Father of the bride toast: the US welcome, when to give it and how long
Last updated 25 October 2026
At a US wedding the father of the bride's toast is often the welcome: as host, he thanks guests for coming, says a few words about the couple and raises a glass to them. Plan for about three to five minutes, and ask the couple whether you speak before dinner or after the best man and maid of honor.
Why the father of the bride gives the welcome
WeddingWire's guide to wedding speech order says the reception is traditionally hosted by the bride's parents. When parents are hosting, it says they may welcome and thank the guests, then raise a glass to the other parents and the couple. The Emily Post Institute says the host traditionally offers the first toast, and that the rule still applies at wedding receptions.
WeddingWire's rehearsal dinner guide says nearly half of couples now pay for their own wedding events. If the couple are hosting, they may give the welcome themselves and ask you for a toast instead. Either way, ask early which job you have.
When it happens in the reception
There are two common slots, and sources describe both.
| Slot | What happens | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Before dinner | A welcome speech after the couple's entrance and first dance, before the meal, from "the newlyweds and/or any other hosts"; blessings go here too | WeddingWire reception timeline |
| During dinner | The best man toasts first, then the maid of honor, then parents of either spouse | WeddingWire speech order and reception timeline |
Some couples split it: a short welcome before the meal, and a fuller toast later in the line-up. Find out whether you are opening the evening or following the wedding party, because it changes what you say. Opening means welcoming everyone; following means picking up the mood the best man and maid of honor left and closing the toasts warmly.
How long to speak
| Source | Length |
|---|---|
| WeddingForward, father of the bride speeches | Around 5 minutes |
| WeddingWire, reception timeline | Three to six minutes per toast |
| WeddingWire, speech order guide | Under five minutes, closer to three if you can |
VirtualSpeech puts a comfortable speaking pace at 100 to 150 words a minute, so five minutes is about 500 to 750 words. A welcome-only toast before dinner can be much shorter than that: a minute of thanks and a glass raised is enough if a longer toast follows later.
US toasts generally run shorter than the British father of the bride speech, which UK sources put at 5 to 9 minutes or more. If you have read UK advice, our father of the bride speech guide (UK version) shows the British timings and order.
What to say
WeddingForward suggests seven parts. Cut them down to fit your slot:
- Welcome. Introduce yourself, then welcome the guests by group: family, friends, the other parents, the officiant, people who traveled. A short, clean joke is fine.
- Your daughter growing up. One tender or funny memory, chosen so she would be happy to hear it.
- Her partner. What you have seen in them, and a clear welcome into the family.
- The couple. A light story about the two of them.
- Thanks to the other parents.
- A word on your own marriage, if it fits. WeddingForward includes your own love story with the bride's mother; skip it if it does not suit your family.
- The toast. Ask everyone to raise a glass and say both names.
If you are giving a short welcome before dinner, keep parts 1 and 7 and save the rest for later, or leave it to the wedding party.
What to avoid
From WeddingForward's list:
- Embarrassing or offensive jokes and stories.
- Stories about yourself that have nothing to do with the couple.
- Overshadowing the partner; the toast is to both of them.
- Controversial or divisive topics.
- Running long, which loses the room.
- Drinking heavily beforehand.
Emily Post's advice is the same in four words: "Keep it short and to the point." The person giving the toast stands; everyone else, including the couple, stays seated unless you ask them to rise.
On the day
Know whether there is a microphone and who introduces you. If you speak during dinner, follow the best man toast and maid of honor, keep an eye on the clock, and finish so dinner and the dancing can carry on. If nerves are the worry, our guide to wedding speech nerves covers rehearsing out loud, pace and the microphone.
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Frequently asked questions
When does the father of the bride give his toast at a US wedding?
It depends on the couple. WeddingWire's reception timeline puts a host's welcome speech before the meal, and its speech order guide lists the parents after the best man and maid of honor during dinner. Emily Post says the host traditionally toasts first.
How long should a father of the bride toast be?
WeddingForward says around 5 minutes. WeddingWire's reception timeline gives three to six minutes for each toast, and its speech order guide says under five, closer to three if you can.
What does the father of the bride say in a welcome toast?
Welcome and thank the guests, including the other family and those who traveled, say something about your daughter and her partner, welcome the partner to the family, and toast the couple.