Wedding Speeches

The speeches traditionally take place after the wedding breakfast, usually with the best man acting as toastmaster. However, if the bride's father, groom or best man is particularly nervous about making his speech, it might be better to start with the speeches, so that they can join in, relax and enjoy themselves, knowing that the worst part is over!

The traditional order of speeches at the reception is:

1. The bride's father - alternatively, another male member of the bride's family may be asked to make the first speech, such as an uncle, godfather or brother. At the end of his speech, he toasts the health and happiness of the bride and groom.
2. The groom - replies on behalf of his new wife and himself. At the end of his speech, he proposes a toast to the bridesmaids.
3. The best man - replies on the bridesmaids' behalf. At the end of his speech, he will read out any messages or cards from absent family or friends. He will then announce the cutting of the cake (if this didn't take place before the speeches).

If you're the one making a speech, bear in mind that it should sound as natural as possible, and so you should take some time to practice what is to be said. Try rehearsing out loud facing a mirror - this will give you confidence and the required practice in the proper form of delivery for each part of the speech.

Stand up straight and look around your imagined audience so that this will come easily during the delivery and you will be able to concentrate on putting life into the speech itself.

You might like to write some cue cards with 'prompt' words written on them. Remember to join these with a tag or string to ensure that if they are dropped, they are not put back in the wrong order! Cards also have the advantage of looking professional, and will not rustle or wave around like a piece of paper.

Try to keep your speech down to less than ten minutes - any longer and people will start to fidget.

Above all, don't worry too much about your speech; you're giving it at a wedding and your audience is bound to be good-natured - many of them will have been in a similar position and will sympathise with any nerves you might have.

The Father of the Bride

The first toast - 'The health and happiness of the bride and groom' ...

The Groom

The second toast - 'The bridesmaids' ...

The Best Man

The third toast - 'The bride and groom's future happiness' ...

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