The father of the bride is one of the most important people at a wedding. His role according to protocol involves critical duties such as making sure that his daughter arrives at the place of the wedding ceremony on time, walking her down the aisle, giving his daughter away to the groom and the all important father of the bride speech at the reception afterward.

If you are the father of the bride, your mind will be swimming with emotions about the giant step that your daughter is about to take, how your family will change, your new son-in-law, the reception, paying for the reception, and the speech…my gosh, you have to make a speech in just a few hours !

Many dads react with head scratching bewilderment when the topic of speech making on such an important day comes up. Even fathers who have experience making speeches may wonder just what they are supposed to say.

The first thing to keep in mind is that the father of the bride speech should include a toast to the bride and groom. The father of the bride speech is traditionally the first speech that is given at the wedding reception.

What Makes a Good Father of the Bride Speech?

• First, dad will want to acknowledge his daughter. Mention a few things about her childhood, how she fell off a bike and laughed, the first time she helped mom make a cake, her best day at school, her contribution to the family.

• Say a few lines about the groom, what a fine man he is even if he can't fix a car, spell, or cook. Tell the guests and his family how proud you are to have him as a son in law.

• Give a toast to both the bride and the groom, wishing them a life of love, health and happiness..

• A bit of sentiment and humor will provide just the right mood for the celebrants who will long remember your words.

• Brevity is King… Most dad's are happy to hear that short is sweet when it comes to the father of the bride speech. After all, this is a party, not a work seminar…so brief, poignant comments sprinkled with humor and sentiment will add just the right touch to your daughter's wedding day !.