one of the most highly anticipated moments of your life...until you remember one of your duties is giving a speech. If you’re less than excited about public speaking, take some comfort in knowing that the father-of-the-groom speech is typically reserved for the rehearsal dinner (usually a much smaller audience than the wedding day crowd!). 

There’s a multitude of emotions flowing as your son’s wedding day approaches, but anxiety shouldn’t be one of them. Below, professional wedding vow writer and speechwriter Katelyn Peterson outlines the ideal template for a father-of-the-groom speech and shares go-to tips to hook your audience and release the pre-speech jitters. 

Meet the Expert

Katelyn Peterson is the founder of Wedding Words , a service specialized in crafting custom vows, speeches, and toasts to remove stress and spark excitement for engaged couples and their wedding party. Her work has been featured in The New York Times , Forbes , and Bustle .

Father-of-the-Groom Speech Template 

Pepper in a healthy dose of your personality and follow these general guidelines to sound like a public speaking pro:

• Introduce yourself. Keep it simple, state your name and relation to the couple, and cut the fluff, Peterson says. “For example, ‘Hello, everyone. I'm Craig Jones and I'm the father of the groom.’ There is no need to add this line: ‘For those of you who don't know me…’ It's unnecessary, and doesn't add any impact to your delivery.” 
• Share a few short stories. Share two to three short stories about your son that showcase his positive traits, only sharing details that serve the goal of that story. “And make sure all the stories share a common theme so they flow into one another while also providing an overarching point to your speech.” 
• Recognize your son’s new spouse. Be sure to note what you appreciate or list the qualities you admire about your son's new spouse. Peterson says this part should detail why you're happy to welcome them into your family and it’s a nice touch to include at least one story about them in this section, too. What if you don't know your son's new spouse too well? “No problem," Peterson exclaims. "Focus on why your son loves this person and use those details as an opportunity to say something positive about them.”
• Share well wishes. Communicate advice or your wishes for the couple. This is the section you use to describe the future you hope they share together. 
• Close with a toast. “Tie the speech together with a strong last line ,” Peterson says. “Keep it short and try to tie it back to the theme of your speech.” 

Father-of-the-Groom Speech Tips

Here are Peterson’s best tips for writing and delivering your father-of-the-groom speech .

• Keep it short and sweet. Your speech should fall between three and six minutes. Anything longer and it’s likely you'll start to lose the crowd's attention. 
• Don’t stress about memorizing. “Do not feel like you have to memorize your speech,” Peterson shares. “Print your speech on paper and practice it enough so that you can make eye contact while reciting.”
• Keep "thank you's" concise. If you have more than two to four specific people to thank, do not list names and instead thank generalized groups. Peterson says “if you find yourself listing seven people from your new daughter-in-law's side, instead simply say, ‘I'd especially like to thank the Myer's family for their continued support and love in our son's life.’" 
• Share stories with purpose. “Good stories are what will make your speech,” Peterson reveals. “So focus on telling stories that are funny and entertaining, but also have a sweet and serious moment.” Above all, she notes that every story should have a purpose, such as highlighting a positive trait about your son or his spouse. If you can't find that in the story, remove it and include a new anecdote. 
• Be aware of body language. Pay attention to your body language and know how to properly use the microphone. When you move your head, the mic should travel with you to pick up your voice. Make sure the mic is close enough to pick up your voice but not so close that it covers your face. 
• Enlist a professional. Don't feel like you’re on your own if you’re not a strong writer or speaker; there are professional wedding speech writers who specialize in taking your thoughts and articulating them into a sweet and funny moment . 

Peterson recommends printing out your speech on one sheet of paper that you can easily reference. She advises against reading from your phone and warns that note cards can easily fall out of order. 

Father-of-the-Groom Speech Brainstorming Tips

Now that you know the secrets to speech-giving success, here are some questions to ask yourself to start getting the words flowing.

• What are some of your favorite memories of your son as a kid? 
• What qualities does your son have that will serve his marriage? 
• How does this couple balance each other? 
• What was your initial impression of your son's new spouse? 
• What makes you happy to be celebrating this wedding? 
• How do you envision their future together? 

Father-of-the-Groom Speech Examples to Make Your Own

Get inspired by this real-life example of a light and funny father-of-the-groom speech that showcases a combination of humor , warmth, and personality for this heartfelt moment. 

“I think I’ve met almost everyone, but I’m Doug. I’m Andy’s dad, and his mom is over there—that’s Jenny. I’m a little bit nervous so I have notes. I may refer to those because I don’t want to forget anything. And I can be emotional with things like this, so I want this to be interactive—if I get choked up and start crying you all should feel free to do the same, or if I tell a joke if you guys could go ahead and laugh that would be great! 

Before I go too far, I want to acknowledge Tracy’s parents: Dave and Linda. They’ve put a ton of time and effort and hard work into the planning for tomorrow. Jenny and I have had a great time getting to know them over the last few years. We don’t think of you guys as Andy’s in-laws , we think of you as family . 

And now on to the wedding couple...a little over 25 years ago, Andy was born—don’t worry, I won’t go through every year—but I remember the feeling of excitement and how proud Jenny and I were to be new parents . We watched Andy grow up into a wonderful young man with unquestioning integrity and strong values and it’s those same feelings of excitement and pride that get echoed tomorrow as the two of you get married.

As your kids grow up you want them to have the absolute best. Andy was very fortunate when he met Tracy six years ago, and when he gets married tomorrow I know he truly has found the best for him and we can’t wait to call her our daughter. There are certain couples you see together and you say ‘they were just meant to be ,’ and Tracy and Andy have that type of relationship. They are the perfect match , like bread and butter, or like Forrest Gump would say, 'peas and carrots,' or as my wife would say, 'wine and cheese!'

This is the point where I get to be a dad and offer some fatherly advice, some words of wisdom .

There are seven words that are essential to having a successful marriage: 'Yes, dear', 'you were right', and 'I’m sorry.'

You’ll have disagreements and you’ll have arguments, and when that happens never stop communicating , always talk things out. And remember that communicating isn’t just talking, it’s also listening. Try to see things from their perspective. But when it’s all said and done, with those seven words, everything will be fine. 

Getting married is the journey of a lifetime, it’s when you find your soulmate and you make a promise to that person they will always be your soulmate. It was once said that getting married and having a successful marriage is like falling in love over and over again with the same person. If you pursue your marriage with love, and compassion, and understanding, you’ll be on your way to that journey of a lifetime. Jenny and I love you both unconditionally, and we’re so proud of you both. Without further ado, here’s a toast to a long, happy, healthy marriage blessed with unending love.”

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Crafting the Perfect Groom Speech: Tips, Examples, and Inspiration

phuket_wedding_planner via Instagram

Everyone eagerly awaits the groom’s speech at the wedding, making it crucial. While celebrating love is easy, preparing a speech often isn’t, with grooms often procrastinating out of panic. Whether shy or pressed for time, we’ve got you covered. See our Post for the best groom wedding speeches tips and ideas ever.

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Groom Speech Examples

In the groom’s speech at a wedding, he blends humor and sincerity, thanking everyone, including those absent. Special mentions go to his new father-in-law, bridesmaids, maid of honor, bride’s mother, and his groomsmen, especially the best man. He concludes with a heartfelt toast to his beloved, expressing deep love, gratitude, and commitment.

My speech today will be like a mini-skirt. Long enough to cover the essentials and short enough to hold your attention. Apparently, it’s my job to do all the thank you’s, so on behalf of my lovely new wife and I, the biggest thank-you goes to all of you for coming. The day would not have been the same without you and neither would my bank balance! But on a serious note, it is lovely to see so many of you here. Particularly those of you who have had to travel many miles. Amy and I would like to thank our parents for all the love and support both emotional and financial they have given us. And a special thank-you to Vanessa who is responsible for making our fantastic wedding cake. Sharon, Sue, Vanessa, Ray, Steve We’d also like to thank Darren for his services as the best man today and of course our ushers. You’ve all done a grand job. Darren, Mark, Jon, Jim, Adam That brings me onto our bridesmaids. Thank you all for your help and for being there for Amy through the ups and downs of wedding planning! I’m sure everyone will agree that you all look stunning today. Nina, Laura, Charlotte, Kirsty, Fiona, Lillie, Jordan, and Emily. Finally, I would personally like to thank my lovely wife, Amy, for having me as her husband! I read somewhere that “You don’t marry the person you can live with, you marry the person you cannot live without”. Well, we’ve lived together for five years and I know I’ve married the right person. I’m so glad I can at last call you my wife. Now all that remains is for me to say please enjoy the rest of the day…… and mine’s a foster!

………..Good evening ladies, gentlemen, family, and friends. First of all, I must say a big “thank you” to Colin for his kind words. His speech was so good, he’s going to do mine for me too. As many of you will know, I am of the shy retiring type that likes to keep quiet and keep my opinions to myself, therefore you can understand my nervousness at standing up here in front of all of you making a speech. And as many of you will also know, I’m also a compulsive liar, but I am still nervous, that bit is true. I have been fearful of this bit for weeks, and as you can imagine, this isn’t the first time today I have arisen from a warm seat with a piece of paper in my hand. I read while researching wedding speeches that a good speech has a good beginning and a good ending. But the best speech of all is one that keeps these close together. So I will try and keep this as short as possible and will try my best not to do a “Gwinny” with my list of thanks. Firstly I would like to thank any Rangers fans for still being here and not walking out at 4.30 as usual. Pause for cheers But then again, I don’t think we’re friends with any of them anyway. I would like to thank my parents, Ian and Margaret for all the help they have given me over the years, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here now. So, Helen, if it doesn’t work out you know who to blame. I would also like to thank Helen’s parents, Colin and Sandra, for making me feel like the son they never wanted, sorry the son they never had, right from day 2. Day 1 was a bit rough, but hey, they’re over it now……….

………….On a serious note, I’d firstly like to say a big thank you to my new Dad Dave. I’m proud to be his son-in-law and hope I can live up to his expectations, which should be easy, compared to his other son Mick! But let us not take this Father, Son thing too seriously, as I’m not into 10-mile runs before breakfast like you were in the Paras. Both Sharon and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for coming here today and sharing this special occasion with us. Especially those who brought expensive presents. Its much appreciated! Thank you to Edwin and Elsa, Margaret and Linda and many others who have traveled a long way to be here. It’s certainly a long way from Brighouse! We hope you all enjoy the day, have fun, relax and be merry…………….

Groom Rehearsal Dinner Speech

Congratulations on your upcoming groom speech at the wedding rehearsal dinner! Here are three tips to help you craft a memorable and meaningful speech:

• Keep it concise: Aim for a short and sweet groom speech. Keep it under five minutes to engage your guests without losing their attention.
• Personalize it: Share personal stories and anecdotes about how you met, what you love about your fiancé, and what makes your relationship special. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions.
• Thank your guests: Express your gratitude to those who supported you during the wedding planning. Thank your guests for being a part of your special day.

Here’s an example of a groom rehearsal dinner speech that incorporates these three tips:

Good evening everyone, and thank you for joining us on this special night. I want to start by thanking our parents, who have been there for us every step of the way. Your love and support mean the world to us. I also want to thank our friends and family who have traveled from near and far to be here with us. We feel incredibly blessed to have you in our lives. As we sit here tonight, I can’t help but reflect on how lucky I am to have found my soulmate in [bride’s name]. I knew from the moment I met her that she was the one for me. Her kindness, intelligence, and beauty continue to amaze me every day. [Optional: insert a personal anecdote here] [Optional: insert a joke or humorous story here] As we prepare to start this new chapter of our lives together, I am filled with gratitude and joy. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

The Great Groom Speech Template

Here’s a groom speech at wedding template that will help you create a winning speech with ease.

• Thank the guests Say a heartfelt thanks to the guests for leaving their busy schedules to honor you on your big day. Many of them sacrificed time, money, work, and even their safety to come all the way because they love you. Say thank you, mean it, and crack a joke. This is also the time to distribute little gifts or wedding favors to the guests.
• Say some words about the bride Gush about the woman of the moment. Let the guests feel your joy at getting married to the love of your life. Talk about what attracted you to her, what she means to you, and reiterate your vows. You may also seal this part of your speech with a kiss and watch her blush.
• Share a memorable story Getting to your wedding day was a long journey and there are stories that bind you. Let the guests know the beautiful way you met, and share sweet memories, funny ones, and romantic events. If both of you have a favorite song, pick a line from it and incorporate it into your speech. Avoid near break-up situations, forgiveness for some errors, or unpleasant situations that happened in your relationship.
• Share your impressions about the day Recount something beautiful about your wedding day. Maybe talk about how the sun shined bright because it knows an angel got married today. Talk about the beautiful reception, cake, or decor. Just incorporate something from the present.
• Say some words about the best man Your best man is arguably one of your strongest support systems throughout wedding planning. Give him some accolades in your speech. Talk about how you met and him being your main man through life. Appreciate him sincerely and even take a friendly jab at him.
• Thank your parents There is no better time to tell everyone how awesome your parents are. Talk about the bride’s parents too because you’re family now. Thank both families for being in your corner and promise to always behave. That will get in a few laughs.
• Close with a toast Finish your speech with a toast to your wife, parents, guests, love, and happiness.

Groom Speech Tips

Many grooms often find themselves confused when trying to write their groom speech at the wedding. In the days leading up to the big event, they might go into a fit of panic because they have no idea what to write. When crafting a groom speech, it’s important to focus on the introduction, body, and conclusion. You want to captivate the guests right from the beginning of your groom speech, keep them engaged throughout, and conclude with a memorable and impactful finish.

The speech tips below are simple, concise and will give answers to all your questions.

• Prepare your mind and calm your nerves for the speech.
• Run speech by your best man to sieve out off liners.
• Make eye contact with everyone.
• Address the audience as a couple. Include your wife.
• Do away with vulgar words or jokes.
• Include the decent but minimal amount of humor.
• Don’t forget to thank your parents and in-laws
• Always throw some compliments the way of your wife and make the core of your speech.
• Dedicate some part of your speech to your wife. She is the main focus.
• Make the last toast go to your wife.
• Make your speech heartfelt and let your personality shine through.

What Not to Say in the Groom Speech

kreativwedding via Instagram

A perfect speech will give you unending applause from everyone. But a bad speech? The disasters are too much to mention. You will have in-laws getting pissed at you, the bridesmaids coming for your head. Your best man gunning to have you quartered and your wife preparing to give you hell.

To avoid the later and all other unforeseen ills that could happen with a badly given speech, here are some don’ts to the rescue.

Don’ts

• Don’t build your speech around anyone else but your wife.
• Don’t include vulgar words or insensitive jokes.
• Don’t take too much time making your speech. 5-10 minutes is enough.
• Don’t forget to introduce your best man and compliments the bridesmaids.
• Don’t forget to make your last toast to the bride.

Groom Wedding Speech Jokes

Adding a touch of humor to your groom speech can lighten the mood and make your speech memorable. Well-placed jokes can bring smiles and laughter, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere. Here are five examples of jokes that are perfect for a groom speech at a wedding:

When I proposed, I got down on one knee and almost didn’t get back up. She said yes, probably out of pity for my lack of athleticism!

They say marriage is when a man and woman become one. The trouble starts when they try to decide which one!

On our first date, I was so nervous that I spilled coffee all over myself. I guess I wanted to make a hot impression!

I’d like to thank my new in-laws for raising such an amazing woman. And for not mentioning my tendency to leave the toilet seat up… yet!

Planning this wedding was a lot like cooking for the first time – a bit messy, a lot of trial and error, and in the end, totally worth it!

Groom Wedding Toast Ideas

To the father of the bride

“Let us toast to my father in law for raising and giving me this beautiful woman. For being a wonderful father to her, although I’m taking over. For accepting me as a son……. “

To the best man

“To my right-hand man for being there all the way. For taking time off work to make all things ready for my big day. For all the sacrifices you made from way back until now. For being my best friend in the real sense and too many more years as friends…..a toast to my best man (insert name)”

Toast To the guests

“A toast to you wonderful people. You are all amazing. Thanks for being here today and sharing in our joy. To many more years of celebration and happiness………. “

To the bride

“Whoever thought this angelic beauty seated here will be mine? Let’s all make a toast to my heartthrob, whose smile lightens my world. A toast to you baby, for all you are, for all you’ll be. To us, to life, to our love, to your happiness, too many blissful years with me, to our future, to forever…………”

Frequently Asked Questions

What should the groom say in his speech.

The groom’s speech typically includes gratitude, compliments to the bride, thanks to guests, and a toast.

What should the groom say at the rehearsal dinner?

The groom at the rehearsal dinner can express appreciation to those involved, share anecdotes, and convey excitement for the upcoming wedding.

How Long Should A Groom’s Speech Be?

A groom’s speech typically lasts around 5 to 10 minutes. It should be long enough to express gratitude, share anecdotes, and convey heartfelt sentiments, but short enough to maintain guests’ interest and keep the overall flow of the wedding reception.

Thank you all again for being here tonight. Let’s raise a glass to love, laughter, and happily ever after! The groom’s speech is one of the most anticipated speeches at a wedding. It doesn’t need such long preparation but could flop if you don’t get the hang of it. Give the best groom speech at wedding ever with the tips, ideas, and templates we’ve curated in this post. Speak from the heart, let your love shine, add some humor and you’re home free.

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Rehearsal Dinner Speech [Etiquette + Samples]

Before a big day, there is usually a rehearsal dinner. If the couple doesn’t have it, it is entirely okay, and it’s okay. But if they decide that they need a way to bring all the friends and family that are participating in the wedding activities together before the big day, wedding rehearsal dinner is the perfect opportunity.

Some people that are involved in the rehearsal dinner may be feeling a little bit nervous because they are supposed to give a speech, and they don’t know how to go about it. Maybe it’s your first one; perhaps you simply do not like to give speeches overall. Don’t worry. You are not expected to give a long speech, simple and straight to the point will be perfect. Here are some tips on the speech and some samples.

Who should speak at the rehearsal dinner?

Traditionally, during the rehearsal dinner , the Father of the Bride or the Father of the Groom are expected to give a speech. Sometimes the Maid of Honor, Best Man and Bride may give toasts of their own. This part is not but mandatory or required.

Rehearsal Dinner Speech Examples

If you are not sure how to do it, we present you some examples. Feel free to personalize them according to your needs. You can choose to add marriage quotes or even romantic quotes or some funny stories about how the couple met, some instances when you knew they are meant for each other, etc. Keep in mind to keep it short.

• As many of you know, planning a wedding is not easy. There are so many details to think about. The venue. The wedding date, the guests, the church, the caterer, the DJ or band, the florist, the dress, and so on. Every little aspect, every single detail of the wedding is meticulously planned out by the bride and groom who want nothing more than to share their love for each other with their closest friends and family members.
• As I look around this room and see so many faces of close friends and family members that are here, I am happy to know that [bride] and [groom] have such a great community behind them. To have that type of support from the people that you love is truly invaluable. Believe me when I say that this wedding would not have been the same without all of you.
• Hello, everyone. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to the rehearsal dinner. It means to world to us that all of you are here with us tonight to help us prepare for our wedding. Now eat, drink, enjoy yourselves, and get a good night’s sleep. We all have a huge day ahead tomorrow.

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How to Write a Rehearsal Dinner Speech

Here are some tips and advice on how to write a rehearsal dinner speech.

By Monica Mercuri

The First Look ✨

• Rehearsal dinner speeches are the perfect opportunity to give a heartfelt salute to the soon-to-be-weds and create beautiful memories in the process.
• Spend some time brainstorming memories and associations of the person getting married and their spouse to be.
• Keep the beginning and ending straightforward—and keep the whole thing brief! Remember to include their spouse to be. Go for the inside jokes, but stay away from mentioning any exes.

Rehearsal dinner speeches are the perfect opportunity for the couple’s nearest and dearest to give a heartfelt salute to the soon-to-be-weds and create indelible memories in the process. Following a template similar to a wedding reception speech, these speeches, when done right, are funny, tender, moving, and insightful, capturing something ineffable about what makes these two people so special—to each other and to you and the others who love them. Here are some of Zola ’s tips and advice on how to write a rehearsal dinner speech.

Who Gives a Rehearsal Dinner Speech

The host of the rehearsal dinner gives the first speech and wedding rehearsal toast; in heterosexual couples, this is traditionally the groom’s father. Next is anyone in the wedding party who isn’t speaking at the reception (typically anyone besides the maid of honor, bride’s parents, and groom's best man). Finally, any other friends, family, and wedding party members may speak, if the mic is open to others.

Brainstorm Memories

Here are some questions to help you focus on meaningful anecdotes you might be able to incorporate into a speech:

• What’s your earliest or most vivid memory of them? Does that memory show anything about their personality or character?
• What’s an endearing quirk about them—one that others may not know?
• When did they first mention their spouse to be, and what did they say? Do you remember what you thought when you first heard about them?
• What was your first meeting like with their spouse to be?
• How or when did you realize their spouse to be would be a good partner for them?
• Has their spouse to be changed your subject for the better?

Introduce Yourself—Or Be Introduced

Start with a straightforward introduction that describes your relationship to the couple or to one of the people getting married: “Hi everyone, I’m Lisa. Christine and I met through a student newspaper at Berkeley.” Then jump into the wedding speech . Be sure to also follow the rehearsal dinner etiquette .

Show, Don’t Tell

Your aim should be to reveal something about a person’s essential values or personality, giving an inside look at their defining characteristics through your eyes. Showing how they’re thoughtful and loyal makes for a better story than simply saying that; for example, share the story of how your friend cheered you up by bringing over your favorite snacks and binge-watching your favorite show.

Go for the Inside Jokes

Remember, the rehearsal dinner includes those nearest and dearest to the couple. So feel free to keep it casual and go for those inside jokes that only those closest to them would know. You won’t have to explain that one spouse loves to sleep in or the other is always late, for example, the crowd will understand and appreciate these notes, and that’s what they really want to hear anyway! And be honest—people want to hear how you see the couple, not what you think others want to hear.

Don’t Bring Up Exes

Besides that, there’s not much that’s off-limits. Remember, this is an insider group, and most people will understand (or at least forgive) minor antics and indiscretions if the story ultimately shows the person in a positive light. Of course, keep in mind what’s appropriate for the audience and make sure it’s a story they’re okay with you sharing with others.

Remember to Include Their Partner

Be sure to take a moment to address the person you’re saluting directly. And don’t forget to mention their soon-to-be spouse. Whether it’s the traits they share or the way they balance out their differences, be sure to recognize how you believe they make for a winning partnership.

Keep it Brief

Even the longest speeches, reserved for the host of the rehearsal dinner, should be under 10 minutes; the wedding party should keep it under seven minutes, and everyone else under five. Katelyn’s Wedding Words , Professional Vow and Speech Writer, tells couples, “It’s totally okay to give your speakers a time limit. After all, you don’t want to cut into dinner or dancing time because the speeches ran long. All speeches combined should not go over 20 minutes. Having 4 speakers? Allow them up to 5 minutes each.”

Remember everyone’s here for the couple and the celebration; no one’s ever wanted a wedding speech or rehearsal dinner toast to go on for longer. Stay away from reading a poem or lengthy quote to wrap it up. A simple way to end: “Everyone, please join me in raising a glass to the wonderful couple.”

It’s not easy to give a good rehearsal dinner speech: you have often years of thoughts and memories of the couple swirling around in your head, not to mention waves of emotions, and it’s hard to know where to focus and how to organize them. Plus, it’s not often that one has to characterize or consider in-depth one’s relationship with a friend or family member, much less distill everything into a rousing speech in front of a crowd.

Finally, stay away from fill-in-the-blank examples you can find online—they can come off sounding canned and impersonal. Instead, start by thinking deeply about the most meaningful memories you have of this person and build your speech from there. Don’t forget: No one will remember any rehearsal speech or wedding rehearsal dinner toast every word years later—all they’ll remember is how the speech made them feel.

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How to Write a Rehearsal Dinner Speech

Last Updated: January 2, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 404,179 times.

Writing a great rehearsal dinner speech can be a nerve-wracking experience. Luckily, with the right preparation, you'll be able to write a fantastic speech that you can be proud to share. Start by introducing yourself, thanking everyone for attending, and sharing an anecdote about the couple. Practice during the days leading up to the event, and then speak slowly, loudly, and clearly to give a great rehearsal dinner speech.

Writing the Introduction

• An example of introducing yourself as a part of the speech is “Hi everyone, my name’s Morgan.”

• An example of how to start is “I’ve been friends with Sam since preschool, and I am honored to be able to congratulate Sam and Corey tonight.”
• If you have a funny story about your relationship with the couple, this is a perfect time to share it. For example, "With the amount of heated competition that goes on during our board game nights, I'm surprised that Sam and Corey are even still talking to me, let alone are letting me stand up here tonight!"
• It also helps to consider your relationship with the bride and groom. What's your role? What can you offer that's different from other people?

• Now is also a good time to acknowledge any special people in the audience or who couldn't make the event. For example, some family members may have travelled a long way to be at the rehearsal dinner. Saying "We are so happy that John and Anne have travelled all the way from Canada to be with us on this special occasion," works well. Similarly, if there are any special people that couldn't be at the wedding, as they may be unwell or have recently passed away, acknowledge them at this time too.

Forming the Main Body

• An example of a funny story to share is “I first met Corey when she was eight, dressed up as a snowman to go trick-or-treating down our block. I was so surprised when Sam introduced her to us. I didn’t recognise her without that snowman costume!”

• An example of a sentimental, childhood tale is “Sam would have make-believe weddings as a kid, marrying a new teddy bear every day. He has always been a romantic at heart, and he has so much love to give. Hopefully the teddy bears don’t find out about what’s happening tomorrow!”

• You can talk about what marriage means using a few steps if you like. You could try “Over the past 20 years, marriage has taught me a few things. Number 1: Keep dating each other. Treat each other, keep being romantic, and have fun together. Number 2: Never go to bed angry. Sort out your problems as soon as they arise, be kind, and remember that you are both only human. Number 3: Treasure every moment you have. Your relationship is beautiful, so hold it close and keep it growing.” [7] X Research source

• There are plenty of quotes that work well in rehearsal dinner speeches. Try “We never live so intensely as when we love strongly. We never realize ourselves so vividly as when we are in the full glow of love for others.”(Walter Rauschenbusch). [9] X Research source
• Another option for a quote is “There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.” (George Sand).
• If the couple has a favorite book or movie that includes a love theme, then find a suitable quote from it to make it extra special.

• Although most rehearsal dinner speeches end with a toast, this isn’t necessary if there is a different plan in place for when the toasts will happen.

• If you are having trouble deciding what tone to go for, consider who the guests are and what the couple is likely to appreciate more. If most guests are older relatives and the couple tends to be more serious, stick to a sentimental speech. However if the guests are mostly friends of the couple, and the couple is the more outgoing, fun-loving type, stick to a funny tone.

Presenting the Speech

• The more practice you get, the more confident and comfortable you will feel delivering it on the night.
• While you are practicing your speech, make sure that you speak exactly as you plan to on the night. Practice your tone, body language, and volume just as much as your speech content.
• If you don’t want to say your speech in front of anyone just yet, record yourself and play it back so that you can hear it from a different perspective.
• Try and practice the speech until you know it fairly well, and only need to read your notes occasionally.

• Having a written copy with you will help to ease your nerves about forgetting what to say. You might not even need to look at it, but knowing that you can if you need to will be reassuring and will help to reduce your stress.
• Notecards are easier to hold while presenting a speech.

• Avoiding alcohol until you have said your speech means that you won’t say something you might regret and that you will speak to the best of your ability.

• Asking the guests if they can hear you properly before you begin your speech isn’t a bad idea. This means that you can share your speech without worrying about your volume.

• This will help to keep your audience engaged with what you are saying.
• Physical gestures are a great way to enhance your storytelling.

• Find a balance between moving around confidently to keep things interesting, yet not looking like you are pacing.
• Try to remain in each new spot for at least 30 seconds to avoid looking like you can't keep still. [18] X Research source

• Stick with your genuine smile. Trying to force a smile can make you look tense and uncomfortable.
• Smiling during the speech will not only portray warmth, but it will also communicate to the audience that you are happy to be there.

• Avoid saying sorry during your speech. The audience will appreciate you being confident in your words.
• Depending on how the audience reacts, you might be able to ad-lib a bit during your speech.

Sample Speech and Dos and Dont's

Expert Q&A

• A rehearsal dinner speech is best when it unites everyone in the room. Avoid using inside or personal jokes that only a few people in the room will understand, and stick to statements that everyone can be part of. [19] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Be sensitive towards who the audience is, and what will be appropriate for the situation. When in doubt, ask the couple if something might need to be excluded. [20] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about giving a speech, check out our in-depth interview with Patrick Muñoz .

• ↑ http://www.thealternativebride.com/rehearsal-dinner-speech/
• ↑ https://www.topweddingsites.com/wedding-blog/wedding-speeches-and-toasts/prepping-rehearsal-dinner-speeches-can-easy
• ↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-toast-tips-30-inspiring-quotes
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffschmitt/2013/07/16/10-keys-to-writing-a-speech/#3a7d0abd4fb7
• ↑ https://www.hellomagazine.com/brides/2014060419169/how-to-give-wedding-speech/
• ↑ https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/how-to-write-deliver-good-best-man-speech/
• ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/on-leadership/wp/2015/11/17/what-to-do-with-your-hands-when-speaking-in-public/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.a0be4fbc8694
• ↑ https://www.themuse.com/advice/pro-presentation-tips-7-secrets-to-winning-the-room
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/nickmorgan/2016/11/05/how-not-to-give-a-boring-speech/#6b446cce2103

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Rehearsal Dinner Speech Examples

January 31, 2017 By Kate

Before the wedding ceremony, there will usually be a rehearsal day before. What typically follows afterwards is a rehearsal dinner with the people who participated in the wedding rehearsal earlier.

A rehearsal dinner is a chance for everyone in the wedding to eat and spend some time together before the big wedding day. This dinner is usually right after the wedding rehearsal. It is also a way to thank everyone involved in the wedding for putting their time and effort into the wedding.

While anyone can host a rehearsal dinner, this responsibility often falls on the parents of the bride or groom. It can also be customary, though not mandatory, for the people hosting the rehearsal dinner to give a speech.

When giving your rehearsal dinner speech, do not forget to thank everyone for coming to the rehearsal and for being a part of the wedding. Many people will take time off from work and travel far to make it to the wedding rehearsal.

You can also state the upcoming wedding, how excited you are for it, and you can also mention all of the hard work and planning that has gone into making the event a reality.

1. Hello everyone, can I have your attention for a moment? I would just like to thank [bride] and [groom] for putting their hearts and souls into this wedding, this special day that we have all been anticipating for a very long time. Thank you both for including us in this special day. Tonight’s rehearsal and dinner is just a taste of the celebration that is yet to come. Let us all raise a glass to the lovely couple and the upcoming wedding day.

2. So the big day is tomorrow and I am a bundle of nerves. I can only imagine how [bride] and [groom] are feeling. But it is a happy occasion and it will be a day full of love and celebration. I know that I do not just speak for myself when I say that I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings.

3. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears has gone into planning this wedding. And tomorrow is the big day. So thank all of you for coming here to support [bride] and [groom], who both mean so much to me. I cannot wait to celebrate this wedding with all of you.

4. As many of you know, planning a wedding is not easy. There are so many details to think about. The venue. The wedding date, the guests, the church, the caterer, the DJ or band, the florist, the dress, and so on. Every little aspect, every single detail of the wedding is meticulously planned out by the bride and groom who want nothing more than to share their love for each other with their closest friends and family members.

[Bride] and [groom] have both worked so hard to make sure that tomorrow will be amazing. And I for one, cannot wait for the wedding.

5. As I look at the face of close friends and family members that are here at this rehearsal dinner, I am happy to know that [bride] and [groom] have such a great community behind them. To have that type of support from the people that you love is truly invaluable. Believe me when I say that this wedding would not have been the same without all of you.

6. Hello, everyone. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to the rehearsal dinner. It means to world to us that all of you are here with us tonight to help us prepare for our wedding. Now eat, drink, enjoy yourselves, and get a good night’s sleep. We all have a huge day ahead tomorrow.

7. I would like to thank [groom’s] parents for putting together this lovely rehearsal dinner. Thank you for welcoming me into your family and for treating me like your own daughter. And to my own parents, I want to thank you for all of the help and support that you have offered up to us as well. To everyone here tonight, know that this wedding would not be the same without you. We are so grateful for each and every one of you. Now let’s eat!

8. Hi everyone, I am a friend of the bride, and after getting to know him, I have become quite good friends with [groom] as well. Watching the love that has blossomed between these two has just been magical and I am so happy that my dear friend has found the perfect match for her.

9. As I look around this room, it warms my heart to see all of the love in here that people have for [bride] and [groom.] If you have been in a wedding before, you know that it takes a lot of hard work and planning. It truly is a group effort and this rehearsal is the last thing on the to-do list before the big day. I know [bride] and [groom] are so happy and grateful to have you all here and I am so lucky to get to meet and eat with all of you.

10. I want to thank all of you for making it to tonight’s wedding rehearsal. It is a crucial part of making sure that the wedding tomorrow will go smoothly. I know that many of you could be doing something else really fun tonight, but instead you are here helping us get ready for our big day and for that, we are very thankful.

While getting through a wedding rehearsal is certainly not the most fun thing that you can do on a Friday night, it will certainly help with the wedding tomorrow. I also want to thank you all for your enthusiasm, and for showering us with your love. Your support means the world to us. Now we get to relax and eat and I promise you that tomorrow is going to be a fun day that we will all remember.

Check out our Best Man Speech Examples.

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A Guide to Writing the Perfect Mother of the Groom Speech

Last Updated: May 19, 2024 Fact Checked

• How to Write Your Speech

Best Practices

Templates & examples.

• What Not to Say

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 9,824 times.

Your son’s wedding is quickly approaching and all the details are taken care of—except the speech you plan to give at the rehearsal dinner or reception. We're here to help! Writing and giving a mother of the groom speech will be a piece of cake with our guide. You only need a few stories, anecdotes, and sweet words to melt everyone’s hearts. We’ll explain what to include and avoid, provide tons of examples, and even show you how to format your speech from beginning to end.

Things You Should Know

• Start your speech with a quick introduction, stating who you are and your relationship to the couple.
• Add personality and warmth to your speech by including heartwarming or funny stories about your son.
• Finish your speech with a touching message for the happy couple, expressing how bright and joyful you wish their future together to be.

How to Write a Mother of the Groom Speech

• If you’re feeling stuck, brainstorm speech ideas by jotting down what words describe your son and his partner.
• Practice makes perfect! If you’re nervous about giving your speech, that’s completely normal. Practice your speech as many times as possible so you know what you’ll say and how you’ll say it. This can help calm your nerves. [5] X Research source
• Keep your speech short and sweet. [6] X Research source The longer your speech is, the less engaged your audience will be. So, aim to keep your speech under 5 minutes.
• At the end of the day, make the speech unique to you. If these templates don’t speak to you, that’s okay! Write and speak from the heart. [7] X Research source
• If you’re worried about how your speech sounds, ask someone to read it over.
• 1 Standard Example Hello everyone, I’m [Your Name], the mother of the handsome groom. I’m so grateful to be standing before you today to celebrate [Your Son’s Name] and [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], and it’s been wonderful getting to meet each and every one of you. The support you’ve shown my son is truly heartwarming. Now, some of you know [Your Son’s Name] as the person who’s always [insert personal description]. But to me, he’s still the sweetest little boy. [Insert story about your son’s childhood]. [Your Son’s Name] has always been [insert description that matches above childhood story], and now he’s found someone just as incredible as he is. [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], you are [insert description of your son’s partner]. From the first time I met you, I knew you were the one. It gives me great honor to welcome you into our family. [Your Son’s Name] and [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], I hope your lifetime together is full of joy and laughter. May your love continue to grow with each year, each milestone, and each hardship. Let’s raise our glasses to the happy couple! Here’s to many more happy years to come!
• 2 Short & Sweet Example Dear friends and family, I’m here tonight to talk about my son, [Your Son’s Name], the most [insert description] man I know. Ever since he was little, he’s been a [insert description]. He has a heart of gold, and I knew whoever would win his heart one day would be someone very, very special. [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], you are that very special someone. From the moment [Your Son’s Name] introduced me to you, I knew you were his future. You’re [insert description], and I can’t imagine anyone better for my son. [Insert a popular quote or family saying]. I can’t wait to spend more time with you, [Your Son’s Partner’s Name]. I hope your marriage is happy, bright, and filled with joy. I love you both dearly.
• 3 Funny Example Good evening, everyone! Thank you all for coming to this special occasion. I am honored to stand before you as the groom's mother. Now, [Your Son’s Name] may have gotten his good looks from his father, but he certainly got his humor from me! [Insert a funny story about your son growing up that showcases his personality or relationship with you] [Insert another story about your son that focuses on his relationship with his partner] And [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], our beautiful bride. Now, I must admit, when [Your Son’s Name] first introduced us, I was a bit skeptical. But I’m happy to say you’ve won me over with that contagious laugh, kind heart, and [insert description]. [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], you’ve brought my son and this family so much joy these past few years, and I cannot thank you enough for that. You’re a perfect match for each other, and it’s been an honor to watch you grow and thrive in each other's arms. Here’s to a future full of love and laughter. To the happy couple!
• 4 Heartfelt Example Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here tonight to talk to you about my son and his fabulous new life partner. Growing up, [Your Son’s Name] always talked about finding the one. [Insert personal story]. When he brought [Your Son’s Partner’s Name] home, I just had this feeling. Something told me this was it. And then he asked [Your Son’s Partner’s Name] to marry him. [Insert story about the proposal]. I knew she’d say yes—we all did! But seeing them waltz into the house with the biggest grins made it all so much more real. [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], I’m so happy to say you’re a part of this family. It feels like you always have been. Here’s to many, many years of happiness. I love you both.
• 5 Simple Example Good evening, everyone! I don’t want to take up too much of your time. After all, we have a lot of speeches to get through tonight! So I’ll just say how happy I am for my son and his beautiful partner. These two are a force to be reckoned with, and I have no doubt that they are going to do such wondrous things together. To [Your Son’s Name] and [Your Son’s Partner’s Name]! Let all of your wildest dreams come true.

What Not to Say In Your Speech

Expert Q&A

• Typically, the mother of the groom speech is given at the rehearsal dinner or during the reception after the wedding ceremony. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Do breathing exercises to help calm your nerves before you give your speech. Try inhaling for 4 counts and exhaling for another 4. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Write your speech down if you feel like you’ll forget it. There’s no shame in glancing at it every so often! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.allspeechesgreatandsmall.com/mother-of-the-groom-speech
• ↑ https://melbourneentertainmentco.com.au/mother-of-the-groom-speech-tips-ideas/
• ↑ https://nathancassar.com.au/write-wedding-speech-in-5-steps/
• ↑ https://theeverygirl.com/wedding-speech-tips/
• ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/
• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/15/style/how-to-write-a-wedding-speech.html
• ↑ https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/relationships-love/a27153047/how-to-write-a-wedding-speech/

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Father of the Groom Speech Guide with Examples

The father of the groom has a lot of responsibilities throughout the wedding planning process. From arranging and paying for the rehearsal dinner to walking the groom’s mother down the aisle, there are several things dad has to tackle. 

While old wedding traditions didn’t dictate that one of these tasks would be presenting a father of the groom speech, modern-day times are changing that. If your nerves are getting the best of you, and you’re not sure what to include in your father of the groom toast, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. 

Why Is The Father Of The Groom Speech Important?

Generally speaking, the host of the wedding is who presents a toast to the newlyweds which at many weddings is the father of the bride. But as the father of the groom, you are also welcome to break tradition especially if you are paying for a portion of the wedding (cause that makes you a co-host). 

Today, the groom’s dad giving a speech is becoming more and more popular. As the father of the groom, it is important for you to share your pride, and love for the couple as well as some well-wishes for their future life together.  If you want to say some loving words to the couple make sure to check with them first to get their approval.

When Should The Father Of The Groom Present His Toast?

The traditional wedding speech order doesn’t include the groom’s dad, the best place for you to present your inspirational toast is after your son and before the best man’s speech . The best man speech is the highlight and you want to make sure you don’t upstage him.

Traditional Wedding Speech Order

Here’s the ultimate guide to the traditional wedding speech order. 

• Father of the Bride

What Makes A Good “Father Of The Groom” Speech?

The father of the groom toast is your opportunity to say somehow exceptional your son is, maybe share a funny story from his childhood, and of course some loving words about his new spouse. The key to writing a good or great father of the groom speech is to make it heartfelt and includes some inspiring tips for having a healthy marriage.

To make your father of the groom’s toast a huge success, you should prepare it in advance. Winging it could result in a wedding gaffe , and you don’t want that! Take time to write your speech in advance, including some real memories, humor, and raw emotions and you’re sure to have an incredible father of the groom toast. 

Tips On What To Include In Your Father Of The Groom Speech

• Introduce Yourself (a no-brainer, we know, but the nerves may make you forget too)
• Greetings To The Wedding Guests
• Comments About The Newlyweds
• Thank All The Vendors 
• Add-In Some Fatherly Wisdom
• Tips For A Healthy Marriage
• Toast To The Couple

To help you get your writing juices flowing, we found some incredible wedding speeches for the father of the groom. These are sure to help inspire you to write a flawless, and engaging father of the groom speech. 

Father Of The Groom Speech Examples

Short & sweet.

“[Bride] and [Groom], while you have loved and cared for one another for a long time, today you became one! The outpouring of love witnessed in this room today makes me the proudest dad in the world. Both of our families are blessed that you are loved and cherished by so many. 

You are both surrounded by people that are thankful and honored to be able to be a part of your wedding day. I think I speak for all the guests here today, we wish you a lifetime of passion, respect, and undying love. Congratulations to you on continuing your journey through life together as one. 

A Proud Father Of The Groom

“[Groom,] as your dad, I couldn’t be more proud to know you. I have had the unbelievable pleasure of watching you as you grew from a little baby boy into an honorable, humble, and loving young man. Every day you amaze me, the love that lives inside your soul inspires me and the energy and zest for life keep me feeling young. On this beautiful day, I wish you many years of intense love, faith, passion, and prosperity. Congratulations to you and your stunning wife on your wedding day.”

A Tribute To The Newlyweds

“Hi, I’m (Father’s Name), (Groom’s) father. It is absolutely wonderful to see familiar faces in the crowd and I am excited to create new relationships with those of you I am meeting for the first time. My friends, family members, and people I do not know-all here to celebrate this special day with my son and with his beautiful new bride. <point to bride>

I still remember like it was yesterday : (tell a story about your son achieving something or playing a sport as a child. At that moment, I was the proudest father in the world. I really understand what it meant to love your child and to want to do anything you can for him.

Today he stands before you (say a few things about him ie: college graduate, and professional) and now, a married man, who is starting a family of his own. I couldn’t be happier for them both. 

So, let’s raise a glass to them. To the newlyweds, I wish you have a wonderful, joyous marriage filled with love and with an undying partnership. Congratulations (Bride and Groom)!”

Co-hosting The Wedding – A Wonderful Father Of The Groom Toast

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for coming on this joyous day that we’ll cherish forever. As the proud father of the groom, a father with decidedly emptier pockets for agreeing to co-host this happy day – it was definitely worth it, you crazy kids – I would just like to say that I’m glad it’s almost over.

Don’t get me wrong! Today has been so much fun, but now my house can go back to normal and there won’t be oodles of wedding decorations and tuxes and flowers everywhere. Did I mention the flowers? I don’t think our home has ever looked more like a flower shop. It’s amazing.

Now for the happy couple. Seeing (groom’s name) next to his bride has been such a treat, one that his mother and I won’t soon forget.

These two kiddies made a promise on their tenth birthday – the same day too – that if they were still single at age 30 they’d get married. I thought it was nonsense at the time. But incredibly, they ran into one another a year ago and it was instant chemistry. Who’d have guessed?

Here’s to decades of happiness together, wherever the winds may take you. We love you.”

Love Is Priceless

“[Bride] and [groom,] separately you are two wonderful people but together, you are even better. You finish each other’s sentences and can communicate without even saying a word. You know how to make each other laugh and smile and you know how to comfort each other as well.

You are two peas in a pod, there is no question at all that you were always meant to be together. I have so much love and respect for the two of you, for the lengths that you would go to for each other to make each other happy. Never lose what you two have because it is a priceless thing that you are lucky to be able to enjoy. Let us all raise a glass to the wonderful couple, my son [groom] and his wife, [bride.]”

A New Journey

“Marriages, like births, mark a new chapter in your journey through life. The day I drove home from the hospital after [Groom] was born was a certainly new beginning for me. To be the father of a son seemed a bit overwhelming, but anticipation for his life and our relationship helped me overcome my fears and work hard to be a father worthy of such a son.

Today, we couldn’t be more proud to be part of another new beginning as [Groom] and [Bride] embark on the journey to starting their own family. If they are anything like me they are probably filled with so many feelings; joy, anxiety, love, excitement and so much more.

My advice for both of you is to always be true to each other; share your joys and burdens; love in abundance and laugh frequently, and always be each other’s best friend. Speak well of one another, especially in public settings but also in private. And when things don’t go right, forgive always. Married life is a joyous adventure, and today you embark on living this adventure we call life together. Even though you are unique individuals, your vows and covenant taken today make you as a couple more important than either of you could be separate.

One day, if you are fortunate as I have been, you will stand in awe of a new life entering your family. That will be another beginning, filled with apprehension and anticipation. Bring to that relationship the same level of love and commitment you do to your marriage, and you will find joy beyond compare.

So today, your friends and family surround you as you begin something new and marvelous. Remember your promises, keep them with all your heart, and you will have that sense of joy and wonder that exceeds all you have previously known. With all my heart, I offer you my congratulations and warmest wishes as you begin the latest adventure life has to offer.”

Traditional Father Of The Groom Speech

“Good afternoon everyone. First of all, on behalf of my wife and me, I would like to welcome (groom’s or bride’s parents) into the family. I’d also like to welcome relatives and friends of both families and thank you all for being here, especially those of you who have traveled a long way to make this special occasion so memorable. (Bride and groom’s names) have obviously worked really hard on this beautiful wedding, and I’m sure everyone here agrees that the ceremony was wonderful.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone else involved in making the day so special. At this point, I would like to formally welcome (bride or groom) into the family, even though you have been part of it for a good while now. Without sounding too corny, (bride or groom’s name), you are a great (girl or guy) who clearly loves our (son or daughter) and obviously makes him/her very happy. I think you have been with (groom or bride’s name) long enough now to know what you are getting yourself into by joining our family so, to be honest, I don’t have any sympathy for you. Seriously though (groom or bride’s name), we are glad that you are part of our family and I am proud to have you as a (son-in-law or daughter-in-law).

Sticking with tradition, I’d like to leave the new couple with some words of advice as they enter into this next stage of their lives together. As a great philosopher once said, a man who gives in when he is wrong is a wise man. Whilst a man who gives in when he is right is married. All that remains is for me to ask that you all join me in a toast to the happy couple. May you both live as long as you like and have all that you need for as long as you live. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you (bride and groom’s names).Cheers to a lifetime of love, prosperity, and happiness.”

A Heartfelt Toast: Crafting the Perfect Father of the Groom Rehearsal Dinner Speech

by Antoinette Barajas

The father of the groom plays an important role in any wedding – from walking his son down the aisle to giving a heartfelt speech during the rehearsal dinner. But what should you include in a father of the groom rehearsal dinner speech?

A rehearsal dinner speech is typically given by the father of the groom, but it can also be given by anoher family member or friend. The key is to make sure it’s meaningful and heartfelt, as this will be remembered for years to come.

When crafting your speech, remember to keep it short and sweet. Introduce yourself and thank everyone for coming. Next, talk about your son and his future wife – their relationship, how they met, and what makes them special together. You can also share funny stories about your son when he was growing up if appropriate.

Be sure to recognize all those who helped plan the wedding and thank them for their hard work. Finally, end with well wishes for the couple and offer them advice on marriage if you feel comfortable doing so. Once you’ve finished your speech, don’t forget to raise a toast in honor of the newlyweds!

Giving a father of the groom rehearsal dinner speech can be daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Just remember that your words are a way of showing love and support for your son and his new spouse on this special day – so speak from your heart!

Giving a Speech at the Rehearsal Dinner: Does the Father of the Groom Participate?

Yes, the father of the groom does indeed give a speech at the rehearsal dinner. During his speech, he will introduce himself and welcome everyone who has gathered for the event. He will then talk about his son and his relationship with the bride, expressing joy at their union and wishing them every happiness in their marriage. He may also thnk everyone who helped to make the wedding happen and offer words of wisdom or advice to the couple as they embark on this journey together. Finally, he will toast to their future and congratulate them on their upcoming nuptials.

Source: brides.com

Father of the Groom Speech

Good evening everyone,

I am honored to be here this evening to celebrate the wedding of my son. As his father, I have had the privilege of watching him grow into the man he is today and I couldn’t be more proud.

My son has always been a kind, thoughtful and generous person. He has a great sense of humor and is an excellent listener. I have been so impressed with how he has handled every challenge that life has thrown his way with grace and determination.

I have many wonderful memories of my son growing up that I’d like to share with you all. One of my favorites was when he was only three years old and we were at the park together. He suddenly ran off towards a nearby tree, grabbed a few leaves, put them in his mouth and declared that he was eating “salad”. It sill makes me laugh when I think about it!

As you know, marriage is not always easy but it can also be incredibly rewarding if both partners are committed to making it work. I am confident that my son and his new bride have what it takes to build a beautiful life together as they embark on this new journey.

So please join me in raising our glasses in celebration of their union! Congratulations to the happy couple!

The Father of the Groom’s Role at the Rehearsal Dinner

The father of the groom is often responsible for making a toast at the rehearsal dinner. This typically includes thanking the guests for attending, expressing his joy for his son’s marriage, and offering words of wisdom or advice to the newlyweds. He may also help to welcome any out-of-town guests, as well as helping to ensure that everyone has a pleasant evening.

Beginning the Father of the Groom Speech

Good evening everyone. My name is [Name], and I am the proud father of the groom. It’s a true honor to be here with you all on such a special day, as my son [Groom’s Name] and his beautiful bride [Bride Name] join together in marriage. I’ve knon [Groom] since he was just a little boy, and I’m so proud of the man he has become. I can’t think of anyone more perfect for him than [Bride], so today is truly a joyous occasion for our family. As we all celebrate this union, let’s take a moment to recognize the incredible love shared by these two wonderful people. Let us raise our glasses in honor of their commitment and offer them our best wishes for a lifetime of joy and happiness together! Cheers!

Thanking the Father of the Groom in the Speech

In his speech, the father of the groom should thank the bride and groom for inviting him to be part of their special day. He should thank both sets of parents for raising wonderful children, and the bridal party for their help in making the day so memorable. He should also thank all the guests for attending, and acknowledge any family members or friends who were unable to make it. Lastly, he can give a special thanks to any vendors or other individuals who helped make the event possible.

Source: younghipandmarried.com

The Father of the Groom’s Speech: Is it Necessary?

No, the father of the groom does not have to make a speech. Traditionally, the father of the groom is not required to make a speech at a wedding ceremony. However, it is perfectly acceptable for him to offer a few words of congratulations or advice if he chooses to do so.

Toast to My Son at His Rehearsal Dinner

At my son’s rehearsal dinner, I’m filled with pride and joy as I look arund the room and see the incredible man he has grown to be. I remember when he was a little boy, always full of energy and life. Even then, he always had a strong sense of what was important to him and what he wanted out of life.

It’s been an absolute pleasure to watch him grow into the man he is today. He has such an amazing spirit and is so full of love for those around him. It’s no surprise that he found the perfect partner in his future wife, who I know will bring out the best in him for many years to come.

I want to thank everyone here today for being a part of this special occasion. Let us all raise our glasses in celebration of my son’s upcoming wedding, and wish them both a lifetime of love and happiness together.

Father’s Speech at Son’s Wedding

Yes, a father of the groom is expected to give a speech at his son’s wedding. The father of the groom speech is an opportunity for him to express his love and support for his son and new daughter-in-law. It’s also an opportunity for him to express his hopes and wishes for the couple’s future together. A father of the groom speech sould be heartfelt, warm, and sincere. He should congratulate them on their commitment to each other and share stories about how much he loves and respects his son. He should also thank all the guests for attending and wish them all well. This can be done in a lighthearted way or with more serious reflections on what marriage means in general. No matter what approach he takes, it should be heartfelt and honest so that it rings true with all those present.

Writing a Speech for My Son’s Wedding

Begin your speech by introducing yourself to the guests, and expressing your gratitude that they have come to celebrate the wedding of your son. Next, talk about your son and all of his wonderful qualities. Share some stories that demonstrate why he is so special, and explain how proud you are of him.

Then, move on to talk about your son’s partner. Share what you appreciate about them, and why you think they make such a great team together. Express your heartfelt wishes for thir marriage and express how confident you are that they will have a long and successful marriage.

It’s important to remember not to embarrass either your son or his partner with inside jokes or embarrassing stories. Keep it lighthearted but sincere as you share your hopes for their future together. End your speech with a few words of advice for the couple, and wish them much happiness as they embark on this new journey together!

Source: weddingforward.com

The Father of the Groom’s Financial Responsibilities

Traditionally, the father of the groom is expected to cover a variety of expenses when it comes to his son’s wedding. These typically include the marriage license, officiant fees, and providing transportation for the groom and his groomsmen. Additionally, he may also be responsible for contributing to the cost of the engagement party, helping with the costs of wedding attire such as tuxedos or suits for the groomsmen, and covering any miscellaneous costs associated with hosting out-of-town guests. Finally, he can also be asked to help cover some of the costs related to the reception venue and catering services.

Who Should Speak First at a Rehearsal Dinner?

The first person to speak at a rehearsal dinner is traditionally the father of the groom. He is expected to give a speech that sets the tone for the evening, expressing his appreciation and joy for being part of his son’s special day. He may also thank those in attendance for ther well wishes and support, and welcome any guests from out of town. After the father of the groom has finished speaking, members of the wedding party who will not be delivering a speech during the wedding reception are invited to share their thoughts. This typically includes anyone other than the maid of honor and best man, such as bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, parents of both parties, siblings, or close friends.

The Financial Responsibilities of the Father of the Groom

The father of the groom typically pays for a variety of wedding expenses including the wedding rings, officiant’s fee, marriage license, bride’s bouquet, boutonnieres and corsages for the immediate family, music (band/DJ), liquor at the reception and honeymoon. In some cases he may also pay for the rehearsal dinner, flowers for the ceremony or reception hall decorations. He may also be expected to make a contribution towrds the bride’s dress and wedding accessories. Additionally, he can help with some of the smaller details like invitations or favors. Ultimately, however, it is up to him and his budget to decide exactly what he will contribute financially.

Length of Rehearsal Dinner Speech

The ideal length for a rehearsal dinner speech is two to three minutes. While speeches longer than five minutes may be acceptable, it’s important to keep in mind that the audience will likely become bored or distracted if it goes on too long. Keeping your speech within the two to three minute timeframe will ensure that your words are heard and appreciated by all in attendance.

Attire for the Groom’s Father

The groom’s father typically wears the same level of formal attire as the groomsmen. For example, if the groomsmen are wearing tuxedos, then the father of the groom should also wear a tuxedo. If the groomsmen are wearing suits, then the father of the groom should wear a suit. It is important to coordinate with the other members of the wedding party to ensure that everyone looks their best for this special occasion.

Who Speaks First at a Wedding?

At a traditional wedding, the father of the bride is typically the first to give a speech. He will typically welcome guests to the wedding and thank them for taking part in such an important day. He may also offer words of congratulations and good wishes to the couple as they embark on their journey together. The father of the bride may also thank those who helped to make the day possible, like family members, friends, and vendors who provided services for the wedding. Finally, he may offer advice or wisdom about marriage or life in general.

In conclusion, the Father of the Groom plays a very important role in the wedding rehearsal and ceremony. He is responsible for introducing himself and welcoming everyone to the event, talking about his son and the couple, thanking people who have helped out, giving advice and toasting to the couple. He should also share stories from his son’s childhood and recognize his new spouse. Through his speech, he can create an atmosphere of love and joy that will make this special day even more memorable for everyone involved.

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From Dramatic Bows to Gloves Galore, Bridal Stylist Julie Sabatino Shares 5 Wedding Style Tips (Exclusive)

Sabatino’s new book, 'Dressed, Styled, and Down the Aisle: Becoming a Stylish Bride' comes out June 3

Greenleaf Book Group Press; Christian Oth

When it comes to putting together the perfect wedding day look, Julie Sabatino has couples covered.

The Stylish Bride founder and author has spent two decades curating wedding looks for A-list celebrities and notable clients using her expertise to guide brides and grooms through the world of wedding attire.

Sabatino was first inspired to start her business after planning her own wedding back in 2001.  

Phillip Van Nostrand

“I can remember feeling overwhelmed by the options and also humiliated and discouraged that none of the samples fit; I had a real crisis of confidence and looked for guidance, but there was no such thing as a bridal stylist in 2001.” In addition to The Stylish Bride, she’s also the creator and visionary behind The Sample Size Solution – a portable product designed to help make sampled dresses fit all brides.

Her new book, 'Dressed, Styled, and Down the Aisle: Becoming a Stylish Bride' covers all the bases and helps guide brides looking to find their dress, style their wedding party and create a wedding wardrobe they love.

Here, Sabitano shares her top 5 wedding style trends.

Dramatic Bows

"In bridal fashion, just like everyday-wear, bows of all kinds are still having their moment. We are seeing them used in all shapes and sizes and on accessories as well," she says. "A dramatic bow is a beautiful bridal moment. If you’re considering a bow that has long streamers at the end, have an option to bustle them up so they don’t get stepped on."

Christian Oth

Watteaux Trains

"I love a Watteau train! It’s a long piece of fabric creating a train that comes from the top of the bodice in the back (think court-gowns from Marie Antoinette’s era). They are an amazing way to create lots of drama with a piece that is easy to take off. I always suggest making them removable whenever you can so you are able to switch up your look quickly," says Sabatino.

"Gloves are definitely back and hot in bridal right now. I’m a huge fan of this classic accessory that so many stylish brides have worn over the years," she says. "Today, instead of only having leather and satin options, we are seeing sheer tulle, lace, point d’esprit and embroidered versions grace brides of all kinds. Gloves aren’t just for your wedding day look. Consider them as a fun addition for an after party dress, or rehearsal dinner outfit."

Multiple Dresses

"It’s become commonplace for brides to change into a second dress for dancing, but our clients are increasingly interested in having three dresses: the wedding dress, a reception dress, and an after party dress," she explains. "Before jumping on this trend, really consider if it’s right for you. Each outfit change takes at least 20 minutes from start to finish, and that’s time you will be missing your reception. To some it’s worth it, and others don’t want to leave the dance floor."

Greenleaf Book Group Press

Same Bridesmaid Dresses

"We’ve been seeing brides increasingly interested in having all of their bridesmaids in the same dress in the same color. I think this trend (which was the norm for many years but had died out in recent history), is due to fatigue of the mix and match look that’s been so popular in recent years. Not only is it hard to find dresses that go well together, but it’s a lot of work for everyone involved. If you are trying to decide what route is best for you, consider the amount of time you have and want to devote to it. For brides that are really busy, putting your ladies in the same dress will save you time and headaches."

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Best Man Speech for Groom

Ai generator.

Good [evening/afternoon], Everyone!

First, I’d like to thank all of you for being here today to celebrate this wonderful occasion. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], the best man and a long-time friend of the groom, [Groom’s Name]. It’s an incredible honor to stand here today and share a few words about my best friend on his special day.

Opening Greeting

Good [evening/afternoon], everyone. I want to express my gratitude for joining us today to celebrate the wedding of [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name]. It’s an honor to be here, and I’m thrilled to share a few words about [Groom’s Name].

Reflecting on Friendship

Being friends with [Groom’s Name] has been an amazing journey filled with countless memories, laughter, and a few misadventures along the way. We’ve been through thick and thin, and it’s been a privilege to see him grow into the remarkable person he is today.

Funny Memory One of my favorite memories is from our college days when [Groom’s Name] and I decided to start a band. We were convinced we’d be the next big thing, even though neither of us could actually play an instrument. Our first and only gig ended with us being politely asked to leave the stage, but it gave us a story to laugh about for years.

Highlighting Groom’s Qualities

[Groom’s Name] is an extraordinary person with a big heart, a great sense of humor, and an endless supply of energy. He’s someone who’s always there for his friends and family, no matter what.

Loyalty and Support Throughout our friendship, [Groom’s Name] has always been there, offering unwavering support and a listening ear. Whether it was late-night study sessions, weekend road trips, or just hanging out, he’s always been someone I could count on.

Generosity and Kindness He’s incredibly generous and kind-hearted. I remember once when I was going through a tough time, [Groom’s Name] showed up at my door with a pizza and a movie, just to cheer me up. It’s these small acts of kindness that truly define his character.

Welcoming the Bride

Today, we also celebrate [Bride’s Name], who has brought so much joy and love into [Groom’s Name]’s life. [Bride’s Name], you’re not just gaining a husband, but an entire family who adores you. It’s clear that you and [Groom’s Name] complement each other perfectly and bring out the best in one another.

Offering Wisdom and Well-Wishes

As you both embark on this new chapter together, I want to offer some advice and my heartfelt wishes.

Advice They say marriage is about finding that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. So, [Groom’s Name], always remember to annoy [Bride’s Name] with love and patience. And [Bride’s Name], whenever [Groom’s Name] does something silly, just remember: laughter is the best way to keep things light.

Well-Wishes In all seriousness, I wish you both a lifetime filled with happiness, love, and endless adventures. May your days be filled with joy and your nights with sweet dreams. And may you always find strength in each other, and may your love continue to grow with each passing day.

Now, if everyone could please raise their glasses. Here’s to [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name]. May your life together be filled with happiness, laughter, and countless beautiful moments. Cheers to a wonderful journey ahead!

Thank you all for being here and celebrating this special day with us.

[Your Name]

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