The Bride's Toast: A Wedding Tradition Reimagined

While it is not traditional for brides to give a speech at their wedding, some brides may feel inspired to grab the mic and give a shout-out to their nearest and dearest. The first step when it comes to writing a killer bride speech is to thank your favourite people. The room is filled with loved ones who have put in the time, money, and effort to support you on your special day, so the first words you say should be a big, heartfelt thank you.

The bride's speech should also include shout-outs to VIPs such as parents, in-laws, and grandparents, who have been there for every milestone. The bride can also share a story about their spouse, shedding light on their relationship and reminding everyone why they have gathered to celebrate their otherworldly love.

The bride's toast should end with hopeful wishes for a happy future. This can include personal advice or quotes from literature, songs, or historical figures.

The bride can thank her guests for their attendance and support

The bride's speech is not a traditional part of the wedding reception, but if she wishes to give one, it can be a wonderful way to thank her guests for their attendance and support. Here are some tips and examples to help the bride craft a meaningful and memorable speech:

Tips for the Bride's Speech

• Keep it short and sweet: A bride's speech should ideally be between two to five minutes long. This will help to maintain the attention of the guests, especially if there are multiple speakers.
• Thank your guests: Begin the speech by expressing gratitude towards the guests for their presence, love, and support.
• Shout-out to VIPs: Give special thanks to the parents, in-laws, and grandparents, who have been a constant source of support throughout the wedding planning journey and life in general.
• Share a story about your spouse: Shed light on your relationship with your partner by sharing a sweet, funny, or heartfelt anecdote. It could be a moment from your early dates or something that exemplifies their beloved qualities.
• Connect the story to your wedding day: Tie the story back to the present day and your wedding. For example, "They've kept me smiling from the day I met them to walking down the aisle today."
• Raise a toast to love: Invite everyone to raise their glasses and celebrate not just the love between you and your spouse but also the love between friends and family, both new and old.

Examples of the Bride's Speech

Classic Bride Speech Example

> Good evening everyone and welcome! My new spouse and I would like to thank you all for being here today to make our day extra special. We'd especially like to thank both of our parents for their consistent support, generosity, and love, not only leading up to this day but throughout our entire lives.

>

> Northern Michigan is a special place for Charli and me. From first dates spent on the lake to family gatherings every 4th of July weekend, this very location has been the backdrop to our love story. And so it only made sense for us to get married in the same place where it all began. It brings us so much happiness and gratitude to know that the first page of this new chapter as a married couple is being written at my parent's lake house and with all of the most important people in our lives.

>

> Here's a toast to everyone here who has been there for us in the past, who is here for us today, and who we know will continue contributing to our love story through each new passing year of our marriage. We love you all. Cheers!

Funny Bride Speech Example

> Just in case you didn't get the picture with the approximately 8,000 hugs I've already given out today, I'd like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart again for coming to our wedding. I'd like to give some special shout-outs to my parents and my new in-laws for always being there for us, now and throughout our lives, including fielding absurd questions such as, "but what if everyone gets lost on their way to our very-clearly-marked-on-Google-Maps ceremony venue?" with the utmost grace and patience.

>

> I'm not sure how many of you know this story, but on Jared and I's second date, we went ice skating. At some point during our laps around the rink, his belt fell off because of a broken buckle—we didn't notice it until a gentleman came up behind us and handed it back to him by saying, "Sir, your belt." The deadpan delivery had us both in fits of laughter—and the broken belt ended up being a fun way for me to get pulled around the rink, no longer relying on my sub-par skating skills.

>

> Today, I look back on that moment as a metaphor for how he has since "skated" through life with me with humor, spontaneity, and shared joy. And also, a preview into a long legacy of loveable, questionable wardrobe choices that make him who he is. So, if you see me getting twirled around the dance floor with a stray belt tonight, just go with it—it's part of our relationship lore.

>

> Cheers to our love and the love that surrounds us—we're so happy you're here.

Short Bride Speech Examples

> Example 1: I'd just like to say thank you all for coming today, especially to my parents and grandparents, who have been there for every milestone—big and small.

>

> I'd also like to draw your attention to the cannoli table getting set up. It's filled with pastries from our favorite North End Italian bakery. We hope they'll be a sweet way to end your evening, as it was for us during our dating days.

>

> Cheers to how sweet love is!

> Example 2: Everyone, thank you so much for coming together with us to celebrate. I'd love to give a special thanks to my brother, who, despite a twice-delayed flight from the other side of the country, made it here today.

>

> As some of you know, we got engaged on the beach below, and I remember how windy that afternoon was. Though it didn't do wonders for our hair, those powerful gusts made us feel so present and in the moment and later became a symbol of our steady love for each other. So, since tonight is also an especially windy evening, I hope you can reframe the less-than-ideal weather to mean that love is all around you.

>

> Cheers to you all, we love you so much.

She can give a shout-out to her VIPs, such as parents, in-laws and grandparents

While it is not traditional for brides to give a speech at their wedding, it is becoming more common. If you are a bride who wants to give a shout-out to your VIPs, such as parents, in-laws, and grandparents, here are some tips to help you craft a meaningful wedding speech:

Thank Your Guests

The first step is to thank your favourite people! Thank your guests for putting in the time, money, and effort to support you on your special day.

Shout-Out Your VIPs

Your guests of honour deserve extra gratitude. Mention specific moments of support or keep it general. For example, you can thank your parents and in-laws for "always being there for us, now and throughout our lives, including fielding absurd questions with the utmost grace and patience".

Share a Story About Your Spouse

Share a sweet, heartfelt, or funny story about your spouse that highlights their love, achievements, good qualities, and your journey together. For instance, you can talk about a moment from the early stages of dating that turned into an inside joke.

Connect the Story to Your Wedding Day

Tie the central theme of the story you choose to the present day to show how far you've come as a couple. You can simply say something like, "they've kept me smiling from the day I met them all the way to walking down the aisle today".

Raise Your Glass and Toast to Love

Ask everyone to raise their glasses and toast to love. This will not only cover you and your spouse but also nod to the richness of the sentiment of love between friends and family, both new and old.

Tips

• Keep your speech short and sweet. The ideal length of a wedding toast is two to five minutes.
• Make it personal to the couple. Keep your remarks about the couple directed towards them.
• Avoid inside jokes or stories that only a few people will understand.
• Don't go too hard on the jokes. While it's good to incorporate humour, don't feel pressured to make your speech a comedy act.
• Write your speech in advance. Set aside some time to write your speech at least a week before the wedding to avoid unnecessary stress.

The bride can share a story about her spouse, reminding everyone why they are gathered to celebrate

A bride's speech is not traditional or required, but if a bride wants to give a toast, she can. The bride's toast is an opportunity to share a story about her spouse and remind everyone why they are gathered to celebrate. Here are some tips and examples to help craft a meaningful and memorable bride's toast:

Structure of the Toast

The toast can be structured as follows:

• Thank Your Guests: Begin by thanking your guests for their love, support, and presence on your special day.
• Shout-Out Your VIPs: Express extra gratitude to your parents, in-laws, and grandparents, who have been by your side through thick and thin.
• Share a Story About Your Spouse: Shed light on your relationship with your spouse. Share a sweet, funny, or heartfelt anecdote that showcases their qualities and the love between you.
• Connect the Story to Your Wedding Day: Tie the story to the present and show how your relationship has evolved.
• Raise a Toast to Love: Invite everyone to raise their glasses and celebrate not just your love but also the love between friends and family gathered to honour you.

Examples of a Bride's Toast

Classic Bride Wedding Speech Example

"Good evening everyone and welcome! My new spouse and I would like to thank you all for being here today to make our day extra special. We'd especially like to thank both of our parents for their consistent support, generosity, and love, not only leading up to this day but throughout our entire lives.

Northern Michigan is a special place for Charli and me. From first dates spent on the lake to family gatherings every 4th of July weekend, this very location has been the backdrop to our love story. And so it only made sense for us to get married in the same place where it all began. It brings us so much happiness and gratitude to know that the first page of this new chapter as a married couple is being written at my parent's lake house and with all of the most important people in our lives.

Here's a toast to everyone here who has been there for us in the past, who is here for us today, and who we know will continue contributing to our love story through each new passing year of our marriage. We love you all. Cheers!"

Funny Bride Wedding Speech Example

"Just in case you didn't get the picture with the approximately 8,000 hugs I've already given out today, I'd like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart again for coming to our wedding. I'd like to give some special shout-outs to my parents and my new in-laws for always being there for us, now and throughout our lives, including fielding absurd questions such as: 'but what if everyone gets lost on their way to our very-clearly-marked-on-Google-Maps ceremony venue?' with the utmost grace and patience.

I'm not sure how many of you know this story, but on Jared and I's second date, we went ice skating. At some point during our laps around the rink, his belt fell off because of a broken buckle—we didn't notice it until a gentleman came up behind us and handed it back to him by saying, 'Sir, your belt.' The deadpan delivery has us both in fits of laughter—and the broken belt ended up being a fun way for me to get pulled around the rink, no longer relying on my sub-par skating skills.

Today, I look back on that moment as a metaphor for how he has since 'skated' through life with me with humor, spontaneity, and shared joy. And also a preview into a long legacy of loveable, questionable wardrobe choices that make him who he is. So, if you see me getting twirled around the dance floor with a stray belt tonight, just go with it—it's part of our relationship lore.

Cheers to our love and the love that surrounds us—we're so happy you're here."

Short Bride Wedding Speech Examples

"Example 1: I'd just like to say thank you all for coming today, especially to my parents and grandparents, who have been there for every milestone—big and small.

I'd also like to draw your attention to the cannoli table getting set up as we speak—it's filled with pastries from our favorite North End Italian bakery that's open until midnight (and we snacked on their cannolis at least once a week when we lived in the neighborhood). We hope they'll be a sweet way to end your evening tonight as it was for us during our dating days.

With that, cheers to how sweet love is."

"Example 2: Everyone, thank you so much for coming together with us to celebrate. I'd love to give a special thanks to my brother, who, despite a twice-delayed flight from the other side of the country, made it here today.

As some of you know, we got engaged on the beach below—and I remember how windy that afternoon was. And though it didn't do wonders for our hair, those powerful gusts made us feel so present and in the moment; and later became a symbol of our steady love for each other. So, since tonight is also an especially windy evening, I hope you can reframe the less-than-ideal weather to mean that love is all around you.

Cheers to you all, we love you so much."

Tips for the Bride's Toast

• Keep it short and sweet—aim for 2 to 5 minutes.
• Make it personal and heartfelt—share anecdotes and stories that showcase your relationship.
• Avoid inside jokes or stories that only a few will understand.
• Refrain from criticising or warning your spouse—keep the focus on the positive aspects of your relationship.
• Practice your speech in advance to build confidence and ensure a smooth delivery.

She can connect the story to the wedding day, showing how far the couple has come

While it is not customary for the bride to give a wedding toast, there is no reason why she shouldn't be able to. In fact, it could be a wonderful opportunity for her to share her personal stories and anecdotes, as well as express her admiration and well wishes for the couple's future together. If the bride decides to give a toast, she can make it extra special by connecting her story to the wedding day and showing how far the couple has come. Here are some ideas to help guide her:

Their Love Story

The bride can take the guests back to the beginning of their love story and share how they first met. She can talk about the circumstances that brought them together, whether it was a chance encounter, a blind date, or being set up by mutual friends. She can also share any funny or heartwarming stories from their early days of dating, such as a grand romantic gesture or a sweet gesture that won her heart.

Their Journey Together

The bride can highlight the key moments and milestones in their relationship, such as their first date, first kiss, or the moment they knew they were meant to be together. She can share the challenges they have overcome together and how they have grown and strengthened their bond over the years. The bride can also talk about any long-distance periods they endured and how they kept their love alive despite the distance.

Their Engagement

The bride can recount the proposal story, including any romantic, funny, or unexpected details. She can share how she felt when her partner popped the question and how their lives changed in that moment. If the proposal involved a special location or a meaningful object, the bride can incorporate those elements into her toast to make it more engaging and visually appealing.

Their Future Together

The bride can express her hopes and dreams for their future as a married couple. She can talk about their plans for building a life together, starting a family, or any adventures they hope to embark on. The bride can also share how their love has grown and deepened over the years and how she knows that their marriage will be strong because of the foundation they have built.

Their Special Connection

The bride can talk about the unique aspects of their relationship that make it so special. She can share inside jokes, cute nicknames, or shared hobbies and interests that bring them closer together. The bride can also talk about how their relationship has evolved and how they have supported and lifted each other up through life's challenges.

Their Wedding Day

Finally, the bride can connect her story to the wedding day itself. She can talk about the significance of the venue, any special themes or decorations, and how they represent their relationship. She can share how she feels standing there as a bride, marrying the love of her life, and how this day is the culmination of their love story.

Remember, the key to a great wedding toast is to be sincere, concise, and heartfelt. The bride should focus on the couple's journey and connection, offering a mix of humor and emotion. Most importantly, she should speak from the heart and let her love for her partner shine through.

The bride can offer hopeful wishes for the couple's future

A wedding toast is a few words of wishes or blessings for the newlywed couple. The bride's toast is a wonderful opportunity to offer hopeful wishes for the couple's future. Here are some ideas for what the bride could say:

Formal Wishes

"May your special union bring unbelievable joy to your life."

"May the years ahead be filled with lasting love and happiness."

"May today be the beginning of a new tomorrow that you will cherish forever."

"May your love burn brighter every day as you grow in love."

"Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness."

"Always remember this special day and why you’re saying, 'I do.'"

"Wishing you joy, love, and happiness on your wedding day and as you begin your new life together."

"Together, may you experience joy beyond your imagination."

"May this day mark the beginning of a lifetime together."

"Wishing you both a happy and prosperous future."

"As you grow older together, may your love for one another grow stronger."

"Congratulations on your marriage and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling future."

"Congratulations on your marriage. May it be fulfilling and everlasting."

"Wishing you a beautiful wedding day and an enduring love."

"With every hug and kiss, may your bond grow stronger."

"Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your special day and witness your undying love."

"Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness together."

"Cheers to the happy couple. Congratulations!"

"May your love continue to thrive to infinity and beyond."

"Wishing you nothing but endless love."

"It’s a joy to watch your love blossom. Here’s to you!"

"There’s nothing like the celebration of true love!"

"Today is the beginning of forever. Happy wedding day!"

"May today be the start of a love that will never end."

"Blessings on your nuptials."

"Here’s to a joyous life together as you embark upon this love-filled journey."

"May the two of you continue to love unconditionally. Congratulations!"

"Wishing you love, joy, and happiness today and always!"

"Keep love in your heart, and every day will feel like today. Happy wedding day!"

"Today is just the beginning of a lifetime of fun, love-filled adventures. Cheers!"

"So honored to witness your special day. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it."

"Your love is so bright that it radiates the room. Congratulations!"

"May your years ahead be filled with nothing but hugs and kisses."

Casual Wishes

"Wishing you lots of love and a lifetime of happiness."

"Lots of love today and beyond."

"Here's a little something to start your life together."

"Wishing you a long and happy marriage."

"So happy to celebrate this special day with you both!"

"Let the adventure begin!"

"Wishing you the best—today and always."

"So happy to celebrate this special day with you both!"

"Wishing you a wonderful life together."

Funny Wishes

"Congratulations! You’re finally getting hitched!"

"Thanks for inviting me to the best party ever! Oops, I meant your wedding. Congratulations!"

"Remember, in order to have a successful marriage, you must fall in love many times and always with the same person."

"Enjoy your special day because tomorrow the real hard work starts!"

"Your free booze was greatly appreciated. Wishing you a lifetime of wedded bliss!"

"Here’s the secret to a successful marriage…oh wait, no one has figured that out yet. Good luck!"

"Congratulations on signing away your freedom and privacy!"

"Never forget that this might be the happiest day of your life. It’s all downhill from here! Best wishes."

"Best of luck to your new spouse. They don’t know what they’re getting into. Thankfully, they love you unconditionally!"

"Now you’ll both have someone to laugh at your corny jokes!"

"It’s good that you two found each other. You’re practically the same person in different bodies!"

"Eat, drink, and be married!"

"Congratulations! Here’s a piece of advice: don’t build furniture together if you want it to last!"

"You two have just started your lives together, but you’re already starting to look alike!"

"Marriage is a bond between a person who never remembers anniversaries and another who never forgets them."

"Don't mess this up! But in case you do, just know that you can keep my gift... Congrats!"

"Congratulations on your wedding, may you always be able to put up with each other!"

"It's a true blessing to know that, for the rest of your life, there's only one special person you want to annoy. Congratulations!"

"Marriage: Where 'Yes Dear' are the magic words."

"Getting married is like being in drama school. You get to practice everything from comedy to melodrama to tragedy. Congratulations."

"Congratulations and best of luck on continuing to ignore the little annoying things."

"And now you two have officially become one: one bed, one remote, one bathroom!"

"Congratulations! Thanks for officially taking [insert name] off my hands."

"I just have one thing to say: finally!"

Inspirational Wishes

"Your love inspires me—here's to my favorite couple."

"You've come so far, and your future together is so bright. Happy wedding day."

"Talk about the wedding of the century! Same time next year for your anniversary?"

"I can't wait to see how the rest of your love story unfolds."

"Power couple alert! Congratulations!"

"May every day together see your love grow deeper."

"Today is just the beginning, it gets even better."

"Thanks for giving me an example of what true love is."

"You shine so bright together."

"Beyoncé and Jay-Z have nothing on you two."

"Your love is truly one for the ages."

"The joy you give each other is so clear to see. We love you!"

Religious Wishes

"May your marriage be blessed!"

"Wishing you a marriage as strong as your faith."

"Sending you prayers for unending love and happiness."

"Love is the greatest blessing."

"God bless you both on this day with a lifetime of shared love and joy."

The bride's toast is a chance to offer sincere and heartfelt wishes for the couple's future. It's an honour to be asked to give a wedding

Frequently asked questions