Photo: James Christianson
The father of the bride’s wedding toast is likely one you’ve been excited to give for a very long time. Now that the moment is growing closer and closer, it’s important to sit down and write a speech that not only you’re proud of, but that your daughter will remember for a lifetime. So, to get you started, here are eight must-know tips for writing that sure-to-be epic father of the bride speech.
1. Keep it Short
Though you’ve been waiting for this day to come for many years, try to keep your toast short and sweet. 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 for her to read privately on her wedding morning.
2. Don’t Be Too Embarrassing
Skip the stories that may make your daughter cringe or those memories that she wishes you would just forget already. Remember, the speech is a toast and not a roast.
3. Skip Ex-BF Mentions
If you have an urge to call out how terrible some of her ex-boyfriends 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.
4. Don’t Push for Laughs
Often times, you’ll get laughs when you’re not trying hard for them. Don’t feel like you have to color your toast with joke like after joke line — it may come off as forced.
5. Make Eye Contact
Attempt to memorize your speech. If that’s getting 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.
6. Include the Other Half
While you have so much to say about the bride, remember to mention and acknowledge her other new spouse, too.
7. Give Thanks
Since you’re the guy with the mic, don’t forget to thank the guests for coming to the wedding and the parents of the groom for anything and everything that they did. Also give a nice little shout out to your own spouse, and thank her for helping you raise such a wonderful daughter.
8. Add Some Parting Wisdom
Whether it’s a piece of marriage advice or just your most heartfelt wishes for the couple’s future together, pepper in some sage wisdom for the happy couple.
See More: 3 Things Every Father of the Bride Should Do at His Daughter’s Wedding
Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.