Wedding Speeches
Speeches are an integral part of wedding reception formalities. When done right, speeches can be a real highlight. When done badly they can be a real lowlight. Following are some tips to help make the speeches memorable for all the right reasons.
Who Should Give a Speech?
The traditional approach is for the father of the bride, the groom and the best man to make speeches. It is, however, becoming increasing common for the maid of honour and the bride to say a few words. More often than not the father of the groom will also make a speech on behalf of the grooms family.
The Order of Speeches
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the order of speeches. The following order, however, is generally accepted as the most appropriate. The traditional speech givers are in italics:
Father of the bride
Father of the groom
Maid of honour
Best man
Groom
Bride
Some would argue the Best Man should speak after the groom. The groom may choose to give his speech with his bride at his side or the bride and groom may jointly speak.
Traditionally telegrams (emails) are read by either a groomsman or bridesmaid or combination thereof. This usually takes place after the speeches. Less and less weddings include telegrams/emails.
When Should the Speeches Take Place?
Typically the speeches will be given after main course has been served and cleared. At most evening receptions that will be at around 8.30 pm. Some couples prefer to split the speeches which is a good idea if there will be a lot of speech givers or the speeches are going to be lengthy. In which case the first lot of speeches are usually after entree has been served and cleared with the second instalment after mains. It is not recommended to conduct the speeches as food is being served, consumed or cleared.
The Role of the Speech Givers
Master of Ceremonies
The master of ceremonies (MC) introduces each person and usually starts proceedings by toasting absent friends. The MC usually does not make a speech but it is acceptable for him/her to say a few words if they are close to the newlyweds.
Father of the bride (or family representative)
Thanks the guests for coming and those who have contributed financially to the wedding. Most importantly he compliments and praises the bride and welcomes her husband into the family. The father of the bride should finally toast the bride and groom.
Father of the groom (or family representative)
Thanks the father of the bride for hosting the wedding, praises his son and welcomes the bride to the family.
Maid of Honour
Praises the bride and compliments the groomsmen. The maid of honour can also toast the groomsmen. Usually it is the best man who proposes a toast to the bride and groom but this can also be done by the maid of honour.
Best man
Speaks about the groom and how well matched the newlweds are. Also compliments the bridesmaids and toasts them. He should finish by toasting the bride and groom.
Groom
Thanks the father of the bride for his toast, thanks the guests for their gifts and best wishes and thanks both sets of parents for their support. He should also thank his best man, the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. Last but by no means least he compliments his bride and toasts her.
Bride
Thanks the guests for coming, thanks her parents and the bridesmaids. She should also mention those special people who have helped her in the lead up to the wedding the wedding. She should finish her speech by complimenting the groom.
Tips for Making a Good Speech
* keep it brief and to the point;
* use notes unless you are an excellent off the cuff speaker;
* speak clearly and don't rush;
* establish eye contact with the guests – don't look down;
* don't try and be funny for the sake of being funny and avoid lude or crude jokes;
* pause at the appropriate time for anticipated applause or laughs;
* don't fidget or gesticulate overly;
* don’t put your hands in your pockets; and
* be yourself, allow your own personality to shine through
Earl Cole
Singer, entertainer, DJ & MC
www.perthweddingsinger.com.au
www.earlcolemusic.com
Who Should Give a Speech?
The traditional approach is for the father of the bride, the groom and the best man to make speeches. It is, however, becoming increasing common for the maid of honour and the bride to say a few words. More often than not the father of the groom will also make a speech on behalf of the grooms family.
The Order of Speeches
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to the order of speeches. The following order, however, is generally accepted as the most appropriate. The traditional speech givers are in italics:
Father of the bride
Father of the groom
Maid of honour
Best man
Groom
Bride
Some would argue the Best Man should speak after the groom. The groom may choose to give his speech with his bride at his side or the bride and groom may jointly speak.
Traditionally telegrams (emails) are read by either a groomsman or bridesmaid or combination thereof. This usually takes place after the speeches. Less and less weddings include telegrams/emails.
When Should the Speeches Take Place?
Typically the speeches will be given after main course has been served and cleared. At most evening receptions that will be at around 8.30 pm. Some couples prefer to split the speeches which is a good idea if there will be a lot of speech givers or the speeches are going to be lengthy. In which case the first lot of speeches are usually after entree has been served and cleared with the second instalment after mains. It is not recommended to conduct the speeches as food is being served, consumed or cleared.
The Role of the Speech Givers
Master of Ceremonies
The master of ceremonies (MC) introduces each person and usually starts proceedings by toasting absent friends. The MC usually does not make a speech but it is acceptable for him/her to say a few words if they are close to the newlyweds.
Father of the bride (or family representative)
Thanks the guests for coming and those who have contributed financially to the wedding. Most importantly he compliments and praises the bride and welcomes her husband into the family. The father of the bride should finally toast the bride and groom.
Father of the groom (or family representative)
Thanks the father of the bride for hosting the wedding, praises his son and welcomes the bride to the family.
Maid of Honour
Praises the bride and compliments the groomsmen. The maid of honour can also toast the groomsmen. Usually it is the best man who proposes a toast to the bride and groom but this can also be done by the maid of honour.
Best man
Speaks about the groom and how well matched the newlweds are. Also compliments the bridesmaids and toasts them. He should finish by toasting the bride and groom.
Groom
Thanks the father of the bride for his toast, thanks the guests for their gifts and best wishes and thanks both sets of parents for their support. He should also thank his best man, the groomsmen and the bridesmaids. Last but by no means least he compliments his bride and toasts her.
Bride
Thanks the guests for coming, thanks her parents and the bridesmaids. She should also mention those special people who have helped her in the lead up to the wedding the wedding. She should finish her speech by complimenting the groom.
Tips for Making a Good Speech
* keep it brief and to the point;
* use notes unless you are an excellent off the cuff speaker;
* speak clearly and don't rush;
* establish eye contact with the guests – don't look down;
* don't try and be funny for the sake of being funny and avoid lude or crude jokes;
* pause at the appropriate time for anticipated applause or laughs;
* don't fidget or gesticulate overly;
* don’t put your hands in your pockets; and
* be yourself, allow your own personality to shine through
Earl Cole
Singer, entertainer, DJ & MC
www.perthweddingsinger.com.au
www.earlcolemusic.com
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