How to write a father of the bride's speech
When you come to write a father of the bride's speech, I am sure that you will find it easier than I do to get your emotions out onto the paper. Primarily because you have the ability to look at your daughter and write down what you see. The easiest way to do this, and a good way to get started on your speech, is when she is doing something normal and everyday, like the washing up or playing with children, look at her. Watch what she is doing and remember what you are thinking. For example, are you feeling proud or happy? Whatever you feel, write it down and save it until you write your speech. The reason behind this is that often when people come to write their mind goes blank. But with your few notes, you have your feelings and an example of when you experienced them.
When writing a father of the bride's speech there are a few things that are good to include. Firstly, a little about what your daughter was like when she was younger. This could be a short story if you like, but remember that your role is to speak good of the bride not totally humiliate her, although a little joke won't hurt. If not a story, say what she was like at school, as a baby, or her early working days. I always find these good to include, as some of the groom's family may not know your daughter and this paragraph could be a good icebreaker.
Secondly, what she was like before she met her husband to be. For instance, was she less confident, not as happy or more in her shell? And what is she like now she has found him. This is just to give us all an insight of how good the couple are together.
Finally, a must-have point. How your daughter makes you feel. Start by how she made you feel when she was younger, was she good at sport or academically for example? Then move through to the present day and how you felt as you gave her away.
These are basically all you need to write your father of the bride's speech. In total you should be looking to have around 700-1,000 words. Any more than this and the old and young may be tempted to fall asleep. Below is a guideline of how I put a speech together, and what order to write in. You do not have to use it, but I find that with my writing it aids fluency and makes it easier to write.
Finally good luck, and I hope all goes well.
1. Introduction. A quick hello, welcome and thank you for coming. And also introduce yourself.
2. About your daughter. Look back to the above, where I mentioned the short story.
3. What your daughter is like, and how meeting her husband to be has changed her life.
4. How you feel. Again, look at the above where I mentioned that must-have point.
5. Finally, the thank-yous and a toast.
4 August 2009