what to say to parents in wedding speech

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How to thank your parents in your wedding speech.

By Tansey Tang

You’ll be expressing your appreciation for all of your guests at your wedding, and there are some very special people you shouldn’t miss out. Here’s how to properly thank your parents in your wedding speech!

Y our wedding day is finally here, and all the months of hard work and planning have paid off when you see the loving and excited faces gathered to celebrate you and your milestone. Your heart is so full and bursting with appreciation for the dear ones surrounding you, and your wedding speech is the perfect opportunity to express your thankfulness for their presence and their help. Besides thanking the people who cried with you, laughed with you, and worked through the night DIY-ing with you, you’ll also want to set aside a few minutes to honour your parents and in-laws.

Saying thank you to your parents at your wedding isn’t just about thanking them for any financial or logistical help with your wedding; it’s about publicly expressing your gratitude for all they’ve done for you. Thanking your new in-laws is also a respectful way to address them for the first time. Being from our typically reticent Asian culture, you may feel uncomfortable expressing your appreciation to your parents, especially when you’ll be doing so on stage. We put together some tips and sample ways to say thank you to your parents and in-laws during your wedding speech.

How Long Should the Thank You Speech Be?

Your thank you speech to your parents will likely be part of your wedding speech, where you have many special people to appreciate, such as your guests, your bridal party, your siblings, and anyone who has played a part in putting your wedding together. To avoid losing attention, you’ll want to keep your speech concise—about 5-8 minutes long each if the both of you are taking turns to speak. Your thank-yous to your parents is a key component of your speech, but probably won’t take very long.

What Should You Include in Your Thank-You Speech to Your Parents?

Your wedding is a big milestone, where you officially leave the household to form a new family of your own. You’ll want to thank your parents for all they’ve done in bringing you to this new chapter. You could express your gratitude for their unconditional love and support, acknowledge their hard work or appreciate their cooking, mention some values they’ve taught you to live by, or reminisce about some childhood memories that you’ll cherish. You could also talk about their role model characters or their example as a loving married couple, and how you hope to follow in their footsteps. If they contributed financially to your wedding, be sure to thank them as well, and appreciate any help they offered through the planning.

How Should You Thank Your In-Laws in Your Wedding Speech?

Your wedding speech is a great opportunity to let your new in-laws know how happy you are to be marrying their son or daughter. Thank them for raising a wonderful person, sliding in compliments about your partner, and win bonus points if you can relate them back to your in-laws. Express your appreciation at their efforts to welcome you into their family, and acknowledge any contribution your parents-in-law made to your wedding, whether it was financial or with the planning and organisation. Tell them how much you look forward to being part of their family.

Parent Thank-You Speech Examples

Writing a speech isn’t an easy thing to do, but you don’t need to be completely original! Here are some wedding thank-speech examples you can draw inspiration from.

To your parents:

Mum, Dad, thank you for your love and support through the years. You’ve done everything you could to give us a memorable childhood, and always guided and supported us in achieving our dreams. From you, I learned that failure is simply an opportunity to learn and try again, that being kind to people matters more than being right, and that love means forgiveness and selflessness. Growing up, you’ve shown us a beautiful example of what a great marriage looks like, and Liz and I can only hope to follow in your footsteps as we begin our new chapter together.

To my parents, thank you for working so hard to bring us up. All the home-cooked meals, the weekend family time, and even the time you spent tutoring us over our homework—I appreciate everything you’ve done to give Jie and I such a wonderful childhood. As we grew older, you never failed to lend a listening ear, cheer us on, or give us sound advice as we navigated forks in our life paths. As I celebrate this milestone today, I want to thank you for your love and support that led me here.

To your in-laws:

Pa, Ma, thank you for raising such a fine young man that today, I am proud to call my husband. Daniel is so smart, caring, hardworking, and thoughtful, and that can only be a reflection of how you’ve brought him up. Thank you for always inviting me over for such delicious meals, and for welcoming me so warmly into your lives. I’m so excited to officially become part of your family.

To my new mum and dad, thank you for welcoming me into your family. Thank you for entrusting your beautiful daughter into my care. Liz is truly the ideal woman—she’s patient, supportive, strong, and so talented at what she does. I will everything in my power to give her the happiness she deserves. As we begin building our new life together, we couldn’t be more grateful to have your love and support.

Wedding Thank You Speech Tips

Now that you’ve overcome the challenge of finding the right words to say, it’s time to make sure you deliver your wedding speech well. Familiarise yourself with your speech, then practise delivering it in front of your mirror or friends, or record yourself, to see if there are areas in which you could improve your delivery. While it’s perfectly fine to read off a script, practising your speech beforehand will help you sound more natural on stage. Speak more slowly than you normally would, and make eye contact with your audience as much as you can. The most important tip? Speak from the heart!

Credits: Feature image from Ming Tong and Daryl’s Sustainable Wedding with Gold Accents at Botanico at The Garage by Bottled Groove Photography

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Published on: 4 July 2022

Category: Weddings 101

Tagged in: Wedding Speeches

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You could express your gratitude for their unwavering love and support, commend them for their labor of love or delicious cooking, mention some of the morals they’ve instilled in you, or recall some of your favorite childhood memories.

At your wedding, you’ll be showing all of your guests how much you appreciate them, but there are a few people in particular you shouldn’t leave out. Here’s how to properly thank your parents in your wedding speech.

Your wedding day has finally arrived, and you can tell that all your preparations and months of work have paid off when you see the happy and loving faces gathered to commemorate your special occasion. Your wedding speech is the ideal way to acknowledge the loved ones who are by your side and to express how grateful you are for their support. Your heart is overflowing with gratitude. You’ll want to set aside some time to honor your parents and in-laws in addition to saying “thank you” to the people who have supported you through your joys and sorrows and late-night DIY projects.

When you thank your parents at your wedding, you should do more than just acknowledge any financial or practical assistance they may have provided; you should also publicly express your appreciation for all they have done for you. A polite way to introduce yourself to your new in-laws is to thank them. Being from our typically reserved Asian culture, you might feel awkward thanking your parents, especially if you’ll be doing it on stage. We have some suggestions and examples of how to thank your parents and in-laws during your wedding speech.

At a wedding, how do you thank the families?

“We want to express our gratitude for including you in our wedding festivities. We appreciate your visit, your kind words, and your thoughtful gift. We’re eager to continue building memories with you in the future. ” Your attendance at our wedding added a lot of love and made it even more special.

Thank you cards are an important element of your wedding stationery. Aside from your invitation, there is nothing more important than thanking your guests for attending! Thank-you cards are generally sent to your guests a month or two after your wedding and are a lovely way of thanking them for attending and sharing your wedding day with you. Furthermore, it is an opportunity to express gratitude for any gifts they may have given.

Wedding invitation wording, gift card wording, and save the date wording.

We offer two varieties of letterpress thank-you cards. A printed flat card with little text is the first and most common choice because it leaves lots of room for you to handwrite a special note. This is the conventional method of writing thank-you notes, and in some cases, it is the only suitable approach. Due to the ability to customize each card, these cards are perfect for thanking your guests for their attendance on the big day and any gifts they may have given.

Which phrases can you use to express gratitude in a speech?

I want to personally thank you for everything; you are the best. I truly appreciate your assistance. I wanted to express my gratitude for your assistance. I appreciate all of your assistance. I owe you so much for being in my life. Thank you for your help. Thanks for everything you do.

What is a straightforward statement for parents?

Parents ought to spend quality time with their kids. For their children’s education, parents are accountable. (M) (T) My parents gave me a hard time after I performed poorly on the exam. (M) (T) She inquired about my parents when we last spoke.

How do you say “thank you” to everyone at a wedding?

“We appreciate you being there for us on this momentous occasion. We only hope that you enjoyed our wedding as much as we did! ” We would like to thank you for joining in on our wedding festivities. We appreciate your visit, kind words, and thoughtful gift.

Apart from your invitation, thanking your guests for attending is the most important part of your wedding stationery. Thank-you cards are usually sent to your guests a month or two after your wedding and are a lovely way to express your gratitude for their attendance and for sharing your special day with you. A chance to express gratitude for any gifts they may have given is also presented.

We provide two different types of letterpress thank-you cards. The first and most common choice is to have a flat card that is printed with little text and plenty of space for you to handwrite a personal message. This is the conventional method of writing thank-you notes, and in some cases, it is the only suitable choice. You can personalize each card, making them perfect for thanking your guests for their attendance on the big day and any gifts they may have brought.

How should you thank your parents during your wedding speech?

I want to thank our parents for their unwavering love and support. Marriage is difficult, but it is worthwhile, as you have demonstrated. To ensure that our wedding day was exactly as we had envisioned it, you both did everything within your power. So raise a glass in honor of each and every one of you present today. Cached.

Make sure your toast fulfills all the requirements by following this guide.

The big day has finally arrived after months of planning. You probably have a few special people you’d like to thank before the festivities come to an end, assuming you didn’t organize everything on your own. It’s customary—and naturally gracious—for the newlyweds to give a wedding thank-you speech to express their gratitude for everyone who assisted them along the way. Everything you need to know about this unique message of gratitude will be explained here.

Remember that your thank-you speech has more time than speeches from the best man, the father of the bride, or the maid of honor, even though your wedding day probably has a detailed schedule (and it’s always best to be succinct when you give a toast). Make sure to recognize anyone who went above and beyond to assist you in planning your wedding. By taking your time, you can avoid forgetting anyone, which might cause resentment and even strain relationships.

How do you express gratitude to your parents in a speech?

Today, I want to express my gratitude to my parents for all of their blessings and for being there for me no matter what. I can’t express my gratitude to them for everything they have done for me in words. As we are all gathered here, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my parents for raising me.

Parents have a significant impact on every child’s life. Our parents are never given the opportunity to be thanked in front of others, but there may be occasions or celebrations when you really want to show them your appreciation. These speeches of gratitude to parents will assist you in expressing your love and gratitude for your parents, leaving a lasting impression on both the audience and your parents if you have ever wondered how to thank parents through speech. Long and short thank-you speeches for parents are available here.

We appreciate you all coming to this location and participating in our celebration. As you are all aware, I will soon depart for my master’s program, and I sincerely appreciate your support over the years.

I want to thank my father for giving me the tools I needed to follow my dreams, for giving me the strength to do so, and for believing in my ability to succeed. There were times when I wanted to give up, and you were the only one who walked alongside me to give me the support I required. You spent countless hours helping me learn mathematics as a child because it was the one subject that I had always dreaded. I can still remember this from my childhood. You demonstrated to me how to quickly solve the sums. When I feel discouraged today, you show me how to quickly fix my problems, and if any problem persists, you offer your shoulder to lean on. At the time, I didn’t know that you would also play the same role for the emotional aspects as well. You are the foundational element in my life and the source of my greatest strength.

What exactly should I say during my parents’ speech?

My parents’ support for me at every stage of life is my pillar of strength. Without them, I am unable to imagine my life. Every time I get lost, my parents act as a guiding light, showing me the way. The strongest woman I know is my mother, a domestic worker.

Our parents brought us into this world. We must learn to be grateful to our parents for giving us life. My parents have done so much for me, and I appreciate it. I want to make it clear in my essay about my parents how important they are to me and how much I admire and respect them.

My parents, who help me at every stage of life, are my pillars of strength. Without them, I simply cannot imagine my life. Every time I get lost, my parents act as a guiding light, leading me back on the right course.

The strongest woman I know is my mother, a housewife. She gives me delicious food and assists me with my work. She was a teacher who resigned from her position to care for her kids.

What should I say in my parents’ wedding speech?

You could express your gratitude for their unconditional love and support, acknowledge their hard work or appreciate their cooking, mention some values they’ve taught you to live by, or reminisce about some childhood memories that you’ll cherish.

At your wedding, you’ll be showing your appreciation to all of your guests, but there are a few very special people you shouldn’t leave out. How to properly thank your parents at your wedding is shown here!

Your wedding day has finally arrived, and you can tell that all your preparations and months of work have paid off when you see the happy and loving faces gathered to commemorate your special day. Your wedding speech is the ideal way to acknowledge the loved ones who are by your side and to express how grateful you are for their support. Your heart is overflowing with gratitude. You’ll also want to set aside some time to pay tribute to your parents and in-laws, in addition to thanking the people who shared your joys and sorrows and who helped you work through the night on DIY projects.

It’s important to publicly express your gratitude for all your parents have done for you when you thank them at your wedding, not just for any financial or practical assistance with the event. Another polite way to introduce yourself to your new in-laws is to express your gratitude. Being from our traditionally reserved Asian culture, you might feel awkward thanking your parents, especially if you’ll be doing it on stage. In order to help you thank your parents and in-laws appropriately during your wedding speech, we have put together some advice and sample phrases.

How do you express your gratitude to your parents for helping with the wedding?

Dear Mom and Dad: I want to thank you so much for everything you did to make our wedding day special. from the laughter at the rehearsal dinner to the tears at the ceremony. It would not have been possible without you, so thank you for all your hard work, and we are so grateful to have had such a special day!

One of the most memorable and significant days of your life is your wedding day. Celebrate with your loved ones at this time. Without the support of their parents, many couples would not be able to have their wedding day.

It’s important to express your appreciation with the ideal thank-you note if your parents were fortunate enough to contribute to making your special day possible.

There are no strict guidelines when it comes to wedding thank-you cards. Even though it is always polite, you don’t always need to thank your parents for their assistance with your special day.

How do you thank your parents for everything?

How to Thank Parents for a Nice Gift: Do chores. Is there anything they do around the house that nobody notices? Thank you for the gift; I will use it in this way. there anything they do around the house that nobody notices? “Thank you for the gift; I will use it in this way.” dot. Show them how you’re making use of the gift. dot. Say “Thank you for thinking of me.” Give them a unique present in return.

A sincere thank you can go a long way. Major life events like graduations and weddings are the ideal times to shout out Mom and Dad, but remember, your thank you doesn’t have to be spoken to be appreciated.

Here are a few ideas for thanking the people you owe everything to.

A dream wedding takes a lot of work to plan and execute, and parents are typically involved in many phases of the process. After your special day, give them a shout-out for being there for you, whether Dad pulled out his wallet, Mom stayed up all night making centerpieces, or they were just there when you needed them the most.

How can I give a speech that will make my parents proud?

There are a few things you can improve on if you want to make your parents proud, like striving to always be a kind and considerate person and pushing yourself to take on new challenges and activities. Along with doing your absolute best, you should put forth a lot of effort.

When you know you’ve accomplished something that makes your parents proud of you, it’s always nice to feel great. You can strive to always be a kind and considerate person and push yourself to take on new challenges and activities if you want to make your parents proud. These are just a few things you can work on. (1) Doing your best and working hard should also be your main priorities. (2).

For those who require it, be a great listener. There are times when your family, friends, and even acquaintances need a listening ear. Pay attention if someone shares their struggles or stories with you. Do not stray from the topic of conversation, drowse off, or attempt to divert attention to yourself. When someone asks for advice, wait until they have fully explained the situation before offering any suggestions. (3).

As much as you can, assist those in need. Find ways to give back to your community. Spend some of your free time helping an organization that has special meaning for you. You can also do little things every day to help members of your family, friends, and even complete strangers. (4).

How do you thank your parents during a wedding?

How to Honor Your Parents at Your Wedding Lace from Mom’s Dress, dot On my dad’s shirt, there’s a heart dot. Image Charms. dot with parents: First Look. dot Read a poem or letter that you have written to your parents. dot. An important speech. Plan a photo session. A dance to commemorate their wedding anniversary is performed.

After a speech, how do you thank your audience?

Opening your thank-you speech with the straightforward phrase “Thank you very much, Ms. Speaker, for a (insert an appropriate adjective) presentation” is always a good idea. Then highlight one or two (but not more) noteworthy points from the speech, such as the startling discovery or the wise words of counsel mentioned earlier.

People tasked with thanking a speaker frequently repeat some of their remarks. That is completely unnecessary, boring at best, and at worst, it makes the room empty.

Before the event starts, make a point of introducing yourself to the speaker and making sure you know how to pronounce their name if you plan to thank them. As you briefly converse with the speaker after letting them know you’ll be thanking them, keep an eye out for any points you might be able to use in your speech to express your gratitude. Maybe the speaker had to return from a trip early in order to keep the engagement. Maybe the speaker traveled very far to give the speech. Normally there isn’t, but if there is something noteworthy, be sure to mention it. Avoid using expressions like “taking time out of your busy schedule” or “honoring us with your presence,” though.

You’ll need to pay close attention to the speech and take notes to help you select one or more suitable adjectives to use to describe it. You should also make a note of any pleasant surprises the speech may have contained, such as an unexpected revelation or a particularly sound piece of advice.

In a wedding speech, how do you express gratitude?

We are so blessed to be surrounded by the people who have supported and encouraged our love story from the very beginning. To our closest family and friends, welcome and thank you for being here. And now that we’re starting this new chapter together, we’re so glad to have you along for the ride.

How do you address a letter of acknowledgment to your parents?

My parents, who provided both emotional and monetary support, deserve a special thank you. I’ve always known you supported me and believed in me. I’m grateful that you taught me that knowing and understanding myself came before knowing and understanding others.

Related Articles:

• How To Give A Father Or Mother Of The Bride Or Groom Wedding Speech (Parents Wedding Speech)
• What To Say About Parents In A Wedding Speech
• How To Give A Great Wedding Speech Or Toast Speech Delivery Tips, How To Memorise A Speech, Tips Fo
• How To Write A Wedding Speech. How To Write Your Best Man Speech Or Maid Of Honour Speech
• How To Give A Bride And Groom Wedding Speech (Tips For Wedding Thank You Speech)
• Marriage Advice: Why There’S Drama Between Biological Parents & Step Parents

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Father of the Bride Speech Examples and Templates

by Ryan Hart | Updated on September 21, 2023 | Post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

When it comes to a wedding, one of the most anticipated speeches is the father of the bride’s.

It’s a moment for the father to express his love and pride for his daughter, offer advice and well wishes for the newlyweds, and thank everyone for being a part of this special day.

But for many fathers, the idea of giving a speech can be intimidating . You want to make sure you come across as confident, clear, and knowledgeable, but where do you start?

Brainstorming and planning ahead can help you organize your thoughts and ensure you hit all the key elements. From there, you can start writing and incorporating techniques to make your speech stand out.

What should you say in a Father of the Bride speech?

When it comes to delivering a memorable father of the bride speech, there are several key elements that you should incorporate. These elements will help you to create a speech that is heartfelt, emotional, and memorable for all the right reasons.

Introduce Yourself

Firstly, it’s important to introduce yourself and welcome the guests . This will help to set the tone for your speech and make everyone feel at ease. You can also take this opportunity to thank the guests for coming and for their support.

Share a Short Story

Next, it’s time to share stories and memories about your daughter. This is the perfect opportunity to reminisce about happy times and to highlight the qualities that make your daughter so special. You can also use this time to welcome your new son-in-law or daughter-in-law and to express your happiness for the happy couple.

Offer Words of Wisdom

It’s also important to offer some words of wisdom and marriage advice. This can be done in a concise and meaningful way, and can include quotes or anecdotes that have special meaning to you and your family. You can also share your hopes and wishes for the future of the couple.

End with a Toast

Of course, no father of the bride speech would be complete without a toast. Raise a toast to the happy couple and their future together, and share your pride and joy in their union. You can also take this opportunity to thank the maid of honor and the master of ceremonies for their contributions to the wedding.

Examples and Templates

When it comes to writing your father of the bride speech, having some examples and templates to draw inspiration from can be incredibly helpful. Here are a few resources to get you started:

"Ladies and gentlemen, I stand here as a proud father to [DAUGHTER'S NAME] . It feels like just yesterday that she was [SHARE A MEMORABLE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE] . Today, I can hardly believe she's marrying [GROOM'S NAME] , a man who [POSITIVE TRAIT OR ANECDOTE ABOUT GROOM] . As I raise my glass, I want to thank everyone for being here to celebrate this special day with us. To the happy couple, may your future be filled with love and joy."

"When [DAUGHTER'S NAME] was little, we used to [A SHARED ACTIVITY OR STORY] . Now as I watch her with [GROOM'S NAME] , I see a similar bond of [SHARED QUALITY] . I could not be happier for them. So here's to my beautiful daughter and her wonderful new husband. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Cheers!"

"As a father, you dream of the day your little girl finds someone who [VALUES OR QUALITIES YOU HOPED FOR] . Today, [DAUGHTER'S NAME] married [GROOM'S NAME] , a man who embodies all of these qualities. To my daughter and her new husband, I wish you a lifetime of happiness and love. May your marriage be as strong and beautiful as the love you share today."

"They say a father is his daughter's first love. Well, [DAUGHTER'S NAME] was my first true love. Seeing her today with [GROOM'S NAME] , I know she's found her [TERM OF ENDEARMENT: e.g. forever love, true match] . As I look at my daughter and her new husband, I am filled with pride and joy. Here's to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness. Cheers!"

"Raising [DAUGHTER'S NAME] has been my life's greatest joy. She's [POSITIVE QUALITIES OR TRAITS] . Today, as she marries [GROOM'S NAME] , I see those qualities reflected back at her, and it fills my heart with joy. To the newlyweds, may your love for each other only grow stronger with each passing year. Here's to a lifetime of happiness and joy together."

"I always knew [DAUGHTER'S NAME] would grow up to be [QUALITY, ACHIEVEMENT, OR TRAIT] . I am proud to say that [GROOM'S NAME] is the kind of man who values that about her. As a father, there is no greater joy than seeing my daughter so happy. To my daughter and her new husband, may your love for each other never fade. Cheers!"

"There are many moments in a father's life that he cherishes, but this moment, seeing [DAUGHTER'S NAME] marrying a man who is [POSITIVE TRAITS OF GROOM] , is truly special. To my beautiful daughter and her handsome husband, may your love story be filled with adventure, laughter, and endless joy. Congratulations and cheers to a lifetime of happiness together."

"As [DAUGHTER'S NAME] 's father, I've seen her grow and accomplish so much. Her marriage to [GROOM'S NAME] , a man who [COMPLIMENT ABOUT GROOM] , is another proud moment in a long list. As I raise my glass, I want to thank my daughter and her new husband for giving me the greatest gift of all - the gift of seeing my little girl so happy. Here's to a lifetime of love and joy together."

" [DAUGHTER'S NAME] has always been the [ADJECTIVE: e.g. light, star] of our family. Today, as she joins hands with [GROOM'S NAME] , I know she has found her perfect [COMPLEMENT TO PREVIOUS ADJECTIVE: e.g., beacon, constellation] . To my daughter and her new husband, may your love for each other be as strong and unbreakable as the bond between a father and his daughter. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness together."

" [DAUGHTER'S NAME] , from your first steps, to this walk down the aisle, I've had the privilege of being there. Now, as you step into a new journey with [GROOM'S NAME] , a man who [POSITIVE TRAIT OR QUALITY OF GROOM] , I know you will make beautiful memories together. As I look at my daughter and her new husband, I am filled with hope and happiness for their future together. To the happy couple, may your marriage be blessed with love, joy, and endless happiness. Cheers!"

Understanding the Role

As the father of the bride, you have a special role to play in your daughter’s wedding. Your speech is one of the most anticipated and memorable moments of the wedding reception, and it’s an opportunity to express your love and pride for your daughter and your new son-in-law.

Your speech should be heartfelt, sincere, and personal. It’s a chance to share your thoughts and feelings about your daughter, her new spouse, and their future together. Your words should be chosen carefully to reflect the love and support you have for the couple.

Remember that your speech is not just about your daughter, but also about your family. It’s a time to acknowledge and thank the guests who have come to celebrate this special occasion with you and your family. You should also take a moment to welcome your new son-in-law into the family and express your happiness at having him as part of your family.

When preparing your speech, it’s important to keep in mind the overall tone of the wedding. Is it a formal, traditional affair, or a more casual, relaxed event? Your speech should fit the tone of the wedding and reflect the personality of the couple.

Finally, don’t forget to practice your speech before the big day. This will help you feel more confident and ensure that you deliver your message clearly and effectively. With a little preparation and a lot of love, your father of the bride speech is sure to be a highlight of the wedding reception.

Brainstorming and Planning

Before you start writing a father of the bride speech, it’s important to take some time to brainstorm and plan. This will help you structure your speech and make sure you include all the important elements. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Step 1: Gather Ideas

The first step in planning your father of the bride speech is to gather ideas. Think about your daughter and her relationship with her new spouse. What are some of their shared interests? What are some of your favorite memories with your daughter? What advice do you want to give the newlyweds?

Write down all your ideas on a piece of paper or in a document. Don’t worry about organizing them yet, just get everything down.

Step 2: Organize Your Ideas

Once you have a list of ideas, it’s time to organize them. Look for common themes or topics that you want to cover in your speech. For example, you might want to talk about your daughter’s childhood, her relationship with her new spouse, and your hopes for their future together.

Create an outline for your speech, with each idea or topic as a separate section. This will help you stay organized and make sure you cover everything you want to say.

Step 3: Write Your Speech

With your ideas organized and your outline in place, it’s time to start writing your speech. Use your outline as a guide, and fill in the details for each section.

Remember to keep your speech concise and focused. Aim for a length of around five minutes, and avoid rambling or going off on tangents.

Step 4: Practice Your Speech

Once you’ve written your speech, it’s important to practice it. Stand in front of a mirror and read your speech out loud. This will help you get comfortable with the material and make sure you’re speaking clearly.

You might also want to practice in front of a friend or family member. Ask for their feedback and make any necessary adjustments to your speech.

Step 5: Deliver Your Speech

On the day of the wedding, take a deep breath and deliver your speech with confidence. Remember to speak slowly and clearly, and make eye contact with the audience.

End your speech with a heartfelt congratulations to the newlyweds, and a toast to their future together.

Writing Tips and Techniques

When it comes to writing a father of the bride speech, there are a few helpful tips and techniques that can make the process easier and ensure that your speech is a success. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

• Be yourself: The most important thing to remember when writing your speech is to be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not or use language that doesn’t feel natural to you. Speak from the heart and let your personality shine through.
• Practice public speaking: If you’re not used to speaking in public, it’s a good idea to practice beforehand. You can do this by rehearsing your speech in front of a mirror or recording yourself and watching it back. This will help you build confidence and get used to the sound of your own voice.
• Know your audience: When writing your speech, it’s important to keep your audience in mind. Think about who will be listening to your speech and what they might be expecting to hear. Tailor your speech to your audience and try to make it relevant and engaging for them.
• Keep it concise: While you might have a lot to say, it’s important to keep your speech concise and to the point. Aim for a speech that is around five minutes long, as this will keep your audience engaged without dragging on too long.
• Use humor: A little bit of humor can go a long way in a father of the bride speech. Try to include some lighthearted jokes or anecdotes that will make your audience smile and help to break the ice.

Practicing the Speech

Now that you have written your father of the bride speech, it’s time to start practicing. Practicing your speech will help you deliver it confidently and avoid any last-minute jitters. Here are some tips to help you practice your speech effectively:

• Practice in front of a mirror: Practicing in front of a mirror will help you see your facial expressions and body language. This will help you identify any nervous habits or gestures that you might want to avoid.
• Practice with a timer: Timing is crucial when it comes to delivering a speech. Practice your speech with a timer to ensure that you are not going over the allotted time. This will also help you pace yourself and avoid rushing through your speech.
• Practice in front of a friend or family member: Practicing in front of a friend or family member will help you get feedback on your speech. They can also help you identify any areas that need improvement.
• Record yourself: Recording yourself while practicing your speech will help you identify any areas that need improvement. You can also listen to your speech to get a feel for your pacing and tone.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice your speech, the more confident you will be when it’s time to deliver it. So, take the time to practice your speech and you’ll be sure to deliver a memorable speech that your daughter and her new spouse will cherish forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should the father of the bride say in his speech.

As the father of the bride, your speech should be heartfelt and sincere. You should start by welcoming the guests and thanking them for coming to celebrate this special day with your family. Then, you can share some personal anecdotes about your daughter and her relationship with the groom. You can also express your love and pride for your daughter and offer some words of wisdom for the newlyweds.

How long should a father of the bride speech be?

Your speech should be long enough to cover everything you want to say, but not so long that it becomes boring or tedious. A good rule of thumb is to keep your speech between 5-7 minutes. This will give you enough time to say what you want to say without losing the attention of your audience.

What should a dad say to his daughter on her wedding day?

As a father, your daughter’s wedding day is a very emotional and special day for you. You should take this opportunity to express your love and pride for your daughter. You can tell her how much she means to you and how proud you are of the person she has become. You can also offer some words of advice and encouragement for her future with her new spouse.

Is it OK to read the father of the bride speech?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to read your speech from a written copy. In fact, it may even be preferable if you are nervous or worried about forgetting what you want to say. However, it is important to practice your speech beforehand so that you can deliver it with confidence and emotion.

Ryan Hart is a certified relationship coach and writer. His mission is to help make connections between people better, stronger, more meaningful, and longer lasting using technology.

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How to Write the Perfect Father of the Bride Speech, in 7 Easy Steps

Here are some tips for how to floor your daughter (and the wedding guests!) with your father of the bride speech.

Vitaly M Photography

Your daughter is getting married. It’s a monumental day for not only her, but also for you, her father. She’s asked you to present a father of the bride speech (on of the traditional  father of the bride duties ), and you’re probably honored, but also a bit apprehensive. You want this father of the bride toast to floor her, like she’s floored you so many times in her life. Traditionally, father of the bride speeches either starts off or concludes the wedding reception toasts , so you’ll have everybody’s attention. You, as the father, have a unique perspective on this woman standing in front of everyone. Whether you're bursting with ideas or have a serious case of writer's block, it can be tricky to sit down and figure out how to write a father of the bride speech. 

It’s time to write the father of the bride speech you’ve always dreamed of giving. We’re here to help.

1. start your father of the bride speech with a few thank-yous..

As with any wedding toast, it's extra important that you kick off your father of the bride speech by introducing yourself and thanking whoever needs to be thanked in your early sentences. Many father of the bride speeches thank the guests for attending, as well as those who were instrumental in planning the big day (this may include your spouse). Introduce yourself as the father of the bride and feel free to make a joke about yourself. You can make a “dad joke,” or a pun, if that’s your style.

2. Mention any loved ones who you are remembering. 

If it feels right to you, mention any family members who aren't physically present at the wedding in your father of the bride toast. “I keep thinking of your mom, who would have absolutely loved to be here.” You can keep this sweet and simple. You don’t have to include it at all, but it could be a nice tribute to loved ones .

The Secret Garden at Rancho Santa Fe

3. Share any special memories of your child. 

Unless her older sibling or mother presents a speech, you have a plethora of memories to include in your father of the bride speech from a time in her life that no one else has tucked away. People love hearing stories from childhood, and you should capitalize on that . It can be sentimental or embarrassing – though, not too embarrassing. It is her day, after all.

Recall the day you brought her home from the hospital, and what you were thinking and feeling. Remember the time she brought a wounded bird into your house and demanded, through tears, that you two nursed it back to health? That was one moment out of many that you realized just how caring and generous your daughter has always been. Bring up the time she broke a bone (for the sixth time), because she was always so incredibly adventurous. You’ve always worried about her, but you know she can take care of herself. Our favorite father of the bride speech examples are ones where the giver uses an anecdote to share something about the bride's personality or his relationship with her. 

4. Talk about your new in-law.

Your daughter is the light of your life, but you have a new “child” in your life now. It would be nice to address her partner directly in your father of the bride speech, and thank them for making your daughter so incredibly happy. However you feel appropriate doing this, depending on your relationship with your new in-law , is up to you.

Use your father of the bride speech reminisce about the time when you first met him/her. If you’re particularly close with your daughter, maybe she called you after their first date – what were you thinking? Has there been a time you were particularly glad to have them around? This can be sentimental or funny, but it should be genuine – regardless of your true feelings. Maybe, on a family vacation, the car broke down, and her partner’s handy skills in a crisis made you really appreciate their presence. This is a funnier story, but can lead into a genuine appreciation. Most importantly, they have made your daughter incredibly happy, so definitely make sure to express gratitude and a warm welcome to the family.

Christy Renee Photography

5. Give some advice in your father of the bride speech.

You are older and wiser, so if it makes sense for you, give the new couple a piece of advice toward a happy marriage — or just happiness in general — in your father of the bride speech. Whether you’re married, divorced, or happily single doesn't matter. If you don’t feel equipped to offer advice, then don't force it. But, considering how many dads love to offer unsolicited advice to their children, this is a great opportunity.

If you are married, offer your secret . It can be real or a joke. But try to avoid sexist tropes, if you can. Jokes like, “Married men always have the same boss,” are tired and overused. More importantly than that, it presents an image of marriage to the new couple that isn’t ideal. If you do have genuine advice, though, feel free to offer it – even if you aren’t married. Don't joke about the divorce rate, though. It will only succeed in ensuing awkwardness for everyone present.

6. Use a quote, but don't force it.

This won't necessarily work for all father of the bride speeches. But, if it feels natural to work a quote that particularly speaks to you in your toast, you shouldn't feel like you have to shy away from it. It can be a sweet way to end your speech. Also, it doesn't have to be some profound quote — and this is what I mean about not forcing it. Don't use a quote just for the sake of using one. But, if there’s a quote that speaks to you on a personal level, it can be great. It doesn’t have to be serious. If you and your daughter have a special bond over something, like, The Simpsons , a comedic quote can be great provided you deliver it with confidence.

7. End with a toast.

If you're unsure of how to end your father of the bride speech, a toast is a crowd-pleaser. Offer up your congratulations and invite everyone to toast to the happy couple. Remind your daughter that you are proud of her, that you love her, and that you're so happy for her that she found someone who treats her well. Welcome your new in law to the family one last time, take a sip of your drink, and go hug your daughter – who may very well be crying .

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Father of The Bride Speech Guide, Tips & Examples 2022

Here's the ultimate guide to writing a flawless father of the bride speech for your daughter on her wedding day, complete with speech examples, tips, and advice.

What should be included in a father of the bride speech?

Welcome the guests, tales, and praises about your daughter, a welcome to your new son-in-law or daughter-in-law, words of advice, and a toast to the new pair are all part of a typical father of the bride speech.

What is a good way to end a father of the bride speech?

Ending a father of the bride speech with a few words of advice for the newlywed couple is always a good idea, followed by a strong passionate toast that you invite all of the guests to end in.

Father of the Bride's Speeches Guide 2022

The bride's father typically delivers his speech first at the wedding reception, followed by the groom's speech and the best man's speech. The father of the bride's speech is typically seen as the warm-up act in this order.

The father of the bride's speech typically begins by thanking the wedding guests for attending and recognizing his daughter's new in-laws, as well as welcoming his new son or daughter-in-law into the family.

See also: 10 Touching Father-Daughter Wedding Moments

It's customarily a more heartfelt speech than hilarious, similar to the best man speech. With a little planning, though, you can ensure that your father of the bride's speech and moment in the spotlight is memorable.

1. Introduce yourself

You should introduce yourself and welcome all the guests coming to the special day with you (ask the bride for any special mentions she might want to include here, like friends who have traveled from overseas).

2. Welcome the guests

The next step is to welcome the guests. You can skip this step if you're not giving the first speech and the guests have already been welcomed. The couple's parents are typically the first to speak at either the rehearsal dinner or the wedding reception, but this isn't always the case. To welcome all of your guests at the reception or whatever event you are giving a speech at, you would say something like, “Welcome to the reception.”

3. Thank everyone

Don't forget to say thank you because you have a microphone, so don't forget. During the wedding, thank everyone who came. Also, thank the parents of your daughter's new husband for everything that they did for her and her husband.

See also: 18 Must Have Getting Ready Wedding Photo Ideas for Groom and Groomsmen

4. Share some memories

Nothing makes people cry more than hearing heartfelt stories about the bride's life through the eyes of their dad. Choose some memories from your little girl's childhood that you always stick or some funny (but not embarrassing) things that happened to her when she was a mind. If one of those memories is with their partner, be sure to share the guests.

5. Share your pride

To be the father of the bride, you should be very proud. Mention sure to talk about how proud you are of your daughter and how much you cherish her pride. Make sure you don't think this is an excuse for them to show off their résumé, though. Only choose a few things that really show off their personality.

5. Talk about the present

Dad, don't live your whole life in the past. Discuss important things that are happening right now, as this important day is unfolding. Everyone sees the events from their own point of view, but your unique point of view gives you a new way of looking at the event's significance.

6. Welcome your son-in-law.

Make sure to talk about the bride and talk about their new partner. Take this time to welcome them into your family and share with them how it makes you feel. You can also tell some stories about how they were together and what made you most happy.

7. Express your love

Your baby is right there. This is the moment to tell them how much they mean to you. You should tell your daughter how much you love and cherish her. Tell them how much you love your relationship with them and how you think it will change or stay the same in the relationship.

8. Share the future

You've talked about the past and the present in the past and now. Now talk about the future together as a married couple, and you'll be done. As long as you don't go too crazy with the flow of the speech, breaking things down in a simple chronological order is always easy for the guests to follow.

9. Share some wisdom

People who are getting married should get some wise advice from their friends and couple. This is the best time to talk to your dad, so make the most of it. It's not just you and your daughter there. There are other people there, too.

7 Tips for the Father of the Bride's Speech

There you go, dads. Here are some important tips on how to give the best father of the bride speech anyone has ever heard.

• Think about a theme. Make sure you have a main point from the start. This will help set the tone for your whole speech. This should make it easier for you to quickly organise your thoughts and choose examples that are relevant to showcase off. People who use this type of framework will write coherent and meaningful content that will sound like it was written by an inspired person and keep the audience interested.
• Keep it short. Keep your toast short and sweet, even though you've been waiting years for this day to come. The best length for a speech is about five or six minutes, with the three-minute mark being your lowest point for a good one. Before the wedding, write down some of the things you want to say and give them to your daughter in a card that she can read on her own the morning of the wedding.
• Don't be too weird. Skip the stories that might make your daughter feel bad or the memories that they want you to forget. Remember that the speech is a toast, not a roast. With their new spouse there will also be a whole new family of in-laws and maybe even some coworkers. It's also a good idea to think about whether your in-laws and coworkers would be happy to learn about you in this way.
• Don't talk about your ex. If you want to talk about how bad some ex-boyfriends or girlfriends were in the past, don't do it. Keep it to yourself. When you name-drop old lovers at your daughter's wedding, no matter how much you hated old what's-their-name, there's no good that comes from it. Stick to stories and memories that showcase your daughter's good side, not her mistakes.
• Don't try to make people laugh. Often, you'll get laughs even if you don't try very hard. It might look like you're trying too hard if you're not the jokester in the group. Don't feel like you have to add joke lines to your toast all at once. When your daughter sees you not being yourself, she'll know right away. All they really need is their dad, not a stand-up comic.
• Accept your feelings. It's a given that this is going to be a very emotional day for you, so don't try to be stoic and put on a front. Stay real and say that it's difficult to let your child go. They make for a heartfelt moment, and we're sure there won't be a dry eye in the place. Also, pops. To shed a tear or two: Today is the day.
• Practice, practice and Practice. Then, practice some more, as well as some more. Try to remember your speech or write down what you want to say. If you can't remember the whole speech in a short amount of time, be sure to practice enough so that you can look at the couple and the other guests.

Let your imagination run wild!

If you're still stuck, here are some questions to ask yourself to get your creative juices flowing. Before or after me, who is speaking directly? (You might want to introduce the next speaker or make a reference to the previous speaker.)

• What feelings do I have when I think about releasing my daughter?
• What do I want for their marriage and future together, and how can I wish them to prepare for it?
• Is there anything I'd like to say to their newly acquired family or in-laws?
• Is there anything the audience needs to know, prepare for, or be aware of in the sequencing of events? (Be aware that your function may also include that of master of ceremonies, so be aware of the flow of upcoming events and whether you need to notify the visitors.)

The Do's and Don'ts of Giving a Good Father-of-the-Bride Speech

1. get some help.

Seek help before you think about writing your first draft, a brainstorming session with a few key people might be really beneficial. Invite the bride's mother, siblings, or other close relatives to reminisce about the bride, as they may remember some humorous or key stories that you've forgotten.

You may refer back to this family group while writing for further details and clarity on facts, and it will relieve a lot of the pressure you would feel if you were working alone.

2. Give a simple introduction

Think of a more heartfelt approach to introduce yourself as her father. It's vital to introduce the speeches segment of the wedding by introducing yourself rather than launching into your speech at full speed. While the majority of the individuals in the room will recognize you, there may be a few who do not.

You may also put your wedding guests at ease fast by having them giggle. It doesn't have to be a funny joke or a ridiculous gag, but something nice and unusual about the bride or an observation about the day can really help get the party started.

It's also a simple and effective approach to ease yourself into public speaking. Just sound your name and that you're the bride's father to avoid seeming robotic!

3. Do not waste time thanking guests

The father of the groom speech is not the time to thank everyone who deserves it – this is something that frequently happens during the groom's speech, and you can bet that if you do this, you'll throw the groom off and make his speech impossible to deliver without substantial repetition.

Thank everyone for attending the wedding and witnessing the proudest moment of your life as your daughter marries.

4. Use one of your witty quotes

You can use renowned quotes to get your message through and lend a bit of pace to your delivery if it feels appropriate for your speech. Some fathers like to begin with a famous quote and use it to introduce an overall theme that will run throughout the speech.

A powerfully delivered quote can get the guests laughing right away if you're renowned for being a showman or a bit of a character. If you can't quite get the sentiment perfect, find a quote that sums up exactly how you feel about the bride and uses it instead of your own words.

5. Be honest and meaningful

Between a hilarious and sweet anecdote and one that will make your guests grimace, there's a narrow line to walk. Stick to stories that are heartfelt and meaningful rather than excessively detailed if you don't want to make anyone, especially the bride, feel uncomfortable. Nobody wants to hear that she didn't wet the bed till she was 11 years old!

You can still make fun of her, but this time in a much more pleasant way. Select stories that are relevant to her current today. Perhaps she's been preoccupied with animals since she was able to speak, bringing all kinds of nasty pests into your home – now that she's a vet, it all makes sense.

It's unbelievable that she's now a successful dancer after being the clumsiest tiny girl you've ever known. She may have had a wild imagination that got her into all kinds of problems (insert amusing anecdotes here), but she's turned it into a lucrative author career.

6. Be unique in your delivery

It's vital to avoid clichés and words that may apply to any bride while talking about your daughter and how much you love her. We're talking about words like “beautiful,” “wonderful,” and “kind.” Think about what makes her unique and praise those characteristics.

Remember that no one is perfect, and you don't have to make her sound like the perfect woman just because it's her wedding day. The guests want to hear about all of the nice things as well as the little less so since it makes the person they know and love seem more real.

7. Forget about your exes

DO NOT MENTION ANY EXES. This is a key rule that should not be disregarded. No one wants to remember a time when the happy couple wasn't together or image the bride with another partner, so don't bring it up, even if it's an amusing story! It's the quickest method to make the family hate the new in-law.

8. Talk about her new husband (or wife)

Not mentioning your new son-in-law or daughter-in-law in your wedding speech, on the other hand, is nearly as awful as the groom forgetting to mention his new wife in his wedding speech. While your daughter is the focus of your father of the bride's speech, you must dedicate at least a phrase or two to her chosen partner.

Make a point of expressing how delighted you are that the bride met her partner and how much joy he or she provides to her life. You might discuss your first impressions of him/her and how your relationship has progressed, as well as share amusing stories from their early years together.

9. Mention the bride's mother as well as the bride's new in-laws.

It's critical not to take sole credit for your wonderful daughter in your speech (unless of course, you raised her all alone). Spend time discussing any positive attributes she acquired from her mother as well as how unique their relationship is. Even if you and her mother are divorced, a line or two noting her role in her life will be very appreciated.

10. Share some advice with the newlyweds

When you've exhausted your anecdotes and stated all the lovely words you want to say about how you feel, it's time to impart some advice. Perhaps you've had a long and happy marriage, and you can draw inspiration from both the good and bad times to pass some key advice. You can make this portion hilarious by telling the pair not to do what you did if you're renowned for being a bit haphazard when it comes to marriages and relationships.

If this is the case, you can always impart advice from other successful married couples among the guests before the big day and then pass it on. Your daughter will appreciate the time and work you put in to make sure you left her with something meaningful at such a pivotal point in her life.

11. Don't make the speech about you

Keep in mind that this speech is about your daughter and the person she is marrying today. If you find yourself saying “I” or “me” more than “she” or “her” more than “she” or “her” after you've written the speech and are reading it, you've made it too much about you.

Yes, the anecdotes are your stories to share, but they should focus on your daughter and why they are relevant to who she is today, rather than how they made you feel or how they affected you.

12. It's time for a toast

A strong end is key to the speech's overall success and helps to draw a line between your words and the start of the next speech. As a result, make sure you end with a strong line, followed by a clear invitation to the guests to stand and toast. You must make that the guests understand exactly what you want them to do, otherwise, you will end up with a half-hearted conclusion, with some guests standing and others not, and a mishmash of words. To ensure a booming toast, clearly explain the words you want them to toast with and urge the guests to stand.

You can't just walk away as the first speaker.

All that's left is to practice reading your father of the bride's speech confidently – and slowly – while smiling.

It's also a good idea to have your wife or partner read over the draft speech with you. Just to double-check that you make remembered the anecdotes correctly (we're all prone to embellishment!) Also, make sure you're not going off on an embarrassing tangent.

Good luck, father!

Seven years ago, I took a leap of faith and merged my organisational skills and love for all things wedding by starting this blog. Since then, it's been a whirlwind of sharing my insights, covering the latest trends, and offering practical how-tos, all aimed at simplifying your wedding experience.

Why weddings, you might ask?

Well, for me, weddings are more than just events; they are a tapestry of love stories, each unique and beautiful in its own way. With a blend of technical expertise and a keen eye for style, I bring a fresh perspective to the wedding scene, marrying (pun intended!) precision with creativity.

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What Should I Say In My Parents Wedding Speech?

When crafting your parents’ wedding speech, it’s crucial to start by expressing your heartfelt gratitude to the two individuals who have had a profound impact on your life. Take a moment to reflect on the love, support, and guidance that your parents have provided you throughout your journey.

Highlighting Their Role in Your Life

Share with the audience the significant role that your parents have played in shaping your character and values. Emphasize how their love and teachings have influenced your decisions and contributed to the person you are today. Be specific and recount personal anecdotes or lessons that have stuck with you over the years.

Recalling Fond Memories

Take the opportunity to reminisce about special moments and memories you have shared with your parents. Whether it’s a cherished family vacation, a heart-to-heart conversation, or a funny mishap, sharing these anecdotes will make your speech more personal and endearing to your audience.

Emphasizing Their Unconditional Love

Express the unconditional love that your parents have showered upon you throughout your life. Acknowledge the sacrifices they have made for your well-being, and convey your appreciation for their unwavering support, even in the face of challenges and obstacles.

Offering Words of Encouragement

Provide words of encouragement and affirmation to your parents as they embark on this new chapter of their lives together. Wish them a lifetime of happiness, love, and unity, and assure them of your continued support and love as they navigate the journey ahead.

Recognizing Their Relationship

Acknowledge the strong bond and love that your parents share with each other. Reflect on the qualities that make their relationship special and enduring, and celebrate the love that has brought them together in marriage.

Expressing Your Blessings

Offer your blessings and best wishes to your parents as they exchange vows and commit to a lifetime of love and partnership. Let them know how much their happiness means to you and how you will always be there to celebrate their joy and support them in times of need.

Sharing Lessons Learned

Share any valuable lessons or insights that you have learned from observing your parents’ relationship. Reflect on the qualities of patience, resilience, and communication that have strengthened their bond and inspired you in your own relationships.

Offering a Toast

Conclude your speech by raising a toast to the newlyweds. Invite the guests to join you in celebrating the love and commitment of your parents, and encourage everyone to toast to a future filled with love, joy, and shared moments of happiness.

Being Authentic and Sincere

Above all, speak from the heart and be genuine in your expressions of love and gratitude towards your parents. Your sincerity and authenticity will resonate with your audience and create a memorable and touching moment for your parents on their special day.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, your parents’ wedding speech is an opportunity to honor and celebrate the love and guidance that your parents have provided you throughout your life. By expressing your gratitude, sharing fond memories, and offering words of encouragement and blessings, you can create a heartfelt and touching tribute to your parents on their wedding day.

Jessica Rankin

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17 Best Examples of Wedding Speech for Father of the Bride for Inspiration

The father of the bride has a very special role at a wedding, and one of the most important duties is delivering a memorable and heartfelt speech. However, coming up with the right words and delivery can be challenging for many fathers. To help inspire and guide you, we've compiled a list of 17 best examples of wedding speeches for father of the bride. These examples cover a range of themes, from sentimental stories to humorous anecdotes, and offer a variety of styles and tones. Whether you're looking for inspiration to help structure your own speech or simply want to see how other fathers have approached the task, these examples are sure to provide you with some valuable insights and inspiration.

• "As I stand here today, I am filled with so much joy and love for my daughter and her new husband. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride]. To my beautiful daughter, I want you to know that I am so proud of the woman you have become and the choices you have made. And to my new son-in-law, I want to welcome you into our family with open arms. You two make such a wonderful team, and I know that you will continue to build a beautiful life together. So let's raise a glass to the happy couple!"
• "My dear daughter, I still remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. And now here we are, celebrating your wedding day. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride]. You have grown into such a beautiful and kind-hearted woman, and I couldn't be happier to see you marry the love of your life. [Insert a heartfelt message about the couple's future]. So let's all raise a glass to the newlyweds and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!"
• "To my precious daughter and her new husband, I am honored to stand here today as your father and share in your joy. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride]. You have found such a wonderful partner in each other, and I know that you will support and cherish each other throughout your lives. [Insert a heartfelt message about the couple's future]. So let's all raise a glass to the happy couple and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!"
• "My dear daughter, you have brought so much light and love into my life, and I couldn't be prouder of the woman you have become. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride]. And to my new son-in-law, I want to welcome you into our family with open arms. [Insert a heartfelt message about the couple's future]. So let's all raise a glass to the newlyweds and wish them a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure!"
• "To my beautiful daughter and her amazing partner, I am honored to be here today to witness your love and commitment to each other. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride]. You two are truly meant to be together, and I know that you will navigate life's ups and downs with grace and strength. [Insert a heartfelt message about the couple's future]. So let's raise a glass to the happy couple and celebrate the start of their beautiful journey together!"
• "My darling daughter, it's hard to believe that the little girl who used to sit on my lap is now all grown up and getting married. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride]. You have found such an incredible partner in [groom's name], and I know that the two of you will make a beautiful life together. [Insert a heartfelt message about the couple's future]. So let's all raise a glass to the newlyweds and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!"
• "To my daughter and her wonderful husband, I am so proud of the two of you and the love that you share. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride]. You complement each other so perfectly, and I have no doubt that you will build a beautiful future together. [Insert a heartfelt message about the couple's future]. So let's raise a glass to the happy couple and wish them all the love and joy in the world!"
• "My beautiful daughter, I can hardly believe that the day has finally arrived for you to marry the love of your life. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride]. Your love story is one for the ages, and I am honored to be heretoday to witness the union of two people who are truly meant to be together. As your father, I couldn't be prouder of the woman you have become and the choices you have made. I know that you and your new husband will have a lifetime of love and happiness ahead of you, and I wish you all the best. So let's all raise a glass to the happy couple and wish them a lifetime of joy and love!"
• "To my beautiful daughter and her handsome groom, I want to start by saying how proud I am of you both. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride and groom]. Your love has grown and flourished over the years, and it's clear that you are meant to be together. As your father, I couldn't ask for anything more than to see you so happy. Cheers to the newlyweds!"
• "My dear daughter, today you marry the love of your life, and as your father, I am filled with emotion. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride]. Your strength and determination inspire me, and I know that you and your husband will face whatever comes your way together. May your marriage be filled with joy and love, and may you always remember that your family is here to support you. Congratulations!"
• "To my precious daughter and her charming groom, I am honored to stand here today as your father and watch you exchange vows. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride and groom]. Your love is truly special, and it warms my heart to see you both so happy. May your marriage be blessed with laughter, adventure, and an unbreakable bond. I love you both."
• "My lovely daughter, today marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life, and as your father, I am so excited to see where it takes you. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride]. Your beauty, intelligence, and kind heart have always made me proud, and I know that your husband will be blessed to have you as his partner. I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness. Congratulations!"
• "To my precious daughter and her wonderful groom, I have always known that you were destined for great things. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride and groom]. Your love is a true inspiration, and I am so grateful to have been a part of your journey. May your marriage be filled with adventure, love, and endless joy. Congratulations!"
• "My dear daughter, I remember the day you were born as if it were yesterday, and now here you are, a beautiful bride. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride]. Your grace, intelligence, and compassion have always amazed me, and I know that your husband is the luckiest man in the world to have you by his side. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and a lifetime of happiness. Cheers!"
• "To my darling daughter and her dashing groom, today you become one, and as your father, I am so proud of the amazing woman you have become. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride and groom]. Your love for each other is truly special, and I am honored to witness your union. May your marriage be blessed with love, joy, and adventure. Congratulations!"
• "My beautiful daughter, today you marry the love of your life, and as your father, I couldn't be happier for you. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride]. Your kind heart, intelligence, and strength have always made me proud, and I know that your husband is a perfect match for you. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and endless happiness. Cheers to the newlyweds!"
• To my beloved daughter and her wonderful husband, today is a day that I will always cherish. [Insert a funny or sentimental story about the bride and groom]. Your love for each other is a true testament to the power of commitment and dedication, and I am honored to be a part of your celebration. May your marriage be filled with endless joy, love, and companionship. As your father, I am proud of the woman you have become, and I know that you will continue to bring happiness to each other's lives for many years to come. So let's all raise a glass to the happy couple and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness!"

In conclusion, delivering a heartfelt and memorable wedding speech as a father of the bride can be a daunting task. However, with the right words and delivery, you can create a lasting impression that will be cherished by your daughter, her new spouse, and everyone in attendance. The examples we've provided can serve as great inspiration for crafting your own unique wedding speech. Remember to speak from the heart, share personal anecdotes, and offer sincere well-wishes for the newlyweds. With these tips and examples in mind, we hope you feel confident and prepared to deliver a wedding speech that your daughter will treasure for a lifetime.

If you're in need of more examples of wedding speeches, the following content may be helpful to you.

• 10 best examples of wedding speech for brother for inspiration
• 28 Best Examples of Wedding Speech for Mother of the Bride for Inspiration
• 15 Best Examples of Maid of Honor Speeches for Inspiration
• Comprehensive Resource List of Wedding Vows 2023 For Him & Her

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Voices of Love: Unforgettable Wedding Speeches

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Wedding speeches are an essential part of every wedding. They let all the members of the bridal party and guests share their overwhelming emotions about the big day. Best wedding speeches stay in our memory forever, marking the significance of the wedding day for everyone involved. It can be quite challenging to fit all the feelings you want to share into a single toast . In this article, you will find invaluable tips from the expert Amanda Layton, an experienced wedding vow and speechwriter, in crafting memorable wedding speeches.

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Wedding Speeches Examples

Best wedding speeches.

Writing a wedding speech can seem daunting, but with some preparation and guidance, you can deliver a heartfelt and memorable speech that will be cherished by the newlyweds and their guests.

Good evening, everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Sarah, and I’m the ___ I’ve known the bride, Emily, since we were little girls, and we’ve been best friends ever since. I remember the first time she told me about Alex, and how excited she was to go on a date with him. From that moment on, I knew he was something special. Seeing them together over the years has been such a joy, and I’m so happy to be here today to celebrate their love. Emily, you are the most kind, caring, and generous person I know. And Alex, you are her perfect match. I’ve never seen her so happy as she is with you. I know you will continue to be each other’s best friend, confidant, and partner in all of life’s adventures. So, let’s raise a glass to the newlyweds. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations!

Groom Wedding Speech

“I would like to thank my parents for all the help they have given me over the years, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here now. I would also like to thank (my wife’s) parents 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. I would also like to thank them for having such a beautiful, intelligent, kind, and caring daughter. I hope to do you both proud and thank you both for everything you have done today and to make today happen.”

The groom’s wedding speech starts at the reception. On behalf of himself and his bride, he expresses his gratitude to everyone involved in the wedding preparations. He toasts his parents, bridesmaids, and the groom’s party, and mentions their help and support. His speech is often quite sentimental, as he shares some personal memories. He also mentions how his life has changed since he met his bride.

Wedding Speeches for Parents

When the kids find love, the parents are also happy. So, it rests upon them to give wedding reception speeches in honor of their children. Now, depending on the chosen style, you’ll have to fit in with the wedding theme. Most times, a funny speech is just perfect, because it works for every wedding. Below, we’ll see wedding speech examples for different parents.

Wedding Speeches for Mother of the Groom

“The first time I saw you, it was love. My little baby grew into a wobbly toddler, and then a smart child. The pre-teen and teen years and the next thing I knew, you’ve become a man. I am so proud of you. You’ve made us proud of everything you’ve done. And on your wedding today, we wish you only the best.”

As a mother of the groom, wedding speeches for your son will be an emotional one. You’ll talk about his growing up, the bond you share, and how he was well-raised. You can add one or two romantic quotes  and close. See the wedding speeches sample below.

Wedding Speeches for Mother of the Bride

“It’s no news that we love our kids so much, and seeing them grow up is hard. Everything they do fills you with pride. But you also miss the little girl who cuddles into you. And cried to you when she scraped her knee. Now my daughter is older and I’m grateful and proud that she found love in the groom. May your lives be long, happy, and peaceful together.”

The wedding speeches for mother of the bride isn’t a norm. But today, it’s becoming acceptable especially if the father isn’t involved. Tell your daughter that she’s beautiful and strong. Talk about the good memories in her growing years. And if her father has passed, talk about him with fondness.

Wedding Speeches for Father of the Groom

“My greatest blessing is having a son, one that mirrors me in many ways. But like his dream, he’s grown into his own person. He has taught me as much as I’ve taught him and I’m proud. My son is someone who goes the extra mile for people and I know he’ll make an amazing husband. I wish you every best, as we raise our glass to the groom and his amazing bride.”

Your son getting married excites you because he carries on the torch. Again, he will be looking to you for support and wisdom for marriage. So, good wedding speeches from the father of the groom must contain lots of quotes about marriage . Draw inspiration from talking about your own marriage, the bond you share, and why he’s a great son.

Wedding Speeches for Father of the Bride

“Looking at both of you in your beautiful dress and dapper suit, my wedding day comes to mind. We were quite excited, filled with love, merriment, and of course nervousness. From me to you, I’ll tell you for free that a successful marriage requires falling in love many times. And doing it with the same person always.”

As the father of the bride, you have responsibilities to your baby girl. From walking her down the aisle to the father-daughter dance. Throwing in a great speech is just perfect. Let your love for your baby shine through and talk about her growing up. Remember the groom, give them pieces of advice, and your best wishes. See the wedding speeches template below for some inspiration.

Wedding Speeches for Sister

Ladies and gentlemen, today I stand before you with immense pride and joy as I celebrate my sister’s union with [Groom’s Name]. As her older sister, I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow into the amazing woman she is today. She has found in [Groom’s Name] the love and support she deserves. Here’s to a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Cheers to the newlyweds!

When delivering a wedding speech for your sister, begin by expressing your love and pride for her. Share heartfelt stories that illustrate her special qualities, highlight her relationship with the groom, and offer well-wishes for their future. End your speech by raising a toast to the newlyweds.

Best Man Wedding Speech

Take a look at this great example of a witty speech, presented by the best man.

“There comes a time in everyone’s life when they meet their one true love, their soul mate, the person that’s going to know and love them for the rest of their life. That moment came for the groom…3 years ago when he met me. Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, for those of you that don’t know me my name, is Dan, What-would-you-like-to-drink. I hope you’ll come and say hello at the bar later, but please…call me by my full name. On behalf of the bride and groom, I’d like to thank you all for coming. And I want to give special thanks to the parents of the bride and groom… it’s amazing how far some people are willing to travel, just for some free food and drink. And finally, I’d like to thank my best friend (the groom), for giving me the first EVER opportunity…. to be able to speak for five minutes without him interrupting!”

“They say, in a good marriage the husband is the head, and the wife is the heart. So let us drink to the fact that our young people did not know in life either headaches or heartaches!”

“Love is not a fire, it will catch fire, you will not put out. In the hearts of our young people, the fire of love burns. This is a sacred fire. So, fill our glasses and amicably drink to ensure that it never goes out in their hearts!”

“I drink to ensure that our newly married and in 10 years and 20 years of family life, looking at his charming wife, lost his head, but not reason.”

“Friends! I offer a drink for a kiss! After all, he came up with a man, because he did not find any other way to close a mouth to a woman.”

Wedding speeches best man deliver are usually the most humorous of all the others. Thank you’s are also appropriate, especially to the bridesmaids and fellow groomsmen. Some anecdotes about the groom would be also much anticipated. People expect wedding best man speeches to be memorable, funny, with well wishes to the couple . Humor is a must.

100+ Best Wedding Toasts For Different Types Of Guests

Maid of honor speech outline.

“Before I go any further, I just want to say, Bride, you look absolutely beautiful and Groom, you’ve never looked more handsome. For those of you who don’t know me and for those who can’t tell, I’m Bride’s sister. Thank you Bride for the honor of being your bridesmaid. Obviously, I’ve known Bride all of my life and we know more about each other than we would probably care to. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and laughed until we’ve cried. We’ve also had the odd fight! We also have so many inside jokes that only we find funny.”

“A real woman can make a man who surrendered to her, always think that he is the winner. Look at our groom. He looks like a winner. Therefore, let us drink to his beautiful victory and the woman who allowed herself to be defeated, the bride.”

“What is the difference between the fairy tale and the reality? A fairy tale is when he married a snake, and she became a princess. A reality when it on the contrary. Let the life of our newlyweds be like a fairy tale!”

There is one thing all wedding speeches maid of honor makes have in common: they boost the bride. Like any other wedding speech, the maid of honor’s speech can be witty and humorous, but the most important feature of this category is love and sentimentality. Add a couple of memorable stories you have of the newlyweds. Don’t forget well wishes!

Wedding Speeches for Best Friends

“I’m here to talk about two very special people, John and Eve. I’ve been friends with Eve since kindergarten. On our first day at school, we met and formed a friendship that has lived two decades and some. We got into trouble a lot and got grounded many times by the parents. My bestie is free-spirited and has a strong will to date. James, I hope you’re prepared for marriage with a woman who is full of life and spirit. With her, you’ll never live the same day twice. I wish you heaven’s best all your life. A toast…”

Wedding Welcoming Speeches

“Welcome to the celebration of James and Eve’s wedding. A tale of love that promises to last forever. Today promises to be one of beauty, friendships formed, and bonds lasting forever. For you all who have come from far and near to celebrate, we hope you take joy home with you. The happiness of marriage is the highest happiness on earth. And this is what we’ve witnessed today. Sit back, relax, have the time of your lives, and thank you for choosing to share in our joy.

Funny Wedding Speeches

Good evening everyone! For those who don’t know me, I’m the groom’s brother. I’d like to start by saying that I’m delighted to see so many people here tonight, and I hope you’re all enjoying the celebrations as much as we are. Now, it’s not often that you get to make a speech at your brother’s wedding, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to share a few stories about him. Growing up, my brother was always the smart one. He was top of his class and excelled at everything he did. And then he met his beautiful bride-to-be, and everything changed. Suddenly he became clumsy, forgetful, and absent-minded. I guess you could say that love really does make you do crazy things. But in all seriousness, I couldn’t be happier for the two of them. They truly are a perfect match, and I have no doubt that they will have a long and happy life together. So let’s raise a glass to the newlyweds – may your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and lots of adventures!

Writing a funny wedding speech can entertain guests and create lasting memories. Keep it appropriate, short, know your audience, and practice for a smooth delivery.

Short Wedding Speeches

“Groom, thank you for being an anchor, a friend, and brother. And I can’t be more proud that you married an amazing bride. Man! You’ve won a lottery! We celebrate both of you tonight, and all of the good things you are. You care for everyone and I’m sure you’ll care for her. We wish you success, laughter, and love. May your humor in bad times and appreciation in good times never leave you. May you get answers to prayers. May the friendship you share keep growing till death parts you. Cheers to you!”

Whether you’re giving wedding speeches for the bride, best man, or brother; the shorter the better. This will help make sure you don’t bore the audience. 11 /14

Wedding Thank You Speeches

“We (couple) worked really hard to make this day perfect. But we remembered that being bound to the one you love in the presence of your loved ones — is what makes the day perfect. I’m overjoyed that we had beautiful weather. The food and drinks were great and everyone is happy. Thank you all, especially my beloved, because today I’m bound to him to start a beautiful journey together. And after all my fears and jitters, today turned out to be much more memorable than we planned. Thank you.”

Wedding thank you speeches give you the opportunity to thank your guests. You will also extend your appreciation to everyone who made your day possible. If you intend to mention names, have a list, so that you don’t leave anyone out. This speech can come from the bride or groom. But it’s always better to skip the names. Also, infuse some humor. 12 /14

Wedding Officiant Speeches

“Shall we all sit? Today, we gather to witness and celebrate the matrimony of Eve and James. What they have is an existing bond, and we’ve come together to strengthen it. As family and friends, it’s our honor to witness today. Marriage is a lifetime commitment where two people work tirelessly to bring out the best in each other. You get an opportunity to share your joys, success, failures, and burdens with an ally for life. You get an opportunity to share and grow. One relationship which no other can equal. You are in for a physical and emotional binding that has the promise of a lifetime.”

Great wedding officiant speeches must be short, sweet, and have the perfect length to keep guests dialed in. The officiant should leverage the relationship and how much they know the couple. You must also tailor your speech in line with the wedding style. 13 /14

Wedding Anniversary Speeches

“Anniversaries are beautiful recollections of the past years and reflections for the years to come. The years past were happy and successful ones in many ways. They’re shrouded in a kaleidoscope of great relationships, supportive families, and happy memories. I’m not saying it’s smooth, but with your support, the journey became easier. We can only be grateful, even as we look forward to better years. As we celebrate our 50th year, I want to thank you for walking with us. It’s not a question of where you, it’s who goes with you. Thank you, everyone.”

A wedding anniversary speech must be heartfelt, sweet, and short. Whoever is giving the speech must know that it’s a time to reminisce and give good wishes. So, you’ll talk about the marriage, throw in some humor and bless the couple. If it’s the couple giving the speech, some advice will go a long way. 14 /14

Wedding Quotes for Speeches

“I’ve seen nothing more satisfying than two people coming together to become one. They share in each other’s pleasure, and bear each other’s pain. They crush their enemies together and make home with their friends.” “The pain and weight of life vanish from our lives by one word. It sets us free and we live again. It’s called LOVE.” “If you want to keep your marriage cup filled and running over, always admit your wrongs. And, if you’re right, be kind to shut up.”

Wedding Speeches Tips

Ready to seize the mic, command the room, and leave everyone applauding your wedding speech? Not quite yet? Amanda Layton, a Professional Wedding Speech Writer, shared top 5 tips to help you craft and deliver an epic wedding speech. With a little bit of guidance, you’ll be delivering an unforgettable toast that captures hearts and makes memories for years to come!

• Keep it Short and Sweet First things first–when it comes to wedding speeches less is more. Did you know that a 5-minute speech is approximately 700 words? It’s important to keep your speech concise and to the point, ensuring that every word is impactful and resonates with the audience.
• Skip the Roasts Steer clear of roasting the couple. It might sound funny in your head, but trust me, some things are better left unsaid. Avoid cringeworthy moments by focusing on heartwarming and positive anecdotes that celebrate the couple’s journey and love.
• Harness the Power of Storytelling Capture everyone’s attention by using storytelling to highlight either the bride or groom’s wonderful qualities. Is she loyal, adventurous, generous, or kind-hearted? Is he optimistic, resilient, hilarious, etc? Share a touching story that really showcases one of these character traits, allowing everyone to get a deeper insight into how amazing this person truly is.
• Celebrate the Path to Becoming a Husband or Wife Remember that this is a wedding celebration and your wedding speech is a great opportunity to encourage the bride in her new role as a wife or the groom in his new role as a husband. Share your heartfelt wishes and why you believe they will make an amazing partner in this new chapter of their life.
• Practice Makes Perfect Confidence is key! Practice your speech a few times to build up your self-assurance. Remember to speak slowly when practicing because you are more likely to speed up in front of a crowd. Think of the areas you might tear up at and remember to pause and take a second to breathe. You don’t have to rush through the toast. Everyone wants to hear what you clearly have to say. Here’s the thing, the audience wants you to succeed, so embrace those nerves and let them fuel your confident delivery! You’ve got this, my friend! With these tips and a little bit of preparation, your speech is bound to be a show-stopper that leaves everyone applauding and reaching for the tissues! Crafting a memorable wedding speech is an art form, and your words have the power to touch hearts and create lasting memories.

Wedding Speeches Order

The order of wedding speeches can vary depending on cultural traditions and personal preferences. However, a common order for wedding speeches is as follows:

• Father of the Bride: Welcomes guests, and expresses love and pride for his daughter.
• Groom: Thanks guests, expresses gratitude to both families, and shares love for the bride.
• Best Man: Shares humorous anecdotes about the groom, and proposes a toast.
• Maid/Matron of Honor: Expresses friendship and admiration for the bride, offers wisdom, and proposes a toast.
• Additional speeches: Other family members or friends may give shorter speeches or toasts as desired. Note: The order and inclusion of speeches can be customized to the couple’s preferences. Communication with the wedding party beforehand is essential for a smooth flow of the reception.

Wedding Speeches Template

Introduction:

• Greet the guests and introduce yourself.
• Express your gratitude for being chosen to speak at the wedding.

Personal Connection:

• Share a personal story or memory about the couple.
• Talk about your relationship with either the bride or groom (or both) and how you’ve seen their love grow.

Compliments and Qualities:

• Compliment the couple individually and as a pair.
• Highlight their qualities and what makes them a great match.

Anecdotes and Humor:

• Share light-hearted and funny anecdotes about the couple.
• Keep the humor appropriate and avoid embarrassing stories.

Words of Wisdom:

• Offer advice or lessons on love, marriage, or relationships.
• Use heartfelt and meaningful quotes or poems if desired.
• Raise a toast to the couple’s happiness and future together.
• Invite guests to join in raising their glasses and toasting.
• Express well wishes and congratulations to the newlyweds.
• End with a final heartfelt message or a toast to love.

Remember to personalize the speech to your relationship with the couple and make it heartfelt and authentic. Practice it beforehand to ensure a smooth delivery and consider keeping the speech around 3-5 minutes in length.

Things You’d Better Exclude From Any Wedding Speech

At the same time, there are things great wedding speeches avoid.

• Do not include any embarrassing information.
• Do not mention previous boyfriends or girlfriends of the newlyweds.
• Do not say rude things like ‘We thought that day would never come’.
• Do not include any crude language, there are all sorts of guests around, and what is totally appropriate in a group of friends is inappropriate at the celebration.
• Adding humor, don’t make fun of the bride or groom. This is your best friend’s wedding, do not spoil it! If in doubt – use examples above, but by no means copy them. It is only a piece of speech to boost your imagination.

Wedding Speeches can be tricky to write, but we hope that now you have everything you need to deliver a perfect speech. A couple of jokes, a sentimental story, and letting your love for the couple shine is all it takes.

What Not to Say in a Wedding Speech

• Embarrassing Stories : Steer clear of tales that could embarrass the couple.
• Negative Remarks : Refrain from negative comments or jokes.
• Excessive Inside Jokes : Ensure your speech is inclusive for all guests.
• Lengthy Monologues : Keep it concise and engaging.
• Controversial Topics : Avoid sensitive or controversial subjects.
• Overuse of Clichés : Aim for originality over clichés.
• Inappropriate Humor : Be mindful of cultural or personal sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you say in a wedding speech.

• Express your love and support for the couple.
• Share personal anecdotes or stories about them.
• Offer well-wishes for their future together.

What is a good speech to give at a wedding?

• A good wedding speech is heartfelt and genuine.
• It engages the audience with humor or sentiment.
• It balances praise, personal stories, and wishes for the couple.

What is an example of a short marriage speech?

To [Couple’s Name], may your love be as endless as the horizon, your laughter as infectious as a melody, and your journey together full of joy. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness. Cheers!

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How To Write A Wedding Speech: The Ultimate Guide For Do’s, Don’ts, and Delivery PART 1/3: Do’s

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How To Write A Wedding Speech: The Ultimate Guide For Do’s, Don’ts, and Delivery PART 2/3: Don’ts

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how to write a wedding speech dos

Someone you love is getting married, and you’ve just been asked to give a speech at the wedding. What an honor! But also, if you’re not used to giving speeches, what a nightmare! Public speaking can be scary , which is why many people prefer to avoid it. But when your bestie asks you to make a speech at his or her wedding, it’s time to rally. But now you’re wondering if you even know how to write a wedding speech! What makes some wedding speeches fun and memorable, and what makes others cringy and fall flat? We’ve got you. We’ve put together the ultimate guide for how to write a wedding speech, focusing on things you definitely should do, things you definitely should NOT do, and then how to deliver your killer wedding speech like a pro.

If you’re wondering how to write a wedding speech, here are a few “Do’s” to keep in mind.

• Start planning early
• Introduce yourself and how you know the bride and groom
• Thanks to hosts, guests, and wedding party; congratulate the couple
• Make it personal
• Think of 3 traits with 3 stories
• Talk about the couple
• Have a beginning, middle, and end
• Consider your audience
• Keep it short and sweet
• It’s okay to be simple and meaningful

1. Start planning early

If you don’t know how to write a wedding speech but the bride just asked you to give one, this is not a time to procrastinate. Public speaking is one of the number one fears many people have, so it’s likely you’ve avoided giving too many public speeches before this. And unless you’re a performer or a veteran improv comedian, you might not do too well winging this one. If you get nervous in front of an audience (as most of us do), the best defense against freezing up when you take the mic is being prepared. 

As soon as you know you’ve been asked to give a speech at the wedding, begin jotting down notes immediately. Whenever you’re inspired by a thought of the couple or remember an anecdote that might be worth retelling, make note of it. This will help to give you a pool of ideas to draw from when you start writing down the speech.

Begin gathering ideas and writing the speech a couple of weeks to a month before the wedding. You’ll need time to edit, fine-tune it, and make it concise. And as wedding showers, bachelorette parties, and other wedding festivities begin, you might find there are entertaining stories from these events you want to add as well. If you want to write it all at once, you can do that too. However, make sure to sleep on it and come back with fresh eyes. You don’t want just “okay,” you want your speech to be heartfelt and meaningful.

You will also want to begin early to give yourself time to practice and rehearse your speech plenty of times.

2. Introduce yourself and how you know the bride and groom

No matter how large or small the wedding is, it’s likely you will not be familiar with many of the guests on one or both sides. And they won’t be familiar with you either. So don’t leave them guessing! 

Make sure when you start to write a wedding speech to introduce yourself and mention how you know the couple. This will help them understand the context of your speech, which will also help it to be more well-received. 

3. Thank hosts, guests, and wedding party; congratulate the couple

It’s also courteous to take this time to thank the hosts and other members of the wedding party for all the hard work that went into the event, and to thank guests for being there to support the newlyweds, especially those who had to travel far. 

It’s also a good time to officially congratulate the newlyweds and offer them your personal well-wishes for their future. It is imperative that you don’t forget this part, because they are the whole reason you’re there and giving a speech!

4. Make it personal

Whether you are the maid of honor, the best man, father of the bride, or just a friend, you were asked to give a speech because of your close connection and relationship with either the bride or groom (or both). 

And since you know your friend as well as you do, you probably have plenty of stories to share; so the next tip for how to write a wedding speech is don’t hesitate to make it personal and share those stories! This will also help guests get to know the other half of the couple they might not know as well or are just meeting for the first time. And those guests who do know them will love hearing some entertaining stories they might not have heard yet.

5. Think of 3 traits with 3 stories

If you’re finding it difficult to come up with anything, a useful approach for how to write a wedding speech is to think of 3 positive defining traits or qualities of the bride or groom and recount three stories or examples that illuminate a time they exhibited these traits. These stories could be comedic, heartwarming, or both. Just make sure they are relevant and entertaining!

6. Talk about the couple

If you’re the maid of honor and have been chatting up the bride for the whole speech, part of how to write a wedding speech is to make sure at some point it circles around to the groom, too, and to the two of them as a couple.  

Recount the time you met him, or how you remember talking about him with the bride in the beginning stages of their relationship. If you don’t know the groom all that well, talk about how good they are as a couple and about how happy he makes her. 

And If you’re not a fan of the groom, this is not the time to air your grievances. Always keep it positive. 

7. Have a beginning, middle, and end

All good speeches have a good flow and take the audience along with it. 

Don’t let your speech fall flat or jumble together in a haphazard confusion of disconnected anecdotes. Give it the structure of an overarching theme, with a beginning, a middle, and an end. 

We are not talking about a novel here, just make sure there is a direction to where the speech is going, and that the destination, end, or sentiment is achieved. It doesn’t need to be Charlie Chaplin in The Great Dictator, but a three-act structure does help keep you grounded. Most people also follow a story easier when there is a clear direction for a story or speech. 

8. Consider your audience

The next thing to keep in mind when considering how to write a wedding speech is to make sure you consider who your audience is. 

This is not the bachelor or bachelorette party. There will be a wide range of people present from children to the elderly, and from close friends of the bride and groom to casual acquaintances and coworkers. Make sure your speech is free of any crudeness that might not be fit for such a varied audience. Also, this isn’t the time to take a shot at any of the religious cermonies.

Be considerate and keep it positive and use language everyone can relate to. 

9. Keep it short and sweet

You want your speech to be meaningful and memorable; but the wedding is not about you, and yours is not the only speech. 

No one ever complains about a speech being too short, but they do begin to grumble if it runs on too long. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when figuring out how to write a wedding speech is to keep your speech between 2-5 minutes long. Any longer than 5 minutes and you’ll lose everyone to thoughts of cake and whether or not to Cupid Shuffle later. 

10. Add humor

Don’t be afraid to be funny! Another tip for how to write a wedding speech is that if you’ve got a lighthearted, creative, joking side, use it and add humor to your speech! Everyone likes to be entertained. 

This doesn’t mean you should scour the internet for generic wedding-themed jokes, but if you’ve got some good original material to use that helps relate a story about the bride or groom in a comedic way, do it. As long as you’re not making fun of the couple but having fun with them, jokes are great. Or you can even poke fun at yourself to illuminate a higher quality in your bestie. It’s all about making the newlyweds shine. 

If you’re creative and have other talents, use them! If you are musical, bust out your instrument and/or vocal cords and make the speech in the form of a song! Use props, and get the other guests involved! The newlyweds will feel special because you created something for them, and the guests will love joining in the fun.

11. It’s okay to be simple and meaningful

If entertaining isn’t your thing, that’s okay! Don’t force it – just be yourself. It’s okay to be simple and meaningful with your speech. Always keep in mind when you go to write a wedding speech that what’s important is that you are genuine and speak from the heart.

Hopefully, you found these tips for how to write a wedding speech helpful, and can start writing today! And stay tuned to our blog for the next part in this ultimate guide for how to write a wedding speech where we highlight a few things you should definitely avoid.

Love this content and want more? Read more about weddings on our blog ! Involved in the wedding planning process and the bride is still looking for a venue ? Give us a call today and we’ll help you find the perfect place!

Jennings Trace

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Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Examples and Writing Tips

Here's how to write and deliver the perfect toast on this special day.

Photo by Bokeh Company

In This Article

Raise your glasses to the moms taking the mic at wedding receptions to give their very own mother-of-the-bride speech. While we know moms are basically superhuman creatures with an endless array of skills and abilities, public speaking can be a feat to shake even the heroes among us—not to mention the added flood of mixed emotions that will be present throughout the day.

Delivering a heartfelt speech to a crowd of family members and newly minted in-laws will surely have you feeling a bit nervous, and we can't dismiss the act of finding the right words to convey everything you're feeling in the first place. But rest assured, mamas, we've got a guide to help you ease your minds and fortify your wits. We tapped three experts—wedding planners Amy Abbott and Paulette Alkire and Kylie Carlson, CEO of Wedding Academy Global —to walk you through the process of giving a pro-level mother-of-the-bride speech.

Meet the Expert

• Amy Abbott is a wedding planner and the owner of Amy Abbott Events , a Los Cabos–based wedding and event planning company that designs celebrations throughout Mexico.
• Kylie Carlson is the CEO of Wedding Academy Global , an educational service that offers certification training for the wedding industry.
• Paulette Alkire is the lead wedding planner at Chalet View Lodge , a full-service wedding venue, boutique resort, and spa in Graeagle, California.

Below, find expert tips that will help you write—and deliver—the perfect toast on your son or daughter's big day.

Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Template

Just as all moms are unique, and no two mother-daughter relationships are alike, your mother-of-the-bride speech will be entirely personal to you and the bond you share. However, there are a few components that should be present in your toast. Here's a general outline to help you get started.

Acknowledge your guests.

Every great speech should start with a few words of gratitude for the people who have gathered to partake in the celebration with you. You can mix this into a full greeting to welcome guests if you are the first speech on the schedule of events.

Welcome your new son- or daughter-in-law.

No mother-of-the-bride speech would be complete without a warm welcome to their daughter's new partner. Abbott explains that a good way to honor your new son-in-law or daughter-in-law is to make it clear that you feel you're gaining a new family member and that they are welcome. You should also nod to how they have changed or complemented your daughter for the better.

Choose happy memories to share.

As you choose memories, focus on positive, happy moments. Telling a story that highlights how your daughter overcame something unpleasant or embarrassing shouldn't be shared on their wedding day.

Never mention your daughter's previous relationships or marriages, and don't talk about unfulfilled dreams. Only bring up the best memories of your daughter's life.

Highlight one or two big accomplishments.

Theoretically, the guests should already know what the bride does for a living. Reciting every success they've ever had, in detail, is completely unnecessary. You should, instead, express how proud you are of their accomplishments and highlight one or two.

Mother of the Bride Speech Tips

Here are our experts' best tips for writing and delivering your mother-of-the-bride speech.

Write your thoughts down on paper.

This momentous occasion is probably not the best time to wing it. Whether you use bullet points or an outline, make sure you pen everything you want to tell your daughter in your speech to avoid leaving out anything special. “Start the process informally by simply writing down any and all things you want to make sure to include, from fond memories to advice on love for the newlyweds. As you lay it out on paper, you’ll see that an organic flow may come together quickly,” says Carlson.

Remember to pause and breathe.

If your nerves are starting to get to you, you might start speeding through your speech; to combat this, take a deep breath and remember that it’s alright to take a pause. “Many people forget just how powerful a pause can be. If your nerves are getting to you, take a moment to gather yourself before continuing. Most guests will take this silence as you giving them a moment to fully receive the last bit of sentiment you shared. Center yourself by making eye contact with the bride, breathe, and continue,” says Alkire.

Don't feel pressured to be funny.

Sure, humor is great—but if you're not a naturally funny person, don't push your limits on your daughter's most important day. Just be your sincere and honest self. The rest will follow, and your daughter will love it.

Practice your speech beforehand.

Write your mother-of-the-bride speech well in advance of the wedding so you’ll have plenty of time to practice it. “Try giving the speech out loud on your own, run it by a few trusted friends or family members, and then set it aside for a bit. This gives you time to return to the speech in a week or two with a fresh perspective," says Carlson.

Increase the amount of time you practice your speech in the month before the wedding, advises Carlson. No matter what the speech, the calmest of presenters are always the most practiced.

Avoid inside jokes.

You might have some amazing inside jokes that will make your daughter laugh, but no one else will find them funny. "Avoid inside jokes to keep the speech inclusive of everyone listening," says Alkire.

Keep it short and sweet.

You're talking about your daughter, and we know you could probably go on about how amazing they are for hours, but a good rule of thumb is to limit your speech to three to five minutes.

Don't worry about crying.

This is one occasion that indisputably warrants tears—if you're afraid of getting choked up during your delivery, just remember no one will judge you for it. In fact, most people will think it's incredibly sweet and you just might make them need a tissue, too.

Olivier Truan Photography / Getty Images

Get Brainstorming!

Now that you have a slew of tips for writing your mother-of-the-bride speech, here are some questions to ask yourself to get the brainstorming process started.

• Which of your daughter's qualities do you really want to highlight?
• What's one of the best memories you have of raising your daughter?
• When did you first know that their partner was "the one"?
• What advice do you wish you'd heard from your mom on your wedding day?
• What about their new marriage makes you the happiest?

Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Examples to Make Your Own

Does the mother of the bride give a speech? For these women, the answer was a resounding “Yes!” Get inspired with these actual toasts from loving moms.

Today is your wedding day. It's something a mother wishes and waits for from the time her daughter is born until she walks down the aisle.

"When Jewel was young she surrounded herself with lots of friends, some of whom are here today. They know our basement was always full with high school friends, just as your wedding is full of yours and Jason's friends today.

Time doesn't stand still; it is fleeting and it is amazing how quickly it passes. Like time, Jewel has never stood still. It seems like she is always running after one adventure after another. When her sister Mindy ran a marathon, Jewel had to keep up, so she started running. Mindy was content to say she checked a marathon off her bucket list, but Jewel had to keep on running, competing in a triathlon, and then an Ironman. Even getting her engagement ring was a race, a scavenger hunt adventure but still a race. This one she and Jason won together. Partners all the way.

Jewel and Jason, now it is your turn to embark on your own journey as a couple, to experience life with a loving partner. As you find your own route through life, remember to cherish each other. We know that through all the twists and turns of the road, you will support and care for each other with true love.

As you celebrate this wedding day, know it is not the best but the first of many blessed events in your lives together. We're thrilled you two have found the one for you. We wish you both joy, laughter, and love—from our hearts to yours.”— Eileen Roth

Thank you all for coming. I’m a strong mom, I have a strong daughter, and after this, I know I will need a strong drink.

"I would like to welcome Steve, and his parents Helen and Larry, and all of his wonderful, huge family into our family. I will not begin to mention all his brothers and sisters lest I forget one.

Steve: You are an amazing young man that I have grown to know and love. I met you after I fell skiing and I had cracked my ribs. I was on morphine and I was very happy...so please note that I am not always that crazy. Steve, when you asked to take me to lunch at my office, I knew that something was up. And it was—you asked to marry my daughter and we both cried. You have such a kind heart.

Adrienne: You are a strong, smart, and beautiful woman. I’m going to take this opportunity to apologize for the many things that I did with and to you while you were growing up. I’m sorry for many of them but not really for others, as they may have helped make you who you are today.

• I am sorry for always giving you peanut butter for lunch every day...as we found out later that you were deathly allergic to peanuts.
• I am sorry for dragging you to all the boys’ hockey and baseball games; however, you and Alysse retaliated by dragging them to all your dance recitals.
• I am sorry for the overkill of health foods—especially quinoa. But on the bright side, you have become a fabulous cook. (And have now married a cook).
• I am sorry that I made you follow me down the black diamond ski hills...but you have become a great skier.
• I am sorry for taking you on all those crazy adventures—an impromptu helicopter ride; a million Walk of Life events; travel to England, Wales, California, Boston, Chicago, New Orleans...but hey, they were lots of fun.
• I am sorry I made you watch all-night episodes of Gilmore Girls.
• I am sorry for eating bags of BBQ chips...actually, that was just me.
• I am sorry for taking you to so many dance workshops and involving you in many choreographies...but wow, you have become an accomplished dancer, actress, and teacher.

So, as a tribute to your dancing, I offer a musical toast to you and Steve. And the music is to ‘New York, New York’...the place where Steve proposed to you.”— Barbara Kennedy

“I want to thank everyone for being here celebrating Kayleigh and Adam; the Hodgins family, our family, and friends who have become family—welcome. Kayleigh’s father, her Derd, and I are tickled pink to host this beautiful evening.

As most of you know, Kayleigh faced physical challenges as a newborn and toddler but with every year, grew stronger and even more delightful. As she got older, she excelled in basketball and show choir, and happily graduated from FIDM. She then embarked on what promises to be a fulfilling career.

Kayleigh—it always has been and always will be an honor and absolute joy to be your mom. You light up any room just by being in it.

As a parent, you, of course, want your child to succeed in life—both personally and professionally. But one of the most satisfying rewards is seeing your child experience true love and happiness, which she has absolutely found with Adam. Thank you, Adam, for loving our girl, we’re thrilled you are part of our family.

Please join me in a toast to the bride and groom—congratulations! We all wish you the best for everything this new journey has to offer.” — Marla White

While every wedding is different, the mother of the bride typically delivers their speech during the  wedding reception  following the father of the bride's speech. In some instances—whether the father is deceased or unable to attend—the mother of the bride will kick off the wedding toasts by going first.  

Focus on personal anecdotes from your daughter regarding how the two met or when they knew that they had found " the one ." 

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Home » Wedding Messages » Thank You » Wedding Thank You Notes to Parents (25+ Examples)

Wedding Thank You Notes to Parents (25+ Examples)

After the wedding and celebrations you are faced with having to thank those who attended and helped. Writing wedding thank you notes can be tough – both for the time it takes and knowing what to say.

One of the most important people to thank are your parents. They will have been so helpful in arranging the wedding and supporting you both before the big day.

But what do you say in a wedding thank you note for parents?

If you’re struggling then the following wedding thank note examples should help you to find the perfect words. Use them to really let your parents know how grateful you are.

Short Wedding Thank You to Parents

• Thank you for your love and support. We appreciate you so much and all you did for our wedding.
• Mom and Dad, thank you for the amazing amount of hard work you put into making the wedding so perfect. We will be forever grateful.
• There was never a time when you didn’t believe in us. We can’t tell you how much it meant to us and still does. Thank you both so much.
• We’ve been on such a journey but your love and support has never been in doubt. Thank you mom and dad.
• I can’t believe how much you did to make sure our wedding went ahead. You are the most amazing mom and dad ever and I love you more than I can say.
• You have been more generous than we could have ever imagined. Thank you for helping to make our wedding dreams come true.
• Thank you to the best parents in the world! Our wedding was the stuff of dreams and we are overwhelmed with happiness.
• You have given us strength and wisdom when we needed it most. Having you as parents is the greatest joy in the world. Thank you.
• You helped out with everything in the lead up to the big day and we won’t forget it. Thank you mom and dad.
• The hard work you put in to ensure we could have such an amazing wedding will be treasured by us forever. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

SEE MORE: 15 Wedding Thank You Card Wording Examples

Example Wedding Thank You Notes for Parents

Dear Mom and Dad,

There is no way we could have had the dream wedding we always wanted without your support. Both financially and in the planning you were instrumental in making our wedding a day of pure happiness. We don’t know how to express our thanks but please know we will always be grateful.

**********************

To my wonderful parents,

Thank you mom and dad for everything you have done to make the wedding so special. You have shown us nothing but support and helped to make our dreams come true. We are so grateful to have you as part of our lives.

Dear mom and dad,

I am so grateful for the guidance and help you provided leading up to my wedding. I’m not sure I could have got through it without you both. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Your loving son/daughter,

From the day we met you showed us nothing but encouragement and love. That all accumulated on our wedding day which you played a pivotal role in making happen. We can’t thank you enough for all you did and hope to be able to repay you one day.

With so much love,

To mom and dad,

Thank you for giving us the gift of a truly special day. Your support meant our wedding could be what we had always envisioned but never thought could really happen. We will never forget all you did and forever be grateful.

We love you both with all our hearts.

Dear mother and father,

Having you by our sides as we got married was a blessing. We are so thankful for you being in our lives and for the support you have given us both before and during the wedding.

We are so happy you were a part of the special day and thank you for everything.

You were an integral part of our wedding and we couldn’t have been happier about it. Thank you for being there, helping with the planning and making memories that will last us a lifetime. We hope you enjoyed the day as much as we did.

Thank you for your continuous support as we embark on this exciting new chapter of our lives. It was your generosity that allowed us to have such a magical wedding and we are delighted with how it turned out. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough but know we will always appreciate all you did.

Dearest mom and dad,

We can’t express our gratitude enough for making our wedding so memorable. You bright laughter, joy and tears to an already emotional day! It was wonderful having you there and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without you. Thank you so much.

To my loving parents,

Thank you for being by my side throughout the most important day of my life. It was like I’d planned as a little girl and your helped make it all come true. I cannot thank you enough. I love you both so much.

SEE MORE: Wedding Thank You Wording for Guests Who Didn’t Attend

How Do You Write a Thank you Note to Parents of the Bride?

This is just a little note to say how grateful we both are for your support and guidance. You have made our special day complete and we feel so much warmth towards you. Our wedding is the culmination of years of love and to celebrate that in front of not only friends but most important family like parents means everything to us.

We are so thankful.

I am the person I am because of you. You have been with me through thick and thin and I know you will always be by my side with support, no matter what. I can only hope my marriage is as good as yours has been.

Parents are the ones you can count on to have your back. They are with you through all the highs and there to comfort you through the lows. You have always been my rock and it was the greatest joy to have you see me get married. Thank you for being there and playing such an active role. I love you guys.

Nothing I say can ever truly thank you for what you have done for me mom and dad. No one has supported me like you and it has lead me to this – my wedding. I’m happier than I could have ever thought and having you see me wed the man of my dreams is all I would have ever wanted. Thank you for being the best parents anyone could wish for.

Thank you mom and dad for making my wedding so special. You were a key part of the planning and arrangements and we couldn’t have done it without you. You made a very stressful time much easier and me and my new husband are eternally grateful.

SEE MORE: Thank you Notes for Bridesmaids (19 Examples)

We hope these example wedding thank you notes to parents have helped you to write your own and let your parents know how important they were on such a big day.

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Wedding Speeches – Don’t Forget to Thank Your Parents

Home » Relationships » Weddings » Wedding Speeches – Don’t Forget to Thank Your Parents

Not having the ability to write well is no excuse to turn down an opportunity to deliver a wedding speech. If you are the best man, you definitely have to utter those words that will captivate the audience. Well, perhaps not captivate, but at least hold their attention. And if you want to make them laugh by cracking a joke or two, that’s fine. There is, however, a fine and fragile line between funny and crude. Don’t even go there. The wrong speech could destroy the entire ceremony. Embarrassing the bride or groom or anyone in the reception is out of taste.

Who’s expected to say a speech in a wedding? Nowadays there is no set rule as to who should be given this task. Anyone can be asked to speak, but tradition dictates that these people are expected to offer a few kind words:

• Bride’s father

Speech by the Bride’s Father

If there is any doubt as to a speech potentially hurting the feelings of a person, or make that person feel uncomfortable, then change your speech and start from scratch. In their attempts to be funny, some fathers tend to reveal details that have no place in a wedding ceremony.

For instance, what was this father thinking when he uttered these words about his daughter?

“Ladies and gentlemen, good evening. I have to say how relieved my wife and I are that Sue has finally decided to get married to such a fine young man. She was such a tomboy growing up and so terribly masculine that my wife and I swore we had a lesbian for a daughter. She didn’t go for all the feminine stuff that young women typically like, she was always spending her allowance on sneakers and mountain bikes and male clothing gear and we were afraid that she just might go for a sex-change operation.”

Ladies and gentlemen, would you have fidgeted in your seat and wished that someone would shut the old man up?

If you heard this wedding speech in a reception, would you not feel sorry for the bride? Would it make the groom uneasy because he had not been aware that his wife was an all-out tomboy in her youth?

As the wise say, a joke can produce a chuckle or it can sting.

What is the bride’s father supposed to say?

Think “terms of endearment.” A father who respects his daughter will show her only in a positive light. His speech, however, need not focus on the bride alone. He can include these elements:

• Words of welcome to all, with special mention to the groom’s parents and the bridal entourage. If he is aware that there are people from out of town, he should thank them for making this special trip;
• Praises and compliments to the groom. He should express the family’s satisfaction and happiness about having him as part of the family;
• A quote or two would be nice. A popular one is that about how the parents should give roots and wings to their children. Roots would refer to the permanence of the family home and wings so they could go out to the world and lead their own lives. If a quote is called for – say as an introduction for the main speech – then every effort must be made to find unique ones that have not been used over and over again, no matter how eloquent the quote is. A woman once remarked that she had been to a hundred weddings in her life and she would always wager a bet that a particular quote would be uttered, and she was right 6 times out of 10. Be sure you include the author of the quote;
• The conclusion of the speech takes the form of a toast when he asks everyone to raise a glass to the bride and groom and wish them love and happiness.

Speech by the Best Man

The best man attracts a lot of attention in a wedding reception because he represents the groom and is supposed to have intimate knowledge about him. Naturally, when he delivers his speech, the guests will want to hear something light but personal about the groom: how they met, how long they’ve known each other, his quirks, his delightful traits, what he likes to eat. A humorous anecdote is certainly appropriate, the kind that does not brew enmity between two brothers or two best friends.

The best man can also propose a toast to the bride and groom at the end of his speech.

Speech by the Groom

The groom has to show his humorous side because by making everyone laugh, people will see that he’s the type who can also make his wife laugh. Again, terms of endearment for his parents, the bride’s parents, for his bride, for his best man and for the wedding party are appropriate. He can also directly address the remarks of the best man, but he should allocate a few minutes talking about his bride. He could speak of her qualities, and what initially attracted him to her.

Essentially, the groom – as the gentleman par excellence – is supposed to thank everyone present in the reception, beginning with his new wife (“thank you for choosing me and not Jim, Roger, Pete, Henry or Jack”), his parents (“thank you, mom and dad, for the education and the guitar lessons and the car keys whenever I needed to take off), parents of the bride (“thank you for welcoming me into the clan, and for not objecting to the wedding), his best man and the bridesmaids, and all the other people who have made the ceremony and reception a success.

Wedding Speeches- Do’s and Don’ts

For participants who will be delivering speeches or toasts during the reception, here are a few tips. Beginning with the “dos” –

• Do make it brief (five minutes for a speech and one to two minutes for a toast);
• Do maintain eye contact. Engage your audience and not speak at or to them, as one expert recommended. Eye contact is important so that no one feels excluded or forgotten. A sweeping glance of the hall, left to right and back again, helps;
• Do pay attention to your body language – don’t let your body contradict your words. This means that if you say “how wonderful it is to be here today, I’m enjoying every minute of it”, your body has to show that you mean it. If your posture belies nervousness and your hands are twitching and your face is somewhat distorted, then people won’t believe you;
• Do inject humor, but do it with finesse;
• Do thank everyone and mention special thanks to those who have played a role in the wedding.

And the don’ts:

• Don’t read your speech notes verbatim. This is one way where the groom “loses” it. We’re speaking of audience connection. The most effective way to connect with your guests is to NOT read your notes;
• Don’t neglect the wisdom that it pays to practice with a friend, or in front of a mirror, or to record your speech and play it back. It’s an excellent way to receive feedback about which parts of the speech and delivery can be improved;
• Don’t say anything that might embarrass anyone;
• Don’t give the impression that you’re rushing to end your speech. Take a few breaths, take meaningful pauses;
• Don’t forget to smile (especially if you have a smile like John Travolta);
• And this is the BIG DON’T: don’t drink excessively before it’s your turn to give a speech, otherwise you’d make a fool of yourself, embarrass your party, and land on a stretcher.

If you’re organizing your wedding reception, avoid asking too many people to do a speech or a toast because you don’t want your guests to feel that they’re in a seminar or conference. Part of the reason people attend weddings is to have a good time, not to listen to long winded praises and clichés!

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Help! I Discovered Something Heinous About a Local Parent. Now I Have to Invite Him Into My Home.

I’m pretty sure he doesn’t remember me..

Dear Prudence is Slate’s advice column.  Submit questions here .   (It’s anonymous!)

Dear Prudence,

I live in a suburb with an active Facebook community group. My son started kindergarten this past fall, and around the same time, some vocal anti-trans folks were sharing their opinions in the group and with the school committee. I attended the first school committee meeting (meetings are on Zoom) of the year to vocalize my support for trans kids as a mom and educator (I am a teacher in a different district). Many others spoke up for trans kids as well, and the school committee reaffirmed its commitment to keeping our district a welcoming place for all students.

My son is turning 6 in a few weeks, and we have invited his whole kindergarten class to the party. It’s the norm where we are that parents and siblings can also attend kids’ birthday parties. As it turns out, the parent of one of the kids in the class was also at that SC meeting, only his comment included a rant against “gender ideology” and accusations that both the U.S. president and his son are pedophiles. I only figured this out when my son and I ran into him this morning while out walking. He was friendly, and I’m not sure he recognized or remembered me from the SC meeting, though I certainly remembered him. My question is: Can I have this man at my home without betraying my values? We invited my son’s class specifically because we did not want anyone to feel excluded. On the other hand, I have been advocating for LGBTQ+ people all my life, the majority of my close friends are queer and/or trans (I myself am bisexual, though married to a cis heterosexual man), and the idea of having anyone who shares his views at my home makes my stomach turn. Help!

—Sick in a Small Town

Dear Sick in a Small Town,

Having to interact with other parents who I didn’t choose and don’t like is one of the parts of parenthood I dread the most! You’re living my nightmare. However, I don’t think you can exclude this ranting conspiracy theorist homophobe from your event. When there are children involved, fairness to them has to come first, and the “invite the entire class” norm exists for a reason. I hate to think of his kid missing the opportunity to interact with normal, kind people because their dad is insufferable. Not to mention, if you told him why he wasn’t welcome, it would cause a whole thing in the Facebook group and next thing you know, you’d be the subject of one of those op-eds about how liberals are mean and that’s why people are forced to be bigots and hate democracy. You don’t need that kind of drama in your life. Also, I hate to say it, but he’s probably not the only person you’ve invited who has troubling beliefs.

So rather than going through the headache of scrutinizing the guest list, creating criteria for admission, making difficult announcements, and hiring security, how about this: Honor your values by making your home a place where a homophobe would not want to be, or where he would have to keep his most disturbing views to himself in order to feel comfortable. You could send a text, email, or Facebook message to the parents of the invited children that says something like this: “We’re looking forward to seeing everyone who can make it on Saturday! A few notes to make sure everyone is comfortable: 1) For those with allergies, we do have a cat but plan to thoroughly dust and vacuum the area where the party will take place 2) Please let me know if you or your child have any food sensitivities or dietary restrictions 3) Our home is a place where LGBTQ people are respected and feel safe. You may see art/a flag/books that reflect this. And we do not tolerate hate speech about any group. Given some recent comments I’ve read and heard in local parenting spaces, I felt I should be clear about this so you can decide whether it will be the right environment for your family.”

Get Even More Advice From the Dear Prudence Podcast

I married my husband two years after his ex died. We had been dating for a while but held off getting married when the accident happened. “Lia” was 10 and ”Lois” was 5. I never wanted or thought I could replace the girls’ mother, but after being close with both my stepparents, I naively thought the girls would warm up to me. Lois did. Lia never will. We did family therapy. My husband did the parenting. We kept their maternal family close. We tried. Lia will not even be civil with me most days. Worse, she actively acts hateful toward Lois if she acts loving toward me like hugging me or asking to be adopted. She was 12 and her biggest wish for me was to be her mom. Lia shoved her sister off her chair when Lois raised the idea and called her a “traitor.” I think she would have hit her sister if my husband didn’t get between them. Lia ran away and we didn’t know where she was for days. The police were involved. Then Lia wanted to go live with either of her grandparents.

Both sides called her out on her behavior (their maternal grandmother called me a “saint” for putting up with it all). Lia turned 18 and skipped right off into the sunset. The only times we would hear from her was when she needed money. Collectively our entire family has tried from us to my in-laws to the girls’ maternal uncle. Her relationship with her sister is non-existent. Lois is blossoming into such an amazing young woman. She is turning 18 soon and she wants her present for me to officially adopt her. My husband is just “What about Lia?” I can’t care anymore. Lia is 23 now. We have been in each other’s lives for over 13 years. I am not expecting love or even liking, I don’t need or deserve this. Neither does my husband but especially Lois. How do we navigate this?

—Adopting Issues

Dear Adopting Issues,

Your husband: “What about Lia?”

You: “Who knows what will happen? If we become closer to her in the future and she asks me to adopt her as well, I’ll be honored. But Lois’ request was really meaningful to me and I don’t want her to have to wait for that.”

How to Get Advice From Prudie

Submit your questions anonymously here . (Questions may be edited for publication.) 

Dear Prudence, 

In December 2023, my best friend of 20 years died of cancer. He was diagnosed one year before his death, and in 12 months went from a healthy 39-year-old to being in a wheelchair, before he passed away. I work as a prosecutor, which is a government job. My problem is with my workplace supervisor. In the more than three months since my friend’s passing, my supervisor has not acknowledged his death to me, even though she knew how close we were, and that I was supporting him through his decline in health. She did not call me to pass on her condolences, ask me what I needed, how I was doing, or if I needed time off.

To make things even worse, while I was planning my friend’s memorial there was a recruitment exercise at my work, where I would have had the opportunity to apply to be made permanent (I am currently on a contract despite having worked in the same role for two years). My supervisor did nothing to arrange an extension for me. When I tried to raise my disappointment about this with her, she told me I was hurting her feelings and being unprofessional. Despite my grief, I have continued to work through this time and my work quality has not suffered. Now it feels like I am being punished by my supervisor for not wanting to be “friends” and acting like everything between us is OK. Prudie, I love my job, but I cannot forgive my supervisor for not being there when I needed a supportive manager. Most of the time I cannot believe what I am experiencing, the lack of compassion is astounding to me. Am I right to feel this letdown? I feel like I need to get away from this person as quickly as possible, but I worry it will damage my career. I have tried to raise my concerns with management and HR but neither have been supportive. Prudie, what should I do?

—Unable to Forgive

Dear Unable to Forgive,

Your supervisor is a jerk, unprofessional, and lacks compassion. I totally agree. I don’t think she deserves your forgiveness. But I also don’t think she deserves this much energy from you, especially while you’re going through such a difficult time. She is not a friend (even if she would like to be). She’s just someone you report to in exchange for a paycheck. You didn’t choose her; you don’t have history with her; and her behavior, while disappointing and upsetting, isn’t personal. It reflects her own shortcomings. I know that when you’re mourning, everything can feel more raw and every slight can feel more intense.

But reporting this woman to HR, stewing over her behavior, or starting a job search won’t heal the real source of your anger, which is that your friend was unfairly taken from you way too soon. You should honor your relationship with him by letting yourself feel all the intense negative feelings you want about the tragic way his life ended, not by fixating on the flaws of someone who doesn’t care about either of you.

Classic Prudie

My sister-in-law has announced she is trans and is in therapy to transition successfully. It was actually a relief because it seemed to explain her past self-destructive and self-seeking behavior (casual drug use, picking family fights, and even getting plastered at our wedding). We kept her at a distance from her past behavior but have been making attempts to bridge the gap, including introducing her (while socially distanced) to our infant daughter.

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Read the heartbreaking eulogy given by slain nypd detective jonathan diller’s widow: ‘my husband died a hero’.

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Hello everyone, I am Stephanie Diller, Jonathan’s wife .

I had not had the opportunity to speak before this moment, so what I would like to say, on behalf of the entire Diller family, is thank you all for the support this week .

The outpouring of love that our family has received has been overwhelming and we are forever thankful to everyone.

With every hug that I’ve received, I just picture that each one is from Jonathan.

I wish Jonathan was here to see the incredible kindness and generosity that has been shown to our family. But I know in his own way he is here watching over us.

I am so proud that thousands of people across the country are calling Jonathan a hero. But the truth is he’s always been a hero to Ryan and me . The rest of the world is just catching up. Although he was beyond proud to be a member of NYPD, his career was one of his many roles.

I want to also honor Jonathan for who he was out of uniform. I am not sure where to start and I could probably talk about Jonathan for hours, so I’ll start from the beginning:

Jonathan was born and raised on Long Island. The son of Fran and Steven Diller , and brother to Jennifer and Jason. He was the youngest of the three, which obviously means he was the mischievous one. But he also had the sweetest heart and the guiltiest conscience. So he would always smooth things over by making his mom handwritten apology letters.

He grew up . . . playing lacrosse and hockey, forming friendships that would last a lifetime. He was a connector: the kinda guy who would draw people in, and find something in common with everyone, a friend to everyone.

Following his graduation from . . . high school, he attended SUNY Maritime, where he lived with his cousin Robert. He loved telling stories of traveling all over the world, seeing beautiful places and making amazing memories.

After graduation, Jonathan and I started dating, after getting set up by our mutual friend Evan. I remember on one of our very first dates, we went to see a movie. He was so tired from work that he fell asleep in the movie theater. He started snoring so loudly that the people around us asked me to wake him up. But of course, if you ever ask him the story, I am the one who fell asleep, started snoring and embarrassed him.

It didn’t take long for me to realize how special he was. He loved to make everyone laugh, and he had the most infectious personality. When you talk to him, he really listens. And he made me feel like I was the only person in the room.

Early on in our relationship, Jonathan’s job required him to be away for a month at a time. He . . . made sure to send me the emails letting me know that he’s thinking of me. We must’ve exchanged over 100 emails through the years that I will forever cherish. I would excitedly wake up to emails from him with hilarious subject lines, such as Jonathan Diller is a Stud or sweet messages like . . . I’ll be home before you know it. One blink — and I’ll be in front of you giving you a kiss.

I quickly knew I found the person that I was gonna marry. I never doubted how much Jonathan loved me, because he always told me. He was absolutely my soulmate, and we could understand each other with a look. Any time I entered the room, I looked for him, and I knew that the place I belonged was next to him. He could always make me laugh, and that was one of the things I loved most about him. He would make an absolute fool of himself just to get me to crack a smile. We had a connection that not too many people get to experience in their lifetime.

In November of 2019, at our wedding, I remember being so nervous to walk down the aisle in front of so many people. But as soon as the church doors opened, I saw him looking at me and I realized how lucky I was. He looked at me like I was his whole world. And he always treated me like I was his whole world.

Together we lived a very simple life in Massapequa. We worked hard, we relaxed at home when we could and we had the cutest dog, Tucker. We did everything together and I really mean that. We were best friends. He would call us Batman and Robin, but he said I was Batman and he was Robin. When I would meet people, I would say: if you like me, wait until you meet my husband.

He . . . decided to become a police officer in 2021. Everyone was so proud that he found something he loved to do, and he was exceptional at it. He would go in early, stay late, work overtime, all because he just loved it. It’s no surprise he was an incredible police officer when you think about what type of man he was. He was always putting people above himself, dropping everything to help someone in need, and speaking up for what was right. He was a fierce protector of everyone around him. He spoke his mind and he wasn’t afraid. I always admired him for his honesty and courage. He was my absolute greatest confidante.

Nothing compares to his best role of being a dad. Jonathan always wanted to be a dad. And he wasted no time being the greatest one. I will never forget the look on his face when our son was born. I don’t think we could ever achieve a greater happiness. He was so proud of Ryan. Every time he did something new, it was like explosion of joy for both of us. Jonathan wanted nothing more than just showing Ryan to everyone he knew. He was excited that Ryan’s first word was “Dada,” and I remember, I would playfully try to get him to say “Mama” instead. But now I never want to stop hearing Ryan say Dada.

I could never ask for a better partner to raise a child with than Jonathan. We were a team. He would always kiss and hug me in front of Ryan, and he said he wanted Ryan to see that his dad loves his mommy so much. And then we would pick him up between the two of us and smoosh his cheeks with kisses together.

What to know about the fatal shooting of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller:

• Diller, 31, was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens, on March 25, 2024.
• Suspect Guy Rivera allegedly opened fire on Diller on Monday evening after the cop approached the vehicle Rivera was in for parking in front of a bus stop.
• Diller was shot once in the stomach below his bulletproof vest. The married father of a 1-year-old boy was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
• Rivera was wounded when Diller’s partner returned fire. The suspect has 21 prior arrests and was found to have a shiv stored in his rectum during the shooting — in apparent anticipation of being sent to jail again.
• Lindy Jones, the ex-con behind the wheel of the car during the shooting, was also arrested after a second gun was found in his car.
• Mayor Eric Adams has renewed his calls for Albany to address criminal recidivism following the shooting involving two suspects with lengthy criminal records.

Follow The Post’s complete coverage of fallen NYPD Officer Diller’s wake

When you fall in love with someone, you think you can’t possibly love them anymore than you do right now. But then you get married and you say, okay, now there is no way I can love them anymore. And then you have a child with them, and guess what? You love them even more. Jonathan taught me that true love has no limit.

Our life was pretty much perfect, until five days ago, when everything changed forever.

He was called in to duty, and in typical Jonathan fashion, he didn’t run away. He did what was right and he did what he loved. He wasn’t the type to sugar-coat anything, so I won’t sugar-coat this: This is devastating, this is devastating, senseless and tragic loss for so many — our family, our friends, and the entire city of New York.

It’s a shame that someone who brought so much positivity in the world, was given such a negative ending. There was so much he was looking forward to . . . . seeing his friends become fathers and watching his son grow.

It breaks my heart that Ryan was robbed to grow up with his dad. Jonathan had so many things he wanted to teach him, like how to play ice hockey, how to drive a car, ride a bike. To watch Ryan go to his first day of school, and watching him graduate on his last.

I am eternally grateful that Jonathan made me Ryan’s mother. If am missing him, I can look at Ryan to feel close to him, because his son is just like him — always making people smile. And I promise to raise him even more like his dad. It’s hard to imagine how long I have to wait until I see Jonathan again. When the doors of heaven open for me one day, I hope to see Jonathan standing there looking at me just like he did on our wedding day.

My husband died a hero, but he also lived like one. Our world will never be the same, but I know I speak for everyone when I say I could not be more proud of him.

How Post Readers Can Help

You can help Officer Jonathan Diller’s 1-year-old son via the Silver Shield Foundation, which will help fund his future education. Diller, 31, was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Queens, leaving behind his wife, Stephanie, and baby Ryan.

The Silver Shield Foundation was launched in 1982 by late New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner for the families of NYPD officers and FDNY firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty

You can make a contribution at  silvershieldfoundation.org/donate  or send it to: Silver Shield Foundation, 870 UN Plaza, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10017

It’s been two years and two months since Detective Rivera and Detective Mora made the ultimate sacrifice — just like my husband Jonathan Diller. Dominque Rivera stood before all the elected officials present today pleading for change.

That change never came. And now my son will grow up without his father, and I will grow old without my husband. And his parents have to say goodbye to their child.

How many more police officers and how many families need to make the ultimate sacrifice before we start protecting them?

I don’t wish this kind of pain on anyone. Jonathan lived his life doing good for people, and it’s now time for people to do good for all the officer he represents. Which reminds me — to all his friends at 105-CRT and the boys, he wanted me to say “I love you.”

Jonathan, I don’t know how I am going to live without you. I’m so amazingly grateful for every single moment we had with you.

Rest in Peace, Jonathan, the man who captured my heart and now all of New York’s.

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A couple started planning their winery wedding without a set budget. Here's how their $73,000 day came together, from a pricey venue to DIY decor.

• High-school sweethearts Julia and Mark Baugh got married on September 3, 2023.
• Julia broke down their  $73,405 wedding day for Business Insider.
• The venue cost  $41,000, and the couple DIYed some of their decor.

When Julia and Mark Baugh got engaged, they didn't know much about the cost of a wedding .

They were the first of their friends to get married , meaning they had no real idea of venue prices, how much a floral arch would cost, or what they could expect to pay a videographer.

Julia spoke to Business Insider about how their wedding came together, breaking down the cost of their day.

Julia and Mark Baugh have been together since they were teenagers.

Julia was best friends with Mark's cousin throughout her childhood, but she didn't meet her now-husband until they were teenagers, she told Business Insider.

They finally met when Mark took the duo to get ice cream when Julia was 16 and he was 17. Their connection was instant.

"We've been best friends and dating ever since," Julia said.

Today, the Baughs live in New Jersey, where Julia, now 24, works for a mortgage company, and Mark, 25, works for a health company. Julia also creates content on TikTok .

When they got engaged in 2021, the Baughs didn't know much about weddings.

Mark popped the question in 2021 when he and Julia were 23 and 22.

Julia told BI they were the first of their friends to get engaged , so they didn't know much about weddings as they started planning their day.

"I was never one of those people that was like, 'I can't wait to get married,'" Julia said. "I never really thought about it. So honestly, planning a wedding was kind of a shell shock for me because of how overwhelming and expensive it was."

They set the wedding for September 3, 2023, giving them ample planning time.

As they started planning, Julia and Mark weren't sure how much to budget for their wedding.

Julia and Mark are savers, but they weren't financially planning for their wedding when he popped the question.

"We were actually trying to buy a house when he proposed," Julia said. "So that was really what we were saving for, and then we were like, 'Crap, now we have to save for a wedding.'"

Because they knew so little about the cost of weddings, the Baughs didn't set a budget as they started looking at vendors. Instead, they decided to find a venue that fit their needs, planning to select affordable vendors to complement it.

They fell in love with a winery.

When Julia saw photos of the Renault Winery & Resort in Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, online, she was pretty certain she would get married there.

"When I first saw it, I was like, 'This is it.' But just to appease everyone else, I checked out other ones," Julia said. "But as soon as we got there, my husband and I were like, 'Yep, let's just book it. This is our dream venue.'"

The outdoor space at the property particularly appealed to Julia, as she thought the winery would be the perfect backdrop for their ceremony.

Julia also liked that the venue provided catering and bar services as part of its wedding package.

The venue booking included alcohol, catering, tableware, and linens for the event, so the Baughs didn't have to outsource those services. Julia didn't want to have to worry about additional vendors on the wedding day, so the all-inclusive nature of Renault Winery & Resort appealed to her. It even included the cost of the cake.

"I didn't really want to set up anything on our wedding day," Julia said. "I didn't want to have to worry about bringing alcohol. I didn't want to have to worry about finding caterers."

"I just wanted to be able to enjoy getting ready and not have to worry about setting up, so it made it really easy," she added.

The venue was the priciest aspect of the wedding for the Baughs, and their parents ended up paying for it.

"Our parents split the venue price, which was awesome because we weren't even expecting to have help," Julia said.

Venue cost: $41,000

Julia wanted to invest in florals for the wedding.

Julia decided to go with a garden party theme for the nuptials, which meant flowers would be essential to the decor.

She tapped Bespoke Floral & Event Design to create floral displays with white flowers and a plethora of greenery, choosing the colors based on how photos of the event would look down the road.

"I picked our flower colors because I thought it would always match our home decor," she said. "If I picked pink flowers or whatever color, I would not want to hang the photos if I changed my home decor."

The ceremony included a floral arch, as well as arrangements lining the aisle.

But the Baughs reused the flowers that made a statement at their ceremony to get the most bang for their buck.

In terms of their budget, the Baughs spent a large portion on flowers.

"Flowers were definitely a splurge," Julia said. "I wanted that to be the main focus of the whole day."

However, they were able to get the most out of their investment by reusing flowers throughout the day. For instance, the arch at the altar was repurposed to accent Julia and Mark's sweetheart table, as were several bouquets lining the aisle.

Florals: $12,000

The Baughs also rented furniture to add more seating for their guests.

The Baughs wanted to add more furniture to the venue, specifically a couch and chairs for guests to lounge on throughout the event. Julia said they were particularly useful during cocktail hour.

They chose white couches and chairs with gold accents, as well as a glass coffee table, from Vision Furniture Event Rentals , placing flowers near them so they fit with the event's aesthetic.

"They were just another place to hang out and sit down," she said. "We actually took photos in front of it, which was really fun."

Furniture rentals: $800

To make the day run smoothly, the couple hired a coordinator for the wedding.

The Baughs didn't hire a full wedding planner, as Julia planned much of the day. But they did hire Tutti Belle Events to help them in the final stretch of wedding planning and on the day of the event.

"I pretty much planned the whole thing, and then two months before, she took over and did everything, which was so helpful," Julia said. "I was having a nervous breakdown two months before because I was so nervous, so it worked out."

Looking back at the day, Julia told BI that hiring a day-of coordinator for the wedding was one of the best investments she made in the wedding.

"She did so many things I did not even think of that needed to be done," Julia said.

Coordinator: $2,000

The Baughs added DIY touches to their wedding, which saved them money and brought their vision to life.

For instance, Mark made their welcome sign and brought Julia's vision for the seating chart to life.

"I found two pictures of a seating chart that I wanted to combine," she told BI. "My husband's very handy. He loves doing projects, and he's done a ton of stuff around the house."

So when he offered to make the seating chart for the day using materials they already had at home — making it essentially free — Julia was thrilled. The white, arched board had shelving with seat assignments and small bud vases of flowers. A "find your seat" decal written in cursive completed the sign.

Mark used materials they already had for the welcome sign as well.

"We always say I'm the brains behind the operation, and he does everything," Julia said of herself and her husband.

Seating chart and welcome sign: $100

Julia also designed their menu cards.

Julia made the menu cards herself, working with a printer to bring them to life. She even added a wax seal to the top of them.

Menu cards: $50

The Baughs also added an ice cream cart to their day.

Churn House is a local New Jersey ice cream shop with a churn cart for mobile events that provides ice cream sandwiches.

The brand reached out to Julia about including one of its carts at her wedding after seeing some of her TikTok content.

"Everybody loved it," Julia said of the cart. "The ice cream sandwiches were gone."

"They were such a hit, especially because it was 95 degrees on the day of the wedding," she added.

Churn cart: $650

Julia and Mark's wedding was documented in several ways.

Julia wanted "bright, airy photos" for the wedding, and Amber Dawn Photography was the perfect fit for her vision.

"She was so friendly," Julia said of Amber. "She took the best photos. When we got them back, I was like, 'I could not even imagine them looking this good.'"

Photographer: $5,200

They also hired a videographer.

The Baughs struggled to find a videographer, as many of them were out of their price range.

But then they found Forever Filmworks , which was perfect for their needs.

"I'm so glad we did it because we have the audio," Julia said. "We have the vows. We have all the speeches."

Videographer: $1,900

The Baughs had a content coordinator to document candid moments from the day, too.

In recent years, couples have started hiring people to create content for their weddings, capturing shorter and more behind-the-scenes moments than traditional photographers or videographers often do.

The Baughs tapped Salt Air Socials for the job, so their wedding was covered from as many angles as possible.

Content creator: $475

Music played a big role in the couple's wedding.

The Baughs had live music at their ceremony, hiring Ceremonious Strings for $650 to accompany them.

But their reception had more of a party feel thanks to DJ Treble & Bass Productions , whose services cost $3,000.

Music: $3,650

Julia's wedding dress was a gift, but she paid for her hair and makeup for the nuptials.

Julia's mother bought her a $4,000 Badgley Mischka Bride wedding dress and a $400 veil.

But Julia paid for her hair and makeup herself. Prostyled Bride styled her hair, which cost $250, and her makeup services were provided by Makeup By Brielle for $350.

Mark chose to rent a tuxedo for the wedding, which cost $180.

Dress and veil: $4,400

Hair and makeup: $600

Groom's attire: $180

Julia and Mark hired an officiant, but they said private vows, too.

Mark DeMuro officiated their wedding. Julia told BI he "wrote something cute" for them to say during the ceremony.

But they exchanged more personal vows privately during their first look ahead of the ceremony.

"We are both very shy, so we were very nervous to say vows in front of everyone," Julia said. "So it was really sweet to do it by ourselves."

Officiant: $400

In total, the couple's wedding cost over $73,000.

Though Julia and Mark's parents helped cover some of the costs, the couple still spent $28,000 of their own money on the wedding.

Julia thinks it's important for couples to know the real cost of weddings before they get engaged, which is why she's been open about her budget breakdown on TikTok .

"I feel like a lot of people don't really understand how much of an investment a wedding is," she said. "If you're going to have a big wedding with 150 people, it's going to be a lot of money, and you have to figure out whether that's worth spending the money for you."

"Once you sign those contracts, you can't get out of it," Julia said. "You'll lose a ton of money. So, I think that's my biggest advice for couples. Really just figure out what you want."

"Don't let social media or family members or anything pressure you into doing something because you feel obligated to," she added.

Total: $73,405

Dress: $4,000

Groom's tuxedo: $180

Six months into their marriage, Julia and Mark are closer than ever.

"That's my best friend," Julia said of her husband. "If I don't want to hang out with anybody, we can sit on the sofa together in silence and still just enjoy each other's company."

"He's always been my best friend," she added.

If you want to share the real cost of your wedding with Business Insider for a story, get in touch at  [email protected] .

• Main content

Robert Irwin pranks followers with shocking new haircut: Watch the video

"I can officially say that the classic Robert Irwin haircut has returned."

Robert Irwin wowed his followers with a new -- but yet familiar -- haircut.

"My hair was getting a bit long so I decided to stop in at my local hairdresser, get a fresh cut and try something a little different.," the 20-year-old conservationist and television personality said in an Instagram video shared on April Fools' Day.

MORE: Robert Irwin trades khakis for suits on runway at Melbourne Fashion Festival: Photos

Irwin said that between working on new projects and traveling, he'd let his hair "grow out longer than it usually is" and so he thought he'd "take this as a perfect opportunity to bring back an old favorite."

"You'll see what I mean," he teased.

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Bindi Irwin shares adorable moment with 2-year-old daughter Grace: Watch here

Bindi and robert irwin mark parents' 31st wedding anniversary.

Irwin's hairdresser then got to work, with him doing a little "light reading" as he holds up a copy of The Australian Women's Weekly with him on the cover.

MORE: MORE: Bindi and Robert Irwin mark parents' 31st wedding anniversary

"They'll let just anyone on the cover of magazines these days," he joked.

After the hairdresser finished, Irwin spun around to reveal a blond bowl cut. He held up a photo of himself as a child rocking the same hairdo to show a then-and-now of his famous hairstyle.

"You guys have been saying for a long time that you wanted the bowl cut back, and I can officially say that the classic Robert Irwin haircut has returned -- and it's here to stay," he said.

The video then cuts to Irwin back in the hairdresser's chair as he takes off the wig and declares it was all for fun.

Watch the full video here:

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How to Write a Great Mother of the Bride Speech for Your Daughter's Big Day

• Lauren is a contributor for The Knot covering topics such as music, cakes, venues and speeches.
• She has been published in a wide array of lifetsyle-oriented publications including SELF and Allure.
• Lauren is a proud graduate of Syracuse University's SI Newhouse School of Public Communication.

Your daughter's wedding day is arguably one of the most special events you'll get to experience as a mom. And, what better way to welcome your daughter's new spouse into the family than with a thoughtful mother of the bride speech during the reception? If you're asking the question, 'does the mother of the bride give a speech?,' the answer is yes—but writing a wedding speech for your daughter doesn't need to be intimidating. Besides, we all know moms are practically superheroes. So when the time comes for your speech, it's no surprise that you'll deliver by exceeding expectations (on top of nailing the rest of your mother of the bride duties ). But if you struggle with public speaking or you're having trouble crafting the perfect speech, know that you're not alone. We're outlining everything you need to know about mother of the bride speeches so you can happily toast to your little girl (turned beautiful bride!) and her partner on their special day. Our first tip? Make sure you're wearing waterproof makeup—happy tears are bound to be shed.

In this article:

Printable Template | How to Write | Examples | Tips | FAQs

Printable Mother of the Bride Speech Template

Bookmark this template to make sure you check all the boxes when writing your mother of the bride speech.

How to Write a Mother of the Bride Speech Step-by-Step

Still feeling stuck on your mother of the bride speech? Stick to this simple, six-step template, courtesy of Hester Parks, an award-winning event planner and founder of Park Avenue Events based in Atlanta, Georgia. Fill in the blanks by adding your own personal details and you'll be good to go.

1. Introduce yourself.

It's pretty clear that most people will know who you are, but you'll still want to start your speech by introducing yourself. Start with a simple hello or other greeting, then share your name and specify that you're the mother of the bride.

2. Thank the guests for coming.

Mind your manners and remember to thank everyone for coming out to celebrate this joyous occasion, especially those who have traveled from out of town or went to great lengths to be present.

3. Share a heartfelt message about your daughter.

Here's your chance for a little humble brag. "Talk about how proud you are of her and how amazing she has turned out to be," says Lauren Smith, founder of EventSmith Planning and Productions in Houston, Texas. You can also share an anecdote or memory about your daughter—talk about something you love doing together or reminisce on a cute story from her childhood.

4. Talk about your daughter's partner.

Now is the perfect time in your mother of the bride speech to officially welcome your new son-in-law or daughter-in-law to the family. Share what you love about them, why they're the perfect match for your daughter, and how happy you are that they're in your life.

5. Speak about the couple's relationship.

After you've spoken about each of them individually, it's time to talk about your daughter and her partner—and why they make a great match. You could share a memory from when you first saw them together or talk about how you've watched their relationship grow and flourish.

6. Close with a toast to the newlyweds.

Finally, ask all of the guests to raise their glasses in honor of the newly married couple. Remember to congratulate both of them (not just your daughter) and wish them well.

Mother of the Bride Speech Examples

Decide if you want to give a speech that feels classic, funny, short and sweet—or all of the above. Then, use these mother of the bride speech examples to fill in the blanks for your own speech.

Touching Mother of the Bride Speech Example

"Hello everyone and welcome—I'm [insert name] , Casey's mom. I want to thank you all so much for coming out to celebrate Casey and Rory's wedding day. On behalf of our entire new extended family, we're incredibly thrilled and eternally grateful to ring in this joyous occasion with you. My heart is full of love, gratitude, and appreciation for our friends, family members, and loved ones who came from all over to attend the wedding.

Find your kind of venue

While Casey's father and I raised her to be strong and independent, we couldn't be more thrilled for her that she's found her real-life fairytale with Rory. Rory, you are kind, gentle, empathetic and comforting, and I couldn't have wished for anything more. More importantly, you embody everything and more I could have hoped for in a husband for my daughter.

I've been dreaming of this day since Casey was a little girl when she'd dress up in her favorite princess ballgowns, reminisce about her very own Prince Charming and watch Cinderella on loop for hours on end. Looking back, I can't help but smile at these precious memories. However, I wish I knew then how quickly time flies by—and if I could offer you and Rory one piece of advice, it would be to cherish every moment by living life to the fullest. Don't sweat the small stuff. Don't go to bed angry or sad. Don't waste one second worrying about something that's not important in the bigger picture. The reason is simple: Life is too damn short.

Casey, I'm so proud of the beautiful young woman you've grown into. I'm not sure what I did to deserve you—or how you ended up turning out so wonderful, but I couldn't be happier for you as you take this next step. I can't wait to celebrate many more happy occasions with you and Rory. Everyone, please join me in raising a glass to the handsome couple. Here's to a lifetime of love, health and happiness."

Short Mother of the Bride Speech Example

"Thank you all for joining us today. I'm [insert name] , Marianne's mom, and I couldn't be more thrilled to be celebrating her marriage to Jeremy. Watching Marianne grow up, I loved [blank] about her and dreamed that she would someday find a partner who [share a quality of your daughter's partner that you admire] . Jeremy, we couldn't have asked for someone better to love our daughter, and we're so blessed to welcome you into our family. I'm filled with joy for you both and wish you every happiness for this next chapter in your story. Cheers and congratulations!"

Funny Mother of the Bride Speech Example

"As Lauren's slightly older sister—just kidding!—I want to thank you all so much for coming out to celebrate Lauren and Chelsea's wedding day. As her mom, I want to start by telling you all a story about Lauren from way back in the day. [Share a slightly embarrassing but funny childhood or teenage memory about your daughter that sums up her personality.]

They say a mother's love is like no other, and oh boy, it was at that moment that I fully understood the meaning of the phrase. I knew that Lauren would someday need to find a partner who could lovingly accept her not only at her best, but also in moments when [make a reference to the funny childhood story you told earlier] . When I first met Chelsea, I could see that Lauren had found her perfect match after all—someone who understands and embraces Lauren's [share a quirky trait about your daughter] as much as (if not more than) we do. Chelsea and Lauren, I'm so grateful that you've found each other, and I have loved watching your relationship grow. Everyone, please raise your glass and join me in congratulating the newlyweds. Here's to many more years of happiness, health and excitement!"

Mother of the Bride Speech Tips

You've got the mother of the bride speech basics, now it's time to start writing your own. Keep these tips in mind, including what not to say in a mother of the bride speech.

When in doubt, speak from the heart.

If you're worried that nerves will get the better of you during your mother of the bride speech, remind yourself that the speech doesn't need to be overly complicated. Speaking from the heart will be more than enough to get your message across—and your daughter will be able to feel your emotion, which is what it's really all about.

Include light humor but avoid inside jokes.

Many wedding planners we spoke to warned that making jokes during your MOB speech could be hit-or-miss depending on the context of the joke, as well as the delivery. However, Elyse Dawn, a Chicago-based wedding planner for The Wedding Planning Guide , says, "We think jokes in a mother of the bride speech can be a great touch, as long as it's tasteful. And of course it helps if it's funny !"

Most importantly, you should avoid inside jokes that wouldn't make sense to the larger crowd. Although it might seem cute to include a reference that only your daughter would understand, it could end up feeling uncomfortable or awkward for the rest of the room.

Write down your thoughts and practice out loud.

To help you organize your thoughts, Jesse Reing, wedding planner and founder of Events by Jesse in New York, New York, recommends writing down the main points you want to make during your mother of the bride speech. "These can include feelings about the couple, childhood stories, anecdotes from when you first met your now-in-law, comments on the wedding itself, or well-wishes for the future," says Reing. "Having an outline of points to refer to will help fill in the gaps and create transitions, while also having a sense of preparedness in case nerves take over."

It's also a good idea to practice your speech at least once before the wedding, especially if you don't have a lot of experience with public speaking. Read it to yourself out loud to get comfortable and familiarize yourself with what you want to say.

Steer clear of sensitive topics.

Your mother of the bride speech should be a highlight reel—not an in-depth account of your daughter's life or the ups-and-downs of her relationship. Avoid mentioning any topics that might feel uncomfortable or touchy, like past flames, future grandchildren or the stressful times she went through while wedding planning. Keep it lighthearted, positive and focused on the couple.

End the speech by toasting to the future.

Congrats! You've officially written your speech for your daughter's wedding, and now it's time to bring it home. Congratulate the couple on a beautiful relationship so far, and conclude with a sentence or two about all the happiness you wish them as they begin their new chapter.

Mother of the Bride Speech Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time writing a mother of the bride speech, it's expected that you've got questions—and we've got answers. Here's the who, what, when and why.

When does the mother of the bride give her speech?

"Typically, the mother of the bride speaks at the wedding reception after cocktail hour and before dinner is served," says Katelyn Peterson, founder of Wedding Words , a wedding vow and speech writing service. Alternatively, the mother of the bride can give her speech during the rehearsal dinner instead, depending on the couple's wishes.

Who does the mother of the bride thank in her speech?

While you should certainly thank everyone for coming at the beginning of your speech, you won't need to individually name-drop every single attendee (phew!). Aside from potentially giving a special shoutout to your partner—especially if the two of you helped your daughter and her partner plan the wedding—you can also mention your new in-laws and their family, says Peterson.

How long should a mother of the bride speech be?

According to wedding planner Fátima Falcon of Momentos Weddings and Events in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: "There is no doubt that listening to the speech of the bride's mother is one of the most anticipated moments of the wedding." However, short and sweet speeches are ideal. "Brevity and preparation are the keys to success," says Karen Riley Love of AMI Beach Weddings in Anna Maria Island, Florida. She adds that two to three minutes is the "perfect" amount of time for the mother of the bride speech.

Samantha Iacia contributed to the reporting of this article.