How to Give a Father of the Bride Speech (That Isn’t Boring!)

Heartwarming and humorous father of the bride ice breaker speech for a memorable wedding reception. Learn to deliver those touching moments.

Picture this: You’re at the mic, palms sweaty, 150 guests staring back. One perfect icebreaker joke lands, and suddenly the room erupts in laughter. That’s the magic of a great father of the bride speech—let’s make yours unforgettable.

Your daughter’s significant other has popped the question, and the thing that strikes fear in your heart isn’t the cost of the wedding (though with the average wedding now topping $33,000, that’s no small thing). No, it’s the father of the bride speech you’re expected to give at the reception. It’s got to be endearing and heartfelt, with a dash of humor, all without putting the guests to sleep.

You’re not alone in your nerves. According to the Chapman University Survey of American Fears (source), 26.2% of U.S. adults report being afraid or very afraid of public speaking. But here’s the good news: with the right preparation, you can deliver a speech that has guests laughing, crying, and raising their glasses—for all the right reasons.

Read on for how to craft a father of the bride speech that will keep your wedding guests engaged with funny one-liners, emotional quotes, a step-by-step template, and essential dos and don’ts.

What Are Father of the Bride Speech Icebreakers?

An icebreaker is simply the first line you use to get everyone smiling. These opening remarks set the tone for your entire toast to your daughter and her new spouse during the wedding reception. A great icebreaker can include a joke, a heartfelt quote, or a clever phrase that hooks the audience and warms them up.

Think of your icebreaker as a gift to both yourself and your audience. It eases your nerves by getting that first laugh or smile, and it signals to guests that they’re in for something memorable—not a snooze-fest.

The speech itself can be a wonderful gift to the happy couple. A good father of the bride speech is memorable (for all the right reasons), humorous, engaging, and may even evoke a few tears. After all, 36% of wedding guests say personalized touches are the most memorable part of the celebration—and your speech is one of the most personal moments of all.

Special Note: If you’re teasing your daughter in your speech or with a one-liner, be sure to run it by her first so she’s comfortable with it.

35 Tried-and-True Jokes, Quotes, and Icebreakers for Dad’s Winning Speech

Before putting pen to paper on your speech outline, check out these jokes, quotes, and icebreakers. Find one or several that you’d like to incorporate or modify for your daughter’s wedding. After all, who can resist a dad joke? Done well, it will result in laughter and put everyone at ease.

Quick One-Liners

• Good evening, I’m [your name]. I hope you know who I am, but if you don’t, I’m offended.
• I prepared a hilarious wedding speech… but as I’ve learned over my 35 years of marriage, a happy wife makes a happy life, so I’m reading this one instead.
• [Bride] told me not to have a drink before the speech, so I apologize if I seem in a rush to get to the end!
• I want to pause and truly enjoy this moment. After all, it’s the only five minutes that [Bride] couldn’t plan and has no control over!
• Today is a momentous occasion—you’re about to witness the first and last time anyone ever trusts me to make a speech.
• Thank you all for coming. It wouldn’t be the same without you, although it would be much cheaper.
• Today is a big day, and we all feel quite emotional. Trust me—I’m crying over the emotion and not the final bill.
• My daughter begged me not to embarrass her. So, that’s the end of my speech. Have a great evening!
• I’m sure we can all agree that today has been a fantastic, elegant event. I’m sorry to have to end that now with my speech.
• Hello all, I’m [name]. I hope you know who I am, but if you don’t, congratulations for sneaking into such an expensive meal unnoticed.

Family Jokes

• Although we love [bride] very much, we definitely won’t miss her singing in the shower every morning. Good luck, [Groom/Partner]!
• Welcome everyone to my daughter’s wedding. No matter what papers she signed today, I hope I’ll always be the most important man in her life.
• [Bride] is funny, intelligent, kind, and good-looking, and you can clearly see where she gets all of those traits…
• Giving my daughter away was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. As you know, I’m not a generous person!
• [Bride] has always been generous. From the moment she could speak, she’d happily give her opinion to everyone.
• It’s not uncommon to feel somewhat intimidated by the duties of the father of the bride. Thankfully, I’ve felt pretty relaxed because my wife’s so organized—from the suit rental (check), to making sure I trimmed my beard (check), to my speech. So, sweetie, can you give me my speech now?
• It’s been said that women subconsciously choose a husband that is the opposite of their fathers. But I just heard my wife describing our new son-in-law as funny, generous, and strong.
• This beautiful meal this evening is charged on a cost-per-head basis. So, I’d like to thank the following people for not coming…
• While I am confident of [Groom]‘s qualities as a husband, I’m still not sure about him as a son-in-law. The jury is still out. Will he come over every weekend, or will I still have to mow the lawn and wash the car myself?
• Weddings are a marvelous excuse for a celebration, and today is no exception. It’s lovely to celebrate [Bride] and [Groom/Partner] along with the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and a few others I recognize.

Marriage Zingers

• Never ever discount the idea of marriage. Sure, someone might tell you that marriage is just a piece of paper. Well, so is money, and what’s more life-affirming than cold, hard cash?
• In every marriage, it sometimes pays to be a little deaf.
• Love may be blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener.
• I love being married; I do. It’s so great to find that one special person that you want to annoy for the rest of your life.
• Agatha Christie once said, “An archaeologist is the best husband a woman can have; the older she gets, the more interested he is in her.” May you always dig my daughter.
• [Groom/Partner], here’s a tip for a blissful future. Remember that marriage is a union in which one person is always right, and the other is you.
• Husbands and wives are irritating. But without them, who would we blame for misplacing our socks?
• It’s been said that marriage is like wine. It keeps improving with age, so long as you put a cork in it!
• [Groom/Partner], never criticize my daughter’s choices. Remember, you were one of them, after all!
• I married for love, but the obvious side benefit of having someone around to find my glasses cannot be ignored.
• A wedding anniversary is a celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance, and tenacity. The order varies for any given year.
• Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow internet to see who they really are.

Heartfelt Openers

• Honey, I just checked your Facebook page and noticed you hadn’t updated your name. Does that mean you’re keeping mine?
• I’m sure we all agree that [Bride] looks stunning today in her gorgeous white gown. And [Groom/Partner], well, what can we say about him in that dapper suit? It reminds me of the tale about a little girl who, attending a wedding for the first time, asked her mother why the bride was wearing white. The mother told her white was the color of happiness, and today was the happiest day of her life. The girl thought for a moment, then asked, “So why does the man wear black?”
• I’d like to wrap up by saying that we are so delighted to welcome into our family two very kind people not yet mentioned, but without whom [Groom/Partner] wouldn’t be here. No, I don’t mean the best man and the Uber driver, but [Groom/Partner]‘s parents, who have already become dear friends.

Step-by-Step Template: Build Your Killer Father of the Bride Speech

A killer father of the bride speech has five components—a great intro, remarks about the bride (including childhood memories), comments about the groom or partner, advice about marriage, and a fabulous toast. Clink! Congratulations, you’ve done it!

As presentation expert Nancy Duarte writes, “Stories have a beginning, middle, and end. Presentations should, too.” Your speech is no different.

Nail the Intro

Welcome the guests and let them know how thrilled you are to have them there to celebrate this union.

Rather than “Hello, I’m Bob, and I’m Julia’s father,” try something like this:

“Good evening, our lovely bride Julia calls me Dad—to my face, at least, but you can call me Bob. Joan and I, along with Derek’s parents, are so pleased you have made the journey to be here, regardless of whether it’s simply to see Derek in a suit or for a fabulous free meal. Welcome.”

Starting this way eases you into public speaking and sets the tone for the rest of the speech.

Gush About the Bride

Now is the place to pull in a few funny and poignant memories of your daughter. As one of the people who has known her the longest, you get to share insights about her and her impact on your life.

This is where childhood stories shine. Talk about:

• How you felt when she was born
• A funny memory from her early years (her first words, a hilarious tantrum, or an adorable misunderstanding)
• The first time a boy looked at her (and how you felt about it!)
• The day she got her first job or achieved something she worked hard for
• What she does that makes you proud now
• Any relevant stories about her as an adult

As Brené Brown, research professor and author of Daring Greatly, reminds us: “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.” Don’t be afraid to get emotional—that authenticity is what makes your speech unforgettable.

Say thanks to your wife for helping turn your little girl into the strong woman she is today. Share a common trait you love about both of them. Tie your daughter’s spouse into the story by remarking about how you hope they will cherish this trait as much as you do.

Sample lines:

• [Groom/Partner], I know [Bride] will be an amazing wife to you—loving, committed, and adventurous. And I know that because she’s learned from the best: her mother, who is still making me smile after 40 years.
• Despite having 29 years to prepare for this day, I am speechless at how she glows with the love you share and how much it reminds me of her mother, with whom I’ve shared this same, deep love for 35 years.
• [Bride], when you and I shared that moment earlier, right before I walked you down the aisle—know that it is a moment I will cherish forever.

Talk About Her Spouse Kindly

After you gush about your daughter, you want to mention her new spouse. Welcoming your new son-in-law (or daughter-in-law) is an integral part of melding them into your family.

Feel free to incorporate some humor here as well. Talk about:

• The first time you met them
• How they changed your daughter’s life
• A funny story about how they met
• Your early impressions of them
• How nervous they were when they sought your blessing

Sample lines:

• No amount of preparation can ever leave you feeling ready to give your daughter away, but if I had to choose a person to hand her to, I would choose you every time.
• [Groom/Partner], welcome to our family. Over the time we’ve known you, we’ve come to think of you as the son we never asked for.
• Of all the amazing qualities you possess, [Groom/Partner], my favorite is that you make my daughter shine.
• It’s now when I’m supposed to officially welcome [Groom/Partner] into our family, but the truth is you’ve been a part of this family since the day we met you.

Mention the partner’s parents and how happy you are to have them joining your family and you, theirs. Thank them for sharing the big day and congratulate them on the fine job they did raising your daughter’s new spouse.

Offer Advice on Marriage

Once you’ve acknowledged your daughter, her partner, and the families, it’s time to share a piece of advice. This can be done in several ways, depending on your situation.

If you’ve had a long marriage, find an inspirational nugget you can share about the journey, acknowledging the wonderful and challenging times. Pass on a piece of advice you were given at your wedding or a secret to your successful marriage.

Sample lines:

• May your love be modern enough to adjust as times change and old-fashioned enough to last forever.
• [Bride] and [Groom/Partner], your life together is just starting, and it will take many turns along the way. You will have glory days and those you’ll prefer to forget. However, you will have all you need if you have each other.
• We don’t know what your future holds. But, whatever happens, and wherever you go, your mother and I know you’ll always have each other’s love, and you’ll always have ours.
• [Bride and Groom/Partner], as you enter this new phase of your journey, it’s worth bearing in mind that neither of you will ever be perfect, but you can be perfect together.

Never married? Borrow wisdom from others. Quote a funny “what-not-to-do”—just keep it kind.

Sample lines:

• One piece of advice I wish I would have listened to and now want to pass on to you is: “Whenever you’re wrong, admit it. Whenever you’re right, shut up.”
• I polled my friends who have been married for over ten years, and they all agreed that the key to a successful marriage is…
• Your great-grandparents were married for 67 years. They said the secret to their success was loving peace more than being right.
• Always remember the most important three words for a successful marriage: “You were right.”

Nail the Toast

A strong toast wraps the speech up like a beautiful bow on the gift. Make sure your guests know exactly what you want them to do—otherwise, your speech may fall like a deflated balloon.

Sample toasts:

• They say it’s not a miracle that two people are different, but it is a miracle that they can live together so happily. Live miraculously, our dear newlyweds!
• Rumor has it that in a perfect family, the wife does not pay attention to where the money comes from, and the husband does not notice where it is going. May you live perfectly!
• May the two of you be poor in misfortune and rich in blessings. Here is to a beautiful wedding day and an even more amazing marriage.
• May your troubles be few and your blessings many.
• Your wedding day will come and go, but may your love forever grow. May the love and happiness you feel today shine through the years.
• Wishing you joy, love, and happiness on your wedding day and as you begin your new life together. Thank you for letting us share in this joyful day.

Printable Father of the Bride Speech Template

Use this fill-in-the-blank template to organize your thoughts before you start writing:

Opening (30 seconds - 1 minute)

• Your name and relationship to the bride: _______
• Welcome to guests and thank-you for coming: _______
• Icebreaker joke or warm opening line: _______

About Your Daughter (2-3 minutes)

• Childhood memory or story: _______
• What makes her unique (not just “beautiful” or “kind”—show it through a story): _______
• How she’s grown into the woman she is today: _______
• Acknowledge your wife’s role in raising her: _______

Welcome the New Spouse (1-2 minutes)

• First impression or how you met them: _______
• What you admire about them: _______
• How they make your daughter happy: _______
• Welcome them and their family: _______

Marriage Advice (1 minute)

• A piece of wisdom from your own experience or someone you admire: _______

The Toast (30 seconds)

• Your closing wish for the couple: _______
• Raise your glass and invite guests to join: _______

Total time: 5-7 minutes

As TED curator Chris Anderson writes, “Your number one task as a speaker is to transfer into your listeners’ minds an extraordinary gift—a strange and beautiful object that we call an idea.” Your idea is your love for your daughter and your blessing for her marriage.

Father of the Bride Speech Etiquette: Length, Timing, and Who to Thank

Understanding wedding speech etiquette helps you feel confident and ensures your speech fits seamlessly into the reception.

How Long Should a Father of the Bride Speech Be?

Most father of the bride speeches should be between 3-7 minutes. Five minutes is the sweet spot—long enough to be meaningful, short enough to keep everyone’s attention.

To check your timing, read your speech aloud at a natural pace and time yourself. Most people speak at about 130-150 words per minute, so a 5-minute speech is roughly 650-750 words.

When Does the Father of the Bride Give a Speech?

Traditionally, the father of the bride speaks first at the reception, often right after everyone is seated for dinner or after the first course. However, modern weddings are flexible—check with the couple and wedding coordinator about the order of speeches.

With 87% of weddings including at least one formal speech or toast, your speech will likely be the official kickoff to the toasting portion of the evening.

Who Should the Father of the Bride Thank?

Your speech should acknowledge:

• The guests – Thank everyone for traveling and celebrating
• Your wife – For her partnership in raising your daughter and (likely) planning the wedding
• The groom/partner’s parents – Welcome them into your family
• Anyone who contributed significantly – The bridal party, vendors, or hosts (if appropriate)
• The couple – Express gratitude for letting you be part of their day

What Should a Father of the Bride Speech Include?

A complete father of the bride speech includes:

1. A warm welcome and icebreaker
2. Heartfelt stories about your daughter (including childhood memories)
3. A kind welcome to your new son-in-law (or daughter-in-law) and their family
4. Advice or wisdom about marriage
5. A clear, memorable toast

Dos and Don’ts: Deliver a Speech That Honors and Entertains

As communication expert Nick Morgan, PhD, writes: “Great public speaking is not about perfection. It’s about connection.”https://publicwords.com/books/give-your-speech-change-the-world/ Keep this in mind as you prepare.

Do

• Ask for help. Before you even think about writing your first draft, brainstorm with a few key people. Ask your wife, the bride’s mother, her siblings, or close family friends to reminisce about your daughter. Look through photo albums to find key moments or hilarious stories you may have forgotten.
• Start early. Give yourself at least 4-6 weeks to write, revise, and practice. Rushing leads to rambling or forgetting important details.
• Incorporate humor. Find a humorous quote even if you’re not naturally known for your sense of humor. Laughter is always a great way to bring people together.
• Evaluate your adjectives. Nearly every father would say their daughter is beautiful, amazing, and kind—but what sets your daughter apart? Think about what makes her unique and show the audience why she is kind or beautiful through specific stories.
• Seek your daughter’s input. Ask your daughter if there’s anyone special she would like you to mention. She may not think to say it, but she will appreciate that you asked and the thought you’re putting into your speech.
• Create bullet points. Most people don’t relish speaking in front of a bunch of people, particularly on a momentous occasion. Creating notecards of bullet points can help you feel more comfortable.
• Speak from the heart rather than reading from a script. The more fluid and off-the-cuff you can be, the better.
• Practice, practice, practice. This is not a time to wing it! Professional speakers know that the secret to a successful speech is being comfortable with the material. Give your speech in front of your wife or a good friend. Practice in front of the mirror until you feel confident.

Don’t

• Ramble. As the father of the bride, you’ll likely have 3-7 minutes for your speech. Practice your stories to ensure you can tell them succinctly in that time frame, noting that it’s easy to ramble when you’re nervous.
• Forget to smile! This is, after all, a wonderful day, and you want your face to reflect the joy you are feeling.
• Forget to introduce your wife. She has been a part of your daughter’s story and has likely put a lot of work into this day as well. Appreciate that effort and tell her that you love her as much today as you did on your wedding day.
• Embarrass your daughter (or her spouse!). Stick to stories that are meaningful and humorous without being mortifying. If you’re unsure, ask her about including the story.
• Mention any exes. There is almost no reason that exes’ names should be stated during this event celebrating new love.
• Be generic. Instead of saying, “Julia is my oldest daughter” or “I am the father of the bride,” try this: “The first time I saw her face, I knew I could never fall out of love, wrinkles and all. Holding her in that hospital room, just after she was born….”
• Make the speech about you. Remember, this day is about your daughter and the person she loves. When reviewing your speech, look for places where you use “I” or “me” and where you say “she” or “her” or your daughter’s name. If it’s more about you and less about her, revise to make your daughter the focus.
• Curse. Just don’t do it. Even if there aren’t children on the guest list, a conservative Aunt Betty or another guest may be offended.
• Forget your glass. At the end of your speech, you will want to have a glass for your toast. If you have an opportunity to practice holding it while you deliver your remarks, it will feel more natural when the big day arrives.
• Tell inside jokes no one understands. If only three people in the room will laugh, skip it. Your speech should connect with everyone, not leave guests feeling excluded.

Body Language Hacks for a Confident, Captivating Delivery

Next, let’s talk body language—because what you do speaks as loudly as what you say.

As vocal expert Julian Treasure notes in his TED talk, “We vote for people with our ears.” But your body tells a story too.

Here are 3 tips from How to Give an Awesome Toast: Advanced Strategies for Speeches:

1. Claim the stage. Confident body language is about taking up space. Plant both feet (don’t stand like you have to go pee), roll your shoulders back (don’t look like a turtle), and keep your torso unblocked. Use your hands, don’t hide them!
2. Embellish your stories. Can you add hand gestures, reenactments, or voices? The audience loves this. There is no such thing as too corny in a toast.
3. Laugh and smile. When you make a joke, laugh with the audience. Smile when you get on stage or say sweet things about your daughter. It will warm you up and help with your nerves.

Pro tip: Make eye contact with different sections of the room throughout your speech. This creates connection and keeps everyone engaged.

Sample Father of the Bride Speeches

Simple and Sweet (3 minutes)

“Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m David, [Bride]‘s incredibly proud father.

When [Bride] was four years old, she announced she was going to marry a prince. Well, [Groom], you may not have a castle, but the way you look at my daughter tells me you think she’s royalty—and that’s good enough for me.

[Bride], watching you grow from that stubborn little girl who refused to wear shoes to the accomplished, kind, and fiercely independent woman you are today has been the greatest privilege of my life. Your mother and I couldn’t be prouder.

[Groom], welcome to our family. You make our daughter’s eyes light up in a way we’ve never seen before. Take care of each other.

Please raise your glasses to [Bride] and [Groom]—may your love be as endless as the stories we’ll tell about this day. Cheers!”

Funny and Heartfelt (5 minutes)

“Hello everyone, I’m Mike—yes, I’m the one responsible for the open bar, so you’re welcome.

When [Bride]‘s mother told me I’d need to give a speech, my first thought was, ‘Can’t I just pay for something else instead?’ But here I am.

[Bride] was born 28 years ago, and she immediately started bossing me around. Not much has changed, really. When she was six, she organized a full neighborhood talent show—complete with tickets she sold to us at the door. That’s my daughter: determined, creative, and always finding a way to get what she wants.

[Groom], when you first came to our house for dinner, I’ll admit I was skeptical. But then you beat me at chess—fairly, I must add—and you helped with the dishes without being asked. That’s when I knew you were something special.

My advice to you both: never go to bed angry. Stay up and fight it out—you’ll be too tired to remember what you were arguing about.

But seriously, love each other fiercely. Choose each other every single day. And [Groom], when she’s right—which will be often—just say, ‘You were right.’

To [Bride] and [Groom]—may your life together be filled with laughter, adventure, and just enough chaos to keep it interesting. Cheers!”

Traditional and Emotional (7 minutes)

“Good evening, friends and family. For those I haven’t met, I’m Robert, [Bride]‘s father.

First, I want to thank each of you for being here to celebrate [Bride] and [Groom]‘s special day. Some of you have traveled great distances, and your presence means more than you know.

I also want to thank my wife, [Wife’s name], who not only helped raise our beautiful daughter but also somehow managed to keep me calm during all the wedding planning. I love you as much today as I did 35 years ago—maybe more.

[Bride], I still remember the day you were born. The nurse put you in my arms, and you looked up at me with those big eyes, and I made you a promise right then: I would always protect you, always support you, and always be your biggest fan.

I hope I’ve kept that promise. From your first steps to your first heartbreak, from your college graduation to this moment today, watching you grow has been my life’s greatest joy.

But I’m not losing a daughter today—I’m gaining a son. [Groom], from the moment [Bride] introduced us, I could see how much you cared for her. You make her laugh. You support her dreams. You love her exactly as she is—and that’s all any father could ask.

To [Groom]‘s parents, [Names], thank you for raising such a wonderful person. We’re honored to welcome your family into ours.

To the newlyweds: marriage is a journey with beautiful views and steep climbs. Hold onto each other through both. Remember that love is a choice you make every day. And know that your mother and I are always here for you—for both of you—no matter what.

Please stand and raise your glasses. To [Bride] and [Groom]: may your love grow deeper with each passing year. May your home be filled with warmth and laughter. And may you always remember that you have two families cheering you on.

To love, to happiness, and to a lifetime together. Cheers!”

Best Father of the Bride Speech Examples

YouTube is an excellent source of inspiration for touching and funny reception speeches.

If you’re more of a man of action than words, check out this father’s “speech.” One of the most unique and creative online.

This father sure knows how to start the audience off laughing. Thankfully, the bride is laughing, too.

This beautiful video hits all the highlights of a touching and memorable speech from a father to a daughter. Get out your tissues.

Don’t miss this classic Saturday Night Live interpretation of the father of the Bride movie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v90q_kPxrMU

Key Takeaways

Your father of the bride speech is a gift to your daughter, her spouse, and everyone celebrating with them. Here’s what to remember:

• Honor your daughter and her spouse. This is their special day, and you want to make it memorable and emotional for all the right reasons.
• Take this seriously. A lot of time, money, and effort has gone into this celebration. Your daughter will appreciate the sentiment and energy you spend crafting the father of the bride speech.
• Authenticity takes the day. While you may be afraid of becoming too emotional or not delivering the speech perfectly, your daughter wants you to be the dad she loves and will be grateful for the kind words, humor, and wisdom you offer as she enters her marriage.
• Structure matters. Follow the template: intro, bride stories (with childhood memories), welcome the new spouse, marriage advice, and a clear toast.
• Practice conquers nerves. The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll feel at the microphone.
• Enjoy the celebration. A wedding day is a big event for the whole family. Take time to appreciate the gifts you have in them, and step back to reflect on the impact.

With over 2 million weddings happening in the United States each year, millions of fathers stand at microphones just like you will—nervous, proud, and ready to honor their daughters. You’ve got this.