The Best Father of the Groom Speech Examples and How to Write One

Are you feeling nervous about writing the perfect father of the groom speech? As a wedding videographer who’s captured hundreds of these moments, I’ve seen firsthand how a heartfelt speech can turn a beautiful day into an unforgettable one.
Here’s a secret: every great speech has a story behind it. And guess what? You’ve been collecting stories your entire life without even knowing it. Those seemingly ordinary moments—the Saturday morning fishing trips, the awkward teen years, the proud graduations are the gold mines of your speech.
This guide is designed to help you write an unforgettable father of the groom speech including video examples from real weddings I’ve filmed to inspire you. So whether you’re feeling lost or just looking to polish your words, you’ll find everything you need right here.
What does the father of the groom say in his speech?
A father of the groom typically begins his speech by welcoming the guests and thanking them for attending the wedding. He often introduces himself and his relationship to the couple, setting a warm and welcoming tone for his speech.
Next, it’s common for the father to share personal anecdotes and stories about the groom. These stories often highlight the groom’s character, personality, and achievements, painting a picture of the man he has become. The father often expresses his pride in his son and joy at seeing him so happy.
A heartfelt welcome to the bride is another common element. The father acknowledges the bride’s family and expresses his happiness in welcoming her into the family. He often compliments the bride and highlights the love and happiness the couple shares.
To wrap up his speech, the groom’s father typically offers words of wisdom, blessings, or advice to the newlyweds. He expresses his hopes for their future together and raises a toast to the happy couple. The speech often ends with a heartfelt sentiment that leaves the guests feeling inspired and joyful.
Quick tips for starting the Father of the Groom speech
- Start with a joke. A well-timed joke can be a great way to lighten the mood and get everyone chuckling. Just be sure to choose something appropriate for the occasion that won’t offend anyone.
- Start with a quote. Starting your speech with a meaningful quote can set a beautiful tone and offer a glimpse into your heart. Choose something that resonates with your feelings about your son and his wife.
- Start with a story. Sharing a personal anecdote about your son is a wonderful way to create a deeper connection with the audience. It could be a humorous memory, a heartwarming moment, or a story that reveals their character.
- Start with a poem. Begin your speech with a touch of poetry to create a truly memorable and heartfelt introduction. Select a verse that speaks to your heart and aligns with the spirit of the occasion.
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What to include in a Father of the Groom speech
The main focus of the father of the groom’s speech should be on sharing humorous anecdotes about your son and offering a heartfelt toast to the newlyweds.
Since this is a less traditional speech, it’s important to consider two key points: who else is giving a speech and the need to avoid repetition of what the best man or other speakers will say.
Traditionally, each speech at a wedding has a distinct purpose, such as welcoming guests, thanking those who helped with the wedding, or toasting the couple. Adding extra content might result in an overlap with what others are covering.
However, don’t let this concern overwhelm you. You can certainly include thanks to the guests and a toast to the couple.
As the father of the groom, you want your speech to shine without stealing the spotlight from others. If the bride’s dad is already covering the formalities, keep your sections short and sweet. But if he isn’t speaking, you’ll get to share those special traditional moments.
The key is teamwork—chat with the other parents ahead of time and plan your speeches so they dance together beautifully, not step on each other’s toes.
Father of the Groom Speech Template
Here’s a basic structure for a father of the groom’s speech, which you can adapt based on the other speeches:
- Introduction: Thank the father of the bride (if speaking before you) and introduce yourself.
- Acknowledgments: Briefly thank the guests for attending.
- Stories and Anecdotes: Share funny or meaningful stories about your son.
- About the Partner: Talk about your first impression of the partner and how happy your son is with them.
- Welcoming the Partner: Extend a warm welcome to the partner as part of your family and offer advice or well wishes as a couple.
- Toast: Raise a glass to celebrate the newlyweds.
Additionally, if your son’s partner’s family has contributed significantly to the wedding, consider expressing gratitude to them for their support and efforts. You might also add a light-hearted comment about looking forward to future family moments together, such as sharing grandparent duties.
In the video above the father of the groom, Paul, hits on several of these tips and in this portion of his speech he gives the perfect example of how this can all tie together. He brought his son Liam to tears by sharing a story, complimented his new daughter-in-law, Kristy, gave the couple some advice for their future together, and toasted the couple to finish.
Related Article: How to Write the Best Mother of the Groom Speech
Ideas for your Father of the Groom speech
If the groom’s best man is delivering a speech, he will likely cover the groom’s life from his perspective. This allows you to focus more on childhood stories and family memories in your speech.
Here are some topics you might consider including:
- Childhood Memories: Share anecdotes about his nicknames, school reports, memorable moments, quirky injuries, hobbies, and childhood dreams.
- Family Dynamics: Reflect on how he interacted with his siblings, whether he’s the first or last to marry in the family, your thoughts as a parent on seeing him all grown up, and if you ever imagined him getting married.
- Marriage Advice: Offer any wisdom you’ve gained over the years, including favorite quotes or humorous insights about marriage.
- The Couple: Talk about your interactions with the couple, your impressions when he first introduced his partner, how he has positively changed since meeting them, and your hopes and wishes for their future together.
- His Friends: If you know his friends from their childhood, share your thoughts on seeing them all grown up and how they’ve shaped each other’s lives.
- Future Grandchildren: If they already have children, express your pride in their roles as parents. If they’re planning to start a family, share your excitement about the prospect of becoming a grandparent.
If you’re still unsure about what to include, the videos on this page featuring real father of the groom speeches can provide some excellent inspiration.
One of the Best Father of the Groom Speeches Ever
Father of the bride speeches often steal the spotlight, but Trevor’s speech to his son Trent stands out as one of the best father of the groom speeches I’ve ever heard.
“I’m very proud of the person you have become. You’re a person who I admire and someone I look up to for inspiration. Possibly one the highest compliments a father can give to his son.”
Grab the tissues. This one will make you cry. You can watch the full version of this proud father’s speech further down the page.
Related Article: How to Write The Best Father of the Bride Speech
simple father of the groom speech Example
A short father of the groom speech doesn’t diminish your sincerity. Being concise and on point can help you deliver a powerful and heartfelt message without losing your audience’s attention.
Watch Kevin deliver a masterful father of the groom speech in the video example above. In just two minutes, he skillfully blended humor and heartfelt sentiment, captivating the audience with charming anecdotes from his son’s childhood and a warm welcome for the bride.
His genuine pride and affection for his son were evident as he shared his first impressions of the bride and offered warm wishes for the couple’s future. Kevin’s concise yet emotionally resonant speech perfectly captured the essence of the occasion.
Inspiration for Your Father of the Groom Speech in Australia
Trevor’s heartfelt speech to his son Trent has become a sensation on my YouTube channel, but that viral clip was just a glimpse of his full, emotionally charged, and humorous father of the groom address. Now, you can experience the entire speech from beginning to end.
Trevor masterfully used his time, touching on every element that constitutes the perfect wedding speech, whether for a father of the groom or any other role. His delivery was a captivating blend of wit, disarming charm, and genuine sentiment, creating a memorable moment for all in attendance, particularly his son.
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Photos in this article by Ben & Hope Photography & Motion Art Wedding Films.