Father of the Groom Speech: The Ultimate Guide (with examples, tips, and templates)
Your son has requested that you give a father of the groom speech at his upcoming wedding.
This can be both an incredible honor and a terrifying concept.
Imagine standing up in front of everyone you know plus new family and friends. All eyes are you on. It’s time to impress the guests and most importantly, your son.
But how do you write and deliver a father of the groom speech that will leave a lasting and fond memory? How do you strike that difficult balance between humor and seriousness? How do you get your thoughts organized and actually articulate what you’re feeling?
As a professional wedding speech writer, I’m here to help you write and recite a father of the groom speech that you’ll feel both confident and excited to deliver.
After working with hundreds of dads to craft personalized and unique wedding speeches, I have heard firsthand from overwhelmed dads who just want to do right by their sons. I’ve helped them and I’m ready to help you too!
Meet Katelyn.
Founder, Wedding Words by Katelyn
I’ve had the honor of helping hundreds of parents transform their emotions into unforgettable wedding speeches, and I know firsthand just how meaningful this moment is for a father of the groom.
You only get one chance to speak these words out loud, and if you're like many dads I work with, you might be wondering how to sum up decades of love, admiration, and memories into just a few minutes.
That’s where I come in.
I’m Katelyn Peterson, a professional wedding speechwriter and delivery coach who specializes in helping people who are stresed out, overwhelmed, and who maaaybe procrastinated a bit find the perfect words.
Through a collaborative process, I’ll help you shape your personal stories into a heartfelt, polished speech that sounds like you. Not like a template. Not like a Hallmark card. And definitely not like something you downloaded from ChatGPT.
This isn’t just any speech.
It’s your legacy, spoken aloud.
Let’s make it meaningful.
Why Your Father of the Groom Speech Matters
As the father of the groom, your speech is more than a formality…it's a powerful moment to celebrate your son and the new chapter he's beginning.
It's your opportunity to reflect on your relationship, welcome your new daughter or son-in-law, and publicly express your pride, joy, and hopes for the couple's future.
Your words will become part of the emotional memory of the day, a moment that sticks with your son long after the cake is cut and the music fades…especially if they hired that videographer!
Many guests will see your speech as a glimpse into the groom's upbringing, personality, and values. It's your chance to highlight his journey and evolution, showcasing how he's grown into the man standing beside his partner today. Your message can set a warm, heartfelt tone for the evening and bridge generations of love, tradition, and family values.
And on a personal level, your speech is a rare opportunity to say out loud what you may feel every day but rarely articulate: how deeply proud you are of your son, how moved you are to see him in love, and how grateful you are to witness this milestone in his life.
That emotional authenticity is what makes your speech matter, not just to you, but to everyone in the room.
Who to Acknowledge
The best father of the groom speeches strike a balance between personal reflection and thoughtful acknowledgment of others. Start by thanking the guests for being part of the celebration. This sets a gracious tone and shows appreciation for the effort people made to attend.
Don’t forget the new in-laws. A kind word about them not only shows class and respect but reinforces the idea of unity and mutual admiration. You might thank them for raising such a wonderful person or mention a kind gesture they extended to your family.
Many of my clients consider thanking vendors like the wedding planner, florist, photographer, and officiant.
I’ve written over 700 speeches…and I am here to tell you…the thank you section is the least engaging part of any wedding speech. So keep it short and acknowledge only the truly necessary. And if you really want to thank a vendor who went above and beyond to help make the wedding happen, leave them a review! There’s no better way to thank them than spreading the good word.
Follow a Father of the Groom Speech Outline
Following a structured outline is the secret to writing a father of the groom speech that’s both heartfelt and engaging.
Without one, it’s easy to ramble, lose your place, or forget key moments you wanted to share.
An outline gives your speech direction and clarity while still leaving room for your unique personality and voice to shine through.
Think of it as your emotional roadmap: it keeps your message grounded in love and purpose while guiding your audience through the story of your son, your pride in him, and your excitement for the future he’s beginning.
When you follow a father of the groom speech outline, you free yourself from the pressure of figuring it all out as you go. And instead, you create a beautiful, intentional moment that your son, your new son or daughter-in-law, and your guests will never forget.
Before you write a single word, take time to reflect. What are the qualities you most admire in your son? What memories stand out from his childhood, teenage years, or early adulthood? How did he change or grow in his relationship with his partner? Jot down your answers without worrying about the perfect wording. This raw material is gold.
Once you have your ideas, organize them using a simple structure.
Here are the key parts of our father of the groom speech writing outline:
Introduce Yourself
Thank the Guests
Talk about your Son
Talk about your New Daughter or Son-in-Law
Communicate Why You’re Excited about Their Marriage
End with a Wish for the Couple
Below, I walk you through what’s involved in writing each of these sections.
Part 1: Introduce Yourself
Start off your speech by communicating who you are to everyone. While many guests will already know you, there will be plenty of people in the room who do not.
State your name and your relationship to the couple.
Examples of how to start your father of the groom speech:
Good evening, everyone. My name is Derek, and I’m the father of the groom.
Welcome! To my new family and friends, I’m Fadl, and I’m the father of the groom.
Hello, everyone. I’m Joe, the very proud father of the groom, and the most excited person here to hit the dance floor later.
If this is a same-sex wedding and there are two grooms, be sure to get even more specific than simply stating that you’re the father of the groom.
Introduction examples for same-sex couples:
Welcome, everyone! My name is Charles, and I’m Jack’s father.
Good evening. My name is Kenny, and Seth is my son.
Hello, everyone. I’m Jake, the proud father of Samual.
Part 2: Thank the Guests
Next, show appreciation to your guests for celebrating with you.
As the father of the groom, you are seen as a sort of host at the wedding. And the host should thank their guests for attending.
Examples of how to thank your guests:
I’d like to thank you all for being here to celebrate with me today.
Thank you all for joining my wife and I as we celebrate this joyous occasion.
Thank you for being here to witness my son as he takes this milestone into marriage.
Thank you all for your support, love, and… of course…for traveling all the way to Spain to celebrate these two amazing people.
Part 3: Communicate Details about Your Son
As the father of the groom, you’ll want to highlight your son right away.
What should this section of your father of the groom speech include?
There are two main things you should be sure to cover:
Qualities and characteristics of your son: Describe his personality and traits that you admire about him
Anecdotal stories: Include funny details and memorable stories from his childhood
Once you’ve written about your son and detailed a specific story, then use that concept and tie it to his partner and marriage.
Examples of how to talk about your son within your speech:
Todd has always been such a hardworking and dedicated person. Even at just 11 years old, he set up an art stand at the end of our driveway to showcase his drawings. He’d ask our neighbors to bid on his work, and then he’d happily deliver it to the highest bidder. I guess it shouldn’t have surprised his mother and me when he went on to become an art seller. He knows when he’s found something beautiful and special, and that’s what led him to marr Lindsey today.
Jake has always enjoyed the element of surprise. Whether it was jumping out of closets to scare his brothers or planning a “surprise” anniversary party for my wife and me—which occurred every year by the way—he loves a good surprise. Perhaps it’s the excitement of it or the bonding experience that inevitably happens between him and the person he surprises. I hope that Jake and his new husband live a life full of surprises that bring them plenty of excitement, and may their bond grow stronger because of these moments.
Part 4: Talk about Your New Daughter or Son-in-Law
Within your father of the groom speech, it’s important to also highlight details about your son’s spouse.
Follow the same format that we noted above for this section, but now, focus on your new daughter or son-in-law.
Examples of how to include your son’s spouse in your speech:
I can remember the first time I met Candace. She came over for a summer cookout. I fired up the grill and before I could put the steaks down, she grabbed the tray from my hands and took over. I can’t lie—those were the best cooked steaks I’ve ever had in my life. And I knew from that moment on, not only would my son be well-fed but he’d always be taken by surprise in the most wonderful of ways.
As a father, all I have ever wanted for Evan was to feel loved. Jason, when we met, I saw a man with the biggest heart and the most compassionate attitude. Here, I thought, is a man that will love my son for all of who he is and for all of his days.
Part 5: Explain Why Their Marriage Excites You
Everyone from the guests to the new spouse will be curious to know—what do you think of this couple as they enter into marriage? How does this make you feel?
This section of your father of the groom toast is where you’ll answer these questions.
Detail out why you’re happy that they’re married and what hopes and wishes you have for them throughout their entire marriage.
Examples of how to detail out wishes for their marriage:
My wife and I have been married for 38 years. Throughout that time, I’ve learned that there are three key ingredients to a happy marriage. Communicate with each other clearly, kiss each other daily, and always—always share your dessert.
I am so grateful you have found each other and can celebrate a lifetime of laughter, happiness, and love together.
Part 6: End with a Wish for the Couple
The number one way to ensure you have a killer speech is to close with a powerful last line. If you have a strong last line, your guests will remember your father of the groom speech as a winner!
Aim to keep this section to one sentence. Try to make it a short sentence. And finally, it should pack a lot of punch.
Examples of last lines for a father of the groom speech:
I’m so grateful that my Broadway star has found his leading lady.
May your marriage be full of more love than you can experience in this lifetime.
I’m so thankful and excited to now have two sons in the family.
To my wonderful son and my new daughter, I love you both.
This structure keeps your message focused and digestible. Write each section as its own mini-thought, ensuring smooth transitions between topics. Read aloud as you go to hear how it flows—if it feels clunky or too long, revise until it feels natural yet polished.
Practice Reciting Your Speech
Once you’ve finished writing your speech, it’s time to brush up on your public speaking skills.
Even the most beautifully written speech can fall flat without proper delivery, and that starts with practice.
Reading your speech silently in your head isn’t enough.
You need to say it out loud. This helps you catch awkward phrasing, overly long sentences, or emotional moments that might trip you up.
Begin by reading through the speech slowly.
Many naturally want to rush through this. Don’t. Slow down.
Your goal is to sound conversational, not rehearsed. As you get more comfortable, practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to evaluate your pacing, tone, and body language.
Read your speech three to six times before the wedding date
This will help you feel more confident and comfortable when it’s time to actually recite your father of the groom speech. Plus, you’ll start to sort of memorize the speech, which will allow you to look more natural on the wedding day.
Do not plan to read the speech off your phone or a tablet. It looks tacky and it’s distracting. Instead, print your speech on paper. Be sure to have multiple copies with you in case you lose one or if food or drink spills on your original copy.
Make Sure There is a Microphone
No matter how loud you are, you will not be clearly heard without the help of a microphone. It’s surprising but many venues are not prepared to share a microphone with guests.
Coordinate with the groom in advance to make sure the proper equipment will be available for you to use.
And be sure to speak loudly and slowly when it’s time to give your father of the groom toast. Even with a microphone, it’s important to project so every guest from the head table to the back table can hear you.
“I cannot thank you enough for writing my father of the groom speech!
There were about 180 guests in attendance.
And so many came up to me afterward, including lots of people I had never met before, to tell me how moved they were.
I could really feel the entire crowd was with me throughout the entire speech, especially at the climactic end.
You allowed me to make the very most of this opportunity to set the stage for our two families to move forward together.”
Writing Tips & Tone Balance
Your tone should reflect your personality
The tone of your father of the groom speech should strike a balance between warmth, sincerity, and humor.
This is not a business presentation or a stand-up routine. It’s a moment from the heart. Use plain language and speak as if you were having a meaningful conversation with a close friend. Reciting your father of the groom speech should be you, but in your most polished moment.
Avoid sounding too formal or scripted
If you wouldn’t say a word in everyday life, don’t use it in your speech. Instead of big declarations, let small details and observations do the work. Describing how your son used to sneak cookies before dinner or how he always checked in on you during hard times says more than a generic compliment ever could.
Humor can be powerful, but use it at the right time
A well-placed joke or light moment is great for connection, but too many can undercut your sincerity. If you include humor, make sure it's good-natured and original. Nothing overly done, trite, or potentially embarrassing for the couple or guests.
Storytelling & Humor
Stories are the emotional core of a great speech
A well-told story captures attention, sparks laughter or tears, and helps the audience connect with your message. Choose a story that reveals something meaningful about your son: his resilience, kindness, quirks, or sense of humor.
Keep the story short
Each story should be under 90 seconds when spoken aloud. Use sensory detail and emotional language, but avoid getting too sidetracked. The best stories build to a point: a moment of growth, a memory of love, or a quality that explains why your son is ready for this next chapter.
For humor, aim for warmth and reliability
Gentle teasing, charming childhood antics, or lighthearted observations can go a long way. If you're not naturally funny, that’s okay. Sincerity trumps comedy every time. And never make your son the butt of the joke. Humor should always uplift, not embarrass.
Personalizing for Different Family Dynamics
Every family is unique, and your speech should reflect that.
For same-sex weddings…
Acknowledge the beauty of love in all its forms while still following the same heartfelt structure. Focus on your son's relationship and the bond you’ve witnessed.
For blended families…
Consider how to include step-parents or siblings with care and sensitivity. If your son has a close relationship with a stepmother or stepfather, mention them by name and recognize their role in his life. Likewise, if there are young children from a previous relationship, you might acknowledge how they enrich the couple’s new life together.
For families who have experienced loss…
A brief and respectful mention can bring depth and meaning to your message. Honor that absence while emphasizing the love that continues.
Adapt your language and tone to what feels true to your family's dynamics. There is no one-size-fits-all speech, and personalization is what turns a good toast into an meaningful one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Winging it
Delivering a great father of the groom speech takes more than charm and good intentions. If you try to wing it, you risk rambling, forgetting key points, or letting nerves take over.
Writing your speech ahead of time allows you to gather your thoughts, shape a clear message, and speak with confidence.
Rehearsing out loud—preferably multiple times—helps you identify awkward phrasing and emotional triggers and ensures smoother delivery.
When you’re prepared, you’ll be free to focus on the moment instead of fumbling for words.
Making it too long
While you may feel tempted to include every meaningful memory and insight, a long-winded speech can lose the audience’s attention and dampen the energy in the room.
Aim to keep your toast between three to five minutes. This length is just right for delivering heartfelt sentiments without overwhelming guests or derailing the event’s timeline.
Focus on one or two stories that illustrate your son’s character and your love for him.
Less truly is more. Leave them smiling and wanting just a little more, rather than checking their watches.
Focusing only on your son
It’s natural to want to shine the spotlight on your son.
But remember that weddings are about two people coming together, and it’s important to acknowledge and honor his new spouse as well.
Offer a warm welcome to them and their family, and express genuine excitement about the life they’re building together.
This inclusive approach shows class, generosity, and emotional awareness. It will also help your son’s new spouse and their loved ones feel truly seen and valued.
Trying to be a stand-up comedian
Humor has its place in a wedding speech, but it shouldn’t dominate your message.
A few well-placed jokes or light moments can bring levity, but trying to turn your speech into a comedy routine can backfire.
Overdoing the humor may undermine the sincerity of your message or come across as performative rather than personal.
Instead, aim for a natural tone that feels like a warm conversation, not a skit. Guests will thank you.
Over-sharing
While personal stories bring richness and authenticity to your speech, there’s a fine line between touching and uncomfortable.
Avoid inside jokes that exclude most of the audience, and steer clear of stories that may be embarrassing, overly private, or awkward.
This isn’t the time to bring up past relationships, parenting missteps, or bachelor party shenanigans.
Choose stories that reflect your son’s best qualities and leave guests feeling uplifted and connected, not confused or cringing.
Over-drinking
Nerves are natural, and some people rely on a drink to take the edge off.
But there’s a difference between calming your nerves and clouding your judgment.
Drinking too much before your speech can lead to slurred words, emotional outbursts, or forgotten lines…all of which can diminish the impact of your message.
Save the celebration for after your toast. A clear head and composed presence will help you honor the occasion with grace and confidence.
Father of the Groom Speech Templates and Examples
When it comes to writing your father of the groom speech, the hardest part is often knowing where to begin.
That’s where father of the groom speech examples can make all the difference.
They offer structure, spark ideas, and take the guesswork out of organizing your thoughts, so you can focus on the message you truly want to share.
Whether you're aiming for something traditional and heartfelt, modern and witty, or short and sweet, having a starting point eases the pressure and gives you a clear roadmap to follow.
These examples aren’t meant to be copied word-for-word.
Instead, they’re designed to help you find your voice. You’ll see a variety of tones and lengths, ranging from deeply emotional speeches that reflect on fatherhood to playful toasts that keep guests laughing.
Each one follows a tried-and-true structure: a warm welcome, acknowledgment of key people, a meaningful story or reflection, and a sincere toast to the couple.
Use these templates as inspiration, adapt them to your own personality and relationship with your son, and don’t be afraid to inject your personality.
The most powerful speech you can give is the one that comes from the heart, but that requires structure too.
And these examples are here to help you do exactly that.
Classic & Heartfelt Speech
Tone: Warm, sincere, timeless
Good evening, everyone. I’m [Your Name], the proud father of the groom. Watching [Groom’s Name] grow from a curious, spirited little boy into the thoughtful, kind man he is today has been one of the great privileges of my life.
From the moment he met [Spouse’s Name], we saw something shift. There was a lightness, a steadiness in him. It was clear that he had found someone who both grounded and inspired him.
To [Spouse’s Name], thank you for loving my son the way you do. We’re so lucky to welcome you into our family. And to your parents, thank you for raising such an incredible person.
As they step into this new chapter together, my wish is simple: that your love continues to grow, your laughter echoes often, and your partnership remains your greatest strength.
Let’s raise our glasses to [Groom’s Name] and [Spouses’s Name]. To love, laughter, and a future as beautiful as today.
Light & Playful Speech
Tone: Humorous with heartfelt undertones
Good evening! I’m [Your Name], father of the groom—though after helping plan this wedding, I think I’ve earned a part-time job in event logistics.
Raising [Groom’s Name] was an adventure, to say the least. He once tried to build a rocket out of soda bottles in the backyard. It didn’t take off, but his curiosity sure did.
Then along came [Spouse’s Name], and suddenly he had even more reason to dream big. We watched as she brought out a version of our son we always hoped would shine…steadier, softer, stronger.
To [Spouse’s Name], welcome to the family. I hope you like dad jokes and second helpings at dinner. You’ll fit right in.
But the truth is…you already do.
During the pandemic, [Groom’s Name] and [Spouse’s Name] lived with us for two months. During that time, we watched them share a tiny room that became a shared office since they both began working remote.
It was a Monday morning and suddenly, our Wi-Fi went out. Now, normally, [Groom’s Name] would have started stressing and saying words I’m not allowed to in this speech.
But instead, he and [Spouse’s Name] worked together to figure out how to get internet access by using their cell phone as a hot spot.
There they were…living through a pandemic, sharing a tiny living and work space, with no internet during the Monday morning work load.
And still, they came together as one solid and strong team.
I could see it then: these two could get through anything.
So here’s to the happy couple: may your days be full of love, your disagreements short-lived, and your Wi-Fi signal strong.
Cheers!
Emotional & Reflective Speech
Tone: Deeply emotional, introspective
Hello, everyone. I’m [Your Name], and today I’m both honored and a little emotional to stand here as the father of the groom.
I’ve had 30 years to prepare for this moment, and still, it’s hard to find the words. Watching [Groom’s Name] grow has been a journey of pride and joy. But watching him find someone who truly sees him, challenges him, and loves him—well, that’s something beyond words.
[Spouse’sName], thank you for being that someone. Your presence in his life has changed him in the best of ways, and we’re so grateful to now call you family.
Marriage isn’t always easy. But it is always worth it. My hope is that you continue to choose each other…every ordinary day, every extraordinary one, and every hard one in between.
Let’s raise a glass to choosing love, to choosing each other, and to forever.
Short & Sweet Speech
Tone: Simple, Short, heartfelt
Hi everyone, I’m [Your Name], father of the groom. I won’t keep you long—just long enough to say how proud I am of my son, and how happy I am that he’s found someone like [Spouse’s Name].
From the moment I met her, I knew she was special. She brings out the best in him, and for that, we’re forever grateful.
To [Groom’s Name] and [Spouses Name]…may your marriage be full of adventure, laughter, and unwavering love. Cheers!
Modern & Meaningful Speech
Tone: Contemporary, conversational
Good evening, friends and family. I’m [Your Name], the proud father of the groom, and today, I get to do something pretty special: reflect on how we got here and why it means so much.
[Groom’s Name] was always a kid with big dreams. He was imaginative, loyal, a little stubborn, but always leading with his heart. When he introduced us to [Spouse’s Name], I saw something shift. He smiled differently. He listened more. He grew.
That’s the beauty of real love. It doesn’t just add to our lives…it elevates us.
[Spouses Name], thank you for loving him, for challenging him, and for joining this wild, wonderful family of ours.
Here’s to a marriage built on respect, deep friendship, and never-ending support.
May your partnership be the foundation for a lifetime of joy.
Cheers to you both!
Use a Professional Speech Writer
Are you still overwhelmed and stuck? Maybe it’s time to turn to a professional wedding speech writer for help.
At Wedding Words, I work with the parents of the bride and groom to write custom speeches that capture their unique story. I know I can help you write a memorable and impactful father of the groom speech.
Get in touch to see how we could work together.
Not a father of the groom? Be sure to check out our tips for father of the bride speeches, mother of the groom speeches, and mother of the bride speeches too.
