Wedding Wishes from Parents

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Parents’ words at a wedding are special: the couple, the guests and the whole family wait for them. Here are wedding wishes from parents: from the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom, from the father, touching ones that bring tears, short ones for a toast at the table, in verse — plus tips on preparing a speech and staying calm despite the nerves.

More on weddings: wedding wishes, wedding toasts, wedding anniversary wishes.

Touching wishes from the mother of the bride

• My daughter, only yesterday I was braiding your hair before school, and today I see you as a bride. You have grown up kind, strong and beautiful. I wish you to always feel as safe beside your husband as you did at home. Be happy, my children!
• My dears, today I give away the most precious thing I have — my daughter. My new son, cherish her laughter and her dreams. And both of you, remember: the door of our home is always open to you.

Wishes from the mother of the groom

• My son, today you became a husband and the head of a new family. I am proud of you. My new daughter, welcome to our family — from now on you are like a daughter to me. I wish you patience, tenderness and a home that always feels happy.
• Children, love is not only words but small everyday actions. Give each other attention, forgiveness and support. And your father and I will always be there for you.

Wishes from the father

• Children, I am not one for long speeches, so I will say the main thing: hold on to each other. There will be easy days and hard ones, but together you will get through anything. Cheers to the couple!
• My daughter, today I give your hand to a man I trust. My new son, from now on her smile is in your care. May your home be strong and your hearts warm.

A short toast from the parents

• We have waited for this day for many years. Let us raise our glasses to our children: may their love only grow stronger with time!
• To the newlyweds! May your home always have bread, laughter and love, and may we be frequent and welcome guests.

How parents can prepare a wedding speech

• Keep it to one or two minutes and write your key points on a card. Start with a memory of your child, then address the new family member, and finish with a wish and a toast. Agree with the host when you will speak and which parent goes first. Tears are fine: pause, smile and carry on.

Wedding wishes from parents in verse

We raised you, kept you safe and loved you so,
And now we watch you start a life for two.
May you have wings to fly and roots to grow,
And may the joy we feel come back to you!

May laughter fill your home each day,
May love keep every corner warm.
May kindness always light your way
And shelter you through every storm.

Flowers from and for parents at a wedding

Parents often give the couple a bouquet along with the main gift, and at the end of the evening the newlyweds present flowers to their mothers as a thank-you. Delicate pink or pastel bouquets that match the wedding palette suit mothers well. Order them in advance so they are fresh for the moment.

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See wedding flowers and flowers for mum.

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FAQ

When do parents give their speech at a wedding?

Most often during the first toast at the start of the reception, when the host gives the floor to the parents. Some warm words are said at home during the blessing.

How long should the parents’ speech be?

One or two minutes. A short, sincere speech is remembered better than a long one.

Which parent speaks first?

There is no single rule: agree on the order with the host in advance. Often parents speak together, with one of them leading.

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Author: Maria Svitlovir

Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.