How to Give the Best Father of the Bride Speech
The day that your little girl gets married can be one of tremendously mixed emotions for you. Your sweet little daughter has grown and blossomed into a lovely young lady and this is perhaps the biggest day of her young life so far. You really want to do her proud by writing the best father of the bride speech that you know how. But you have been sitting staring at a blank piece of paper for hours and do not know what to say! Let us give you seven tried and tested tips to see you through that awkward moment:
Best Father of the Bride Speech Tip #1: Write from your heart. Imagine that you are speaking to your wife, or a trusted family friend. What would you say to them about how you are feeling? Speak from your heart about the things which you remember about your daughter’s childhood. What has it been like bringing her up? What has made you smile? Laugh? Shed a tear or two?
Best Father of the Bride Speech Tip #2: Good preparation. Many weddings are planned to precision several months in advance. The invitations go out with months to spare and dress fittings and rehearsals start with weeks to go. So you know exactly how long you have to go before the big day. Start preparing your speech well in advance. This doesn’t mean that you must have it all completely written, but you can make a start. Look through some old photograph albums if you can, to help revive those old memories.
Best Father of the Bride Speech Tip #3: Practice, practice, practice. Do not let the actual wedding day be the first time you say your speech out loud. Practice in front of a mirror at home, and give the speech at least once to one other person. This will help you to see which parts of it flow well and which parts can do with some slight revision. You will also feel much more confident having said it out loud. Also make sure you have more than one copy of it.
Best Father of the Bride Speech Tip #4: Keep it light. It is very easy to get carried away with the moment. Most people in the room will have a lump in their throats: your wife and close family and your in-laws to be, but it is not a good idea to become overly morose or sentimental. Remember, it is a happy occasion. But conversely, remember, no-one is expecting you to give a fifteen minute comedy routine. Do include one or two jokes or funny anecdotes, but don’t over do it.
Best Father of the Bride Speech Tip #5: Don’t forget to thank everyone. If necessary make a list well in advance and add people to it as you remember them. This should include the guests for coming, the groom’s family, your own family members and any other noteworthy people. End in a toast to the bride and groom.
But by far the best advice is, enjoy it and be yourself. If you make a mistake or forget a line, don’t worry, no-one else will notice. They are all there to have a good time and it will be over before you know it. And it would be nothing less than the best father of the bide speech that the guests heard for a long time. Smile and be happy and enjoy the day.
