Traditionally the Father of the Groom speech occurs after the Father of the Bride speech and they are both similar apart from the obvious. Here’s how it should unfold.

Introduce Yourself & Thank People For Attending

Obviously half the people should know who you are because you are the grooms father. Unfortunately not everyone on his partner's side may know you. A simple introduction of who you are is customary so everyone is on the same page. Then a simple thanks to everyone for attending always goes nicely.

Talk About The Groom (your son)

This is the moment that you can tell the world how proud you are of your son. Talk about how he was as a son growing up, any achievements, personal traits or notable stories. While it is ok to have some funny stories and be humorous, please remember that he is your son. While you can consider him your friend at the end of the day you are his father and a respectful speech is more appropriate. Leave the mild roasting to the best man speech.

Talk About His Partner (your now daughter-in-law/son-in-law)

Talk about your thoughts of your new daughter/son-in-law. You can talk your thoughts of how you first met them and any positive qualities that she/he has.

Talk About The Two As A Couple

This part is a little different compared to just talking about the couple. This is where you talk about them as a couple and how being together brings out the best in them (give examples). Also as you have known your son longer (because he is your son), feel free to talk about how his partner brings out the best in him.

Thanking People Who Helped With The Wedding

Here is where you thank people for helping out to put your sons wedding together. If a family member or friend donated their time or services mention who they are and what they did. For example if a family friend is a tailor and helped tailor the bridal party’s suits or if one of the couple's friends helped with making those ever fun invitations that take all weekend Try to mention everyone because its always nice to be recognised for the work they do.

Short Story, Poem Or Quote (optional)

To help end the speech nicely a common (yet optional) thing to do is end your speech with a quote, short story or poem. If there is a family saying, song or something with heritage then that will make it even more personal. This is to give the couple something to think about and inspire them as they start their life long journey together.

You Want Grandchildren (optional)

You often hear either the father of one of the couple make a very strong (and often comical note) that they want grandchildren. This is perfectly fine, and often a light heated jab saying “you are ready and waiting for the grandchildren” or “have children sooner than later for the free daycare” are popular options. Also if the couple dated for many many years before they got married and have no kids you can say “can you hurry up and have grand-kids already… your mother and I have been waiting long enough”. This paragraph is where you can let your “dad jokes” shine with excellence but not over the top.

Make A Toast

To end things off nicely raise a toast to the happy couple to finish off the Father of the Groom Speech.

Specific tips for the father of the groom

Some fathers are jokesters and while its perfectly fine to have humour in your speech do not go overboard. The father of the groom speech is about your son. Sometimes a father can go from funny to roasting him. This can ruin your son’s days as the last thing you want is for your son to say “Why on earth did you say that Dad?”.
Dad jokes are great and feel free to make as many dad jokes during your father of the groom speech, just don’t ‘pun-tificate’ every joke.
You are allowed to show emotion. I am not saying to be all blubbery but sometimes a father can be a little reserved in their approach. It is fine if you wish to be a little sentimental and show some emotion.

Father Of The Groom Speech

Opening Lines For Wedding Speeches

Love Wins In 2020