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Speech order and suggested content of speeches, traditional weddings.
Until recently there were traditionally only 3 speakers in this order, the Father of the Bride or whoever was taking his place, the Groom and the Best man. Nowadays it has become more common for other people to speak, especially the Father of the Groom and the Bride herself.
Your reception premises may have their own order, but if not I would recommend the order as;
Father of the Bride or whoever is taking his place
Father of the Groom
Groom
Bride
Best man
Below is some suggested content for the individual speeches.
Father of the Bride speech, contents and etiquette
Basically to welcome the relatives and friends of both families.
To welcome or greet the Groom's parents.
To praise the Bride's appearance and relate about her family life.
To welcome the Groom into the family.
To give words of wisdom and good wishes to the couple.
To thank Caterers, Clergy and anyone who has especially helped with the Wedding and Reception.
To propose a toast to the Bride and Groom.
If no Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies to introduce the next speaker.
Father of the Groom speech contents
To greet the guests.
To thank the Bride’s parents if they have paid for and are hosting the wedding.
To praise the Bride's appearance and welcome her into the family.
To speak a little about the Groom.
To give words of wisdom and good wishes to the couple.
To propose his toast to the Bride and Groom or to the Bride’s parents.
If no Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies to introduce the next speaker.
Groom's speech, contents and etiquette
Basically, this speech is to greet the relatives and friends of both families.
To thank the Bride's parents for allowing him to take their daughters hand in marriage.
To give a thank you to his own parents, for all the happy years together.
To give thanks to the hosts and anybody who has contributed to the Wedding and Reception.
To say some nice words about the Bride.
To thank and propose a toast to the Bridesmaids.
To thank the Flower girls, Page boys and ring bearers.
To thank the Best man and possibly relate about him.
To thank the Ushers or Groomsmen.
To thank everybody for the kind wishes, cards and lovely presents.
If no Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies to introduce the next speaker.
Bride’s Speech contents
To thank the Groom’s parents for welcoming you into their family.
To thank your own parents for their love and support etc.
To speak about and thank her attendants.
To speak about her Groom.
If no Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies to introduce the next speaker.
Best Man's speech, contents and etiquette
Basically to compliment the Bride and Groom and give good wishes for their future together.
To thank the Groom for asking you to be Best man.
To relate funny stories about the Groom, nothing too rude and no mention of previous lady friends.
To say a few nice things about the Bride.
To respond on behalf of the Bride's attendants, Bridesmaids etc.
[You can either thank the Groom on their behalf for his kind words and toast; which is ok if he does them.
Or as you are following him, you could play safe by thanking the Bride on behalf of the Bridesmaids, for the great honour of being asked to accompany her today]
To thank the Hosts on behalf of the Guests. [The people named on the invitation]
To read out a FEW cards, probably from absent relatives or close friends.
You could follow up with a few bogus e-
If you wish you can add your toast to the Bride and Groom.
Finally, if there is no Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies, to introduce the next
item. May be the cutting of the cake, but pre-
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