“Here's to the past, for all that you've learnt. Here's to the present, for all that you share. Here's to the future, for all that you've got to look forward to.” “A toast: may all sweethearts become married couples, and may all married couples remain sweethearts.”
Gush about the bride
Talk about how you felt when she was born, the first time a boy looked at her, or the day she got her first job. Mention what she does that makes you proud now and any relevant stories about her as an adult.
Introduce Yourself
We advise beginning your speech with a little introduction, explaining that you are the father of the bride - and perhaps even a little joke to break the ice. Perhaps something like, "Without all of you here today, it wouldn't be the same…but it would be cheaper.”
There is a religious tradition that sometimes accompanies the father of the bride giving away the bride. As the father and bride approach the end of the aisle, the officiant will ask, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” The father will then answer, “I do.”
During the reception it is customary for the father of the bride to make a short speech, thanking the guests and those that have helped with the wedding planning, and talking a little about his daughter and new son-in-law. At the end of the speech the father of the bride usually proposes a toast to the happy couple.
Please stand with me and raise your glass to toast the happy couple. (Bride's name) has been the light of my life for the past 25 years and today I hand her over to (groom's name). I know he will love and cherish her every bit as much as I do a toast to a happy and healthy life full of endless love and laughter!
In traditional weddings, the father of the bride walks her down the aisle and hands her off to the groom. If this seems old-fashioned, that is because it is. The practice dates back to the days when women were the property of their father, and he gave her away in exchange for a dowry.
A mother of the bride speech should:
Pay tribute to the bride and share stories and memories of her from childhood and today. Talk about meeting their new husband or wife for the first time, getting to know them and welcoming them into the family. Offer wise and funny advice to the couple.
The Welcome Toast
This first toast is most often made by the parents (or father) of the bride and should combine both a toast to the happy couple and a welcome message to the guests. If you would like the parents of the groom to speak, they should do so following the parents of the bride.
The Father of the Bride speech shouldn't be more than ten minutes long with 6 to 8 minutes being the sweet spot. (For the average speaker that's around 900 to 1,200 words.)
"To my lovely daughter and her wonderful partner, it is an honor to be standing here as your mother on this special day. I have watched you both grow into loving, kind-hearted individuals, and I am grateful that you have found each other. I know that your future together will be full of love, joy, and laughter.
Traditionally, the father of the bride is the first to speak in the wedding speech sequence, especially if he has contributed financially to the wedding. The bride's father's speech should include; — A welcome to all the guests, and an expression of gratitude for their attendance and participation in the wedding.
Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Simple and Sincere Opening Lines. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you (name) for the kind introduction." "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As (name's friend/relative), I'm delighted to welcome you all here tonight."
Normally your best man is the 'master of ceremonies' at a wedding reception so the toasts start with the best man. If your Best Man is not up to the task, then think who should be given this role.
While in some families and cultures, the parents do give a tangible gift to the bridal couple, other families and cultures feel the wedding itself is enough. This means it is completely your choice.
The bride is escorted down the aisle by her father, who stands on her right side. Traditionally, the father escorts her to the end of the aisle and then takes his seat in the first row next to the bride's mother.
Traditionally, the father of the bride is financially responsible for the wedding. Nowadays, that's not always the case, and that's okay. Sometimes the bride and groom will contribute, as well the parents of the groom. Even if you're not paying for the wedding, offer to help deliver payments to the vendors.
The biggest expense that the parents of the bride (traditionally) pay for is the wedding ceremony. The venue, décor and music are all integral parts of the ceremony.
Give the bride away at the altar.
Once you've given a response, feel free to hug and/or kiss your daughter afterward, and also acknowledge her partner with a handshake, a hug, or a kiss.