how to write a wedding speech for daughter

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Father Speech at Daughter’s Wedding: 10 Heartfelt Examples 

The father’s speech at his daughter’s wedding holds significant importance as it marks a pivotal moment in both the father-daughter relationship and the journey of the couple embarking on their married life together. It is a chance for the father to convey his emotions, share cherished memories, and offer guidance and blessings to the newlyweds. 

In the following blog post, we’ll share some sentimental yet lovely examples of a father’s speech for a daughter’s wedding to help you curate one for your daughter.

Let’s begin. 

• Emotional and Sentimental Speech

Today is a semisweet day for me, my dear daughter. As I stand here, watching you embark on this beautiful journey of love and commitment, my heart swells with pride and a touch of nostalgia. From the day of your birth, you brought immeasurable joy into my life. Seeing you grow into the remarkable woman you are today fills me with awe. As you take your vows, remember that my love for you knows no bounds. May your marriage be filled with endless happiness, and may your love shine brighter with each passing day. I am always thankful for the privilege of being your father.

• Fatherly Advice Speech

As a dad, it is my duty to offer you both some words of wisdom as you embark on this incredible journey called marriage. First and foremost, communication is key. Always listen with an open heart and speak with kindness and understanding. Remember to celebrate each other’s successes and support one another through the challenges that life may bring. And always remember to prioritize your love and make time for each other. Keep the flame of passion alive, and let it light up your lives. May your wedlock be a shining example of love’s strength and endurance.

• Grateful and Appreciative Speech

Today, as I stand here, I cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I am happy for the love that has blossomed between my daughter and her partner, grateful for the journey that took us to this moment, and thankful for the love and support of our family and friends. To my daughter, thank you for being the light of my life. To the groom and his family, thank you for embracing my daughter with open arms. May this love-filled day be a reminder of the incredible blessings we have received. Cheers to affection, merriment, and a lifetime of cherished moments.

• Heartfelt Blessing Speech

As I stand here today, my heart is overflowing with love and blessings for my daughter and her partner. May your love be a sanctuary, offering solace in times of sorrow and doubling the joy in moments of celebration. May your bond be unbreakable, anchored by trust and respect. And may your house be filled with laughter, understanding, and a never-ending well of love. May your days be intertwined like a beautiful tapestry, creating a life together that is woven with compassion and shared dreams. With all my heart, I bless you both and wish you lifelong love and happiness.

• Hopeful and Future-oriented Speech

To my daughter and her beloved partner, as you stand here today, you are filled with dreams and hopes for the future. I want you to hold onto those dreams tightly and let them guide you on this beautiful journey together. May your love be a source of strength and inspiration as you face life’s adventures hand in hand. I have no uncertainty that you will build a life filled with love, laughter, and beautiful memories. Embrace the unknown with courage, for it is in the unknown that life’s most precious treasures await. May your future be filled with endless possibilities. Congratulations!

• Humorous and Light-hearted Speech

Dear beloved all, today is a day of celebration but also a day for me to embarrass my daughter a little. You see, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing my daughter’s journey from pigtails to bridal veils. I still remember the time when she used to come to me for advice on boys, and now she’s found the perfect man to annoy for the rest of her life. But on a serious note, seeing the love between you two is heartwarming. May your days be filled with laughter, silly inside jokes, and a lifetime of happiness. Cheers to the newlyweds!

• Inspirational and Motivational Speech

To my beloved daughter and her amazing partner, today marks the beginning of a grand adventure. As you board on this journey, remember that marriage is not just about sharing a home but about building a strong foundation of love and respect. Cherish each other’s dreams, lift each other up in times of need, and never lose sight of the incredible power of teamwork. Together, you can conquer any challenge and achieve greatness. May your love be a source of inspiration not only to yourselves but to all who have the pleasure of knowing you. Congratulations!

• Nostalgic and Reflective Speech

It feels like just yesterday when my little girl held my hand and took her first steps. Now, I’m standing here, awestruck by the confident woman before me, ready to start a new chapter of her life. The memories we’ve shared are priceless treasures that I hold close to my heart. From bedtime stories to late-night heart-to-heart talks, each moment has shaped the bond we share. As you embark on this beautiful journey, take with you the love, guidance, and unwavering support that have been the foundation of our relationship. I am proud of you, my girl, and I am excited to witness the extraordinary journey that awaits you.

• Poetic and Romantic Speech

Like a delicate flower, my daughter has blossomed into a stunning bride. Today, we witness the merging of two souls, entwined in a love so pure and true. As a father, my heart swells with joy and gratitude. May your love be a symphony, playing the sweetest melodies that will resonate through the years. May your souls dance together, forever intertwined in a graceful waltz. And just as the sun sets and rises, may your love shine brightly, lighting your path with warmth and tenderness. My darling daughter, I am honored to witness the beginning of your happily ever after.

• Traditional and Cultural Speech

In our culture, a father’s role extends beyond just providing guidance; it is a sacred duty. Today, I stand here as a proud father, witnessing the union of two families. As we join hands, let us honor the traditions and customs that have shaped us. May your marriage be a harmonious blend of our heritage and the beautiful journey you both are about to embark on. Let love and respect be the pillars that uphold your union, and may the blessings of our ancestors guide you in all your endeavors. Congratulations, my beloved daughter, and welcome to our family, dear son-in-law.

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A father’s speech at his daughter’s wedding is an opportunity to create a beautiful and memorable moment. By expressing love, sharing wisdom, and incorporating personal anecdotes, the father can touch the hearts of the newlyweds and everyone present. It is a chance to celebrate the union of two souls and set the stage for a lifetime of happiness and love. We hope these examples help you curate a speech that your daughter will cherish for years to come. Nonetheless, if you are looking for wedding gift options, think about no one but GetNameNecklace. This store has an amazing collection of wedding gift items, making it the right place to shop. 

Good luck. 

Vincent Otieno

Vincent Otieno is a passionate jewelry enthusiast and writer at Getnamenecklace, an e-commerce store dedicated to offering exquisite jewelry and thoughtful gifts for your loved ones. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the art of gift-giving, Vincent curates a collection that celebrates the beauty of craftsmanship and the joy of making family moments unforgettable.

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12 Best Wedding Speeches For Daughter 

Looking for the best wedding speeches for daughter and son-in-law? Then search no further.

There’s nothing as loving as listening to a mother’s speech at a daughter’s wedding, it simply shows how lovely the bride’s family is and a wonderful wedding speech for daughter from a dad can add a lot of colors to the ceremony and make it a memorable one.

While making a speech to your daughter on her special day, you can start with an introduction like; My name is Barnabas, I’m the father or mother of the bride and it is so nice to see y’all here . You can strike a way to say a very big thanks to your guests, especially guests from a long distance. Thank you so much for being here to witness the union between our children. You may also add some funny elements to spice up your speech.

12 Best Speech Wedding Speeches For Daughter

1. What should the father of the bride say about his daughter? – free sample

It is my great pleasure to stand before you on this great occasion of my daughter’s wedding.

My Dear Alisa, you’ve been a blessing to me and your mother since you were born. I’ve been looking forward to this day would be an understatement, so now the big day is finally here. I just want to take a moment to savour this experience because chances are I’m never gonna have another opportunity like this again. I’m so lucky and blessed to have you as a daughter.

May God bless your new home my beautiful Alisa.

2. Wedding speech for my daughter who’s getting married today

My beautiful daughter, you’re so confident and smart. I take pride in you and I’m so happy that you’ve found a soulmate & life partner. 

The first time I met my son-in-law here, his words of wisdom and comportment gave him a lot of credit. It shows indeed that you made a good decision, my daughter. I know that you will take good care of my daughter as your lovely wife and you both will grow in everlasting love. I welcome you both to your new home and may this union be fruitful and blessed.

3. Best wedding speech and wishes from the bride’s parents

I want to welcome everybody to this day who came to celebrate the conjugal bliss between Jia and George. We say again thank you and welcome to the wedding ceremony.

My children, marriage is not a bed of roses, it is full of ups and downs. I want you both to be forgiving and live in peace and unity. Never allow third parties into your home. Be each other’s best friend and keeper. Let the love of God continue to dwell in your home. I wish you a happy married Life.

4. Wedding speech prayers for daughter on wedding day

My beloved daughter, you’re my best friend and everything. Today you’re getting married to your handsome and lovely husband.

I know I’ve trained you well to be the best version of yourself and I trust you will make a good wife and mother in your new home. I thank God for this day and I also thank God Almighty for giving me the privilege to witness this great event.

I pray that the Lord will make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you and the Lord will make his light of continents upon you and grant you peace.

5. Sample wedding speeches for daughter with a little story

It is an honor to stand up here today to witness the union between my daughter Michelle and Micheal. I can say to you vividly that it is a perfect match made by heaven. My daughter, you look absolutely beautiful today and with that smile that lights up every moment, no embarrassing story I promise 😁 but there’s one story that stitches in my mind every day. 

When Michelle was little, I fell sick and was admitted to a hospital. She came to visit me and she prayed for me with her words of encouragement. She also promised me that she will make me proud and I will witness her walk down the aisle. Today I’m witnessing this great event as she walks down the aisle. 

Ladies and gentlemen, she fulfilled all her promises to me and she has always made me proud all her life.

I thank God for blessing you with a kind man like Micheal, your new home is blessed, my beautiful daughter.

6. Wedding speeches for my only daughter on her wedding day

Today is a very happy day for me and your father. We’re very proud to welcome Tony to our family. Thanks to many others who helped in making this day a reality, and traveled from far and near to attend this wonderful ceremony. 

If I am allowed to say everything the way they’re in my heart, it would take us the whole day for me to deliver my wedding speeches for my one and only beloved daughter who I am giving out in marriage today.

She’s the only daughter that I have got and we have been so close to each other that in the blink of an eye she already knows what’s wrong with me and how to get around to solving it, what bothers me is a great concern to her and that’s the same way she treats everyone around her with genuine love and care.

May your new home be blessed, I wish you and your husband the best of marriage.

7. Everlasting love and happiness wedding speeches for daughter 

I suppose I’m not like other parents who upon gazing at their child for the first time, start drawing milestones and will look forward to sharing their first smile, the first word, the first step to school, boyfriends, and all that. When underlying all these special moments, the hopes and prayers that they simply grow up healthy and happy.

Many of us await a very special occasion like this which is falling in love with our children and the cycle starts over and over again.

Traditionally, at this point we as parents talk about giving our daughter’s hand in marriage which is a symbolic indication that she’s no longer single. Alisa and John committed to each other and have nourished and treasured those gifts which have been very precious to us to observe.

You both make each other happy and have decided to tie the knot today with unity and love. May God continue to strengthen the two of you with everlasting love and happiness.

8. Father and mother wedding speeches for daughter

The joy of every father and mother is to see their children’s happy moments and celebrate with them. 

My beautiful daughter, this is what I will say to you as the mother of the bride, the way to a happy home is trust, understanding, being fair to each other in good and bad times, sharing each other’s burdens, and loving unconditionally. 

I will surely miss you and your presence around the House. John my son-in-law, our hearts are full of joy. I know that the two of you will make a great life together and we stand by, ready, willing, and able to celebrate your happiness together today and forever.  

9. Touching wedding speeches from dad to daughter on her wedding day

As the father of the bride, here’s my speech to you my lovely daughter but firstly, I would like to say thanks all for joining us in the celebration of our daughter’s wedding. An adage says “it takes a village to raise a child”, here I think it takes a village to put a wedding together although we don’t have the support of all community members, we’ve some extraordinary family members and friends who have helped countless ways to make this special for our children.

I’m so happy I was able to walk my beautiful daughter down the aisle this morning and to know she has chosen well. It is the most important decision you can make that will take you a long way in your life. I wanted to start off by saying Matt, you’re most welcome in our family. 

Loyalty is one of the solid foundations to build a home, be loyal and show respect to each other. May your bond be stronger, and your marriage fruitful.

10. Weddings speeches for daughter straight from the heart

My lovely daughter Juli, I’ve shared so many stories with you while I watch you grow up into a wonderful young woman. So many memories we shared together and most especially dancing in the family garden, it is in the yearbook which you can look up my darling.

Sweet candy those days were wonderful but would not trade this day for any of those I’ve shared. Those stories then were a backdrop in order to tell you this in a short while.

You will now have a partner and I’m going to let you go into marriage joyfully because John is a warm-hearted, considerate and lovely man. I wish you nothing less than endless laughter and a happy home.

11. Wedding speech for my daughter Ann

Ann, my daughter, watching you grow into a full-grown beautiful woman, gives so much joy to my soul. You made the right decision by choosing Augustine as a life partner. I see how devoted he is to his mom and family and I know he will bring that same devotion to you and your children.

Thank you my in-law for training such an amazing son-in-law, kudos to you guys.

To my daughter who is such a kind, compassionate and caring young woman. I know that you will bring those wonderful attributes of yours into your role as a wife and mother-to-be. I want to tell you that I’m so proud of you and the woman you’ve become. Congratulations on your new home my angel. May the peace of Christ continue to dwell in your home.

12. Wedding speech for my daughter and son-in-law

! am sure you will leave a loving gap in my heart for the rest of my days a deep breath. I know I’ve impacted some words of wisdom that will help you be more of yourself even in the most uncomfortable situations and work things out to become favorable to you and your partner, this would give guarantee a happy marriage. Marriage is simple and complicated, but endurance and giving each other a listening ear can go a very long way in building a happy home.

Through it all my lovely daughter, always remembers whether it be Chicago or Rockford, there’s no place like home. 

My children (name of the celebrants), may your marriage journey be a happy one. May your marriage be the defining treasure of your life and may it be blessed with all the joy and happiness that the world has to offer. Have a home filled with sound health and prosperity.

As we all know, love is a beautiful thing and we always wish the best for our beloved ones. I hope our article on the best wedding speeches for daughters will be a good guide anytime you’re short of speeches to make on the special day of your beloved daughter who’s getting married to the love of her life.

I hope you had a happy reading, feel free to share your opinions with us through the comment box below.

How to Write an Amazing Mother of the Bride Speech

Microphones at the ready, it's the year of mother of the bride speeches and if you're about to get writing, here's everything you need to know

Mark Horton Photos

More and more mums are choosing to take the mic and deliver a mother of the bride speech at their daughter’s wedding, and we're here for this movement! It’s a moving moment in the day which will mean so much to both you and her.

Whether you're giving mother of the bride speeches because you've always been the main parent, the bride's other parent has passed away, or you just have plenty to say, you'll find everything you could possibly need to nail it, right here! 

A  father of the bride speech  is more traditional, but tradition isn't for everyone! From offering marriage advice to revealing your daughter’s embarrassing first celebrity crush, mother of the bride speeches are a wonderful opportunity to laugh, honour her and raise a toast to the couple’s future.

Your Guide to Nailing a Mother of the Bride Speech

To help you write and deliver the mother of the bride speech to top all other speeches (not that it's a competition or anything!), we have a complete guide that will support you every step of the way, with along with advice from industry expert Heidi Ellert-McDermott, founder of Speechy  and author of The Modern Couple's Guide to Wedding Speeches. 

No matter what you need advice on, whether it's what to include, how to write it or tips on delivering it well, this guide can help!

Does the Mother of the Bride Make a Speech? 

What to include in a mother of the bride speech, mother of the bride speeches & examples, tips for writing & delivering a mother of the bride speech.

Traditionally, there is not a mother of the bride speech in the wedding speech line-up , but the real question here is, does that  actually matter? Today's couples are more include to veer away from tradition than ever before. 

Heidi explains that in her experience, she is working with more and more mothers of the bride.

"We're collaborating with more mothers of the bride than ever before - we love it! And why not? Mothers generally have more insider intel on their daughter’s childhood, teenage years, and love life than dads do. While a lot of the fathers we work with need help recalling childhood moments and details, the mothers never do!

"Ten years ago, the mums we worked with still thought the idea of them giving a speech was a bit of an oddity and felt a bit nervous at the prospect. But that’s no longer the case. Over the last decade, we’ve worked with hundreds of mums, and they’ve all loved the opportunity to pay a tribute to their daughter and sum up a lifetime of love."

Hilary Read

The main point of the mother of the bride speech is to welcome all your guests and tell your daughter how much you love her and how proud you are of her. It’s a truly heart warming, memorable moment in the wedding day.

If you are having a mother of the bride speech in place of the male equivalent, then the basic structure will be the same.

A mother of the bride speech should:

• Welcome and thank everyone for coming
• Pay a short tribute to the bride’s other parent (optional)
• Pay tribute to the bride and share stories and memories of her from childhood and today
• Talk about meeting their new partner for the first time, getting to know them and welcoming them into the family
• Offer wise and funny advice to the couple
• Finish with a toast to the newlyweds

Ideas for Mother of the Bride Speeches

The minute you need to write a speech, it’s like every memory drains from your brain! Here are some questions that’ll hopefully point you in the right direction for some great stories to tell about your daughter. Anecdotes really bring a speech to life and you’ve got a whole lifetime’s worth.

• What was she like as a child? Did she ever have any funny school reports? Did she have an odd nickname? How does she compare now?
• Who was her first celebrity crush? How do they compare to her partner?
• What job did she want as a child? What does she do now?
• Did she start planning her wedding as a child?
• What does she do that always makes you laugh?
• What’s her worst/weirdest habit?
• Any memorable moments in your first holiday abroad/school play/day of university? Are there any arguments with siblings that have gone in history in your household?
• How did the couple meet? When and how did she tell you about them?
• Do the couple share any unusual hobbies together?
• How do they tolerate each other’s quirks?
• Did her partner ask for permission? What did you immediately think? What did you first say?
• If they’ve got a child or children together, how did you feel when she became a mother? What advice have you given her?

Big Day Productions

These mother of the bride speech examples will give you some inspiration if you're struggling to put pen to paper and get started with writing. 

1. Wedding Planning & Celebrity Crushes

• Your wedding day is said to be the happiest of your life, and while it was very happy indeed, it couldn’t compare to the moment our daughter came into the world. You have brought me such joy and happiness (and a few sleepless nights!) but I couldn’t be more proud of the beautiful, smart, strong woman you’ve grown into today.
• Simon may not know this, but Sarah started planning this wedding at the age of 9. I’ll never forget walking in on her sister Jodie playing vicar at a wedding ceremony between Sarah – dressed up in my red lipstick and heels with a toilet paper veil – and a poster of Gareth Gates!

2. A Tribute to Dad

• Thank you so much for joining us today on Hannah and James’s big day, I hope you’ll all agree with me that it has been absolutely beautiful. It’s an honour to welcome you here today and see so many of you having travelled from far and wide to celebrate with us.
• T raditionally this speech would be given by Hannah’s dad, but although Matthew can’t be with us here in person, he has never left our side today in spirit. I know he’d be as proud of you as I am standing here, so let us raise our first glass to Matthew and all absent family and friends.
• Instead of champagne, we decided it would be more fitting to have a dram of his favourite whiskey for everyone. To Matthew!

3. On Behalf of us Both

• Hi everyone, I’m Louise, Kat’s older sister. I’m just joking! Kat and I have always been so much more than mother and daughter, we’re best friends, so I couldn’t let this moment pass without saying something – and as her dad will tell you, I always have to have the last word!
• It’s with love, pride and joy I stand here today. Kat has been lucky enough to find true love with Anna and that will forever make me so grateful. The two of you are perfect for each other and I couldn’t imagine anyone better – or as patient! – as Anna to start this new adventure with.
• Your dad and I have always tried to be an example to you to show that through ups and down and across the years love can grow and last. Seeing you two together, I know we’ve taught you all the lessons we can and all we can do is wish you a lifetime of happiness as you start your own family. Don’t worry, I’ll always be here to show you how to change a nappy!

4. A Sentimental Speech

• I wish to raise a toast to my daughter and her new husband. Although she’s too old to hold my hand, she’ll always hold my heart. Watching you grow from my little girl into the beautiful bride standing before me has filled me with such joy. Everyone you meet is touched by your kindness, generosity, love for life and cheeky humour.
• I am incredibly lucky to have you as a daughter and as a treasured friend too. I feel blessed to welcome Sam into our lives and thank her for the laughter and happiness she brings my daughter. I couldn’t wish for a better wife for Alice than Sam; may the two of you have a long, happy and healthy life together. To Alice and Sam.

To advise you on how to nail your mother of the bride speech, industry expert Heidi has shared some of her best tips.

"Mother of the bride speeches follow the same etiquette and basic structure as the male equivalent," Heidi explains, "The mum’s job is to drop a love-bomb on their daughter and give the guests an insight into what makes the bride so goddam wonderful. Rather than resort to boring old adjectives – ‘kind’, ‘funny’, ‘thoughtful’ – use stories to bring your daughter’s characteristics to life.

1. Keep Things Personal

You want to ensure that the speech you give about your daughter could only have been written about her. 

Heidi advises, "Don’t resort to ‘wedding waffle’. No need to mention the gorgeous venue. No need to thank individual people for coming (that’s the newlyweds' job). Instead, if you’re the first speaker on the line up, welcome all the guests for coming and then jump into storytelling and entertaining everyone.

"Start by sharing some tales from your daughter’s childhood. Hunt down those anecdotes that reflect the woman she would later become, whether it’s an insatiable appetite, an intimidating death-stare, or a naughty sense of humour.

"And try not to resort to mother/daughter clichés and instead, recognise the individual human she is and cherish the unique relationship you have. Do you still encourage her to wear warmer clothes? Does she add an extra inch to your waistline by continuing to bake wonderful homemade cakes?"

2. It's Not a CV

Whilst the details in mother of the bride speeches should be persona, not everything about her life should make the cut, as Heidi explains: "Sure, feel free to add some of your daughter’s achievements to your speech, but don’t let your speech turn into a CV. No one needs to know she was a grade eight pianist, unless of course, she accompanied all her performances with terrible singing that made your ears bleed."

3. Embrace Your Funny Bone

"Humour is important in any wedding speech," says Heidi. "No one expects you to be a comedian and you don’t need to be writing punchlines but find the stories that will make people chuckle and bring smiles to their faces.

"Overall, the speech should be a mix of humorous, poignant, and sentimental content and your daughter should be left with no doubt about just how much you love her.

"Having said that, when it comes to adding humour to your speech, don’t resort to any googled-gags or sexist platitudes. Stick to strong stories, insightful observations, and surprising facts instead."

4. Don't Forget the Partner & In-Laws

Kevin Fern Photography

As in any wedding, there are two people getting married here and it's important to address them both as a parent.

Heidi adds: "Of course, as well as paying a tribute to your child, you need to pay a loving tribute to her partner too. Sure, you can give a ‘friendly warning’ about looking after your girl, but whether it’s an LGBTQ+ or heterosexual union, it’s always good to say more than the usual platitudes.

"Give a sense of, not only why they’re a good partner for your daughter, but why you personally like them too (fingers crossed, you do?!). Have you bonded over a mutual appreciation of a good Merlot? Do you both recognise your daughter’s quirkiest habits and tolerate her inability to load the dishwasher without assistance?

"One other point of etiquette that’s worth remembering is to acknowledge your new in-laws (the parents of your daughter’s partner) and welcome them to the family."

5. End it With Meaning & a Toast

"The conclusion of the speech should reiterate your love for your daughter and your hopes for the couple’s marriage. It’s no longer necessary to offer the newlyweds ‘marriage advice’ but sometimes it can be an opportunity to add a bit of naughty fun. 

"Finally, a mother of the bride speech should end with a call for everyone to join you in a toast. The toast should be directed at the newlyweds and sum up your hopes for their future life together. Extra points if you can reference something earlier in the speech, for example. ‘Here’s to a life full of laughter and love… and very few death-stares!’"

6. Be Mindful of Length

"If you feel you feel you have a lot more you’d like to say, one idea is to write a letter for your daughter to read on the night before the wedding."

7. Give Yourself Plenty of Time

As well as considering the length of the speech, it's also important to give yourself enough time to actually write and perfect the speech. Heidi advises mums that, "When it comes to writing your speech, don’t put it off. Try to start writing your speech at least a couple of months before the wedding date. It’s much easier to improve a first draft, than it is to look at a blank page.

8. Edit, Cut & Practise

Offering her words of wisdom on editing, Heidi says, "Once you’ve written your first draft, try to edit it down by a third and we guarantee it will feel punchier as a result. When you’re happy with your speech, read it back and check to see how many lines of your speech could be delivered by another mother of the bride. If it’s more than a dozen, then you’ve done something wrong!

"Allow yourself a couple of weeks to rehearse the speech and feel confident about your delivery. Try to memorise the speech but use notes on the day. It’s not a sign of weakness! And when you’re delivering the speech, remember to smile; it’s literally infectious. Even if you’re feeling nervous, a smile (even a fake one) will trick you and your audience into relaxing."

If you’re looking for that perfect mother of the bride outfit, check out our selection of gorgeous mother of the bride dresses .

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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 .

Related WeddingWire Articles

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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A Speech By A Mother For Her Daughter’S Wedding

Table of Contents:

A mother-of-the bride speech should include:

In order to speak as the mother of the bride at their daughter’s wedding, more and more mothers are making this decision. It’s a poignant moment in the day that will mean a lot to both of you.

It’s customary to have a father-of-the bride speech, but that doesn’t mean that mothers can’t speak as well!

It’s a wonderful opportunity to laugh, honor her, and toast the couple’s future—whether that involves giving marriage advice or disclosing your daughter’s embarrassing first celebrity crush.

Is there a speech from the bride’s mother?

According to Katelyn Peterson of Wedding Words, a speech and wedding vow writing service, the mother of the bride typically gives a speech at the wedding reception following cocktail hour and before dinner is served.

A great mother-of-the bride speech is the perfect way to congratulate the happy couple.

One of the most memorable occasions you’ll have as a mother is undoubtedly your daughter’s wedding day. What better way to welcome your daughter’s new spouse into the family than with a moving toast at the wedding?

How do you begin a wedding speech for the bride’s daughter?

Introduce yourself. This is how to write a daughter of the bride speech. ” Even though the majority of the audience will already be familiar with you, begin your speech with an introduction. dot. Tell us a few stories about your mother. dot. Tell your mother off. dot. Talk to your mom’s new partner. dot. Mention the newlyweds. dot. Finally, toast. Cached.

Few relationships are as intricate, intimate, or special as the one between a mother and her daughter. In addition, your mother is the person who knows you the best, having been by your side since you were a young child. If you get the chance to witness your mom exchange vows with her new spouse, consider honoring the happy couple with a touching wedding speech. Depending on when you feel most comfortable doing this, you can either do it at the rehearsal dinner or during the wedding reception (prior to the maid of honor or best man speeches).

No need to worry if you’re not sure where to begin; we’ve consulted speechwriters, wedding planners, and other experts to help you start coming up with ideas before the big event.

Wedding planner Lynne Goldberg of Ms. Wedding Planner in South Florida, New York, and Las Vegas suggests keeping the entire speech under 5 minutes in length. Keep in mind that a TikTok is typically under 30 seconds, so 5 minutes is a lot of time, she explains.

When a daughter gets married, does her mother give her something?

While it is customary (though not required) for the bride’s parents to receive a thank-you gift from the newlyweds on the big day, giving the bride’s parents a small keepsake for their daughter is also growing in popularity.

A small memento from the bride’s parents to their daughter is also growing in popularity, though it is customary (though not required) for the mother and father of the bride to receive a thank-you gift from the newlyweds on the big day.

Your daughter’s wedding day is a busy but lovely occasion, and many parents want to give the bride something special to show her how much they care.

One of the best gifts you can give your daughter on her wedding day is something special that she can treasure as a keepsake.

How long should a mother-of-the-bride speech last?

Rule 4: Less is More If you’re filling in for the bride’s father, your mother of the bride speech should last no longer than six minutes (eight if you account for laughter and ad libs). If both of you are speaking, you shouldn’t go over five minutes each. Cached.

Let me reassure you right away: speaking from the mother of the bride is now fairly common at weddings. Because the bride’s father has passed away, mothers are occasionally asked to say a few words. They may be requested in some cases because the bride thinks her mother is wonderful and is aware of how much she can share.

Whatever the cause, find solace in the fact that every mother we’ve worked with has enjoyed making their speech that day. The Speechy team is comprised of former BBC scriptwriters who are skilled in the craft of writing.

Write a speech you’ll be proud of, both you and your daughter, by following our straightforward mother-of-the bride advice.

What do you tell your daughter and future son-in-law on their wedding day?

“Best wishes to my son/daughter and son/daughter-in-law as you begin your married life.” I love the two of you. “Lots of love and happiness to you both on this exciting and joyful day for our family. We/I couldn’t be happier.”.

When wishing a newlywed couple congratulations, choose one of these heartfelt wedding wishes.

We’re here to help you find the perfect words for the ideal wedding wishes to write in a wedding card if a wedding is approaching and you want to send the happy couple your best wishes with a congratulations message.

Your wedding message ought to be heartfelt, charming, and specially composed for the couple and your relationship with them. We have dozens of examples of how to sign a wedding card with the best wedding wishes for every situation, whether you’re looking for warm wedding wishes for a family member or a humorous wedding card message for your hilarious college roommate who finally settled down. You’re good to go as long as your message of wedding congratulations is sincere and conveys good wishes for the happy couple’s marriage.

My daughter’s wedding is coming up; what should I say?

Say you love them to your daughter. Inform your daughter of your love and appreciation. Remind them of how much you value your relationship with each other and how you believe it may be changing or remaining the same.

One of the speeches at a wedding reception that guests look forward to the most is the “Father of the Bride” toast. Dads have probably anticipated (or dreaded) giving this speech for a very long time. As the time draws near, it’s critical to sit down and draft a toast that not only you’ll be proud of but that your daughter will remember for the rest of her life. Even though it may be challenging to put into words the unending love you have for your daughter, those very feelings are frequently the center of attention. Therefore, feel free to express those emotions throughout your speech—you’ll probably notice that the majority of your guests reach for tissues.

That said, even the most articulate dads may find it difficult to put their thoughts on paper. So, in order to get you started, we came up with a simple plan that you can stick to when you’re preparing to organize your ideas into a formal speech. Along with a list of brainstorming topics to get the creative juices flowing, we’ve gathered some excellent advice for writing that undoubtedly epic father of the bride speech.

For tips on writing and delivering the toast of the day that will be remembered forever, the father of the bride’s toast, continue reading.

What amount ought a mother to present to her daughter for her wedding?

Of course, giving your daughter tens of thousands of dollars in cash as a wedding present would be amazing, but not at the expense of jeopardizing your own financial stability. Wedding guests typically give between $50 and $150 as a financial gift, depending on their relationship to the bride.

Wedding gift-giving etiquette has undoubtedly changed over time. Dowries, a sum of money typically paid to the bride’s family for the right to marry, date back five or six thousand years. But were doweries really wedding gifts? It’s likely that neither the bride nor the groom ever saw any of that cash.

Wedding registries are a common practice in modern society when a couple plans to wed. This makes it simple for family and friends to locate and give the couple’s chosen gifts. Even with a registry, it is common for quite a few “green” gifts to be given to newlyweds. After all, it’s unlikely that anyone will ever return a gift of money.

But let’s talk about how to handle family members’ wedding gifts. Particularly when it comes to your beloved daughter. Maybe you too would like to bless her with a thoughtful gift of cash or a personal check, but how does one know the right amount to give?

What should the bride’s mother say at the nuptials?

Speech Sample for the Mother of the Bride Thank your visitors. Every great speech ought to begin with a few words of appreciation for those present who have come to share in the celebration with you. dot. Greetings to your new in-laws, son, or daughter! dot. Select enjoyable experiences to share. dot. Highlight one or two significant achievements. Cached.

Raise your glass to the mothers who take the stage at wedding receptions to deliver their very own mother of the bride speech (why should fathers get all the fun?). Even the most heroic among us can be shaken by the challenge of public speaking, not to mention the additional flood of conflicting emotions that will be present throughout the day, even though we all know that moms are essentially superhuman beings with an endless array of skills and abilities.

You’ll probably feel a little nervous before giving a speech to a group of relatives and your new in-laws, and we can’t ignore the difficulty of finding the words to express your feelings in the first place. But don’t worry, mamas; we have a manual to calm your nerves and sharpen your mind. We asked three professionals—wedding planners Amy Abbott, Paulette Alkire, and Kylie Carlson, CEO of Wedding Academy Global—to walk you through the steps of delivering a mother of the bride speech at a professional level. (We advise you to educate any tongue-tied fathers out there about your new knowledge.an.

You can write the ideal toast for your daughter’s special day using the expert advice listed below.

What is the most appropriate wedding message?

Casual Wedding Wishes “Here’s to a long and happy marriage!” “Wishing you all the love and happiness!” “We’re so happy for you!” “I’m seeing a fun-filled life in your future… “I feel so privileged to be with you and your family on this joyous occasion. You have my best wishes for today and the future.”.

There is no reason to mess with Southern wedding protocol. When we say “yes,” it begins, and when we add the final “I do,” it is complete. And don’t worry, we don’t skip a beat, lest anyone who knows about the Emily Post Institute take notice.

To be fair, wedding protocol isn’t all about one person. Yes, brides must adhere to a complex set of rules, including when to send thank-you notes and how much to tip wedding vendors. However, wedding-related anxiety is also present among the guests. Did I send the RSVP in time? and “But what if someone else gives the steak knives?” are some of the thoughts that jolt us awake at night in a cold sweat.

And when it comes to something as straightforward as sending a wedding card—which, to be clear, is best sent before the wedding, much like gifts—even the content is taken very seriously. For instance, saying or writing “Congratulations” to the bride was once frowned upon. Due to the implication that she was fortunate to have found a husband at all, this However, telling the groom is totally acceptable. Hmph. (However, he is the fortunate one, we joke.)

What do parents say during a toast at a wedding?

Remember to acknowledge and mention the bride’s new spouse, even though you have a lot to say about the bride. Spend some time introducing them to your family and explaining what that means to you. You can also mention specific incidents from their relationship and what most impressed you.

One of the most eagerly anticipated speeches at a wedding reception is the father of the bride toast. For a very long time, if you’re a dad, you’ve probably anticipated (or dreaded) giving this speech. It’s critical to sit down and craft a toast that you are proud of and that your daughter will remember for the rest of her life as the occasion draws near. Even though it might seem difficult to put into words the unending love you have for your daughter, those very feelings are frequently the center of attention. Therefore, feel free to express those emotions throughout your speech; you’ll probably notice that the majority of your guests reach for tissues.

But even the most gifted fathers occasionally have trouble putting their thoughts on paper. So, in order to get you started, we came up with a simple plan that you can stick to when you’re preparing to organize your ideas into a formal speech. Along with a list of brainstorming topics to get the creative juices flowing, we’ve gathered some excellent advice for writing that undoubtedly epic father of the bride speech.

Continue reading for tips on how to prepare for and deliver the toast of the day’s most memorable father of the bride.

What are some succinct wedding prayers for the bride and groom?

We pray for the groom and bride’s long-term happiness before you, kind God, life-giving spirit, and lovingkindness. I wish them patience to help them get through any tense situations. To be able to support and care for one another during difficult or sad times, may they be blessed with kindness.

As a licensed minister, Stephen Simmons is aware of the value and reverence that wedding prayers and blessings can bring to your ceremony. By recognizing the holiness of your union and inviting God into your special day, you can add a spiritual touch. You can choose from the selection of prayers and blessings provided below, or we can create a specially tailored prayer for your wedding. Many couples include a special person to bestow a blessing over the couple in order to honor a loved one or someone who has had a spiritual influence in their lives.

Lord, please hear my prayer that they may have a sincere and compassionate love for one another. Bestow faith and trust on them both. Give them the ability to coexist in harmony and peace. May they always accept each other’s flaws and learn from each other’s strengths.

Grant them kindness, patience, joy, and a willingness to put one another’s needs ahead of their own. Also, help them to be tolerant of one another’s faults. May the bond that brought them together strengthen and deepen with each year. Through their love for one another, draw them both ever closer to You. Let their union develop flawlessly. Amen.

What ought a mother to do for her daughter on her wedding day?

The mother of the bride should be ready to assist the bride with any needs she may have on the wedding day. This could involve serving as hostess, assisting out-of-town guests, or simply having a tissue box on hand. TRAVEL READY. dot The ceremony’s time. dot Throughout the reception,

It’s time to start getting ready for your daughter’s special day now that you’ve shared in the happiness of her engagement. This in-depth guide to mother-of-the-bride obligations and etiquette outlines your important role in the wedding, from how to help your daughter before the wedding to what you should anticipate on the wedding day.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to get to know your daughter’s partner’s family once they are declared legally engaged. Nowadays, either parent can arrange a meeting with the parents of the other child; traditionally, the bride’s parents would arrange it.

Several factors will affect how involved you are in the wedding planning process. The bride’s preferences, your level of involvement, and whether a wedding planner will be present are a few of these. For example, if your daughter lives far from the wedding location, she might appreciate your assistance researching potential venues and vendors, creating a guest list, or keeping track of RSVPs as they come in the mail. She might also want assistance with developing cultural or family traditions to include in the celebration. Whatever duties you choose to assume, your daughter will undoubtedly value your assistance and be relieved to know you are there for her.

What meaningful things can I say to my daughter on the occasion of her wedding?

I wish you all the best as you begin your new life together in marriage and with your love. I wish you happiness, humor, and wonder in the years to come. I wish you a lifetime of happiness, joy, and adventure in marriage, my special daughter. May you forge a solid relationship and a long life together.

Congratulations! Your little girl has grown up and is getting married. Now that she is getting married, you need to find the best wedding wishes for your daughter to wish her luck on this important day.

Hugely emotional events can occasionally leave you speechless. Our list of more than 50 wedding wishes for a daughter was compiled because we are aware of this. You might want to keep it lighthearted or offer a few sage words. Or you might want to express to your daughter how much she means to you. Whatever your preference, you’ll find plenty of ideas here to inspire the writer in you.

Regarding finding your true love, congratulations, sweet daughter. With each day of your marriage, may this love blossom and become stronger.

What should the mother of the bride say first?

You can’t assume that everyone will know you and your relationship to the couple, even though many guests will already be familiar with you. It’s critical to introduce yourself at the beginning of your mother-of-the bride speech. dot. Example: Good evening to all. I’m Nancy, the bride’s mother, and I go by Nancy. Dot welcomes you. Greetings to all.

Related Articles:

• A Mother’S Wedding Speech
• How To Give A Father Or Mother Of The Bride Or Groom Wedding Speech (Parents Wedding Speech)
• Speech Made By A Mother At Her Daughter’S Wedding
• Speech At The Wedding From How I Met Your Mother
• This Mother Of The Bride Speech Will Make You Cry

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Daughter of the Bride Speech

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(*Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out all the different ways the Speechy team can help you write & deliver a great speech. Or check out our new AI-powered team member, SpeechyAI .)

WHY IS A DAUGHTER OF THE BRIDE SPEECH SPECIAL?

The years have no doubt been filled with ups and downs, more than a few squabbles, and a lot of love. You don’t get much closer than a mother-daughter relationship. Whatever the age of the daughter, it’s important she gives the marriage her blessing.

If you’re an adult daughter, a speech is your opportunity to pay a loving tribute to your mum as she starts this new adventure. Of course, it’s also an opportunity to get her back for those years of nagging, and tease her affectionately!

Since you know your mum better than most people, you’re uniquely placed to give her partner advice on how to successfully co-habit with her ( ‘DON’T try to communicate with her before 10am and at least two cups of coffee, DO remember to notice her new hairdo, even when she’s just had an inch off’ ).

If you’re a mum wanting to make your young daughter feel important and valued at your wedding, a speech will definitely contribute something rather special.

Whether it’s your teenager reading a sentimental poem or your six-year-old giving her bespoke relationship advice, it will add a sweet and memorable moment to the day.

THE ADULT DAUGHTER

As a proper grown-up (regressive behaviour when you go home for Christmas notwithstanding), you officially no longer have the cute factor to hide behind. This means you’re going to be expected to come up with a pretty decent speech.

Funnily enough, you’re essentially taking on the father of the bride role, but instead of recounting anecdotes about your mum as a child, you’ll be telling them from the child’s point of view! You can find everything you need to know about your speech structure and etiquette on our Father Advice Page.

The secret to a perfect speech is balance – you’ll obviously want to pay tribute to your lovely mum but remember to sincerely welcome her new partner to the family. Honouring the relationship you and your mum have + making sure you celebrate her new marriage = happy wedding vibes!

If you’re first on the speaker line-up, well done for being brave and taking one for the team. It’s your job to welcome all the guests, but keep this part short and avoid stealing any of the newlywed’s thunder. Your mission is to win some belly-laughs and perhaps inspire a few sentimental tears towards the end.

THE YOUNG DAUGHTER

No one is expecting a long, personalised speech from a little one. Something short and sweet will get a few ‘awws’ and some affectionate laughter.

Keeping it simple often creates more impact. A poem is ideal – there are plenty of funny wedding poems available to exploit!

It’s also perfectly acceptable to read a short segment from a children’s book. This can add a wonderful dose of humour when applied to real-life adults. Here are some wedding readings from children’s books we like.

If you want to aim for something bespoke, ask your daughter to write a few lines about what she thinks love means or what’s important for a happy marriage. Guests love it when kids blurt out hilariously ingenious statements, not least because they can be unexpectedly insightful! Out of the mouths of babes…

If your little one wants to get involved but is too shy to go it alone, invite her to join you for a part of your speech, or get her holding up funny prompt cards to maybe ‘heckle’ the groom as he gives his, e.g. a series of phrases, such as  ‘He’s fibbing’ , ‘That’s not how I remember it’, ‘Does anyone believe this rubbish?’ etc.

A contribution, however small, from your little girl, will add some good-natured humour to the speeches and make her feel central to the day.

THE TEENAGE DAUGHTER

Many teens cringe at reading anything too soppy, so look for something more humorous than emotional. Here are a few of our favourite funny wedding poems.

The older your daughter, the more likely it is she’ll be able to prepare the speech herself, or perhaps work with a writing team like us to craft something really special. We once worked with a 15-year-old who used Star Wars quotes to define what love really means at his mum’s wedding! Guests will be charmed by a teenager’s ‘unique’ perspective on matters of the heart.

Aim for a speech length of no more than five minutes – every speech is funnier and more memorable when it’s cut right back. It may be wise to get an adult to check out the speech before it’s delivered – in fact, we highly recommend your teenager rehearse it out loud a couple of times before the big day.

Bear in mind that many public speakers – definitely not just children – freeze when faced with a room full of expectant faces. If this happens to your daughter, try not to pressure her to continue. Hopefully, she’ll decide to do it later, once she sees how fun it is watching others earn their laughs.

Nothing involving children ever goes exactly to plan, but this is totally ok – go with the flow and learn to laugh at whatever happens!

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The Speechy team  are TV-trained scriptwriters/comedians by trade & we’ve helped 1,000s of speakers around the world deliver their dream speech.

Our advice has been quoted everywhere from  The New York Times  to  Grazia  and from Forbes to The Observer . Our founder has also featured on the  BBC Sounds’ Best Men podcast with Jason Manford and written ‘ The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’ , published by Little, Brown.

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Perfect Short Wedding Speech Examples To Guide You

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Wedding speeches are a long-time tradition of weddings. And, if you have an important role at a wedding, such as best man, father of the bride or maid of honor, you would be expected to give a speech. While the thought of giving a speech might be nerve-wracking, it might comfort you to know that the best speeches are short and sweet. So, don’t feel any stress or pressure, because short wedding speeches are not only the best, they are easy to deliver.

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For your inspiration, we’ve put together a guide as well as some short wedding speeches examples to help you on your way to give the best wedding speech.

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Short Wedding Speeches Examples

Bride’s wedding speech.

“ Hello, everyone! Thanks for sharing this special day with us. A big shoutout to my amazing parents for making my dream wedding a reality. To my incredible groom (name), your joy fills my heart every day. I’m beyond grateful to have you as my husband, and today marks the start of countless joyous celebrations together. Cheers to love and a lifetime of happiness!”

Groom’s Wedding Speech

There are many ways to give groom short wedding speeches. Use this example as a guide to inspire you when writing your own.

“Hello, everyone! Thank you for celebrating this special day with us. A big thanks to our parents for making today possible. Today is beyond special, and we’re overflowing with gratitude. To my love, you’ve been my rock and best friend. Thank you for accepting me, flaws and all. I promise to be there for you always and to love you forever. Cheers to a lifetime of love and joy together!”

Father’s of the Bride Wedding Speech

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us on this special day. As (bride’s name)’s father, I’m overjoyed and grateful. Today, we gain a son and a supportive family. Thanks for making our dreams come true. I’m confident that (name of groom) will bring endless happiness to my daughter. Here’s to love, security, and many more joyous days ahead! Cheers!”

Father’s of the Groom Wedding Speech

“Thank you all for being here to celebrate with us. I am the happiest man today welcoming a new daughter into my family. Also, I am grateful to her family as well for being the best in-laws ever and supporting us in putting all of this together. I could not have asked for a better day for them, and all I can say is that I wish them the best. To you both, may this day be the beginning of a long and fruitful journey together. My wife and I love you both. Once again, thank you all. Cheers.

Wedding speech for mother of the bride

“Hello everyone. Thank you all for being here. My heart is full today, as you all must know. Watching my daughter take this important step in her life has made me very happy. We are all so happy to support them both in starting this new chapter in their lives. I have dreamed of this day so much; I am grateful to finally be able to see it. (Groom’s name) has been an excellent son-in-law and I am beyond happy to welcome him into our family. I am extremely proud of my daughter and happy to give her to someone who loves her just as much as we do. As we celebrate with you two today, may the sounds of celebration never leave you. All our love.”

Wedding speech for the mother of the groom

Another one of our short simple wedding speeches examples for the mother of the groom.

“Warm greetings to you all. I appreciate the time that you have taken to join us in celebrating (bride and groom). From the day my son introduced me to (name of bride), I have grown to love her as my own daughter, and it has been a joy to watch them grow in love with each other. I used to have a lot of anxiety about my son’s relationships in the past, but when I met (bride), I knew that he had met his match. I am happy to celebrate you both today in not just your union, but the union of our families too. Much love to you both. Cheers everyone!”

Best Man Speech

“Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please. Today, I stand beside an extraordinary couple, [Couple’s Names], on their special day. To [Bride’s Name], you look absolutely stunning, and [Groom’s Name], well, you clean up pretty well too! Here’s to a lifetime of laughter, love, and countless adventures. May your journey together be as incredible as this celebration. Cheers!”

Maid Of Honor Speech

Ladies and gents, let’s talk about the dazzling duo we’re celebrating today, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. To my gorgeous bestie, you’ve found your lobster! And to the lucky guy who snagged her, good luck – you’re stuck with us now! Here’s to a love that’s as endless as the dance floor tonight. Cheers to the newlyweds!

One-Line Wedding Speech Examples

Crafting the perfect wedding speech is an art. Here are five examples that blend sentiment, humor, and celebration for your inspiration.

Today, we not only witness the union of [Couple’s Names] but also the merging of two hearts that beat as one. Here’s to a love story that transcends time and space.

As I stand before this extraordinary couple, I can’t help but marvel at the love between [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. Today, we celebrate not just a wedding but a promise of forever.

In the grand storybook of love, [Couple’s Names] have written a chapter filled with laughter, tears, and endless love. Here’s to turning the page to a beautiful new beginning.

To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], may your marriage be the masterpiece of a lifetime, painted with strokes of joy, understanding, and boundless love.

As witnesses to the love between [Couple’s Names], let us raise our glasses to a journey that begins today and unfolds into a lifetime of shared dreams and cherished moments.

A toast to love and laughter—here are five heartfelt expressions for raising your glass to the happy couple.

To the couple, may your love be as timeless as the vows you share today and as joyous as the celebration we’re all a part of!

Here’s to love, laughter, and a happily ever after for [Couple’s Names]. May every day be an adventure filled with shared dreams and endless love!

To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], may your journey together be as sweet as the cake we’re about to devour! Cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness!

Let’s raise our glasses to [Couple’s Names], whose love story is as enchanting as today’s setting sun. May your love glow brighter with each passing day!

A toast to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], may your marriage be as perfect as today’s weather, and your happiness as everlasting as the memories we’re creating!

How To Write a Short Wedding Speech

With this guide, you can create short and sweet wedding speeches that will just flow organically. Write a killer speech that would be easy to read and will convey your love for the couple perfectly.

• Remember who is in the audience: Whether you are giving short wedding speeches as the best man or groom, it is important to keep your audience in mind. Introduce yourself and acknowledge them. Focusing on the audience and engaging them will help you speak from the heart.
• Avoid alcohol: While getting some liquid courage can be tempting, it is best to lay off the alcohol until after your speech. Alcohol could turn short funny wedding speeches into something long and nonsensical. This is because you might slur or forget your words under the influence, and this is something you absolutely do not want.
• Use note cards: Although you are not encouraged to read out your short wedding rehearsal dinner speech completely, note cards are encouraged. With these cues, you can glance at your notes from time to time to help you remember your lines and keep you on track. The audience might not even notice, and your speech would be better for it.
• Structure your story: Structure your speech in a way that focuses on the bride and groom. Fine one, two or three points about them that you can elaborate upon and stories in which they are the hero. This will keep your message in the right direction, and you can be sure to end on a positive note.

In the next part, we have a list of some of the best short wedding speeches that can help inspire you to write your own.

Example of a Short Wedding Toast

“Cheers to [Couple’s Names]! May your days be filled with love, laughter, and countless joyous moments. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness together!”

How to Make a Short and Sweet Wedding Speech

Focus on key points like expressing happiness for the couple, sharing a brief anecdote, and offering a toast. Keep it concise, heartfelt, and light-hearted for impact.

Is a 1 Minute Wedding Speech Too Short?

No, a 1-minute wedding speech can be perfect. A concise speech ensures guests stay engaged and leaves a lasting impression. Focus on the essentials – expressing joy, sharing a quick story, and toasting the couple.

Not many people are trained public speakers, but it is hard to go wrong with short wedding speeches. Allow these tips and examples to guide you in making the best wedding speeches ever.

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Father of the Bride Speech Guide with Examples

As a father, it’s an emotional moment when your daughter is getting married and there are sure to be tons of wonderful, funny, and sentimental experiences that you may want to include in your “Father of the Bride” speech. 

It is the moment at most weddings that guests know to grab some tissues because it’s almost impossible not to have a few tears. As her wedding day grows closer, you should sit down and write a speech that you are proud of and that your daughter will cherish forever. 

While it might seem impossible to find the perfect words that express your feelings, it’s absolutely those emotions that are often the star of the show. Delivering a great father of the bride speech can be nerve-racking, following some basic toast rules should help ease the nerves. Check out these fantastic speeches for Dads.

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

The father of the bride toast typically kicks off all of the wedding speeches . And since you’re the first, you’re going to want it to be engaging so that you can captivate the crowd’s attention. The key to writing a good or great father of the bride speech is to just speak from the heart. 

Of course, you should put some thought into it beforehand and have it written down so that you don’t forget any essential parts. But your real memories and raw emotions are what need to be shared. 

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

• Introduce Yourself (a no-brainer, we know, but the nerves may make you forget too)
• Thank Your Spouse, Groom’s Parents, Officiant & Other Vendors
• Praise Your Daughter
• Share A Story & Don’t Forget To Include The Groom.
• Add-In Some Fatherly Wisdom
• Thank The Guests For Their Attendance
• Add Some Humor But Avoid Inside Jokes
• Don’t Get “Too” Emotional.
• Congratulate the Couple
• Raise The First Toast

To help you get your creative juices flowing, we pulled together a collection of wedding speeches for the father of the bride that we like. These are sure to help you write a flawless, kick-ass father of the bride toast. 

Father of the Bride Wedding Speech Examples

Pride and happiness.

“As I look at my daughter, the bride, I can’t help but reflect on all the years I was lucky enough to watch her grow and become the beautiful woman she is today. She captured my heart on the day she was born, and I became more and more in awe of her as the years passed by. She’s my little girl, my princess, and my ray of sunlight, and no matter what her age, she’ll always be those things to me.

But today, as I watch her marry a wonderful man, I’m filled with pride and am confident that she and (Groom) are about to embark on a beautiful journey filled with the love and happiness that can only come as man and wife. May the two of you always treat each other with love, compassion, and kindness.

I ask you to join me today in congratulating the bride and groom and wishing them all the best for a long and happy life together.”

Greatest Father of the Bride Speech With Incredible Introduction

This is an example of the most hyped introduction of the Father of the Bride and an incredible speech filled with humor, love, and raw emotions. And this dad even wants the groom to take the bride’s last name. 

A Father’s Love

“Hi, I’m (Father’s Name), (Bride’s) father. I have been waiting for this moment for twenty-five years, and I must say that it is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Although it is overwhelming to give your daughter away, it is so satisfying to know that she is marrying one of the greatest men I’ve ever met. If I had to choose someone for her to be with, I would not pick anyone else.

(Bride) has always been the type of person to find a good quality in everyone. Even when she was a little girl, she had such a large amount of compassion that it blew me away. From the time she was old enough to go to school, (Bride) made friends with every single person in her class. It didn’t matter if one child was not popular or if the other was too quiet; she found the best in every student that year. It surprised me that she was so sensitive yet made people feel like they had known her for years.

Since she has always had that quality, I was not surprised when she went into nursing. She thrived off of the fact that she could help people and save their lives. From that moment, she worked more for other people than herself. I always wished she would find a husband so she could do more for herself. Luckily, I introduced (Groom) to (Bride) when he started working for my company. I wanted someone who was just as warm-hearted as her but still had a great work ethic and a sense of determination. Even though (Bride) was appalled at the fact that I, her father, set her up on a date, I think she can thank me for it now. After all, I am the perfect matchmaker!

(Bride), although I have been cringing at the thought of letting you go, I could not be happier for my little girl. I have watched you go through school, around the clock internships, boyfriends, and breakups, and now I know that it was all worth it. I only wish the best for the both of you, and I know that you will have a beautiful marriage that will never once waiver.

(Groom), I am confident that you will take care of my daughter. You have been a dear friend and co-worker of mine for years now, and since day one, my impression of you has not once changed. Thank you for treating my daughter like gold. I know in my heart that you will be the perfect match, regardless of what happens later in life.

For this reason, I would like to make a toast. (Bride and Groom), may the future bring you happiness, wisdom, and children so I can be a grandfather! But in all seriousness, I give you my wholehearted blessing, and I know you two will last a lifetime. I am so happy that this day has finally come.

Congratulations (Bride and Groom)!”

Father Of The Bride Speech Hilariously Roasting The Groom

We love this father of the bride speech. A little roast for the groom and some heartfelt memories and sentiments for the couple. 

Prince Charming

“I raise my glass to toast my daughter (Bride’s name). She’s dreamed of this day since she was a young girl, and now her dream has come true, complete with her very own Prince Charming. (Bride & Groom), I wish you much love and happiness in your new life together.”

Loving Memories

“As I look at this beautiful woman before me in the lovely wedding gown, I can’t help but reflect on the girl she was and the woman she has become. She became “Daddy’s Girl” on the day she was born and has always been a princess to me. All through her life, she has brought joy to her mother and me, and while not every day has been perfect, the love I feel for her has been.

And today, she has joined hands with a wonderful young man, and in addition to the sparkle I have always seen in her eyes, today I see love and joy there beyond anything I have seen thus far. She and [Groom] today have completed each other as they become a new family unit.

Please join me today in wishing [Bride] and [Groom] every happiness possible and long and joyful life together as husband and wife.”

Inspirational

“Marriages, like births, mark a new beginning. The day I drove home from the hospital after [Bride] was born was a new beginning for me. To be the father of a daughter seemed a bit overwhelming, but anticipation for her life and for our relationship helped me overcome my fears and work hard to be a father worthy of such a daughter.

Today, we stand at another new beginning as [Bride] and [Groom] start a brand new family. Like me, they are probably filled with a feeling of being a little overwhelmed at it all, but those feelings will melt away in large part as they anticipate their new life together and as they build a relationship that will stand the test of time.”

Be true to each other always; share your joys and your burdens; love much and laugh much; be each other’s best friend. Always speak well of one another, even in private. And when things don’t go well, forgive as often as it is required. Married life is an adventure, and you embark today on that adventure together. Even though you are individuals, your covenant today makes the couple more important than either of you separately.

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

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

A Humorous Touch

‘This is an important day for me… as I resuscitate my bank account and hand over Sarah’s spending habits to someone else.’

‘The good thing about weddings is that, as father-of-the-bride, you can show everyone how generous you are. I wanted to give you all an itemized bill so that you could see for yourselves how much these flowers cost, but Angela told me that it was not the done thing… as she slid into her astronomically-priced hat!’

‘Seriously, I have looked forward to this day for years. Sarah makes a stunning bride, John is a good man, and I wish them every happiness for the future. If they are even half as happy as my wife and I, then they will be very happy indeed.’

‘Marriage is an important commitment, so much so that you need a mortgage to pay for it! But it takes more than that. It needs patience and compromise, and I should know – I’ve been patiently compromising for years!’

‘Bob’s just looked at his watch, which is the signal that he needs a drink, so, ladies and gentlemen, please be upstanding. I give you… the bride and groom.’

A Gift from God

“A toast to my daughter. She was a gift from God, and I will always be grateful to have been given the honor of being her father. May God continue to bless her and her new husband and grant them safety, love, and happiness all the days of their lives.”

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• Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception? How to Write a Wedding Toast Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech How to Write a Best Man Toast Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech What to Know About a Newlywed Toast Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips 60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

How to Write a Father of the Bride Speech

You're going to want to flag this for your dad.

Photo by Tanya Menoni

In This Article

The father of the bride toast is one of the most highly anticipated speeches of any wedding reception. If you're a dad, you've likely looked forward to (or dreaded) giving this speech for a very long time. Now that the moment is growing closer, it's important to sit down and write a toast that not only you're proud of, but that your daughter will remember for a lifetime. While it might seem difficult to find the right words to express the endless love you have for your daughter, it's those very emotions that are often the star of the show. So, feel free to let those feelings flow through your speech—you'll likely see most of the guests grab their tissues.

With that said, even the most eloquent dads can struggle with getting those words down on paper. To get you started, we created an easy guide to follow when you're sitting down to frame your thoughts into a full-fledged speech. We've compiled some top-notch tips for writing that sure-to-be epic father of the bride speech, plus a list of brainstorming ideas to jump-start the creative process.

Read on for advice on how to write and deliver your father of the bride speech—the most memorable toast of the day.

Father of the Bride Speech Template

Here's a general outline for writing a father of the bride speech that’ll have everyone reaching for tissues.

Welcome the guests.

Typically, the parents of the couple are the first to speak at either the rehearsal dinner or the wedding reception. If you're the first toast-maker of the night, this would be the time to welcome all of the guests to the reception or whichever event you are delivering the speech at. You can do this welcome speech with your partner, on your own, or followed by your child's fiancé's parents. Of course, feel free to skip this step if you're not the first speech and the guests have already been welcomed.

Give thanks.

Since you have the mic, don't forget to express gratitude. Be sure to thank your friends and family for coming to the wedding, and the parents of your daughter's new spouse for anything and everything that they did.

Pepper in some fond memories.

Nothing gets the waterworks started like some heartfelt anecdotes from the bride's lifetime through the eyes of their beloved dad . Choose some especially warm memories from her childhood that always stick out in your mind or some funny (not embarrassing) trials from adolescence. If one of those special memories includes their S.O., definitely be sure to share that with the guests.

Share your pride.

As the father of the bride , you're entitled to be a very proud papa. Mention some especially big moments of pride for you and how much you cherish your daughter's achievements. Don't confuse this with an excuse to spout off their résumé, though. Only pick a couple of standout highlights that really speak to their character.

Remember that half the guests in attendance probably won't know your daughter all that well, so this is an excellent time to low-key introduce them to their best qualities and character traits.

Talk about the present.

Try not to live completely in the past, Dad! Discuss notable things that are occurring presently, on this momentous day as it's unfolding. While everyone is experiencing the events from their own perspective, your special POV provides a unique lens on the significance of the occasion.

Acknowledge your daughter's new spouse.

While you have so much to say about the bride, remember to mention and acknowledge their new spouse , too. Take this time to welcome them into your family and share what it means to you. You can also share some anecdotes of their relationship and what stood out to you most.

Tell your daughter you love them.

That's your baby right there, and this is the moment to tell them just how much they mean to you. Express how much you love and cherish your daughter. Remind them of how you've treasured your relationship together and how you think that relationship may be evolving or staying exactly the same.

Look to the future.

You've covered the past and present, now move on to the next chapter and speak about the shared future of the newlyweds. While you can always get creative with the flow of the speech, breaking things down in a classic chronological order is always easy for the guests to follow.

Add some parting wisdom.

Whether it's a piece of marriage advice or just your most heartfelt wishes for the newlyweds, include some sage wisdom for the happy couple. This is pinnacle dad-talk time, so be sure to really relish the moment. Just don't forget that there are other people present, and it's not just you and your daughter.

Father of the Bride Speech Tips

Okay, dads. Now that you have a general idea of what to include, take note of these essential tips for giving the best father of the bride speech anyone has ever heard.

Consider a theme.

Having an overarching theme from the get-go will set a tone for the speech as a whole. This should make it easier for you to succinctly organize your thoughts and choose relevant examples to showcase. Utilizing this type of framework will result in cohesive and meaningful content that will come across as inspired and have the audience hanging on every word.

Keep it short.

Though you've been waiting for this day to come for many years, try to keep your toast short and sweet. The ideal length is about five or six minutes with the three-minute mark being your lowest threshold for a proper speech. There may be a lot you want to say, and if that's the case, consider writing some of those heartfelt sentiments down beforehand and giving it to your daughter in a card to read privately the morning of the wedding.

Don't be too embarrassing.

Skip the stories that may make your daughter cringe or those memories that they wish you would just forget already. Remember, the speech is a toast and not a roast. Keep in mind that along with their newly minted spouse, a whole new family of in-laws and possibly even a few work colleagues will be present. So, if there's something you're on the fence about saying, consider if you would think the information appropriate for your in-laws and colleagues to learn about you.

Skip ex mentions.

If you have an urge to call out how terrible some ex-boyfriends or girlfriends were in the past, skip that little tidbit and keep it to yourself. There's never any good that can come from name-dropping old lovers at your daughter's wedding, no matter how much you really disliked old what's-their-name. Stick to positive anecdotes and memories that showcase your daughter's good side, not mistakes.

Don't push for laughs.

Oftentimes, you'll get laughs when you're not trying hard for them. Don't feel like you have to color your toast with joke line after joke line—it may come off as forced, especially if you're not normally the jokester in the bunch. The most important person in the room, your daughter, will definitely know if you're not being yourself, and all they really need is their dad—not a comedian.

Embrace your emotions.

It's an absolute given that this is an emotional day for you, so don't feel the need to act stoic and put up a façade. Stay genuine and admit to how difficult it is to let your child go. These admissions make for a touching moment, and we guarantee there won't be a dry eye left in the room. And we mean you, too, pops. Today is the day when it's perfectly okay to shed a tear or two.

Practice, practice, practice.

And then practice some more. It's important that you attempt to memorize your speech, and at the very least, have everything written down and a general idea of what you want to say. If memorizing the whole speech is a little too difficult to do in such a short amount of time, be sure to practice it enough beforehand so that you can make eye contact with the couple and the other guests.

Get Brainstorming!

If you're still drawing a blank, here are some questions to ask yourself to start brainstorming.

• Who is speaking directly before or after me? (You may want to introduce the next speaker or reference whoever spoke previously.)
• What emotions do I experience when I think of letting my daughter go?
• What do I wish for their marriage and life together, and how can I prepare them for that?
• Is there anything I would like to say to their in-laws or newly acquired family?
• Is there something in the order of events that the audience needs to know, prepare for, or be aware of? (Your role can also assume that of master of ceremonies, so be mindful of the flow of upcoming events and if you need to alert the guests.)

Traditionally, the father of the bride gives the first speech at a wedding. But, of course, couples can choose any order they want speeches to take place in. 

If the mother of the bride is speaking directly after the father of the bride, they may choose to stand next to their significant other during the speech. In other cases, the father will be standing alone with the bride's mother being at her seat. 

Whatever you do, don't feel stressed out by the idea of giving a speech. Keep it short, speak from the heart, and don't embarrass the couple (okay, don't embarrass them too much) and you'll be well on your way to the perfect toast.

A Guide to Wedding Reception Toasts

Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception?

How to Write a Wedding Toast

Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech

How to Write a Best Man Toast

Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech

What to Know About a Newlywed Toast

Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips

60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

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How to Write a Wedding Speech

Last Updated: March 19, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jenny Yi . Jenny Yi is the Founder of Chloe+Mint, an award-winning full service event planning company that specializes in wedding planning, design and floral design. Jenny has been in the industry for over 5 years, and also works closely with notable brands and celebrities on branding and events. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 602,684 times.

For most people, their wedding day will be among the most important days of their lives. As such, it is customary for a close friend or loved one to deliver a speech congratulating the newlyweds on their union. This can be a nerve-wracking prospect if you’re the one called upon to give a speech in front of a big, expectant crowd. As the speechwriter, it will pay off to make sure that you’re organized, keep it concise and practice extensively beforehand.

Things You Should Know

Professional wedding planner Jenny Yi says the wedding speech should be “impactful, short, and sweet.” Explain how you know the bride and groom, share a quick backstory on how they met, then wish them well as a couple.

Sample Speeches

Writing a Meaningful Speech

• The best man and maid of honor are usually each asked to make a short speech on behalf of the wedding party. After that, the microphone is sometimes turned over to whoever would like to say a few words.
• Saying your name and briefly summarizing your history with the bride or groom will be enough. Don’t talk about yourself too much. Remember, the focus of your speech is the married couple.

• Use jokes judiciously to break the initial tension and keep the crowd relaxed. Try not to let your speech turn into a stand up comedy routine.
• Keep your humorous stories and remarks appropriate. There will be people of all ages in your audience, including children.
• Funny stories might include a funny story about the bride and groom's meeting, or an anecdote about one of them as a child.

• Sharing unique memories or stories is much more effective than simply complimenting the bride or groom because it is a more personal touch.

• If you decide to use a quote for this segment of the speech, make sure it is short, relevant and not a cliche.

• Acknowledging the people who helped make the wedding festivities possible will make you appear humble, as well as making them feel appreciated.
• Express your gratitude in a couple sentences. There’s no need to go on and on thanking every person individually by name.

Making Sure You're Prepared

• Treat your speech like you would a school assignment. Compose several drafts, check it for errors and have a friend proofread it to make sure it sounds good.

• Familiarize yourself with the order of presentation if multiple speeches are to be given.
• Don’t spend the entire ceremony fretting over your speech. If you’re sufficiently prepared, you won’t need to give it a second thought until it’s time for you to deliver it.

• Know your speech word for word, but try not to sound like you’re simply reciting it from memory. Pace yourself and give every passage emphasis, emotion and clarity.

• Put your entire speech on a couple note cards rather than a several large sheets of paper. Not only will this look better, it will help you keep your speech at the appropriate length.
• Only look at your notes if you draw a blank or forget the next part. This will allow you to keep your eyes up and engage your audience. Even the most riveting speech will be a bore if the person giving it is reading off a note card the whole time.

Giving the Speech

• Take a few slow, deep breaths. Think about what you’re saying and shut out all other distractions. Imagine that you’re giving your speech to one person instead of a room full of people.
• Have a drink or two if it helps your nerves. Just don’t have too many—you want to be focused and clear-headed when it’s time for you to take the floor.

• It’s perfectly okay to give a short speech. Simply say a few kind words, raise a toast and hand back the microphone.
• Speak slowly and deliberately. It’s easy to start chattering too fast when you’re nervous. By talking slower than you feel like you need to, you’ll probably be going at just the right speed.
• People who are underprepared or extremely anxious tend to talk aimlessly. Avoid this by sticking to what you’ve written and look to the crowd for cues about when their attention is evaporating.

• Take a moment to speak to the bride and/or groom directly.
• It’s normal to get a little choked up! As long as you can finish your speech, there’s no need to worry. It may even be flattering, as it will show the people you’re talking about how much you truly care.

• It’s customary for the best man or groomsmen to toast the bride, and the maid of honor to toast the groom.

Expert Q&A

• Keep quotes to a minimum, as other people's words can distract from what you're trying to say yourself. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
• If you're stumped on how your speech should flow, approach it the way you would a story: give it a beginning, middle and end. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
• Ask an honest, objective friend to give you feedback on your speech after you've finished writing it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Never use a premade template you find on the internet to write a wedding speech. Your speech should be a product of your own unique thoughts, feelings and experiences. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
• Don't drink too much before delivering your speech. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
• Leave out especially embarrassing or offensive anecdotes. These are usually considered bad form. You're supposed to be honoring the married couple, not getting a laugh at their expense. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 3

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2110745/Lost-words-Top-tips-write-winning-wedding-speech-deliver-like-pro.html
• ↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-toasting-tips-for-the-maid-of-honor
• ↑ https://www.presentationmagazine.com/the-structure-and-etiquette-of-wedding-speeches-1041.htm
• ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/07/22/how-to-write-deliver-good-best-man-speech/
• ↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-toasting-tips-for-the-maid-of-honor/
• ↑ https://finley-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/f/finley-h/localcontent/how_to_write_a_speech.pdf
• ↑ https://mediacenter.toastmasters.org/2014-07-01-10-Tips-for-the-Perfect-Wedding-Toast

About This Article

To write a wedding speech, start by introducing yourself and explaining how you know the bride and groom. Then, share some fond memories, like stories from when you were kids or how you met. Next, offer well-wishes to the bride and groom, such as wishing them health, happiness, and prosperity. Alternatively, try opening with a joke or funny anecdote, but make sure that your remarks are appropriate for everyone in attendance. Finally, briefly thank everyone for coming and for making the celebration possible. For tips on how to memorize your speech so that it doesn’t sound rehearsed, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Gateway Pundit to file for bankruptcy amid election conspiracy lawsuits

Gateway Pundit, the popular far-right blog, is filing for bankruptcy as it faces lawsuits alleging it promoted bogus claims about the 2020 election, its founder announced Wednesday — though he vowed to continue publishing.

Since its launch in 2004, the site has become a prolific clearinghouse for conspiracy theories about the election, school shootings, and other topics, helping to funnel such flimsy stories from the fringes of the internet to the broader pro-Trump right thanks to its substantial audience.

But all those conspiracy theories have had a cost for Jim Hoft, the Missouri blogger who founded Gateway Pundit. In a message on the site, Hoft said its parent company would file for bankruptcy because it was under attack from “progressive liberal” lawsuits. Hoft said the bankruptcy filing would help “consolidate” the lawsuits.

The bankruptcy filing wasn’t immediately available, and Hoft did not respond to a request for comment.

While he didn’t name which lawsuits he was referencing, the site is being sued for claims of defamation and infliction of emotional distress by Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Moss, two Georgia election workers who say they faced threats after the site leveled baseless accusations of ballot fraud against them.

Despite the site’s apparent financial jeopardy, Hoft seemed determined to continue publishing in some form, writing that he would “not be deterred” from his work at what he called one of the country’s “most trusted independent media outlets.”

The Style section

Despite its bare-bones layout and small staff, Gateway Pundit consistently ranks among the 20 most-read conservative websites online, according to Howard Polskin, who analyzes conservative media on his website, TheRighting.

Polskin said Gateway Pundit has managed to grow a significant audience through “right-wing hysteria.”

“It’s got a pretty strong brand position,” Polskin said. “It pulls a lot of eyeballs.”

Another lawsuit from Freeman and Moss has already resulted in a mammoth judgment against another election-fraud conspiracy theorist. In December, Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani filed for bankruptcy after a $148 million judgment against him for his own attacks on Freeman and Moss.

Gateway Pundit is not alone among far-right media outlets to file for bankruptcy as they face legal judgments. The conspiracy-theorist outlet Infowars and its founder, Alex Jones, both filed for bankruptcy in 2022 as they faced huge legal judgments for promoting conspiracy theories about the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting.

• Gateway Pundit to file for bankruptcy amid election conspiracy lawsuits Just now Gateway Pundit to file for bankruptcy amid election conspiracy lawsuits Just now
• A history of CNN’s Laura Coates, who calmly narrated a self-immolation April 20, 2024 A history of CNN’s Laura Coates, who calmly narrated a self-immolation April 20, 2024
• Are some reporters putting Trump jurors at risk? April 18, 2024 Are some reporters putting Trump jurors at risk? April 18, 2024

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Author Interviews

Barbara walters forged a path for women in journalism, but not without paying a price.

Tonya Mosley

In 1976, Barbara Walters became the first woman to co-anchor a national news show on prime time television. She was only in that role for two years, but her arrival changed news media.

"She's such a consequential figure for journalists, not just for women journalists," biographer Susan Page says. "The path she cut is one that many of us have followed."

Page is the Washington bureau chief at USA Today and the author of The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters. Though they never met, Page says speaking to hundreds of Walters' friends and colleagues and watching hours of her interview tapes gave her a sense of her subject.

Page describes Walters as a fearless journalist who didn't shy away from controversy or tough questions. She battled sexism throughout her career — especially from her first co-anchor, Harry Reasoner, who, Page says, scowled at Walters' presence and tracked how many words she spoke on-air compared to him.

Trailblazing journalist Barbara Walters has died at 93

After leaving the nightly news post, Walters became known for her long-form interviews. Her conversations, which blended news and entertainment, featured a wide range of subjects, including Fidel Castro, Vladimir Putin, Richard Nixon, Monica Lewinsky, Michael Jackson and Charles Manson. In 1997, she created The View , a daily talk show with an all-women cast of co-hosts.

"One thing that I thought was interesting about Barbara Walters is that she thought all sorts of people were interesting and worth talking to," Page says. "She really expanded the world of interviews that [national] journalists were doing to include not just presidents, but also notorious murderers."

For Page, Walters' success feels personal: "It never occurred to me when I was looking at a career in journalism that I couldn't do big interviews with important people because Barbara Walters did. ... Even though I've been in print journalism, not TV journalism, I benefited from the battles that Barbara Walters fought."

Interview highlights

On her family life that drove her to work hard

Understanding the source of her drive was hard to understand and I think crucial. And I decided after doing all this reporting about her that, that there was a moment that ignited the drive in Barbara Walters, and that was when her mother called her and told her that her father had attempted suicide. Her mother didn't call an ambulance. ... [Barbara] called the ambulance. [Barbara] rode in the ambulance with her father to the hospital. And she realized almost in an instant that while she was going through her first divorce, she didn't really have a career that as of that moment, she was going to be responsible for supporting her father, who had just tried to commit suicide, her mother, who was perpetually unhappy, and her special needs sister. And that that was going to require her to get serious, to make some money and to sustain that. She always had the sense that it could all disappear in an instant.

On news co-host Harry Reasoner's hostility about working with Walters

He was so openly contemptuous of her on the air that the director stopped doing two shots. That is a shot where you could see Harry Reasoner watching Barbara Walters speak because he was always scowling. It was so bad that they got many letters from mostly women viewers complaining about how she was being treated. ... It was really an untenable situation and one that took a while to unravel, and it was one that unnerved Barbara Walters. It was the one time in her career when she thought perhaps she had made an error so great that she would not recover. She said that she felt not only like she was drowning, but that there were people trying to hold her head under the water.

On a turning point in her career, when she interviewed Fidel Castro

So this was in 1977. She was still officially the anchor [of ABC Evening News ], but things were not going well. And she landed this interview with Fidel Castro, who had been interviewed only infrequently by Western journalists. And ... she got in a boat and crossed the Bay of Pigs with him. He drove his jeep across the mountains with her sitting next to him, holding aloft his gun to keep water from splashing on. It was a great interview. A very tough interview. She asked him about freedom of the press, which didn't exist in Cuba. She pressed him on whether he was married. This was a question that he had refused to answer. ... So he finally gave up and answered it and said formally, no. So it was a great interview and it was a comeback interview for her. It both showed what she could do in an interview, and it made her feel more confident again.

On her interview with Richard Nixon when she asked him if he wished he burned the Watergate tapes

That was in a particularly difficult interview, because the only way the Nixon people agreed that she could do it was to do it live. There was no cutting out some extraneous matter to get that last question in, she had to be incredibly alert about controlling the interview so that she would have time to ask that question. And the other thing that we should know about that question is she always wanted to ask the question that everybody wanted to hear, even the toughest question possible, like would you have burned the tapes? She wanted to ask the one that people wanted to hear the answer to. That was one of [her] great gifts. And she figured out that by preparing for hours and hours and writing down proposed questions on small 3x5 cards and shuffling them and revising them, and finally having them typed on 5x7 cards to ask. She would let an interview go where it went. She didn't always follow the cards, but she always had a plan in mind for how she wanted to get the interview started. What she wanted to do in the middle and the thing that she wanted to do at the close to give it a real kick.

On her friendship with Donald Trump

They were transactional friends. She went to his wedding. He went to the celebration of her third marriage. He was often a guest on The View when The View started in 1997. He was then a real estate developer in New York. And if they were short a guest, they could call up Donald Trump and he would come over and be on the show or even do a cameo skit. ... And, in fact, one ABC executive told me, when Donald Trump got involved in politics, that there was a feeling, some discomfort, that she had given him a platform and a legitimacy that maybe he wouldn't have had otherwise.

On her preparation for her infamous Monica Lewinksy interview

Barbara Walters was working on asking the questions, but at the same time, Monica Lewinsky was working with her team on how to answer the questions. The question that gave the Monica Lewinsky team the most trouble was that question, "Do you still love him?" Because at the beginning of their practice sessions, she said yes. And then she said she couldn't say no because she did love him. And she loved him some of the time. And, they warned that that was not an effective answer to have. So you hear her, in this interview giving the answer they had worked out, which was no. But then in her follow up, she does acknowledge that sometimes she does still have warm feelings for him. On the Barbara Walters side, they worked a long time on what the closing question would be, because that's a powerful position in an interview like this, that last question. And they settled on, "What will you tell your children?"

On Gilda Radner's impression of her as "Baba Wawa," mocking the way she spoke

She was wounded when she heard this. For one thing, even though there was this exaggerated lisp that Gilda Radner used, nobody had any doubt who she was parodying. And, Barbara Walters had this speech anomaly. She called it a bastard Boston accent. Other people called it a lisp. Whatever it was she had tried, she'd gone to voice coaches early in her career to try to fix it, and it failed. So her feelings were hurt when the skit was done on Saturday Night Live . Now, it also made her famous. She came to terms with it, but I think she always found it kind of hurtful. ... When Gilda Radner died ... Barbara Walters wrote a sympathy note to her widower, Gene Wilder, expressing sympathy on her death, and signed it, "Baba Wawa."

On her reluctant retirement

She worked into her 80s. ... When she was in her 70s, she was working at a time when most women had been involuntarily retired. So she worked as long as they would keep her on the air. But as she started to sometimes miss a step, there was concern that she would embarrass herself or undermine some of the professional work she had done. ... The people at ABC convinced her it was time to retire. And then CNN came in with a secret offer to put her on the air at CNN, which she was considering when her friends came back and said, no, it's time. ... There was a grand finale on The View , where two dozen women prominent in journalism came and paid tribute to her. And on her last, big show on The View. And when she was backstage afterwards, one of them came up and said ... "What do you want to do in your retirement?" And Barbara said, "I want more time." Meaning I want more time on the air.

On if she was happy

I asked 100 people who knew her that question: Was she happy? And a few people said yes. Joy Behar of The View said "happy-ish," which is not a bad answer, but most people said while she was proud of what she had done and that she loved the money and the prominence that she had won, that she paid this huge price on the personal side — she had three failed marriages. She was estranged for a time from her only daughter. She never lost that feeling that she was always competing and could never stop and be content. So she had the most successful possible professional life, but I think she had kind of a sad, personal one.

Thea Chaloner and Joel Wolfram produced and edited this interview for broadcast. Bridget Bentz, Molly Seavy-Nesper and Beth Novey adapted it for the web.

24 Sentimental Wedding Wishes for Your Daughter's Special Day

• Danielle writes articles for The Knot Worldwide, with a focus on modern wedding trends, fete aesthetics and personalization (via fashion, accessories and stationery).
• As a freelance writer and publicist, Danielle regularly contributes to outlets like Brides, Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks and Betches and proudly represents a number of clients (bridal and jewelry designers, venues and wedding planning pros) in the ‘I ...

For any parent, the news that your daughter is getting married is both exciting and bittersweet. She's all grown up now and, despite being thrilled for her and her soon-to-be spouse, you might also be overwhelmed with feelings, happy and sad. But as you scrawl wedding wishes for your daughter while you think of what to write in a wedding card , don't shy away from recalling all those deeply proud and nostalgic sentiments. She's likely sharing a lot of the same thoughts, so she'll appreciate being in those feelings with you.

When it comes to channeling all your musings into a thoughtful inscription for your little girl, just remember that you can't go wrong with speaking from the heart when it comes to what to write in your daughter's wedding card. The best wishes for your daughter's wedding usually feature a blend of looking back on all the amazing things she's accomplished in life thus far, acknowledging how happy you've been to witness them all and looking forward to all the joyous times ahead. Expressing your congratulations—it's a milestone day, after all—is important, but you don't have to go overboard. Reminiscing about some of your favorite moments from the past or even things your daughter might have said when she was younger (that serendipitously line up with the way things have transpired today) are also wonderful inclusions.

She knows that you'll be there for her through thick and thin, but it certainly doesn't hurt to touch on that in your closing—especially now that you have a new child-in-law to take under your [philosophical] wing. They'll cherish all the ways you say that, in good times or in bad, you've got both of their backs. And if you want to sign off your wedding card to your daughter with a few sweet pieces of advice for life after the "I do"s are done, you have our full support! In the meantime, check out our below sample wedding wishes to a daughter. You can pair your wedding card with a special gift for your daughter , too!

In this article :

Wedding Wishes to a Daughter and Her Partner

Touching wedding wishes for a daughter, funny wedding wishes for a daughter, wedding wishes from a mother to her daughter, wedding wishes from a father to his daughter, wedding wishes for a new daughter-in-law.

In wedding card sayings for your daughter and her new spouse, you'll want to convey your deep love, joy and pride on this extra-special day. Express warm wishes for their happily ever after (if that notion is particularly meaningful to your daughter) and emphasize how important it is to find bliss in the good and bad days, appreciate one another's unique points of view on things, compromise in the instances when neither of them are willing to bend and trust in each other and your marriage—even when life gets challenging. Welcome your daughter's new spouse into your family, officially, and give them your word that you'll never be more than a phone call away.

• Today, you get married, [daughter's name] and [spouse's name], and [I/we] have been looking forward to this day for what seems like forever. We're over the moon to share it with you.
• Happy wedding day to [my/our] favorite daughter and the love of her life. You complement each other perfectly and [I'm/we're] thrilled to see what you two can do together. Love you both!
• When you're married, not every day will be filled with fancy clothes, champagne toasts and dancing 'til dawn—but they will all be filled with love.
• [I/We] knew that wedding bells were in your future from the minute [I/we] saw you two together for the first time. You both had a glow and [I've/we've] only watched it grow seeing you plan and await this special day. You've earned it and an amazing life to follow. Congratulations, [I/we] love you.

If you didn't get too mushy-gushy with the note in her bridal shower card , then your wedding message for your daughter is the perfect occasion to let it all out. You've watched her grow into a wonderful person with so much to offer the world, so talk about the things you most admire about her, how you're privileged to be her parents and are especially grateful to play such a big role in a day that seemed so, so far away when she was born, but came about in the blink of an eye.

• It seems like only yesterday you were putting on your graduation gown and walking on stage in your high school auditorium to accept your diploma (come to think of it, [I/we] can remember every single "moving up" ceremony you had, since preschool). And today, you'll put on yet another gown and walk down the aisle. [I'M/We're] at a loss for words, but in the best way possible. Love you.
• To [my/our] daughter on her wedding day, you are a vision. You've filled [my/our] [life/lives] with incredible happiness and you're about to do the same for [spouse's name]. [I/We] adore you and can't wait to see you say "I do."
• Every parent says that their child is the best, but in [my/our] case, it's actually true. [Daughter's name], you're [my/our] #1 and [I've/we've] watched in awe as you've gotten engaged and started planning this day. [I/We] hope it's everything and more for you—With All Our Love, Your Parent(s).
• Since the day you were born, you've had the hearts of everyone you've ever laid eyes on. Not sure if [spouse's name] knows, quite yet, how lucky they are to have you, but after today, seeing you as a bride, they'll have no doubt. Happy wedding day, sweetie!

Not every wedding card has to reduce your daughter to sentimental tears. Giggles are just as welcome. In our opinion, sometimes funny wedding wishes are even more appropriate, because they can lighten the mood and remind her to relax if wedding day stress has her overwhelmed. As a parent, it's normal to always feel like you need to save the day, protect your child from harm and take away any scared or anxious feelings. But truth be told, you can do all of that by making her smile or having her laugh with your daughter's wedding wishes.

• How is it possible that [I/we] have a daughter old enough to get married?! Happy wedding day, [daughter's name]—think we can make it to the after party? It might be way past [my/our] bedtime!
• [I/We] thought [I'd/we'd] be able to keep it together for pictures, but so many packs of tissues have been gone through already…[I'm/we're] already stocking up again for the ceremony.
• Now that [I'm/we're] "official" empty nesters, [I/we] thought we'd go on a honeymoon, too! [I was/We were] waiting for the wedding to be over, but just couldn't keep it in any longer—see you on the plane next week!
• Your little cousin showed [me/us] a few of those "viral" wedding dance videos at the rehearsal dinner last night and now I'm sad we didn't choreograph something epic. You sure you can't break away from your mimosas and glam time to workshop something from YouTube?

We'll always have a special place in our hearts for brides and their moms. And while you probably already have some mother-of-the-bride duties to take care of, remember to set aside some time to sit down and gather your thoughts for the wedding card sentiments for your daughter. Whether you want to gush about how she looks in her bridal best, tell her how much she means to you (as both a daughter and a best friend, provided that's the vibe) or dream about the future and what you hope for your daughter and her new spouse, you'll win with this wording.

• To my girl, we finally got here—your wedding day—and I'm so excited to see all of your hard work and dedication come to life. It's going to be amazing. Thank you for letting me have a part in it.
• You, my love, are glowing today. Your hair is stunning, your makeup is perfect, your gown is gorgeous and, most importantly, you're radiating happiness. Soak it all in, honey, and don't forget how loved you are. Enjoy your day!
• My greatest honor in life is being your mom and, as I watch you get ready to marry your person, I'm just overwhelmed with happiness. You are a dream come true. Love you, sweetheart.
• [Daughter's name], today you're a bride and tomorrow you'll be a wife. I hope your marriage is brimming with the best days, but even when times are rough, know that I'm always in your corner. Forever and ever, Love Mom.

There are several opportunities where, as the father of the bride, you can wax poetic on how much you adore your darling daughter—at the engagement party, during your speech at the wedding reception , perhaps even at the postwedding brunch. Not to mention, you can always chat up your girl when it's just the two of you on the dance floor. But if there's still a few things you need her to hear, you can say them in your wedding card, like this.

• [Daughter's name], I've been feeling nervous about this day, but I know when I see you, all my apprehension will float away. You always have that kind of effect and on your wedding day, it's no different. Thanks for reserving a first look for your dad, you're a beautiful bride.
• Your first daddy-daughter dance in first grade will always be one of my favorite memories in life, but I think today will be a close second (kidding, they're all my favorites). Happy wedding day to the best dance partner around, just don't tell your mom **wink wink**.
• Congratulations to my daughter on her wedding day. You're the light of our lives and I know every eye will be on you when you walk down that aisle. Just walk slowly, because I want to hold onto you for as long as I can. Love you!
• Given how it's looking outside, I thought I'd borrow some lyrics from The Temptations (how appropriate, since it's our song). With you, sweetie, I've always got "sunshine on a cloudy day" and "when it's cold outside, I've got the month of May." You'll always be my girl, [daughter's name].

They say whenever your child gets married, you don't lose them, you just gain a new child. And isn't it a relief to know that the new person standing by their side is so wonderful? These snippets show your new daughter-in-law that you're thrilled to have them on the team.

• If you didn't know what you were getting into with this family already, [daughter-in-law's name], you'll get the whole [family last name] experience today. We know we're a lot, but you gotta love us, right?
• [My/Our] [son/daughter/child] was never one to come home from a date and want to dish about it, until [he/she/they] met you. Way to make an impression, daughter-in-law—we love you!
• [Daughter-in-law's name], you are a parent's greatest wish realized. Thank you for filling [my/our] kiddo's life with so much joy. You guys are off on an amazing adventure.
• Not sure how [I/we] got so lucky with you, [daughter-in-law], but you're the best. [I/We] hope [child's name] treats you like a queen. Call us if they don't.