TraditionalВ Wedding Introduction
For a traditional or more formal introduction, write a short welcoming message to your guests along with the time, date, and location of your ceremony. Be sure to write the dates (and addresses if you include them) without abbreviations.
Welcome to the Wedding of Ashley Lynn Carter & Thomas Brooklyn Sawyer
2 p.m.
East Brooke Lutheran Church
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Minimalist Wedding Introduction
For a more minimalist approach, you could simply write your wedding date and the couple’s names. If you wish, you can write a one- to three-word message for your guests.
Celebrating Caitlin Hemseth and Sarah Colebright
18.21
Modern Wedding Introduction
For a modern ceremony, write a short and unique welcome one-liner to your guests, along with your wedding date. If your modern wedding is at a cultural venue, include the venue’s name.
Welcome as Carley Lee Strong and Thomas Richard Perrin begin their lives together
Culture House, DC
Part 2: The Order of CeremonyВ Events
On the inside cover (or directly beneath the introduction for a minimalist approach), include the order of the ceremony events. This allows guests to follow along with your wedding ceremony.
This program section depends on what you plan for your ceremony. If you plan a short and sweet service prior to saying, “I do,” this section will be rather short. However, a traditionally religious service like a Catholic weddingВ will require a more lengthy order of events.
Religious or Traditional Wedding CeremonyВ
For a religious ceremony, write the corresponding songs, prayers, and Bible verses you chose for your service. List each step within your ceremony on a separate line.
Processional: “Rondeau,” J.J. Mouret
Bride's Processional: “Canon in D,” Pachelbel
Opening Prayer
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Exchange of Vows
Blessing and Exchange of Rings
Unity Candle: “This Is Love,” For King & Country
Lord's Prayer
Pronouncement of Marriage
Recessional: “Ode To Joy,” Beethoven
Modern Wedding Program Template
For a more modern wedding ceremony, you will probably share a mix of favorite secular songs, poetry readings, or monologues in lieu of more religious components. However, just like for a traditional ceremony, you will write each step of your ceremony on a separate line.
Prelude: “God Only Knows,” John Legend
Processional: “A Thousand Years,” Christina Perri
Introduction of the Couple
Reading: “Roads Go Ever Ever On,” J.R.R. Tolkein
Exchange of Vows
Exchange of Rings
Message
Presentation of the Couple
Part 3: The Wedding PartyВ
This section could easily be your guests' favorite part of your wedding program. Include the names of each person involved in your big dayВ from your bridal partyВ to your flower girl. Many couples list the names of their parents and those within the wedding party, but you can also list the names of your grandparents, step-parents, or great-grandparents.
Formal Wedding Details
For a formal or religious wedding, you will list the first and last names of each person involved in your ceremony. This includes the priest or pastor, acolytes, and others involved in the service.
Officiate: Father Timothy Olson
Parents of the Bride: Jenny and Joshua Amundson
Parents of the Groom: Chris and John Armstrong
Grandparents of the Bride: Georgia Hudson
Grandparents of the Groom: Thomas Watershed and Elizabeth Collard
Matron of Honor: Kim Dummermuth, Friend of the Couple
Best Man: Jason Wander, Friend of the Couple
Bridesmaids:
Kara Mathwick, Sister of the Bride
Jennifer Larson, Sister of the Groom
Beth Curtis, Friend of the Bride
Groomsmen:
Keith Michaels, Brother of the Bride
Ben Mattocks, Friend of the Couple
Kevin James, Friend of the Groom
Flowergirl: Bailey Michaels, Niece of the Bride
Ring Bearer: Christopher Mathwick, Nephew of Bride
Soloist: Danika Portz
Acolyte: Thomas Henderson
Modern or Minimalist Wedding Details
Officiate: Tim Wood, Friend of the Couple
Parents of the Bride: Jenn and Samantha Adams-Foster
Parents of the Groom: Tiffany and Seth Howard
Man of Honor: Zeke Mitchell, Brother of the Bride
Best Woman: Kara Cortez, Sister of the Groom
Bridesmaids:
Stephanie Colombe, Friend of the Couple
Annie Sink, Friend of the Couple
Groomsmen:
Tara Schultz, Sister of the Groom
Lily Porter, Sister of the Bride
Part 4: Back Cover
If you aim for a minimalist approach to your wedding program, your program may not include a back cover. Therefore, you can simply end your program here.
However, some couples choose to use the extra space to write a simple thank-you to their guests. You can thank your parents, families, and friends for gathering with you on your special day. Others choose to recognize deceased family membersВ or others who couldn't be present.
Traditional Wedding Program WordingВ
For a traditional wedding, thank your parents, grandparents, and other guests for their support. Lastly, recognize any deceased family members who could not share your special day with you. Here’s an example:
We would like to thank our parents, grandparents, and families for being with us on this special day. Thank you to our families who traveled near and far to be with us on our wedding day.
We wish to recognize those who could not be with us:
John Adams, Uncle of the Bride
Jude Schneider, Mother of the Groom
Anna Smith, Grandmother of the Groom
Modern Wedding Program WordingВ
For a more modern take, thank your family and friends for sharing in your special day (particularly those who traveled from long distances). You can also direct them to a cocktail hour or other activities prior to the reception. Here’s an example:
Please enjoy mixing and mingling at a light cocktail hour while we snap a few wedding photos. We will see you at 6 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville.
Wedding Program WordingВ as Unique as Your Relationship
Design: Signature Greenvelope
When it comes to wedding program etiquette, there is no right or wrong approach. There's only the approach that works best for you as a couple.
You can make your wedding program as formal or as modern as you wish — just like your actual wedding ceremony. You're also not limited to one design.
Your printableВ wedding programВ will become a keepsake you can enjoy as newlywedsВ and enjoy for years to come. It's often customary to match your program to the rest of your wedding stationery, including your save the date cardВ and wedding invitations.
How to Use Quotes Well
A word of warning before we begin… using quotes is a great way of adding gravitas to your speech but don’t let it make you lazy.
Use the quotes as an addition to what you want to say, rather than a substitute for your own words. Write your speech first, then see if a quote or two can make it better.
1 – Make the quotes meaningful
Think about the songs, the films, the books that mean something to you both. Do any of these lend themselves to a great quote? Guaranteed, the bride will love you more for it.
2 – Don’t overload your speech with quotes
Two maximum as a general rule. One at the top and one towards the end.
3 – Quote recognisable names (or at least provide some context)
4 – Don’t just use quotes for the sentimental bit
Quotes can also add humour where it’s needed.
5 – Add a back ref
Put the quote into a personal context, or make it humorous with a suitable ‘ad lib’.
6 – Get expert advice
Touching Father of the Bride Quotes
All a dad knows, is it can hold a hell of a lot more once it's been handed over to his little girl.
“I knew when I met you an adventure was going to happen.” A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
That moment you met your daughter for the first time. Summed up by a honey munching bear.
”My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me.” Winston Churchill
If you run fast, you get a medal. If you're good at business, you get a lot of cash. If you marry the right person, you might be lucky enough to have a wonderful daughter.
”I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
Love his daughter more than I love you” Paul Simon
Yeah, who doesn't love a bit of hippy blissed-out poetry?
“I am nothing special; just a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who's ever lived: I've loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.” Nicolas Sparks, The Notebook.
Yeah you’re no Ryan Gosling, but you can still pull off this quote. It's suitably self-deprecating and rather endearing.
Everyone in the room will love it. Especially the bridesmaids.
‘’When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.’' Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Yep, sometimes a man requires a daughter to bring out the best in him.
Marriage Advices Fathers Can Give
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” Mignon McLaughlin
We're not suggesting the newlyweds will ever argue, but just in case…
“To keep your marriage brimming, With love in the loving cup, Whenever you're wrong, admit it; Whenever you're right, shut up.” Ogden Nash
Wise man Ogden.
“May she share everything with her husband, including the housework.” Unknown Proverb
The women in the audience might already know this one.
“Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides, you have a to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.” Louis de Bernieres
It's certainly poetic, but hey, it's a wedding so you're allowed.
“When marrying, ask yourself this question: Do you believe that you will be able to converse well with this person into your old age? Everything else in marriage is transitory.” Friedrich Nietzsche
You might want to give a few examples of the sort of nonsense the happy couple normally chat about. Will they still be talking about Game of Thrones and arguing about who built the Ikea bed wrong when they're in their 90s?
“What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility.” Leo Tolstoy
Again, feel feel to provide examples of the areas the happy couple might need to work on!
Classic Wedding Speech Quotes
“Who, being loved, is poor?” Oscar Wilde
Suggested back ref – something related to the cost of a wedding.
“I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” Rita Rudner
It's a classic but it works.
“Never go to bed on an argument. Stay up and fight.” Phyllis Diller
Still love this quote. And we follow her advice every night.
Funny Wedding Speech Quotes
“People are weird. When we find someone with weirdness that is compatible with ours, we team up and call it love.” Dr. Seuss
Surely this quote applies to every single couple getting hitched!?
”Now remember! As far as anyone knows, we're a nice, normal family.' Homer Simpson
Said, with a wink to your daughter, as you welcome the groom to the family.
“Watching your daughter being collected by her date feels like handing over a million-dollar Stradivarius to a gorilla.” Jim Bishop
Gone are the days when we watch our daughters go out on dates but the fear of them still applies.
“Love is a lot like a backache: it doesn't show up on X-rays, but you know it's there.” George Burns
Your peers will get this one.
‘Yeah, you know, boys, a nuclear reactor is a lot like a woman. You just have to read the manual and press the right buttons.' Homer Simpson
And quite frankly, what father of the bride speech would be complete without a Homer Simpson quote?
How Speechy Can Help You...
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Introduce yourself
You need to introduce yourself, but it doesn't have to be reminiscent of an AA meeting. Tell them your name and maybe crack a small joke to make yourself feel relaxed.
Welcome the wedding guests
Make a formal welcome to everyone, and thank them for coming. Try to also mention the bride's mother and the groom's parents too.
Talk about your daughter
Recall a funny anecdote or simply tell her how proud you are of the woman she's become. This is her big day, so say something memorable and touching.
Rather than just talking about the fact that you love your daughter, talk about the times that you’ve felt proud of her. Reference the moments that stand out and show how much she means to you.
Tell the guests about how you secretly cried after she left for university, explain how you couldn’t eat for a month while she backpacked through Asia. Or confess that you still worry about her if she hasn’t texted you that day. We guarantee there will be tears!
Talk about your son-in-law
Formally welcome the groom to your family. You can mention how you felt about him when you first met him, or a moment when you've been particularly glad he's around. Try to be positive about the future and moving forward with him as a family member.
Parting wisdom
As the elder speaker at the wedding, you should impart some of your wisdom to the happy couple. This could be about maintaining a healthy marriage or living a happy life. This is also a good place to throw in some jokes, however, err on the side of tasteful. You don't want to upset anyone.
Do your research
Gather your intel and call in back up. Get other family members round a table and brainstorm. Think about the great (and funny) times you’ve shared with your daughter. Think about her why she makes you laugh. We guarantee your daughter’s siblings will be a great source of material, as well as her mum.
It’s also worth asking your daughter to give you the low-down on who exactly is coming to the wedding. If you know her yoga buddies and the groom’s rugby mates will be there, it’s easier for you to select your stories and tailor your humour to suit.
Of course, increasingly there are guests who have English as their second language, so be conscious not to alienate them with a speech full of wordplay.
Cut out the clichés
All dads think their daughters are ‘talented' and ‘beautiful', so think about the unique qualities that make your girl a little bit wonderful.
Nobody wants to hear a list of her career achievements or a rundown of her educational qualifications; they want recognition of the character traits that make her a great friend. Whether she’s loud, a bit ditzy, or just a little bit nutty, celebrate your daughter for the awesome individual she is rather an idealised version of her.
Do not talk about money
Avoid mentioning any financial contribution you’ve made towards the wedding – even in jest.
Remember the groom
Yes, your speech is all about your daughter, but remember to be nice about her new husband, too. Even if there are subtle reservations lurking in your soul, today is a day to celebrate his attributes, whatever they may be. Feel free to do a bit of gentle teasing (especially when you talk about your first encounter with him), but make sure it’s delivered with warmth.
Be funny
These days, all speeches need to be entertaining and funny. You don’t have the-best-man-pressure, but you still need to be making everyone chuckle from the get-go.
Tips for Making Your Father of the Bride Speech Funny
You might be a gentleman, but that doesn't mean your speech has to be dull. Here are some father of the bride speech advice to ensure your guests get a giggle or two.
Keep it clean
Jokes are a great way to break the ice and loosen up the crowd. However, don't be too focused on being funny. You're the elder statesman of the speakers today, so you can afford to be a bit more conservative with your words.
That doesn't mean you have to be dull though. A few jibes at the expense of the wedding or your daughter's love of spending are fine, just don't cut too close to the bone. Leave it to the best man to really roast up the groom, and focus on welcoming your new son-in-law to the family.
Hold onto your emotions
This is such a big occasion for you and all your family, and it can be easy to get caught up in the emotion of it all. Do you best to keep things light and happy. If there are some things you would like to say to your daughter, have a quiet word with her before you walk the aisle.
The last word
Ask any public speaker what their biggest fear is, and they'll often say it's losing their place. Fumbling over your words and getting lost is nothing to be ashamed of, provided you can make a recovery.
Take your speech on cue cards with bullet-pointed reminders of what you want to talk about. This will give you a more natural delivery and will save you fluttering to find your place.
If you do get stuck, use a moment to clear your throat, take a drink of water or give your daughter a kiss. These moments might seem a lifetime to you, but will feel like a natural pause to your audience.
This will also give you the breathing space you need to get things back on track. Take your time, don't panic and try to enjoy your moment of fame.