Centrepiece Wedding Magazine Issue 03 | Page 10

The only guide you’ll ever need to write a killer ‘Father of the bride’ speech

Finally, after months of preparation, payments and planning, the day of the wedding is dawning. Your luxury wedding venue is booked, the dress is chosen and the caterers are ready. Nothing is more guaranteed to make your heart burst with pride than walking your little girl up the aisle to marry the man she loves. But the ceremony is just the start of it.

Traditionally, at the reception, the father of the bride is the first one to make a speech to the wedding guests. Closely followed by the best man and groom, the father of the bride is usually seen as a bit of a warm up act, and something to be endured rather than enjoyed. However, with a little effort you can make sure your moment in the spotlight is something to be remembered, and for all the right reasons.

What to include in your speech

Whether you intend to make it short and sweet or to really reap the benefits of the spotlight, your speech will need to contain some basic elements if it is to be in keeping with tradition. These are:

1. The intro: You need to introduce yourself, but it doesn’t have to be reminiscent of an AA meeting. Tell them your name and maybe crack a small joke to make yourself feel relaxed.

Written by Rachel Sprules