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There is a traditional etiquette that is often followed for each wedding speech. Nowadays however the bride, bridesmaid gives a speech. As these are relatively modern developments there isn’t a fixed position or content for these speeches, but they should certainly be given before the best man’s speech. If there is a toastmaster he will introduce each speaker. If there is no toastmaster there are two options: either each person introduces the next person to speak or the best man introduces each speaker. The Bride’s Speech Traditionally women didn’t speak at weddings so it’s an open format. As the bride you will undoubtedly want to thank everyone, especially if someone else has paid for the wedding. You could also talk about how much you appreciate your beautiful dress; the flowers; and how perfect the day has been. It’s also appropriate to express something about how you and your new husband met, or something humorous about the occasion. You can then express publicly how you feel about your new husband. As with the groom’s speech, there is an elegant balance to be struck between humour and sentimentality. You are under no obligation to toast anyone although you might like to raise a general toast to thank everyone for coming. As a maid of honour or bridesmaid, your speech is likely to follow a similar format as the best man’s speech. A Sample Speech for the Bride (Here we use our fictitious bride Sarah, and bridegroom John) Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m starting this marriage as I mean to go on – after John has spoken, I make sure I have the last word. Firstly I’d like to thank my parents for organising today – Mum and Dad – thank you for this amazing day and for all you’ve done for me. Thanks again to Clare and Tara (Sarah’s bridesmaids), I love you both, and you look so beautiful I almost wish I’d stuck you in peach meringues. I remember the first time I saw John. We were at a party and he was having a conversation with another man across the room. I nudged Tara and said something like “Blimey, he’s gorgeous”. Tara said, ‘Oh no, you can’t fancy him - he’s married.’ It transpired later on that she was talking about the man John was talking to, so at least I know that Tara’s never going to run off with my husband. John, thank you for everything. You mean the world to me and I love you with all my heart. Thank you, everyone, for coming today. The Groom’s Speech The Bridegroom’s speech is normally next. This is a more emotive speech than the best man’s speech and you shouldn’t feel pressured into making your audience howl with laughter. You should thank everyone for coming and give special thanks to those who have travelled a long way to be present at your wedding. Whoever is hosting your wedding, thank them for a wonderful day. If there are any people who have made your wedding day extra special – whether that’s offering their lawn for the reception, making the cake or arranging the flowers in the church, now is the time to thank them. During your speech you should thank both your parents and your bride’s parents for their love and support. Traditionally you also thank your new wife’s parents for allowing you to take her hand in marriage. If for whatever reason you didn’t ask her father’s consent you could simply adapt this by congratulating your wife’s parents for raising such a wonderful daughter. Say a few nice things about your new wife, for example how much you love her and what it means to you to be married to her. You should ensure that this part is sincere. If you really can’t think of anything to say use someone else’s words to convey how you feel about your wife – go online and find a quotation that you are comfortable repeating in public. Your new wife will undoubtedly thank you for it! Then you propose a toast to the bridesmaids and if there is no toastmaster, introduce the next person to speak. A Sample Speech for the Bridegroom Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m in a very philosophical mood today – so let me ask you this: if a man speaks his mind in the middle of the forest, and a woman doesn’t hear him, is he still wrong? But seriously: on behalf of my wife and I (pause) I’d like to thank you all for coming today, especially Clare, who’s travelled all the way from New Zealand to be Sarah’s bridesmaid. Also to Wendy for the lovely flower arrangements in the church, and Ben for chauffeuring us from the church today in his fantastic car – thank you both. A heartfelt thank you to Sarah’s parents Richard and Anna, for hosting such a wonderful day. My own parents Francis and Nora have been fantastic, I couldn’t have asked for better parents, so Mum and Dad, thank you for your unending love and support. Also, thanks to Chris for eventually agreeing to be my best man, it took a lot of pints and considerable persuasion to get him to agree – it’s just as well Sarah wasn’t quite as reluctant. Of course, we wouldn’t be here unless Richard had actually agreed to let me marry Sarah in the first place, and Sarah, thank you for saying yes. I truly am the luckiest man in the world, and Sarah, you always look beautiful but you are especially so today – and I am so proud to be able to say that you are my wife. Sarah, you are my soul mate and my best friend. I love you more than I could ever say and I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together. Thanks again everyone for sharing today with us, it means a lot to both of us. Lastly, I’d like you to join me in a toast to the lovely bridesmaids, Clare and Tara. 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