The Father of the Bride has the privilege of making the first speech at the Wedding Breakfast.

The structure of the wedding speech is usually quite standard, although there is plenty of scope for personal interpretation.

The Father of the Bride usually welcomes everyone thanks them for coming, and thanks everyone who contributed to the cost of the wedding. He will then often make a few comments about his daughter, with perhaps some childhood anecdotes and always remembering to conclude by saying how beautiful she looks. There is then the opportunity to welcome the groom into the family, again perhaps adding a few personal comments and observations.

It is then the duty of the Father of the Bride to offer the newly married couple some worldly advice on marriage. He concludes by proposing a toast "To the Bride and Groom"

Having recently delivered a "Father of the Bride" Speech two parts went exceptionally well.

After commenting on the bride and groom I told everyone that they had given me special permission to make an announcement - pause for effect. They had actually already started a family. Stunned silence and worried looks ... They have two rabbits, thumper and maple, and two hamsters ..... Much laughter, mostly in relief I think. Get the timing right and it is a sure fire winner!!

The second biggest laugh came when I was offering the bride and groom words of advice. I asked the bride to place her hand on the table and for the groom to place his hand on top of hers. I then turned to the groom and told him that while the bride would be in control during their marriage he should savour this moment. For a few fleeting seconds he had the upper hand. (you can fit the words to suit your own circumstances, but it worked well!!)

This simple ten-point plan will ensure the contents of your speech will be memorable – and for the right reasons! (Reproduced by kind permission of Webooks. Read their full online book about making the Father of the Bride Speech)

• Thank everyone for coming to celebrate your daughter’s big day.

• Say a few affectionate words about the bride and groom.

• Stress the joy you and your wife have had in bringing up your daughter.

• Relate one or two amusing or serious incidents from her childhood.
• Talk of the pleasure you have found in getting to know your new son-in-law and his parents.

• Offer some (possibly amusing) thoughts about love and what makes a happy marriage.

• Declare your confidence that the bride and groom will make all the effort needed and will not be found wanting.

• Learn your opening and closing lines by heart but rehearse the rest of your speech not to be perfect, but to be comfortable. If you feel comfortable, so will the audience.

• Try to wrap your speech up within five minutes. Leave them wanting more.

• Relax and enjoy the moment!