Understanding the traditional wedding speech order is crucial for a smooth reception. Whether you’re planning a modern celebration or a traditional ceremony, this comprehensive guide will help you coordinate the perfect sequence of toasts and speeches. Need help writing your speech? Try our AI Speech Generator to create the perfect wedding toast in minutes.
Traditional Wedding Speech Order Timeline
Welcomes guests & opens the speeches
Thanks parents & toasts bridesmaids
Responds on behalf of bridesmaids
Optional speeches from other wedding party members
Modern Wedding Speech Order Options
Option 1: Chronological Order
- ✓ Parents welcome speeches
- ✓ Wedding party toasts
- ✓ Couple’s thank you speech
Option 2: Emotional Flow
- ✓ Best friend speeches first
- ✓ Family speeches
- ✓ Couple’s closing remarks
Speech Timing Guidelines
6-8 minutes
8-10 minutes
5-7 minutes
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who traditionally makes speeches at a wedding?
The traditional order often goes like this: firstly, the bride’s father gives his speech, he usually thanks the guests for coming, shares some tender stories about the bride and raises a toast to the couple. Then the groom gives his speech, he will thank the parents, toast the bridesmaids, and declare his love for his bride. The best man’s speech is intended to be light-hearted and funny. The best man jokes about the groom but also gets serious as he talks about his friendship with him. Sometimes, the maid of honour, bride, and even the guests may also give speeches.
Who gives speeches at weddings in what order?
As for the traditional order of wedding speeches, it’s usually as follows: The father of the bride speaks first, followed by the groom and then the best man. If the bride wants to give a speech, she can do it after the groom. Then other toasts could be made by the maid of honour or any other guests who have been pre-arranged. However, modern weddings are becoming more relaxed and it’s not unusual for this order to be switched up or for additional people to give speeches.
Do the groom’s parents make a speech?
While it’s traditional for the father of the bride to make a speech, the groom’s parents can certainly make a speech too, if they want to. It’s a great opportunity for them to welcome their new daughter-in-law into the family and to express their pride in their son. However, it’s not a must. It all depends on personal preferences and wedding traditions.
Should the bride make a speech at the wedding?
Of course, if the bride wishes to make a speech, she certainly should feel free to do so. Today, many brides are choosing to express their feelings and share their joy by delivering a speech at their wedding. The bride can toast her new husband, thank her parents and recognize those who have helped with the wedding planning. However, it’s not obligatory, and the decision relies solely upon the bride’s comfort level and personal choice.
Additional Resources
Essential Speech Writing Guides
- Best Man Speech Guide – Complete guide to delivering a great best man speech
- Maid of Honor Speech Guide – Master the perfect maid of honor speech
- Father of the Bride Speech Guide – Everything you need for a touching father’s speech
- Speech Anxiety Tips – Conquer your nerves before the big day
Professional Resources
- Toastmasters Speaking Tips – Expert advice on public speaking
- The Knot’s Wedding Traditions Guide – Understanding wedding customs and etiquette
- WeddingWire – Comprehensive wedding planning resources
- Hitched – Additional wedding planning and speech guidance
Wedding Planning Tools
- Zola – Wedding planning and registry services
- Joy – All-in-one wedding planning platform
- Aisle Planner – Wedding organization tools
- Bliss & Bone – Wedding website and design resources
💡 Need Help Writing Your Speech?
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