The Father of the Bride's Speech

The bride's father is the first to speak, although if he is nervous about making a speech, he can delegate this task to a close personal friend or relative of the bride (although he must do this well in advance - not on the day itself!).

The speech is usually of a semi-serious nature, and generally includes:

• The joy the bride brought to her parents as she was growing up
• A couple of stories about her life - one perhaps amusing, the other more serious
• A welcome to the groom into the family and an expression of the hope that it will be gaining a son rather than losing a daughter
• A welcome to the groom's parents
• If the bride and groom have been together for some time, he may include a story concerning the both of them
• Advice to the couple, usually related to his own experiences with his wife - the bride's mother
• The toast to the Health and Happiness of the couple