Junior Rasmussen
While there is a traditional order of wedding speeches, there are no set rules and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide who speaks at their wedding. In the past, brides did not usually give a speech, but this is becoming more common, especially at less traditional weddings. Brides may give a speech individually or together with their partner, and it can be an opportunity to thank guests for coming and express appreciation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional wedding speech order | Father of the bride, groom, best man and other toasts |
| Bride's speech | Not mandatory, but it's becoming more common |
| Who can give a speech | Bride, groom, maid of honour, best man, parents, siblings, children, stepchildren, other close loved ones |
| Number of speakers | Ideally no more than four |
| When to give a speech | Before or after the meal at the wedding reception or during the rehearsal dinner |
| Speech content | Words of wisdom, personal experience, warm words, hopes for the future, thank yous, jokes |
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What You'll Learn
Brides are increasingly breaking tradition and giving speeches
Brides are increasingly breaking with tradition and giving speeches at their weddings. While there is a traditional order of wedding speeches, there are no set rules and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide who speaks and when.
In the past, it was uncommon for brides to give speeches, with the typical lineup being the father of the bride, groom, and best man. However, times are changing, and more brides are choosing to address their guests. This shift can be attributed to various factors, including modern couples footing the bill themselves, LGBTQ+ weddings, and a desire to express gratitude and share heartfelt words.
Nowadays, couples have the freedom to follow whatever order they prefer or forgo speeches altogether. This flexibility allows them to tailor the wedding to their unique family dynamics and priorities. For example, some couples may opt to have the groom's parents speak during the rehearsal dinner, while others may include additional speakers such as the mother of the bride, bridesmaids, or the bride herself.
Some brides choose to give a speech to thank their guests, especially if they have contributed financially to the wedding. It is also an opportunity for the bride to share her thoughts and emotions on this special day, making it more memorable for everyone. As one bride commented, "I've paid for everyone to be there. [I can] make them sit through an hour of my interpretive dance if I want to."
While some brides opt for a joint thank-you speech with their partner, others prefer to give individual speeches. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and couples can choose what works best for them. Ultimately, the decision to give a speech or not is a personal choice, and brides should feel empowered to speak if they wish, without feeling pressured to be funny or entertaining.
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There is no set order for wedding speeches
While there is a traditional order of wedding speeches, there are no set rules and you can adjust the order to reflect your family or priorities. The traditional order of wedding speeches is usually father of the bride, groom, best man and other toasts. However, in LGBTQ+ weddings, it is common for both partners to speak, and brides are increasingly choosing to give a speech too.
The traditional order has the bride's parents giving a welcome speech, as they are usually the ones hosting and paying for the wedding. However, nowadays, it is not uncommon for the groom's parents to contribute to the wedding costs, or for the couple to pay for it themselves. In these cases, the couple can decide who speaks first, whether it be the host, the best man, or one or both parents if they choose to stick to tradition.
The wedding speech order can be tailored to the couple's preferences. For example, some couples opt to have the best man speak first, followed by the maid of honour. The couple can also choose to include other people in the wedding speech order, such as siblings of the bride or groom, or other close loved ones.
There is also no requirement for the wedding speeches to be held at the wedding reception. Some couples may choose to have all the speeches at the rehearsal dinner instead, which can make the reception simpler and allow those preparing speeches to relax and enjoy the wedding.
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The bride may give a thank you for coming speech
While there is a traditional order of wedding speeches, there are no set rules and it is ultimately up to the couple to decide who speaks and when. In the past, it was uncommon for the bride to give a speech, but this tradition is being broken more and more.
The bride may choose to give a thank-you-for-coming speech, either individually or together with the groom. This can be a great way to express their appreciation to everyone who showed up to celebrate their big day. It can also be an opportunity to thank the people who contributed financially to the wedding, such as the parents of the bride and groom.
If the bride decides to give a speech, it is important to keep it brief and speak from the heart. There is no need to try to be funny, as the focus should be on expressing gratitude and sharing heartfelt words. The speech can also include a few jokes or light-hearted moments, but it is not necessary to turn it into a stand-up comedy act.
The bride's speech can be given at the wedding reception, either before or after the meal, or at the rehearsal dinner. If there are multiple speakers, it is a good idea to limit the number of speeches to no more than four to ensure the event runs smoothly.
Overall, the decision to give a speech or not is entirely up to the bride and there is no right or wrong answer. The most important thing is to do what feels comfortable and meaningful for the couple.
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The bride can speak about love and family
There are no set rules when it comes to wedding speeches and who delivers them. While traditionally, only the groom, best man, and father of the bride give speeches, many brides nowadays choose to address the guests as well.
If you are a bride who wants to speak at your wedding, you can talk about love and family. You can offer words of wisdom and share your experience on what it takes to build a lasting partnership. You can also give your guests a warm welcome and express your appreciation to everyone who attended your wedding. If you are paying for the wedding, you can also thank your parents and in-laws.
Your speech does not have to be funny, but it should be brief and heartfelt. You can make it as long or as short as you like, depending on your preference. You can also choose to deliver your speech individually or together with your partner.
Remember, it's your wedding, and you can do whatever you want. If you want to give a speech, go for it! Your guests will appreciate hearing from you and will be happy to listen to your heartfelt words.
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The bride's parents traditionally give a welcome speech
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding speeches, certain traditions have emerged over time. One such custom is for the bride's parents to give a welcome speech, particularly if they are the ones hosting and funding the wedding. This tradition stems from the notion that the wedding hosts, be it the bride's or groom's parents, or even the couple themselves, usually kickstart the festivities with a warm greeting.
In the past, the bride's parents often bore the financial burden of weddings, making them the default hosts. However, modern weddings often witness a departure from this norm, with costs shared between the couple, the groom's parents, or a combination of all three. Consequently, the decision to deliver a welcome speech rests with whoever assumes the hosting role.
That said, the bride's parents traditionally speaking at a wedding is more than just a matter of financial contribution. It symbolises the passing of a torch, as they welcome their daughter's new family and bid farewell to the old. This heartfelt moment is a chance for the parents to express their love, pride, and well-wishes for the newlyweds, setting the tone for the celebration ahead.
While this is the traditional approach, modern weddings are increasingly embracing diversity and personalisation. Couples are encouraged to tailor the speech order to their unique family dynamics, priorities, and preferences. Ultimately, the decision to speak or remain silent rests with the bride's parents, influenced by their relationship with the couple and their comfort with public speaking.
If the bride's parents opt to speak, they can incorporate various elements into their welcome speech. This may include a warm greeting to the guests, expressions of gratitude, anecdotes about the couple, and a toast to celebrate the union. It is advisable to keep the speech concise, warm, and witty, setting the right tone for the festivities ahead.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends. While some brides choose to give a speech, others don't. It's ultimately up to the couple to decide who speaks at their wedding.
The traditional order of wedding speeches is father of the bride, groom, best man, and other toasts. However, this isn't mandatory, and couples can adjust the order to reflect their family dynamics and priorities.
Yes, it's becoming common for couples to give speeches at the rehearsal dinner. This can help simplify the wedding reception and allow speakers to relax and enjoy the main event.
