While every wedding is different, the mother of the bride typically delivers their speech during the wedding reception following the father of the bride's speech. In some instances—whether the father is deceased or unable to attend—the mother of the bride will kick off the wedding toasts by going first.
A mother of the bride speech should:
Welcome and thank everyone for coming. Pay a short tribute to the bride's father (optional) Pay tribute to the bride and share stories and memories of her from childhood and today.
While the mother-of-the-bride doesn't typically give a toast at the wedding—that honor is often reserved for the father-of-the-bride—there are situations in which a mother may opt to raise her glass to the happy couple, such as when a father has passed away or in the case of a divorced household.
Best man: The best man kicks off the wedding speeches by giving a toast shortly after everyone is seated at their reception tables. Maid of honor: The maid of honor takes the mic immediately following the best man's speech. Host(s): The wedding reception is traditionally hosted by the bride's parents (if applicable).
On this special day, I hope you both know the joy and love that you deserve. You two are embarking on a new chapter in life, and I hope that it is filled with excitement, passion, and love. Daughter, you should be proud of yourself. I hope that your marriage is filled with happiness and love.
Bottom line: There's no hard-and-fast rule on how much cash to give as a wedding gift. Wedding experts do, however, advise starting at $100. From there, you may want to adjust up to $500 based on factors such as your relationship with the couple, your budget and the cost of your attendance at the wedding.
Who should I ask to speak at my wedding? Traditionally, the maid of honor and best man give a toast at the reception, just before dinner is served. It's also common for at least one parent to give a speech.
Who gives speeches at weddings and in what order? At a traditional wedding reception, the bride and groom speak first. This is followed by speeches from the father of the bride, the father of the groom, the maid of honor, and then the best man.
Give Speeches Once Entrées Are Served
This part of the meal is the longest, so it allows for a little more time for talking without interruptions from the waitstaff. Make sure your caterer serves your VIP tables first, so anyone giving a toast can enjoy their meal while it's hot.
The mother of the bride should avoid trying to control every aspect of the wedding, criticizing the bride's decisions, or creating unnecessary drama.
The mother of the bride is traditionally escorted by her son if she has one. Otherwise, any close male relative, the best man, or a groomsman walks with the mother of the bride during the procession.
Raise a Toast
After all your appreciation for everyone and sharing some stories, it is now time to end your mother of the bride speech. Invite the wedding guests to raise a toast for the happy couple and congratulate them.
Not only is she responsible for the bride's very existence, but she is also considered a host of the wedding—or perhaps the host, depending on whether or not she's footing the bill. As expected, this role comes with a great deal of honor, as well as ton of mother of the bride etiquette rules to follow.
On the day of the wedding, the mother of the bride should be prepared to help the bride with whatever she might need. This might include playing hostess, helping guide out-of-town guests, or being ready with a tissue box!
The table of honor—located near the head table—is where the parents of both the bride and groom, the wedding officiant, and sometimes grandparents sit during the reception.
Traditionally, the father of the bride is the first to speak in the wedding speech sequence, especially if he has contributed financially to the wedding. The bride's father's speech should include; — A welcome to all the guests, and an expression of gratitude for their attendance and participation in the wedding.
Traditionally the father of the bride is the first to speak in the wedding speech order, especially if he, as one of the bride's parents, has provided money toward the wedding. The father of the bride: Welcomes the guests and thanks them for coming to and participating in the wedding day.
The first toast is customarily made by the best man. It's fine for this to be the only one offered, though other people will probably want to express their happiness for the newlyweds. After the best man, the maid of honor may offer a toast, too. 2.
Traditionally they are announced in the following order: groom's parents, bride's parents, flower girl and ring bearer, bridesmaids escorted by groomsmen, maid/ matron of honor escorted by the best man and finally the Bride and Groom.
Where should parents and grandparents of the bride and groom sit? Depending on the size and shape of tables you have, it's common to have a family table where the bride and groom's parents and grandparents sit together. Or, each set of parents can host their own table and be seated with close family and friends.
While it is traditional (although not obligatory) for the mother and father of the bride to receive a thank you gift from the newlyweds on the big day, a little memento from the bride's parents to their daughter is also becoming more popular.
Traditionally, the parents might give a more sentimental gift on the day of the wedding, such as a family heirloom, to formally welcome the spouse-to-be into the family. But again, this doesn't have to be a large or expensive gift.
While in some families and cultures, the parents do give a tangible gift to the bridal couple, other families and cultures feel the wedding itself is enough. This means it is completely your choice.