Tips: Father Of The Bride Speech

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 typically is given after the meal, during the wedding reception. It’s a show of love for the bride, as well as giving words of advice to the couple. The father of the bride speech is often an important moment for the father to show his support and affection for his daughter, and to welcome the groom into the family. It also serves as an opportunity for the father to express his gratitude to the guests for their participation at the wedding.

Father of the bride delivering his speech

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 organize 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 humor 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 extremely important because it allows you to become more comfortable with the material and delivery of your speech. When you practice, you will be able to identify areas that need improvement and make necessary adjustments before the big day.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. Use positive visualisation: Close your eyes and picture yourself delivering your speech with confidence and ease. Imagine the guests clapping and enjoying your speech.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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 are looking for advice on how to write a Father of the Bride speech, you’ve come to the right place. You are the Father of the Bride – your girl’s wedding day is such a special day! When you held your child for the first time all those years ago, did you picture this day? 

Well now it’s here and as her father, you will (traditionally) be the first to stand up and speak in front of the guests. But don’t worry! Follow our carefully selected tips and deliver a father of the bride toast to remember! If your daughter is also making a speech, tell her to check out our examples of bride speech!

 father of the bride reading his speech as bride and groom laugh
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 provinces, 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:

We find that every father-daughter relationship is different, some are more humorous, with plenty of banter, others are more sentimental and this is exactly what should be reflected in the overall tone of your speech. This section will require the most planning, so separate it into sub-sections: talk about the stories from your daughter’s childhood, about her achievements in her personal, academic and professional lives. Lastly, tell her how proud you are of the woman she has become and how gorgeous she looks on her wedding day.

Bridebook.com - father giving speech as groom bride and mother laugh
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!

Bridebook.com - father giving speech as bride smiles
By Allister Freeman

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How Much Does a Wedding Cake Cost in Canada?

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 flavor. 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?

Big white wedding cake with natural decorations

In our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, we revealed that the average cost of a wedding cake in Canada 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, then a two-tier, lightly decorated vanilla sponge will be more affordable. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a touch of extravagance, a four-tier cake with multiple flavors and intricate detail will need a considerably more generous budget.

Number of Tiers

Affordable

Moderate

Luxury

2

$350 – $450

$450 – $600

$800 – $900

3

$450 – $600

$600 – $800

$1,100 – $1,200

4

$600 – $750

$800 – $900

$1,300 – $1,400

Keep in mind, opting for a DIY approach may involve some compromises.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a designer wedding cake that’s fully custom-made, expect to spend well over $1,500, even for cakes with fewer tiers. This is because you’re investing in one-of-a-kind artistry, craftsmanship, and exceptional expertise. A bespoke cake involves a great deal of labour, including months of planning, consultations, and fine-tuning the design to make sure it’s just perfect for you. The intricate decoration process alone can take days after the final design is approved.

How much should you pay for a wedding cake?

Married couple with a wedding cake and fireworks

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?

Wedding cakes with a fall theme

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?

Big, elegant wedding cake

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?

Wedding cupcakes

If you’re a fan of cake but not too tied to tradition, a show-stopping novelty cake can make a fantastic centerpiece. While a three-tier cake can certainly grab attention, opting for a novelty cake shaped like something meaningful to you is an excellent way to add a personal touch to your wedding. Whether it’s shaped like a mountain to reflect your love of hiking, a carousel for your fondness of fairs, or a stack of books to highlight your shared love of reading, the options for a creative – yet still elegant – wedding cake are endless. Keep in mind, though, that novelty cakes require more detailed work, which can make them pricier, but they’re well worth the investment.

Another fun idea to consider is serving cupcakes. They can be designed to fit your wedding theme and are always a crowd-pleaser!

Does the number of decorations affect the cost of a wedding cake?

Love and roses topper on a wedding cake

Wedding cake prices can rise depending on the number of intricate sugar decorations you include, so it’s wise to think carefully before committing to several sugar flowers on each tier. A ready-made sugar flower, sold separately, can cost around $10, while custom-designed blooms like peonies or roses to top your cake can add another $50 to $60. Many couples opt to decorate their cake with real or artificial flowers, which can save a significant amount of money and still look stunning!

What other factors can affect the cost of a wedding cake?

Couple eating a wedding cake in a winter landscape

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 Vancouver or Toronto 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 personalize your cake, but can take a lot of time to craft, especially if they’re bespoke. 
  • Flavor: 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?

Wedding cake with natural decorations

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 flavors, 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?

Couple cutting a wedding cake with bird topper

Dummy layers are a clever way to add height and drama to your wedding cake while keeping costs in check. These faux layers are made from styrofoam and covered with the same icing as the real cake, so your guests won’t be able to tell the difference. This is a great option if you dream of a five-tier cake but only need enough servings for 70 guests. A fake layer (or two) can give you that grand look without the added cost of extra cake or the unnecessary weight. While the dummy layers themselves are relatively inexpensive, keep in mind that intricate details and decorations will still increase the 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 our top tips to help you cut costs without cutting out all the best bits. 

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How Much Do Wedding Rings Cost in Canada?

The wedding rings you and your partner wear are a symbol of your love and commitment to one another. Not only do they have to be personal to you and your partner, but they need to complement each other and any engagement rings either of you might wear.

The money you might spend on your wedding rings will depend entirely on your taste, the level of customization you’re after and – ultimately – your budget.

In this post, we’re going to explore everything related to the cost of wedding rings, including the average cost, how much you should spend on wedding rings and why some cost more than others.

What’s the average cost of wedding rings?

Vintage wedding rings with decorations

In Canada, the average cost of wedding rings varies depending on factors like style, material, and brand. Many Canadian couples budget around $1,500 to $2,000 for wedding bands alone, excluding additional jewelry for the big day, such as engagement rings or other accessories.

Based on our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, couples in Canada may spend approximately $5,000 on wedding jewelry in total. However, this is just an average, and there are options available for every budget. While some couples may invest more in designer or custom pieces, others can find beautiful rings within a more modest range.

When it comes to choosing wedding bands, there are plenty of options to fit various budgets. Different materials, like platinum or white gold, often come at a higher cost, while alternatives such as tungsten or sterling silver provide affordable options without sacrificing elegance.

How much should you spend on a wedding ring?

Couple showing their wedding rings

While there may be a tradition that states you should spend three months’ salary on an engagement ring (which, by the way, you don’t need to stick to), there aren’t any similar traditions when it comes to your wedding rings.

How much you should spend on your wedding rings is a completely personal choice. If you have a smaller budget, and only want to spend a couple hundred dollars, then that’s totally fine – what the rings represent is far more important, anyway. Similarly, if you have a larger budget to play with, then spending thousands is totally okay too – what you spend doesn’t affect the amount of love you have for your spouse-to-be. You should never feel pressured to spend a certain amount of money on your wedding rings.

That being said, there is one exception to this ‘rule’. It’s advised that the metal used in your wedding rings is the same as the metal used in the engagement ring. This is because some metals are more durable than others, and harder metals can damage softer metals. They can also discolor at different rates, leading to them looking mismatched.

This means if your engagement ring is made out of 18-carat yellow gold, your wedding rings should be made from metal with similar durability – ideally 18-carat yellow gold. So, if your engagement ring is made from an expensive metal, your wedding rings should be – if budget allows – as well.

Why do wedding rings cost so much?

Groom putting a wedding ring on his bride's finger

Your wedding ring is one of those rare pieces of jewelry you’ll wear every day, all day, for many years to come. Through work, travel, and life’s daily adventures, it’ll be right there with you. Because of this, many couples choose rings made from durable – and often more expensive – metals.

While you could find silver wedding bands for under $250, silver’s softer nature makes it prone to scratches and dents and even more likely to change shape over time. In contrast, stronger metals like platinum or palladium may cost three to four times as much, but they’re highly resistant to wear and far less likely to suffer damage over the years.

How does the metal type affect the cost of a wedding ring?

Wedding rings in coconuts

The type of metal you pick for your wedding bands will dramatically alter the price you’ll pay. Choosing the right wedding ring takes thought and consideration. The price of precious metals fluctuates, but below is a rough idea of what you might pay for a few popular choices.

Gold

For those opting for gold wedding rings, a simple 9ct white gold band typically ranges between $250 for a 0.5 cm band and up to $650 for a 0.7 cm band. The price variation reflects the amount of gold in the ring as well as its durability, with 9ct and 18ct rings being popular choices for their strength and longevity.

Platinum

Platinum is one of the most durable options, known for its resilience even with daily wear, making it ideal for active lifestyles. Its durability, however, comes with a higher price tag. A thin 0.2 cm platinum ring can start at $600, while a thicker 0.5 cm band may cost around $1,800 when purchased from a reputable Canadian retailer.

Titanium

Titanium has gained popularity as a contemporary option with a darker hue. It’s lightweight, scratch-resistant, and generally more affordable. Titanium wedding bands can start at as low as $85, making them a stylish and budget-friendly choice.

Silver

Silver remains a budget-friendly option for couples who want a precious metal without the higher price of gold or platinum. While silver is softer and more prone to scratches, it’s still a popular choice for those with limited budgets. A silver wedding band typically starts around $120.

What is the most expensive type of metal for a wedding ring?

Ruby, from Lebrusan Studio in the UK, shares her expert insights and explains about the cost of different types of metal in more detail:

“The greater the pure gold content in a gold alloy, the higher the caratage. In other words, whilst 18ct gold is 75% pure gold and 25% other metal, 9ct gold consists of 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals. The higher the carat weight, the greater the price, with 18ct gold generally tending to cost around twice as much as 9ct gold.

In spite of a historic dip in recent years, platinum just about remains a more expensive option than gold. This can be attributed to its relative rarity and its density, as precious metals are often priced by weight. Although white gold, which is almost identical to platinum in appearance, is cheaper, platinum comparatively requires very little maintenance over the years, so is arguably a reliable investment.”

What other factors can affect the cost of a wedding ring?

Hands with wedding rings

Just like when it comes to choosing any other piece of jewellery, there are many factors that will affect exactly how much your wedding rings cost.

  • Design – Many couples choose a simple band, but this isn’t a requirement for your wedding rings. The more intricate the design, the more it’s likely to cost.
  • Size – The thicker the band, the more metal it requires and therefore the pricier it will be.
  • Brand/retailer – Rings from high-end brands and retailers, such as Tiffany&Co., will cost more than most online or physical retailers.
  • Season – During periods of high demand, such as the spring and early summer, costs can fluctuate.
  • CustomizationMany couples choose to personalize their wedding bands with a meaningful engraving, or the fingerprint of their beloved on the inside. Due to the time and expertise required, this will increase the cost.
  • StonesIt has become an increasingly popular option for brides and grooms to go for diamond set rings, as they can add a bit of sparkle to a simple band. These are priced similarly to engagement rings, depending on the metal that you choose and the cut, carat and clarity of the diamonds you wish to include. For an idea of pricing, an 18ct white gold ring with a half band featuring 0.15ct diamonds generally costs around $1,050. 

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Wedding Traditional Speech Order: Who Says What & When

Wedding speeches are a cherished tradition at weddings, and an essential part of the wedding reception. They’re a way for the bride and groom, as well as their loved ones, to express their love and appreciation for each other on their big day, and can set the tone for a fun, emotional, and memorable evening.

But with so many speeches to include, it can be difficult to know the order to give them in. In this post, we’ll provide a guide to the traditional order of wedding speeches as well as possible adaptations, to help make your wedding day as unique as possible.

The origins of the traditional wedding speech order

The traditional order of wedding speeches has evolved over time, reflecting changing societal norms and values. Historically, the speeches have centred around the groom and the bride’s father, with the best man offering a light-hearted conclusion. As gender roles and wedding customs have evolved, the traditional order has adapted to include more diverse perspectives, with maid of honour speeches now the norm, and sometimes also bride and mother of the bride speeches too. Understanding the roots of these customs can help you appreciate the significance of each speech and the order to give them in at your wedding.

Traditional wedding speech order: cheat sheet

Before we dive into the details, take a look at the cheat sheet below to see how the different speeches at a wedding all flow and fit together. First is the father of the bride’s speech, then the groom’s speech, then the best man and maid of honour, and finally, any other speakers from the wedding party. 

Use this cheat sheet as a guide on the traditional order of speeches at a wedding

1. The father of the bride’s speech

Bride and father

Traditionally, the father of the bride is the first to give a speech. The father of the bride’s speech is typically a touching and emotional tribute to the bride, expressing the father’s love and pride for her, and wishing her happiness in her marriage. The father of the bride will usually welcome the guests, thank the groom for loving and caring for his daughter, and make a toast to the happy couple.

Check out our top father of the bride speech examples for inspiration and a complete breakdown on how to structure your speech. 

2. The groom’s speech

Bride and groom

The groom’s speech is next in the order and is a time for him to express his love and gratitude to his bride, as well as to thank the wedding party, guests, and parents of the bride and groom. The groom may also take this opportunity to tell a few anecdotes or share memories of his relationship with his bride. This speech is usually light-hearted and humorous, but it should also be sincere and heartfelt.

3. The best man’s speech

The best man’s speech is one of the most anticipated speeches of the wedding reception. This is the best man’s chance to share some memories of the groom and offer some humorous anecdotes about him. The best man may also offer a toast to the happy couple and offer some words of advice for their future together. This speech should be light-hearted and entertaining, but it should also be respectful and appropriate.

Check out our top best man speech examples for inspiration and a complete breakdown on how to structure your speech. 

4. The maid of honour’s speech (if applicable)

Bridesmaids

If the bride has chosen to have a maid of honour, she will typically give a speech next. The maid of honour’s speech is a time for her to express her love and appreciation for the bride, as well as to share some memories of their friendship. This speech should be heartfelt and emotional, and the maid of honour may also offer a toast to the happy couple.

5. Other speakers

If there are any other speakers at the wedding, they may give their speeches after the best man and maid of honour. This may include the mother of the groom, close friends, or other members of the wedding party. These speeches should also be heartfelt and sincere, and the speakers may offer a toast to the happy couple.

Check out our wedding speech examples for inspiration and ideas on the kind of speeches you can give, including a joint speech given by the couple. 

How to write a successful wedding speech

Regardless of the order of speeches at a wedding, there are a few essential elements that can make a wedding speech memorable and engaging:

  1. Speak from the heart: Genuine emotions and heartfelt expressions resonate deeply with the audience. Be sincere in your words and share your true feelings.
  2. Keep it concise: Aim for a speech length of 5-7 minutes to maintain the audience’s attention and keep the reception on schedule.
  3. Balance humour and sentiment: A well-rounded speech strikes a balance between humour and heartfelt sentiment. While humour can keep the audience entertained, sharing genuine emotions and personal stories can make the speech more meaningful.
  4. Practice makes perfect: Rehearse your speech multiple times before the big day to ensure a smooth delivery and to calm any nerves.

Adapting the traditional order to a modern wedding

While the traditional order of wedding speeches provides a solid foundation, many couples choose to adapt the format to suit their preferences or to include additional speakers. Modern weddings may feature speeches from the bride, the mother of the bride or groom, the maid of honour, or even close friends and family members. The key is to find a balance between tradition and personalization, ensuring that the speeches reflect the unique character and dynamics of the couple and their loved ones.

If you’re looking for some non-traditional ideas, here are some examples of speech ideas other Bridebook couples have shared with us. Feel free to incorporate them into your own wedding speeches to make for a more unique and personalized speech structure. 

  • Joint couple speech (bride and groom)
  • No speech from either the groom or the bride
  • Gender-equal speeches (including bride and mother of the groom speeches)
  • Mother and father of the groom speeches
  • Sibling or children speeches (of both the bride and groom)
  • Bridesmaid and groomsmen speeches
  • A mob speech instead of the traditional father of the bride speech
  • Opening up the floor to whoever wants to speak
  • Alternative pre-recorded speech featuring multiple speakers
  • No speeches or vows in the traditional sense (pub quiz style instead)

Top tips for customizing the traditional speech order

If you choose to modify the traditional order of wedding speeches, consider the following tips:

  1. Keep the flow: When rearranging the speech order, ensure there is a smooth flow between speakers, transitioning from more formal and sentimental speeches to lighter, more humorous ones.
  2. Communicate with your speakers: Inform your speakers of any changes to the traditional order and provide clear guidance on their roles and expectations.
  3. Consider the audience: When adding new speakers or rearranging the order, be mindful of your guests’ attention span and strive to maintain engagement throughout the speeches.
  4. Embrace diversity and variety: Incorporating a variety of perspectives can enrich the wedding speeches, providing a more comprehensive reflection of the couple’s journey and relationships.

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Wedding Speech Examples

Wedding speeches are a crucial part of a wedding celebration, as they allow both the couple, family members, and friends to express their love, gratitude, and well-wishes for the newlyweds. However, giving a wedding speech can be nerve-wracking for many people, which is why having a few examples can be a great starting-point. 

Here are some simple wedding speech examples that can help you deliver a heartfelt, memorable, and enjoyable wedding speech. Feel free to use them as a template to inspire your own writing. 

And remember that these are just samples. Be sure to incorporate your own unique elements to personalize your speeches, which might mean having more gender-equal speeches compared to the traditional wedding speech line-up

Groom’s Speech & Bride’s Speech

The groom’s speech and bride’s speech is a chance for the couple to thank their families, friends, and wedding party for their support and to share their love for each other. Here is a sample of a shared groom and bride speech:

“Good evening everyone, we are [bride’s name and groom’s name], the newlyweds. We want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for being here to celebrate this special day with us. Our families, friends, and wedding party have made this day truly unforgettable, and we are so grateful for your love and support.

We also want to thank our parents for their love and guidance, and for raising us to be the people we are today. We are honoured to have both of our families come together to celebrate this special day with us.

And last but not least, we want to express our love for each other. [Groom’s name], you are my best friend, my soulmate, and my partner in life. I am so grateful to have you by my side, and I look forward to a lifetime of love, adventure, and happiness with you. [Bride’s name], you are beautiful, kind, and loving, and I feel so lucky to be able to call you my wife. I promise to always cherish and love you, no matter what life brings our way.

To our friends and family, thank you again for being here to share this special day with us. We are so grateful for your love and support, and we look forward to the memories we will create together.

Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after. Cheers to all of us!”

Check out our top 10 groom speech examples and top 10 bride speech examples for more inspiration if you’re each giving individual speeches rather than a shared one. 

Father of the Bride Speech:

Bride and father

A father of the bride speech is one of the most traditional and emotional speeches of the wedding. The father of the bride has the opportunity to both reflect on the love and relationship he has with his daughter and to welcome her new spouse into the family. Here is a sample:

“Good evening, everyone. Today is a very special day for me, as I stand here to give away my beautiful daughter [bride’s name]. She has grown into an amazing young woman, and I am so proud of the person she has become. [Groom’s name], I couldn’t have asked for a better match for my daughter. You are kind, caring, and loving, and I am honoured to welcome you into our family. [Bride’s name], [groom’s name], I wish you a lifetime of happiness, love, and adventure. To the newlyweds!”

Check out our top 10 father of the bride speech examples for more inspiration. 

Best Man Speech:

The best man speech is a fun and light-hearted speech that is often filled with anecdotes and humour. The best man has the opportunity to pay tribute to the groom and to share some memorable moments from their friendship. Here is a sample:

“Good evening everyone, I am [your name], the best man, and the groom’s closest friend. I have known [groom’s name] for [number of years], and it has been an honour to stand by his side today as he marries the love of his life, [bride’s name]. [Groom’s name], you are one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine people I know, and I am so grateful to have you as my friend. [Bride’s name], you bring out the best in [groom’s name], and I know you will have a lifetime of happiness together. To the newlyweds, congratulations and here’s to a lifetime of love and laughter!”

Check out our top 10 best man speech examples for more inspiration. 

Maid of Honour Speech:

Bridesmaids

The maid of honour speech is usually given by the bride’s closest friend or sister and can be a combination of humour and sentimentality. Here is a sample:

“Good evening everyone, I am [your name], the maid of honour and [bride’s name]’s best friend. I have known [bride’s name] since we were [age], and I have never seen her as happy as she is today. [Groom’s name], you have brought so much joy into [bride’s name]’s life, and I am grateful to have you as my friend as well. To the newlyweds, may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations and best wishes!”

Check out our top 10 maid of honour examples for more inspiration. 

Mother of the Bride Speech:

A mother of the bride speech, while not always a traditional element in the order of wedding speeches, is becoming gaining increasing popularity in modern celebrations. This beautiful moment lets the mother share her heartfelt sentiments, commemorate her daughter’s journey, and extend a warm welcome to her daughter’s new spouse. Here’s a sample:

“Good evening everyone. Today holds great significance for me, as I stand before you to celebrate the union of my beloved daughter [bride’s name]. Watching her blossom into the remarkable woman she is today fills my heart with immense joy. [Groom’s name], from the moment you entered our lives, you’ve shown remarkable qualities of kindness, compassion, and love. Welcoming you into our family is an honour beyond words. [Bride’s name], [groom’s name], may your lives be filled with boundless joy, enduring love, and remarkable journeys together. To the newlyweds!”

Check out our top 10 mother of the bride speech examples for more inspiration. 

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These are just a few examples of the different types of wedding speeches you may give on a wedding day. No matter what type of speech you choose, the most important thing is to be yourself, speak from the heart, and let your love for the newlyweds shine through. Best of luck and have a wonderful time celebrating the love and happiness of the newlyweds.

And for even more wedding tips and tricks, sign up to Bridebook today. We’ve got plenty of articles to help you with your wedding planning and celebrations.  (CA)