Wedding speeches |Roles, hints and tips
Traditions at weddings are what you make them. After all it is your day and no one else’s.
Here is an outline of what is considered a modern order of speeches. I’ll outline each one, the role and some tips. Remember though, it is your choice whom you have speak at your wedding.
That is, if you decide on any at all. See Wedding Speeches Should I or Shouldn’t I?
ORDER
- Master of ceremonies
- Father / Mother of the bride
- Father / Mother of the Groom
- Groom
- Bride
- Maid / Matron of honour
- Best Man
WEDDING SPEECH ROLES
THE MASTER OF CEREMONIES (MC)
You’re the ‘MAN’ , male or female, you are it. You’re the one running the show. You’ll be the first to speak and its your job to make sure everyone knows whats going on.
This may even mean liaising with the venue manager and other vendors such as the Photographer. No one likes surprises. Timelines are important. You should have a run sheet provided by the venue to coordinate meals and other moments
Your first job is to introduce yourself and your relationship with the bride and groom. Keep in mind that you want everyone to have an amazing time. Welcome the guests and tell the guests of any health and safety items the venue may have.
You’ll then prepare the guests for the arrival of the bridal party and introduce them as they enter the venue.
Using your run sheet, you will be able to see when speeches begin. Introduce each speaker and thank them for speaking.
You also get the job of announcing the meals, cutting of the cake, first dance, bouquet toss and garter toss.
Your last job is to wrap things up and farewell the newlyweds.
FATHER / MOTHER OF THE BRIDE
Everyone knows daughters are Daddy’s little girls and there is usually not a dry eye in the house. Needless to say, your speech will be many anecdotes about your little girl.
You will be also welcoming your son-in-law into your family (try to be nice). Its important here to acknowledge his family too.
If your partner is not speaking don’t forget you’re saying this on their behalf too.
Your main roles are to thank the guests , especially those that have travelled far. If there has been a financial contribution other than your own this is a good time to thank them.
Finally a toast to the bride and groom.
Of course don’t forget the Dad jokes that we all love.
FATHER / MOTHER OF THE GROOM
You will be welcoming your daughter-in-law into your family . Its important here to acknowledge her family and thank them for speaking.
If your partner is not speaking don’t forget you’re saying this on their behalf too.
Your main role is to praise your son, its that easy. Often you will compliment the bride and groom as a couple and finish with a toast.
THE GROOM
The grooms job is of course, to sing the praises of his new wife (actual singing optional)! It is important to thank all of the appropriate people who have helped bring your day together.
Don’t forget, make sure you thank the previous speakers such as parents. Generally you’ll be a bit nervous about the pending best man speech.
If your wife is not speaking make sure you offer thanks on her behalf too. Make sure you tell an affectionate story of how you met and fell in love. A nice touch is giving your wife her own toast. Be genuine and speak from your heart.
Thank your groomsmen / best man and finally thank and toast the bridesmaids.
THE BRIDE
It is important to thank all of the appropriate people who have helped bring your day together. Lets face it, you may also be doing that as a result of your husband forgetting to. Or you may have your own special thanks to give such as your bridesmaids.
You may have a different version of how you met and fell in love. Be genuine and speak from your heart.
Thank your groomsmen / best man and finally thank and toast the bridesmaids.
MAID / MATRON OF HONOUR
Your role is complimenting and thanking the bride. This is a great opportunity to make them laugh and tell stories about your friendship.
Offer your congratulations and toast the bride and groom.
THE BEST MAN
The best man is the last on the speeches list. Often the most memorable, when done well.
Remember though that you want to be tasteful in your delivery of the war stories about your best friend.
As with any of the speeches make sure you’re genuine and sincere. A balance of sincerity and humour is a winning formula. If you feel that enough thanks hasn’t been giving to previous speakers feel free to give them a mention.
You get the privilege of reading any messages from absent friends. READ THEM FIRST so you’re not left red faced if they are inappropriate for your audience.
Offer your congratulations and toast the bride and groom.
A FINAL WORD
Speeches are often complicated by separation or death and they can heighten people’s emotions. Always do what is right by the bride and groom as it is their day. If there is an elephant in the room, its best to point it out and discussed before the day.