So, the time has come for you to work on your father of the bride toast and speech. This is one speech you're not going to get out of. My best advice is to grab the bull by the horns and start preparing your speech. You'll probably be the only one on the bride's side of the family to give a speech.
Traditionally the father of the bride is the first one to give a speech at the wedding reception. Your speech can be a bit longer and touching, or you can keep it short, sweet and to the point. You can express how you feel on this special day with a bit of humor by using a few good father of the bride speech jokes, or you can keep your father of the bride speech more serious and sentimental.
You can tell what mood the father of the bride is going to expand on, when he start off his speech with any of the following lines:
Sentimental: It just seems like not long ago, when I drove my wife to hospital to deliver my sweet little girl ...
Short and Sweet: Let me begin by honoring the bride and groom ...
Funny: Now that we've toasted the bride and groom a couple of times times today/this evening
You as the father of the bride should decide on the mood you're going to use in your toast or speech. As the family background and circumstances of every family differs, it is up to you to decide to set the mood of your speech. Normally any speech contains of :
(1) Opening
(2) Main Body
(3) Closing
Opening of Your Speech - Introduction and Welcome
First of all, start your speech by introducing yourself and extend a warm welcome to all the guests. If you opt for some humor in your speech, now is the time to include a catchy, funny joke or two. This will act as a great icebreaker for your speech. Then you can welcome your new so-in-law into the family. Also extend a welcome to his parents, as this will make them feel appreciated. Tell some funny incidents which occur when your first met the groom or when he asked for your daughter's hand.
Main Body - Focus on the Bride and Married Life
Then you should move on and mention how wonderful the couple look together. Comment on how meaningful and inspiring the wedding ceremony was, and thank the clergy man or woman for making it special.
In your speech you will paint a pretty picture about your lovely daughter and include some funny moments when she was growing up. Of course you should mention how quickly the years has gone by and that she has grown into a beautiful woman. Tell her how amazingly beautiful she looks and assure her of your love and support.
The next part of your speech should include some well-meant advice on marriage. If you wish, you can use your own marriage as an example. Include some sincere and meaningful wedding quotations about married life will enhance your speech. You can either use some general quotes or quotes from famous authors like Shakespeare. Many father of the bride speech packages already include plenty of appropriate quotations you can use.
Closing - End with a Toast
The custom of toasting dates back to the times of the ancient gods. Nowadays almost anyone can give a toast at the wedding. The reason for toasting is to express happiness, joy and well-being for the couple. Now it is time you finish your father of the bride speech with a toast. Make sure all the glasses are filled. Propose your taost and wish the couple a long life and happiness. Introduce the next speaker, which is usually the groom. Voila! You're done.