Wedding speeches help and advice from the Butler Bureau

As in most things these days the custom for wedding day speeches remains but has been expanded upon to include, for example, a speech from the Bride as well as the Grooms Speech.

In the interest of sexual equality the Mother of the Bride and the Maid of Honour can also contribute. But don’t overdo it - “The female of the speech is more deadly than the meal!”

The most anticipated, and dreaded (!), of course remains the Best Man’s Speech.

It’s important though to bear in mind the mind numbing effect on your guests that a succession of interminably dull wedding orations can have.

Here is the traditional order and form that wedding speeches should take:
The first speech is that of the Father of the Bride although this can also be given by a carefully chosen friend or relative of the Bride’s family. This culminates with the first toast which is to the future health and happiness of the Bride and Groom.

Here is the traditional order and form that wedding speeches should take:
The first speech is that of the Father of the Bride although this can also be given by a carefully chosen friend or relative of the Bride’s family. This culminates with the first toast which is to the future health and happiness of the Bride and Groom.

The reply to this comes in the form of the Bridegroom’s Speech which ends with his proposing a toast to the bridesmaids.

The Best Man then replies on behalf of the Bridesmaids usually with some humorous anecdotes - the laughs coming, traditionally, at the Bride and Groom’s expense.

The best man would then, also traditionally, read out the congratulatory telegrams (remember those?) from distant relatives and friends who could not attend the wedding however this is seen less and less these days (thankfully).

Remember! Don’t try and ‘ad-lib’ your speech - the best speakers in the world plan and write their ‘script’ - try it out on friends and respect their feedback. Even when it’s going so well you feel the need to ‘extemporise’ DON’T!

PS: Stay sober until your speech is over!

More info and help on:

Best Man’s Speech

Groom’s Speech

Bride’s Speech

Father of the Bride Speech

Maid of Honour Speech

Mother of the Bride Speech

More wedding info pages