The groom’s parents often feel overshadowed on wedding day. While the bride’s family traditionally takes center stage, your words as the groom’s mother or father carry just as much weight.
You’ve watched your son grow from scraped knees to wedding rings, and now it’s time to share that journey.
These seven speech examples will help you find the right tone for your moment at the microphone.
Each one captures a different emotional thread – from proud reflection to tearful gratitude. Use them as starting points, swapping in your own stories and memories where indicated.
1. The Proud Father’s Reflection
“Good evening everyone,
I’m [Father’s Name], [Groom’s Name]’s dad, and I’ve been practicing this speech for weeks. Turns out, no amount of practice prepares you for the moment when you realize your little boy is now a married man.
[Groom’s Name] has always been determined. When he was seven, he decided he wanted to build a treehouse. Not just any treehouse – a two-story treehouse with electricity. I told him it was impossible. Three months later, I was running extension cords to his architectural masterpiece in our backyard oak tree. That’s who he is. He sees what he wants and makes it happen.
When he first told us about [Bride’s Name], something in his voice changed. The way he said her name – like it was the most important word he’d ever learned. We knew this was different. Then we met her, and we understood why. [Bride’s Name], you didn’t just capture our son’s heart. You became part of our family the moment you walked through our door.
I’ve watched you two together, and what strikes me most is how you balance each other. [Groom’s Name], you’ve always been our dreamer, reaching for impossible treehouses. [Bride’s Name], you’re the one who makes sure he has the right tools and a solid foundation. Together, you’re building something beautiful.
Marriage isn’t always easy. There will be storms that test your foundation. But if you face them together, with the same determination my son showed building that treehouse, you’ll weather anything. To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] – may your love story be even more extraordinary than we’ve imagined. Cheers!”
2. The Tearful Mother’s Blessing
“Hello everyone,
I’m [Mother’s Name], and I promised myself I wouldn’t cry during this speech. That promise lasted about thirty seconds after I started writing it.
Twenty-eight years ago, I held a tiny baby boy who had the loudest cry and the strongest grip I’d ever encountered. From day one, [Groom’s Name] knew exactly what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to ask for it. That hasn’t changed much.
Raising him was an adventure. He was the child who brought home every stray animal in the neighborhood, convinced he could fix whatever was broken. He once tried to nurse a baby bird back to health by feeding it scrambled eggs with a toothpick. The bird didn’t make it, but [Groom’s Name]’s heart for caring never dimmed.
That same caring heart is what drew him to [Bride’s Name]. I remember the first time he brought her home for Sunday dinner. She helped me in the kitchen without being asked, laughed at his father’s terrible jokes, and when [Groom’s Name] told that embarrassing story about his high school talent show disaster, she didn’t just laugh – she looked at him like he was the most wonderful person in the world.
[Bride’s Name], thank you for loving my son the way he deserves to be loved. You see all his quirks – the way he reorganizes the dishwasher after everyone else loads it, his obsession with documentaries about obscure historical events, his inability to throw away old t-shirts – and you love him not despite these things, but because of them.
[Groom’s Name], you found someone who matches your heart for caring. Take care of each other the way you both take care of everyone else. My baby boy is now a married man, and I couldn’t be prouder. Welcome to the family, [Bride’s Name]. We love you both so much.”
3. The Humorous Father’s Toast
“Good evening! I’m [Father’s Name], father of the groom and, according to my wife, the person responsible for [Groom’s Name]’s questionable sense of humor. I accept full responsibility and offer no apologies.
[Groom’s Name] has always been entertaining. As a toddler, he once decided to ‘help’ me paint the garage by painting our dog. As a teenager, he convinced his younger sister that the tooth fairy was actually just me in a tutu. She believed this until she was twelve. His creativity has always been… impressive.
But the most impressive thing [Groom’s Name] ever did was convince [Bride’s Name] to marry him. [Bride’s Name], I’m still not sure how he managed this, but we’re eternally grateful you said yes. You’ve brought out the best in our son, and somehow you’ve made his jokes actually funny. That alone qualifies you for sainthood.
I’ve watched you two together, and it’s clear you’re perfect for each other. [Groom’s Name], you make her laugh until she snorts – which she pretends to hate but secretly loves. [Bride’s Name], you’ve taught him that matching socks are not optional and that cereal is not a suitable dinner for every meal. These are the foundations of a strong marriage.
People say marriage is hard work, but watching you two, it looks more like the best kind of fun. You’re teammates, best friends, and each other’s favorite audience. [Groom’s Name], you’ve found someone who laughs at your jokes and loves you anyway. [Bride’s Name], you’ve found someone who will spend the rest of his life trying to make you smile.
Here’s to a lifetime of laughter, love, and probably a few more painted dogs along the way. Cheers to the happy couple!”
4. The Emotional Father-Son Bond
“I’m [Father’s Name], and I need to tell you about my son. Not the successful man you see today, but the boy who taught me what it means to be a father.
[Groom’s Name] was eight when he asked me the hardest question I’ve ever been asked: ‘Dad, how do you know if you’re doing a good job at life?’ I didn’t have an answer then. I told him we’d figure it out together. Thirty years later, watching him today, I think we did okay.
He’s always been thoughtful. When his grandfather was sick, ten-year-old [Groom’s Name] spent every Saturday afternoon reading to him. Not because anyone asked him to, but because he noticed Grandpa’s eyes were too tired for reading. When his friend’s family lost their home in a fire, [Groom’s Name] organized his entire high school to collect donations. He sees need and responds with action.
That’s exactly what happened when he met [Bride’s Name]. He saw someone extraordinary and knew he had to step up to deserve her. And step up he did. He became more patient, more thoughtful, more himself. [Bride’s Name], you brought out qualities in my son that I always hoped were there but wasn’t sure he’d find.
[Groom’s Name], you asked me once how to know if you’re doing a good job at life. Here’s your answer: You found someone who makes you want to be better, and you make her want to be better too. You support each other’s dreams and share each other’s burdens. You’ve built something together that’s stronger than either of you alone.
Son, I’m proud of the man you’ve become. [Bride’s Name], thank you for seeing in him what I’ve always seen – someone worth believing in. May your marriage be everything you’ve both dreamed and more than you’ve dared to hope.”
5. The Grateful Mother’s Welcome
“Hello beautiful people,
I’m [Mother’s Name], [Groom’s Name]’s mom, and today my heart is so full I’m afraid it might burst.
[Groom’s Name] has always been my gentle giant. Even as a little boy, he was the one who noticed when someone was left out, who shared his lunch with kids who forgot theirs, who couldn’t sleep if he thought he’d hurt someone’s feelings. He feels everything deeply, loves completely, and gives without counting the cost.
For years, I worried about that tender heart. The world can be rough on people who care as much as [Groom’s Name] does. I prayed he’d find someone who would protect that gentleness while loving him for it. Then [Bride’s Name] walked into our lives, and I stopped worrying.
[Bride’s Name], from the moment I met you, I saw how you treasure my son’s heart. You encourage his kindness, support his dreams, and when the world gets too heavy, you help him carry it. You don’t try to change him – you celebrate exactly who he is.
I’ve watched you two navigate challenges together, and what amazes me is how you make each other braver. [Groom’s Name], you’ve always been caring, but with [Bride’s Name] beside you, you’ve become fearless in your compassion. [Bride’s Name], you’ve always been strong, but together, you’ve discovered a softness that makes that strength even more beautiful.
Today, I’m not losing a son – I’m gaining a daughter I’ve been waiting for without knowing it. [Bride’s Name], welcome to our family officially, though you’ve been part of it since the day [Groom’s Name] first said your name. Thank you both for showing us what love looks like when it’s done right. Here’s to your beautiful beginning!”
6. The Wisdom-Sharing Father
“Good evening,
I’m [Father’s Name], and I’ve been married to [Groom’s Name]’s mother for thirty-five years. That makes me either very wise or very lucky. Probably both.
[Groom’s Name], you’ve always been a listener. As a child, you absorbed everything – the good advice and, unfortunately, some of the bad examples. You watched how your mother and I navigated marriage, including our mistakes, and somehow you learned from all of it.
I remember when you first brought [Bride’s Name] home. After dinner, you helped clear the table without being asked – something you’d never done before. Your mother and I exchanged looks. We knew this girl was special because she inspired you to be the best version of yourself without saying a word.
[Bride’s Name], you’ve been good for our son in ways I don’t think you even realize. He’s more confident, more purposeful, more joyful. But more than that, he’s found his partner in the truest sense. I’ve watched you two make decisions together, support each other’s goals, and handle disagreements with respect and humor.
Let me share what thirty-five years has taught me: Marriage isn’t about finding someone you can live with – it’s about finding someone you can’t imagine living without.
It’s about choosing each other every day, especially on the days when choosing feels hard. It’s about being teammates when life gets complicated and best friends when it gets simple.
[Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], you already understand this. I see it in how you look at each other, how you laugh together, how you face challenges as a unit.
You’re starting with the foundation it took your mother and me years to build. That gives me great hope for your future. Congratulations, and may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing year.”
7. The Heartfelt Mother-Son Farewell
“Hi everyone,
I’m [Mother’s Name], and this is the speech I never thought I’d be able to give without completely falling apart. So far, so good.
[Groom’s Name] was my unexpected gift. After two daughters, I thought I knew what parenting was. Then came this boy who approached everything differently.
Where his sisters were cautious, he was fearless. Where they planned, he improvised. Where they followed rules, he questioned why the rules existed in the first place.
He kept me on my toes and taught me that love comes in many forms. His love was wildflower bouquets picked from the neighbor’s garden, elaborate breakfast-in-bed presentations that left the kitchen looking like a disaster zone, and handmade cards with spelling errors and perfect sentiment.
When [Groom’s Name] told me about [Bride’s Name], I heard something new in his voice – peace. This boy who had always been searching for the next adventure suddenly sounded like he’d found home. Meeting [Bride’s Name], I understood why.
[Bride’s Name], you complement my son perfectly. Where he’s impulsive, you’re thoughtful. Where you’re reserved, he’s outgoing. But in the ways that matter most – kindness, integrity, loyalty – you’re perfectly matched. You bring out his gentler side while he encourages your adventurous spirit.
[Groom’s Name], my beautiful boy, watching you become a husband fills me with pride and just a touch of bittersweetness. You’ll always be my son, but today you become [Bride’s Name]’s husband first. That’s exactly how it should be.
Take care of each other. Laugh together every day. Be patient with each other’s flaws and celebrate each other’s strengths. And remember that home isn’t a place – it’s whoever you choose to build your life with. You’ve both chosen well. Congratulations, my darlings.”
Making These Speeches Your Own
Each of these examples provides a framework, but your speech should reflect your unique relationship with your son and new daughter-in-law.
Replace the bracketed placeholders with real names and specific memories. The story about the treehouse or painted dog should become your own family legend – the time he built a fort in the living room, started a neighborhood business, or showed unexpected courage.
The key is authenticity. Your guests want to hear from you, not a perfect performance.
If you’re naturally funny, lean into humor. If you’re more sentimental, embrace those emotions. If you’re typically reserved, let this be the moment you open up.
Practice your speech, but don’t over-rehearse to the point where it sounds mechanical. Leave room for the emotion of the moment.
If you need to pause to collect yourself, that’s perfectly fine. Your love for your son and his new spouse is what matters, not flawless delivery.
Remember, this isn’t just a speech – it’s a blessing, a welcome, and a celebration all rolled into one. You’re marking the end of one chapter in your son’s life and the beautiful beginning of another.
Your words will be remembered long after the last dance, so make them count.
The best parent-of-the-groom speeches come from the heart, share genuine emotion, and celebrate both the past and the future. Use these examples as your starting point, but let your own love story with your son shine through.
After all, you’ve been preparing for this speech his entire life – you just didn’t know it yet.
