What is the Order of Speeches at a Wedding? The traditional wedding speech order goes father of the bride, groom, best man and other toasts. "In same-sex weddings, it is also common for both partners to speak but sometimes only one does," explains Marc.
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.
The short version of the traditional order of speeches
The toast to the bride and groom - given by the bride's father or a close family friend. The bridegroom's reply on behalf of his wife and himself. He then proposes a toast to the bridesmaids. The best man's speech on behalf of the bridesmaids.
Tradition or no tradition, the best man's speech tends to go last, following the speech of the bridesmaids and/or maid of honour.
Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Simple and Sincere Opening Lines. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you (name) for the kind introduction." "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As (name's friend/relative), I'm delighted to welcome you all here tonight."
While many experts will tell you to keep your talk to 3 minutes or less, Chertoff says the best wedding speeches usually last three to five minutes.
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.
Who Gives a Wedding Toast? Tradition dictates that the best man is the master of ceremonies at a wedding reception and kicks off the toasts. This is a great point to keep in mind when selecting a best man—in addition to his ability to plan a stellar bachelor party, of course.
Provide background information about the event. If you're the first or only speaker at a special event, you might begin your speech by explaining the history or goal of the event. This information can help your audience understand why your speech is important and provide valuable context for your comments.
Historically, the father of the bride prepares a wedding toast. This is partially because, in many cultures, the father of the bride pays for the wedding. Because of this, he is seen as the host. As a host, the father of the bride gives a toast to thank guests for attending his daughter's wedding.
We've seen brides give the newlywed speech, and we've seen best friends give speeches instead of the MOH or best man. If you're going the non-traditional route, we don't recommend an open-mic situation where anyone can speak, and we don't recommend having more than five speeches or guests will start to get restless.
From a performer's perspective the best time for wedding speeches will be at the end of the meal. (Just as an aside, if you'd like to have your crowd properly warmed up before the speeches, check out my Wedding Emcee page. All the best performers use a warm-up man!)
During the reception it is customary for the father of the bride to make a short speech, thanking the guests and those that have helped with the wedding planning, and talking a little about his daughter and new son-in-law. At the end of the speech the father of the bride usually proposes a toast to the happy couple.
A groom's speech should focus on thanking everyone who has helped make the wedding day special including the mother and father of the bride (or equivalent), the guests, his own parents, the best man, the bridesmaids, ushers, and anyone else who has contributed to the wedding.
Do You Cut the Wedding Cake Before or After Toasts? Cutting the cake before the toast may seem like a good idea, but it could give guests the impression that the wedding is coming to an end. That's because cake cutting is usually the last major event of the day that happens.
Unless you're a professional actor, it's probably best not to trust the whole thing to memory – but reading out your speech can be really dull for guests to listen to. The best thing you can do is thoroughly familiarise yourself with your speech and then reduce it to a few notes on cue cards.
Elegant Bride Speech Example
Thanks to all of you for the efforts and sacrifices you have made to be with us today. I also want to thank the most wonderful parents a child could ever have. Not only for the love, support and guidance over the years, but also for everything you've done to help make this day perfect.
Bride and Groom, I wish you the best life has to offer, and I know the two of you will continue to love and support each other. Join me in raising your glasses in a toast to Name and Name, may you forever be as happy as you are tonight. After applause, introduce the maid of honor for her speech.
“A toast: may all sweethearts become married couples, and may all married couples remain sweethearts.” “May you live as long as you like, and have all you like for as long as you live.” “The man or woman you really love will never grow old to you. the warm heart union of your eternal love.”