Father of the Groom Speech

The father of the groom doesn't always make a speech at a wedding – tradition tends to give the spotlight to the father of the bride, the best man and the groom himself – but increasingly, the groom's dad is being asked to say a few words too. If that's you, there's no need to panic. Your speech doesn't need to be the longest or the funniest; it just needs to come from the heart.

The great advantage you have is that nobody is expecting you to perform like a stand-up comedian. You're the bonus speech, if you like – an unexpected treat rather than a main course. That takes a good deal of the pressure off, and it means you can afford to keep things relatively short and sweet.

What Your Speech Should Cover

There's no rigid template for the father of the groom speech in the way there is for, say, the best man's speech or the father of the bride speech. That said, there are a few things your audience will expect to hear, and missing them out entirely would feel a bit odd.

Welcome the Bride Into Your Family

This is probably the single most important thing you can do. The bride's parents have just handed over their daughter; a warm, genuine welcome from your side of the family means a great deal – not only to the bride, but to her parents too.

Example: We've known (bride's name) for a while now, and from the moment (son's name) first brought her home, it was obvious she was something special. She fits into our family as if she's always been part of it – and as far as we're concerned, she has been for quite some time already.

Say Something About Your Son

You've watched him grow from a small boy into the man standing here today. Pick one or two memories that show his character – ideally ones that link to the kind of husband he'll be. You don't need a full biography; a single well-chosen story is worth more than a catalogue of milestones.

Example: When (son's name) was about seven, he insisted on giving his pocket money to a boy at school whose lunch had been stolen. His mum and I knew then that he had a good heart – and watching him with (bride's name), it's clear that hasn't changed one bit.

Thank the Bride's Family

A few words of thanks to the bride's parents – for raising such a wonderful daughter, and for their part in making the day happen – go down very well. Keep it sincere rather than formulaic.

Example: I'd also like to thank (bride's parents' names) for everything they've done. Not just for today, which has been absolutely wonderful, but for raising the kind of daughter any family would be proud to welcome. You should be very proud indeed.

Thank the Guests

A brief thank you to everyone for coming is a nice touch. If anyone has travelled a long way, give them a quick mention – they'll appreciate it.

Tone and Length

Aim for around three to five minutes. Much shorter and it can feel like you couldn't be bothered; much longer and you risk treading on the best man's toes. A touch of humour is fine – a gentle dig at your son, perhaps – but don't try to compete with the best man for laughs. Your speech should feel warm and measured rather than like a comedy routine.

If you're nervous about public speaking, write your key points on a small card and keep it in your pocket. Nobody will mind if you glance at it, and it's far better than drying up halfway through.

Propose a Toast

End with a toast. You can toast the bride and groom, the bridesmaids, or even both families coming together – whatever feels natural. Keep the final line simple and clear so everyone knows when to raise their glasses.

Example: So please join me in raising a glass to two people who were clearly made for each other. To (bride's name) and (son's name) – may your life together be filled with laughter, love and the occasional lie-in. Ladies and gentlemen, the bride and groom!

And with that, sit down, breathe, and enjoy the rest of the party. You've earned it.