TalkSpeechy
The parents' welcome speech usually opens the reception or the rehearsal dinner. It's short, gracious, and mostly logistical-emotional glue: welcome everyone, thank the people who made the day possible, and hand off to the celebration.
Keep it to 2 minutes
This is not the main toast. Its job is to warm the room and set a tone, then get out of the way. Two minutes, three at most.
Cover four things
Welcome the guests (especially those who traveled), say something brief and warm about your child and their new spouse, thank anyone who helped host or plan, and invite everyone to enjoy the night.
Welcome the new family by name
A line explicitly welcoming your new son- or daughter-in-law, and their family, into yours is the emotional center of this speech. Name them.
Example (about 90 seconds)
'On behalf of both families, welcome. Some of you crossed the country to be here tonight, and that means the world to us. Ellen and I have watched our daughter become someone we're endlessly proud of, and tonight she marries someone who makes her even more herself. Daniel, your family - we're so glad to be joined to you. To everyone who helped bring this day together, thank you. Now please, eat, dance, and stay late.'
If both sets of parents speak
Coordinate so you're not thanking the same people twice or running long back to back. One family welcomes, the other can save remarks for a later toast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a parents' welcome speech be?
About two minutes. It opens the evening and sets the tone; it isn't the main toast.
What should parents say in a wedding welcome speech?
Welcome guests and thank those who traveled, say something warm about the couple, welcome the new in-law and their family by name, thank anyone who helped host, and invite everyone to celebrate.
Who gives the welcome speech at a wedding?
Traditionally the hosts - often the bride's parents - but any parent or both sets can. If both speak, coordinate content so it isn't repetitive.
Want This Welcome Speech Written For You?
Tell us about the couple and who you want to thank, and we'll turn it into a short, gracious welcome speech - in under 1 minute.
Get My SpeechSee mother of the bride speech and father of the bride speech for the longer toasts.