Welcoming a new family member with pride
Father of the groom speeches that welcome new family, share wisdom, and celebrate your son.
A father of the groom speech is your moment to welcome a new family, share a little hard-won wisdom, and celebrate your son. It is traditionally warmer and shorter than the father of the bride's — you are not hosting the day, you are opening your arms. Aim for two to four minutes: a proud word about your son, one story that shows his character, a genuine welcome to his partner and their family, and a toast to the couple.
The examples below run funny, heartfelt, and balanced. Borrow what fits your son and make it yours, or talk yours through in minutes.
There's a photograph on our fridge that's been there for twenty years. Daniel, aged six, standing in the back garden in a cardboard box he'd decorated…
Good evening, friends and family. I'm Michael, [Groom's name]'s father, and I want to share some memories that show you exactly who my son is. When [Groom's name] was ten, we were...
There's a photo on our mantelpiece I've never had the heart to put away. Daniel, six years old, standing at the edge of the swimming pool in armbands,…
When Daniel was seven, he built a rocket out of a shoebox, three toilet rolls, and most of a roll of my duct tape.
When Danny was seven, he built a "rocket" out of the recycling bin, two broom handles, and most of a roll of my duct tape.
Welcome the guests and the couple, tell one story that captures your son, warmly welcome his partner and their family, offer a line of wisdom about marriage, and raise a toast. Keep it heartfelt, not a life history.
Two to four minutes — around 300 to 500 words, usually a touch shorter than the father of the bride's. See speech length by role.
It is not always a fixed tradition — the father of the bride typically opens — but a father of the groom speech is increasingly common and always welcome, often to welcome the two families together.
Talk through your stories and turn them into a personalised speech in minutes.
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