How long should a father of the bride speech be?

Five to seven minutes is plenty, which is about 700 to 900 words. It usually comes first of the speeches, so it sets the tone. Keeping it warm and tight leaves the room in a good mood for everyone who follows.

When does the father of the bride speak?

At a traditional UK wedding the speeches run father of the bride, then the groom, then the best man, usually just before or just after the meal. Many couples now change the order or add speeches from the bride, both parents or a maid of honour, so check the running order with the couple.

What does the father of the bride usually say?

Welcome the guests on behalf of both families, thank anyone who helped or travelled far, say how proud you are of your daughter with one or two short stories, welcome your new son- or daughter-in-law into the family, give the couple a little advice or a wish, and finish with a toast to the couple.

Should I mention people who have died?

A short, gentle line is usually welcome, for example "we know Mum would have loved today". Keep it to a sentence or two, check first with the couple, and move on to something warm straight after.

Can someone else give the father of the bride speech?

Yes. A mother, step-parent, grandparent, brother or close family friend often gives it, and the same structure works. Just change the welcome and the family lines to fit.

Guide · Wedding speeches · About a 6-minute read

How to write a father of the bride speech

You don't need to be funny and you don't need to be a public speaker. The father of the bride speech works when it's warm, specific and short. Here's a structure that fits almost any wedding, lines you can borrow, and a complete example you can adapt.

How long, and when

Aim for five to seven minutes, roughly 700 to 900 words. At a traditional UK wedding you speak first, before the groom and the best man, so your job is to welcome everyone and set a warm tone. Read your draft out loud with a timer and cut until it fits.

A simple six-part structure

Welcome (30 seconds). Introduce yourself if not everyone knows you, and welcome guests on behalf of both families.
Thank-yous (45 seconds). The groom's or bride's family, anyone who helped organise the day, and guests who travelled a long way. Keep it to groups where you can.
Your daughter (2 to 3 minutes). One or two short stories that show who she is: a childhood moment, a time she made you proud, a habit everyone recognises. Specific beats general every time.
Welcoming your new son- or daughter-in-law (1 minute). When you first met, what you've come to like about them, and what they bring out in your daughter.
A wish or a piece of advice (30 seconds). Short and kind. Something you've learned from your own marriage or family works well.
The toast (15 seconds). Ask everyone to stand and raise a glass to the couple, by name.

Opening lines you can use

"Good afternoon, everyone. For those I haven't met, I'm [name], [bride]'s dad, and on behalf of both our families, thank you for being here."

"I've been told I've got five minutes. I've also been told the bar opens straight after. So I'll do my best."

"I've been looking forward to today for a long time, and dreading this bit for about as long."

Lines for welcoming the groom (or bride)

"The first time [name] came round for Sunday lunch, he offered to wash up. I knew then he was either a very good man or very good at first impressions. It turns out he's both."

"[Name], you've made our daughter happier than we've ever seen her. Welcome to the family. You're stuck with us now."

A complete example (about 5 minutes)

"Good afternoon, everyone. For anyone I haven't met yet, I'm Paul, Emily's dad. On behalf of Sue and myself, and of James's parents, Linda and Graham, thank you all for being here. Some of you have come from as far as Aberdeen and one of you, I'm told, from Perth, the Australian one. We're very grateful.

Thank you to Linda and Graham for welcoming Emily into your family so warmly, and to everyone who helped get today ready, especially Emily's aunt Carol, who has been making table decorations since February.

Emily was a determined little girl. At six she decided she was going to learn to ride her bike without stabilisers, in one afternoon, and she wouldn't come in for tea until she had. It got dark. Sue brought her fish fingers out on the drive. By eight o'clock she'd done it, and she rode up and down past every house in the street to make sure the neighbours knew. That's Emily: once she's decided something, it happens.

She's also the kindest person I know. When my dad was poorly a few years ago, it was Emily who drove over every Sunday, did his shopping and sat and watched the racing with him, even though she doesn't know one end of a horse from the other.

James, the first time you came round, you offered to wash up. I didn't let you, partly because I'm fussy about where the pans go and partly because I wanted to see if you'd ask again. You did. Since then I've watched you make Emily laugh until she cries, and I've watched you look after her when things were hard. You're a good man, and Sue and I couldn't be happier to welcome you into our family.

My only advice comes from 31 years of marriage to Sue: never go to bed on an argument, and if you can't help it, make sure it's the other one who has to get up and make the tea in the morning.

So, please would you all stand and raise your glasses. To Emily and James."

Tips for the day

Print it in a large font on cards, or keep it on your phone, and number the pages.
Look up at the room after each paragraph, and slow down: nerves make everyone speak too fast.
Keep stories kind. Nothing about exes, the cost of the wedding or anything she'd be embarrassed for her grandparents to hear.
Have a drink after the speech, not before.
Check with the best man that you aren't telling the same story.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a father of the bride speech be?: Five to seven minutes is plenty, which is about 700 to 900 words. It usually comes first of the speeches, so it sets the tone. Keeping it warm and tight leaves the room in a good mood for everyone who follows.
When does the father of the bride speak?: At a traditional UK wedding the speeches run father of the bride, then the groom, then the best man, usually just before or just after the meal. Many couples now change the order or add speeches from the bride, both parents or a maid of honour, so check the running order with the couple.
What does the father of the bride usually say?: Welcome the guests on behalf of both families, thank anyone who helped or travelled far, say how proud you are of your daughter with one or two short stories, welcome your new son- or daughter-in-law into the family, give the couple a little advice or a wish, and finish with a toast to the couple.
Should I mention people who have died?: A short, gentle line is usually welcome, for example "we know Mum would have loved today". Keep it to a sentence or two, check first with the couple, and move on to something warm straight after.
Can someone else give the father of the bride speech?: Yes. A mother, step-parent, grandparent, brother or close family friend often gives it, and the same structure works. Just change the welcome and the family lines to fit.

Want it written for you?

TCH Works writes wedding speeches around your own stories. You answer a short questionnaire by email (how you met, the memories that matter, the tone you want) and we send back a speech that sounds like you, timed to the minute, with cue cards. Up to 5 minutes is £25 in 2 working days, or £45 for up to 10 minutes with next-working-day delivery, two openings to choose from and a short back-up version.

Get your wedding speech written · from £25

Written by TCH Works, October 2026. The example uses made-up names and details. See also: How to write a groom's speech and How to write a best man speech.

Also: maid of honour speech