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.
The groom has a lot of people to thank – including the father of the bride, the guests, both sets of parents, his best man and groomsmen and the bridesmaids. He should compliment his bride and bridesmaids and lead toasts to them both.
The father of the bride (or someone chosen to fulfill this role) traditionally gives a speech before the groom. Therefore, the first thing a groom should do is thank the previous speech giver on behalf of himself and his new bride or husband. The next thing to do is to thank all of your guests for coming.
He then thanks the guests, the bride's parents (if they're hosting the wedding), and his own parents and best man. He may say a few words about his beautiful new wife, and then – traditionally – finishes with a toast to the bridesmaids, although this is becoming less common and an alternative toast may be preferred.
If the bride is going to give a speech, or to join the groom in a joint speech the bride should: Thank her guests for coming. Thank her parents, especially if they are paying for the wedding. Compliment her partner and tell a romantic/funny anecdote about them.
The best man might outrank the other groomsmen in the wedding party hierarchy. But he usually doesn't pay more than the other groomsmen. Instead, the best man splits bachelor party expenses with the other groomsmen. Your group might decide to split everything evenly.
The Traditional Wedding Toasts
Traditionally the father of the bride speech includes a toast to the happy couple. The groom responds on behalf of his wife and toasts the bridesmaids. The best man replies on behalf of the bridesmaids and toasts the happy couple.
Tell your story. Don't get bogged down with etiquette guides and feel you have to be overly formal. Yes, thank the important people but it's fine to start your speech with a 'Well hello everyone' rather than addressing your guests as 'ladies and gentleman' (chances are they're not!).
Groom. Traditionally, he walks down the aisle solo but some grooms prefer walking down the aisle escorted by both parents. Other grooms prefer a more subtle approach by entering the ceremony from the side of the venue (following the officiant and followed by the groomsmen) to take his place at the altar.
Females, if not considered equals, were sometimes considered possessions or lesser beings to males. Many religious wedding sacraments and ceremonies will have the groom saying his vows first. In today's world, this order could be interpreted as a male superiority statement.
Thank the father of the bride and introduce yourself. Thank guests again for coming briefly. Talk about the groom and share anecdotes and memories. Talk about his partner, meeting them for the first time and how happy your son is.
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, most couples would be have a long table facing guests, with the following seating arrangement (facing the table from left to right): chief bridesmaid, the father of the groom, the mother of the bride, the groom, the bride, father of the bride, mother of the groom and the best man," says Emma Murray- ...
What should the groom say in his speech? Well, below is a list to guide you on giving a great groom speech. Mention and appreciate every person and guest present for being part of the wedding. Also, thank them for their presence as they witness your big day with you.
Traditionally, the groom will give a speech at the wedding reception, following the ceremony. You can do whatever works for you, but the traditional order for speeches is for the father of the bride to speak, then the groom, best man and any other toasts.
Keep it Short
The ideal length for a speech is three to five minutes, with five minutes being the absolute maximum you should speak for. That's it.
Think about timing. A speech around the 7 – 10 minutes mark is considered the perfect amount of time for a groom's speech (written down that's about 1200 – 1400 words). Any less and you'll sound a bit flippant. Any more and guests will start getting bored.
To my new bride—I love you. You're beautiful, smart, and loving. And even though I've known you for years, there's never a day where you don't excite me or surprise me. You've transformed my life in ways you may never understand.
On top of all this, you'll also be tasked with presenting a mother of the groom speech. In honor of your son's special day, you'll have the honor of toasting to your son and new son-in-law or daughter-in-law as they embark on this new chapter together as newlyweds.
The best man should expect to spend about $120 on a wedding gift, and potentially more if he's attending the wedding with a plus-one. Traditionally, the best man purchases a gift from the couple's wedding registry or gives cash.
Stay Over with the Groom
Traditionally, the best man may stays with the groom the night before the wedding.
However, many couples also choose to have the groom escorted down the aisle with both of his parents, who then sit on the right side of the aisle in the front row. Best man: The best man then either walks in from the same side that the groom came from, or walks down the aisle alone.