A church was once the traditional venue for couples in Australia to tie the knot. But, nowadays, it’s relatively uncommon. Less than one in five couples decide to get married in a church or religious setting, choosing alternative venues such as hotels, outdoor spaces, and even vineyards.
But, did you know that a church wedding is actually one of the most affordable venues you could choose? And it has the added benefit of being historical, full of character and meaning, and absolutely stunning.
Think about it: you’re in a building that could be over a century old. You’re surrounded by your friends and family, and you lock eyes with your spouse-to-be at the other end of the aisle, and a priest marries the two of you in a wonderful, personal ceremony. Doesn’t that sound perfect? The icing on the cake is the fact that it’s also far cheaper to get married in a church than in many other popular venues.
In this post, we’re going to dive into how much a church wedding costs in Australia, including the differences between Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, and the additional costs to be aware of before deciding whether or not a church wedding is for you.
What’s the average cost of a church wedding?
In Australia, the average cost of a church wedding is between $500 and $1,500, which makes it one of the most affordable types of wedding venues, second only to ceremonies held at a registry office. For comparison, the average cost of a wedding venue in Australia, including receptions held in hotels, vineyards, or dedicated event spaces, is approximately $14,000–$17,000.
These figures generally include the ceremony itself, as well as fees for officiants, utilities, and basic administration. However, they do not include your attire, rings, transportation, photography, or reception costs. You’ll also need to factor in costs related to the engagement ring and honeymoon.
In Australia, the cost of a church wedding will differ depending on whether you get married in an Anglican church, a Roman Catholic church, or another religious setting. The one you choose will, of course, depend on your beliefs and preferences.
How much does it cost to get married in an Anglican church?
If you’re getting married in an Anglican church in your local parish, the cost of a wedding will typically range from $500 to $1,000. This fee often includes the church building, the officiant, basic utilities like heating and lighting, and administrative services.
If you’re getting married outside your local parish or in a more iconic or historically significant church, the cost may be higher. Some Anglican churches may also charge for extras such as music, bell ringing, or special decorations.
How much does it cost to get married in a Roman Catholic church?
There’s no fixed fee for getting married in a Roman Catholic church in Australia, as marriage is considered a sacrament and a gift from God. However, a donation of $200 to $500 is customary to help with the maintenance and upkeep of the church.
Before you run to book your Roman Catholic church wedding, there are a couple of stipulations. Firstly, at least one of you must be Roman Catholic in order for the two of you to get married in a Roman Catholic church. Secondly, you must give the church at least six months’ notice, which means you can’t use a Roman Catholic church if you’re hoping to get married quickly.
Other Christian denominations
Uniting Church of Australia: Fees range from $400–$800, depending on the location and services included.
Presbyterian and Lutheran churches: Fees are similar to Anglican churches, around $500–$1,000, with potential extras for music or heating.
Baptist churches: Typically cost $400–$800, with flexible ceremonies that allow for personalisation.
Orthodox churches (e.g., Greek or Russian Orthodox): A donation of $200–$500 is customary, with ceremonies steeped in tradition.
Pentecostal churches (e.g., Hillsong): Fees range from $300–$600, often featuring lively and celebratory ceremonies.
What extras do you have to be aware of with a church wedding?
The ceremony the church provides as part of its offering doesn’t include extras, such as an organist, verger, extra heating, or bell ringing, nor the costs of other vendors you might want to include as part of the ceremony, such as flowers, a photographer, and/or videographer.
Speak to your priest about what extras they can provide and how much they cost, but below will give you a rough idea:
Organist – around $100–$300
Bell ringing – around $50–$150
Verger – around $50–$100
Extra heating – around $75–$200
You may also be asked about an additional donation to contribute towards the general costs associated with the church; however, this is a voluntary donation. Many churches can cost between $50,000 and $100,000 per year to run, so any amount you care to donate will be welcome.
Of course, none of these extras are mandatory, but you may choose to have them so you have music, the magic of ringing church bells, and heating to warm your guests – particularly if you’re having a winter wedding. Churches can get pretty cold!
What about the wedding breakfast and evening reception?
While it will often cost you around $1,000 to get married in a church (or less if you choose not to donate), you also need to bear in mind the cost of the post-ceremony wedding breakfast and evening reception you may want to hold so you can celebrate your marriage with your loved ones.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to host your celebrations at the church itself – but there may be a neighbouring church hall or community hall you could use. Alternatively, a local restaurant, pub with a function room, or hotel are great venues for a breakfast and/or reception.
Depending on how and where you choose to celebrate, it will bump up the cost of your church wedding. But as we highlighted earlier, you’re still more likely to pay significantly less than the average Australian wedding.
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On your wedding day, all eyes are on you, and you’ll want to feel as beautiful and confident as you can be as your friends and family watch you say, ‘I do!’
Achieving that perfect look can take time, dedication and – unfortunately – money. But, it’s worth it when you look back on your photographs and admire just how great the two of you looked on your big day.
But how much does wedding beauty cost, and what should your regime be during the build-up to your wedding? In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much wedding hair and makeup costs, and the money you might spend on beauty ahead of your wedding.
What’s the average cost of wedding beauty?
According to our Australian Wedding Report, couples typically spend between $500 and $1,000 on hair and makeup for their wedding, with about half allocated to makeup and the other half to hair.
A significant portion of this cost covers the bride’s hair and makeup for the wedding day, but other pre-wedding beauty treatments — like nails, tanning, and teeth whitening — can also add to the total expenses.
If you’re working with a strict budget, there are ways to save on wedding makeup costs. For a detailed look at potential wedding expenses, check out our ultimate wedding budget breakdown. Below is a rough guide to what you might expect to pay for your beauty preparations.
Hair
While you’ve been styling your own hair for years, there’s something special about having a professional touch for your wedding day. A hairstylist knows exactly how to make your hair look flawless for when you walk down the aisle. Prices for bridal hair typically start around $200, but experienced, top-tier stylists can charge $600 or more.
Makeup
Next to hair, makeup is arguably one of the most important parts of a bride’s beauty routine. Professional makeup services generally start around $200.
Lashes
Eyelash extensions are a fantastic way to achieve fuller, thicker lashes. Prices usually start at around $70.
Nails
There’s a wide range of nail treatments to choose from, including acrylics, hard gel, and dip powder. Even if extensions aren’t your style, a manicure (and possibly a pedicure) will help you feel stunning. A basic manicure typically starts at $40, with extensions beginning at around $60.
Remember, it’s best to get your nails done a day or two before the wedding, rather than on the morning of.
Male grooming
A pre-wedding beauty routine isn’t just for the bride – the groom deserves to look and feel his best too. A professional barber haircut and shave (or beard trim) before the big day can help with that. Expect to pay around $50 for these services.
What about the bridal party?
It’s also possible to hire a stylist to do the hair and makeup of other members of the bridal party, including parents, bridesmaids and flower girls. While there will be a cost for each extra person, it will usually be less than the cost of the bride’s beauty.
What’s the beauty regime before your wedding?
While your stylist will take great care with your hair and makeup on the morning of your wedding, that’s not always where it starts. There’s plenty you can do ahead of the big day to prepare. However, each of these will add to your budget and aren’t necessarily a vital part of your routine.
Nail colour – Why not test out some colours, which you can apply yourself to save money?
Hair colour – If you’re colouring your hair for your wedding, try out some possible colours during the months before your wedding.
Teeth whitening – You can arrange for professional teeth whitening, such as through your dentist, or buy at-home kits.
Exfoliate – Look after your skin as well as you can during the months – and especially the weeks – before your wedding.
Botox – If you’re having Botox for your wedding, this can take a couple of weeks to take effect and can last several months.
Eyebrows – Wax or thread your brows around two weeks before your wedding to avoid spots or red skin.
Tan – A spray tan can be done a few days before your wedding, but if you’re hitting the sun beds make sure to do it over a few weeks and no more than two or three sessions a week.
What factors can affect the cost of wedding beauty?
Several factors play a part in the cost of wedding beauty, which means you may pay considerably less – or more – than the average. It also depends on what you’re looking for – many couples are happy with basic hair and makeup and still look absolutely stunning on their big day.
Expertise
Like other wedding vendors, makeup artists and hairstylists often base their rates on experience. For example, a newly qualified artist might charge as little as $100 for wedding makeup, while an experienced professional with a strong reputation could charge upwards of $300 for bridal makeup.
Location
You have the option to visit a salon for your hair and makeup or ask stylists to come to you. If they travel to your location, expect additional fees, often around $100 or more. Heading to a salon can help save on travel costs, avoiding charges for fuel, tolls, and the artist’s travel time.
Rates can also vary by region; for instance, stylists in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne typically charge more than those in smaller areas.
Trials
If you’re considering a makeup trial (highly recommended if it fits within your budget), many artists will charge for this service since it uses both products and time. Experienced artists might charge between $150 – $250 for a trial. Some offer package deals that cover both the trial and wedding day services, which can be a smart way to save.
Number of people
Brides often enjoy treating their bridal party or family members to professional hair and makeup as well. Since this usually takes less time than the bride’s full look, most stylists charge a lower rate for bridesmaids or mothers of the bride. Expect to pay around $150 for makeup and a trial for each additional person.
DIY makeup
Many brides, including Kate Middleton herself, choose to do their own makeup for their wedding day. However, we would strongly advise that you book a lesson beforehand. It’s the best way to learn some new techniques and find the best products for a long-lasting look. Head to your favourite makeup counter, where you’ll be able to get some free tips and stock up on beauty products.
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If you’re wearing a dress to your wedding, you’ll spend many hours (or , more likely, days and weeks) agonising over what the right dress for you might be. Do you want a ball gown? Mermaid? A-line? Do you want strapless? A train? When it comes to choosing the right wedding dress, there are so many options available it can sometimes be overwhelming. Where do you even start?
Another question you might ask is how much does a wedding dress cost? You may know the style you want for your wedding, but does it align with the budget you have in mind? For many, choosing the perfect dress is just as important – if not more important than – the venue and catering.
In this post, we’re going to explore everything to do with the cost of a wedding dress, including the average cost, what affects the cost and what you might expect for your budget.
What’s the average cost of a wedding dress?
According to our Australian Wedding Report, the average amount couples spend on a wedding dress is between $2,000 and $3,000. However, there are plenty of reasons why you may spend far less than this, and in other cases, why you might spend way more.
It’s important to note that this amount doesn’t include any jewellery or accessories you might wear, nor your shoes. So, expect to pay a little more for those (unless you’re getting married on the beach!) to complete your overall wedding attire. Check out our ultimate wedding budget breakdown for an understanding of how much your wedding might cost.
Even if you don’t have the average amount to spend on a dress, there are still plenty of options available to ensure a stunning dress is within easy reach.
What factors affect the cost of a wedding dress?
With wedding dresses coming in all manners of shapes, designs and sizes, no two dresses cost the same. Plenty of factors mean you may end up spending less – or even a lot more – than the average.
Location: Wedding dresses bought in large cities, like Sydney or Perth, will cost more than those bought outside.
Brand: A dress made by a well-known brand will often cost significantly more than a dress made by a less well-known brand.
Materials: Premium and high-quality fabrics, such as lace and silk, will cost more than other fabrics, such as satin.
Expertise: A dress from an experienced designer will be more expensive than an up-and-coming designer with little experience.
Style: The more complex the style and design, the pricier your dress will be.
Embellishments: Dresses with more embellishments, such as embroidery, beads or sequins, will cost more than dresses without.
Imported materials: Materials manufactured in Asia are likely to be less than half the cost of Australian fabrics.
What type of wedding dress can you expect for your budget?
Even if you’ve nailed down a budget for your dress, figuring out where to start can still be a challenge. Do you go for a designer label? Which ones fit within your price range? And how do you even get a sense of wedding dress prices when so many designers keep them under wraps?
To clear things up, here’s a rough price guide highlighting different stores and designers across various budget ranges:
Budget
Store/Designer
$150 – $700
Forever New, Grace Loves Lace, ASOS Bridal
$700 – $1,300
Luv Bridal, White Runway, Grace Loves Lace
$1,300 – $2,600
Maggie Sottero, Karen Willis Holmes, Pronovias
$2,600+
Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Jenny Packham, Steven Khalil, Mariana Hardwick
How much does a bespoke wedding dress cost?
If you’re dreaming of a bespoke wedding dress, be prepared to budget a little more than the average. Custom dress prices start around $3,200, which includes the designer’s time, personalised design, high-quality materials, and any added details like intricate beadwork. But it’s more than just a dress—it’s an experience that brings your unique vision to life from start to finish.
What goes into the cost of a bespoke wedding gown?
More than just a gown: A bespoke wedding dress is a wearable work of art, crafted to fit your unique style and body like a glove. When you choose a designer-made dress, you’re not just paying for fabric and stitching — you’re investing in a truly personal experience and unparalleled quality.
Countless hours behind the scenes: Your dressmaker devotes significant time to perfecting every detail. It all starts with your vision, turning a sketch into a beautiful reality, with each element thoughtfully considered and brought to life.
Careful selection of high-quality materials: Whether it’s luxurious silk, delicate lace or hand-embroidered embellishments, the materials used are chosen for their quality and beauty. Intricate details like beadwork or custom lace patterns require incredible precision to achieve a flawless finish.
Artistry in fitting and adjustments: A bespoke dress isn’t simply made to your size — it’s sculpted to your body, ensuring every seam and contour accentuates your shape beautifully. Fitting sessions involve painstaking adjustments to make sure the gown drapes flawlessly while maintaining a seamless and natural look.
The expertise of skilled artisans: Opting for a bespoke or designer wedding dress honours the passion and dedication of designers who transform your gown into more than just an outfit — it becomes a cherished heirloom to live on long after your wedding day. This choice embraces quality, artistry and individuality, creating something that tells your unique love story.
Designers like Vera Wang, McQueen and Givenchy will charge premium rates, so, if your budget is more generous, then you’ll have a greater selection of well-known designers to choose from. That said, most designers will also have a more affordable collection, like White by Vera Wang, if you’re keen on a big-name brand but not necessarily a big-name budget.
How much does an off-the-peg dress cost?
Choosing an off-the-peg wedding dress is a great way to keep costs down without compromising on style. Many department stores offer stunning gowns at a fraction of the price of custom or designer dresses. Stores like Forever New and ASOS Bridal have dresses starting as low as $300 — and sometimes even less during a sale!
When buying off-the-peg, aim to find a dress that fits as closely as possible to your size, then bring it to a professional tailor for any necessary adjustments. This approach helps you avoid high alteration costs and ensures a perfect fit, all while staying within budget.
How much does a bespoke dress by a tailor cost?
If you’re set on a bespoke gown but have a limited budget, consider reaching out to a skilled local tailor to discuss their rates for creating a custom wedding dress. Like designer gowns, you’ll be covering the cost of the design, materials, and their time — but typically at a more budget-friendly rate. Prices for simpler custom dresses often start around $700, while more detailed designs can begin at approximately $2,000, offering a stunning custom option without the full designer price tag.
How much do wedding dress appointments cost?
If you’re shopping for a wedding dress at a department store in Australia, you can generally browse without an appointment. However, bridal boutiques are often more intimate and typically require a reservation. Appointment fees vary by boutique, especially during peak times like evenings and weekends, ranging from around $50 to $100. Many boutiques will credit this fee toward your dress if you make a purchase. Keep in mind, though, that booking multiple appointments can add up, as you’re unlikely to buy from every store!
How much do wedding dress alterations cost?
Much like the cost of the dress itself, the cost of alterations can vary based on factors such as location, time, the skills required, and the experience of the tailor. It can also be cheaper to have the alterations done at the same boutique you bought your dress at as part of a package.
Wedding dress alteration costs can vary depending on the complexity of the work required, typically ranging from $200 to $1,000. Here’s a rough price guide for common alterations, based on Australian tailor rates:
Altering the hem: $150 – $200. If your dress has multiple layers, each additional layer may cost around $50, as additional fabric requires more work.
Taking in the sides: $100 – $150. Dresses with intricate beadwork or detailing may incur higher costs, as the tailor will likely need to carefully remove and reattach embellishments by hand.
Adding bustles (to lift the train): $40 – $60 per bustle, depending on the train’s length and weight.
Converting a zipper to a lace-up back: $150 – $200.
Can you buy a wedding dress from a charity shop?
Yes, you can buy a wedding dress from a charity shop! More often than not they’re in great condition because they’ve been carefully looked after, and have usually only been worn once before.
Browsing thrift stores or charity shops can be a great way to score a wedding dress bargain while supporting a good cause. You might even discover a beautiful dress for as little as $95! However, finding “the one” in a thrift shop requires a good deal of patience and a bit of luck. Keep in mind that most dresses found this way may need a visit to a tailor for custom alterations, so be sure to factor that into your budget.
Charity shops are also sometimes sent discontinued dresses which will be cheaper than the original cost, but still fairly pricey – especially if by a well-known brand or designer.
How much does it cost to rent a wedding dress?
Buying a wedding dress can be a significant expense, especially for a gown you’ll only wear once. If you’re looking to save, renting a wedding dress is a fantastic alternative, with rental prices starting at around $30 per day. For example, renting a gown in the style of Nicole Kidman’s iconic dress might only set you back about $120 — a fraction of the typical $2,000 to $4,000 price tag for similar designer styles in-store. Renting offers you access to stunning designer gowns without the full purchase cost, making it a stylish and budget-friendly option.
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The wedding speeches are a traditional and much-anticipated part of any wedding reception. First comes the father of the bride, then the groom, then the best man, then… it all starts to get a little hazy.
The thing is, there are a number of wedding speeches that need to be made on the big day. Guests can quickly become bored if speeches drag on too long, while short speeches might leave the speakers feeling they haven’t properly honoured the bride or groom. So, how do you find the perfect balance while keeping everyone engaged?
No need to stress! We’ve put together a detailed guide on how long each wedding speech should be, along with tips on what to include to ensure both heartfelt moments and a captivated audience.
What is a wedding speech?
A wedding speech is a speech made by members of the wedding party during the wedding reception. There’s a traditional order of speeches that most people usually follow. However, it’s your big day, so you can absolutely shake it up if you want.
The tradition is for wedding speeches to be delivered after the main course but before dessert during the reception. This timing ensures that your guests are well-fed and relaxed, creating a natural pause before they enjoy dessert. However, if you prefer to change it up, you can opt for speeches after dessert or even during the ceremony itself — it’s your day, so you can choose what works best for you!
While it’s possible to schedule speeches before the meal, it’s generally not recommended as guests might be hungry after the ceremony, and distracted by their rumbling stomachs rather than focusing on the heartfelt speeches.
How long should a general wedding speech be?
Generally, wedding speeches should last between 5 and 7 minutes to ensure there’s enough time for everyone who wants to speak. The entire “wedding speech” segment of the reception should last no more than 40 minutes to keep your guests engaged, but it usually wraps up within 20 to 30 minutes.
You can adjust the length of each speech to ensure everyone has a fair chance to speak. For instance, if you only have two or three speakers, you can allow for longer speeches. However, if several members of the wedding party wish to say a few words, it’s a good idea to shorten each speech to maintain the flow of the event and stick to the schedule. This way, every speaker gets their moment without overwhelming the guests or dragging out the timeline.
Pro tip: To keep things balanced, divide the total time allotted for speeches by the number of speakers. For instance, if you plan to spend 30 minutes on speeches and have five people speaking, each speech would last around 5.5 minutes, with a 30-second pause in between.
Wedding Speech Lengths: Quick Reference Guide
If you’re in a rush, check out the below quick reference guide to see how long your wedding speech should ideally be. Otherwise, read on for the full breakdown, and be sure to save this infographic for future use.
Use this quick reference guide to work out your ideal speech length
The father of the bride’s speech is traditionally the longest speech in the order of speeches. It’s usually the first speech made during the wedding reception and is a beloved and much-anticipated part of the bride’s big day.
The father of the bride’s speech should typically last between 7 to 9 minutes, and ideally no longer than 12 minutes, to keep the overall flow of speeches smooth and engaging. These speeches generally include heartfelt sentiments, advice, and sometimes a touch of humour, ensuring they honour the bride without taking too long.
A thank you to everyone involved in putting together the big day (don’t forget the staff working at the reception)
An ode to your little girl and what makes her so special
Your words of wisdom on love and marriage
You could round off with some quotes about love or a beautiful wedding reading
The groom’s speech can be a little longer than the best man’s speech. It should last between 6 and 8 minutes, but no longer than 10 for the guests’ sake.
It’s usually second in the order of speeches and should be positioned as a thank-you note to all the people who have supported your relationship and wedding planning. As a basic structure, we recommend the following general structure:
Introduce yourself and your new bride (a guaranteed cheer!)
Thank the groomsmen, best man, bridesmaids, and maid of honour for their continued love and support throughout your wedding planning
Thank your parents and new parents-in-law
A recap of your wedding vows
Toast to your new spouse and your future together
How long should a best man speech be?
The ideal length for a best man speech is around 5 minutes. However, it can be a little longer or a little shorter, depending on your personal preferences and the overall speech order.
The best man’s speech is usually the third in the order of speeches. It should include things such as:
A warm introduction to the reception
Compliments about the bride
A playful roast of the groom
Well-wishes from the best man and groomsmen
The Bride and Groom’s love story
A toast to their future
How long should a maid of honour speech be?
While not a traditional element, the maid of honour’s speech can be a touching and memorable part of the wedding reception. Like the best man’s speech, it’s best to keep it brief, ideally between 4 and 6 minutes.
The beauty of the maid of honour speech lies in its flexibility — there are no strict expectations, so you can structure it however you’d like. That said, it’s a good idea to include personal anecdotes, well wishes for the couple, and a heartfelt message for the bride.
The adventures you’ve shared with the bride
Anecdotes about wedding planning
How the couple’s love story unfolded
Heartfelt advice on relationships
A toast to the happy couple
How long should a bridesmaid’s speech be?
As with the maid of honour speech, a bridesmaid’s speech is untraditional, so there are no expectations on how long the speech should be or what it should include. We recommend keeping the speech to around 5 minutes long (less if you’d like multiple bridesmaids to make a speech).
Having a bridesmaid’s speech after the maid of honour speech may be nice way to keep things flowing. We suggest that you consider the following structure:
Happy memories you share with the bride
Your thoughts on love and marriage
How beautiful the other bridesmaids look
Your well-wishes for the happy couple
How long should a mother of the groom speech be?
The mother of the groom speech may not be part of traditional wedding speeches, but it’s a beautiful opportunity for a mother to share her love, support, and best wishes for her son and his new spouse. This speech typically lasts between 3 to 5 minutes and, if you’re following traditional speech order, it’s likely to be one of the final speeches at the reception (though this is flexible).
There’s no strict format for a mother of the groom speech, but we recommend including:
A welcome to the family for the new bride
Your happiness that the groom has found someone so special
Fond memories of the groom’s childhood
Heartfelt advice
A final, celebratory toast
The bottom line on speech length
Wedding speeches are a cherished and traditional part of the reception, offering a special opportunity for the wedding party and loved ones to express their heartfelt sentiments to the newlyweds.
As mentioned earlier, the ideal length for a speech is around 5 to 7 minutes. This allows enough time for meaningful thank-yous, advice, and stories, while keeping the flow enjoyable and maintaining your guests’ attention.
We’ve got plenty of great tips, tricks, and wedding speech structures to help you get started if you’re unsure about what to include. And, to see how long your wedding speech should be in practice, check out our wedding speech examples.
When planning your perfect wedding day, you might not be sure where to start. You might know what your ideal ceremony, venue, food, cake and everything else looks like, but one of the biggest questions you may have is how exactly they all fit together.
Organising a wedding is a little bit like putting a jigsaw together, only you don’t have instructions, so you have to do it the best you can. One of the key parts of this is creating a wedding day timeline, so everyone knows where they have to be, what time they have to be there and what’s going to happen once they’re there.
In this post, we’re going to explore what the best wedding day timeline might look like, including what order everything happens throughout the typical wedding day, how long each part usually takes and the most popular time couples choose to have the ceremony.
Do all weddings follow the same timeline?
No, not all weddings follow the same timeline. However, every wedding you go to will generally follow a timeline that is at the very least reminiscent of every other wedding you might have been to. Whether you choose to have a traditional wedding, religious wedding, registry office wedding, destination wedding or something else entirely, there will always be some similarities – especially at the ceremony itself, which has to follow certain legal processes.
Some of the major factors that can influence a wedding day timeline include:
Cultural and religious traditions – For example, many Indian weddings span over several days and there are a lot of other cultural wedding traditions that also go beyond the big day.
The type of wedding – A traditional wedding will often last from late morning through until late at night, while a destination wedding might only last a couple of hours.
The time of the ceremony – Traditionally, couples get married around lunchtime, but twilight weddings are quickly becoming more popular and start much later in the day.
The formality – Less formal weddings will usually have a more relaxed structure, as they’re often far more intimate.
The size of your guest list – The larger your guest list is, the more likely you’ll need to allow extra time for arrivals, transport, seating, photos and more.
The time of year – Believe it or not, the season your wedding takes place in can also have an effect, especially during the winter when you might need to account for icy or snowy conditions.
The location of your venues – The location of your venues (if your ceremony and breakfast/reception venue aren’t at the same place), specifically if they’re far apart from each other, can potentially slow things down.
Personal preferences – Finally, your own personal preferences can dictate your wedding day timeline. At the end of the day, it’s your big day, so do whatever makes you happy.
What time does a wedding ceremony usually take place?
The majority of weddings in Australia usually start between 2pm-4pm. However, depending on the type of wedding you have, this can vary. For example, many religious wedding ceremonies start in the late morning, while ceremonies at registry offices tend to start in the afternoon. Of course, if you’ve chosen to have a twilight wedding, it will start much later in the day, often as it starts to get dark, which can be at different times depending on the season you’re getting married in.
What is the longest part of a wedding?
Generally, the longest part of your wedding day will be the evening reception, which will last around four or five hours (though this can be longer if you’ve invited a few party animals).
What is the shortest part of a wedding?
Believe it or not, despite months (or even years) of planning, the shortest part of a couple’s wedding day is often the ceremony itself. The ceremony takes approximately 45 minutes from the moment the procession starts, though it can sometimes be longer, such as with a religious ceremony where there might be hymns and readings.
A registry office wedding or civil ceremony can be as short as 10 minutes, but longer if you want to include extras like readings, or if you’ve hired a celebrant.
How long do various parts of a wedding day take?
To give you an idea as to how long various parts of your wedding day will take, you can use the below times as an approximation when planning your big day.
Getting ready (including hair, makeup and getting dressed) – Approximately two hours. This may take longer if the artist you’ve hired is also doing the bridesmaids’ hair and makeup.
Pre-wedding photos (bridal party and groomsmen) – 30 to 45 minutes.
Ceremony – 45 to 60 minutes, but this can vary depending on whether it’s a religious ceremony or you have specific personal preferences. Registry office weddings can be as short and sweet as 10 minutes.
Photographs – Around one hour, but it can depend on the size of your wedding party and whether you have to travel to a specific location to take photos.
Reception drinks – Approximately an hour, which may start while you and your new spouse are having photos taken. It gives time for everyone to have a drink and unwind before the breakfast. You might want to add 10 or 15 minutes if you’re having a receiving line to welcome guests to the reception venue.
Evening reception – Once evening guests arrive, usually between 6pm and 8pm, the evening reception will go on for the rest of the night, which depends on you, your guests and the venue. The evening reception will usually last at least four hours and will often include food, such as a buffet, as well as drinks and music (and some dancing, of course). The speeches and the cutting of the cake also take place during this part of the evening.
Speeches – This varies depending on who’s giving a speech, but there are usually at least three speeches; the father of the bride, the groom and the best man. Allow 10 minutes per speaker, so around 30 minutes in total, though this might be longer if others wish to say a few words as well.
Cutting of the cake – 5 to 10 minutes, but most of that is the time taken getting everyone together and allowing people to take photographs.
What is a typical wedding timeline?
Depending on the type of wedding you have, wedding timelines can have a few key differences. Below are some examples of how you might expect a wedding day to look based on some of the most popular types of weddings couples go for.
Example traditional wedding day timeline
As we highlighted above, traditional wedding ceremonies commonly start between 2pm-4pm. The below example of a traditional wedding day timeline is what your day might look like if your ceremony were to start at midday.
9am – Your alarm goes off and it’s time for a shower (speak to your hairstylist beforehand about whether you should wash your hair that morning or not).
9.30am – Breakfast. Don’t skip this step because you’ve got a long day ahead of you. You might want your bridesmaids/groomsmen to join you and start the celebrations early with a mimosa.
10am – If you’ve hired a photographer, they’ll arrive to capture everyone getting ready. Your hair and makeup artist(s) will likely arrive around the same time.
10.15am – Hair and makeup starts on the bridal party (if they’re doing it for them).
11am – The flowers and bouquets are delivered and the vendors you’ve hired will arrive at the venue to start setting everything up.
11.30am – The bride’s hair and makeup start.
12.30pm – The bride gets dressed. At the same time, the groom will head to the venue to begin greeting guests.
1pm – Bridal party photos and the wedding transport arrives (if you need it).
1.30pm – The bride sets off for the venue as your final guests arrive.
1.45pm – Your guests are asked to take their seats.
1.55pm – The bride arrives at the venue and everyone takes their place. The photographer will take some last-minute photos of the bride and whoever she is walking down the aisle with.
2pm – The ceremony starts.
2.45pm – The ceremony ends and the couple leaves the venue with the photographer for photographs, also joined by friends and family.
3pm – Time for family photos (and photos with close friends of the couple). Other guests leave to the venue where the cocktail hour is being held.
4.30pm – The couple and those involved in the photos arrive at the cocktail hour. Time to mingle and for any additional photos to be taken.
5pm – Evening guests begin to arrive
5.30pm – Guests start being seated for dinner service.
6pm – Dinner service begins.
7.15pm – Dinner service ends and the wait staff pours fizz for the speeches to begin. The cutting of the cake may also take place during this time.
7.45pm – The speeches start, usually with the father of the bride. If you’d like golden hour photos, do these around this time (or a little earlier, depending on the season) and shift the timeline accordingly.
8.15pm – First couple dance and parents dance.
8.30pm – Open dance floor! Time for you to celebrate with your guests!
11.45pm – The couple leaves the venue.
12pm – The evening reception finishes and your guests leave the venue.
Example registry office wedding day timeline
Registry office weddings are often the most affordable type of wedding, which means they don’t usually include as many individual steps. If you’re having a registry office wedding, it might follow something similar to the following timeline:
8am to 10.30am – A leisurely morning, ensuring you have a good breakfast. If you have a small budget, this is a great time to visit a hairstylist and make-up artist, as going to them rather than them coming to you keeps costs down.
11am – Get ready with family and friends close by.
12.30pm – Set off for the registry office.
12.50pm – Arrive at the registry office and your guests take their seats. If you’ve hired a photographer they will begin taking photos.
1pm – The ceremony begins.
1.15pm – The ceremony ends.
1.30pm – A short photography session outside the registry office with the couple and friends and family.
2.15pm – A meal at a local restaurant or hotel, including the speeches.
6pm – The wedding party moves on to a different local venue, such as a bar or hotel, to host a party for wider family and friends. This will include the cutting of the cake, the first dance and a buffet. However, this all depends on your budget and preferences.
Example twilight wedding timeline
A twilight wedding starts much later in the day, which means there’s not as much time as with a traditional wedding. However, many of the same things are still included, just condensed, which makes it great for getting married on a budget.
8am to 2pm – A leisurely morning and lunchtime spent with family and friends. You may take the time to relax (a morning spa session with the rest of the bridal party goes down a treat) or visit your local beauty stylist to save money on hair and makeup.
3pm – You start to get ready as vendors arrive at the venue to prepare. If you’ve hired a professional stylist and photographer, they’ll also arrive around this time.
4.30pm – The groom arrives at the venue to welcome guests.
5pm – The bride gets dressed.
5.30pm – The bride leaves for the venue.
5.45pm – Guests take their seats.
5.55pm – The bride arrives at the venue and everyone gets into position.
6pm – The ceremony begins.
6.45pm – The ceremony ends.
7pm – The couple and their guests take photographs to take advantage of the setting sun (depending on the season, the timing of this would need to shift slightly).
8pm – Now it’s time for the evening reception and dinner to begin. This will also include the speeches, cutting of the cake and first dance.
11.45pm – The couple leaves the venue.
12pm – The reception finishes and your guests leave the venue.
Plan your perfect wedding with Bridebook
Now that you know some rough timelines that wedding days often follow, you can start planning your own big day exactly as you like it. Sign up to Bridebook to get access to all the tools, information and resources you need so you can plan your perfect wedding.
Watching your little girl walk down the aisle is one of the best moments in a mother’s life. It’s a beautiful mix of nostalgia, pride, and joy set against the backdrop of the happiest day of your child’s life. What better way to express your love and happiness than through a heartwarming speech that tells everyone how proud you are?
However, writing the best mother of the bride speech can be tricky. It’s a delicate balance of heartwarming stories, genuine advice, special memories, and just a sprinkle of laughter. But don’t worry — whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or struggle with public speaking, we’ve got the advice to help you write a brilliant wedding speech.
In this post, we explain our top tips and guidance for writing the best mother of the bride speeches. We include some words of wisdom on how to structure your speech, some top tips for writing a great wedding speech, and our top 10 best mother of the bride speech examples.
What is a mother of the bride speech?
A mother of the bride speech is a mother’s speech at a daughter’s wedding. It usually lasts between 5-7 minutes, and its main focus should be thanking your guests for joining you on this special day, and telling everyone how proud you are of your daughter.
Typically, the mother of the bride’s speech is delivered after the father of the bride’s speech and before the groom’s speech. However, as a mother of the bride speech isn’t considered a traditional wedding speech, you can mix up the order of speeches however you want to include your heartfelt message.
What should you include in a mother of the bride speech?
When writing your mother of the bride speech, you might want to consider including the following key elements:
What makes your daughter so special. This is the perfect opportunity to let everyone know exactly what makes your daughter so special. Tell everyone about her amazing qualities, how kind and caring she is, and how proud you are of her. This is also a good opportunity to playfully tease her — maybe by letting her new spouse know how untidy she is, any lighthearted or embarrassing anecdotes, or any of her other quirks. Remember, the point isn’t to embarrass her on her special day. Instead, the stories you pick should highlight the special bond you share and showcase the wonderful person she has grown into.
The bond you share. The relationship between a mother and her daughter is like no other. It’s a unique and beautiful connection that spans a lifetime, filled with love, understanding, and unbreakable support. This speech is the perfect opportunity to share that bond with your guests and let everyone know just how much your daughter means to you. Be sure to let the guests know that she gets it all from you!
Childhood memories. You had the unique privilege of helping raise your daughter, and this is the perfect opportunity to share any special memories that have shaped your journey together. Share with your guests how you felt when she took her first steps versus how it felt to watch her walk down the aisle. Tell them about watching her grow up, the first moment you felt her, or when you met her future spouse. All these stories will evoke feelings of love and nostalgia, making your speech special and memorable.
A toast to the happy couple. The perfect way to round off a mother of the bride speech is to raise a toast. Raise your glass, and invite your guests to toast to the health and happiness of the new couple. Cheers!
Mother of the bride speech structure
If you’re worried about writing your mother of the bride speech, following a clear and logical structure is a good place to start. Try using the following structure to help you feel more confident as you plan your speech.
Introduction
Start off by introducing yourself to the guests and thanking everyone for attending. As the mother of the bride, it is likely you will already know most of the guests. However, it adds a nice sense of occasion to the speech and is always a strong starting point.
All about the bride
The second point in your speech should be talking about your wonderful daughter and the relationship that you share. Tell your guests how it feels to see your little girl all grown up, how proud you are of her, and what a beautiful bride she is.
Share some happy memories
You can then move on to share some funny stories about your daughter’s childhood or the time you’ve shared together. These could be light-hearted or emotional, but should always reflect the unique and wonderful relationship you share with your daughter.
Welcome your daughter’s partner
You should then turn your attention to your daughter’s partner and their parents.
Reminisce about the first time you met, highlight their endearing qualities, and thank them for the happiness they bring your daughter. By incorporating your daughter’s partner into your speech, you demonstrate your wholehearted support for the relationship and nurture a strong bond between both families.
Offer guidance and wisdom
Now move on to sharing some pearls of wisdom with the newlyweds.
Feel free to speak from the heart about love, commitment, and their future together, as they embark on this beautiful journey as a married couple. Building a strong family is an essential aspect, and your insights will surely guide and inspire them.
To the happy couple!
Finally, invite your guests to raise their glasses in a toast to the happy couple. Congratulate them on their big day, drink to their health, and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness.
Mother of the bride speech template
To help you navigate the complete breakdown of your speech, it can be helpful to have a visual guide to refer to. Check out our handy infographic below:
Use this mother of the bride speech template to guide your writing
Top tips for delivering the best mother of the bride speech
Practice makes perfect
It’s natural to feel nervous before you present your speech. However, practice makes perfect, and the more times you’re able to rehearse, the more confident you’ll feel. Try practicing in front of a mirror, to trusted friends, or recording yourself on your mobile phone to watch back. You’ll be grateful you did when the nerves kick in.
Mother knows best
You know your daughter better than anyone, so you know what advice she’ll need to support her through married life. You know her dreams, her strengths, and her vulnerabilities, and that insight will continue to be invaluable as she navigates the journey of married life. Offer her your best pearls of wisdom during the speech: you were her guiding light during the early years of her life, and she looks up to you more than anyone — there’s no reason that should change now.
Speak from the heart
In sharing your heartfelt words, remember that this is a moment of celebration and joy. Let your emotions flow freely as you speak from the heart. Your sincerity and genuine love for your daughter and her new spouse will surely resonate with everyone present.
If you’re really stuck, consider presenting a nice wedding reading, poem, or famous quote about love. Often, poets and creatives can articulate how you’re feeling in a way your own words can’t.
Think about your audience
Each person in attendance holds a special place in either your daughter’s or her new spouse’s life. The guests will likely include grandparents, work colleagues, old friends, neighbours, and more. That’s why it’s important that you consider the audience when writing your speech. Steer clear of any stories that are too embarrassing or paint the bride or groom in a bad light. Keep it positive, upbeat, and warm.
Top 10 mother of the bride speech examples
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our top 10 examples of great wedding mother of the bride speech ideas, from the short and simple, to the funny and personal. Use them as templates for your own speech and personalise them with your own unique examples and anecdotes.
A lot of mother of the bride speech examples will refer to a bride and groom, but you can simply change the references to your daughter’s partner and the appropriate pronouns if you’re attending an LGBTQ+ wedding.
Speech Example 1: The Heartfelt Reminiscence
Introduction: “Hello, everyone! I’m [your name], and I’m so happy to see all of you here today. Your presence makes this day even more special.”
All about the bride: “As I stand before you, I can’t help but reflect on the journey my daughter, [bride’s name] and I have shared. From the moment she took her first steps to this day, where she takes her first steps into marriage, my heart swells with pride and love.”
Share some happy memories: “Oh, the adventures [bride’s name] and I have had! From impromptu dance parties in the living room to our baking escapades that left the kitchen a flour-covered disaster zone. These memories are etched in my heart forever.”
Welcome your daughter’s partner: “And now, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to [partner’s name] and his wonderful parents. From the day I met [partner’s name], I knew he was the perfect match for my daughter. His kindness, humour, and unwavering love have brought immense joy into [bride’s name]’s life.”
Offer guidance and wisdom: “As you both step into this new chapter, always remember to listen with your hearts, communicate openly, and treasure the simple moments that life offers. Your journey together will be filled with ups and downs, but facing them together will only make your bond stronger.”
To the happy couple: “Ladies and gentlemen, let’s raise our glasses to [bride’s name] and [partner’s name]. May your love continue to grow, your days be filled with laughter, and your adventure together be nothing short of extraordinary. Cheers!”
Speech Example 2: The Playful Tribute
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone! I’m [your name], and I want to express my gratitude for joining us on this joyous occasion. Your presence truly warms our hearts.”
All about the bride: “From the moment [bride’s name] was born, my life gained an extra sparkle. Today, as I see her in that stunning gown, I’m reminded of the little girl who used to twirl around the living room, spreading laughter wherever she went.”
Share some happy memories: “Our journey has been filled with giggles and cherished moments. I’ll never forget the time [bride’s name] decided to give our cat a ‘makeover’ with her art supplies. Let’s just say Whiskers had a colourful personality for a while!”
Welcome your daughter’s partner: “Joining our family today is [partner’s name], a man who has captured [bride’s name]’s heart completely. His sense of humour, his passion for life, and the way he looks at her make me believe in true love all over again.”
Offer guidance and wisdom: “As you both start this new chapter, remember to keep laughing, hold each other close during the tough times, and always communicate openly. Love is an incredible journey, and I have no doubt you two will make it a beautiful one.”
To the happy couple: “Let’s raise our glasses to [bride’s name] and [partner’s name]. May your days be filled with shared dreams, boundless joy, and a love that only grows stronger with each passing year. Cheers!”
Speech Example 3: The Nurturing Supporter
Introduction: “Hello, everyone! I’m delighted to see all your familiar faces gathered here to celebrate this beautiful day. Your presence adds a touch of warmth to this special occasion.”
All about the bride: “Today, as I look at my radiant daughter, [bride’s name], I can’t help but feel a mixture of emotions – pride, joy, and a touch of nostalgia. It feels like just yesterday she was picking wildflowers in the garden.”
Share some happy memories: “From tea parties with stuffed animals to late-night heart-to-hearts, [bride’s name] and I have shared countless precious moments. I’ll always treasure the laughter that echoed through our home.”
Welcome your daughter’s partner: “I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to [partner’s name] and his lovely parents. From the day we met, I could see the love and happiness he brings into [bride’s name]’s life. We are truly blessed to have [partner’s name] as part of our family.”
Offer guidance and wisdom: “As you embark on this beautiful journey of marriage, remember that a strong marriage is built on patience, understanding, and unwavering support. Through life’s twists and turns, always hold each other close.”
To the happy couple: “Ladies and gentlemen, let’s raise our glasses to [bride’s name] and [partner’s name]. May your days be filled with shared dreams, endless laughter, and a love that continues to blossom with each passing day. Cheers!”
Speech Example 4: The Best Friend
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone! I’m [bride’s name]’s mum, and I want to thank you all for joining us in celebrating this wonderful day. Your presence means the world to us.”
All about the bride: “Today is a rainbow of emotions – the little girl I held in my arms is now a stunning bride before us. [Bride’s name], you’ve grown into a remarkable woman, and my heart is bursting with pride.”
Share some happy memories: “As [bride’s name]’s confidante and partner-in-crime, we’ve shared countless laughs, secrets, and even a few late-night snacks. Our bond has always been a very special one.”
Welcome your daughter’s partner: “Joining our family is [partner’s name], a man who has shown us that love is patient, kind, and enduring. His presence has brought immense happiness to [bride’s name]’s life, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”
Offer guidance and wisdom: “Remember that a strong marriage is built on mutual respect, open communication, and a willingness to grow together. Through the highs and lows, you have each other to lean on.”
To the happy couple: “Here’s to [bride’s name] and [partner’s name], two souls who have found their perfect match. May your journey be filled with love, laughter, and countless beautiful moments. Cheers!”
Speech Example 5: The Colourful Adventure
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone! What a joy it is to have you all here to celebrate [bride’s name] and [partner’s name]’s love story. Your presence makes this day even more special.”
All about the bride: “As I stand here today, I see not just a beautiful bride, but a reflection of all the love, care, and nurturing that went into raising [bride’s name]. My heart swells with pride.”
Share some happy memories: “From the finger-painting masterpieces to the ‘secret’ bedtime stories, [bride’s name] has always kept life colourful and imaginative. She has taught me that laughter truly is the best medicine.”
Welcome your daughter’s partner: “Joining us today is [partner’s name], a man whose warm smile and kind heart have stolen [bride’s name]’s heart. From the first moment we met, it was clear that he is a perfect match for our family.”
Offer guidance and wisdom: “In this beautiful journey of marriage, always cherish the little moments, for they are the ones that create a lifetime of memories. And remember, love is an art that you both are mastering together.”
To the happy couple: “Let’s raise our glasses to [bride’s name] and [partner’s name]. May your love story continue to be as vibrant and inspiring as the colours on a canvas. Here’s to a future filled with endless love and happiness. Cheers!”
Speech Example 6: The Proud Mother
Introduction: “Hello, everyone! Your presence today is a true testament to the love and support that surrounds [bride’s name] and [partner’s name]. Thank you for being part of this memorable day.”
All about the bride: “As I look at [bride’s name] today, I am reminded of the incredible journey we’ve shared. She has grown into an amazing woman, and my heart is overflowing with pride.”
Share some happy memories: “From adventurous road trips to late-night movie marathons, [bride’s name] has filled our lives with unforgettable moments. Her laughter has been a constant source of joy.”
Welcome your daughter’s partner: “I want to extend a warm welcome to [partner’s name] and his wonderful family. From the moment we met, it was clear that his love and devotion to [bride’s name] run deep.”
Offer guidance and wisdom: “As you navigate the path of marriage, always remember that open communication, empathy, and a good sense of humour are your strongest allies. Embrace each other’s individuality and grow together.”
To the happy couple: “Let’s raise our glasses to [bride’s name] and [partner’s name]. May your journey be filled with exciting adventures, shared dreams, and a love that only deepens with time. Cheers!”
Speech Example 7: The Poetic Reflection
Introduction: “Greetings, dear friends and family! Today, we gather to celebrate the enchanting union of [bride’s name] and [partner’s name]. Thank you for being part of this magical day.”
All about the bride: “From the moment [bride’s name] was born, I knew I was in for a beautiful adventure. She’s grown into a gorgeous bride, and I feel truly blessed to witness this moment.”
Share some happy memories: “As a child, [bride’s name] had a wild imagination. We would have tea parties with teddy bears and go on imaginary expeditions. She has brought boundless joy into my life.”
Welcome your daughter’s partner: “Today, we not only gain a son-in-law in [partner’s name], but also a dear friend. His presence has brought an extra sprinkle of joy to our lives.”
Offer guidance and wisdom: “In the journey ahead, may you both nurture your love like a delicate flower. Water it with kindness, the sunlight of understanding, and the gentle breeze of laughter.”
To the happy couple: “Let’s raise our glasses to [bride’s name] and [partner’s name]. May your marriage be a fairy tale filled with love, laughter, and countless ‘happily ever afters.’ Cheers!”
Speech Example 8: The Lyrical Musings
Introduction: “Ladies and gentlemen, it warms my heart to see so many beloved faces gathered here. We are here to celebrate the radiant love between [bride’s name] and [partner’s name].”
All about the bride: “In [bride’s name], I found a confidante, a best friend, and a bundle of joy. Today, as I look at her, I’m reminded of the beautiful journey we’ve shared.”
Share some happy memories: “From the impromptu dance parties in the living room to the heartfelt conversations under the stars, [bride’s name] has filled my life with precious moments.”
Welcome your daughter’s partner: “Let’s extend a warm welcome to [partner’s name] and his family. Our hearts have been enriched by his presence, and his love for [bride’s name] shines brightly.”
Offer guidance and wisdom: “As you begin this new chapter, may your love story be a tapestry woven with patience, understanding, and a touch of spontaneity. Embrace each moment.”
To the happy couple: “Let’s raise our glasses to [bride’s name] and [partner’s name]. May your journey be a symphony of love, and may each day be a verse of happiness. Cheers!”
Speech Example 9: The Heartwarming Touch
Introduction: “Hello, everyone! Your presence today fills our hearts with gratitude and joy as we celebrate the union of [bride’s name] and [partner’s name].”
All about the bride: “As I stand before you today, I see a strong, independent woman in [bride’s name]. She makes a remarkable bride, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Share some happy memories: “From baking mishaps to spontaneous road trips, [bride’s name] has kept our lives full of laughter. Her adventurous spirit has taught me to cherish every moment.”
Welcome your daughter’s partner: “Let’s give a warm welcome to [partner’s name], a man whose love and dedication to [bride’s name] shines brightly. Our family has been enriched by his presence.”
Offer guidance and wisdom: “In the journey of marriage, remember that it’s the small gestures and shared smiles that build a strong foundation. May your love story be a beautiful mosaic.”
To the happy couple: “Let’s raise our glasses to [bride’s name] and [partner’s name]. May your days be filled with simple joys, and may your love grow stronger with each passing year. Cheers!”
Speech Example 10: The Happy Wishes
Introduction: “Good day, dear friends and family! We gather here to celebrate the wonderful union of [bride’s name] and [partner’s name]. Thank you for joining us on this happy occasion.”
All about the bride: “As I look at [bride’s name] today, I’m reminded of the spirited child who filled our home with laughter. She has transformed into a beautiful bride, and my heart bursts with pride.”
Share some happy memories: “From science experiments gone awry to impromptu dance-offs, [bride’s name] has brought endless delight into our lives. Her creativity knows no bounds.”
Welcome your daughter’s partner: “Let’s warmly welcome [partner’s name], a man who stole not only [bride’s name]’s heart, but ours as well. His presence has marked a wonderful new chapter in our lives.”
Offer guidance and wisdom: “As you embark on this journey together, remember that life is a grand adventure. Embrace each challenge as an opportunity, and may your love be the compass.”
To the happy couple: “Here’s to [bride’s name] and [groom’s name], the architects of their own love story. May your journey be filled with laughter, adventure, and a love that defies the ordinary. Cheers!”
Plan your mother of the bride speech today!
The mother of the bride speech is a beautiful, but non-traditional, part of a wedding reception. As such, you have the freedom to make what you want of it without the pressures felt by more traditional speeches (such as the best man’s speech or the father of the bride’s speech).
This is your chance to tell the world how amazing your little girl is and highlight how beautiful she looks on her big day. Speak from the heart, share your favourite childhood memories of your daughter, and offer your advice and guidance to the newlyweds on their happy day.
If you’re still feeling nervous, we can support you in writing a brilliant mother of the bride speech here at Bridebook. Sign up today and learn all about making your mother of the bride speech funny, beautiful, and from the heart.
On your wedding day, you’ll be surrounded by your friends and family. Among them, your bridesmaids will be some of the closest allies and will have a key role to play not just in the wedding itself, but as part of the build-up as well.
But, when it comes to what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for, how do you know who picks up the bill? Is it you, your family, or your bridesmaids themselves?
Your bridesmaids will do a lot to support you already, and as tough as it is to talk about costs, it’s a must. Establish from the beginning what they’re responsible for and what you’ll be covering for them. Then hopefully that’ll mean there are no awkward arguments during the lead-up to your wedding.
But, how do you know who pays for what? What are the traditions and the unwritten rules about what you should pay for and what your bridesmaids should pay for themselves? In this post, we’re going to explore exactly that, including who should pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses, who pays for the hen party, and what else you should be aware of as your big day approaches.
Who pays for the bridesmaids’ dresses?
One of the most difficult subjects to talk about with your bridesmaids is who pays for their dresses. Traditionally, the bride and her family are the ones who pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses. However, it’s becoming increasingly more common for bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses.
It’s also traditional for each of the bridesmaids to wear the same outfit, which will complement the bride’s beautiful dress. But, it’s also becoming more popular for each of the bridesmaids to wear a different dress, but one that usually sticks closely to the theme or colour scheme of the wedding.
Of course, this does depend on the costs involved. If the dress you’re asking your bridesmaids to wear comes with a high price tag, it’d be unfair of you to expect them to pay, so you’d probably want to foot the bill on that occasion.
Whatever you choose to do, or whatever your budget allows you to do, just make sure you’re open and honest with your bridesmaids at all times. If you’re asking them to pay, give them as much notice as possible, so they’ll have a long time to save. Asking bridesmaids at modern weddings to pay for their own dresses is relatively common, but it’s important to give them plenty of time to afford it. Saving for a $350 dress is a much easier task if your wedding is two years away, compared to just a couple of months.
Who pays for the bridesmaids’ shoes?
While many brides and their families offer to pay for the bridesmaids’ dresses, it’s not as common to offer to pay for their shoes. Shoes may be a part of their outfit, but there’s usually far more flexibility when it comes to footwear than the dress. So, this will often be something the bridesmaids pay for, whether it’s flats, heels or wedges.
Who pays for the bridesmaids’ accessories?
Similar to the shoes, it’s usually the responsibility of the bridesmaids themselves to pay for any accessories they might want to wear, such as any jewellery or bags.
How much do bridesmaids’ dresses cost?
The cost of bridesmaids’ dresses can vary hugely depending on whether you choose to buy dresses from a wedding boutique or an online retailer. Neither is the right answer – both offer wonderful dresses – it just depends on your style, taste and budget.
Specialist bridal shops that also sell bridesmaid’s dresses, have ranges that suit a variety of budgets, with prices starting from around $300.
Online retailers such as Billy J and Hazel & Folk offer a great selection of affordable bridesmaids’ dresses, with prices ranging between $100 and $300. There are also many platforms that provide the option to rent a dress, although this isn’t quite as popular with dresses as it is with wedding suits.
What if your bridesmaids can’t afford the dress you want them to wear?
If you’ve asked your bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses (which you’re well within your right to do) then you may face an additional challenge: what if your bridesmaids can’t afford it?
If you’re asking your bridesmaids to pay for their own dress, then you possibly already knew about their financial situation. Similarly, you hopefully gave them enough of a heads-up so that they could save money for their dress. Even then, you may face the awkward situation where they’re not able to pay for the dress.
If this happens to you, where possible we’d recommend that this is something you try to find a little more budget for, and offer to pay for your bridesmaid’s dress. It wouldn’t be fair on that particular bridesmaid to expect them to pay, especially if it means them getting into debt. The only other option would be to uninvite them from being a part of the bridal party, which will almost certainly cause tension and could damage your relationship with them forever.
It’s a tough situation, and one that’s hard to offer advice on, as every situation is different. Just make sure that you let your bridesmaids know they can speak to you about any concerns they have, because you definitely don’t want anyone to feel stressed or anxious because they’re struggling to find the funds to pay for their dress.
Do your bridesmaids pay for your hen party?
Often, your bridesmaids will cover the costs of arranging your hen party, such as travel, accommodation and activities. But, expect to pay for a few drinks for your hens along the way.
The only exception to this is if you’ve had a heavy hand in the planning process. It would be unfair to expect your hens to pay for a long weekend to Bali – especially if you were the one to suggest it. Travel can be pricey, and not all of your bridesmaids will be in a position to pay for additional costs, especially if they’re not exactly cheap to begin with.
Complete list of what your bridesmaids should and shouldn’t pay for
Check out our below guide to discover what you might ask your bridesmaids to pay for. Just remember, every wedding is unique – just like your bridesmaids – so these aren’t strict rules that you should stick to.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
Your bridesmaids should pay for their own shoes and accessories. However, a great gift to thank your bridesmaids for being a part of your big day would be a token piece of jewellery that they can wear on the day.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
Hen party costs are also up to the bridal party – they can split this between them and still give you the best pre-wedding party of your life. The only caveat to this is if you have ambitious plans, such as a trip abroad or something else on the pricier side.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
Travel and accommodation associated with your big day are the duty of your bridesmaids to organise and pay for. However, you could help them out by booking a block of rooms at a discount price, or if your venue is far away, you could arrange for a large group of you to travel together to cut down the cost.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
If your bridesmaid chooses to give you a wedding gift (and they may not as they’ve already spent a lot of money and effort on your wedding) the cost is up to them. It may only be something small, but it will be a lovely keepsake to mark them accompanying you on your big day.
Your bridesmaids should pay for:
Aside from any welcome drinks and wine/fizz with meals, unless you’re offering an open bar your bridesmaids will expect to pay for their own drinks, particularly as the evening reception begins.
Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:
The bride is expected to pay for any floral accessories and the bouquets being held by the bridesmaids. Don’t forget about any extras, like corsages.
Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:
If you choose to have your bridal party stay with you in your hotel suite on the eve of your wedding, that’s your responsibility, and you should cover the cost of this.
Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:
Transportation on your wedding day is also up to the bride and her family to pay for. Your bridesmaids will have enough to think about on the day, so do them a favour and arrange how they’ll get from the altar to the reception. You could save these costs by having the ceremony and reception at the same location.
Your bridesmaids shouldn’t pay for:
This one almost goes without saying, but your bridesmaids shouldn’t have to pay for any food on the big day. This includes any pre-ceremony food as you get ready, such as salmon and scrambled eggs and a cheeky mimosa.
What about the grey areas?
As we’ve already highlighted, it’s entirely up to you and your budget to decide whether or not you offer to pay for your bridesmaids’ dresses. If you’re expecting your bridesmaids to wear a dress that’s on the pricier side, then this is something you should probably offer to pay for. One of the unofficial rules is that if you’re giving your bridesmaids certain ‘rules’ they have to stick to, then that usually means it’s something you should pick up the bill for.
Hair and makeup is another tricky one. If you’re not that fussed and want to save some pennies, ask them to do their own hair and makeup (they will look stunning anyway). However, if you specifically want a glamorous or particular look for your bridesmaids, you will have to pay for a professional. Your chosen hair and makeup artist can probably offer you a deal if they’re looking after several people in your wedding party.
Alternatively, if your bridesmaids are being a little diva-ish and want to hire a professional without your requesting it, they’re probably better off picking up the cost – or you could split the bill in goodwill to keep them sweet. Remember, your wedding photos will last a lifetime, so make sure you’re happy with the final looks.
How to talk about money with your bridesmaids
The most important thing you can do is keep money talk open and honest. Talking about money can be difficult at the best of times, but doubly so when you’re asking someone to spend some of their own hard-earned cash. As soon as you know your plans, communicate them to your bridal party so they know exactly what’s expected of them and how much they’re going to have to save.
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When it comes to hosting a memorable wedding, food and drink are a huge contributing factor. Including canapés and arrival drinks, a three or four-course wedding breakfast and a spread for the evening buffet, your guests will spend a large portion of their time at your wedding enjoying some delicious food and drink.
But how much does wedding catering cost in Australia? So you know exactly how much of your budget you need to dedicate toward keeping your guests fed, watered (or wined!) and – ultimately – happy!
In this post we’re going to take a look at the average cost of catering a wedding and what can affect that cost – including the alcohol.
The first thing you need to know is that, depending on the venue, catering can often be done in-house. But, if the venue doesn’t offer catering that suits your taste, you can hire caterers to come to your venue separately. Venues that include catering are usually priced per head, meaning there will be a set price for every guest which will include food (a buffet or sit-down meal), the venue rental and sometimes half a bottle of wine per person for the meal and some bubbly for the toasts.
If a venue is priced at a lump sum, it usually means that catering is not included and what you are paying goes towards securing the venue. For more information, check out our post on the cost of a wedding venue.
What is the average cost of catering a wedding?
How much your wedding catering costs depends entirely on how many people you’re looking to invite. The more people you invite, the more hungry mouths there will be, and of course the higher the cost will be.
Of course, these numbers can vary depending on the size and extravagance of the wedding. For a wedding with around 40 guests, the average catering cost is approximately $5,000, while for a 160-guest wedding, you’re looking at around $20,000.
Here’s a breakdown based on budget:
Affordable: $50 – $100 per guest
Moderate: $100 – $150 per guest
Luxury: $150 – $200 per guest
Super luxury: $200+ per guest
Is it cheaper per head the more guests there are?
You might expect the cost per person to decrease as the guest list grows, but this isn’t always true for wedding catering. Several factors influence the cost, such as the venue, the number of kitchen and serving staff, and the dining format.
For instance, buffet-style meals or food trucks generally cost less per person compared to a formal four-course meal, regardless of guest numbers. The overall style and service level significantly impact the final price.
How much does a wedding breakfast cost?
If you opt for a formal wedding breakfast, it’s likely to be one of the priciest elements of your reception. These multi-course meals are meticulously prepared, resembling a fine dining experience, which accounts for the higher costs.
The average cost for a wedding breakfast typically ranges from $70 to $100 per guest, though premium venues or high-end caterers may charge significantly more depending on the menu and service level.
An evening buffet offers a more relaxed, budget-friendly option with a variety of dishes and fewer servers needed. It’s perfect for guests attending only the evening reception.
Buffet costs typically range from $50 to $80 per guest, depending on the food selection. Simpler options like chicken and chips are more affordable than premium choices such as sushi or gourmet canapés.
What else can affect the cost of catering a wedding?
The above costs are all averages, and you’ll make plenty of choices that will make that cost go either down or way (WAY) up. These include:
Style of service: the cost of a buffet, sit-down meal, or food truck can vary hugely. For example, for a sit-down meal, you would have to factor in the wages of the waiters (it’s recommended to have 1 per 11 guests) and a buffet would have a wider selection of food options.
Menu choice: The more options you offer your guests outside of the standard meat, fish or vegetarian/vegan, the more you’re likely to pay.
The venue: Does it have its own catering team? If you’re hiring a catering team separate from the venue, you may also need to factor in the cost of hiring a marquee and portable kitchen. These costs can quickly add up, adding several thousand to the cost of your catering. Some venues have a list of preferred caterers, so make sure you ask your chosen wedding venue if there are limitations.
The food: Some food is cheaper to make than others. If you’re keen to offer oysters and caviar, don’t be surprised if it’s more expensive than if you were to offer sandwiches and barbecue.
The ingredients: Some caterers may offer premium ingredients, and if imported or organic produce is important to you then expect to pay a little extra.
The number of courses: Are you happy with a three-course meal, or would you like to offer hors d’oeuvres, a fish course, palate-cleansing sorbets, and mignardise? The more courses there are (and the more complex they are to make) the pricier it will be.
The date: You can expect to pay higher rates during peak times, such as during the summer and at weekends.
What about the alcohol?
While it’s tempting to offer an open bar, this can quickly become very costly, especially since guests often enjoy several drinks at weddings. Many Australian couples opt for a more budget-friendly approach: providing a bottle or two of wine per table, plus some sparkling wine for toasts. Guests can then purchase additional drinks from a cash bar.
If you bring your own wine or bubbly, venues may charge a corkage fee, typically ranging from $10 to $20 per bottle.
You’ll also need to consider alcohol licensing requirements for your venue. Most venues already have a liquor licence, but if you’re hosting your wedding at a private property without one, you’ll need to apply for a Temporary Liquor Licence. These permits vary by state, so be sure to check local regulations regarding alcohol service and consumption.
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And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding catering, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to help you keep costs down.
Choosing the right wedding photographer for you is absolutely crucial to ensure you have an amazing wedding album that you’re proud to leave out on the coffee table and show everyone who pops over (guilty!). Your photo album will be a keepsake from your wedding that you’ll want to return to again and again, and may even cement itself as a family heirloom for your kids, grandkids and beyond. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll use them as your profile pics on social media, too!
Each photographer brings their own unique style to capturing your wedding moments, from the way they use framing and lighting to their approach to composition. Pricing will also vary from one professional to another, influenced by factors like their experience, expertise, and individual approach.
So, when it comes to budgeting for your wedding, how much might you expect to pay for a wedding photographer? In this post we’ll take a look at the average cost of a wedding photographer, what their rates include, and what you need to be aware of before your big day.
What’s the average price of a wedding photographer?
The cost of a wedding photographer can vary widely, but on average, couples can expect to pay between $4,000 and $8,000 for both photography and videography packages. If you’re looking for photography only, the price typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000. While this may seem like a substantial investment, it’s important to remember that you’re paying for more than just the photographer’s time on your big day. Their fees also cover their skills, experience, and expertise, along with the time spent planning, shooting, and the detailed post-production work afterward.
It’s also important to note that the price may not include GST, which can impact the final cost of your wedding photography services.
What’s included in this cost?
What’s included in the price will depend on the package you choose. A basic package may include coverage on the day and your photographs on a USB, whereas a premium package will include this and much more. When making your decision, be prepared with the right questions to ask a wedding photographer to make sure you know exactly what your chosen package includes.
Depending on your choice, wedding photography packages may include many of the following:
A pre-wedding photography session
Coverage on the day
Post-production including photo editing
A second supporting photographer
Prints of your photos or digital download link
A physical wedding album
Printed canvases
A ‘best of the day’ video
Most photographers offer a range of packages for you to choose from, with optional extras that allow you to customise your package. For a rough idea of what to expect for your budget, check out the table below:
Budget
$6,000+
$3,000 – $6,000
$2,000 – $3,000
Under $2,000
What may be included
This can offer you up to two experienced wedding photographers to follow you for the duration of your wedding day and a premium, leather-bound album with wedding photographs carefully chosen by you with optional personalizations.
This can offer you up to two photographers for eight hours and a set of beautiful high-resolution images, or just one photographer, an album and an engagement shoot.
This can offer you one photographer for six hours along with an engagement shoot, with all photographs available to view and share via your own private online gallery (or less commonly today, on a USB stick).
This can offer you up to four hours of coverage, with all photographs available to view and share via your own private online gallery (or less commonly today, on a USB stick).
What factors can affect the cost of a wedding photographer?
While these are general, average Australia wedding costs, there are plenty of other factors that can influence the cost of a wedding photographer. These include:
Your venue: How far does the photographer have to travel? Will they need to take public transport, or even fly to another state? Are you based in a major city or out in the country? All of these will affect how much a photographer costs.
Location: Where you are in Australia will impact costs. For example, photographers in Sydney will be more expensive than those outside.
Multiple photographers: Having multiple photographers means you have full coverage of the day both from your perspective and the perspective of your guests. It’s also a good idea for outdoor weddings in an expansive scenery, for example Whitsunday or Tasmania. The more photographers there are the better the coverage will be, but the pricier it will be as well.
The date: During peak times, such as during the summer and at weekends, you can expect to pay more due to the higher demand. Many photographers are booked months (or even years) in advance during busier times of the year.
How long they’re needed: Are you only looking for photos of the ceremony itself, or the entire day, including the wedding breakfast and evening reception?
Equipment: Will they need additional lighting, multiple lenses, or even drones?
The level of post-production: After they shoot a wedding, the photographer will spend time editing your photos, such as adjusting lighting, cropping, or tweaking your mom’s eyes because she blinked.
The type of album: Many photographers will offer your options to customise your album, such as leather-bound covers.
What else should you be aware of when it comes to the cost of a wedding photographer?
As part of your package and one of the questions you should ask your photographer before hiring them for your wedding, find out what type of release they offer (complete copyright, vs a personal use/printing release) and how it aligns with your budget and needs.
By default, the copyright to your wedding photos belongs to your photographer. If you want to purchase the full copyright later, it can be a costly option, with some couples reporting unexpected expenses in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. While this isn’t common, it’s worth considering when discussing terms with your photographer.
In most cases, a personal use license or a print release will suffice. These licenses allow you to print, share, and enjoy your photos freely, without needing to buy full copyright ownership.
Make sure to clarify the terms with your photographer upfront, so there are no surprises. Also, it’s always polite to credit your photographer when sharing un-watermarked photos on social media to show appreciation for their work.
What level of experience can you expect for your budget?
As mentioned earlier, wedding photography prices can vary greatly depending on the photographer’s experience and services offered.
Less experienced photographers often charge lower rates, but this can carry some risk in terms of quality and reliability. On the other hand, full-time photographers, whose livelihoods depend on capturing weddings, usually charge higher prices but bring more experience and professional assurance. Part-time photographers or those shooting weddings as a side business may offer more budget-friendly options, though their level of expertise can vary significantly.
For a clearer idea of what to expect based on your budget, refer to the table below. It outlines typical pricing tiers and what kind of experience or service you can expect at each level.
Budget
$6,000+
$6,000-$3,000
$3,000-$2,000
Under $2,000
Level of experience
You’ll get a luxury or master photographer, who is admired in the industry. They may also have a second photographer working with them who also has plenty of experience.
You’ll get a very experienced photographer with a unique style.
You’ll get a photographer with a developing style and an increasing level of experience.
You’ll get an enthusiastic but less experienced photographer, who should still be able to produce fantastic photographs.
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Selecting the right wedding photographer is about finding the right balance between your budget, the photographer’s experience, and the services you need. Whether you go with a seasoned professional or an emerging talent, it’s crucial to communicate clearly and fully understand the terms of your contract. This ensures your special moments are captured just the way you envision, leaving you with beautiful memories that last a lifetime.
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Most couples opt to hire a photographer to capture their wedding. In fact, our data shows that 9 out of 10 couples hire a photographer for their big day. However, far fewer couples hire a videographer, with just a third choosing to immortalise their wedding on video.
But, documenting your wedding by using the skills of a videographer is a unique and highly personal way of capturing the magic. Video is different from photography because it can be a lot more natural and encapsulates those special moments as they happen. Your photographs are wonderful, but nothing can replicate the beaming smiles and happy tears that happen in the moment.
In this post, we’re going to have a look at the average cost of a wedding videographer, what can influence the cost and what level of skill and experience you might expect for your budget.
What’s the average cost of a wedding videographer?
The average amount couples spend on a wedding videographer in Australia is $2,000 to $4,000, which is similar to the average cost of a photographer. These are average costs for hiring an experienced, professional videographer, rather than going for a more DIY approach.
Several factors can impact the cost of wedding videography, including the videographer’s experience, the technology and equipment used, the wedding location, and the extent of post-production work. On average, an all-inclusive videography package ranges between $2,500 and $5,000. Camera operators typically charge around $600 to $1,000 per day, with editing adding another $500 to $800 per day depending on the complexity and style of the final video
These costs also account for equipment usage, marketing, administrative work, and preparation time, which is why wedding videography may appear costly. The high quality and effort that goes into creating cinematic, lasting wedding films often justifies the price
What’s included in the cost?
Unlike a wedding photographer, a videographer is someone who won’t spend a portion of the day ‘directing’ you – instead, they’ll blend into the crowd and naturally capture your wedding. In some ways, you could compare it to a documentary as it tells the story of your wedding day, from the moment you start getting ready to the moment the two of you are whisked away together at the end of the night.
What’s included in the cost depends entirely on the package you choose, but can include:
You and your other half getting ready
Your guests arriving
Footage of the ceremony (some videographers may offer just this as a basic package)
Footage of the wedding breakfast, if you have one (including speeches)
Footage of the evening reception (including cutting the cake and the first dance)
Video editing and post-production
A USB or DVD of the finished film
If you’re on a budget should you hire a videographer instead of a photographer?
While a videographer is generally more affordable than a photographer, you may want to think twice before choosing video in place of the more traditional photographs. Videography is a lovely way to complement your photographs rather than replace them, so don’t let the cost be the deciding factor. Remember, even though the average cost of a photographer is more than the average cost of a videographer, there are options available. There are even vendors who will be able to offer a package that includes both photography and videography.
What can affect the cost of a wedding videographer?
While our ultimate wedding budget breakdown found that $3,000 is the average amount couples in Australia spend on a wedding videographer, there are plenty of factors that can affect the cost:
The date: Expect to pay more than the average costs if your wedding is taking place during peak times, such as during the summer months or on a Saturday.
Venue: Where your venue is located – as well as how far your videographer has to travel (maybe even to another state) – can impact the cost. For example, videographers in Sydney or Melbourne will be more expensive than those outside big cities.
The style: The price will vary depending on whether you want the videographer to cover the ceremony alone or the entire day.
Experience: The more experience a videographer has, the higher their price will be. On the flip side, you’ll likely receive a far more professional and polished video.
Time: How long do you need the videographer to be there? Is there footage needed before or after your wedding? How long will post-production take to get the final product you’re after?
Additional crew: If you’re keen on the more dynamic style that multiple cameras allow, then a second camera person will bump up the cost.
Additional equipment: Are lights, additional cameras, or even drones needed to get the look you want?
Multiple copies: Your package may include a limited number of copies of your final film on USB or DVD.
There may also be optional extras that can bump up the cost, such as:
Expedited post-production and delivery
Video messages from friends and family
Montages set to music
Unedited footage
What should you be aware of before you book your wedding videographer?
Each videographer brings a unique style and approach to capturing weddings, so it’s important to ensure their vision aligns with yours. Before making your decision, review their portfolio carefully. If you’re seeking a cinematic look but their expertise or equipment doesn’t support it, you may end up disappointed. Just because they fit your budget doesn’t guarantee they’ll meet your specific needs.
If drone footage is part of your package, make sure the videographer has the necessary legal documentation, such as a flyer ID and operator ID, to use drones legally. The last thing you want is an interruption or legal issues during your wedding shoot.
Finally, check if the videographer is insured, as some venues may require proof of insurance before the event. Make sure they can provide this if requested, ensuring smooth coordination with your venue.
What experience level can you expect for your budget?
Your budget will determine the level of experience, and therefore skill, your wedding videographer has. Check out the below table to get an idea of what your budget might get you.
Budget
$5,000+
$2,500-$5,000
$1,500-$2,500
Under $1,500
Level of experience
You’ll get an industry-leading videographer who will produce a stunning wedding video. They may also have a second videographer working with them to ensure a variety of high-quality footage.
You’ll get an experienced videographer who has documented many weddings and will produce a fantastic video.
You’ll get a videographer who is finding their own unique style and has documented several dozen weddings.
You’ll get an up-and-coming videographer keen to grow their portfolio.
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Wedding flowers are a major part of the day for most couples: it’s one of the big questions you get from family and friends alike. Have you set the date? Have you got your dress? What flowers are you going to have?
However, the flowers you have at your wedding will often go much further than the bridal bouquet. There are also flowers for the bridesmaids, table centrepieces, gifts for the new in-laws, corsages, flower girls…
But how much do wedding flowers cost? In this post, we’re going to discuss everything from bouquets to boutonnières, including the average cost of wedding flowers, what’s included, and the cost of the most common wedding flowers.
What’s the average cost of wedding flowers?
While not one of the biggest costs to think about during your wedding, in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown you can discover that the average cost of wedding flowers in Australia is between $1,500 – $2,500.
Of course, this figure can vary dramatically depending on what you’re looking for. The bigger and bolder you go, the more you might expect to pay. Similarly, if you’re looking for less flora and more fauna at your wedding, the cost of your flowers will be much lower.
Regardless of your budget, there are plenty of options to get stunning flowers for your wedding. The budget levels can be broken down as:
Affordable – From $200
Moderate – $1,200 – $1,800
Luxury – $1,000 – $3,000
Super Luxury – From $3,000
These ranges offer a flexible guide, taking into account Australian flower prices and seasonal availability. Opting for locally grown, in-season blooms can help you save on costs while supporting local flower growers. Luxury arrangements typically include custom designs and premium flowers like orchids and roses, often arranged in intricate installations.
What does this cost include?
What exactly is included in the cost of your wedding flowers depends on the vendor, so go in with the right questions to ask your florist before making your final decision.
The average cost will be made up of a package that likely includes:
1 x Bridal Bouquet
2 x Bridesmaids Bouquets
6 x Buttonholes
2 x Large Vase Arrangements for the Ceremony
1 x Arrangement for the registrar’s table
8 x Reception Flowers for 8 tables
Also included in that overall cost will be:
Consultation
Design
Conditioning and prepping the flowers
Accessories (for example, vases and mirrors)
Delivery
Installation
What’s the average cost of a wedding bouquet?
The average cost of a wedding bouquet in Australia is around $200. Generally, the most affordable option is a hand-tied bouquet, which is perfect for a rustic or laid-back wedding style. These bouquets don’t require intricate wiring from the florist and use flowers with longer stems, making them easier and quicker to arrange. In contrast, a cascading bouquet needs specialised wiring to create that beautiful waterfall effect, which can add significantly to the overall cost.
Why do wedding flowers cost so much?
When it comes to choosing your wedding flowers, you’re not going to want the same kind of arrangements you’d have at home day-to-day – it’s your wedding day after all. Whereas usually you might be happy with a bunch of supermarket flowers – or perhaps something from the local florist when you’re feeling fancy – your wedding flowers will be big, bold, beautiful and in keeping with the rest of your day. There are also a lot of individual arrangements needed to fit a very specific brief – which ‘off the shelf’ arrangements might not meet.
Wedding flowers cost so much because:
You’re receiving a bespoke, personalised service
They take florists a long time to design
Delivery and setup can be time-consuming
Flowers are often fairly pricey anyway
This is all not to say that, even if you have a budget below the average, your flowers won’t be stunning – far from it. However, there are reasons why your specific choices might bump up the price.
What factors affect the cost of wedding flowers?
Almost three-quarters of all couples hire a professional florist when planning their wedding. Flowers may be an expensive part of the big day, but for many couples they’re imperative. However, many factors can affect the cost of your wedding flowers that, if you’re mindful, can keep you within your budget.
Seasonality
Depending on the time of year you’re getting married, certain flowers may be more readily available in Australia than others. The more in-season your flowers are, the more affordable and eco-friendly your wedding arrangements will be. Choosing local, in-season blooms helps support Australian growers and reduces the carbon footprint associated with importing flowers.
Here are some great seasonal flowers in Australia:
Spring: Ranunculus, Peonies, Sweet Peas
Summer: Dahlias, Gardenias, Hydrangeas
Autumn: Roses, Chrysanthemums, Zinnias
Winter: Camellias, Tulips, Orchids
The type of flowers
Roses may be the traditional wedding flower, but they’re also some of the most expensive, particularly if you’re keen on unique colours. Alternatives, such as hydrangeas offer stunning and colourful blooms but can be more budget-friendly.
Skill and experience
It may seem obvious, but a skilled and experienced florist with decades of experience will cost more than someone new to the industry.
Flower blooms
Believe it or not, another factor that can affect the cost is the physical appearance of your chosen blooms. For example, orchids only have a two-inch stem and will require a faux stem if you want to add them to your bouquet. This is intricate, time-consuming work that can bulk up the price. They do look beautiful though…
Sources
Are your chosen flowers available from Australian suppliers? Importing flowers from other regions, especially during off-seasons, can increase costs due to shipping fees and supply chain challenges. In contrast, Australian-grown flowers are often more affordable and readily available, especially if you choose blooms that are in season.
Opting for locally grown flowers not only supports Australian growers but also reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance imports.
Accounting for delicate flowers
When you order arrangements that include delicate flowers, there is always going to be the risk that they’re damaged, not open, or past their prime. If you ask for a bouquet that includes a dozen roses, your florist will have to over-order to make sure to account for these issues.
What to consider when choosing your wedding flowers
Choose a bouquet that fits the size and shape of your dress (if you’re wearing one). For example, the bouquet should be in proportion to the dress – the bigger the dress, the bigger the bouquet. You don’t want a slender, figure-hugging dress to be hidden by a large bouquet, after all.
Another option to consider for your wedding is silk flowers. While silk flowers used to be much cheaper than real ones, advancements in manufacturing have brought their prices closer to or even above that of fresh blooms. The benefit is that modern silk flowers can look incredibly realistic. If you want a natural touch without worrying about wilting, preserved flowers are another excellent choice. These are real blooms that have been carefully treated to maintain their beauty, offering the authenticity of fresh flowers with the durability of silk.
Choosing silk or preserved flowers is a smart option if you’re concerned about unpredictable weather, have allergies like hay fever, or want a lasting keepsake from your big day. Just keep in mind that artificial and preserved flowers won’t provide the natural scent of fresh blooms. To create a memorable fragrance, consider picking a floral perfume that will forever be linked to your wedding day.
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The role of a page boy at a wedding is an honorary position typically given to a young boy who plays a special part in the wedding ceremony. Because the role of a page boy is relatively small, they’re not necessarily imperative, but if you have a boy of appropriate age in your family, asking them to be a page boy is a thoughtful and loving gesture. Plus, it allows you to get a few ‘ahhs’ from your guests before the tears start to flow as you exchange your vows.
In this post, we’ll take a look at what a page boy is, what they wear, and their responsibilities as part of your big day, as well as some helpful tips for ensuring everything goes down without a hitch.
What are page boys?
A page boy is usually a young boy, often a close family member or friend, chosen for a special role in the wedding ceremony. His duties can range from carrying symbolic items to assisting the bridal party, depending on the couple’s traditions and preferences. However, the role is mostly symbolic, so there’s no need to worry if the page boy becomes fidgety or if you don’t have someone the right age. It’s really about adding a charming touch to your big day!
‘Page’ is a medieval word that refers to a male attendant or servant to noble figures or knights. A page would work in a castle or home from between the ages of 7 to 14 in exchange for food, lodgings, clothes and a basic education.
Today, the term has evolved to mean a young boy who has a small role at a wedding, and will help in a small, token way, such as by helping to hold the train of the bride’s wedding dress, throw flowers or petals, or simply look adorable in a little suit as they walk down the aisle.
How old can a page boy be for a wedding?
Typically, page boys are aged between 3 and 10. This is because boys younger than 3 can be much harder to give instructions to, and boys older than 10 may be given responsibilities much closer to that of an usher (if in fact, they want to play a role in your wedding at all).
Is there a difference between a page boy and a ring bearer?
Yes, there are differences between a page boy and a ring bearer. At modern weddings, because there isn’t as much need for someone to help the bride with a long train on her dress, the role of a page boy is far more honorary than it used to be. Meanwhile, a ring bearer has an important role to play, as they carry the ring pillow down the aisle so the happy couple can exchange rings during the ceremony.
Do you need a page boy at your wedding?
Page boys are traditionally seen at weddings, especially if you’ve invited a lot of guests and would like to include younger family members in the ceremony. However, if your wedding is small, there are no boys under the age of 10 in your family, or you simply don’t want one, there’s nothing to say you need a page boy. As we highlighted above, it’s more of an honorary position these days and is seen more as a loving gesture than giving someone in your family a job that could make or break the big day.
Can you have 3 page boys at your wedding?
Unlike the ring bearer, who is typically limited to one, you can have as many page boys at your wedding as you like. If you come from a large family, you might opt for up to three page boys to keep things manageable, as having a group of young boys can sometimes lead to playful chaos. However, there’s no rule stopping you from including more if you want everyone to have a role — just be prepared for a bit of lively energy on your big day!
What does the page boy do on the morning of the wedding?
On the morning of the wedding, the page boy can participate in whatever makes him comfortable as everyone gets ready. If he’s close to the groom, he may enjoy joining the groom, best man, and ushers. However, this depends on how well he knows the group and whether his parents are nearby. It’s a good idea to discuss with the page boy’s parents what would make him feel at ease, especially if he’s very young. Modern weddings often give the page boy a small, symbolic role, so there’s no pressure.
What is a page boy’s role?
Traditionally page boys are in charge of carrying the bride’s train down the aisle, but nowadays, with fewer brides choosing to have long, flowing trains, their responsibilities have evolved. That being said, if you do have a dress with a long train, asking the page boy to uphold this traditional part of the job should be something they can do without any issues.
Today, the page boy might have a dual role where they also carry the rings down the aisle. However, this depends on the age of your page boy and if you trust them to safely hold on to the rings. What a responsibility for the little man! If you’re worried about your precious rings disappearing, you may like to replace them with replicas and have your page boy carry those down the aisle instead. You can squirrel your actual rings away with one of your bridesmaids or ushers so it’s one less thing for you to worry about.
Other things you might ask your page boy to do could be:
Hold a symbolic object – The page boy may be tasked with holding a symbolic object, such as a ring cushion, a bouquet or a special item that represents the couple’s love or cultural traditions. The page boy presents this object during the ceremony to the appropriate person.
Escort the flower girl – In some cases, the page boy may accompany and walk down the aisle with the flower girl or another young member of the wedding party. This adds a sweet and charming touch to the procession.
Scatter petals – If you don’t have any little girls in the family or you know a page boy would enjoy it, why not have them scatter petals down the aisle as an adorable and romantic gesture?
Carry a sign – You might ask your page boy to carry a sign down the aisle that says something like, ‘Here comes the bride’ or ‘Please stand’, which gives them an important but very cute thing to do.
Do page boys throw flowers or petals?
Petal scattering isn’t just for flower girls! Both page boys and flower girls can take on this sweet task, symbolising joy and blessings as the bride walks down the aisle. Whether you choose one, both, or multiple children to scatter petals, it adds a charming touch to the ceremony and offers beautiful photo moments. And if petal scattering isn’t your thing, that’s perfectly fine too — your ceremony should be about what feels right for you!
What does a page boy wear?
Page boys are a fantastic combination of elegant and cute, so you’re welcome to dress them in any style that’s in keeping with your wedding. This could be a tuxedo or a suit with a waistcoat and tie.
Do page boys need to match the groom?
It’s common for the page boy to wear an outfit similar to that of the groom, but that’s not something set in stone. So, be as adventurous as you like. But, when it comes time for photos, the groom, best man, ushers and page boys will all look equally as fabulous if there’s some cohesion.
Do page boys wear buttonholes?
Yes, along with the groom, dads, best man and ushers, the page boy will usually wear a buttonhole. Just make sure the page boy understands it might be delicate and become damaged if fiddled with.
Do you buy the page boy a gift?
Like you might do for other members of the wedding party such as the bridesmaids and mums, you might also want to show your page boys and flower girls how much of a great job they did by giving them a small gift. It doesn’t have to be something big and expensive (and definitely not a bottle of wine) but a small toy, game or teddy bear would likely be hugely appreciated.
5 tips for a successful page boy experience
Excited to have a close friend or family member take on the role of page boy at your wedding? Just bear in mind these five tips so it all goes exactly as planned:
Make sure your page boy attends any wedding rehearsals to familiarise them with the ceremony proceedings and their specific role. Encourage them to ask questions, listen to instructions and practise their tasks so they can feel confident on the wedding day.
Make sure the parents of your page boy know exactly what the page boy has to wear and where they’re going to get ready on the morning of the big day. It’s often a miniature version of the groomsmen’s attire or a suit that matches the wedding theme. Make sure the page boy’s clothes fit well and are comfortable to wear throughout the day (which will prevent fidgeting).
Make sure everyone knows what time to arrive at the wedding venue, allowing ample time for preparation and to get dressed. Being punctual ensures stress and anxiety are kept to a minimum, which can otherwise rub off on your page boy.
Be thoughtful and understanding towards your page boy, but remind them to be on their best behaviour throughout the day. Make sure they know how important their role is and that they can ask you questions at any point if they’re not sure about something.
While it’s your day and you or your wedding planner will be in charge, keep your page boy included so they don’t feel like yet another grown-up is telling them what to do. Ask them what they’d like to do and let them make some decisions to help them feel included.
When choosing a page boy, remember that younger children can sometimes feel overwhelmed, leading to tantrums or refusal to participate. To avoid this, consider selecting an older child or skipping the role altogether — it’s not a necessity for weddings. If the page boy gets restless, small incentives like candies or toys can help (but that’s our secret!).
Lastly, a thoughtful “thank you” gift can make the page boy feel appreciated and boost his confidence for the big day.
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Awedding speech, or wedding message, should always be written from the heart and in your own words.
If you’re feeling stuck or struggling to find the right words, don’t hesitate to draw some inspiration from others. Adding a few love quotes or wedding day quotes to your speech or message can work wonders.
Love and marriage quotes provide meaningful insights into the beauty and complexity of relationships. They bring timeless wisdom and elegance, giving your words that perfect finishing touch.
Need some inspiration? Check out our post featuring 110 love quotes for your wedding day. Whether you’re looking for a classic love quote, a sweet Disney moment, a song lyric, or a memorable line from a book or movie, we’ve got you covered!
What makes a good love quote?
A good love quote is anything that touches your heart. If it resonates with your love story, has a specific significance to you and your partner, or simply summarises how you feel perfectly, then it’s a good love quote.
Our advice is to read lots of different love quotes from different sources. There will be one or two that fill your heart with love or just capture your feelings perfectly. You’ll know them when you read them, and they’re the ones you should pick.
How can I incorporate quotes about love in my speech or message?
We recommend incorporating love quotes into your wedding speech, vows, or readings to add a heartfelt touch. While most quotes are too short to replace full vows or readings, like love poems, they work wonderfully when woven into a pre-written speech or vows, adding a bit of extra charm and emotion.
Try opening or closing your wedding message with a quote for maximum impact. For example, you could end with something like: “Thank you for listening to my speech today. I’d like to sum everything up with the immortal words of Nicholas Sparks, ‘I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had’. Thank you.”
General love quotes
“Love is friendship that has caught on fire” — Ann Lander
“Love is a force more formidable than any other” — Barbara de Angelis
“Love is bigger than a tsunami, stronger than any fear” — Bethany Hamilto
“Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze” — Elinor Glyn
“You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back” — Barbara de Angelis
“To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven” — Karen Sunde
“I love you” begins by I, but it ends up by you — Charles de Leusse
“To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life” — Elizabeth Gilbert
“For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love” — Carl Sagan
“Our love cannot be measured, it just is” — John Paul Stevens
Inspirational love quotes
“Where there is love there is life” — Mahatma Gandhi
“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope” — Maya Angelou
“Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song. At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet” — Plato
“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies” — Aristotle
“The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart” — Helen Keller
“Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction” -— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend” — Martin Luther King Jr.
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other” — Audrey Hepburn
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive” — Dalai Lama
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage” — Lao Tzu
Love quotes by famous people
“I would rather spend one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone” — J.R.R. Tolkien
“The real lover is a man who can thrill you by kissing your forehead or smiling into your eyes or just staring into space” — Marilyn Monroe
“You know it’s love when all you want is that person to be happy, even if you’re not part of their happiness” — Julia Roberts
“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other” — Audrey Hepburn
“My blind eyes are desperately waiting for the sight of you” — Richard Burton, in a letter to Elizabeth Taylor
“I would find you in any lifetime” — Kanye West
“My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me” — Winston Churchill
“I think the perfection of love is that it’s not perfect.” — Emma Stone
“Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear” — John Lennon
“Love is a verb. It’s an action requiring your involvement and your active participation” — John Legend
Love quotes from Disney films
“I’d rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you” — John Smith, Pocahontas
“It’s there, I know it is, because when I look at you, I can feel it. And I look at you, and I’m home” — Dory, Finding Nemo
“Some people are worth melting for” — Olaf, Frozen
“All at once everything looks different, now that I see you” — Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Tangled
“People do crazy things when they’re in love.” — Meg, Hercules
“You are my greatest adventure.” — Mr. Incredible, The Incredibles
“To infinity and beyond!” — Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story
“Love is not an emotion, it’s a choice” — Maui, Moana
“I wouldn’t have nothing if I didn’t have you.” — Mike Wazowski, Monsters, Inc.
“My dream wouldn’t be complete without you in it” – Princess Tiana, The Princess and the Frog
Love quotes from songs
“Love is old, love is new. Love is all, love is you” — The Beatles, Because
“With our love, we could save the world, if they only knew” — The Beatles, Within You Without You
“I could make you happy, make your dreams come true. Nothing that I wouldn’t do. Go to the ends of the Earth for you” — Adele, Make You Feel My Love
“You’re still the one I run to, the one that I belong to, you’re still the one I want for life” — Shania Twain, You’re Still The One
“Cause all you need is love, love. Love is all you need” — The Beatles, Love Is All You Need
“I belong with you, you belong with me, you’re my sweetheart” — The Lumineers, Ho Hey
“You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be, and I don’t wanna go home right now.” — Goo Goo Dolls, Iris
“Take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can’t help falling in love with you” — Elvis Presley, Can’t Help Falling in Love
“You’re my end and my beginning, even when I lose, I’m winning” — John Legend, All of Me
“And isn’t it just so pretty to think all along there was some invisible string tying you to me?” — Taylor Swift, Invisible String
Love quotes from plays, theatre shows, and musicals
“Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none” — William Shakespeare, All’s Well That Ends Well
“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind” — William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
“Say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime. Let me lead you from your solitude. Say you need me with you, here beside you. Anywhere you go, let me go too” — The Phantom (Erik), The Phantom of the Opera
“She loves me and to my amazement, I love it, knowing that she loves me” — Georg Nowack, She Loves Me
“Tonight, tonight, I’ll see my love tonight. And for us, stars will stop where they are” — Tony, West Side Story
“Love will stand when all else falls” — Moses, The Prince of Egypt
“Love is like oxygen. Love is a many-splendored thing. Love lifts us up where we belong” — Christian, Moulin Rouge
“I saw you and the world went away” — Tony, West Side Story
“When someone needs you, you love them so” — Nancy, Oliver!
“Can it be us and only us? And what came before won’t count anymore or matter” — Evan Hansen, Dear Evan Hansen
Love quotes from books
“I wish you to know that you have been the last dream of my soul” — Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you” — A. A. Milne, Winnie The Pooh
“I know I am in love with you because my reality is finally better than my dreams” — Dr. Seuss
“You don’t love someone because they’re perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they’re not” — Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s Keeper
“I love her, and that’s the beginning and end of everything” — F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
“I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once” — John Green, The Fault in Our Stars
“I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had” — Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same” — Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
“You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought” — Arthur Conan Doyle, The White Company
“Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone” — Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie
Love quotes from poetry
“To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides” — David Viscott
“Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired” — Robert Frost
“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways” — Elizabeth Barrett Browning
“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride” — Pablo Neruda
“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever” — Alfred Lord Tennyson
“Love is an endless mystery, for it has nothing else to explain it” — Rabindranath Tagore
“You are my sun, my moon, and all my stars” — E.E. Cummings
“If my lover were a comet hung in air, I would braid my leaping body in his hair” — Djuna Barnes
“Love is not consolation. It is light” — Friedrich Nietzsche
“Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation” — Rabindranath Tagore
Love quotes from films
“You had me at ‘hello'” — Dorothy Boyd, Jerry Maguire
“Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide, but I love you until the end of time” — Christian, Moulin Rouge
“What I’m trying to say, very inarticulately, is that, um, in fact, perhaps despite appearances, I like you, very much. Just as you are” — Mark Darcy, Bridget Jones’s Diary
“To me, you are perfect” — Mark, Love Actually
“I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is” — Forrest Gump, Forrest Gump
“I think I’d miss you even if we never met” — Kat Ellis, The Wedding Date
“A marriage is a promise. With the ceremony and ring, you’re saying to one another, ‘Every experience I am going to have, I want to experience with you'” — Diane Keaton, The Big Wedding
“You’re my air” — Dre, Brown Sugar
“So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard, and we’re gonna have to work at this every day. But I wanna do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever. You and me. Every day” — Noah Calhoun, The Notebook
Love quotes from TV shows
“It’s you. It’s always been you” — Fitz Grant, Scandal
“You make me happier than I ever thought I could be, and if you let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way” — Chandler Bing, Friends
“You’re my one in five billion” — Fox Mulder, The X-Files
“Some love stories aren’t epic novels. Some are short stories, but that doesn’t make them any less filled with love” — Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City
“I love our story. Sure, it’s messy, but it’s the story that got us here” — Ted Mosby, How I Met Your Mother
“I love you, in a really, really big pretend-to-like-your-taste-in-music, let-you-eat-the-last-piece-of-cheesecake, hold-a-radio-over-my-head-outside-your-window, unfortunate way that makes me hate you, love you” -— Meredith Grey, Grey’s Anatomy
“I love you and I like you” — Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation
“I love you more than words, and I am a big fan of words” — Buffy Summers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
“You are the love of my life. Everything I have and everything I am is yours” — Chuck Bass, Gossip Girl
“I love you even when you’re sick and look disgusting” — Jim Halpert, The Office
Love quotes from the Bible
“We love because He first loved us” — 1 John 4:19
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves” — Romans 12:10
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” — 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Let all that you do be done in love” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” — 1 Peter 4:8
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” — 1 John 4:16-18
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love” — John 15:9-10
“Do everything in love” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly” — Colossians 3:14
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves” — Romans 12:9-10
The bottom line on wedding love quotes
Love quotes are a timeless way to express your feelings and show your partner what your big day means to you. Or, if you’re a guest, they’re a lovely way to share well-wishes with the couple and inspire them about their marriage.
Don’t worry about being unoriginal or cliché by using these quotes. Instead, let them spark inspiration for your wedding speech or message, connecting your personal vows to a broader, shared understanding of love. Familiar quotes often resonate with people, and you can even turn them into a fun inside joke with your spouse or guests. For example, referencing a line from your favorite book, movie, or TV show is bound to bring a smile to their faces.
So, go ahead and incorporate love and marriage quotes into your speech or message. Embrace their timeless charm and sprinkle them throughout, like seasoning that enhances the flavour of a great dish.
If you need some more guidance, browse ourwedding speech examples to help you craft the perfect wedding speech.
Wedding speeches are surely the highlight of the wedding reception. They have the power to make a room roar with laughter or bring a tear to every eye.
Crafting the perfect beginning and ending for your wedding speech can feel daunting. The opening sets the tone and gives that all-important first impression, while the conclusion leaves a lasting memory for the couple and guests. But don’t worry! With the right approach, you can deliver a speech that’s memorable for all the right reasons. Feeling nervous? Relax — we’re here to guide you through it step by step.
In this post, we discuss the ins and outs of how to start and end a wedding speech. We talk about what you could use to kick off your wedding day toasts and how to end a wedding speech in a genuine and memorable way. Ready to start? Let’s dive in.
What is a wedding speech?
A wedding speech, also known as a wedding toast, is a heartfelt dedication to the newlyweds on their big day. Wedding speeches usually follow a specific speech order, and are traditionally made by the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man. However, as it’s your big day, you can ask anyone you’d like to make a speech and have them in any order you prefer!
Wedding speeches typically last about 30 minutes during the reception, usually following the main course but before dessert is served. Guests are often provided with a glass of prosecco, champagne, or a non-alcoholic sparkling drink to raise a toast to the newlyweds, creating a celebratory atmosphere as they listen to heartfelt speeches from family and friends.
How to start a wedding toast or speech?
The opening of your wedding speech or toast will engage your audience, set the tone for what’s to come, and create an emotional connection between you and the audience. But it can also be the hardest part to write, as there’s a lot of pressure to get it right.
But don’t let that overwhelm you! Remember that your opening should reflect your genuine feelings for the couple and your joy to participate in their special day. Speak from the heart, and you won’t go far wrong. If you’re still feeling unsure about how to open your wedding speech, the following guide will help you.
Introduce yourself
Starting your speech by introducing yourself is a standard and effective approach. It helps guests understand your connection to the couple and sets the tone for the rest of your speech. Even if many attendees already know you, introducing yourself creates a sense of formality and helps you feel more confident. Whether the groom is your brother or you’ve known the bride for years, taking a moment to state who you are and your role in the day’s celebration ensures everyone is on the same page and ready to listen to your heartfelt words.
Start with a quote or compliment
If you’re feeling unsure about how to continue, consider using a meaningful quote about love, a heartfelt compliment to the beautiful bride, or a comment on the stunning venue. A well-chosen quote can bring wisdom and sentiment to your speech, while a genuine compliment will light up the bride’s face and show appreciation for the effort put into the event. These elements help set a warm, positive tone, making the audience more receptive to the rest of your speech and easing you into the flow with confidence.
Use a funny story or anecdote
If you’re feeling confident, a funny story or anecdote about your relationship to the bride or groom is a great way to open your speech. It not only adds a touch of humour and light-heartedness to the atmosphere, but also instantly connects you with the audience through shared laughter.
But remember that humour can be a double-edged sword, so be sure to keep it light, respectful, and in good taste. The goal is to make the audience smile, not cringe. If your joke is a little risqué, consider running it past the bride or groom first to ensure they’re okay with it.
Say thank you to everyone present
If all else fails, say thank you to everyone present. Thank you to the couple for inviting you to their special day, thank you to the venue staff who have worked so hard to make it all possible, and thank you to everyone else for coming. Everyone likes it when their contributions and efforts are acknowledged, so thanking the wedding party and staff and guests is a fool-proof speech opener.
How to end a wedding speech or toast
Often, the parts of a speech that stick with guests are the beginning and the end. You’ve already nailed your opening, and now it’s time to close on a high note. To leave a lasting impression, use the following tips to craft a memorable conclusion to your wedding toast. A heartfelt sentiment, a funny yet sincere anecdote, or a final toast to the couple’s happiness can ensure your speech ends on a positive, impactful note.
Recap your key messages
A great way to round up your wedding speech is to recap the message from the body of your speech. This reinforces the central point you wanted to convey and leaves a lasting impression.
For example, if your speech was all about how perfect the happy couple is for each other, consider rounding off with, “We can all see how happy [couples’ names] make each other, and if I find a love that’s half as perfect as theirs, I’ll be a lucky, lucky person.”
This reiteration brings your speech full circle and highlights the love and happiness that radiates from the newlyweds. This will leave a heartfelt and enduring message to share with everyone.
Share your advice and thoughts
You could also round off your speech by giving your thoughts on love and marriage and any advice you may have for the newlyweds. If you aren’t in a position to offer any advice, a quote about love, a wedding reading, or a line from a song are also great ways to end your speech.
This approach not only imparts wisdom and reflection, but also serves as a thoughtful and fitting conclusion to your wedding speech.
End on a positive note
As with any part of a wedding speech, end on a positive note. This could be a final blessing, one last thank you, or even a warm smile. You’ve done the hard part; all that’s left is to seal the speech with a final dose of love and warmth.
Cheers to the couple
The highlight of any speech — it’s time to raise your glasses and toast to the happy couple! Invite all the guests to join in, lifting their glasses to wish the couple joy, good health, and a lifetime of happiness. With a smile, lead the room in a heartfelt cheer: “To the newlyweds, cheers!”
The bottom line on wedding toasts
Wedding speeches can be challenging, especially when it comes to starting and finishing strong. With thoughtful preparation, genuine emotions, and a celebratory toast to close, you can deliver a speech that not only captivates the audience but also leaves a memorable mark on the newlyweds’ special day.
A friendly introduction, expressing gratitude to the couple, venue staff, and guests, a heartfelt quote about love, and ending with a smile and a toast are simple yet effective elements that will ensure your speech is heartfelt and well-received. These steps provide a great structure for creating a memorable wedding speech that shines.
If you’re still sitting there wondering how to start your own wedding speech, or how to end it, we’ve got plenty of fabulous wedding speech examples right here on Bridebook. We have fantastic examples of father of the bride, groom, and mother of the bride speeches that you’ll love!
The great thing about the groom’s speech is that it’s generally one of the easiest to write. You don’t need to stress about making everyone laugh like the best man or worry about whether your words are heartfelt enough, like the father of the bride. Instead, the groom’s speech is a lovely thank you note to everyone who has helped you plan the wedding.
As the groom, it’s a chance for you to express your love, gratitude, and appreciation to all the amazing people who have gathered to celebrate this joyous occasion. It’s a time to honour your beautiful bride, thank your parents, and embrace the opportunity to let everyone know how grateful you are for their continued support.
In this article, we’ve captured everything you need to know about writing the best groom speech ever. We have 10 brilliant groom speech examples for inspiration, a breakdown of the structure of the speech, and a list of all the little bits and bobs you may need to consider. Let’s get going!
What is the groom’s speech?
The groom’s speech is a heartfelt speech made by the groom during a wedding reception. It should be no more than 10 minutes long and usually goes second in the order of speeches, coming after the father of the bride speech but before the best man’s speech.
Consider this your opportunity to let your friends and family know how grateful you are for their support. You can also share stories and memories and thank all those who have played a significant role in the journey leading up to the wedding day.
In fact, the groom’s speech is usually positioned as a thank-you note to everyone involved in planning your wedding. For example, your parents, the bride’s parents, ushers, bridesmaids, the best man, the maid of honour, your wedding planner, and the wedding venue staff. It’s also a great opportunity to thank anyone who has supported your relationship thus far and a chance to tell some heartwarming stories about how you and your partner met.
What should you include in the groom’s speech?
Here are some key elements you should consider including in your groom’s speech:
Thank your family. They’ve guided you through life, helped you become who you are today, and probably contributed to the wedding somehow. It’s time to thank your parents for their support over the years. In addition, you should extend your gratitude to your new in-laws. Let them know how grateful you are to them for raising such a wonderful partner, welcoming you into their family, and for their continued guidance.
The meet-cute. Share some sweet stories and anecdotes about how you met your partner when you knew they were the one, and any adventures you’ve shared along the way. You could also share any laughs you’ve had leading up to the wedding day and maybe sprinkle in a few inside jokes. Just remember, keep it respectful and appropriate for all guests!
Compliment your new spouse. What better day to highlight how beautiful and special your partner bride is than on their big day? It’s time to let everyone know exactly what made you fall in love with them, their impact on your life, and the joy they bring you. Include all these topics and watch their smile light up the room.
A toast. Bottoms up! Finish your speech by encouraging your friends and guests to join you in a toast. Here’s to love and the incredible journey that lies ahead.
Groom’s speech structure
Although the groom’s speech can follow any structure you feel is best, we recommend sticking to the following framework. This way, you can feel confident that you’ve covered all your bases and delivered a well-rounded speech.
Introduction
The introduction sets the tone for your speech, so it’s important to start with confidence. Take this time to welcome and engage your audience, as well as acknowledge everyone’s effort in attending the wedding. Express your gratitude, and let everyone know they look great. Keep it short and move on to the bulk of the speech.
Top tip: To guarantee a big cheer, start with “On behalf of me and my wife…”. It’s a winner every time!
Thank your family
Take a moment to express heartfelt appreciation to your family. Begin with your parents, thanking them for their unconditional love, guidance, and support throughout your life.
Recognise the sacrifices they have made along the way and for any help they have offered in wedding planning.
You can then move on to thanking your new in-laws. Emphasise the love and acceptance they have shown you, how they have supported your relationship, and their role in bringing you and your partner together. And, if appropriate, thank them for their child’s hand in marriage!
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen
Show appreciation for your best man, maid of honour, and the rest of the bridal party. Highlight their support, dedication, and efforts in making your wedding day special. You can also express your gratitude for their friendship, unwavering support, and their role in your special day.
Express your gratitude to the guests
Take a moment to express gratitude to all the guests for their presence and role in your lives. Highlight what their support means to you and the happiness they bring to the occasion.
Take extra time to thank anyone who has travelled long distances or made an extra effort to be there. Let them know how much you appreciate the efforts and how much it means to have them with you.
Thank the staff
Acknowledge the efforts of the staff, vendors, and wedding planners who have worked tirelessly to make your wedding day run smoothly. Show appreciation for their professionalism and attention to detail. After all, the day wouldn’t be possible without them!
Compliment your partner
Finally, express your love and admiration for your new spouse. Share heartfelt compliments that highlight their beauty, grace and the qualities that make them so special to you. Be specific and genuine in your praise. There won’t be a dry eye in the house!
Time for a toast
As you wrap up your speech, it’s time to invite your guests to raise their glasses and join you in a toast. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness. Chin chin!
Groom’s speech template
To help you navigate the complete breakdown of your speech, it can be helpful to have a visual guide to refer to. Check out our handy infographic below:
Use this groom speech template to guide your writing
Top tips for delivering a great groom’s speech
Keep it upbeat
Although it’s an emotional day, keep the tone of your speech happy and upbeat. Save the tear-jerking stories for the father of the bride or best man speeches. Your speech should be focused on light-hearted gratitude.
Keep it clean!
Although light-hearted humour and anecdotes are appropriate in a groom’s speech, ensure your humour is tasteful and doesn’t overshadow the heartfelt moments! Remember, your new spouse is in front of all their family and friends, so they may not want to share any intimate or embarrassing stories. If you’re unsure whether your partner will be comfortable with the stories you’re sharing, consider running any stories you plan to use past them first.
Confidence is key
A few nerves are to be expected. However, this is your time to shine, and you should do it proudly. Stand tall, speak clearly, and make eye contact with the audience. Project confidence and belief in your words. Remember, the audience is filled with your family and friends who are gathered to have a good time and are all rooting for you!
Top 10 groom speech examples
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our top 10 examples of great wedding speech ideas, from the simple and sentimental to the light-hearted and humorous. And remember that these are just examples. You can use them as templates for your own speech, but it’s important to speak from the heart, and add your own personal touch and unique family anecdotes.
A lot of traditional father of the bride speeches and examples will refer to a bride and groom, but you can simply change the references to your daughter’s partner and the appropriate pronouns if you’re attending an LGBTQ+ wedding.
Speech Example 1: The Heartfelt Appreciation
Introduction: “Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends, thank you all for being here to celebrate this special day with [partner’s name] and me. Your presence means the world to us, and we are truly grateful for your love and support.”
Thank your family: “I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to my parents, [parents’ names]. Thank you for your unwavering love, guidance, and for always believing in me. You have shaped me into the man I am today, and I am forever grateful. And I extend my heartfelt thanks to my incredible new in-laws, [in-laws’ names]. Thank you for welcoming me into your family with open arms and showering us with your love and acceptance. I am truly blessed to have gained such wonderful additions to my life.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “I want to take a moment to thank my incredible best man, [best man’s name], and our wonderful groomsmen. Your friendship and support have been invaluable throughout this journey, and I am lucky to have you by my side. Thank you for standing with me today.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our family and friends, thank you for being here to celebrate our love. Your presence fills our hearts with joy, and we are grateful for the love and support you have shown us. We are honoured to share this special day with all of you.”
Thank the staff: “A special thank you goes out to the amazing staff, vendors, and wedding planners who have worked tirelessly to make this day perfect. Your attention to detail and professionalism have made our wedding day unforgettable. We are incredibly grateful for all that you’ve done.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the love of my life, [partner’s name]. Words cannot express the depth of my love for you. You are my rock, my best friend, and my partner in all of life’s adventures. Your beauty, both inside and out, continues to amaze me every day. I am the luckiest person in the world to call you my wife.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness for [partner’s name] and me. May our love continue to grow and shine brighter with each passing day. Bottoms up!”
Speech Example 2: The Light-hearted Banter
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone! I must say, standing here in front of you all, I feel a mix of excitement and nerves. But hey, that’s nothing compared to the excitement of marrying the amazing person standing beside me, [partner’s name]!”
Thank your family: “I want to start by thanking my parents, [parents’ names], for their endless love and support. You have always been there for me, guiding me through life’s ups and downs. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you. And now I will extend my sincere thanks to my incredible new family, [in-laws’ names]. Your kindness, generosity, and open hearts have made me feel like I’ve always been a part of this beautiful family. I am truly grateful for the love and support you have shown us.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “A big shout-out to my best man, [best man’s name], and our incredible groomsmen. You guys have been with me through thick and thin, and I couldn’t have asked for a better crew. Thank you for all the unforgettable memories and for keeping me sane throughout this wedding planning madness.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our friends and family gathered here today, thank you for being a part of this joyous celebration. Your presence fills our hearts with warmth and happiness. We are truly blessed to have such amazing people in our lives.”
Thank the staff: “Let’s not forget to give a round of applause to the fantastic staff who have worked their socks off to make this day possible. From the venue coordinators to the catering team, your hard work and attention to detail have exceeded our expectations. Thank you for making our dream wedding a reality.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the woman who has stolen my heart, [partner’s name]. You are a true blessing in my life. Your kindness, intelligence, and sense of humour brighten every moment we spend together. I am so grateful for the love and happiness you bring into my life.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising a glass to the incredible love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our journey together be filled with laughter, adventures, and a lifetime of shared happiness. Cheers!”
Speech Example 3: The Emotional Touch
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. Today is a day filled with immense joy and gratitude as I stand here as the luckiest man in the world, ready to embark on a new chapter of my life with the love of my life, [partner’s name].”
Thank your family: “I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude to my parents, [parents’ names]. Your love, support, and guidance have shaped me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful for the values you instilled in me and for the love you have shown me throughout my life. And to my incredible new in-laws, [in-laws’ names], I want to express my deepest appreciation for welcoming me into your family. Your love, warmth, and genuine care have made me feel like I’ve found a second home.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “To my best man, [best man’s name], and our incredible groomsmen, thank you for standing by my side on this special day. Your friendship and endless support mean the world to me. I am so grateful for the memories we have shared and for the bond we have formed.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our beloved friends and family gathered here today, thank you for your presence and for celebrating our love. Your love, encouragement, and support have been a constant source of strength and inspiration. We are blessed to have you in our lives.”
Thank the staff: “A special thank you goes to the dedicated staff and vendors who have worked tirelessly to make this day unforgettable. Your professionalism, attention to detail, and hard work have made our wedding dreams come true. We are forever grateful for your contributions.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the woman who has captured my heart, [partner’s name]. You are my rock, my best friend, and my biggest supporter. Your love and unwavering belief in me have brought immeasurable joy into my life. I am grateful for your beautiful soul, your compassion, and the way you make every day brighter.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising a glass to the love and happiness of [partner’s name] and me. May our love continue to grow and flourish, and may our journey together be filled with laughter, adventures, and endless love. Bottoms up!”
Speech Example 4: The Humorous Twist
Introduction: “Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends, thank you for being here today to celebrate this incredible milestone in my life. I must say, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and relief that I managed to tie my tie correctly. It’s a big day for me!”
Thank your family: “I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to my parents, [parents’ names]. Thank you for your constant support, for always believing in me even when I doubted myself, and for teaching me the importance of love and commitment. And let’s not forget a special thank you to my fantastic new in-laws, [in-laws’ names]. From the first time we met, your clever banter and quick comebacks kept me on my toes. It’s a true pleasure to be part of a family with such a sharp sense of humour. Thank you for the laughter, the wit, and the warm welcome into your incredible clan.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “A big shout-out to my incredible best man, [best man’s name], and our awesome groomsmen. You guys have been with me through all the highs and all the lows, and I can’t thank you enough for being my sidekicks in life’s adventures. I’m honoured to have you by my side.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our amazing guests, thank you for being here and sharing in the joy of this special day. Your presence makes this celebration even more memorable, and we are truly grateful for the love and support you have shown us.”
Thank the staff: “Let’s also take a moment to appreciate the hardworking staff and vendors who have made this wedding day unforgettable. From the venue team to the caterers, thank you for going above and beyond to make everything run smoothly. You’re the real MVPs!”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the person who has stolen my heart, my beautiful [partner’s name]. You are my everything. Your love, warmth, and infectious laughter bring so much happiness into my life. I’m grateful for the adventures we’ve shared and the ones that lie ahead.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast to the incredible love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our love be a never-ending source of laughter, support, and growth. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and shared dreams. Cheers!”
Speech Example 5: The Poetic Reflection
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude and love. This is a day that marks the beginning of a beautiful journey, and I’m honoured to share it with all of you.”
Thank your family: “I want to start by thanking my parents, [parents’ names]. Your unconditional love and unwavering support have shaped me into the person I am today. Thank you for your guidance, sacrifices, and for always believing in me. My heartfelt thanks also go to my wonderful new in-laws, [in-laws’ Names]. You have welcomed me into your family with open arms and treated me as one of your own from the very beginning.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “A special shout-out to my amazing best man, [best man’s name], and our remarkable groomsmen. You guys have been there for me through thick and thin, and I’m grateful for the friendship and memories we’ve created together.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our cherished guests, thank you for gracing us with your presence on this joyous occasion. Your love and support mean the world to us, and we are beyond grateful to have you here as we celebrate our love.”
Thank the staff: “I also want to extend my gratitude to the hardworking staff and vendors who have made this day possible. Your dedication and attention to detail have transformed our vision into reality. Thank you for creating such a magical atmosphere.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to my incredible partner, [bride’s name]. Your beauty, both inside and out, continues to amaze me every day. Your love and undying belief in me have given me strength and courage. I’m blessed to have you by my side.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising a glass to the extraordinary love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our journey be filled with love, adventure, and the fulfilment of all our dreams. So let’s all raise a glass!”
Speech Example 6: The Joyful Adventure
Introduction: “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! First and foremost, let me take a moment to express my gratitude for being here today on this wonderful day of celebration. Thank you all for joining us!”
Thank your family: “I want to start by thanking my parents, [parents’ names]. You have been my guiding lights, and my biggest cheerleaders. Thank you for your amazing love and support throughout the years. “I also want to express my deepest appreciation to my amazing new family, [in-laws’ names]. From the moment we met, you embraced me with open hearts and made me feel like a cherished member of the family. Your love, support, and guidance mean the world to me, and I am truly blessed to call you my in-laws as I embark on this new adventure with your daughter.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “To my wonderful best man, [best man’s name], and our fantastic groomsmen, thank you for being my partners in mischief and for standing by my side. Your friendship and laughter have made this journey all the more memorable.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our incredible guests, thank you for gracing us with your presence today. Your love, well wishes, and dance moves are what make this celebration truly special. Let’s continue to create unforgettable memories together.”
Thank the staff: “A special shout-out to the incredible staff who have made this wedding day a seamless experience. From the event coordinators to the DJ who knows just the right tunes to keep the party going, you have all been instrumental in creating an unforgettable night.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the love of my life, [partner’s name]. From the moment we met, you have filled my days with laughter, love, and countless adventures. Your beauty, both inside and out, leaves me in awe. I’m so lucky to call you my partner.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast to the extraordinary love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our days be filled with laughter, our hearts with love, and our lives with endless joy. Cheers!”
Speech Example 7: The Sentimental Journey
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. Today, as I stand here before all of you, I can’t help but be overwhelmed with emotions. This day represents the culmination of an incredible journey, and I’m honoured to share it with each and every one of you.”
Thank your family: “I want to start by expressing my deepest gratitude to my parents, [parents’ names]. You have given me the most incredible gift of love and support, and I will forever cherish the values you have instilled in me. And I am filled with gratitude for my exceptional new family, [In-Laws’ Names]. Your love, acceptance, and genuine kindness have made me feel like a beloved member of the family from the very beginning.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “To my phenomenal best man, [best man’s name], and our incredible groomsmen, thank you for being my pillars of strength and for standing by my side throughout this entire process. Your friendship means the world to me.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our beloved guests, thank you for gracing us with your presence on this beautiful day. Your presence and well wishes have filled our hearts with immense joy and love. We are blessed to have you in our lives.”
Thank the staff: “A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff and vendors who have worked tirelessly to make this wedding a truly magical experience. Your attention to detail and professionalism have exceeded our expectations. We are forever grateful.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the love of my life, [partner’s name]. Your presence in my life has brought an indescribable happiness that words can’t fully capture. Your love, strength, and unconditional support have made me a better person. I’m beyond fortunate to call you mine.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising a glass to the extraordinary love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our journey be filled with endless love, cherished moments, and the realisation of all our dreams. Cheers to us!”
Speech Example 8: The Inspirational Touch
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone! Today is a day filled with love, joy, and celebration. I stand before you as a grateful man, ready to embark on this incredible journey with my soulmate by my side.”
Thank your family: “I want to start by expressing my deepest appreciation to my parents, [parents’ names]. Your unconditional love, guidance, and sacrifices have shaped me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful for the values you have instilled in me. I am truly grateful to my wonderful new family, [in-laws’ Names]. From the moment I met you, you embraced me with open arms and made me feel like part of the family. Your love, support, and acceptance have touched my heart deeply, and I am honoured to be a part of this loving family.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “To my amazing best man, [best man’s name], and our wonderful groomsmen, thank you for your constant support, laughter, and friendship. You have stood by my side through all of life’s wild adventures, and I’m honoured to have you as my chosen family.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our esteemed guests. Your presence here today is a testament to the love and support you have shown us. We are deeply touched by your presence and grateful for the memories we will create together.”
Thank the staff: “A special shout-out to the incredible staff and vendors who have worked to the bone to make this day a literal dream come true. Your attention to detail, professionalism, and dedication have made this celebration truly exceptional. Thank you for going above and beyond.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the love of my life, [partner’s name]. You have brought light into my world, and I’m grateful for every moment we’ve shared. Your beauty, both inside and out, captivates me. I promise to cherish and protect our love for all my days.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast to the incredible love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our love be a guiding light, leading us to a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and unbreakable bonds. Cheers to us!”
Speech Example 9: The Heartfelt Tribute
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. Today is a day of immense joy and gratitude as we gather here to celebrate the union of two souls deeply in love. Thank you for joining us on this momentous occasion.”
Thank your family: “I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation to my parents, [parents’ names]. Your unconditional love, guidance, and support have been the foundation of my life. I’m forever grateful for everything you have done for me. “My heartfelt thanks go to my incredible new in-laws, [in-laws’ names]. Your love, warmth, and genuine acceptance have made me feel like I’ve always been a part of this beautiful family. I am grateful for the memories we’ve shared, and for bringing [partner’s name] into my life.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “To my brilliant best man, [best man’s name], and our outstanding groomsmen, thank you for being my brothers, confidants, and partners in crime. Your friendship has been an invaluable gift, and I’m honoured to have you by my side on this special day.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our beloved guests, thank you for gracing us with your presence and for sharing in the love and joy of this moment. Your presence fills our hearts with warmth, and we are so grateful for the love and support you have shown us.”
Thank the staff: “A special thank you to the remarkable staff and vendors who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this day perfect. Your professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail have transformed our vision into reality. We are in awe of your talents.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to my beautiful soulmate, [bride’s name]. You are my rock, my inspiration, and my best friend. Your love has transformed my life in ways I never thought possible. I’m forever grateful for your unwavering support and the endless joy you bring into my world.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast to the extraordinary love and future of [bride’s name] and me. May our journey be filled with boundless love, adventure, and beautiful memories. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness. Cheers!”
Speech Example 10: The Light-hearted Celebration
Introduction: “Hello, everyone! Today is a day of celebration, laughter, and love. Thank you all for being here as we embark on this incredible journey together. Let’s make some unforgettable memories!”
Thank your family: “I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, [parents’ names]. You have been my biggest cheerleaders and a constant source of love and support. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you. To my amazing new family, [in-laws’ names], I want to express my sincere appreciation for welcoming me into your lives. Your love, kindness, and genuine hospitality have made me feel like a beloved member of the family. Thank you for letting me love your incredible daughter.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “To my phenomenal best man, [best man’s name], and our incredible groomsmen, thank you for adding laughter, adventure, and a whole lot of fun to my life. I’m grateful for the memories we’ve created and the ones we’ll continue to make.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “Thank you to all our wonderful guests for being here and sharing in the joy of this special day. Your presence makes this celebration even more memorable, and we appreciate the love and warmth you bring to our lives.”
Thank the staff: “A special shout-out to the amazing staff and vendors who have bent over backwards to make this wedding day a fantastic experience. From the delicious food to the beautiful decorations, you have made this day truly extraordinary.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to my incredible partner in crime, [partner’s name]. Your smile lights up my world, and your love fills my heart with happiness. I’m honoured to call you my wife and excited for all the adventures that await us.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast to the love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our lives be filled with endless laughter, joy, and shared dreams! Now let’s make this the best celebration ever!”
The bottom line on the groom’s speech
The groom’s speech is your opportunity to thank everyone around you for their involvement and support with your wedding.
Take the time to personalise your speech, infuse it with genuine compliments, and practice, practice, practice! Strike a balance between sincerity and lightheartedness, and let the love and happiness that fills your special day shine through. Remember: keep it upbeat, keep it clean, and deliver it with confidence.
If you’re still unsure where to start, sign up to Bridebook for some top tips, tricks, and inspiration for writing a brilliant groom’s speech. Best of luck!
Simply enter your total wedding funds, give us a few basic details, and in one click you’ll have your very own expert breakdown of your wedding costs. You’ll know exactly where to spend your money for your special day – and the real fun of planning can begin!
Want to get started with ballpark figures? Below you’ll find a complete wedding budget breakdown, based on the average total costs of Australian wedding suppliers. The average amount spent by Australian couples on their wedding comes to $37,000.
Creating a wedding budget breakdown is one of the most important steps to tick off on your wedding planning checklist, whether you’re planning a more affordable DIY wedding on a budget or a more extravagant celebration. In this video course, Bridebook founder (and qualified wedding planner) Hamish Shephard explains how to set and manage your wedding budget, and reveals how you could save thousands on your wedding venue, catering and other suppliers.
Average cost of a wedding venue:
$14,000-$17,000
Your wedding venue is easily the single most important part of your planning – so it’s no surprise that it’s also the most expensive part of your wedding budget! Choosing your wedding venue really is step one of your wedding planning journey, and it affects every aspect of your big day.
Not sure where to start when it comes to choosing your venue? Well, don’t worry, we’ve got you! We don’t mean to brag, but we’ve got the largest wedding venue directory in Australia.
With our wedding venue search tool, you and your partner can find your dream venue faster than you can say, “I do!” If you know exactly what you’re looking for, you can kick things off by searching by name, location or style. If you’re just getting started with your venue search, try using filters such as “barn” or “city” and “budget” or “luxury” to get an idea of what’s out there.
Average cost of wedding catering:
$5,000-$7,000 (varies on the number of guests)
As you might expect, the total cost of your catering will be 100% dependent on the number of guests you invite to your wedding. Your guest list will have a big impact on what you’ll spend on your wedding overall as well, so we recommend making some rough decisions about the size of your guest list as early as possible in your wedding planning if you can.
Since caterers usually charge by the head, cutting some co-workers or +1s from your guest list might be your first move if you’re looking to save a few hundred dollars on your wedding. Another easy way to cut costs is to go for food trucks, sharing plates or a buffet over a set menu or traditional sit-down meal. Not only is this a great option for couples planning a wedding on a budget, but it’s also ideal for those wanting a more relaxed atmosphere on their big day.
Average cost of wedding photography:
$2,000-$4,000
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, so it’s important that those memories last forever. That makes choosing the right wedding photographer one of your key decisions. After all, you’ll be looking at their photos for years to come, so it’s absolutely worth the investment!
How much you pay will depend on the photographer, the service you want and the specific package you choose. If you want to cut costs and make your budget go further, ordering a digital album instead of a hard copy can save you some serious cash.
Average cost of wedding videography:
$2,000-$4,000
You might be asking yourself, “Why do I need a wedding videographer when I already have a wedding photographer?” Well, while a photographer can capture the key moments and highlights in a few snapshots, we’re betting you’ll want to remember every second of your wedding day – and having a designated wedding videographer will allow you to do just that.
As with wedding photographers, some videographers cost more than others. If having an absolutely jaw-dropping video is a priority for you, consider cutting back on some of your other suppliers to make room in your wedding budget.
Average cost of wedding flowers:
$1,500-$2,500
How much do wedding flowers cost? Well, that depends on the type of flowers you want at your wedding. Though, in our opinion, our best bet is to go with seasonal flowers. It’s a great aesthetic, can mean big savings if you’re on a budget, and can even bag you some sustainability points! But whatever you do, never, ever underestimate how much flowers can transform your wedding!
Average cost of wedding decor & furniture hire:
$1,000-$2,500
Decoration isn’t just about the flowers! Don’t forget that many venues require you to hire all your furniture and other decorative features (especially “blank canvas” venues). This might be from the venue itself, your caterer, or a third party – but either way it’s an additional cost to factor in.
Something that can also eat up a big chunk of your wedding budget is marquee hire. If you’re hiring an outdoor venue for a winter wedding, you’ll definitely need one. If marquee hire isn’t included, this extra cost will add quite a few hundred dollars to your budget. So our top tip? Aim to book an all-inclusive venue which offers a two-in-one decoration and hire package. That way, you won’t have to worry about extra costs later on!
Average cost of a wedding cake:
$500-$700
The wedding cake is one of the best bits of any wedding (or at least, we think so!). There are two main things that will affect the cost of your wedding cake. The first is the number of tiers you go for. This comes down to how many people you’re trying to feed and what kind of look you want. At the end of the day, more cake means more money…but one sneaky way to cheat the system if you’re on a budget is to order a cake that uses dummy layers.
The second factor is whether you want a traditional fruit wedding cake or a more modern sponge with fresh fruit. While the former can be made further in advance, the latter will need to be baked the night before or even the day of the wedding itself, which makes them that bit more expensive.
If you have a baker in the family, why not ask them to bake your wedding cake? They might offer you “mates rates” or even make it for free as their wedding gift to you. Then you can use the money you save to invite a couple more guests…or put it towards your honeymoon!
Average cost wedding music:
$1,500-$2,500
With a million-and-one amazing options to choose from, deciding on your ideal wedding music is no easy decision. You’ll want to think carefully about three things. Firstly, what do you and your partner want? Do you see yourself and your partner swaying to a romantic live band, or is techno not something you’re giving up on your big day? Secondly, what will your guests enjoy? And finally, what will fit in with the style and vibe of your wedding?
When it comes to pricing and budgeting, the first question is whether or not you have your heart set on live music. A DJ is almost always cheaper than a live band and can be just as good.
Average cost of a wedding dress:
$2,000-$3,000
There’s a breathtakingly beautiful wedding dress out there for everyone – and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg! Many large online retailers now have a bridal section, where you’ll find lovely, more affordable wedding dresses. Brides that are looking for affordable and more sustainable options may also opt for a vintage or second-hand wedding dress.
Average cost of wedding beauty (hair & makeup):
$500-$1,000
The way a bride envisions her wedding is simple: she looks drop-dead gorgeous next to her prince or princess. And who makes all of this possible? Trick question! All you need to look absolutely stunning is a beautiful, happy smile…but yeah, a little hair and makeup will help too!
With thousands of fantastic hair and makeup artists all across Australia, we’re sure you’ll find your dream wedding make-up artist and hair stylist no matter your budget.
Average cost of wedding suits (groom and ushers attire):
$1,500-$2,000
When it comes to figuring out how much you should spend on each part of your wedding, most couples overlook the groom’s attire and menswear. But the groom and groomsmen will want to look gorgeous on their W-Day just as much as the bride and bridesmaids will.
Our top tip? Communication. Make sure both your ushers and your bride are comfortable with what you choose to wear. You don’t have to be all “matchy-matchy”, but when your wedding comes together as a whole, the groom will be one of its central pieces…so keep that in mind!
Average cost of wedding rings (incl. engagement ring):
$6,000-$8,000
As small as they are, don’t forget your wedding rings! They might just be the most significant detail of your wedding. After all, they’re a lasting symbol of your love and commitment to your partner, and will be with you both for the rest of your lives. Just like engagement rings, they’re also an added cost to your overall wedding budget…but definitely one you shouldn’t cut!
Average cost of wedding stationery:
$500-$1,000
Wedding stationery includes everything from save-the-dates and invitations to programmes and place cards to consider. Therefore, the money you spend on this can vary widely depending on your unique needs and preferences.
While both DIY or online invitations can cost next to nothing, bespoke and handcrafted stationery can cost closer to $1,000 or more.
Average cost of a celebrant:
$500-$1,500
If you’re looking for a less traditional and more personalised wedding ceremony, you’ll want to hire a celebrant. They’ll give you the freedom and flexibility to truly personalise how you celebrate your love with your partner.
Average cost of wedding favours:
$250-$700
Who doesn’t like wedding favours? They’re a great way of giving your guests something to remember your special day by. Favours can be as big or as small as you like, depending on your budget and preferences (and how many guests you have).
And remember, you don’t have to give favours at all! A lot of couples wonder whether or not wedding favours are a necessary cost – and honestly, it depends! For many of your guests, attending your big day will have been enough of a gift. But if you have money left in your budget…go for it! We actually get this question a lot on our Bridebook Instagram page, which you should follow immediately if you want wedding tips, inspiration and a little bit of Bridebook silliness.
Average cost of wedding transport:
$800-$1,200
Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you organise taxis for your entire guest list! But whether you’re thinking of making a low-key arrival or even planning on flying down the aisle (no, seriously, it’s been done before!), don’t overlook your own wedding transport. From vintage cars and carriages to tandem bikes and trucks, there are lots of options to make your transport fit the vibe of your wedding.
When making decisions about your transport, a key consideration is how far your ceremony is from your accommodation and the reception venue. So maybe don’t choose to make your entrance on a tandem bike if you’re getting married five kilometres away from your wedding venue! And if you’re looking to cut this cost completely, why not ask a friend or relative if you can borrow their super cool car? Not only will they be flattered, but you’ll also save some $$$!
Average cost of a honeymoon
$7,000-$10,000
The honeymoon is understandably a big post-wedding cost. Trends suggest older couples are more likely to stay in Australia, while younger Gen Z couples are looking to travel more, favouring the beaches of the Maldives, Indonesia, Fiji and Italy for their honeymoons.
Plan your dream wedding on Bridebook
So, that’s how a wedding breaks down for the average Australian couple. Now it’s time to find out what your personalised budget breakdown will be, so you can get cracking with your planning!
And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding, we’ve got plenty of cost-cutting hacks, so you can have your dream wedding without going over your budget. From venue saving tips to guest list considerations, we’ve got you covered.
When it comes to planning your wedding, there will be plenty of important choices to make – ranging from the enormous to the teeny tiny. Many of these choices will be optional, but one of the biggest will be making sure you choose the right venue. After all, it’s where you and your guests will spend the entire day and can’t be changed once the big day arrives.
As you work out your wedding budget, you’ll need to make sure you dedicate enough toward your ideal venue. Whether it’s a hotel, a golf course, a vineyard, a village hall, or anywhere else you want to marry that special someone, you’ll need to budget accordingly.
Below, we’re going to take a look at the average cost of a wedding venue, what’s included in that cost, and any unexpected fees you should look out for.
With the average total cost of a wedding in Australia rising to $37,000, over a third of that cost is likely to go towards the venue. In 2024, the average cost of a wedding venue is around $14,000-17,000. Of course, this figure can vary dramatically depending on different factors, including the type of venue and where in the country the venue is located.
For example, on average, venues are $2,000 to $3,000 more expensive in urban areas, like Sydney or Melbourne, than in rural or remote locations like Tasmania. However, that’s not to say that one is better than the other – it’s all a matter of taste, what’s right for you, and how far you and your guests want to travel.
How can the cost of a wedding venue vary?
Data gathered from the average venue costs of Australian couples on Bridebook in 2023 and 2024.
There’s a range of wedding venues available across Australia, so whatever your budget you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something to your taste:
Affordable: $5,000 – $10,000
Moderate: $10,000 – $15,000
Luxury: $15,000 – $22,000
Super luxury: $22,000+
How does the type of venue affect the cost?
Data gathered from the average venue costs of Australian couples on Bridebook in 2023 and 2024.
The type of wedding venue you choose affects the price, with certain types of venue costing significantly more than others on average. According to our 2024 Wedding Reports, couples are more likely to spend the most on venues for weddings at castles, stately homes and country houses, and the least on registry offices, places of worship and restaurants.
Here’s a breakdown of the average cost depending on the venue type, based on data gathered from couples planning their wedding on our platform in 2024:
The cost of the venue will include rental of the space itself, however, it can also include additions and the use of certain facilities, such as:
Tables and chairs
Linens, such as tablecloths, napkins and chair covers
Lighting and sound
Wine and bubbles for the tables
Bar services
Catering
Coordination and setup
Exactly what’s included in the cost of the venue is something that you’ll need to confirm with the venue. For example, some venues won’t have catering facilities and will require you to arrange your own vendors.
Mark Dawson, the former owner and operator of Brookfield Barn in England and expert on all things venue-related, explains why wedding venues are often so expensive:
“Couples benefit from being “one-time customers” that venues are trying to attract and therefore price is a key lever. The venue market has become extremely competitive with diminishing margins. So many features at the top of couples’ lists come with high maintenance costs. For example, listed and historic buildings, extensive grounds. Remember you are paying such that the venue is maintained in a way to be at its best on your big day – and every other couple has the same expectation.”
“Exclusivity on your day means you are the sole revenue stream for the venue. So when faced with budget challenges, take time to prioritise what is most important. Is it exclusivity on the day for your wedding, is it the historic setting, is it the extensive grounds, is it having it for multiple days to set up and clear up, is it having lots of staff support from the venue for planning it all – they all drive the price point that the venue needs to continue to operate.”
What factors can affect the cost of a wedding venue?
We’ve already highlighted how the type and location can affect the cost of a venue, but there are plenty of factors that can contribute towards how much you might pay for your dream venue.
Size
Naturally, the higher the number of guests you’d like to invite, the larger the venue will need to be. Of course, it makes sense that a venue with a 30-person capacity will usually be more affordable than one that can accommodate several hundred.
Region
Where you are in Australia significantly affects how much you’ll pay for a wedding venue. For example, couples in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne tend to pay around 30-40% more than the national average. In contrast, venues in smaller towns or rural areas, such as those in Tasmania or Western Australia, are typically much more affordable. For instance, the average cost of a venue in New South Wales is around $15,640, while in Tasmania, it’s closer to $12,842.
Dates
As you might imagine, venue prices vary depending on the season. When it comes to choosing a wedding date, spring, summer, and even fall dates are more popular than winter. As a result, you’ll likely find that it’s more affordable to secure a date in July or August than it is in January or February.
Similarly, Fridays and the weekend – particularly Saturday – are more expensive than weekdays, as well as specific dates like Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve.
It may be possible to grab a bargain if you’re open to a last-minute booking during off-peak times or based on a cancellation – though this risks you missing out by catching vendors and guests off-guard. Here at Bridebook, we offer late availability deals at many of our partner venues – just filter by ‘Special Offers’ when searching for a wedding venue.
Packages
The majority of wedding venues will have packages that can include anything from a glass of bubbly for the guests on arrival to a free stay for the newlyweds on the night. If you definitely don’t want one of these, you can ask your chosen venue if they can exclude some items to give you a lower price.
Catering
According to recent data on Australian weddings, a significant portion of couples prefer venues that include catering as part of their package. For example, in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, many popular venues offer all-inclusive packages that bundle catering, which can significantly increase the overall cost. Venues that include catering can add several thousand dollars to the total spend. In Australia, couples typically spend $12,000 to $15,000 on venues with catering, significantly more than venue-only options where external catering is brought in. Venues without catering are often the cheaper option if you’re focusing solely on the venue hire cost.
Exclusive use
Exclusive use of the wedding venue means that you and your guests will be the only ones on the premises during your special day, so you don’t need to worry about anybody accidentally stumbling in and helping themselves to the buffet. Normally, venues that offer exclusivity will charge slightly more, but it’s definitely worth it.
What are some unexpected costs or fees at a venue?
When speaking with the venue, you should clarify early on what is and isn’t covered, otherwise you may find yourselves being hit with one or two (or six or seven!) surprise costs that can cause your budget to spiral.
Some potential hidden fees to be mindful of include:
Taxes
Gratuities
Security deposit to cover loss and damages
Cleaning fees
Insurance
Overtime fees
Corkage fees
How much does it cost to decorate a wedding venue?
Once you’ve chosen your venue and signed on the dotted line, there may be additional costs to bear in mind to make sure it’s decorated to perfectly match your tastes. Decoration hire, such as unique lighting and features, may not be included in the cost and is another cost to factor into your budget.
Have you discovered your dream venue?
Are you planning your wedding and umming and ahhing over the perfect venue? Bridebook’s wedding planning tools provide you with everything you need to plan your wedding stress-free!
And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding venue, we’ve got plenty of money-saving tips to help you stay firmly within your budget.
An engagement party is a brilliant way to celebrate your engagement and surround yourself with your family and friends. Whether you choose to have a formal bash at a countryside hotel or an intimate barbecue in your back garden, everyone will be there to celebrate your engagement and talk about your future wedding plans.
As part of the celebrations, it’s common for there to be speeches at an engagement party to thank everyone for coming. It’s also likely that other members of your family, friends and future wedding party will want to say a few words as well, and offer you love and encouragement for the journey you’re about to take.
But what do you say in an engagement party speech? Should it be long? Funny? Lovey-dovey? Who should give a speech and do you have to give one even if you don’t want to?
In this post, we’re going to dive into everything you need to know about how to write the perfect engagement party speech so you can approach your speech with confidence and say exactly the right things.
Who gives a speech at an engagement party?
Traditionally, you should be prepared to give a short speech at your engagement party. This could be one of you or both of you, depending on who feels confident enough to stand up and speak in front of your family and friends.
If someone is hosting the party, such as the father of the bride, then it’s also common for them to thank everyone for coming.
Depending on your guests, anyone else is also more than welcome to say a few words. This could be any of your parents, a member of your wedding party (such as the best man or maid of honour), your siblings or your friends. There are no hard and fast rules at an engagement party, so if anyone would like to wish you well and congratulate you, it should be encouraged.
Do you have to give a speech at your engagement party?
While a speech at your engagement party isn’t required, it’s a thoughtful way to express gratitude to your guests. The formality of your party will often shape expectations. For a formal event with a full meal, DJ, and dancing, a speech is typically anticipated. On the other hand, at a more casual event, like a barbie and games night, it might not be expected. However, it’s still a lovely gesture to thank everyone for attending, regardless of the party’s tone.
What if you’re too nervous to speak at an engagement party?
If you’re really not happy to give a speech at your engagement party, then there are no rules stating that you have to. There’s always the option to have someone do it on your behalf, such as your mom or your best man.
If you can find the courage to do so, your guests would love it if you could give a very short speech. It doesn’t have to be a 20-minute stand-up routine, just 30 seconds to thank everyone for being there to celebrate with you.
When do you give a speech at an engagement party?
There aren’t any hard and fast rules for when to give a speech at an engagement party, unlike at a wedding. It largely depends on the vibe of the event. For a laid-back gathering, it’s best to give a quick thank you once everyone has arrived. At a more formal event, delivering your speech just before or after dinner works well, as that’s when guests are naturally gathered together.
Is an engagement party speech the same as a wedding speech?
Engagement party speeches and wedding speeches have a lot of similarities, but they’re not exactly the same. Read our article on wedding speech examples to see the sort of thing they include. There are a few subtle differences that mean they’re not exactly interchangeable. These include:
The tone is more relaxed and informal in an engagement party speech. You may not even choose to write a speech, and instead speak from the heart to thank your guests for coming.
Wedding speeches are often a lot more sentimental and emotional.
Unlike a wedding speech, you might not choose to talk about your relationship at all and save that for the wedding. However, if others choose to speak, don’t be surprised if they talk about you a lot.
Engagement party speeches are short, sharp and to the point, whereas wedding speeches can last a comparatively long time.
Can an engagement party speech be funny?
Your engagement party speech can be as flexible as you like. Whether you want to lighten the mood with a few jokes or keep it brief with a heartfelt thank you, it’s entirely up to you.
If others speak, expect a range of tones: the best man may bring humour, while parents may lean towards sentimentality. To keep it funny, consider sharing light anecdotes about how you met, but avoid too many inside jokes. Remember to balance humour with sincerity and always end by expressing gratitude to your guests.
How long should your engagement party speech be?
Unlike a wedding speech, which can stretch to 10 minutes or more, an engagement party speech is typically much shorter. Aim for just a couple of minutes, leaving the bulk of your thoughts for the wedding day. The key message to convey is your appreciation for your guests attending and celebrating with you. Keep it brief, heartfelt, and focused on gratitude.
What should you include in an engagement party speech?
Depending on who’s giving an engagement party speech, there’s different information you might want to include:
You’re giving a speech at your own engagement party:
Thank everyone for coming and how much it means that they’re there to celebrate with you and your new fiancé.
Acknowledge your loved ones and the loved ones of your fiancé.
You might want to talk about the proposal and how it felt. Highlight anything funny that might have happened and make a joke out of it.
Reference how you feel about your partner and how you’re excited to take this next step in your relationship together.
Talk about what you have in store for your wedding. If you haven’t secured a date yet, keep this part relatively vague.
Raise your glass and thank your guests again for being there.
You’re giving a speech at someone else’s engagement party:
Introduce yourself and how you know the couple.
Congratulate the couple and how excited and happy you are for them.
Share something personal, such as an anecdote. This is a great opportunity to be funny, but keep things as positive as you can.
Offer compliments about the strength of the couple and how great they are together.
Express your support for the couple and offer to help them should they need it throughout their wedding planning journey.
Acknowledge friends and family, and thank everyone for being there.
Wish the couple luck for the future and raise a toast.
When giving a speech at your engagement party or someone else’s, keep it light, brief, and sincere. Save your best stories and jokes for the wedding, as the engagement party is just a teaser for the main event!
Tips for writing the perfect engagement party speech
Before you sit down to think about what to say in your engagement party speech, think about these tips:
Don’t forget to let the guests know who you are. There might be some guests you haven’t met which can be quite confusing for them.
Don’t be afraid to be truthful and honest. You might not want to shed a tear in front of people, but it’s about two people falling in love and getting engaged – tears are practically expected.
Don’t outstay your welcome – no one expects an engagement party speech to go on longer than two minutes or so.
Make notes about what you want to say, and learn your speech by heart. That way, it’ll come across as more natural and not like you’re reciting lines.
Practice, practice, practice.
Avoid too many in-jokes. If you have to include one, try to give the rest of your guests some context.
Short is most definitely sweet.
Engagement party speech examples
Ready to start writing your engagement party speech but need a little more inspiration to help you get started? Here are a couple of engagement party speech examples you can use as a starting block for your own.
Example 1: the humorous yet heartfelt one (for those who don’t mind public speaking):
Good evening everyone. I’m Jackson, and on behalf of my beautiful new fiance, Rebecca and I, I’d like to thank you all for coming to our engagement party. We’re so happy you could all be here tonight to celebrate with us. You all get to spend the next few hours in my company, which is a shame for you all, but you can at least be thankful you’re not Rebecca, who now gets to spend the next fifty plus years with me.
For those of you who don’t know, I proposed to Rebecca in Sydney, in the shadow of the Opera House at night. Yes, cliché, I know.
Rebecca, I just wanted to say that I’m so excited about our future together. You saying yes was one of the greatest moments of my life and I know what we have in store will continuously top it. We’ve already started browsing venues and you’ve already made what will be a long and difficult challenge so much easier by just being yourself. You make me a better person and I can’t wait to undertake this journey together.
Thank you so much, everyone, for being here, it means the world to Rebecca and me. So, I’d like to raise a glass to say you’re all fantastic and we both love you all very much. Cheers!
Example 2: the short and sweet one (for those not fond of public speaking):
I just want to take a moment, on behalf of myself and my new fiance, to thank you all for coming tonight. We really appreciate everyone taking the time to come and celebrate our engagement with us. So I’d just like to raise a glass in appreciation for you all being here tonight. Thank you!
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After your engagement party, the real fun begins as you and your fiance dive deep into planning your perfect wedding. Sign up to Bridebook and use our helpful tools and resources to plan your wedding with ease.
The father of the bride speech is a highly anticipated part of a wedding reception where the father of the bride addresses the all the guests and offers words of congratulations, gratitude, and well wishes to the newlyweds. It’s no wonder that many fathers of the bride get a little nervous at the thought of delivering a speech to their nearest and dearest, so let’s have a closer look at all you need to know about writing and delivering a brilliant father of the bride speech.
What is a father of the bride’s speech?
The father of the bride speech is usually the first speech of the evening, during the wedding reception. It’s a heartfelt expression of love for the bride, offering advice to the couple, and welcoming the groom into the family. This speech gives the father a special moment to show support for his daughter and express gratitude to the guests for sharing in the celebration. It’s a beautiful opportunity to highlight the bond with the bride and extend warm wishes to the newlyweds.
How should I write the perfect father of the bride speech?
There are three key stages to crafting the perfect Father of the Bride speech – preparation, content and delivery and we are here to walk you through each step.
Preparing the father of the bride speech
Planning and preparation are crucial for delivering a successful father of the bride speech. It allows you to organise your thoughts and ideas, and to structure the speech in a way that flows naturally and makes sense to the audience. It also gives you the chance to tailor the speech to the audience, so that it’s appropriate and relevant to the guests.
By taking the time to plan and prepare for the speech, you can ensure your words are well-received and that the speech is a memorable and meaningful part of the wedding celebration.
When it comes to researching and gathering information for your wedding day, let’s have a look at some tried and tested ways to help you begin your speech writing journey.
Start early – The earlier you start preparing for your speech, the more time you’ll have to think about what you want to say and how you want to say it.
Talk to your daughter – Your daughter will be a great source of inspiration and material for your speech. She can tell you about the special moments and memories she shares with you and her partner, and give you an insight into their relationship.
Talk to your future son-in-law – It’s also a good idea to talk to your daughter’s partner and get to know them better. You could ask them about their thoughts on marriage, future plans with your daughter and what they love about her.
Find wedding speech inspiration – Look back at old family albums, videos, and pictures: It can be a great source of inspiration for the speech and can even be incorporated into the speech itself.
Check out other father of the bride speech examples – There are countless examples of father of the bride speeches that you can look at for inspiration, just be sure not to directly copy any work you find.
By doing this, you will be able to gather a wealth of material that you can use to craft a heartfelt speech that truly captures the love and affection you have for your daughter.
As the father of the bride, what should I include in my wedding speech?
Writing a father of the bride speech can feel daunting, but it’s actually straightforward. There are a few key elements to include, and most speeches follow a familiar structure. Focus on these essentials, and you won’t go wrong.
Typically, a father of the bride speech includes the following:
Well wishes for the newlyweds – Start by congratulating the couple on their marriage.
Personal anecdotes and memories – Share personal stories and memories of your daughter that show your guests more of her character and upbringing.
Expressions of pride – Let your daughter know how proud you are of the person she has become and how much you love her.
Welcome the groom into the family – Formally welcome the groom into your family, and express your happiness that he will be a part of your daughter’s life.
Thank the guests – Show your gratitude to the guests for being a part of the special day.
Offer words of advice or wisdom for the couple – Share any words of wisdom or advice you have for the couple as they begin their life together.
Toast to the couple – End your speech by raising a toast to the couple and wishing them a lifetime of love.
Father of the bride speech examples
It’s important to make the father of the bride speech your own and not rely wholly on just one source of inspiration.
To get you started, here a few examples of quotes that you could include in your father of the bride speech. You’ll find longer examples here.
“I’ve always known that my daughter would find someone special, but I never imagined she would find someone as amazing as [partner’s name].”
“I’m so grateful to have [partner’s name] as an in-law. He has not only won my daughter’s heart, but mine too.”
“To my beautiful daughter, [bride’s name], I couldn’t be happier for you on your special day”.
“You have grown into an amazing woman, and I am so proud of the person you have become.”
“I want to welcome you to our family. You have brought so much love and happiness into our daughter’s life, and we are grateful to have you as part of our family.”
“A wise man once said, ‘The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.’ And that is exactly how [bride’s name] and [partner’s name] make each other feel.”
Should I write a funny father of the bride speech?
Some people wonder whether a father of the bride speech should be funny. It really depends on your personality and the tone of the wedding. Humor can help lighten the mood and keep the audience engaged, but it’s important that it feels natural and appropriate.
If you’re naturally inclined toward humour and feel comfortable, adding a few jokes can work well. However, an entertaining speech doesn’t have to rely on humor. Focus on preparation, practice, and authenticity – tailoring your speech to your personal style and relationship with your daughter.
Speech delivery
Delivering your speech well shows your love and support for your daughter. The father of the bride speech is typically one of the first speeches of the reception, and it sets the tone for the rest of the event. A well-delivered speech can help to create a positive and excited atmosphere that will be enjoyed by all the guests.
Practise your father of the bride speech
Practicing your father of the bride speech is crucial as it helps you become more confident with both the content and delivery. Rehearsing allows you to spot areas for improvement and make adjustments, ensuring a smoother, more polished speech when the big day arrives.
Beat the nerves
Giving any speech, especially at a big event like your daughters wedding, can be nerve-wracking, but there are some things you can do to help calm your nerves and deliver your speech with confidence.
Prepare thoroughly: The more prepared you are, the more confident you will feel. Practise your speech out loud and in front of friends and family.
Use positive visualisation: Close your eyes and picture yourself delivering your speech with confidence and ease. Imagine the guests clapping and enjoying your speech.
Take deep breaths: Before you begin your speech, take a few deep breaths to help calm your nerves. This will also help to steady your voice and slow down your heart rate.
Speak slowly: If you’re feeling nervous, it’s easy to rush through your speech. Speak slowly and clearly, and pause between sentences to give yourself time to gather your thoughts.
Make eye contact: Make sure to make eye contact with different members of the audience. This will help to engage them and make them feel more included in your speech.
Practice, practice, practice: Did we mention… practice?!
A well-crafted and delivered father of the bride speech can set the tone for the celebration, create a bond with the guests, and leave a lasting impression. Putting in the effort to prepare will ensure everything goes smoothly on the big day. The key ingredients are preparation, practice, and confident delivery. By following these guidelines, you’ll deliver a heartfelt, meaningful, and unforgettable speech that will be cherished by everyone.
Need Tips & Advice?
If you’re searching for guidance on writing a Father of the Bride speech, you’ve found the right spot! As the father, your daughter’s wedding is an incredibly special occasion. Did you ever imagine this day when you first held her in your arms?
Now it’s here, and you’ll (traditionally) be the first to speak. But don’t stress! Follow these tips to deliver a memorable toast. If your daughter is also speaking, share our examples for writing her wedding speech!
By Simon Biffen Photography
1) Welcome the guests:
It is your job to welcome everyone to the reception and acknowledge all those who have financially contributed to the wedding (probably best not to mention actual sums!). It is also a good idea to give a special welcome to the guests who came from other states, and maybe even from abroad, to be there and thank them for participating in the celebration.
2)The thank you’s:
Thank everyone who helped put this wedding together, the ushers, the bridesmaids, even the staff! You can also thank the special people in your daughter’s life, who helped raise her and make her who she is today! Take a trip down memory lane and remember your loved ones.
3) Praise the bride:
Every father-daughter relationship is unique. Some are filled with humour and playful banter, while others are more sentimental. Your speech should reflect that. This part requires the most planning, so break it down into sections: share stories from her childhood, highlight her personal, academic, and professional achievements, and most importantly, express how proud you are of the incredible woman she’s become. Don’t forget to mention how beautiful she looks on her wedding day!
By John Lennie
4) Welcome the new additions to your family:
You should also welcome the groom and his parents into your family. Many Fathers also take this opportunity to tell the groom what he has got himself into: this is the funny part of your speech, where you can joke about the bride. Talk about your daughter’s adorable little quirks and lighten the mood after the more emotional part of your speech.
We also think it’s a nice touch when the Father of the Bride talks about the groom – whether that be the first time you were introduced, or when the groom asked for your daughter’s hand in marriage, or just some funny moments or nice traits. Want to help your future son-in-law out? Send him our tips to the groom: writing your wedding speech!
5) A word of wisdom:
Finish with some advice to the newlyweds. This is a great time to mention your personal marriage experience and what you’ve learnt about love and family. If you don’t want to go down that route, then carefully chosen quotes about love and marriage can be just as effective. Whatever you decide to say, make sure to do so clearly and calmly, as the audience want to hear from you! We find that gesticulating when talking can ease the nerves too.
6) The toast:
End your speech by asking everyone in the room to stand up and toast the newlyweds!
And here is our Final Tip:
Don’t act the Alpha Male and threaten to hunt down the groom if he misbehaves! This never sounds as funny to the groom…
Sneaky tool: Calculate how long your speech will take to read – http://readtime.eu!
A wedding cake plays a huge part in your wedding. Not only is it a centrepiece at the wedding reception, but also acts as a talking point – with the added benefit of your guests getting to eat it too.
But exactly how much a wedding cake costs depends on a lot, from the number of tiers to the flavour. You may want an elegant, traditional fruit cake, or a towering chocolate explosion – the choices are endless.
In this post, we’ll take a look at everything to do with the cost of a wedding cake, including the average cost, what can affect the price, and what type of cake you might expect for your budget.
What’s the average cost of a wedding cake?
In ourultimate wedding budget breakdown, we revealed that the average cost of a wedding cake in Australia is $500-700. However, what you’ll actually pay could be lower – or much, much higher, depending on what you’re looking for.
For example, if you have a tighter budget, a two-tier, lightly decorated vanilla sponge will be more affordable. However, if you’re aiming for something extravagant, a four-tier cake with multiple flavours and intricate details will require a considerably higher budget.
Number of Tiers
Affordable
Moderate
Luxury
2
$350 – $500
$500 – $600
$800 – $900
3
$500 – $600
$600 – $800
$1,100 – $1,200
4
$600 – $700
$800 – $900
$1,300 – $1,400
Keep in mind, choosing a DIY approach might involve compromises in quality or design.
On the other hand, if you’re after a fully custom-designed wedding cake, be prepared to spend well over $1,500, even for cakes with fewer tiers. This is because you’re paying for unique artistry, craftsmanship, and expertise. Creating a bespoke cake requires extensive labour, with months of planning, consultations, and multiple revisions to ensure the design is just right. The intricate decoration process alone can take days once the design is finalised.
How much should you pay for a wedding cake?
How much you should pay for your wedding cake is down to what works for you – there is no right or wrong answer. If a wedding cake is something you want to include as a formality (or to appease Grandma), then you may want something small purely for the sake of your photos and to give your guests an extra dessert (once again, appeasing Grandma). In fact, if you’re not interested in traditions, you don’t need a wedding cake at all – something unique, like a pie or a jelly, works just as well and makes for a great talking point.
Do bespoke wedding cakes cost more?
Yes, a bespoke wedding cake will cost considerably more than a ‘generic design’, as we’ve already touched upon above, due to the amount of time it takes the cake maker to design and make a one-of-a-kind cake which also doubles as a showstopping work of edible art. This could include having to create new techniques, sourcing new cake moulds, or crafting sugar models and patterns.
Store-made cakes are also made in large batches and often frozen before they’re bought, whereas bespoke cakes are freshly made. It can still be a lovely cake to both admire and eat, but a bespoke cake adds that unparalleled touch of quality, and so naturally comes with a premium price tag.
How many tiers does your wedding cake need?
Traditionally, a wedding cake will have three tiers, but that’s not to say that your cake should stick to this. It’s your wedding, and if you want your cake to have two tiers (or 14 if you’re so inclined – you do you) then there’s nothing stopping you.
The only thing to be mindful of is how many guests your cake may need to feed. The more guests you have, then if you plan on letting everyone have a slice the bigger it’ll need to be.
What about novelty cakes?
If you love cake but aren’t too attached to tradition, a show-stopping novelty cake can make the perfect centerpiece. While a classic three-tier cake is sure to impress, choosing a novelty cake shaped after something special to you adds a unique, personal touch. Whether it’s a mountain to symbolise your love of hiking, a carousel to reflect your love of fairs, or a stack of books for the bookworms out there, the creative options are limitless while still keeping it elegant. Just remember, novelty cakes take more time and detail, which can increase the cost — but they’re absolutely worth it for the wow factor.
Another fun option is serving cupcakes, which can be customised to match your wedding theme and are always a hit with guests!
Does the number of decorations affect the cost of a wedding cake?
Wedding cake prices can increase depending on the number of intricate sugar decorations you include, so it’s important to think carefully before adding multiple sugar flowers to each tier. A ready-made sugar flower can cost around $10, while custom-designed blooms like peonies or roses to crown your cake may add another $50 to $60. Many couples choose to decorate their cake with real or artificial flowers, both of which can save you a considerable amount of money while still looking beautiful!
What other factors can affect the cost of a wedding cake?
When it comes to your wedding cake, there are plenty of factors that will affect how much you’ll pay. The following are the most important:
Tiers: The more tiers there are, the more your cake will cost.
Location: Where your cake makers are based will affect the cost. For example, those located in Melbourne or Sydney will naturally have higher rates than those outside.
Design: A more complex or intricate cake design will take more time and skill than a simple or more subtle design, bumping up the cost.
Techniques: The techniques involved are another potential variable in the cost, for example, whether the cake will be hand-painted, or airbrushed with stencils, or whether it needs to be sculpted free-hand, or is of a simpler shape.
Toppers: Cake toppers offer a cute way to personalise your cake, but can take a lot of time to craft, especially if they’re bespoke.
Flavour: A basic sponge cake will be more affordable than luxurious triple chocolate or alcohol-soaked fruit cake.
Dummy layers: If you want more tiers but not necessarily more cake, dummy layers will lower the cost by (though not always by as much as you might think).
Ingredients: If organic or premium ingredients are important to you then you’ll need a budget to reflect it. Ingredients for the decoration will also add to the cost – for example, if there’s sugar, buttercream, chocolate or even fresh flowers.
Stand: A basic cake stand will be more affordable than one that’s extravagant.
Delivery and setup fees: If delivery and setup take a long time, especially for large and elaborate cakes, then expect to pay a little extra.
What else should you bear in mind?
You’ll be the first to slice your cake, but don’t expect to have to cut every guest a slice yourself. When speaking to your catering team, ask them exactly how you want your cake to be sliced. If you have a fruit cake, the denseness and richness mean you don’t need to be overly generous with size like you might with a more delicate sponge. Another way to ensure a better cost-per-slice ratio is with square slices instead of wedges.
When it comes to taste, vanilla, chocolate and lemon are the most popular wedding cake flavours, and luckily they’re also among the cheapest. A fruit cake made with fresh fruit will be more expensive, but as we mentioned above, its intense (and more acquired) taste means it’ll go further. Also, rolled fondant and marzipan will cost more, as they take more time to smooth and can tear easily if not applied carefully.
What about dummy layers?
Dummy layers are a smart way to add height and grandeur to your wedding cake without breaking the bank. These faux tiers, made from styrofoam and covered in the same icing as the real cake, are indistinguishable to your guests. If you’re envisioning a five-tier cake but only need enough servings for 70 people, adding one or two dummy layers can achieve that dramatic effect without the extra cost or weight of additional cake. While the dummy layers themselves are affordable, keep in mind that intricate decorations and detailing will still drive up the overall price.
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And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding as well as planning advice, we’ve put together ourtop tips to help you cut costs without cutting out all the best bits.
