The Etiquette and Tradition
of Speeches

The order of speeches is traditionally as follows:

The father of the bride toasts the bride and groom and then goes on to talk about his daughter. As with all speeches, a mixture of affectionate anecdote and humour generally works well.

The groom replies on behalf of himself and his wife (although more and more brides are making their own speeches these days) and then proposes a toast to the bridesmaids. He then goes on to thank those people involved in helping them in the planning of the wedding and distributes gifts to those who are to receive more than a verbal 'thank you'. The groom then goes on to talk about his new wife.

If the bride is to make a speech it should take place following the groom's. It may seem obvious, but joint speeches should be co-ordinated well beforehand since both will probably wish to say much the same thing.

The best man's speech takes place now. He begins by replying on behalf of the bridesmaids and then reads out telegrams, cards, e-mails or other messages from friends and relatives who couldn't be at the wedding. He will then go on to talk about the groom in what can be the highlight - or in some cases lowlight - of the wedding speeches.

For more on the tricky subject of the best man's speech, click here.

For more on Speeches, click here