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Guests and etiquette · Speeches and toasts

How to finish off a father of the bride speech?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12 · For parents

Short answer

Finish by raising your glass to the couple, wishing them a lifetime of happiness, and inviting everyone to stand and join you in a toast to their future together.

The end of your speech is your chance to leave everyone feeling warm and celebratory. After you have shared your stories and thanked your guests, bring the focus back to the couple. Look at them directly and say something simple and heartfelt, such as "To [partner's name] and [partner's name], may your life together be full of love, laughter, and good health." Then raise your glass and invite everyone else to do the same. You can add a line like "Please stand with me and raise your glasses to the happy couple." Keep it short and sincere. Avoid adding new jokes or long stories at the end, as the moment should feel like a natural conclusion. If you want to include a personal blessing or a short poem, that works well here, but keep it to a few lines. Finish with a confident smile and wait for the applause before you sit down. Practise the final line a few times so you can deliver it without looking at your notes.

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