Wedding Speeches

By The Celebration Team 23 Feb, 2010

Public speaking is a nerve-wracking experience at the best of times, but to speak at one’s own wedding can be even more so, especially as one is surrounded by the people who know you best! I chose not to do the bride’s speech as I was stressed enough without adding a soliloquy to my pre-wedding trauma! Wedding ceremonies have been around for centuries, and believe it or not, those involved have lived to tell the tale. There are ways to look spontaneous, fluent and, to all appearances, a great orator – it’s all in the preparation!

Who traditionally says the speeches

Father of the bride
Groom
Best Man

Who says the speeches today

Today’s weddings tend to be less traditional and can include whatever speeches you deem important - such as the maid of honour, the parents of the groom and the bride herself.

The order of the speeches

Speeches are, thankfully, made before the meal:

The master of ceremonies controls the order of events and will call for the guests’ attention, possibly introducing each speaker in turn
The father of the bride’s speech usually includes a toast to the bride and groom
The bridegroom’s speech responds to the father of the bride’s speech, and includes a toast to the bridesmaids
The bride may give a speech or say a few words
The best man’s speech responds on behalf of the bridesmaids,
and is usually the most light-hearted and humorous of the three
Any other speeches are usually presented now

Basic outlines of the speeches

Toasting the newlywed couple
Just how proud he is of his daughter – telling her she looks beautiful would be good here too
Welcoming his new son-in-law and the groom’s parents
Words of wisdom and well wishes to the couple
Toasting the couple again at the end of his speech
Introducing the groom – if the master of ceremonies doesn’t do so

The groom – this is the speech everyone is here for. Your speech will include:

Thanking the guests for being there, particularly those from far away
Thanking the bride’s parents for giving him their daughter in marriage
Complimenting the bride & thanking her for marrying you
Paying tribute to his parents
Acknowledging help with wedding arrangements - hosts, bridegroom and anyone else who has contributed
Propose a toast to the bridesmaids
Thanks to everyone for their kind wishes, gifts and cards
Introduce the best man, if there is one
Thanks to the best man

The best man – you need to cut a fine balance between amusing and sober – try not to continue in the same vein as the bachelor’s party, and include the following: