Wedding Speeches and Wedding Toasts

These should be well prepared and rehearsed; they should include positive sentiments with a touch of humor. Try to keep the speech and toast brief no more that five minutes long, this might not sound a long time, but by the time all the speakers have had their turn it could quite easily end up being half an hour of talking.

A well delivered speech will bring fun and laughter to the celebrations. Guests do enjoy hearing how the newlyweds first met. The type, number and order you have will depend on the type of wedding you have and your family circumstances. They are usually given at the end of the meal while the tea and coffee are being served although there is no rule saying that you can’t have them before the meal.

The first speech is made by the bride’s father or a family friend and proposes a toast to the bride and groom. The groom then replies and thanks the bride’s parents for the wedding and for their daughter. The groom may also wish to thank his parents and anyone else who has contributed to the day. He then proposes a toast to the bridesmaids/matron of honor. The best man makes a reply on the behalf of the bridesmaids/matron of honor.

Traditionally the bride does not give a speech, however it is becoming quite common for the bride to say a few words. The ideal place for the bride to speak is straight after her husband has responded to the toast to them (but if he is making a toast to the bridesmaids/matron of honor it could be difficult). The bride may like to make the last speech, after the best man’s reply. Three or four sentences are quite enough and don’t worry if you make a few mistakes or cry a little; everyone will understand that you may be nervous.

The following is a list of possible toasts and speeches.

The Loyal Toast

This is the first toast of a very formal reception, it can be proposed by the MC, chairman, celebrant, bride’s father or groom’s father. The toast is to the Queen and or country or several countries if the bride and groom are of different nationalities.

Toast to the bride and groom

This is usually given by a close relative or friend of the bride and groom. The person who proposed the toast also gives a short speech beforehand.

Response by the groom (and bride)

The groom traditionally acknowledges the toast and thanks both sets of parents, members of the wedding party and the guests for attending and for their gifts. He may like to talk about how the two of them met. The groom then thanks the bridesmaids/matron of honor and proposes a toast.

Response by the best man

The best man thanks the groom on behalf of the bridesmaids/matron of honor, congratulates the bride and groom and thanks anyone connected with the wedding who has given him help. He may also say something about the bride and groom.

Toasts to parents

The parents will often choose a relative or close friend to propose this toast. The toast is first given to the bride’s parents with the bride’s father responding. The bride’s father welcomes the guests and thanks them for attending. He offers his congratulations to the bride and groom and welcomes the groom into the family. If he chooses he may also like to tell a short story about the bride. He will then propose a toast to the groom’s parents with the groom’s father responding. If the father of the bride or groom is absent a close family member can say the toasts in his place.

Reading messages

The MC or best man reads out the messages of congratulations for people who are not able to attend the wedding. The messages should be sorted out before reading (removing any message that may be in bad taste). If there are a lot of messages you may like to read out the names of the senders only.

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Speech Writing for Weddings
Giving a wedding speech and toast can be nerve-wracking and one that most people dread. Keep in mind the people that you will be speaking to will be family and friends and not strangers, they will want to hear what you have to say.

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