Content
- Welcome to the guests – and a special mention to any special guests or people who have travelled a long distance to be at the wedding.
- The happiness his daughter has bought him and his wife from when she was an adorable little girl right through to now she is a beautiful and talented woman.
- One or two funny stories to illustrate her character.
- A welcome to the new son-in-law and his family to the bride’s family.
- An expression of confidence in the bride and groom’s relationship and their future together.
- Some advice about married life – usually in the form of a quotation or an amusing short story.
- A wish for the couple’s future together.
- The toast to the bride and groom.
Do’s
- Speak from the heart and be sincere. The bride’s father’s speech should be warm and affectionate so a little emotion will not go amiss.
- Stay sober and avoid the temptation for a little “Dutch courage”.
- Rehearse your speech before hand – several times.
- Remember to take your cue cards with you to the wedding.
Don’ts
- Embarrass the bride by telling inappropriate stories about when she was little or about past boyfriends.
- Be rude about the groom even if he is not your ideal choice to marry your daughter. Any reluctance to welcome him into your family will be obvious to your guests and will be remembered and commented on for years.
- Be pompous.
- Speak for more than five minutes or you risk boring your audience.