Does the father of the bride typically give a speech at the wedding?

The father of the bride speech is a long-standing tradition in the UK. He usually speaks first, setting a warm and welcoming tone. His role is to thank guests for coming, mention those who could not attend, and share a few personal stories about his daughter. He then proposes a toast to the couple, raising his glass to their future together.

That said, this tradition is not fixed. Some fathers prefer not to speak, or the mother of the bride takes on the role. Some couples ask both parents to speak together, or skip parental speeches entirely. You should choose what feels right for your family. If the father does speak, encourage him to keep it short and heartfelt. He should avoid embarrassing stories and focus on love and support. Remind him to practise, and to end with a clear toast so guests know when to drink. There is no rule that he must speak, so do what makes everyone comfortable.