Hi just a quick guidel for those who are worried about speeches at their wedding. It is always a good idea to have someone close to you to be your MC for the evening. They cannot only keep guests entertained and introduce the bridal party but they can act as a time-keeper if they need to be.

The Father of the Bride usually goes first followed by the Groom, The Best Man, The Bride and then the Matron of Honour. Some mothers also like to do a speech.

MC

• Have a run sheet for the night (e.g. times of first dance, meals, speeches), people who are going to speak, the name of the photographer and or caterer.
• Have some quirky intro’s prepared and know the bridal parties names.

The Father of the Bride
The Father of the Bride’s speech is usually an emotional journey of his daughter’s life…. From birth and the memories he (or he and his wife) have of her growing up.

Inclusions:

• Welcome everyone to the wedding, including the Groom’s parents and thank them for coming. Thank your beautiful wife and those who made the day possible.
• Say how beautiful and handsome the bridal party are.
• Tell a lovely story about your daughter growing up.
• Offer some words of advice/wisdom for the newly married couple.
• Propose a toast.

The Groom
This is more of a thank you speech and a speech of praise for the wonderful woman you have married.

Inclusions:

• Thank the Bride’s parents for allowing you to marry their daughter and if they have helped out with the day and don’t forget your own parents.
• Thank those who have travelled.
• Say something nice or tell a nice story about your new wife and your journey together.
• Say something nice about the bridesmaids.
• Thank your groomsmen.

The Best Man
This should be a speech that is short and light hearted. It is usually a speech about mateship.

Inclusions:

• Thank the Groom for asking you to be by his side on the most important day of his life.
• Tell a story about the Groom and or your friendship. Try to tell a story that includes others in the room. Don’t make the story too detailed or graphic.
• If there were people who were unable to attend you may like to include apologies from them in your speech; if you know of any.
• Propose a toast

The Bride
It has become more traditional for the Bride to give a short speech at her wedding.

Inclusions:

• Thank parents.
• Thank partner.
• Tell a story about how you met or a story about travel etc.
• Thank everyone for coming.
• Thank MC.
• Any special moments of the day you would like to share.

The Matron of Honour
This should be a speech that is short and light hearted. It is usually a speech about friendship.

Inclusions:

• Thank the Bride for asking you to be by her side on the most important day of her life.
• Tell a story about the Bride and or your friendship. Try to tell a story that includes others in the room. Don’t make the story too detailed or graphic.
• Talk about the importance of marriage (maybe tell a poem or offer a few words of wisdom).
• Propose a toast.

Speeches should be no more than about 3-5minutes each as you want to maintain guest’s attention.