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.
However, crafting the perfect beginning and ending to your wedding speech can be tricky. The opening is your first impression, and you want it to be memorable for all the right reasons. On the flip side, nailing the conclusion to a speech means guests will remember it for years to come. Nervous about getting it right? Don’t be. We’ve got your back.
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.
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!
The wedding speeches usually last around half an hour during the wedding reception. This happens after the main course has been eaten but before dessert is served. Guests usually have a glass of prosecco, champagne, or a non-alcoholic fizzy drink to toast the happy couple.
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, check out our guidance on great wedding speech openings.
Introduce yourself
Introducing yourself to the guests is the standard and accepted way to start a speech. It lets everyone know who you are, your relationship to the couple, and sets the stage for the rest of your speech.
It may feel silly to introduce yourself, especially if a lot of people there know who you are. However, it’s a great way to start a speech and will help you feel more confident, so even if the groom is your brother and you’ve known the bride forever, let everyone know who you are and your role in the big day by introducing yourself.
Start with a quote or compliment
If you’re feeling stuck about where to go next, a quote about love, a compliment to the beautiful bride, or a comment on the gorgeous venue are all solid options. A well-chosen quote can add depth and wisdom to your speech, while a sincere compliment will bring a smile to the bride’s face or show your appreciation for all the work that went into planning the wedding. Either way, these opening elements will set a positive tone for your speech and make the audience more receptive to your words.
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 humor 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.
Often, the only part of a speech the guests remember is the beginning and end. You’ve nailed the opening, and now it’s time to wrap up on a positive note. Try using the below tips to help you craft a memorable conclusion to your wedding toast.
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 best part of any speech— it’s time to raise your glasses of fizz to the sky and toast the happy couple. Invite the rest of your guests to join you in a toast to the happy couple’s good fortune and good health. Cheers!
Wedding speeches can be tricky to get right, and the beginning and end of a speech are arguably the hardest parts to nail. But with careful planning, heartfelt sentiments, and hearty cheers at the end, you can create a wedding speech that not only engages your audience, but also leaves a lasting impact on the newlyweds and their special day.
Remember, you can never go far wrong with a friendly introduction, plenty of thank-yous, a quick quote about love, and ending with a big smile and a toast. These simple elements will go a long way in creating a wedding speech that truly 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 brilliant examples of father of the bride, groom, best man and maid of honour speeches that will knock your socks off!
Making a speech at a wedding reception is your opportunity to tell all the guests how happy you are for the newlyweds. It’s your time to thank the guests, share your thoughts about love, and celebrate this fabulous union.
But imagine you’re halfway through writing the wedding speech, and you’re told to “keep it short.” “Lots of people are making speeches,” they say. Or even, “We’d rather get to the puddings!” Now, suddenly, you need to condense your witty, tear-jerking 7-minute speech into a short 3 minutes! How do you cut down a wedding speech where everything feels important?
Crafting a short wedding speech that packs a punch can be challenging. However, with some handy examples, expert guidance, and a lot of love, you’ll quickly find yourself writing a speech for a wedding that’s both short and memorable. Read on to learn the benefits of a short wedding speech, some examples of short wedding speeches, and the key elements you absolutely need to include.
Wedding speeches are generally between 5-7 minutes long. However, they can be as long or as short as necessary. If there are a lot of speeches to make or the couple have specifically requested that the speeches be kept short, you should aim to wrap up your speech up in 2-4 minutes.
Though this might sound challenging, remember that the impact of your speech isn’t related to its length— it’s better to speak from the heart for 3 minutes than it is to waffle on for 15! Keep the spotlight on the newlyweds, stay upbeat, and always finish with a celebratory toast to the couple on their big day.
There are plenty of benefits to keeping a speech for a wedding short and sweet. These include:
Minimises stress. Lengthy speeches can be nerve-wracking, especially in front of a large audience. Keeping the speeches short minimises the time you have to stand up and say your piece. Plus, shorter speeches are easier to memorise and easier to present.
Keeps guests engaged. Short speeches are more likely to capture guests’ attention and ensure a good flow to the order of speeches. Guests may get bored listening to three 10-minute speeches. However, six 5-minute speeches will feel more dynamic and keep guests engaged.
Encourages thoughtful content. Asking the wedding party to keep their speeches short encourages them to think about what they’re including in their speech and be selective in their storytelling.
Leaves more time for other speakers. The main benefit of short wedding speeches is that they leave plenty of time for other speakers. Generally, thefather of the bride, groom, and best manmake speeches during the reception. However, keeping these speeches short means that groomsmen, bridesmaids, the maid of honour, and the bride can also make speeches at the reception.
Key elements of short wedding speeches
Use this template to keep your speech simple and concise
The easiest way to keep a wedding speech short is to focus on a few key elements. We recommend you stick to the following:
Introduce yourself
A warm and engaging introduction is a great way to open a wedding speech. Let the guests know your name, your relationship to the newlyweds, and how honoured you feel to be making a speech on their big day.
Thank everyone for coming
In a typical wedding speech, you would take time to thank the people who contributed to organising the big day. For example, the couple’s family, the wedding party, the guests, and even the venue staff. However, in a time crunch, focus on saying one big thank you to everyone and acknowledging their collective efforts in making this day possible.
Address the happy couple
You should then speak directly to the happy couple. You could share how you first met the newlyweds, a funny story about wedding planning, or a touching moment that made you realise the depth of their love for each other. These stories are always a crowd-pleaser, and as a friend of the newlyweds, you’re in a unique position to share these special moments. Plus, this section will set the stage for the next portion of your speech.
Share a hope or wish for the future
Sharing a hope or wish for the couple’s future is a touching way to share your love and support on their big day. You could wish them a lifetime of love and happiness, share a quote about love, a short poem or song lyric, or even say you hope they enjoy the honeymoon! Any positive and loving sentiment that resonates with the couple will be a perfect way to wrap up your speech.
Toast
And finally, a toast! Invite the other guests to raise their glass of bubbles to a lifetime of love and happiness. Greet the couple by their names, raise your glass high, and then take a sip to conclude a short but sweet wedding speech.
If you’re looking for a little inspiration to guide you on your way, check out the short wedding speech examples below, which you can adapt use as templates to guide your writing. Feel free to personalise them with your own unique stories and anecdotes, and adjust the pronouns for an LGBTQ+ wedding.
“Hello, everyone, I’m [your name], the luckiest groom on the planet. Thank you all for being here, sharing in our joy today. I remember when [partner’s name] and I met, it was like fate had a plan. From that day forward, my life became brighter. May our love continue to grow, and may our adventures never end. Here’s to [partner’s name], my forever love and other half. And here’s to a lifetime of laughter, love and endless happiness. Cheers!”
“Hi, everyone, I’m [your name], and I’m the bride who can’t stop smiling. Thank you all for being here and making this day so fabulous. I’ll never forget the moment [partner’s name] walked into my life. He’s brought endless love and laughter. May our love story continue to be this beautiful adventure. Here’s to us and a lifetime of happiness. To [partner’s name], my love and my best friend, and to a future filled with fun, love and endless joy. Cheers!”
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m [your name], and today I have the honour of being the father of the bride. Thank you all for coming and sharing in this special day. Seeing [bride’s name] and [groom’s name] together, I know their love is stronger than ever. May your journey together be filled with love, laughter and countless beautiful moments. To [bride’s name] and [groom’s name], may your love continue to grow, and your days be filled with happiness. Cheers!”
“Hey, everyone, I’m [your name], the best man and the guy who’s seen it all. Thank you all for being here to celebrate with [groom’s name] and [bride’s name]. I’ve seen [groom’s name] and [bride’s name] go from ‘I do’ to ‘We will.’ It’s been a wild ride! May your love be as enduring as [groom’s name]’s jokes and as beautiful as [bride’s name]’s smile. To [groom’s name] and [bride’s name], here’s to a lifetime of love, adventure and unforgettable memories. Cheers!”
“Hello, everyone, I’m [your name], the maid of honour and [bride’s name]’s partner in crime. Thank you for joining us today to celebrate [bride’s name] and [groom’s name]’s love. I’ve watched [bride’s name] and [groom’s name] turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. May your love story be filled with as much joy as today and as many adventures as you can dream. To [bride’s name] and [groom’s name], may your love shine brighter with each passing day. Cheers!”
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m [your name], [bride’s name]’s proud mother. Thank you for being here to celebrate this special day with us. Seeing [bride’s name] and [groom’s name] together fills my heart with joy. Their love is a treasure. May the journey [bride’s name] and [groom’s name] embark upon be filled with love, laughter and countless cherished moments. To [bride’s name] and [groom’s name], may your love story be a source of inspiration for us all. Cheers!”
Short wedding speeches balance sharing a sincere or witty message during the wedding reception and effective time management. Though it can be tricky to condense everything you want to say into a short 3-5 minutes, this challenge can produce speeches that are poignant, memorable, and filled with genuine emotion (and likely a dash of humour and wit as well!).
Instead of focusing on everything you’d like to say, we encourage you to stick to the basics — introduce yourself, broadly thank everyone for their contributions, tell the newlyweds how happy you are for them, and wrap up with well-wishes and a toast.
A wedding speech doesn’t have to be long to be great, and it’s better to keep your speech brief and memorable than to risk losing the guests’ attention. This is true whether you’re going for a sweet and sentimental touch, or want something funny and entertaining.
But if you’re still struggling with where to start, we’ve got plenty of brilliant wedding speech examples to inspire you, from the traditional groom’s speech to the slightly less conventional mother of the bride speech. You’ll be writing a short wedding speech that packs a punch in no time!
There’s no bond like the one you share with your sister. She’s been there for you at every step of your journey. She watched all your fashion faux pas, helped you mend your broken heart, and knows exactly how to deal with your quirky habits. She’d naturally want you to take centre stage on her big day by making a heartwarming speech.
But planning a funny wedding speech for your sister is no simple task. How do you strike the right balance between nostalgic memories and funny stories while still keeping your audience engaged? But don’t stress — we’ve got you! In this post, we explore how to write a funny wedding speech for your sister, including 5 top tips for nailing the delivery!
A wedding speech for a sister’s wedding is a speech made during your sister’s wedding reception. It can be a funny maid of honour speech, a brother to sister wedding speech, an entertaining sister-of-the-bride speech, or even a best man’s speech!
As the sister of the bride or groom, you’re in the special position of having known the bride or groom your entire life. This means you’ll have a ton of unique stories, memories, and humorous anecdotes to share with the guests. Although non-traditional, crafting a light-hearted wedding speech for your sister will be a happy and memorable part of the wedding reception, so it’s important you get it right.
The speech should last anywhere between 5-7 minutes and be a balance of well-meaning humour, nostalgia, and well-wishes for the health and happiness of the newlyweds.
How to write a funny speech for a sister’s wedding
If you’re looking to write a funny sister of the bride or maid of honour speech, or a speech for a brother’s wedding from a sister, we’ve got you covered. Check out the below structure for some inspiration and guidance.
Greet your audience
Open your speech by greeting the guests. Introduce yourself to friends, family, and the newlyweds. As the sister of the bride or groom, most people there will probably already know who you are. But a solid introduction is a great way to open the speech, add a sense of occasion, and immediately capture everyone’s attention.
Set the tone
It’s important to set the tone early with a wedding speech. Once you’ve made your introductions, open up with a joke, a short reading, quotes about love, or a light-hearted anecdote about your sister. Getting your jokes in early will not only warm up the audience but also make you feel more confident as you continue the rest of your speech.
Funny stories and anecdotes
You should then share some fun stories and anecdotes about your sister. These can be hilarious, heartwarming, and even a little embarrassing if you feel it’s appropriate! Just be careful not to embarrass her too much. This is a wedding, not a comedy show. Be sure to keep all stories and jokes in good humour, and if you’re not sure, it’s always best to run the story by the couple before sharing it with the audience.
Playful teasing
Incorporate good-natured teasing that brings smiles to people’s faces without crossing any boundaries. Focus on endearing quirks, harmless foibles, or memorable mishaps you have shared. For example, warning your sister’s new partner about their messy ways, terrible cooking, or how long they take to get ready are all standard and acceptable jests to share in front of guests.
Relatable experiences
Most people in the audience will be able to relate to the experience of growing up with a sister (or sibling). They’ll remember the late-night conversations, midnight feasts, or navigating the challenges of big family Christmases! These shared memories and experiences will inspire laughter, understanding, and a sense of nostalgia that will connect everyone in the room.
Well-wishes for the happy couple
Start wrapping up your speech by sharing how happy you are for the newlyweds, your wishes for their future, and how proud you are of your sister for taking this next step. Thank her new partner for all the love and support they’ve shown your sister over the years, and welcome them wholeheartedly into your family.
Wrap up with a toast
The final part of your speech should be a toast to the bride and groom. Wrap up by asking the guests to raise their glasses, share your final wishes for the new couple, and toast to their new shared name. Cheers!
Once you’ve written your speech, take a moment to step back and review it with fresh eyes. You should set your speech aside for at least a day, if not longer. This way, you can come back to it with a fresh perspective and a clear mind. When you revisit your speech after a little break, you’ll be better able to spot any areas that might need refining, whether it’s the flow, wording, or even the overall tone.
Practice makes perfect
Practice, practice, practice your speech to make sure you feel confident and well-prepared. You can practice in front of the mirror, or even record yourself and watch it back. The benefit of doing this is that you’ll be able to see what the guests will see on the day and critique your delivery.
Don’t overdo it
While sharing funny stories and happy memories during a wedding speech is important, be careful not to overdo it. Think of anecdotes and jokes as the spice in a delicious dish you’re cooking. You should flavour the speech with these tales, but not overwhelm it with any one spice. Make sense?
Take it for a test drive
Consider testing out your speech on a trusted friend or family member. This way, they’ll be able to give you constructive criticism in the moment to help you improve your speech. Plus, practicing in front of a person will give a flavour of what it’s like to present your speech to a live audience. This will help you feel more confident and prepared when the actual time comes.
Live feedback can be incredibly valuable, whether it’s a suggestion to tweak the pacing, a reminder to project your voice, or a gentle nudge to pause for laughter. Practicing in front of someone who can provide honest, constructive criticism lets you iron out any rough edges and refine your delivery.
Be mindful of body language
Be mindful of body language as you practice and deliver your speech. Non-verbal cues can enhance your message and help connect you with your audience. So, stand up straight, make eye contact with your audience, take prompts from your cue card (but don’t keep your eyes glued to them), and make facial expressions as you speak. These small changes to your delivery can help colour your speech and make it feel more animated.
Writing a funny wedding speech for your sister’s wedding can be tricky. It’s all about finding the balance between funny stories, special memories, and just a hint of teasing! However, with the right guidance and plenty of love, you can craft a funny wedding speech that will make your sister’s special day all the more memorable.
If you’re feeling nervous, following a structure like the one above can help you start writing your speech. Often, getting started is the hardest part, so once you’ve got your structure down, you can focus on filling it with stories of your childhood, personal memories, and jokes about how messy your sister can be!
So, stand up straight, with shoulders back, and smile! This speech will undoubtedly be a memorable and entertaining part of your sister’s big day. We know you’ll make her proud. If you’re still feeling nervous, let Bridebook be your guide – we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to craft the very best wedding speech.
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 get bored and restless if they last too long. But if they’re not long enough, the speech-makers might feel like they haven’t done the bride or groom justice. So, how to strike the right balance while still captivating the guests?
Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers! Check out our comprehensive guide on how long each wedding speech should last, as well as some handy guidance on what each speech should include.
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.
Traditionally, wedding speeches are made after the main course but before the dessert during the wedding breakfast. This way, your guests will have been amply fed and watered and can take a short break before enjoying some sweet goodies. But you can of course have them after dessert if you’d prefer.
Though you can make the speeches before food is served, this isn’t generally recommended. Your guests may be hungry after sitting through the ceremony!
Generally, wedding speeches should last between 5 and 7 minutes to make sure there’s plenty of time for everyone to make a speech. The ‘wedding speech’ portion of the reception as a a whole should last no more than 40 minutes (to prevent people from getting bored). However, it usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes.
You can shuffle around wedding speech lengths to ensure everyone has a fair chance to say their piece. For example, if you only intend to have two or three speeches, you can afford for these speeches to be a little longer. However, if you want to have many wedding party members making a speech, you should consider cutting down the length to make sure the speeches don’t run over.
Pro tip: To keep things fair, divide the total time you’re hoping to spend on speeches by the number of people you’ve asked to make speeches. For example, if you’re hoping to spend 30 minutes on speeches, and there are five speeches to make, this would bring each speech up to a maximum of 5.5 minutes with a 30-second break 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 last between 7 and 9 minutes (and ideally no more than 12, to prevent the order of speeches from becoming too lengthy.) These speeches generally include:
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
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
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:
Although untraditional, the maid of honour speech can be a beautiful part of the wedding reception. It should be on the shorter side, like the best man’s speech, and last between 4 and 6 minutes.
The beauty of a maid of honour speech is that there are no expectations, so it can take any structure you’d like! However, it’s a good idea to include:
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:
The mother of the groom speech is another untraditional wedding speech, but it’s a wonderful opportunity for a mother to express her love, support, and well-wishes for her son and his new partner. This speech should last between 3 and 5 minutes and, if you’re otherwise sticking to tradition, it will most likely be one of the last speeches made at the reception (though this isn’t a hard and fast rule).
A mother of the groom speech has no set structure. 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
Speeches are an important and traditional part of the wedding reception. They’re the perfect opportunity for the wedding party and other loved ones to share their thoughts and feelings with the newlyweds.
As we’ve explored above, when it comes to speech length, the key is to stick to to between 5 and 7 minutes to ensure everyone has a fair chance to say their thank-yous and give their advice. This will also keep this part of the wedding fresh and interesting for your guests and help hold their 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.
They’re your best friend; you’ve been through thick and thin, through hell and high water, and now they’re standing on the precipice of the rest of their life. You’ll obviously be by their side on the big day, but now they’ve asked you to make a speech! Feeling nervous? Don’t worry – it’s natural!
A best friend’s speech is quite traditional if it takes the form of a best man speech or maid of honour speech for best friend or sister. But you don’t have to be the best man or maid of honour to make this speech. All that matters is making the speech as unique and special as the bond you share.
In this post, we look at how to write a killer best friend’s wedding speech that’s funny and engaging, but also heartfelt and loving overall. We cover what you should include in your best friend’s wedding speech, a best friend’s speech structure, and the most important things to consider when writing your speech.
A best friend’s speech is a speech made by the best friend of the bride or groom during the wedding reception. It may be a funny maid of honour speech, a sincere best man’s speech, or even a sentimental tribute from a close friend who’s stood by the newlyweds throughout their relationship. Either way, the ‘best friend getting married’ speech is a beautiful and memorable part of any wedding reception.
A traditional wedding speech is usually between 5-7 minutes long and includes your favourite memories of the bride or groom, your honest advice, and maybe even a few light-hearted jabs at the bride or groom. A best friend’s speech can fit anywhere into the order of wedding speeches. Themaid of honour speech can similarly fit flexibly into the order of speeches as it’s untraditional. By contrast, a best man’s speech traditionally comes after the groom’s speech (though there’s no pressure to stick to this structure if you don’t want to).
What should you include in a best friend’s speech?
Heartfelt advice. A best friend’s wedding speech is the perfect time to reflect on your own experiences and extend some tender advice to the newlyweds. You don’t need to be an expert in relationships or marriage to give them a few pointers on their new life together; you just need a heart full of love and advice on communication, compromise, and how the couple can grow together.
Fun anecdotes about the bride or groom. The best friend’s speech is the perfect opportunity to give an insight into the bride or groom’s personality, quirks, and special skills. Whether it’s an anecdote about how you met or a funny story about the adventures you’ve shared over the years, these fun tales will add a personal touch to your speech and ensure the audience hangs on your every word.
Your hopes for their future. Expressing your hopes and dreams for the couple’s future is a heartwarming and memorable part of any best friend’s speech. You can talk about how much you’ve enjoyed watching their love story unfold, how you envision their time together, and wish them a lifetime of love, joy, and adventures.
A playful and celebratory toast. As you wrap up your speech, raise a toast to the happy couple. Don’t be afraid to make it fun, playful, and even cheeky! Incorporate a touch of humour by adding a memorable inside joke that resonates with the couple to the end of your toast.
Best friend’s speech structure
Introduction
The first step of your speech should be introducing yourself to those who don’t know you. You should then explain your relationship to the bride or groom and express your gratitude for being asked to be part of their special day.
Acknowledge your best friend
You should then specifically acknowledge your best friend. Tell them how much they mean to you and how grateful you are to have them by your side. You can then move on to let the guests know what makes your bestie so unique and how proud you are of them for taking the next step in life.
Share a funny story
You should then move on to sharing a funny story or light-hearted anecdote about your friend over the years. Remember that their direct family, work colleagues, and neighbours may be in the audience, so make sure it’s a story that your best friend would be happy for them to hear! If you’re unsure, consider running it past them first.
Loving advice
You can then offer your advice to the newlyweds as they begin their new journey together. Draw from your own experiences and share meaningful advice on love, commitment, and friendship. Reflect on the lessons you’ve learned in your friendships, relationships, and life in general. If you’re unsure what advice you could offer, you can always switch this out for some love quotes, a tender poem, or some examples of wedding vows.
Toast
You should then end your speech with a toast to the happy couple. Raise your glass high, invite the guests you join you in a toast, and greet the couple by their names. End with a big smile and take a seat. That’s it!
Best friend’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 best friend speech template to guide your writing
Top tips for delivering a killer best friend’s speech
It’s important to find out where the bride and groom would like you to fit into the overall wedding speech order. The best man’s speech typically happens after the groom’s speech, but it doesn’t have to! On the other hand, the maid of honour’s speech can fit however you’d like into the overall wedding speech order. Clarify with the bride and groom when they feel your speech should come.
Nail the delivery
Shoulders back, chin up, and speak directly to the audience. Presenting your best friend at the wedding can be nerve-wracking, but you need to remember that the audience all know and love the bride and groom, and ultimately you’re here to praise them! If you’re still nervous, check out our post on nailing your wedding speech delivery skills to help you feel more confident.
Take inspiration
If you’re unsure how to begin your speech or what to include, don’t be afraid to take inspiration from wedding readings or love quotes. Often, the most challenging part of writing your speech is the beginning, and these short stories and poems can give you a jumping-off point for your own speech.
Don’t panic
It can be scary to stand up in front of a big crowd and make your speech. The most important thing is not to panic. Make sure you practice beforehand, familiarise yourself with the overall speech order, and take a deep breath before you stand up to make your speech. Remember, even the most seasoned speakers experience jitters; it’s all part of the excitement that comes with being part of the big day.
Being asked to make a best friend’s wedding speech is an honour. It’s a true testament to you and your bestie’s bond, and as you stand before the happy couple, remember that you’re not just giving a speech – you’re a key part of the biggest celebration of their life!
Your words will become a part of their journey that they’ll remember forever, and your only goal should be to do them justice on their big day. Balance light-hearted stories and jokes with kind and caring words about the special bond you share.
So, embrace the nerves, channel your love, and speak from the heart to deliver a brilliant best friend’s wedding speech. For more expert advice and top tips on all things wedding-related, sign up to Bridebook today.
Your big day is approaching – the happiest day of your life! You’ve organised the wedding favours, your bridesmaids are suited and booted, and you’ve got your something old, new, borrowed, and blue. All the “i”s are dotted, and all the “t”s are crossed. Just one thing remains – are you going to make a speech?
While untraditional when compared to a father of the bride’s speech or the groom’s speech, the bride’s speech can be a real tear-jerker. It’s a moment of pure happiness when the bride gets to share her thoughts, gratitude, and love with everyone gathered to witness your special day.
In this post, we explore what the bride should include in their wedding speech, the structure of a great speech, and some top tips to help you nail your delivery. Listen up, future brides! This one’s for you.
The bride’s speech is a heartfelt and personal speech made by the bride during their wedding reception. It’s the perfect opportunity to thank your bridal party, parents, and guests for their support leading up to the wedding and throughout your life.
The bride’s speech is non-traditional, but future brides should seriously consider incorporating a bride’s speech into the wedding speech order. It’s a chance to not only express gratitude but also to share your own journey, hopes, and dreams with those who have gathered to celebrate your special day.
When writing your bride’s speech, you might want to consider including the following key elements:
Acknowledge your partner. This is the perfect opportunity to address your new spouse. Let them know how happy you are to have them by your side, reflect on your journey together, and express excitement for the future ahead of you.
The stresses of wedding planning. Although planning a wedding can be stressful, it’s all over now! Share a few funny anecdotes or stumbling blocks when wedding planning, or even tell the guests about any plans that went totally haywire! It all worked out in the end, so no harm done.
A recap of your vows. Although you’ve just delivered them, consider giving a recap on your vows to remind your new spouse about your promises and dedications. Share your dreams for your shared future and remind them how loved they will be every day.
Thank your guests. Express your deep gratitude to all your friends, family, and loved ones for joining you on your special day. These people have watched your love story from the very start, and this day marks an important milestone in your journey. Their presence here is a testament to the love and support that surrounds you both as you step into this new chapter of your lives.
The great thing about the bride’s speech is that it isn’t bound by tradition. There are no expectations or traditional framework, which means you can put your own special spin on the speech and create a heartfelt moment that reflects who you are as a person and as a couple.
However, following a loose structure can help you feel more confident. Try using the below speech structure to help you get started:
Introduction
The first step of a speech is to greet all your guests with a warm welcome. Thank them all for attending your special day, for listening attentively to all the speeches, and for waiting so patiently for the wedding breakfast!
Share your gratitude
Take a moment to thank everyone who played a role in your journey – your family, friends, and of course your partner and the suppliers who made your big day possible. Share why each person is important to you and how they’ve contributed to your love story as well as the wedding itself.
Stories about wedding planning
Wedding planning is challenging – there’s no doubt about it. However, now that’s firmly in the rearview mirror, it’s the perfect time to share any funny stories or anecdotes you encountered while planning the big day. Share any hiccups with a pinch of irony and a big smile and thank your bridal party for their support through every twist and turn.
Thank your bridesmaids and maid of honour
This is the perfect segue into thanking your bridesmaids and maid of honour for their unwavering support during this process. Thank them for being your pillars of strength, for keeping you smiling, and sharing a laugh with you throughout the process.
Acknowledge your work
Don’t forget to acknowledge all the hard work you’ve done, too! Planning a wedding is a huge achievement, and you should be proud of yourself for all the hard work you’ve put in. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back, and take pride in the beautiful day you’ve created.
Toast
Finally, it’s time for a toast! Ask your guests to raise their glasses to you and your new spouse. Here’s to health, love, and happiness. Cheers!
Bride’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 bride speech template to guide your writing
Speak clearly, slowly, and confidently. Don’t rush through the speech due to nerves or skip over parts you’ve rehearsed. Instead, take a deep breath, look around the room as you speak, and give the audience time to absorb your words.
Body language
Pay attention to your body language and gestures while delivering your speech. Stand up straight with your shoulders back, maintain eye contact, smile, and use hand gestures as you talk to emphasise your points and make you appear more confident.
Practice makes perfect
Rehearse your speech multiple times. Practice with trusted friends, in front of the mirror, or even record yourself to watch back if necessary. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback to help you improve.
As difficult as it may be to relax, remember – everyone there knows you and loves you. You’re in front of the best audience you possibly could be, so take a deep breath, savour the moment, and let your words flow naturally as you tell all your guests how much you’re enjoying your big day. You’ve got this!
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our top 12 examples of great bridal speech ideas! 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.
Example 1: Classic bride speech
Introduction: Friends, family, generally loved relatives I can never remember the names of… welcome. Welcome to our very special day! Who can believe it’s finally here? For those of you who can’t tell by the big white dress, my name is [Your name], and I’m the bride! What a journey it’s been to get here.
Share your gratitude: I couldn’t be more grateful to all of you for making the effort to be here today. I know we all have busy lives, and many of you have travelled from near and far to be with us today, so I just want to say a huge thank you for making the time to celebrate with us. Truly, it wouldn’t have been the same without you.
Stories about wedding planning: Or, indeed, without me! I love [Groom’s name] with all my heart, but I don’t think he had a clue about what he was getting into when we started planning this wedding! He’s been an absolute trooper through the whole process. From the endless to-dos, to the flower colour debates, and let’s not even mention the cake tastings (I may have gotten a bit carried away there).
But really, seeing everything come together today, I know every little decision was worth it. And, if I’m being honest, I think even [Groom’s name] is starting to enjoy the planning by now… or at least he’s doing a good job at pretending!
Thank your wedding party: And to my girls, my gorgeous bridal party, thank you. Thank you for your endless love, support, and for topping up my lipgloss all day. Today wouldn’t have been half as fun or half as special without all of you, and I can’t thank you enough for all the support you’ve given me in the run up.
Acknowledge your work: Finally, I’d like to thank myself [pause for laughter] for all the work I’ve put into today. [Groom’s name] was great, but sometimes you just need a woman’s touch, right? It’s been a much bigger task than I’ve ever imagined, but all the more worth it to see you all here today.
Toast: And so, without further ado, that’s the end of the speeches, and the start of the rest of our lives. On behalf of me and my new husband, thank you. Cheers!
Example 2: Destination wedding bride speech
Introduction: Ladies, gentlemen, and non-binary friends—welcome. Welcome to our beautiful, tropical wedding day! I know I look more casual than the typical bride, but it’s 35 degrees out and I want to be comfortable!
Share your gratitude: It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway— I’m so unbelievably grateful to all of you for coming. I know it wasn’t easy, and I know it wasn’t cheap, especially when you consider the flights, hotels, and layers of suncream! But seriously, the fact that so many of you have made the journey to be with us here today means the absolute world.
It’s not every day that we get to celebrate something as special as this, and the fact that we get to do it surrounded by people we love, in this beautiful corner of the world, is something we’ll never forget.
Stories about wedding planning: Don’t get me wrong, planning this beach wedding hasn’t been a walk in the park (or a swim in the sea?). Trying to work with vendors in a completely different time zone and with language barriers has been interesting, to say the least! There’s only so much you can communicate with emojis and Google Translate. And let’s not forget the challenges of deciding on what shade of white the flowers should be when I’m miles away from the venue! But somehow, we’ve made it all come together—with a lot of help, patience, and probably a few cocktails along the way.
I honestly don’t think I could’ve pulled it off without [Groom’s name]’s steady hand. Genuinely, thank you.
Thank your wedding party: And, of course, a huge thank you to my girls. You’ve been absolute legends throughout this whole process. From late-night brainstorming sessions to rescuing me from my own indecisiveness (seriously, I didn’t know choosing bridesmaids’ dresses could turn into a full-blown existential crisis), you’ve been my rocks. I couldn’t have done this without your love, support, and brutal honesty when I needed it most.
Acknowledge your work: And finally, a quick bit of acknowledgement from me. I’ve had a lot of help planning this, but women don’t praise themselves enough, and do you know what—I did a flipping good job at planning this wedding! Isn’t it fab? I did my best for you all, and I truly hope you enjoy this lovely day.
Toast: As a final note, please join me in toasting to the newly minted Mr & Mrs [Surname] I hope your hangover isn’t half as bad as the sunburns I’m seeing from up here!
Example 3: Adventure-loving bride speech
Introduction: Welcome, everyone. I know, I know—another speech, right? But don’t worry, I promise to keep it short and sweet. My name is [Your name] and I’m the blushing bride!
Share your gratitude: First off, let me just say how absolutely chuffed we are to have you all here. Whether you’ve travelled from just around the corner or from the other side of the globe, the fact that you’ve made the effort to be here, to celebrate with us, means the absolute world. Honestly, it’s not every day you get to gather your favourite people in one place, and seeing all your smiling faces makes all the late night table planning, vendor emails, and fabric swatches all worth it.
Love for your partner: [Groom’s name], you are, without a doubt, my greatest adventure. I thought I’d seen the world, but you’ve shown me a whole new one. You’ve taught me that the best journeys aren’t necessarily to far-off places, but to the quiet moments, the everyday joys, and the places where love grows strongest. You are everything, and I’m the luckiest lady in the world.
Thank your wedding party: And to my fabulous besties, where would I be without you? You’ve been there for every Bridezilla moment, every tearful meltdown over the perfect centrepieces, and every last-minute “Does this dress make me look alright?” panic. You’ve been my cheerleaders, my voice of reason, and the ones topping up my prosecco glass—which is obviously the most important job!
Acknowledge your work: I’d also like to take a minute to appreciate the work I’ve put in. This day has been two years in the making, but I’ve been dreaming of getting married since I was a little girl. In my wildest dreams, I never could have imagined a man as kind as [Groom’s name], and sharing this magical day with him has been the cherry on top of the cake.
Toast: So, before I start crying, please join me in a toast to my new groom. [Groom’s name], you are my home. You’re the one I want to face every sunrise and every storm with. I know that no matter what the future holds we’ll tackle it together, hand in hand. To us!
Example 4: Wedding planning bride speech
Introduction: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls— can you believe this day is finally here? I’ve dreamed of being a bride since I was a little girl, and now it’s finally here! My name is [Your name], just in case you don’t recognise me!
Share your gratitude: I couldn’t be more grateful to you for all being here today. I know I keep saying it, but this really is the best day of my life! To have so many people I love in one place, sharing in this incredible moment, is honestly more than I could have ever hoped for. Whether you’ve travelled from miles away or just popped down the road, your presence really means the more than you could know.
Stories about wedding planning: Wedding planning has been a lot tougher than I imagined. Turns out it takes a few hands and a lot of money to make a fairytale come true. But, in true British fashion, we muddled through with plenty of tea, biscuits, and the occasional glass of wine (or two).
From agonising over flower arrangements to debating whether the cake really needed five tiers, it’s been a journey full of laughter, tears, and more to-dos than I ever thought possible. But seeing it all come together today, surrounded by so much love and happiness, makes every single moment worth it.
Thank your wedding party: To my wonderful girls, my bridesmaids and maid of honour—thank you. This day truly wouldn’t have been possible without you. I can’t thank you enough for your support. Whether we were toddling around primary school together, or whether you’re a questionable uni bond, you all mean so much to me.
Acknowledge your work: Planning this wedding has given me a new-found appreciation for anyone who has ever planned a wedding. It’s absolutely no joke, and who knew something as innocuous as canapés could be so stressful? It truly has been a labour of love—but every late night, every decision, and every checklist box was worth it to create a day like today. And honestly, seeing all of your smiling faces makes every bit of the stress melt away.
Toast: Today, as I stand here, I’m overwhelmed with love, joy, and gratitude. This truly is the happiest day of my life. So, let’s raise a glass—to love, to laughter, and to all the wonderful moments yet to come. Thank you for making this day as unforgettable as it is. Cheers!
Example 5: Love through the years bride speech
Introduction: Welcome, welcome everyone. I’m so grateful to have you all here today. Not many people have the pleasure of meeting their soulmate so much later in life, but I, [Bride’s name] have that infinite and incredible pleasure. I met [Groom’s name] when I was 49, and today, I stand here as a 55-year-old first time bride, and I couldn’t be prouder.
Share your gratitude: First off, let me just say how utterly chuffed I am to see all your lovely faces here today. It’s no small feat to gather everyone together in one place, and seeing so many people we care about under one roof (or marquee!) is truly magical. Thank you for being here to celebrate this moment with us—it wouldn’t be the same without you and it truly means the world to us to have you all here.
Stories about wedding planning: Now, I’ll be honest, I never thought I’d be standing here in a wedding dress at this stage of my life. I’d resigned myself to the idea that maybe love wasn’t in the cards for me, and that was okay. But then, out of nowhere, along came [Groom’s name]—a man with an infectious laugh, an enormous heart, and the kind of patience that has seen him sit through hours of me debating paint colours for the kitchen!
Falling in love later in life has been the most unexpected and beautiful experience. There’s a magic to it—knowing who you are, knowing what you want, and then finding someone who makes you feel like everything has finally fallen into place. It’s a kind of love that feels steady and joyful, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
Thank your wedding party: Thank you to my gorgeous nieces for being such special bridesmaids. I was so proud to have you by my side on my special day, and I hope you all grow up to find someone as special as my wonderful husband.
Toast: So, here we are—proof that love truly knows no age, no timeline, and no rules. Let’s raise a glass—to love, to second chances, and to all the magic that comes with finding your person, no matter when they arrive. Thank you for sharing this day with us. Now, let’s enjoy every second of it—cheers!
Example 6: Childhood sweethearts bride speech
Introduction: Thank you everyone for the wonderful speeches so far. I’m sure you all could have predicted that I was going to make a speech, couldn’t you? For those of you who don’t know me, my name is [Bride’s name], and in case you couldn’t tell by the big white dress or my name on the invitations—I’m the bride!
Share your gratitude: This day has been a long time in the planning, and I’m so grateful to you all for making the effort to be here. I know it takes a lot of organising, travelling, snagging babysitters, and figuring out what to wear to come to a wedding, so thank you from the bottom of my heart. Whether you’ve known us since we were kids or joined us later in life, having you here to celebrate with us means the absolute world.
Love for your partner: [Groom’s name] and I first met when we were just kids—awkward, wide-eyed, and with absolutely no clue that we’d one day be standing here as husband and wife. We grew up together, figuring out life one step at a time, sharing everything from playground laughs to teenage tantrums, and eventually discovering that what we had was something really special.
Growing up together has been a beautiful kind of journey. We’ve seen each other at our best, our worst, and every awkward phase in between. And yet, through it all, we’ve somehow managed to grow not just alongside each other, but closer together. [Groom’s name], you’re not just my husband—you’re my best friend, my partner in crime, and the person who knows me better than I know myself.
Thank your wedding party: And to my girls—thank you. You’ve been there every step of the way. Through every dodgy haircut, through every exam, through every moment of wedding madness—you’ve been my constants. You were even there for those awful two hours that [Groom’s name] and I thought it would be good to go on a break! Who’s idea was that (definitely not mine).
In all seriousness, I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you. You’ve been my cheerleaders, my support system, and my sisters for as long as I can remember, and I’m so grateful to have you in my life.
Acknowledge your work: I couldn’t have planned this day without all the people I’ve named today. It’s definitely been a journey, and it’s safe to say I’ve learned a few things along the way—like the fact that choosing a table plan is basically an extreme sport, and that no matter how many Pinterest boards you make, nothing ever quite prepares you for the sheer number of decisions! But truly, every late-night email, every checklist task, and every “Does this really matter?” moment was completely worth it to see all of your smiling faces here today.
Toast: So, please join me in raising a glass to my new husband. May our lives be filled with health, happiness, and endless love. To my us! Cheers!
Example 7: Chance encounter bride speech
Introduction: Well, well, well… who can believe we’re here, hey? From a chance encounter all those years ago to the biggest day of our lives. Who would have thought an innocent train journey would have led us here? For those of you who don’t know me, my name is [Bride’s name], and I’m the lucky-in-love, blushing bride.
Share your gratitude: I couldn’t be more grateful to be standing here today. Not just because I get to marry the love of my life, but because we’re surrounded by all of you—our favourite people in the world. Whether you’ve travelled from miles away or just popped down the road, thank you for being here to celebrate with us. It means so much to us, and, let’s be honest, it wouldn’t be much of a party without you lot, would it?
Love for your partner: They say love makes the world go around, and I couldn’t agree more. It’s the glue that holds us together, the spark that lights up our lives, and the force that reminds us what truly matters. Standing here today, looking at [Groom’s name], I feel so incredibly lucky to have found my perfect partner. He’s my best friend, my safe place, and the one who makes every day better just by being in it. Thank you, babe. I completely love you.
Stories about wedding planning: Let me tell you, planning this wedding has been as organised as when I met [Groom’s name]. Do you know how we all met? I’m sure you do. We met on a train, got chatting, and bonded over our love of KitKats. Very normal right? Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston—if anyone’s interested. Well, at the end of the journey [Groom’s name] gave me his number on a piece of paper and asked me to text him. Also very normal. But, I lost the number. I guess he thought I hated him because I never texted him? I was gutted I lost his number, but sometimes, it’s fate.
Well, we met again, can you believe it? On the Bristol to Exeter. Both on the way to visit old uni friends. Strange, right? Anyway, I gave [Groom’s name] my number, and told him to text me. Never got a text. Payback, right?
Anyway, we both bumped into each other again on the Manchester Piccadilly to Holyhead. We were both going to get the ferry to Dublin. I asked why he didn’t text me, he said he lost my number (a likely story). We decided it was fate, cancelled our plans, and spent the whole weekend in Dublin together. And the rest is, as they say, history.
Thank your wedding party: Now, onto my amazing wedding party. To my girls—what an absolute dream team you’ve been. From endless fittings to putting up with me changing the colour scheme… was it… 7 times in the end? You’ve all had the patience of saints. You were my first loves, the ones who have been there through thick and thin, and I honestly couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you for being the best friends a girl could ask for.
Toast:Today is proof that fate, or a very determined universe, has a sense of humour. Three train journeys, one lost number, and a very spontaneous weekend in Dublin later, and here we are. Life has this incredible way of putting you exactly where you’re meant to be—even if it takes a few missed texts and chance meetings along the way.
So, let’s raise a glass—to chance encounters, to fate’s impeccable timing, and to never giving up on what’s meant to be. Cheers!
Example 8: Love’s symphony bride speech
Introduction: Welcome, everyone. I know you’ve heard a lot of speeches, but I promise mine is the last. For those of you I haven’t met, my name is [Bride’s name], and I’m the bride! Can you believe it?
Share your gratitude: What a magical day this has been so far. I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to have all of you here with us. Whether you’ve travelled far or near, your presence has filled this day with so much joy and love. Seeing all your smiling faces has reminded me of just how lucky [Groom’s name] and I are to have such incredible people in our lives. Thank you for being here and for being part of our story.
Stories about wedding planning: Wedding planning was so much tougher than I imagined. I thought you just picked some flowers, picked some food, and it just magically all came together. Naive, right? I appreciate now how much work every wedding I’ve ever been to must have been. The care, the effort, and the money that goes into pulling it off is crazy. But, you’re all worth it.
Thank your wedding party:To my girls, you’ve all been absolute superstars. From helping out with the decorations to calming me down when I was convinced everything was falling apart, you’ve been my lifeline through this entire process. You’ve put up with my endless “What do you think of this?” messages, my late-night panics about seating charts, and the odd Bridezilla moment. Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Toast:So, let’s raise a glass—to love in all its forms, to the people who make our lives brighter, and to the moments that make it all worthwhile. Thank you for celebrating with us and for making this day a dream come true. To love!
Example 9: Funny bride speech
Introduction: Well, they’ve left the best ‘till last, haven’t they? Welcome, everyone. Welcome to our special day. For those of you I haven’t met… Please leave… I’m joking! My name is [Bride’s name] and the important thing is that I think I’m funny.
Share your gratitude: Thank you all so much for being here today. I know it’s no small feat to get dressed up, travel, and sit through a whole day of speeches just for a bit of cake and a dance. But honestly, seeing all of you here means the absolute world to us.
Stories about wedding planning: I’ve actually loved the process of wedding planning. Although it hasn’t all been smooth sailing, it’s had its fair share of comedy moments. Like the time [Groom’s name] and I tried to write the guest list together—who knew it could turn into a full-blown negotiation? Or the time he insisted he’d be “hands-on” with the planning, only to realise that “hands-on” actually meant saying “Yes, love, that looks great” to every single decision I made.
Then there was the cake tasting. Now, that was something [Groom’s name] took very seriously. I’ve never seen a man so passionate about sponge flavours in my life. In the end, I had to draw the line so we didn’t end up with a four-tier chocolate monstrosity with a secret compartment for snacks!
Thank your wedding party: To my amazing bridesmaids—thank you. You’re the absolute best. From helping me choose the dress to dealing with my pre-wedding meltdowns, you’ve been my rocks. And let’s not forget your honesty when I was debating hairstyles or colour schemes—you didn’t hold back, and I love you for it.
Acknowledge your work: And finally, a little thank you to me. Pulling this day together wasn’t easy, but it was so worth it to have you all here with us and to marry my bestie. I couldn’t be more grateful for all the love and support shown to us this last month. It’s been a dream.
Toast: So, will you please join me in a toast—here’s to love, laughter, and a lifetime of questionable decisions made together. Here’s to the friends and family who have laughed with us, supported us, and probably rolled their eyes at us a time or two. And here’s to [Groom’s name]—my partner in crime, my snack-tasting soulmate, and the only person who can make me laugh until my stomach hurts. Cheers!
Example 10: Happy bride speech
Introduction: Welcome, everyone. Welcome to what is undoubtedly the happiest day of my life. I’ve dreamed of this day since I was a little girl, wandering around with a pillowcase on my head and making my teddies watch me walk down the aisle. My name is [Bride’s name], and I’m so honoured to be here today.
Share your gratitude: I know I’ve already said it, but this really is a dream come true. Having all of you here—our family, our friends, the people who have loved and supported us through every step of our lives—means the absolute world to me. Thank you for making the effort to be here, for your kind words, your laughter, and the love you’ve brought to this day.
Stories about wedding planning:Wedding planning was everything I hoped it would be. Sure, it was stressful at times, but knowing it would all end with this wonderful day made it all worth it. Every tiny little decision felt so important at the time—like whether the napkins should be folded into fans or rectangles (spoiler: we went with rectangles because apparently fans were “too fancy”).
But honestly, the funniest moment was when [Groom’s name] decided he wanted to help with the table decorations. He spent an afternoon convincing me that mini Lego centrepieces were the way forward. I love him dearly, but let’s just say his creative vision didn’t make the final cut.
Thank your wedding party: I’d like to take a moment to thank you girls—my bride squad, and the reason I’m standing here today still feeling half sane. Girls, you’ve been my absolute lifeline throughout this entire process. You’ve listened to my endless wedding ramblings, made me laugh when I needed it most, and reminded me to enjoy every single moment. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you, and I love you all to bits.
Toast:And finally, a toast— to me, my new husband, and all the wonderful people that made this day happen! Cheers.
Example 11: Short bride speech
Introduction: Welcome, everyone! Welcome to our special day. Now, I’m not really one for long-winded speeches, so I’m going to keep this short and sweet. My name is [Bride’s name], and I’m the incredibly lucky bride!
Share your gratitude: I couldn’t be more grateful to be here today. And, in fact, I can’t believe it’s finally here! All those months of planning and organising, and now we’re here. I couldn’t be prouder or happier to celebrate this day surrounded by all of you—our family, friends, and loved ones. Thank you for taking the time to be here, for your unwavering support, and for bringing so much love and joy into our lives. It truly means the world to us.
Love for your partner: And, of course and above all, a huge thank you to [Groom’s name], my husband—how surreal and wonderful it is to say that! I’m so excited for this next chapter with you, and I know it’s going to be amazing because we’ll face it together.
Thank your wedding party: And finally, thank you to my dream team—my bridesmaids and maid of honour. Planning this wedding with you has been the most incredible experience, and I honestly couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for your love, your patience, and for making this journey so much fun.
Toast:So, let’s raise a glass—to love, to laughter, and to all of you. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and plenty more celebrations to come. Cheers!
Example 12: LGBTQ+ bride speech
Introduction: Ladies, gentlemen, and non-binary friends, welcome to our big day. I know that a bride’s speech isn’t the most traditional of wedding speeches, but in case you can’t tell by the fact we’re both in dresses, and neither of them white, this isn’t the most traditional wedding. My name is [Your name] and I have the incredible pleasure of being [Partner’s name]’s blushing bride.
Share your gratitude:When I think about all the hurdles we’ve overcome to be here today, I couldn’t be prouder, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you for being here, for standing by us, and for embracing us exactly as we are. Your love and kindness have made this day possible, and we’ll never forget that.
Stories about wedding planning: You’d think that being two brides, we’d both want to have a hand in the pie when it came to wedding planning, but oh no—[Partner’s name] made clear from the start they didn’t want anything to do with this process, and that they’d be happy with a registry office and a pub lunch afterwards. Now, while there’s nothing wrong with that (after all, who doesn’t like a beef and Guinness pie?), I did have a slightly different vision for the big day. Maybe you can plan the vow renewal, babe?
Thank your wedding party: It’s been a wild ride, and I certainly couldn’t have done it without my tribe of best men, bridesmaids, brides-theys, and flower boys. You’ve all been absolute legends, and this day wouldn’t have been possible without your love, patience, and unwavering support.
Toast: And so, as my final act in this speech, will you all please join me in a toast. To Mrs and Mrs [Surname]—to love, resilience, and a lifetime of being unapologetically ourselves. Cheers!
Although unconventional, the bride’s speech can be a beautiful and tear-jerking part of your wedding day. They offer a wonderful opportunity for brides to share their thoughts, emotions, and gratitude with their loved ones.
The bride’s speech isn’t a traditional part of the order of speeches at a wedding. As a result, there are no expectations as to what you should include or the structure of your speech. It’s your time to shine and show your unique personality and beautiful love story. Whether you opt for a speech packed with jokes, sentimental stories, or a mix of both, the key is to speak from the heart and let everyone know how you feel about your new spouse.
So, take a deep breath, hold your partner’s hand, and step into the spotlight. Stand up straight, speak slowly and clearly, and practise, practise, practise, before your big day. Whether you focus on heartfelt thank-yous or personal stories, this speech will be a wonderful and memorable part of your big day. It’s a gift that will resonate long after the last toast, so make sure you give it the care and attention you’ve given every other part of your big day.
But, if you’re still feeling nervous, Bridebook can be your guide in writing a cracking bride’s speech. Ditch the stresses and embrace the excitement of crafting a speech that truly reflects your love story. You’ve got this!
Are you gearing up to help your bestie walk down the aisle? Or maybe you’re a sister bestowed with the great honour of being the bride’s right-hand man? Well, first off, congratulations! Being chosen as the maid of honour to the bride is no small feat. It’s a role filled with joy, emotion, and, yes, a touch of nerves too. But fear not, because we’ve got your back!
Writing a wedding speech that resonates with both the bride and the audience can be tricky. It’s about finding the right balance of funny anecdotes, genuine love, and a sprinkle of nostalgic shared memories to write the best maid of honour speech.
In this post, we explore what you should include in your wedding speech, some top tips to consider when writing a great speech, and our top 12 maid of honour speech examples. Let’s dive in!
A maid of honour speech is a beautiful and heartfelt speech made by the maid of honour during a wedding reception. Traditionally, the maid of honour doesn’t make a speech during the wedding reception, just as there isn’t usually a bridesmaid speech. That means you have some flexibility as to where you fit into the overall wedding speech order.
A maid of honour speech should last between 5-7 minutes and should focus on the relationship between you and the bride, how wonderful she is, and the lovely year running up to the wedding.
What should you include in a maid of honour speech?
When writing your maid of honour speech, you might want to consider including the following key elements:
Lots of love. The bride might be your sister, she might be your neighbour, but she’s definitely your best friend. This is the perfect opportunity to let everyone know exactly what makes her so special. You can tell everyone how funny she is, what a caring person she can be, and all about how you’ve supported each other through life. Let couple know how proud you are of the relationship they’ve built and how honoured you are to be there with them on their special day.
Wedding planning foibles. It’s likely that you helped the bride with a good portion of the wedding planning. As such, you probably have lots of stories about the trials and tribulations of wedding planning. Share some funny maid of honour speech stories, like how stressed she was about finding the right shape of confetti, or how many samples you tried when trying to design the wedding cupcakes! Make sure any stories you tell are appropriate for her family and acquaintances to hear, and avoid referring to her as a ‘Bridezilla.’ Trust us; it’s not as funny as you think.
Their love story. Being the bride’s bestie, you probably remember the day the bride met her new spouse. Consider sharing some happy stories from the early days of their relationship, when the bride told you they were the one, or when her partner told you they were going to propose. These stories are always a winner with the audience and bring a heartwarming touch to your speech.
Your unwavering support. Above anything else, let everyone know how much you love and support the bride’s new marriage and how you’ll continue to be there for her, just as you were before the wedding.
Maid of honour speech structure
Use this maid of honour speech template to guide your writing
The good thing about the maid of honour speech is that it’s untraditional. This means there are no expectations, and you can include whatever you’d like!
However, this open-ended approach can be a little daunting. Try using the below structure to outline your maid of honour speech and help you feel more confident.
Introduction
The first step of any great speech is to introduce yourself to the audience. Let them know who you are, how long you’ve known the bride, and how you met. Express your gratitude for being part of their special day and acknowledge how happy you are to be the maid of honour.
Stories about the bride
You can then move on to some funny stories about your relationship with the bride. Share some light-hearted anecdotes, funny quotes, or special memories that you’ve shared with the bride over the years. This will not only capture the attention of the audience but will set the tone for your speech.
The couple’s love story
You can then move on to some happy memories about how the bride and groom met. You can share their initial impressions of each other, a funny story from their first date, and how their relationship blossomed over the years. Be sure to include any funny or heartwarming anecdotes from the early days of their relationship or when the bride first told you her partner was the one!
The proposal
Telling everyone about the proposal is sure to be a winner. It’s the perfect chance to spill the beans about the ingenious proposal plans or when they finally got down on one knee. Share the part you played by picking out the ring, helping with the surprise, or sneakily standing in the background to take pictures.
Heartfelt advice
Follow up with some heartfelt advice about love and commitment. Feel free to use some popular quotes about love, poetry, readings, or try writing a few vows of your own if you feel it’s appropriate. For example, “I will support you in married life just as I have through single life,” or “I promise to be the coolest auntie to your kids and tell them all about how wild their mum used to be!”
Toast to the couple
The final step should be a toast to the happy couple. Raise your glass and invite your audience to do the same, and toast to the health, love, and happiness of the new couple. Be sure to introduce them by their new shared name and take a sip from the glass. Cheers!
Top tips for delivering the best maid of honour speech
Remember, there will be lots of family and old friends in the audience, so it’s important to be mindful of the types of stories you tell. Err on the side of mildly embarrassing, and make sure any anecdotes are family-appropriate!
There are no expectations!
The best thing about a maid of honour speech is that there are no expectations; There’s no rigid script to follow. Instead, it’s your chance to let your personality shine, and your unique relationship with the bride take centre stage. This freedom means you can craft a speech that’s as genuine and heartwarming as your relationship with your bestie, so make it count.
Practice, practice, practice
Practice will perfect your timing, hone your speech delivery, and increase your confidence when making your speech. Stand before a mirror, share your speech with a close friend, or even record yourself to capture your progress. Embrace each rehearsal as an opportunity to smooth out any rough edges and enhance your storytelling. You’ll be glad you did when the big day rolls around.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our top 12 examples of the best maid of honour speech ideas! Use them as templates for your own speech and personalise them with your own unique examples and anecdotes.
A lot of maid of honour 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.
Example 1: Lifelong friend maid of honour speech
Introduction: Hello, everyone. Welcome to the wedding of [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]. You may have seen me earlier in the church—I was the one standing next to the bride bawling my eyes out. Yes, thank you. I’m glad you all saw it! My name is [your name], and I’m the very proud maid of honour.
Stories about the bride: Now, I know a maid of honour speech isn’t very traditional, but our girl [Bride’s name] isn’t very traditional. I should know—we’ve been friends since we were 3! From the moment we met in nursery, bonding over crayons and our mutual love of ‘The Tiger Who Came To Tea’, I knew she was going to be a special person in my life. Little did I know she’d grow into one of the most special people I’ve ever met. But that’s [Bride’s name] all over—full of surprises!
[Bride’s name] has always had this way of making people feel at home, whether that’s in her childhood bedroom with those questionable boy band posters, or in her grown-up home where she’s perfected the art of a cuppa and a chat. She’s the friend who remembers the little things, who shows up no matter what, and who somehow makes even the most mundane moments—like a Tesco run—feel like an adventure.
The couple’s love story: And that’s why I know [Groom’s name] is the luckiest man in the world. Because he’s married someone who brings magic into the everyday. When [Bride’s name] met [Groom’s name], I could see something shift in her. Now, don’t get me wrong—she’s always been the life and soul of any room, but with [Groom’s name], it was different. There was this lightness about her, a twinkle in her eye that wasn’t just from one of our late-night prosecco-fuelled chats. It was the kind of sparkle that only comes from finding your person.
The proposal: And I’m very proud to say, I was able to play a part in the proposal! [Bride’s name] doesn’t know this, but I actually knew about the engagement 6 months before it happened. I’m the one who slipped [Groom’s name] the ring size, helped him plan the perfect moment, and decorated the house ready for them to come home to! And I managed to keep it a secret! I was this close to cracking so many times, but seeing the joy and surprise on her face when [Groom’s name] finally popped the question made it all worth it.
Heartfelt advice: Now, I’m not married, and I don’t pretend to know loads about love. But, what I do know is this—love is about finding someone who sees you for who you truly are, and loves you not despite your quirks, but because of them. Who still thinks you’re beautiful even when your hair is greasy and you’ve fallen asleep spooning your 3am kebab again. [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name], somehow, you’ve found that in each other, and it’s such a joy to witness.
Toast to the couple: So, let’s raise a glass to [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and being legally bound to your best mate forever! Cheers.
Example 2: Childhood friend maid of honour speech
Introduction: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Welcome to the wedding of the year—the marriage of [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]. My name is [your name], and I’m the very proud, very excited maid of honour!
Stories about the bride: It’s been such a blessing to be beside you during this exciting process. I know just how much this day has meant to you. Right from when we were little girls, you were wandering around, pillowcase on your head, pretending to be a bride while I was forced to be your flower girl, the vicar, or some other random supporting character in our never-ending make-believe wedding ceremonies. Honestly, I’m pretty sure I performed more weddings than the local vicar back then!
But look at us now: the day has finally arrived for you to don a real wedding dress—with no pillowcase in sight—and for me to stand by your side, just as we’ve always imagined.
The couple’s love story: [Groom’s name], I hope you know what you’ve got yourself into here. When you marry [Bride’s name], you’re essentially marrying the lot of us. If you think it’s just the two of you, oh, bless your heart! Our little troop is now your little troop. But I promise, we’re mostly harmless—especially once we’ve had our morning cuppa.
The proposal: But, of course, you know that from the proposal. We all had to be involved, right down to [Bride’s name]’s little dog! The look on [Bride’s name]’s face when she realised what was happening was absolutely priceless—equal parts shock, excitement, and a tiny bit of concern for what the dog might have swallowed. But [Groom’s name], you handled it like a champ, which tells me everything I need to know about how you’ll manage whatever adventures life throws at you two.
Heartfelt advice: So now that the ring’s firmly on [Bride’s name]’s finger (and not down the dog’s throat!), you’re embarking on the biggest adventure of all—marriage. Truth be told, no one knows what the future holds, but here’s what I do know: the best relationships are built on laughter, compromise, and knowing that whatever life throws at you, it’s going to be ok, because you have each other.
Toast to the couple: So, if everyone would kindly raise their glasses (or mugs—no judgement here!), I’d like to propose a toast to [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]: may you continue to be the ultimate power couple, leaning on each other’s strengths, laughing off each other’s weaknesses, and always making space for one more in your ever-growing, slightly bonkers troop (me!).
Example 3: Adventurous maid of honour speech
Introduction: Hello, everyone! Are you all having fun? My name is [your name] and I’m here to take the place of the traditional best man speech with a way more fun maid of honour speech!
Stories about the bride: Now, those of you who know [Bride’s name] know that she’s the ultimate travel buddy. Whether it’s roughing it in Australia or pure luxury in Palma, she’s a pro at planning the perfect trip that always fits the vibe. I remember when we decided on a last-minute trip to Barcelona—well, I say last-minute, but [Bride’s name] had it all mapped out on a colour-coded spreadsheet for about a month beforehand. Flights, accommodation, best tapas spots, and the cheeky rooftop bars—she’d sorted the lot before I’d even thought to book the time off work! But, that’s just who she is: the ultimate planner, making sure everything is perfect for everyone else. Is it any shock that this wedding is so beautiful?
The couple’s love story: [Groom’s name], you’re a lucky man. Not only have you found someone who’ll organise a trip down to the tiniest detail, but you’ve also snagged someone who’ll make every step of the journey feel like an adventure. And let’s be honest, there’s no one better to get lost with in a new city than [Bride’s name], because she’ll probably have three different maps and a back-up plan for the back-up plan tucked away in her handbag anyway!
Heartfelt advice: If you want my advice, go with it. Go with every crazy, wonderful plan she brings to the table. There will be days when plans change or situations don’t go the way you thought, but trust me, half the joy are the moments you never saw coming. Embrace every twist, every detour, and every spontaneous pit stop, because those are the moments that build a life filled with stories worth telling.
Toast to the couple: Now, if everyone would join me in raising a glass, let’s toast to [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]: may your marriage be the greatest adventure of all. May you keep exploring, keep laughing, and keep leaning on each other—whether you’re halfway round the world or just snuggled up on the sofa. Here’s to a lifetime of perfectly ruined plans, exciting spontaneity, and the best travel companion anyone could ask for. Cheers!
Example 4: Nostalgic maid of honour speech
Introduction: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today. My name is [your name] and I’m the Bride’s bestie. Well, in fact, I’m more than that, I’m her childhood bestie. We’ve been glued at the hip since we were about 4, and I genuinely can’t recall a time in my life when she wasn’t right there, making everything brighter.
Stories about the bride:Growing up with [Bride’s name] was a never-ending series of sleepovers, secret handshakes, and endless giggles. If you needed a shoulder to cry on, a partner in crime for midnight snacks, or just someone to belt out cheesy pop songs with, she was your girl. I’ve lost count of the number of times we got into trouble for staying up way past our bedtime, plotting our futures and daydreaming about the amazing things we’d do one day.
The couple’s love story: I know one of [Bride’s name]’s dreams was always to get married. And now, standing here today, I just can’t believe that day has finally come. Here you both are, proving that dreams come true! I’m not at all surprised [Groom’s name] fell for you. Who wouldn’t fall for the girl who can light up a room just by walking into it, who cares so fiercely about the people she loves, and who always seems to know exactly when you need a good laugh or a comforting chat?
I’ve watched the two of you grow together from that very first ‘spark’ to now, and it’s been a privilege to witness. You balance each other so beautifully—[Groom’s name] bringing his calm and steady presence, and [Bride’s name] bringing her trademark sunshine and sparkle. It’s like you were made for each other, and I have no doubt that this is the start of a lifetime of shared dreams, cosy movie nights, and inside jokes only you two will ever understand.
Toast to the couple: So, to my best friend, my partner in crime since day one. Thank you for letting me be a part of this wonderful journey. I couldn’t be more proud—or more emotional! And to [Groom’s name], thank you for loving her the way she truly deserves.
To Mr and Mrs [Surname]. Cheers!
Example 5: University pals maid of honour speech
Introduction: Friends, family, people who claim to know the bride and groom but are really just here for the cake—welcome. Welcome to the happiest day of [Groom’s name]’s life, because he’s marrying the legend that is [Bride’s name].
Stories about the bride: Now, I met [Bride’s name] when we were both at Exeter. We met during freshers, initially during a foam party in Tiger Tiger where she let me borrow her eyebrow pencil, and then rekindled our friendship in the subsequent netball social the next night. After that, we were just completely inseparable. Whether it was being handcuffed together during a netball social (don’t ask) or bonding over our mutual love of cheesy chips at 2am, we’ve gone through the ups and downs of uni life side by side.
And let’s be honest, we’ve all been there—dragging ourselves to lectures on three hours’ sleep because we got carried away at Revs the night before, or attempting to nurse a next-level hangover with a questionable bacon bap from the campus café. But throughout all of that, [Bride’s name] was the one person who could make the madness feel like the absolute best time of our lives.
The couple’s love story: Or so I thought. Until, of course, my darling girl proved me wrong by meeting [Groom’s name]. Turns out, there was a life beyond post-lecture pints and flailing attempts at student cooking. [Groom’s name] strolled in, armed with charm, a great sense of humour, and—crucially—the ability to keep up with [Bride’s name] on a big night out. Suddenly, our dear [Bride’s name] was no longer just conquering netball tournaments and last-minute essay deadlines—she was also head-over-heels, tagging you along on all our shenanigans. And to be fair, [Groom’s name], you slotted right in.
The proposal: I always knew you two were going to last. But, this really got real when [Groom’s name] told me he was going to propose. He confided in me, practically buzzing with nerves and excitement, and let me tell you, I couldn’t have been prouder. From the moment he told me, I was 100% behind this plan—because if anyone deserves that perfect rom-com proposal, it’s our [Bride’s name].
Heartfelt advice: And now, as you take this next step together, I’d like to offer a little bit of advice. I don’t pretend to be an expert in love ([Bride’s name] will attest to that!), but what I do know is that it’s not about what you say—but how you say it. It’s not about what you do—but why you do it. It’s about the small moments that often go unnoticed, and the intention behind every smile, every hug, and every little cup of tea you make each other in the morning. Sure, grand gestures are lovely—but it’s the quiet acts of kindness, patience, and understanding that will carry you through the good times and the bad.
Toast to the couple: So here we are, on the biggest day of your lives—no sticky dance floors in sight, but I’m sure we can re-create the mayhem if we try hard enough at the reception! To my uni pal, who’s now found her perfect match: thank you for all the unforgettable memories, the endless nights out, the hungover brunches, and the countless hours we spent laughing at absolutely nothing. I’m sure marriage will bring its own brand of chaos, but if anyone can handle it, it’s you two. To Mr and Mrs [Surname]!
Example 6: Soul sisters maid of honour speech
Introduction: Hello, everyone. I know, I know—another speech! But I promise, I’ll keep it short. Not just for your benefit, but because I’m not convinced I’ll be able to get through this without crying. Because, you see, [Bride’s name] is so much more than just a friend to me. I know a lot of you know that I’ve struggled with my mental health, and [Bride’s name] has been the light at the end of my tunnel in so many situations. Today, I’d like to pay tribute to this angel, and pass the baton to [Groom’s name], the luckiest man in the world.
Stories about the bride: [Bride’s name] is one of those rare souls who never stops believing in you, even when you can’t believe in yourself. She’s the friend who will show up in her pyjamas—arms full of chocolate, DVDs, and tissues—if you so much as hint at having a bad day. She’s the one who laughs with you at the most ridiculous things, and cries with you when life feels overwhelming. Our friendship has spanned dance parties in our pyjamas, late-night heart-to-hearts, and countless cups of tea (and some decidedly questionable cocktails back in the day). She’s been my anchor, my confidante, and my biggest cheerleader through it all.
That’s why seeing [Bride’s name] standing here today, looking radiant and bursting with love, makes my heart feel like it could burst too.
The couple’s love story: [Groom’s name], you really are the luckiest man alive. From the moment we met, I knew there was something different about you. I know it’s natural to be suspicious of your friend’s boyfriends, but I never had that feeling with you. From the get-go, I just knew you were the real deal. You made [Bride’s name] laugh in that throw-her-head-back kind of way, listened to her ramblings about her day, and genuinely cherished every little quirk that makes her who she is. I saw that. I really saw it.
As I pass the baton of “official protector and cheerleader” from me to you, I do so knowing our girl is in the very best hands. You two bring out the best in each other, and I can’t wait to watch your story unfold, safe in the knowledge that your love is built on kindness, respect, and that unmistakable spark that makes you both beam every time you lock eyes.
Toast to the couple: And so, everyone, please raise your glasses with me. Here’s to [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]: may your marriage be filled with endless moments of laughter, honest conversations, and an unwavering belief in each other—even when life gets tough. Thank you for letting me witness such a beautiful love story. I couldn’t be happier, or prouder. To Mr and Mrs [Surname]!
Example 7: Sister from another Mister maid of honour speech
Introduction: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome, welcome. Welcome to the best day of Mr and Mrs [Surname]’s life! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is [your name], and I’m the maid of honour!
Stories about the bride: Now, I know a lot of you already know this. But, [Bride’s name] and I have been friends since we were tiny babies, and that’s because our dads were best friends. We were raised basically as siblings, and I can’t imagine life without her. We’ve shared everything, from clothes to secrets and even chicken pox! Remember when we topped and tailed the same bed with big mittens on our hands so we couldn’t scratch?
But that’s just how it’s always been with [Bride’s name] and me: sharing everything, from our biggest joys to our itchiest miseries. We were practically sisters then, and we still are now—only with fewer mittens and slightly fewer spots.
The couple’s love story: But, all good things must come to an end, and when one door closes, another opens. [Groom’s name], I couldn’t be happier to welcome you into our big, extended family. From the moment I met you, I knew you’d fit right in. You saw the silly side of her that I’d known for years, and you brought out this beautiful glow in her that I’d never seen before. It was like watching my best friend—my sister—find a missing piece she didn’t even know was gone. You two just work. You click. It’s like you’ve always known each other, and it makes my heart swell with joy (and maybe just a touch of healthy jealousy, I won’t lie!).
But truly, [Groom’s name], welcome to the madness. And let me tell you—now that you’re in, there’s no turning back!
The proposal: Thing is, I don’t need to tell you that. After you asked her dad for permission to propose, you then asked my dad, and then me, so I know you know the score! And if that doesn’t show your dedication, [Groom’s name], I don’t know what does!
Toast to the couple: With that being said, if everyone would please raise a glass with me: here’s to [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]. May your marriage be filled with the warmth of family, the comfort of old memories, and the thrill of making new ones. And may your home be every bit as full of laughter, love, and slightly ridiculous stories, as ours has always been.
Cheers to you both—and welcome to the madness!
Example 8: Actual sisters maid of honour speech
Introduction: Friends, family… people I’ve never met before, welcome. Welcome to the happiest day of my baby sister’s life. So rarely in life do you get the opportunity to be a maid of honour, and even less so do you get the chance to watch your little sister grow from a cheeky, wide-eyed toddler into this stunning, confident bride before our very eyes. Yet here we are—on the day she’s dreamt about since she was prancing around in Mum’s high heels, insisting that they fitted perfectly (they really didn’t!).
Stories about the bride: Growing up with [Bride’s name] was an adventure from day one. Whether we were sneaking downstairs at 6am to watch cartoons, sharing a room and fighting over who got the top bunk, or competing over who could devour the last chocolate biscuit (guilty!), she was always my built-in playmate, partner-in-crime, and best friend. She’s the one person who knows every embarrassing story from my teenage years and still wants to be seen with me in public. That’s true love, if you ask me!
The couple’s love story: Or, so I thought. Until I met [Grooms’ name], and then I saw what true love was. When I saw the way he looked at her—like she was the most important person in the world—I realised I’d been completely outdone in the ‘loving [Bride’s name]’ department.
[Groom’s name], you slotted right into our bonkers family as though you’d always been part of it, and for that, we’ll be forever grateful. You embrace her quirks, celebrate her achievements (big or small), and you’ve even learned how to survive her occasional hangry moods. (Still need tips on how you do that).
The proposal: [Groom’s name] also really proved how well he knows [Bride’s name] with that proposal. He pulled out all the stops—got the timing right, picked the perfect spot, and even managed to incorporate her favourite flowers and special song. Honestly, I’m still in awe of how he pulled it all off without her cottoning on. It was like something straight out of a rom-com—only better, because it was real, it was them.
And now, here we all are, witnessing a moment that’s been in the making ever since my sister was toddling around the living room insisting she’d marry a prince one day. [Groom’s name] might not have a crown (yet), but he does have the heart of gold our girl deserves—and that’s more than good enough for me.
Toast to the couple: Now, if everyone would kindly raise their glasses with me. Here’s to the bride and groom: may your marriage be as full of laughter as our childhood was, as warm as the home we grew up in, and as boundless as the love that’s brought you together today.
[Groom’s name] I hope you enjoy growing old with her as much as I enjoyed growing up with her. Cheers!
Example 9: Dancing queens maid of honour speech
Introduction: Goodness me, doesn’t time fly? It feels like only yesterday that [Bride’s name] and I were living it up in ballet class, learning all the skills that turned us into the dance floor terrors we are today. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is [your name], and I’ve known the bride since we were in our very first tutus!
Stories about the bride: Now, what can I tell you about [Bride’s name]? Well, she knows how to cut a rug, that’s for sure! Back when we were kiddies in the dance studio, I quickly learnt three things about [Bride’s name]: she’s got boundless energy, a laugh that can be heard from the back row, and a determined streak like no other. Seriously, that girl would practise her pirouettes until she was positively dizzy—though I’m convinced half the time she just liked spinning until she fell over. But, that’s my girl [Bride’s name], a determination that doesn’t quit.
The couple’s love story: That’s why I knew that when she met [Groom’s name], it was all over for him. I think it’s safe to say that [Bride’s name] pursued [Groom’s name] the way a leopard pursues a wildebeest! He never stood a chance. But honestly, once you’ve been subjected to [Bride’s name]’s signature combination of charm, relentless dedication, and that million-watt smile, it’s impossible to run. Before we knew it, [Groom’s name] was twirling around the living room with her, fully embracing her impromptu dance parties. A dancing queen in training!
Heartfelt advice: If you want my advice, take her lead. [Bride’s name] has this magical way of turning the mundane into the marvellous—whether it’s a spontaneous Friday night kitchen dance party or a quick boogie down the aisles of Tesco, she’ll keep you dancing magically through life.
Toast to the couple: Now, if everyone would kindly raise their glasses (or strike a pose if you’re feeling fancy): here’s to [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]. The new dancing King and Queen of [your town]!
Example 10: Partners in crime maid of honour speech
Introduction: *Tap on the mic* Is this thing on? I’m joking, guys. I heard all your speeches! Welcome, welcome, welcome, everyone, to the best day of [Bride’s name]’s life and the open mic you wish you never attended. My name is [your name] and I have the absolute pleasure of being [Bride’s name]’s partner in crime. Well, I say that—it’s usually me tagging along while she drags me into another one of her brilliant ideas.
Stories about the bride: I’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve ended up in ridiculous predicaments together, whether that’s getting hopelessly lost on a countryside walk (despite the very clear signage), or convincing ourselves that we should try that questionable pub karaoke at 1am. Yet here we are, still in one piece, and now she’s roped in [Groom’s name] to join the fun!
For those who don’t know [Bride’s name], let me give you a quick rundown: she’s the one who’ll tell you, “Oh, it’ll be fine, don’t overthink it,” right before you both climb through a random fence into what turns out to be private property. She’s also the person you want by your side when life gets tough—because no matter how sticky the situation, [Bride’s name] comes armed with laughter, loyalty, and a bag of snacks big enough to feed the entire crew. Seriously, this woman knows how to cheer you up and talk you into an adventure all in the same breath!
The couple’s love story: Then along came [Groom’s name]. I could tell right away that he was the real deal—he kept up with her shenanigans, and still decided to stick around. From sneaking out to watch the sunrise (and realising you’d parked in the wrong car park) to that spontaneous weekend away (where neither of you checked if the hotel had heating—whoops!), you two have formed a formidable team. And I must say, I’m a little jealous—after all these years of being [Bride’s name]’s accomplice, you just stroll in and sweep her off her feet!
The proposal: Having said that, you know how to plan a trick or two, don’t you [Groom’s name]? The proposal was nothing short of spectacular. And what’s more, yours truly got to be involved! I’m sure you’ve all heard the story, but proposing on the very spot where you first met, surrounded by your nearest and dearest, was an absolute stroke of genius. Of course, [Bride’s name] still managed to look gorgeous despite all the frantic flapping and hush-hush whispering going on behind her back. And when she finally realised what was happening—well, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her speechless, but you managed it!
Toast to the couple: Now, if everyone would kindly raise a glass with me. To Mr and Mrs [Surname]. May your lives together be filled with as many spontaneous escapades, hilarious hiccups, and triumphant escapes as your relationship has been so far. And may you always find your way back, even when the signs are very clearly pointing in the opposite direction!
Cheers, my loves!
Example 11: Short and sweet maid of honour speech
Introduction: Hi, everyone. My name is [your name], and I have the great honour of being the maid of honour today! I’m sure you’ll excuse me in keeping this short—I’m not usually one for speeches. But, when your bestie makes the biggest commitment of her life, you have to say a few words, right?
Stories about the bride: [Bride’s name] is my absolute rock, my partner-in-chaos, and the very reason I can’t stay quiet today. We met on the first day of year 7 in French class (seriously, who gives you French as your first lesson of year 7?). We sat next to each other, bonded, and have just been inseparable ever since. She’s the kind of friend who’ll give you her last Jaffa Cake without a second thought—and if you know her, you know that’s true devotion.
The couple’s love story: When she met [Groom’s name], I saw her face light up in a way it never had before. He matched her kindness, took her hand, and promised to make her laugh every single day. From that moment, I knew they were meant to be. [Groom’s name], I couldn’t ask for a better man for her. You’re kind, funny, devoted, and just a little mischievous—perfect for our girl. I couldn’t be prouder to be passing the baton on to you.
Heartfelt advice: I don’t pretend to be an expert on love, but I am an expert on [Bride’s name], and if I can share something with you, it’s this: her favourite flowers are tulips (especially yellow ones); her one and only vice are jaffa cakes; her biggest fear is being alone in the dark; and, most importantly, she thrives on laughter. So, keep the jokes coming and the light switched on, and you’ll be golden!
Toast to the couple: Right, that’s enough out of me. Let’s raise our glasses to our lovely bride and groom. Cheers, you two legends! May this be the start of your greatest adventure yet.
Example 12: LGBTQ+ maid of honour speech
Introduction: Welcome all! Welcome to the happiest day of my best friend’s life. I know, I know— a maid of honour speech isn’t very traditional, but (and I don’t know if you can tell by the rainbow flags) this wedding isn’t very traditional, so I’m sure you’ll excuse me in wanting to stand up here and tell you exactly why [Bride’s name] is so incredibly fabulous.
Stories about the bride: We’ve been through all sorts together—she took me to my first Pride, has picked me up countless times when I couldn’t straighten my own crown, and hosted way too many late-night Netflix marathons when we should have been doing literally anything else. She’s the rainbow in your life when everything else feels grey, there to remind you that there is a place for you in this world, no matter who you love or how you identify. If that’s not proof of how amazing she is, I don’t know what is.
The couple’s love story: And then, along came [Partner’s name], and I knew they were a match made in heaven. They clicked instantly, bonding over a mutual love of Drag Race, bottomless brunches, and the superpower of making each other feel valued and loved, no matter what. Isn’t that the dream? And what made it all the more special was that [Partner’s name] not only embraced [Bride’s name], but loved all of us as part of their entourage too! I mean, how could you not? We are pretty great!
But, in the immortal words of the Spice Girls, “If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends. Make it last forever, friendship never ends”! And that’s exactly what [Partner’s name] did—threw themselves wholeheartedly into this brilliant, bonkers, bedazzled family of friends. They took us all on, and did so with a smile, a sparkle, and the occasional sassy comeback (which, let’s be honest, is always appreciated).
Heartfelt advice: Now, if I may be so bold as to offer a bit of wisdom on love (and really, who better than a seasoned Netflix marathoner to dispense life advice?). Love is like a good Pride march—it can be loud, unapologetic, and occasionally leave you with a mild hangover. But it’s also about showing up for each other, being unafraid to hold hands in public, and celebrating the unique, colourful spark in each other that the world may not always see. You two have that in spades, and I couldn’t be prouder—or more envious of—the beautiful journey you’re embarking on.
Toast to the couple: So if everyone would kindly raise a glass—because, let’s be honest, we can’t have a wedding speech without a toast—here’s to [Bride’s name] and [Partner’s name]. May you continue to sing (sometimes off-key) in the shower, dance when no one’s watching, and remind the rest of us that real love is worth celebrating every single day.
The maid of honour speech is a beautiful and memorable part of your bestie’s big day. While crafting a great maid of honour speech can be tricky, with careful planning, a few funny stories, and plenty of love, you’ll write a beautiful and heartfelt speech.
Be sure to share plenty of stories about the bride and groom, describe the proposal, and toast to the happy couple. Make sure you consider the audience when sharing any funny stories, let your personality shine through, and get plenty of practice in the run-up to the big day!
If you’re still feeling nervous, we’re here to help you. Sign up to Bridebook today, and let’s dive into the secrets of creating a speech that’s not only funny and beautiful but also straight from the heart. You’ve got this!
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 12 best mother of the bride speech examples.
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’s 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 brings 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
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. If you’re still feeling anxious, check out our guidance on speech delivery skills.
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 to 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.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our top 12 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.
Example 1: Heartfelt mother of the bride speech
Introduction: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for being here today. For those of you who don’t know, my name is [your name], and I’m the very proud mother of the bride.
All about the bride: I know it’s a little untraditional for the mother of the bride to make a speech. But, when your daughter is as beautiful and special as [Bride’s name], how could I not? I want to shout from the rooftops how wonderful she is. From the moment she came into the world, she’s been the light of my life. I still remember holding her for the first time, completely overwhelmed by this tiny, perfect little person. And now, here she is, all grown up and even more perfect, standing here in her wedding dress, ready to start this next chapter of her life. Honestly, it takes my breath away.
Share some happy memories: It only feels like yesterday I brought her home from the hospital, and I swear just a few minutes ago she was toddling around the kitchen or pushing her scooter around the garden. How time flies, hey? But in all those years, you know what hasn’t changed? Her kindness, her determination, and her ability to make people feel special.
Welcome your daughter’s partner: That’s how I know [Groom’s name] is the luckiest man in the world. Because he’s marrying someone truly extraordinary. But you know what? He’s pretty extraordinary too. From the moment I met [Groom’s name], it was clear how much he adored [Bride’s name]. The way he looks at her, the way he listens to her, the way he makes her laugh—it’s everything a parent could ever wish for their child. And as I’ve got to know him, I can honestly say he’s not just a perfect match for her, but also a wonderful and welcome addition to our family.
Some wisdom or guidance: I’ll tell you today what my mother told me on my wedding day—you need to choose each other. Every day. Life isn’t going to be sunshine and roses. Sometimes things will be hard, and you’ll feel like everything and everyone is against you. But, if you remember to choose each other, even on those tough days, you’ll get through anything. Marriage is about being a team. It’s about lifting each other up when one of you stumbles and celebrating each other’s wins, no matter how big or small. And don’t forget to laugh—especially when things go wrong. A sense of humour will get you through the trickiest of moments, trust me on that one!
To the happy couple: And with that, please join me in raising a glass to the new Mr and Mrs [Surname]. May your life together be filled with love, laughter, and a lifetime of happy memories. Cheers!
Example 2: Playful mother of the bride speech
Introduction: Hello my darlings! Don’t you all look fabulous? I’m sure you all know me by now, but for those of you who don’t—my name is [your name], and I’m the very proud mother of the bride!
All about the bride: Standing here today, in front of all the friends, family, and colleagues of my beautiful girl, I couldn’t be prouder of the life she’s built. [Bride’s name]’s father and I worked hard every day to give her the best of everything, and look at her now! She’s grown into the most incredible woman—kind, funny, smart, and absolutely gorgeous (though I can’t take all the credit for that, can I?). Honestly, [Bride’s name] has been a joy from the moment she arrived in our lives, even if she did come with a bit of a diva streak!
Share some happy memories: From insisting on wearing a tiara to school at age five—because “a princess always needs her crown”—to conquering every challenge life’s thrown at her with grace and determination, she’s always been my little superstar. And now, seeing her today, I’m completely in awe. You’re radiant, darling, and I don’t just mean the dress (though that’s absolutely stunning, by the way). You’re glowing with happiness, and that’s everything a mum could wish for.
Welcome your daughter’s partner: And then, along came [Groom’s name]. Now, I’ll admit, as her mum, I had high standards—some might even say impossibly high. But when I saw how [Groom’s name] looked at her, how he made her laugh that loud, snorty laugh she usually tries to hide, I knew he was the one. Over time, he’s proven himself to be kind, thoughtful, and the perfect match for my girl. And let’s be honest, he’s the only one who can handle her competitive streak in a board game, so he’s clearly a keeper!
Some wisdom or guidance: Now, a little advice from someone who’s been married a fair few years (and survived to tell the tale!). Marriage isn’t always a fairy tale—sometimes it’s burnt dinners, arguing over the corner spot on the sofa, or deciding who’s doing the washing up. But it’s also those little moments—sharing a takeaway on the sofa, laughing so hard you cry, and supporting each other through thick and thin.
[Bride’s name], try not to leave all the cupboard doors open (yes, I’ve noticed), and [Groom’s name], make sure you never eat the last biscuit without asking her first. Little things like that will save you a lot of trouble!
To the happy couple: So, let’s raise our glasses to my fabulous daughter and her new husband. [Bride’s name], you’ve always been my sunshine, and seeing you this happy makes my heart burst. And [Groom’s name], thank you for loving her as much as we do—and good luck, because she’s a handful (but worth every second).
Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and maybe a bit of chaos—because where’s the fun without it? To [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]—cheers!
Example 3: Supportive mother of the bride speech
Introduction: Welcome, everyone. Thank you for coming. I’m super proud to be making this speech, especially as it replaces the traditional ‘father of the bride’ speech. I hope I do you justice, my girl.
All about the bride: Now, a lot of you know I raised [Bride’s name] as a single parent. And let me tell you, it was the greatest privilege of my life. It was just the two of us against the world for so many years, and what a team we made. A real life Lorelai and Rory!
From scraped knees to GCSE results, from late-night chats to early morning chaos, we’ve been through it all together. [Bride’s name], you weren’t just my daughter—you were my partner in crime, my biggest cheerleader, and my absolute best friend.
Raising you taught me so much about strength, resilience, and unconditional love. You’ve always been my driving force, the reason I worked so hard, and the reason I’ve never stopped believing in the magic of a mother-daughter bond. And today, seeing you standing here, so radiant and happy, fills me with more pride than I could ever put into words.
Share some happy memories: Do you remember our little Friday night rituals? Just us, a pizza, a girly film, and your endless commentary on how unrealistic love stories are? Well, my darling, looking at you and [Groom’s name] today, I think you’ve found a love story that’s every bit as wonderful as the movies. Maybe even better—because it’s real, it’s yours, and it’s built on something solid and beautiful.
Welcome your daughter’s partner: Now, [Groom’s name], when you came into [Bride’s name]’s life, I’ll admit, I was watching you like a hawk. It wasn’t easy letting someone else be her protector and partner after so many years of it being my job. But you won me over—completely. You’ve shown her the love, respect, and care that I always hoped she’d find, and for that, I can’t thank you enough. You’re everything I could have wished for in a son-in-law, and seeing how happy you make her makes my heart so full.
Some wisdom or guidance: [Bride’s name], my love, you’ve always been my strong, independent girl, and I know you’ll bring that same fire into your marriage. But here’s the thing—marriage doesn’t mean losing yourself; it means finding someone who helps you grow even more into the incredible person you’re meant to be. And [Groom’s name], you’ve got a wife who knows her worth, so buckle up—it’s going to be a fantastic ride!
To the happy couple: So, here’s to my beautiful, brave, and brilliant daughter and her amazing new husband. [Bride’s name], you will always be my greatest achievement, my biggest joy, and my best friend. And [Groom’s name], thank you for giving her the love she deserves.
Let’s all raise a glass to [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]. I wish you a lifetime of love, health, and happiness.
Example 4: Best friend mother of the bride speech
Introduction: Welcome, welcome, everyone. Thank you so much for joining us here today. I couldn’t be prouder to be making this speech on my special girl’s special day. For those of you who don’t know, my name is [your name], and I’m the very lucky mother of the beautiful bride!
All about the bride: [Bride’s name], my special girl. There’s nothing I could say that would do you justice today. From the minute you were born, you were my absolute world. You’ve always had this incredible way of lighting up every room you walk into. Your kindness, your wit, and your fierce determination have always left me in awe. Whether it was the way you tackled school with grit and grace, or the way you’ve navigated life with that brilliant mix of strength and humour, you’ve always made me so, so proud. And today, looking at you in that stunning dress, I can hardly believe how lucky I am to call you my daughter—and my best friend.
Share some happy memories: I could stand here all day and tell stories about the mischief we’ve gotten up to over the years—our shopping trips where we spent more time laughing than actually shopping, the endless nights of tea, biscuits, and putting the world to rights, or that time we got caught in the rain and had to dance our way home because, well, what else could we do? Every one of those moments reminds me of how lucky I am to have you in my life.
Welcome your daughter’s partner: And then, along came [Groom’s name]. Obviously, as your best friend first, and your mum second, I’ll admit I had a few nerves about anyone stepping into the special little world we’d created. But [Groom’s name], from the moment I met you, it was clear how much you adored my girl—and just as importantly, how much she adored you.
You’ve brought so much happiness into her life, and seeing the two of you together makes my heart feel so full. You’ve got the patience of a saint, a great sense of humour (which you’ll definitely need), and most importantly, you treat her with the love and respect she deserves. So welcome to the family—you’ve made it even better.
Some wisdom or guidance: Now, [Bride’s name], I know you don’t need advice—you’ve always been wise beyond your years. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about love, it’s this: the best relationships are built on friendship, laughter, and a whole lot of forgiveness. Remember to keep choosing each other every day, even when life gets a bit messy. Be each other’s safe place, and don’t forget to keep having fun.
To the happy couple: So, let’s raise our glasses to my beautiful girl and her new husband. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and the kind of friendship that makes the tough days easier and the good days unforgettable. To [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]—cheers!
Example 5: Creative fun mother of the bride speech
Introduction: Hello, hello, hello, everyone. What a day it’s been so far. Are you all having a good time? [Wait for nods]. Ok, good, because it cost enough! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is [your name], and I’m the mother of the bride!
All about the bride: As I look back on my special girl’s life, it feels like flipping through the pages of the happiest fairytale you’ve ever seen. [Bride’s name], you have always been larger than life. From the moment you could talk, you’ve filled every room with your laughter, your ideas, and your endless energy. Honestly, keeping up with you has been like running a marathon in heels—exhausting, but completely worth it.
Share some happy memories: There was never a dull moment growing up with [Bride’s name]. I remember when she was about eight and decided she was going to be the next Coco Chanel. She raided the airing cupboard for old sheets and curtains, cutting and sewing away to create her “pieces”. I thought they were wonderful, her brother disagreed, and of course, the dog ended up modelling half of her designs, complete with a tutu and a very unimpressed look on his face. Poor thing!
But, it’s this creativity that gave her an incredible career in graphic design, and I couldn’t be prouder of the woman she’s become. I’ve watched her pour her heart and soul into everything she does, and her passion is truly infectious. Whether it was sewing in the living room or starting up her first business, she’s always been brave enough to follow her dreams—no matter how wild they seemed at the time.
Welcome your daughter’s partner: [Groom’s name], thank you. Thank you for being everything my little girl needs, and more. You’ve brought so much love, stability, and laughter into her life, and as her mum, that’s all I could ever hope for. It’s been such a joy getting to know you—your sense of humour, your kindness, and the way you look at [Bride’s name] like she’s the most precious thing in the world. It’s clear to see how much you adore her, and honestly, I can’t blame you. You two are a perfect match. You balance each other out beautifully, and together, you’re an absolute power couple. KimYe, who?
To the happy couple: Everyone, please charge your glasses and toast to the newly minted Mr & Mrs [Surname]. Cheers!
Example 6: Proud mother of the bride speech
Introduction: I’m going to do my best to get through this without crying, but I make no promises! For those of you who don’t know, my name is [your name], and I’m the very proud (if a little emotional) mother of the bride!
All about the bride: [Bride’s name], my angel! What a journey it’s been watching you grow into the incredible woman you are today. From the moment you arrived, you completely transformed my world. You were the most beautiful baby—big eyes and a cheeky little smile that made it impossible to stay cross with you for too long. You’ve been my pride and joy ever since, and I honestly feel like the luckiest mum in the world to have you as my daughter.
Share some happy memories: I still remember when you were about five and decided you wanted to run away because I said no to ice cream before dinner. You packed your little Peppa Pig backpack with a teddy, two crayons, and a biscuit, and announced dramatically that you were leaving. Of course, you didn’t make it past the front gate, but the determination on your little face was priceless. That determination hasn’t left you, and it’s one of the things I love most about you. You’ve always known what you wanted, and you’ve gone for it—whether it was getting your dream job, travelling the world, or building the life you wanted.
Welcome your daughter’s partner: And then along came [Groom’s name]. I’ll admit, as a mum, no one is ever going to feel quite good enough for your little girl. But the first time I saw the way [Groom’s name] looked at you, I knew he was something special. The love, respect, and admiration in his eyes were undeniable. And as I’ve got to know him, I’ve seen how he brings out the very best in you. You two are a perfect team, and I couldn’t be happier knowing that my girl has found someone who loves and cherishes her as much as I do.
Some wisdom or guidance: Now, marriage, as I’m sure you’ve heard a hundred times by now, isn’t always easy. But it’s also the most rewarding adventure you’ll ever go on together. My advice? Always remember to laugh—especially when things go wrong. Keep being each other’s biggest cheerleaders, and never stop appreciating the little moments. And don’t forget to say “I love you” every single day.
To the happy couple: So, let’s raise our glasses to [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]. May your life together be filled with love, laughter, and enough patience to see you through the tricky bits. Here’s to the start of your next chapter, my darlings. Cheers!
Example 7: Poetic mother of the bride speech
Introduction: Welcome, everyone! Welcome to my sweet girl’s special day. As a mother, you always imagine what this day will be like. Who will your little girl grow up to become, who will she love, and most importantly— who will love her back just as fiercely? Well, all those questions have been answered on this most special day!
All about the bride: [Bride’s name], my special girl. From the moment you came into my life, you changed it in the most beautiful way. You’ve always had this way about you—a light, a spark that draws people in—whether it was your endless curiosity as a child, always asking “but why?” at least ten times in a row, or your unshakable kindness, always the first to offer a hug or a helping hand. You’ve filled every chapter of your life with love, laughter, and that unmistakable touch of yours that makes everything brighter. And today, seeing you here, I couldn’t be prouder of the woman you’ve become.
Share some happy memories: There are so many memories I could share—so many little snapshots of a life filled with joy and adventure. Like the time you decided to host a “tea party” for the neighbours’ pets in the garden. I came outside to find half the street’s cats, a very confused little rabbit, and our dog all sat around a picnic blanket while you served them sandwiches made of grass and dandelions. It was chaos, but it was so very you—creative, loving, and completely unforgettable.
Welcome your daughter’s partner: And then, along came [Groom’s name]. An honorary guest to every tea party, forever. [Groom’s name], thank you. You’ve brought so much joy to her life, and I couldn’t have wished for a better partner for my little girl. Thank you for loving her as much as you do and for becoming a part of our family so effortlessly.
Some wisdom or guidance: Now, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that love is both the softest and the strongest thing we have. It’s the quiet moments of holding hands, the shared glances across a room, and the laughter over burnt toast in the morning. But it’s also the anchor that keeps you steady when the seas are rough. My wish for you both is that you always hold onto that love, through all the seasons of life, and that you always remember this simple truth: the best marriages are built on friendship, patience, and a solid cup of tea!
To the happy couple: So, let’s raise our glasses to [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]. May your life together be as bright as the stars, as beautiful as the memories you’ll create, and as enduring as the love that brought you here today. To the happy couple! Cheers!
Example 8: Lyrical mother of the bride speech
Introduction: Friends, family—welcome. Welcome, everyone to this lovely, special day. For those of you I haven’t had a moment to speak to, my name is [your name], and I’m the very proud mother of the bride.
All about the bride: [Bride’s name], what can I say? You’re everything I ever could have dreamed of and more. From the moment I first held you in my arms, you had me completely under your spell. You were this tiny bundle of magic, and somehow, over the years, you’ve only grown more radiant, more incredible, more you.
Share some happy memories: I remember when you were about six, and you insisted on becoming a “scientist” in the kitchen. You raided the cupboards for flour, food colouring, and who knows what else, mixing up concoctions that looked like something out of a mad professor’s lab. The mess was unbelievable—I’m talking flour in the toaster, blue streaks on the dog—but I couldn’t stop laughing because it was so you. Bold, creative, and endlessly curious about the world around you.
And now, here you are, not mixing potions anymore (thank goodness), but still creating magic in everything you do. Whether it’s in your career, your friendships, or the love you’ve found with [Groom’s name], you pour your heart into it all. And I couldn’t be prouder.
Welcome your daughter’s partner: And then there’s [Groom’s name]. Oh, [Groom’s name], what a blessing you are. From the moment I met you, it was clear how deeply you love my daughter. The way you look at her, like she’s the only person in the room, and the way you bring out her best, just by being by her side. You’re her partner in every sense of the word—her calm when she’s stormy, her laugh when she’s serious, her everything. Thank you for loving her the way she deserves to be loved.
Some wisdom or guidance: Now, as someone who’s been around the block a bit [pause for playful chuckles, a knowing wink], let me share a tiny piece of wisdom with you both. Marriage is a dance—a beautiful, complicated, messy dance. Sometimes you’ll glide together in perfect harmony, and sometimes one of you will step on the other’s toes (metaphorically, I hope). But what matters is that you keep holding on to each other, even when the music gets a bit tricky. Remember to be kind, to laugh often, and to say “I love you” every single day, even when you don’t feel like it.
To the happy couple: Please join me in raising a glass to [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]. May your life together be filled with joy, may your adventures be endless, and may your love grow stronger with each passing day. To the happy couple—cheers!
Example 9: Grateful mother of the bride speech
Introduction: Hello, my loves. Welcome! Welcome to the most magical day of my girl’s life. Special days like today make me reminisce on my own wedding with [Bride’s father]. Weddings now are so much grander than they were in our day, but goodness—isn’t the love the same?
All about the bride: [Bride’s name], my beautiful girl. Your father and I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible woman you’ve become. From the moment you came into our lives, you brought with you this indescribable light—pure joy wrapped up in the tiniest little bundle. You’ve always had this amazing ability to make people feel loved and included, whether it was the way you shared your sweets as a child or the way you throw yourself wholeheartedly into the lives of the people you care about.
Share some happy memories: I still remember when you were about seven, and you decided you wanted to host a “family dinner party.” You spent the entire day setting the table with mismatched plates, folding napkins in your own unique way, and “cooking” us a meal of toast and jam because, as you said, “it’s fancy but easy!” You made each of us feel so special that night. It wasn’t about the food—it was about the love you poured into it. That’s you, my darling. You’ve always had a way of making even the simplest moments feel extraordinary.
Welcome your daughter’s partner: And now, you’ve found someone who matches that extraordinary love. [Groom’s name], from the moment you came into our family, it was like you’d always been there. You didn’t just love [Bride’s name]—you embraced all of us, quirks and all. You’ve brought so much happiness to her life, and seeing the two of you together is everything a parent could hope for. You’ve built something beautiful together—something strong, something kind, something that will carry you through every season of life.
Some wisdom or guidance: Now, as you embark on this new chapter together, let me share one small piece of advice. Life won’t always be as picture-perfect as today, but love isn’t about perfection. It’s about being there for each other when things are messy, supporting each other through the hard times, and celebrating each and every little victory. It’s about finding joy in the everyday—whether it’s a quiet night in or a big adventure.
To the happy couple: Please, join me in a toast. [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name], may your days be filled with laughter, your home with warmth, and your hearts with endless love. To the happy couple—cheers!
Example 10: Happy mother of the bride speech
Introduction: Well, well, well… who can believe this day is actually here? The day my girl, my [Bride’s name], marries the love of her life.
All about the bride: [Bride’s name], my girl—what a journey it’s been to get to this moment. You’ve always been full of surprises, and growing up with you was like starring in the best comedy show imaginable. From the moment you could walk, you were on the go—getting into mischief, asking a million questions, and keeping us all on our toes. And now, here you are, as stunning as ever, standing here ready to start this amazing new chapter.
Share some happy memories: Now, anyone who knows [Bride’s name] will know she’s always been a force of nature. I remember when she was about six and decided she wanted to make a “pond” in the garden. What that actually involved was sneaking into the kitchen, taking the washing-up bowl, and filling it with water, grass, and, for some reason, an entire loaf of bread. When I asked her why there was bread in the pond, she said, “Well, the ducks need snacks!” No ducks ever showed up, but the dog was thrilled.
And then there was her teenage phase—oh, my gosh, the outfits! She once went through a goth phase, complete with black eyeliner and fishnet gloves. That lasted a week before she decided she was going to be “edgy vintage” instead. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone wear pearls and Converse quite so confidently!
Welcome your daughter’s partner: And then along came [Groom’s name]. From the moment I met him, I knew he was different. First of all, he laughed at [Bride’s name]’s jokes, which was a good sign because, let’s face it, some of them are a bit questionable. But more than that, he just gets her. He matches her energy, balances out her chaos, and loves her for exactly who she is. [Groom’s name], you’ve not only won my daughter’s heart but ours as well. You’ve fit into this mad little family of ours so effortlessly, and we couldn’t be happier to have you.
Some wisdom or guidance: Now, I won’t pretend to be an expert on marriage—though your father and I did manage 30-odd years without too many arguments over who left the milk out! But if I’ve learnt anything, it’s that the best relationships are built on laughter, patience, and always having a good stash of snacks in the cupboard. Never underestimate the power of a shared joke, a cup of tea on a hard day, or just being each other’s biggest cheerleaders.
To the happy couple: So, let’s raise a glass to my beautiful daughter and her new husband. [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name], may your life together be filled with laughter, adventure, and just the right amount of craziness to keep things interesting. Here’s to love, happiness, and a future that’s as bright as your smiles today. To the happy couple—cheers!
Example 11: Short and sweet mother of the bride speech
Introduction: Friends, family… people who’ve wandered in off the street, welcome! My name is [your name], and I’m the very proud mother of the bride. Now, I’m not really one for speeches, so I’m going to keep this short and sweet, but I just wanted to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who has made the effort to be here today.
All about the bride: Now, where do I start? [Bride’s name], my lovely girl. You’re the greatest gift I could have asked for. Watching you grow into the smart, kind, and beautiful woman you are today has been the biggest privilege of my life. And today, seeing you so radiant and happy on your special day, my heart is absolutely bursting.
Welcome your daughter’s partner: And you, [Groom’s name], you made it all possible. You love my girl the way she deserves to be loved—with kindness, patience, and all the laughter in the world. From the moment I met you, I knew you were something special. You’re a much loved and very welcome addition to the family.
To the happy couple: So, let’s raise a glass to [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]. May your life together be filled with love, laughter, and many happy memories. To the bride and groom!
Example 12: Gender-neutral mother of the bride speech
Introduction: Hello everyone, are you all having a good time? My name is [your name], and I’m very proud to be standing here today as [Child’s name]’s mother. I know these speeches aren’t traditional, but anyone who knows me and [Child’s name] knows that we aren’t bound by tradition, or even gender norms! Right, [Child’s name]?
All about your child: [Child’s name], my love, you’ve always been one-of-a-kind. From the moment you could express yourself, you’ve done it with sparkle, sass, and a wardrobe that was at least 70% glitter. I still remember when you declared at age seven that you were going to marry someone “who knows how to dance and loves dogs.” They were your only criteria. Well, looking at [Partner’s name], I think you’ve nailed it.
Share some happy memories: Speaking of your flair for the fabulous, I’ll never forget the time you decided to put on your own “Pride Parade” in the garden. You must have learnt what “Pride” was at 7, and this was when you were…maybe, 8? You stole my feather boa, raided the recycling bin for “confetti,” and made your poor Nana wave a rainbow flag you’d coloured in with felt tips. I’ll never forget the dog looking traumatised in a tutu. That’s [Child’s name] for you—bringing the party everywhere she goes!
Welcome your child’s partner: And then along came [Partner’s name]. The moment I met you, I knew you were perfect for my child. First of all, you laughed at their jokes, which is no small feat. But more than that, the way you look at them—like they’re the most magical person in the world—it’s everything a mum could hope for. [Partner’s name], you’ve slotted into our family like you’ve always been there, and I can’t thank you enough for loving my child exactly as they are: loud, proud, and impossible to wake up before 10am.
Some wisdom or guidance: Now, I won’t give you a lecture on marriage—you’ve probably had enough of my lectures over the years, haven’t you, [Child’s name]? But if there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that love isn’t about being perfect. It’s about embracing each other’s quirks, laughing through the chaos, and never running out of snacks in the cupboard. Oh, and always have a playlist ready for spontaneous kitchen dancing. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
To the happy couple: So, everyone, let’s raise a glass to my child and their wonderful new spouse. [Child’s name] and [Partner’s name], may your life together be as bright, beautiful, and full of joy as you both are. Here’s to a future of love, laughter, and maybe even a few more feather boas along the way. Cheers to the happy couple!
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.
For an extra touch of personalisation, you may choose to hire a celebrant for your big day. A wedding celebrant is a professional who will officiate your wedding by getting to know you to ensure your ceremony is customised and deeply personal to you and your spouse-to-be. Many couples choose to hire a celebrant for multi-faith weddings or if they don’t have any religious beliefs at all.
If you’re excited to hire a celebrant so your wedding ceremony is unique to you, but you’re not sure your budget can stretch that far, there are ways you can hire a celebrant for less.
In this post, we’re going to explore how you can save money on a wedding celebrant and still have a fabulous and highly personalised wedding ceremony.
Your celebrant may seem only to officiate your wedding, which at the most might take 45 minutes to an hour on the day itself. But there’s so much more to the service a celebrant provides.
To achieve the level of personalisation that comes with hiring a celebrant, many hours of preparation are needed. This includes meeting with you to discuss what you’re looking for. During this time they’ll also ask you questions about your relationship with your partner and your history together. This then enables them to write a carefully written script for your big day.
On top of this, a reputable celebrant will have years of training and experience behind them. That way, you can be confident that they’ll be able to officiate your wedding and meet exactly what you’re looking for.
It’s important to remember that a celebrant and a registrar aren’t the same. A celebrant can’t legally marry you, whereas a registrar can. So, if you’re looking to hire a celebrant, you’ll also need to bear in mind the costs involved with booking a registrar to make sure everything’s legal – and this will set you back around £300.
Whether or not you hire a celebrant for your wedding is entirely up to you, your tastes and your budget. If you’re not interested in a religious or spiritual wedding, or you and your partner have different beliefs, a celebrant is a wonderful way for someone to officiate your wedding.
Or, you may simply want a professional celebrant to ensure you have a ceremony that’s completely unlike any wedding you and your guests have ever been to.
If you want to hire a celebrant to officiate your wedding, but you’re on a strict budget, there are ways you can pay less. Below are 10 ways you can save money on a wedding celebrant. For even more ways to cut costs, you can also read our ultimate guide on how to save money on your wedding.
When searching for a celebrant, make sure you meet with several so you can get a full understanding of what’s available. You might gel with the first celebrant you speak to, but meeting with a few will help you choose one that ticks all your boxes. Plus, getting a range of quotes will make it easier to find one that’s more in keeping with your budget.
Before gathering quotes, make sure you and your spouse-to-be sit down and discuss what you want to get out of hiring a celebrant. Do you want them to be funny? Mention religion? Do you want readings, or poetry, or references to your cultures and backgrounds? If you go into a meeting with a celebrant with a list of what you’re looking for, you’ll be in a better position to know whether that celebrant can provide it, which could save you money in the long run.
Ask family and friends for recommendations for any celebrants they may have hired or met at a wedding in the past. Referrals are a great way of securing a discount. Here at Bridebook, we work with a huge range of celebrants, with many offering discounts that are exclusive to us!
Wedding celebrants are in high demand, which means that during peak times they’ll often have higher rates. To keep costs down (as well as costs related to your entire wedding) consider getting married during off-peak dates.
Celebrants can be booked months, if not years, in advance, so to avoid disappointment you should book early. Plus, the later you leave it, the more you may end up paying. We’d recommend booking your celebrant as soon as you can to secure the best possible rate.
As we’ve already mentioned, you’ll meet with your celebrant – possibly two or even three times – to discuss your wedding so they can get to know you and craft your personalised ceremony. This means there are travel costs, as well as additional costs for their time.
Why not ask your celebrant if they’ll consider meeting with you virtually instead? Platforms like Zoom and Google Meet are great for chatting, so you can still build a rapport with your celebrant while avoiding time-consuming journeys.
One of the easiest ways to secure a discount is simply by asking. Many celebrants will advertise their rates and the cost for certain packages, but these amounts aren’t necessarily set in stone. Don’t expect a huge discount, but when you’re paying hundreds, a 5% or 10% discount can still make a difference.
Because celebrants only officiate your wedding, you also need a qualified registrar for your marriage to be legally binding. For that reason, you could ask a close family member or friend to officiate your wedding instead. Not only will this add yet another level of personalisation to your wedding, but it’ll also mean you don’t have to pay for their services (aside from perhaps a well-earned drink or two).
Asking a friend or loved one to officiate a wedding is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. It’s a great option for couples who want that personal touch without breaking the bank. Just make sure your friend of family member can deal with that kind of pressure on such an important occasion. Also recognise that the quality and level of service is unlikely to match that of a professional celebrant.
Why not consider hiring a wedding celebrant who doesn’t have as much experience as others? Generally, the more experience a celebrant has, the more they’re likely to charge. So, if you choose a celebrant who’s recently qualified and hasn’t officiated many weddings, they’re far more likely to offer competitive rates.
If you can look past their inexperience, you’ll still more than likely have a wonderful wedding thanks to their passion and eagerness to impress.
Planning a wedding is a long, time-consuming and expensive process. It requires hours of research, travelling to meet vendors to discuss requirements, and sometimes tricky negotiations. It’s a fun and exciting process, but it can also be difficult and stressful. That’s why many couples decide to relieve themselves of the pressure and enlist the guidance and expertise of a wedding planner.
While that’s a huge amount to pay for something that you could in theory do yourself, there are plenty of reasons why a wedding planner is a must-have for many brides- and grooms-to-be. So, if this is you, how can you save money on a wedding planner so they fit within your budget?
In this post, we’re going to explore the many ways you can save money and make the most of the skills and experience provided by a wedding planner.
With many couples paying thousands for the services of a wedding planner, you might wonder why they’re able to charge so much. Below are just some of the reasons why a wedding planner can be so expensive:
Time – If you’ve already started planning your wedding, you’ll be all too familiar with how much time it takes. A professional wedding planner pours hours and hours of their time into planning a wedding that is perfect for you.
Experience – Wedding planners who have been in the game a long time will have plenty of experience, so will know what to do, where to go and what to say.
Expertise – Along with their experience, a wedding planner will have a ton of expertise, which means nothing you throw at them will be too much.
Connections – If they’ve been in the business a while, a wedding planner will have a whole host of connections to help them get preferential deals.
Personalisation – A planner will work closely with you to make sure they know exactly what you want every step of the way. They’ll also make sure you know what’s happening and when, so you’re involved in every decision.
On top of these, wedding planners also have overheads that need to be covered, including insurance, admin costs, office space, staff costs, technology costs and more.
There are three main reasons why couples choose to hire a wedding planner, and why the seemingly lofty cost is totally worth it to them:
They don’t have the time to plan their wedding themselves
They don’t have the necessary knowledge and expertise
They want to save money
We’ve already explained how wedding planners use their time, knowledge and expertise to plan a wedding that is personal to you and in keeping with your tastes and style. However, it’s also important to highlight that hiring a wedding planner will save you money. According to qualified wedding planner and wedding expert, Hamish Shephard, you could save as much as 20% of what you might otherwise have paid. That means, while you may use 10% of your budget on a wedding planner, you’re likely to save this and more in the long run.
The cost-saving benefits of hiring a wedding planner are obvious, but if you’re on a budget it might be hard to justify spending so much on a service you could do yourself. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save money on a wedding planner, so you can pay less but still make the most of their expertise. Check out the 10 tips below and read our complete guide on how to save money on your wedding.
A wedding planner provides the most effective service if you hire them before you start planning your big day. So, if you plan on recruiting a planner, don’t jump the gun and book a venue first – in doing so you might have lost out on a discount or deal that means you’re paying more than you need to.
2. Don’t hire the first wedding planner you speak to
Though hiring your wedding planner early is important, make sure you don’t jump in too quickly. Take the time to speak to several wedding planners and weigh up your options. Some may charge you a percentage of your budget; others may ask for a flat fee; and others may charge an hourly rate. Put together a list of planners, their quotes and the service they provide so you can make an informed choice.
A full wedding planning service will be the most expensive option – and that’s because it’s the most thorough and time-consuming. But, most wedding planners will also offer a partial planning service. A partial service helps you with planning specific aspects of your wedding, such as the venue and catering. That way, you can get help with some of the more challenging and expensive parts of the planning process, then do the rest – like the flowers, decor and transport – yourself.
Or, as your big day gets ever closer and the list of jobs keeps mounting up, you could hire a planner for a partial service to help you keep on top of things. Speak to potential planners to find out what they can do for you as part of a partial planning service.
4. Ask friends for recommendations…or hire a friend
Ask your married friends and family for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals are a great way to secure a discount and find a planner who’s reliable and brilliant at their job. Even a discount of just 5% or 10% is a huge saving when you’re dealing with expensive rates.
Another great option is to hire a friend to help you plan certain aspects. Sometimes, your friends can be just as excited about your wedding as you are, and involving them in the planning process is a great way to include them. Just try not to task them with all the more difficult or time-consuming jobs, and make sure you thank them with a voucher or bunch of flowers on the big day itself.
Don’t be shy about asking a wedding planner for a discount. Once you’ve met with a planner and discussed what you’re looking for, if they like you and are excited about your vision, they may be happy to discuss lowering their rates. After all, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
While your wedding planner can take care of the difficult parts, you can make a start on other parts of wedding prep and save money in doing so. For example, you could get ahead on designing your wedding invitations or crafting paper flowers for table decorations.
While you’re hiring your wedding planner to fulfil your and your spouse-to-be’s vision for your big day, it’s important to be flexible, because flexibility is a great way to save money. For example, your planner will know that a midweek wedding is far more affordable than a weekend wedding, so being open to their suggestions will probably save you a ton of money.
The more experienced, skilled, knowledgeable and reputable a wedding planner is, the more in demand they’ll be and the more they’ll be able to charge.
That means, if you hire a wedding planner with less experience, their rates will be more competitive and more likely to be in line with your budget. The only risk is that they might not have the same expertise or connections as others who have been in the industry for longer.
If you go down this route, look out for relevant qualifications like an event planning or hospitality diploma. Though they’re not a legal requirement when it comes to wedding planning, they’ll give you more confidence that your planner knows what they’re doing, even if they have less experience.
When you hire a wedding planner, you’ll spend a lot of time with them as they get to know you and what you want to be included in your big day. Many wedding planners will want to do this in person, but this can take time, especially if there’s travel involved.
To save on travel time and costs, ask your planner if they’re happy to connect virtually instead. Using Zoom or Google Meet is a quick and convenient way to meet and still build a rapport.
To get the most out of your wedding planner, and therefore the best value for money, the most important thing you can do is trust them. Your wedding planner will have planned dozens – if not hundreds – of weddings and will know the industry through and through. The last thing you want to do is have a strained relationship with them, so trust the process and let them do what they do best. This will enable them to do a fabulous job and save you plenty of money.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
Here at Bridebook, we have a host of fantastic wedding planners who will help you plan your wedding on a budget. You can also plan your entire wedding for free right here on Bridebook. We’ve got all the tools you need to organise your big day without breaking the bank, from our checklist to budget calculator to guest list. Sign up now and start your wedding planning journey today!
If you’re looking for a wedding that is romantic, intimate and incredibly affordable, then a registry office wedding is a fantastic option. While a registry office wedding doesn’t offer you the scale and grandiosity of other weddings, it makes up for it in simplicity and elegance.
Even though getting married at a registry office is one of the most affordable ways to tie the knot, the costs involved can still mount. The good news is, there are ways you can spend less.
In this post, we’re going to explore the many ways you can save money on a registry office wedding and still have a beautiful day with your closest family and friends.
Is it cheaper to get married at a registry office?
The cost can vary depending on several factors, such as the time, date, package, and even which local council oversees your chosen registry office. And, of course, how much you spend overall will entirely depend on your own preferences, including what you spend on your outfits, transport, rings and whether or not you have an evening reception.
That said, a registry office wedding is by far one of the cheapest options, which makes it a great choice if you’re getting married on a budget.
Can you save even more money on a registry office wedding?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to save even more money when getting married at a registry office, which means you don’t have to pay even close to the UK average. In fact, if you’re particularly thrifty, you could have a registry office wedding for as low as £130 if you’re happy to cut a few corners and forgo some of the pricier aspects of a wedding.
Then again, getting married is a very special event, so you might want to spend a little more than the bare minimum to mark the occasion. Luckily, there are ways to make that happen while still saving some money.
12 ways to save money on a registry office wedding
A registry office wedding is already one of the most budget-friendly ways to get married, but there are ways to make further savings. Below are 12 tips and tricks to help you save money on a registry office wedding. You can also check out our guide on how to save money on your wedding for more information.
If you live a similar distance from more than one registry office, contact each of them to check how much a ceremony costs. This is especially important if they’re in different counties, as this can affect the price. You can find your nearest registry offices on the government’s website. Of course, you’ll have to bear in mind travel times and costs: choosing the cheapest option might not always be the most cost-effective in the long run.
Another point to consider is whether you’ll have the option to have the ceremony in the registry office or a specific ceremony room, which is often slightly larger and can accommodate more guests. These rooms can cost an extra £200 or so, so if you don’t need the space for guests then it might be an unnecessary expense.
As we pointed out earlier, the season, date and time of your wedding will affect the cost. If you choose to get married during peak times, for example during the early afternoon on a Saturday in the summer, then it will be more expensive than if you were to get married on a weekday in the winter. If you can, consider getting married midweek to keep the costs down. This will also help you save costs when it comes to other vendors.
Registry offices are often small and private, which is why they’re perfect for intimate weddings. It might be tempting to invite dozens of people, but if you do that you’ll have no choice other than to pay for a larger space.
Be brave and keep your guestlist to only your closest family and friends. This might upset a few aunts and uncles, but you can invite them to join you afterwards for a nice meal, or to the evening reception if you choose to have one.
A registry office isn’t a grand and elaborately decorated venue, so it can be tempting to want to decorate it so it fits your style and taste. However, this will bump up the cost. Why not embrace simplicity and go for a minimalist style? That way you’ll have more budget to dedicate to other parts of your day.
If you’re keen to add a splash of your personality to your registry office wedding, check out our guide on how to save money on wedding decor.
Because registry office weddings aren’t as big as other weddings, you could save a lot of money by buying off-the-rack outfits. And just because you’re buying off-the-rack doesn’t mean you won’t all look amazing – you simply won’t spend nearly as much money. Plenty of online retailers offer wedding outfits for brides and grooms which are smart, elegant and cost a fraction of the amount of designer or custom-made outfits. The quality and level of service naturally won’t be quite the same, but if keeping costs low is your no. 1 priority, then this is a great affordable option.
You may want bouquets, boutonnières, corsages and floral accents, but if you’re trying to save money, try to keep the number of flower arrangements you have to a minimum. Wedding flowers are justifiably very expensive, so the costs can very quickly add up.
To save money, choose arrangements which include in-season flowers and a lot of green foliage. For something a little more unique (and long-lasting), you could even have paper craft flowers or a dried bouquet.
It probably doesn’t seem right to head straight home after your wedding, does it? Instead, you’ll more than likely want to have a reception so you and your family can celebrate your marriage into the night.
Try to keep things small. One option is to have an intimate meal at a restaurant, then head to a local pub for a few drinks afterwards. If you want to keep things private, choose a pub with function space you can hire for around £500. Just be mindful that during peak times that cost can be much higher. Don’t be tempted to offer your guests free drinks for the night, as this can add hundreds to your cost, depending on how many you invite.
If you’re on a tight budget, and are prioritising cheap and affordable over bespoke and luxury, do things yourself in lieu of enlisting the services of a quality but also costly professional. This includes your invitations, decor and favours, which aren’t the most expensive things you’ll have to pay for but will still bump up the overall cost of your big day.
Do note, however, that aside from the DIY approach not matching the quality of professional wedding services, you will need to factor in the added time and extra responsibility to source all these materials yourself and put everything together. One of the great joys of outsourcing to a professional is peace of mind – the knowledge that you’ll have what you want on your big day exactly when you want it, without having to worry about all the moving parts that go into making gorgeous custom creations.
Even though you’re not planning an extravagant wedding, you’ll probably still want photographs to help you remember it forever. While photographers usually offer set packages, they’re often open to hearing if you have specific requests. So, why not ask them if they’ll shoot your wedding for an hourly rate, instead? That way, they can take pictures at your ceremony but it won’t cost nearly as much as a set package.
There’s nothing to say you have to outright buy everything you use for your wedding day. If there’s something you need but can’t afford brand new, why not ask a close friend or family member if you can borrow it instead? This includes anything from table linen to a veil.
Another option is rental, which is a fantastic alternative to buying something. For example, you can rent a suit for as little as £50 a day, which can be more than a third of the price of buying one. Just be mindful of return policies so you’re not fined for returning it late.
A wedding cake can be another chunky expense – understandably so, as it’s edible art – so keep costs down by choosing a smaller cake with a simple design. One great option is to choose a cake from a supermarket, such as M&S, which offers a range of affordable wedding cakes.
There are plenty of great tips for slicing your cake costs in our post on how to save money on a wedding cake, if you’re willing to compromise a little.
A great way to save money, and give your loved ones a role to play in your special day, is by assigning everyone something to do. This could include:
Transport – Why not ask someone you know to be your chauffeur for the day to help you get to and from the registry office?
Music – We all know someone who has a huge music collection or is skilled in the guitar, so consider having them play or perform at your wedding.
Beauty – You could ask a talented friend, or one of your bridesmaids, to do your hair and makeup before the ceremony (though this isn’t without its risks – read our post on demystifying bridal beauty costs to learn more)
Videography – Most people have a smartphone, so you could ask someone you trust to record the ceremony for you (again this isn’t without its drawbacks, and is unlikely to match a professionally-shot and edited film)
He’s your best mate. Your partner in crime. You’re brothers in spirit, if not always in blood. And now, you’re his best man. Congratulations!
The honour of being the best man is a true testament to your friendship and the faith the groom puts in you. The best way to pay him back is to write a best man speech that will have everyone in stitches and teary-eyed at the same time.
Writing a best man’s speech might not be easy for everyone. But there’s no need to panic! Whether you were born for the stage or a little more reserved, we’ve got the best man speech ideas and examples to help you get started. Prepare to craft the perfect speech to make your guests laugh, cry, and reminisce on your best friend’s big day.
The best man speech is a speech made by the best man during the wedding reception. It should be about 5 minutes long and include some anecdotes, jokes, and your favourite memories about the groom. These stories should highlight your friendship, adventures, and any lessons you’ve learned together.
The best man’s speech is usually third in the order of speeches: first is the father of the bride’s speech; second is the groom’s speech; and third is the best man’s speech. It can be delivered after the main meal or between courses. This will give guests a break from the monotony of long speeches and capture the attention of everyone present.
Here are some key elements you should consider including in your best man speech:
Thick as thieves. Engage the guests from the get-go with captivating stories about your time with the groom. It’s the perfect time to share your adventures and describe your escapades surrounded by the people who love your groom the most. It’s important to strike the right balance between sharing your craziest moments and not embarrassing the groom too much on their special day!
Share their story. You likely knew the groom before he met his partner bride. Try sharing some stories of how they met, when he decided to propose, or when he told you they were the one. These special, intimate moments will no doubt make the couple smile and pull at the guest’s heartstrings.
A playful roast. Throw in a few light-hearted (and appropriate) jabs at the groom. Keep it clean; keep it playful. The goal is to make everyone laugh, including the groom himself. Balance the teasing with genuine admiration, support, and love, and you won’t go far wrong.
Toast the happy couple. Raise your glass and lead the crowd in a toast to the couple’s future health and happiness. It’s the perfect opportunity to end your speech on a high note and leave everyone feeling uplifted.
Following a clear structure can help you feel more confident when writing a best man’s speech. Try using this structure to get you started:
Introduction
The first part of your speech should be focused on introducing yourself and explaining your relationship to the groom. You’re his best man, but are you also his childhood best friend, partner in crime, brother, or new brother-in-law?
This is your opportunity to build rapport with your audience and share some light-hearted anecdotes about how you met or your journey so far.
Acknowledge the happy couple
Once you’ve introduced yourself, it’s time to shift your focus to the happy couple. This is the perfect opportunity to highlight how beautiful the bride looks and how much you admire her positive qualities. Express how happy you are for the newlyweds, your excitement for their special day, and explain how the bride has positively influenced the groom’s life.
Stories and anecdotes
The next portion of your speech should be concerned with sharing your favourite stories about the groom. These stories could showcase his character, quirks, and any memorable moments you’ve shared.
Balance your jokes with sincerity, ensuring the stories reflect the groom’s best qualities, highlight your friendship, and don’t embarrass him too much in front of his new family!
Reflect on your friendship
This portion of your speech should talk about how you’ve supported one another through the trials of life. You should discuss how you met, the lessons you’ve learned together, and how much your friendship means to you.
Although these types of speech may not come naturally to all, today is a sentimental day and the perfect opportunity to express your gratitude for their friendship over all these years.
Closing and toast
Now is the time to close your speech and raise a toast to the happy couple. Thank all the guests for attending, express gratitude to the couple’s parents, and end on a heartfelt note before raising your glass to the happy couple. Cheers, you did it!
Best man 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:
Don’t stress. It’s natural to feel nervous when making a speech in front of a large group. However, keep in mind that you couldn’t ask for a better audience! The guests will have already listened to two speeches, are expecting yours, and are likely to have met you before. Take deep breaths, speak slowly and clearly, and maintain eye contact with the audience. Remember, everyone is there to support you, and the couple will appreciate your efforts regardless.
Respect boundaries. Avoid sensitive or controversial topics that could offend or upset anyone in attendance. Some light-hearted roasting is appropriate, but stay away from any stories that may embarrass the couple or make them uncomfortable. If in doubt, check with the groom what stories he’s happy for you to use and disclose beforehand. This way, you can make sure he’s comfortable with the stories you’ll share while keeping your speech’s content a secret.
Practice makes perfect. As with anything – practice makes perfect! Rehearse your speech multiple times before the big day. Try practising in front of a mirror, to trusted friends, or even record yourself making the speech to watch back. This will help you feel more comfortable, ensure a smooth delivery, and help you remember the key points you want to cover. If you’re still feeling anxious, check out our speech delivery skills to help you prepare for your best man’s speech.
Toasting etiquette. This may be one of the first times you’re instigating a toast, so it’s important to have proper toasting etiquette. When raising a toast, ensure your glass is filled with the drink of your choice beforehand. This is traditionally champagne. However, prosecco or a non-alcoholic fizzy drink is also acceptable. Make eye contact with the couple and raise your glass towards them. Encourage others to join in by signalling or making a simple gesture.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our top 12 examples of great best man wedding speech ideas, from the short and simple, to the funny and personal!
A lot of traditional best man speeches and examples will refer to a bride and groom, but you can simply change the references to the groom’s partner and the appropriate pronouns if you’re attending an LGBTQ+ wedding.
Example 1: Classic best man speech
Introduction: Hello, hello, hello everyone. Is everyone having a good time? My name is [Your Name] and I have the incredible privilege of being [Groom’s Name]’s best man.
Reflect on your friendship: Now, let’s start by saying, being [Groom’s Name]’s best man is no small honour— it’s huge. I mean, out of all the people he knows, all the people he could have chosen to stand up here and speak… he picked me. Which either means I’m the most qualified, or the least likely to tell his more embarrassing stories. Sorry to disappoint, mate!
[Groom’s Name] and I go way back. We met when we were 5, and from the very beginning, I knew he was someone special. Mainly because he beat me at Mario Kart and never let me forget it. But in all seriousness, growing up together has been one of the greatest gifts of my life.
Stories and anecdotes: When we were about 10, [Groom’s Name] was absolutely convinced he could teach me how to backflip into a pool. Spoiler alert: he could not. But he stuck by me, encouraging me every time I belly-flopped. And that about sums him up— always cheering others on, even when it’s pointless and a little bit reckless.
Acknowledge the happy couple: As we grew older, I watched [Groom’s Name] become the man he is today. He’s a loyal friend, a generous soul, and now, the luckiest guy in the room. Because let’s be real, [Bride’s Name], you are absolutely stunning, intelligent, and everything a man could hope for. The fact that you’ve chosen to marry him is proof that love is blind, but hey, we’ll take it! Joking aside, you two are perfect together. The way you look at each other, take care of each other, and love each other is a genuine inspiration to everyone here today.
Closing and toast: So, everyone— please will you join me in a toast to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. May your love continue to grow, may your adventures together be endless, and may [Groom’s Name] finally learn how to put his boxers in the washing basket.
To love, laughter, and happily ever after! Cheers!
Example 2: Brother’s best man speech
Introduction: Good evening, everyone! For those of you who don’t know me, my name is [Your Name], and I have the absolute pleasure of being [Groom’s Name]’s brother. And, as tradition dictates, his best man. Now, when I got the call to take on this prestigious role, I was thrilled. But let’s be honest, I probably would have started World War 3 if I hadn’t got it, so…
Stories and anecdotes: Growing up as [Groom’s Name]’s brother has been an experience, to say the least. He was always the one with the big ideas, the wild plans, and, occasionally, the questionable decisions. I remember when we were kids, [Groom’s Name] convinced me that Mum would be absolutely fine with it if we brought home these two fox cubs we found in the garden. I won’t lie, they were pretty difficult to wrangle. I think we lured them into the house with a bit of ham on some string in the end, but it didn’t take long for Mum to figure out what we were up to. Let’s just say, the foxes had a better chance of staying than we did that evening.
That’s [Groom’s Name] for you—always full of schemes, ideas, and a knack for turning an ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure (or complete chaos, as Mum called it).
Reflect on your friendship: But it wasn’t all mischief and madness. [Groom’s Name] has always had a big heart to match those big ideas. Like the time he spent an entire weekend building me a treehouse because I’d been grounded and couldn’t leave the garden—despite the fact it collapsed the moment I climbed into it.
He’s the kind of brother who would go to the ends of the Earth for the people he cares about, even if you’re 80% sure he’s the reason you got grounded in the first place.
Acknowledge the happy couple: Now, let’s talk about [Bride’s Name]. From the moment you came into his life, it was like something shifted in him. Suddenly, this guy who used to leave the milk out and wear socks that didn’t match started showing signs of being… responsible. You’ve clearly had quite an effect on him, and for that, I owe you a massive thank you.
Closing and toast: So, as we raise our glasses tonight, let’s toast to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, health, and adventures—hopefully without any foxes this time. May your lives be filled with joy, your home always be warm, and your ham always stay on the plate, where it belongs.
Example 3: Childhood best man speech
Introduction: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and everyone in between—good evening! My name is [Your Name], and I’m so proud to be here today as [Groom’s Name]’s best man. When [Groom’s Name] asked me to take on this role, I was deeply honoured. But more importantly, I knew this was my golden opportunity to share a few of the greatest hits from our childhood. Get ready, this is going to be fun.
Stories and anecdotes: Growing up with [Groom’s Name] was bonkers. There was always laughter, always chaos, and usually, one of us doing something we definitely shouldn’t have been doing. Take, for example, the time we decided it would be a brilliant idea to turn our bikes into “rocket bikes.” All it took was a couple of fireworks, some duct tape, and absolutely zero adult supervision.
We were convinced we’d invented something revolutionary—right up until the moment the fireworks went off and [Groom’s Name] ended up in the neighbour’s rose bushes. Two ruined bikes and a lot of TCP later, we learnt a valuable lesson: leave rocket science to NASA. But honestly, that was the magic of growing up with [Groom’s Name]. Life was never boring, and there was always a story to tell—even if it involved a bit of pain and a lot of explaining to Mum.
Reflect on your friendship: But for all the wild plans, [Groom’s Name] has always been the guy who’d do anything for the people he loves. He’s got this knack for turning the smallest moments into adventures and making you feel like you’re part of something special. You really are the life and soul, and I’m grateful for every moment of our wacky childhood.
Acknowledge the happy couple: But, of course, all good things must come to an end. Well, almost all good things—because one wild chapter of [Groom’s Name]’s life may be wrapping up, but today marks the beginning of an even better one with [Bride’s Name]. Now, I’ll admit, when I first heard about [Bride’s Name], I was a bit sceptical. Not because of her, but because I thought, “Who in their right mind would willingly sign up for [Groom’s Name]’s shenanigans?” But then I met you, [Bride’s Name], and it all made sense.
You’re kind, funny, and you’ve clearly got the patience of a saint. You not only see the best in [Groom’s Name], but somehow, you’ve managed to make him an even better version of himself. Together, you’re the perfect match, and I couldn’t be happier for you both. No one deserves this as much as you.
Closing and toast: On that note, please charge your glasses to the new Mr and Mrs [Surname]. May your life be filled with love, laughter, and fireworks in all the right places.
Example 4: Twin’s best man speech
Introduction: Good afternoon, everyone. Are you all having a good time? For those of you who don’t know me, my name is [Your Name], and I’m not only the best man, but the Groom’s twin brother.
Stories and anecdotes: Now, if there’s one thing you need to know about being a twin, it’s that it’s a bond unlike any other. Growing up, [Groom’s Name] and I were inseparable. Not by choice, of course—our parents tethered us together with those silly baby reins and dressed us alike until we were old enough to protest. But even after we finally got to pick our own clothes, we were still a team. We’ve shared everything—birthdays, inside jokes, and more than a few questionable decisions.
It probably goes without saying, but [Groom’s name] and I are completely identical. Right down to the freckles on our arms. I know you know where this is going, but Mum, Dad—we have a few confessions.
We swapped places for 5 out of 7 secondary school picture days. Even I don’t know who is who in the Year 10 one.
[Groom’s Name] broke up with my ex for me because I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I honestly don’t think she noticed.
I took [Groom’s Name]’s driving test for him. To be fair, he’d failed twice already, and I thought, “How hard could it be?” Apparently, harder than I thought, because I failed too.
But, that’s twins for you—always in it together, even when it’s a total disaster.
Reflect on your friendship: But beyond the mischief and the laughs, [Groom’s Name], you’ve always been my rock. We’ve shared every milestone, every challenge, and every triumph. You’ve been my best friend, my sounding board, and the one person I know I can count on, no matter what. Being your twin is the greatest privilege of my life, and I wouldn’t swap it for anything.
Acknowledge the happy couple: And then came [Bride’s Name]. I have to admit, when I first heard about you, [Bride’s Name], I wasn’t sure how anyone could handle [Groom’s Name]. But from the moment I met you, I knew you were perfect for him. You balance him out, keep him on track, and I think you might be the only person who can genuinely tell us apart… or so you say.
You’ve brought out a side of [Groom’s Name] that I’ve never seen before—more thoughtful, more grounded, and, dare I say it, even more in love with life. Together, you’re an unstoppable team, and I couldn’t be happier to welcome you to the family. Though, fair warning: we might still try to rope you into a twin prank or two.
Closing and toast: So, as we raise our glasses, let’s toast to the incredible bond of love, laughter, and partnership. [Bride’s Name], thank you for making my brother the happiest he’s ever been. And [Groom’s Name], here’s to being the best twin, the best friend, and now, the best husband you can be.
Example 5: Nostalgic best man speech
Introduction: Hi everyone, my name is [Your Name], and I’m lucky enough to be standing here today as [Groom’s Name]’s best man. For those of you who don’t know, [Groom’s Name] and I have been best friends since we were just a couple of kids running around in nursery, with scraped knees, a pocket full of Matchbox cars, and far too much energy.
Reflect on your friendship: Looking back, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment we became inseparable. Maybe it was the time we teamed up to build the tallest Lego tower the classroom had ever seen… until someone “accidentally” knocked it over (we never liked that girl). Or maybe it was when we discovered a mutual love for hiding from the teachers during nap time, convinced we were rebels. Whatever it was, it started something that’s lasted a lifetime.
Stories and anecdotes: Growing up together meant sharing all the milestones—big and small. I’ll never forget the time we started our first “business” selling conkers to other kids in the playground. We thought we were entrepreneurs, until the headteacher shut us down for “causing a distraction.” We re-grouped, obviously, and started swelling sweets at break time… but I’m pretty sure that’s what got us in internal exclusion, wasn’t it? Sorry if you didn’t know that, [Groom’s Mum’s Name]. We’re all learning things today.
But, the friendship was a lot more than being told off. In fact, [Groom’s Name] was the most sensitive friend I had. He’s the one I knew I could count on, even when things seemed hopeless. Like the time I lost my first football match and was inconsolable. [Groom’s Name] sat with me, telling me stories and insisting that I’d be the next Beckham—even though we both knew I couldn’t score a goal to save my life.
He’s the sort of person who makes you feel like you can do anything, who’s there when you need them most, and who can make you laugh even when you feel like crying. It’s no wonder that he’s found someone as incredible as [Bride’s Name] to share his life with.
Acknowledge the happy couple: [Bride’s Name], from the moment I met you, I knew you were something special. Not because of any big gesture or because you were clearly far too good for him, but because of the way you looked at [Groom’s Name]. It was as if you already saw the best parts of him—the kindness, the loyalty, the big heart that I’ve been lucky enough to know my whole life. You’re everything he could have hoped for and more, and I’m so proud of you both.
Closing and toast: So, as we raise our glasses, I’d like to toast to friendship, to love, and to the memories that shape who we are. [Bride’s Name], thank you for making my oldest friend happier than I’ve ever seen him. And [Groom’s Name], thank you for being the brother I chose all those years ago in nursery. To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name]!
Example 6: Uni days best man speech
Introduction: Hi everyone, isn’t this an amazing day? For those of you I haven’t met yet, my name is [Your Name], and I have the immense privilege of being [Groom’s Name]’s best man. [Groom’s Name] is undoubtedly the closest thing I have to a brother, so I couldn’t be more thrilled to stand here today and celebrate this incredible moment with him and [Bride’s Name].
Reflect on your friendship: Now, [Groom’s Name] and I go way back, but some of my fondest memories are from our university days. Life was never dull with him around. Like the time he decided we should pull an all-nighter to prepare for exams—by which I mean playing FIFA until sunrise and deciding caffeine would somehow help us “absorb and process” information. Did we re-sit that one once… or was it twice? Twice for you, definitely.
Acknowledge the happy couple: Something you might not know is that I played a small part in introducing [Groom’s Name] to [Bride’s Name]. I say “small,” but it was more like divine intervention. Picture this: a university party, a bit too much liquid courage on both sides, and me, ever the wingman, awkwardly blurting out to [Bride’s Name], “You have to meet my mate, [Groom’s Name]. He’s not bad looking once you’ve had a drink.”
Anyway, we turn around, and he’s casually vomiting into the mop bucket. Not his finest hour. But, somehow, [Bride’s Name] saw past that, and they went for a drink the following week. The rest, as they say, is history.
Stories and anecdotes: From there, things only got better—well, mostly. [Groom’s Name] managed to charm [Bride’s Name] with his unique brand of humour, his questionable dance moves, and his uncanny ability to somehow always lose his wallet when it’s his turn to buy drinks.
We went from being a dynamic duo—Nottingham’s answer to Ant and Dec—to [Bride’s Name] joining the team and upgrading us to a proper trio. And let’s be honest, it’s been all the better for it. [Bride’s Name] brought a touch of class, a lot of patience, and, most importantly, someone who could finally keep [Groom’s Name] in check—because goodness knows, I couldn’t do it on my own!
Closing and toast: So, as we raise our glasses, let’s toast to the real dynamic duo—[Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. Here’s to a lifetime of adventures, of laughter, and of teamwork. [Bride’s Name], thank you for making my best mate the happiest man in the room. And [Groom’s Name], thank you for proving that even mop bucket moments can lead to something extraordinary. Here’s to your next chapter. Down in one?!
Example 7: Epic bromance best man speech
Introduction: Well, well, well… where do I begin? What a day this has been already. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], and I’ve had the honour of being [Groom’s Name]’s partner in crime, wingman, and, dare I say it, his second greatest love—after [Bride’s Name], of course.
Stories and anecdotes: I never had a brother, but if I had, I can only hope that he’d have been as brilliant—and as ridiculously infuriating—as [Groom’s Name]. Over the years, we’ve shared everything: laughter, bad decisions, and more than a few late-night kebabs that were definitely a mistake the next morning.
Reflect on your friendship: One of my favourite memories has to be the time we went camping and decided to “live off the land.” For us, this involved trying to forage for berries, getting an upset tummy from drinking dirty lake water, and then calling for a pizza to be delivered directly to the tent. Until you’ve used ‘what3words’ to guide a spotty 17-year-old to your very questionable pop-up tent, you haven’t truly experienced the height of outdoor survival, in my opinion. Bear Grylls doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
And let’s not forget the infamous karaoke night when [Groom’s Name] serenaded the entire pub with his rendition of “Wonderwall.” It was both the worst and best performance I’ve ever seen, and somehow, he convinced the audience to join in. That’s just who he is—charming, unstoppable, and, at times, completely ridiculous. Incidentally, that’s the night he told me he’d met [Bride’s Name].
Acknowledge the happy couple: Now, when I first met her, I knew immediately that things were about to change. [Groom’s Name] had met his match—someone who could keep up with his energy, laugh at his jokes (most of them, anyway), and somehow manage to make him a better version of himself. It wasn’t long before I realised that this wasn’t just a passing romance—this was it.
[Bride’s Name], you’ve not only brought out the best in [Groom’s Name], but you’ve also joined the bromance in the most brilliant way. You’ve made space for our nonsense, even encouraged it at times, and for that, I’m forever grateful. It’s clear to everyone here today that you’re not just his partner—you’re his perfect teammate. I graciously and wholeheartedly pass the torch to you.
Closing and toast: So, as we raise our glasses, let’s toast to the ultimate partnership. To Mr and Mrs [Surname]. Wishing you the world and more—you deserve it.
Example 8: Ride or die best man speech
Introduction: Go easy on me, everyone. I’m not usually one for speeches. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is [Your Name] and I’m [Groom’s Name]’s day one best mate. Our Mums made friends in the hospital because they both had nightmare, awkward babies. Paints a picture, doesn’t it? Anyway, fast forward a few years, and those two awkward babies became inseparable partners-in-crime.
Reflect on your friendship: [Groom’s Name] was the worst influence, and yetthe best friend anyone could ask for. Growing up, if there was trouble to be found, you could bet [Groom’s Name] was leading the charge—with me not far behind, trying to talk him out of it (unsuccessfully, I might add). But the thing about [Groom’s Name] is that no matter how chaotic the situation, he could always get you out of it. He had that gift of the gab, you know? I think the kids now call it ‘rizz’.
Acknowledge the happy couple: I’m pretty sure that’s how he landed [Bride’s Name], in fact. Did you know that this happy couple met at a party where [Groom’s Name] confidently told [Bride’s Name] that he could beat anyone in the room at darts? Now, the problem here was that [Groom’s Name] is absolutely terrible at darts—like, “can’t hit the board to save his life” terrible. But somehow, through sheer charm (and maybe a little strategic sabotage), he managed to turn a humiliating loss into a date with [Bride’s Name].
I want lessons in how you navigated that, by the way, because I think we can all agree—[Bride’s Name] is completely out of his league. What a stunner, and the most beautiful bride we’ve ever seen. But in all seriousness, [Bride’s Name], you’re not just stunning—you’re smart, kind, and, let’s face it, a bit of a miracle worker. You’ve managed to keep [Groom’s Name] grounded, organised, and—most impressively—you’ve got him turning up on time to things. That’s nothing short of magic.
Watching you two together is like watching the perfect double act. [Groom’s Name] brings the chaos, and [Bride’s Name], you bring the calm. Together, you balance each other out in the most brilliant way, and it’s clear to everyone in this room that you’re a team built to last.
Closing and toast: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, please raise a glass to the newly minted Mr and Mrs. [Surname]. May your life be filled with love, laughter, and genuine friendship. To Mr and Mrs. [Surname]!
Example 9: Funny best man speech
Introduction: Hello everyone. [Your Name] here, ready to deliver a blinding best man speech. Let’s get the formalities out of the way—I told [Groom’s Name] I wouldn’t sit down until everyone had had a laugh, so you may as well humour me now. [Pause for polite chuckles.] Lovely, thank you!
Stories and anecdotes: I’ve known [Groom’s Name] for 17 years, can you believe it? And in that time, he’s provided me with endless material for this speech. Honestly, I could stand here all night. But let’s keep it clean and simple, shall we? Take, for example, the time he decided he could teach himself to cook during university. One pan, 9 ingredients, no salt, and a smoke alarm later, I was seriously considering calling the fire brigade. And let’s not even get started on his “spaghetti nuggets.”
Equally, there was the time he decided he could master DIY after watching a couple of YouTube videos. Armed with an IKEA flat-pack shelf and far too much confidence, [Groom’s Name] managed to build something that looked like it belonged in the Tate Modern. Impressive, right? Wrong. It was meant to be a Billy Bookcase.
Reflect on your friendship: But that’s the thing about [Groom’s Name]. Even when his plans go sideways—and they often do—he somehow manages to turn it into a laugh. Whether it’s his dodgy karaoke performances, his insistence that he can beat anyone at pool (he can’t), or his legendary “one more pint” philosophy that has led us to some questionable situations, life with him is never boring.
Acknowledge the happy couple: And then along came [Bride’s Name]. Now, I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure how she’d fit into this whirlwind of chaos. But it turns out that she wasn’t just up for the challenge—she embraced it. [Bride’s Name], you’ve brought a whole new dimension to [Groom’s Name]’s life. You’ve somehow managed to make him more organised, more thoughtful, and—dare I say it—almost respectable.
But what’s even more impressive is that you haven’t tried to change him. You love him for exactly who he is—dodgy cooking, wonky shelves, and all. Together, you’ve become the ultimate duo, with [Bride’s Name] providing the calm and the cleverness, and [Groom’s Name] providing… let’s call it the “creative flair.”
Closing and toast: So, let’s raise a glass to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], the perfect team. [Bride’s Name], thank you for making [Groom’s Name] the happiest bloke in the room and for laughing along with all of his antics. And [Groom’s Name], thank you for being the walking punchline we all know and love.
Here’s to a marriage full of love, laughter, and maybe a few more dodgy DIY projects along the way. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]—cheers!
Example 10: Supportive best man speech
Introduction: Well here we are. The big day has finally arrived, and I hope you’re all enjoying yourselves (I certainly am)! For those of you I haven’t met yet, my name is [Your Name] and I have the honour of being [Groom’s Name]’s best man.
Reflect on your friendship: Now, as best man, my job is to stand up here and tell you all about [Groom’s Name]. And trust me, there’s a lot to tell. We’ve been through thick and thin together—he’s my partner in crime, my go-to for a laugh, and, I’d never say this to his face, but a bit of a legend.
I’ve known [Groom’s Name] for over 15 years, and over that time, he’s proven himself to be one of the most loyal, supportive, and downright entertaining people I’ve ever met. If you’re in need of a helping hand, [Groom’s Name] is your guy. Just don’t ask him for directions—because if our road trips are anything to go by, you’ll end up completely lost (but somehow still having the best time of your life…
Stories and anecdotes: And speaking of adventures, one of my favourite memories has to be the time he decided we should train for a marathon. Now, this was coming from a man whose idea of “training” was walking to the fridge and back. Needless to say, it didn’t end well. Two runs in, he declared we’d earned a “cheat week,” which somehow lasted six months. But that’s [Groom’s Name] for you—big plans, endless enthusiasm, and an uncanny ability to turn even the most mundane moments into something unforgettable.
Acknowledge the happy couple: And then along came [Bride’s Name]. Now, I’ll admit, when I first met her, I thought, “She’s far too clever to fall for [Groom’s Name].” But somehow, he managed it. And honestly, it’s not hard to see why. [Bride’s Name], you’ve brought out a side of [Groom’s Name] that I didn’t know existed—one that’s more thoughtful, more focused, and even a little bit grown-up.
But what’s even more amazing is how well you complement each other. Together, you’ve created a partnership that’s full of laughter, love, and just the right amount of chaos. [Bride’s Name], you’ve joined our little team and made it so much better.
Closing and toast: Ladies and gentlemen—as the final point of my speech, I’ll ask you to join me in a toast. To love, laughter, and being legally bound to your best mate for life. Look after each other…
Example 11: Short and sweet best man speech
Introduction: Hey everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I have the incredible privilege of being [Groom’s Name]’s best man. I’m not one for speeches, and to be honest, I’ve been pretty nervous about making this. But, when your best mate asks you to stand up and say a few words on the biggest day of his life, you don’t say no, do you? So here we are. I’ll keep it short, I promise, because we all know the real highlight is the free bar.
Reflect on your friendship: I’ve known [Groom’s Name] for 9 years, and in that time, we’ve been through it all—dodgy haircuts, questionable life decisions, and more than a few first dates.
Some of those dates, I’m happy to report, were so bad they’re still a running joke between us. But then, thankfully, along came [Bride’s Name], and suddenly, the joke was on me—because for the first time, [Groom’s Name] was dating someone who actually made sense.
Acknowledge the happy couple: When I first met [Bride’s Name], my immediate thought was, “She’s way too good for him.” And, let’s face it, I was right. But somehow, he managed to charm her with his dad jokes, nerdy hobbies, and relentless optimism. It’s clear to everyone here that they’re a perfect match.
[Bride’s Name], you’ve done what I genuinely thought was impossible: you’ve made [Groom’s Name] a better man. He’s more thoughtful, more organised—sort of—and let’s not forget, more punctual. But most importantly, you make him happy, in a way I’ve never seen before. And honestly, that’s all any of us could ever ask for.
Closing and toast: [Bride’s Name], thank you for putting up with him, and [Groom’s Name], thank you for being the best mate I could have asked for. Here’s to the happy couple—cheers!
Example 12: Best man speech for a bride
Introduction: I’m going to try and get through this without crying, but I’m not promising anything. Ladies and gentlemen, my name is [Your Name], and I have the absolute honour of being the Bride’s best man! I know I know—quirky. But our [Bride’s Name] has never been one to follow tradition.
Reflect on your friendship: And honestly, that’s one of the many things I love about her. [Bride’s Name] has always been unapologetically herself—bold, kind, and completely impossible to ignore (not that you’d ever want to). When she asked me to be her best man, I was floored. And not just because I now had to write a speech—but because it reminded me of how lucky I am to have her in my life.
I’ve known [Bride’s Name] for 22 years, and let me tell you, she’s the kind of person who changes your life just by being in it. From the moment we met, she made me feel seen, understood, and accepted in a way that few people ever have. She’s been my biggest cheerleader, my shoulder to cry on, and the first person to tell me when I’m being completely ridiculous (which is always).
Acknowledge the happy couple: And then along came [Groom’s Name]. Now, I’ll admit, I was very protective when I first met him. After all, [Bride’s Name] isn’t just my best friend—she’s family. But within minutes, it was clear he was something special. The way he looked at her, the way he listened to her, and the way he made her laugh—it was obvious that this wasn’t just some fling. This was the real deal.
[Groom’s Name], you’ve not only made [Bride’s Name] happier than I’ve ever seen her, but you’ve also been the person she deserves—kind, supportive, and absolutely smitten with her. And honestly, it’s been such a joy watching the two of you build a life together, full of love, laughter, and far too many shared snacks that you both pretend don’t count.
Closing and toast: So, as we raise our glasses, let’s toast to two of the best people I know. [Bride’s Name], thank you for being the friend and sister I never knew I needed. And [Groom’s Name], thank you for loving her the way she deserves—and for letting me keep her as my partner in crime, even if I have to share her now. To Mr and Mrs. [Surname]!
The best man speech is the perfect opportunity to share stories of your adventures, honour the groom on his big day, and celebrate the newlyweds’ love.
To write a killer speech, throw in a few (respectful) jokes, compliment the groom’s partner, and keep an upbeat pace. These tips will help you strike a balance between comedy and sincerity and ensure that you leave a lasting impression on their wedding day.
Leave plenty of time to write your speech and look up plenty of best man speech examples. Whether you’re the groom’s brother, friend, or new brother-in-law, these top 12 best man speech examples are sure to inspire your writing.
If you’re still feeling stuck, sign up to Bridebook for some top tips, tricks, and inspiration for writing a brilliant Best Man’s speech. Best of luck!
Forest weddings are whimsical and beautiful. There’s nowhere better to declare your everlasting love than in an enchanting forest surrounded by birdsong and the beauty of nature.
But hold on tight, because planning a forest wedding isn’t just about picking a location and calling it a day! You need to balance the practical details like finding a venue, choosing a photographer, and inviting your beloved guests to your beautiful, nature-inspired backdrop.
So, whether you’re planning an intimate, elven ceremony tucked away under a canopy of trees, or a fabulous flower-strewn soirée, this article will be your go-to guide for turning your dreams into a magical reality.
Ready to learn how to have a wedding in a forest? Let’s dive in!
A forest wedding is either a full wedding ceremony and reception in a forest, or simply a wedding reception hosted in a forest. It’s a beautiful and unique way to celebrate your union amongst the sights and sounds of nature.
Forest weddings offer endless possibilities for personalisation and creativity. Whether you’d like delicate, natural-inspired decor or a full-blown alternative wedding or eco-warrior wedding, you’ll have full control with a forest wedding.
⭐Did You Know: If you want to be legally married at your beautiful venue, double-check that the location of the wedding venue is an Approved Premises under the Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Regulations 2005. If not, you may need to have the ceremony elsewhere and move to the forest for the reception.
Forest weddings have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many couples are drawn to the natural beauty, tranquility, and enchanting atmosphere that forests offer as a wedding backdrop.
In fact, according to our 2023 UK Wedding Report, over ¼ of wedding ceremonies took place outside. This includes the nearly one-in-five couples married in 2022 who opted for a “unique location or venue”, such as a boathouse, forest, or scenic loch.
But while outdoor, alternative, and forest weddings are growing in popularity, they certainly won’t feel overdone. The peaceful vibe and privacy of a forest wedding are second to none, and with thoughtful planning, you can create a memorable and enchanting experience for you, your partner and your guests amidst the beauty of nature.
Let’s check out some of the key steps you need to take and elements to consider when planning your forest wedding:
1. Pick your dream venue
Picking a venue is likely one of the first things you’ll do. It will be the backdrop of all your photographs and determine the size of your wedding. Make sure you visit lots of venues, chat with in-house wedding planners and discuss budgets before committing to a location.
With our wedding venue search tool, you can filter by venue types such as ‘Outdoor’ and styles such as ‘Rustic’ to see exactly what’s out there. This tool will also give you an approximate price, number of bedrooms and how many guests the location can hold. These approximations can help structure the rest of your planning and help you decide where to have an enchanting forest wedding.
Note that it may be difficult for external suppliers to make it to a wedding in a forest. So be prepared to factor in additional transport costs or pay for wedding insurance add-ons in case their stock is damaged.
2. Embrace nature-inspired decor & styling
Wedding decor can include anything from flowers and bouquets to tablescapes and fun photo booths. Incorporate wildflowers, ferns, moss and rustic wooden accents to create a whimsical and organic ambiance.
Twine, dried flowers, moss, burlap and other natural elements from the forest are often free or low-cost and look beautiful. You could also use eco-friendly paper options or consider seed paper that guests can plant afterwards! Leave a little note with the seed paper explaining the symbolic gesture of your growth as a couple and your connection to nature.
The cost of this decor will depend on your vision and how much you’re willing to do yourself. The great thing about forest weddings is that you can often use natural elements like foliage, dried flowers and rustic elements in your decorations. This decor is easy to DIY, and there are tons of tutorials online. Doing it yourself can help reduce costs, while hiring a professional wedding stylist or florist can increase expenses.
To keep costs down even further, you could create your own invitations using dried flowers, cardstock and twine. This will contribute to the rustic theme and add a personal touch to your big day. If the task feels like too much to do on your own or you aren’t very handy, ask a trusted friend (with nice handwriting) to join you in a craft evening. Then, spend some time creating your wedding invites – you’ll be surprised how much fun you have!
3. Don’t forget the essentials
This includes chairs, tables, lighting, sound systems and any necessary permits or license fees. Check with your venue whether they offer a package that includes these essentials to minimise costs.
If they don’t, look out for companies that offer plastic or polished wood furniture. These will be easier to clean and will contribute to the fresh, woodland theme.
4. Craft a woodland-inspired menu
When hosting a forest wedding, try incorporating nature-inspired elements into your food offerings to create a memorable and cohesive experience for your guests.
For example, try hosting a vegan buffet with farm-to-table ingredients. Alternatively, host a barbecue or rent food vans. These interactive catering experiences will contribute to the laid-back environment of a forest wedding and allow guests with different dietary requirements to manage their plate. Plus, you won’t need to print place cards reminding everyone what they ordered!
5. Capture the magical moments
After putting so much work into your big day, capturing the special moments of your forest wedding is essential.
Holding a forest wedding will allow for truly breathtaking wedding photography. With an ample supply of natural light and a beautiful backdrop, your wedding photos will be something to behold. Ask your photographer if they offer:
Wide-angle lenses. To capture as much of the beautiful forest as possible.
An indoor set-up in case of weather changes. Mother nature can be unpredictable, so opt for an experienced photographer who will be prepared for every eventuality.
A candid photoshoot session. Candid moments convey genuine emotions and create a more authentic story of the wedding day.
Retouching at the standard price. Although a forest backdrop makes for beautiful photos, the untameable foliage is likely to produce a few outof-place leaves or twigs. A talented photographer should be able to edit these out using software. However, you should check that this won’t come at extra cost.
🧠Pro Tip: Check out the photographer’s social media accounts as well as their portfolio when considering your options. Often, photographers will include behind-the-scenes information, their editing process and their favourite angles to use on their social media accounts. This will help you understand whether they’re the right fit for your wedding or not.
6. Combine practicality with style
When considering what to wear to a forest wedding, it’s important to consider the landscape. For example, if you live in an area that has a lot of rainfall, you might want to choose a shorter dress to ensure no mud catches on your hems.
If you really want to lean into the floral, boho theme, look for materials that have flower appliques or lace fabrics. In addition, breathable, flowing fabrics will keep you comfortable all day. Oh, and maybe leave the heels at home!
7. Don’t forget the rings
Wedding rings are one of the most important details of your wedding and an investment piece you’ll wear for the rest of your life. Be sure to pick wedding rings you love and ensure someone reliable has them on the big day.
If you’re looking for something bespoke, there are jewellers who can combine natural elements into your wedding bands. For example, sand from a beach, flower petals, or clay from the forest floor. This material is usually sealed in resin to create an unusual contrast with the metal of the ring. Or, consider having hand-crafted wedding bands – we particularly love Eco Wood Rings, lovingly made from sustainably sourced or salvaged wood and recycled precious metals.
The cost of a forest wedding can vary greatly depending on several factors. This includes your location, head count, wedding attire, the decor and your personal preferences.
Did you know that the average cost of a wedding in 2023 is £19,184, or £24,069 including the rings honeymoon? Average wedding spending has increased in almost every category since 2021!
If that figure makes your eyes water, the good news about a forest wedding is that a lot of the decor and styling is DIY-friendly. It’s easy to make a forest wedding either budget-friendly or extravagant. It totally depends on your preference and priorities.
Here are our top tips to help you plan your forest wedding:
Location, location, location: Research and visit potential forest venues to find the perfect location for your wedding. Although aesthetic appeal is important, consider factors such as accessibility, capacity and available facilities. Look for a venue that aligns with your vision and offers the necessary amenities for your wedding day. In addition, ensure that there is an accessible route for caterers, entertainers and other suppliers to help with set-up. A solid track leading into the forest can make all the difference for small wheels and big carts!
Consider the weather: If you opt for a forest wedding, the weather will make a big difference. Try to steer clear of cold and rainy seasons. However, if this can’t be avoided, cover all bases and rent a marquee to protect your guests from a potential downpour.
Dress to impress: You want to look your best on your special day. Unfortunately, looking your best can come at a price. The cost of your wedding outfit will include the price of a dress, shoes, veil, hair and makeup. For budget-conscious or eco-friendly couples, consider renting your wedding attire. This will reduce costs significantly and ensure your dress isn’t single-use.
Consider the lighting: Although a forest wedding will have ample natural lighting, that beautiful sun won’t last all day! If you intend to party into the wee hours to celebrate your love, consider adorning the trees with some lanterns or fairy lights to tie in with the whimsical theme.
Although it might feel overwhelming at first, planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times of your life, and planning a forest wedding is an opportunity to create a particularly magical and unforgettable celebration.
There may be a lot of logistical concerns when planning a wedding surrounded by nature’s beauty. However, with careful planning and budgeting, you can design a one-of-a-kind experience for your and your guests.
Embrace the magic, infuse your personal touch and plan ahead to ensure a truly enchanting celebration that will be cherished for a lifetime.
There you have our guide on planning a magical forest wedding ceremony! Get started on Bridebook to discover plenty more inspiration and expert advice.
Here at Bridebook, we’re on a mission to help make the wedding planning journey as joyful as possible for all engaged couples. That means supporting every couple, everywhere. And so, to commemorate Pride Month, we’re celebrating LGBTQ+ couples and suppliers and championing inclusivity at Bridebook and throughout the wedding industry. In this feature, check out the inspiring stories and gorgeous wedding photos of some of our fabulous LGBTQ+ couples. And if you and your partner are looking for an inclusive venue, be sure to check our top LGBTQ wedding venues. They’re going the extra mile to make sure all couples feel supported on their special day.
We met through mutual friends when we were 17. I was mesmerised by her and thought she was way out of my league. We met face to face in person at a birthday party of our mutual friends.
What is your favourite shared memory?
Our wedding day has to be the most amazing day and memory we share.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?
We lived 160 miles apart and we overcome that with Kimberley moving away from family. But other than that, we have overcome everything life has thrown at us – health problems, financial uncertainty, getting married in a pandemic to name a few!
What did you plan for your wedding day?
We had rainbow pin badges for wedding favours that were sent by Cancer Research, we had a steel pan artist play our wedding song for Daniella to walk down the aisle to keep her Jamaican roots, we had bowling at the venue. We had all family and friends that meant so much to us.
We met through a mutual friend over drinks during a night out in Glasgow. We just became friends in the same social group over many months, so we never had that awkward first date moment!
What is your favourite shared memory?
Without a doubt our wedding day in 2022. After getting engaged in Toronto in 2018 and having set a date to get married May 2020, we were putting the finishing touches on our wedding and honeymoon plans, however, the covid pandemic struck and cancelled all our plans. We re-scheduled to 2021, that got cancelled again and the we re-scheduled to September 2022. So after all that hassle, stress and uncertainty, it was awesome to finally celebrate our Big Day together with our closest family and friends – a celebration of freedom and fun for us all.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?
Buying our first home together in the area we wanted. It took endless viewings, many offers and lots of last minute closing dates where we lost out by only small amounts to finally get the flat of our dreams by chance. We were about to give up and look at different areas but then we managed to cut a quick deal with sellers that avoided closing dates and the rest is history. We’re in the process of doing our flat up and truly love where we stay, so it was worth it in the end.
What did you plan for your wedding day?
We wanted our day to be a fun relaxed day of celebration for ourselves and our family and friends. We kept our ceremony light-hearted and chose to do a Rock Paper Scissors contest in front of our guests to decide which of us would walk down the aisle first. I, Chris, lost, and Stephen, my fairer half, won and walked down first. Our celebrant was fun and got everyone involved in the ceremony including a big group selfie after we got married. We had an acoustic guitarist playing during our ceremony, followed by a cocktail reception afterwards with gin 75 cocktails and nibbles. Dinner and speeches followed . After that, we cut our cake together and a modern vintage swing jazz band entertained our guests for the rest of the evening with fun upbeat covers of classic and pop songs.
We were in the same year at school! Had our first romance at the age of 13, found each again at the ages of 19 then went our separate ways and Meg had a little girl in 2011. We lived separate lives until fate brought us back together again for the final time at the age of 31!
What is your favourite shared memory?
Our wedding day felt like our life had come full circle and it the day we had been waiting for.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?
COVID! In 2020 we hadn’t lived together long then all of a sudden we were together with our daughter 24/7. We both caught COVID at the start when it was still quite frightening, but we made it through and got engaged that summer.
What did you plan for your wedding day?
We had an intimate day with no more than 30 of us then we hired a DJ and had a party in the evening with around 100 people.
Instagram – Gem liked one of my photos so I messaged her we got to know each other virtually for a while. After a month of talking we finally went on a date at Dinton Pastures. After two years of living together we got engaged there too – Gem had absolutely no idea that I was going to propose.
What is your favourite shared memory?
Apart from our actual wedding day (which was absolutely beautiful), and getting engaged, we loved our trip to Mexico!
What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?
We have overcome a lot of challenges, but the greatest would be how we together challenge people’s perceptions of lesbian couples. There seem to be so many misconceptions out there and we do our best to show that we are just the same as everyone else!
What did you plan for your wedding day?
We had an under the night sky theme that ended with fireworks! We kept everything as “traditional” as we could. We were surrounded by our wonderful friends and family at Warbrook House and had the best day. We were even married by a married couple! We were so worried it wouldn’t happen due to COVID but were so lucky that we could have everyone there to celebrate with us.
We met on a dating app while at Cardiff University back in 2013 while I was doing my postgrad and he was in his first year. It turned out his friend lived a few doors down from me so he came over for coffee and the rest is history.
What is your favourite shared memory?
Probably our first holiday to Disney World together with my family. One day we got caught in a massive rainstorm and ended up in a pub just chatting away in the middle of Epcot. It was magical!
What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?
Probably surviving long distance for 4 years while he finished his studies in Wales and I worked in England – driving 4 hours each way every weekend to see each other.
What did you plan for your wedding day?
We went for a simple day with lots of family and friends. It was at a lovely hotel in Milton Keynes with about 60 day guests. We walked down the aisle with our mothers, and embarrassingly both cried (tears of joy haha) as we did so. Then my dad gave a wonderful speech that was so accepting and charming that it just made the day.
We met in an LGBTQ+ choir! My wife was already a member and I joined and we hit it off!
What is your favourite shared memory?
I think our honeymoon is up there. We had a few nights in Brighton in August and it was so nice. One evening we went down to the hotel bar for cocktails and spotted a mini golf course on the beach so we spontaneously decided to play tipsy mini golf and it was silly and fun.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?
We now have a child together! They were 6 years’ old when I met Megan, and we have co-parented together ever since – which is always challenging!
What did you plan for your wedding day?
We had a subtly space themed wedding, with a galactic buttercream cake and little moons on all the tables and things. My makeup had star freckles dotted on and my wife had cosmic blue hair!
We met at work – the office I was working at closed down and we were relocated to the office where Kaz worked!
What is your favourite shared memory?
Besides our wedding day, it would have to be our lockdown holiday to Devon.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?
Kaz was rushed in for a major back operation 4 weeks before the date of our wedding. We wanted a low-key wedding that was personal and all done by us. I suggested postponing but Kaz was adamant she would be walking down that aisle, so I was adamant I would pull every string out of my bag of tricks to make sure it was perfect for her. The recovery is still ongoing so we have daily struggles, but we do it all together. And it just works!
What did you plan for your wedding day?
A small ceremony with our closest family and friends. Owls flew the rings down the aisle and we had photos with them and for our guests as owls are my favourite! I planned an ice cream van to show up for Kaz as an absolute surprise! So I was able to pull her first ice cream as my wife!
Through a dating app. We went for a date to a lovely hotel bar and the rest is history!
What is your favourite shared memory?
Getting our dog Freddie!
What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?
Looking after our dog after a major surgery on his back – months of rehab!
What did you plan for your wedding day?
We had quite a small wedding. To start we bucked trends and got ready together. Drove ourselves and best friend down to the venue, had a small ceremony, 20 of us in total. We then had a Christmas feast, made everyone change into black tie, and welcomed another 30 guests for a champagne drinks party. We sang carols around a grand piano and danced the night away!
Samantha’s sister was playing on a football team at university with Holly and introduced us!
What is your favourite shared memory?
Renovating our 1960s house – many tears but so much fun!
What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?
Living three hours apart for two years! Lots of late night train rides on a Friday night after work.
What did you plan for your wedding day?
Ice cream canapes, fish and chips main course and a whole load of fun. I spent 18 months learning calligraphy so I could make all the wedding signs and stationery.
We met at Preston Grasshoppers Rugby club! We played rugby together on the same team. I pursued Dawn and had to convince her to go out with me!
What is your favourite shared memory?
Watching the dancing panda in Prague.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?
Probably Al’s endometriosis diagnosis and health issues after that.
What did you plan for your wedding day?
We had it at Spring Cottage, Rivington, which is such a beautiful venue. It was a day event only and we had 40 guests. It was just so simple and perfect and really relaxed.
We love to travel, and do a lot of activities together, from hiking to jumping off paragliding and to simple things like cooking dinner and watching our favorite TV shows in Netflix.
What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?
So many different things – the pandemic really hit us hard as it imposed a huge threat to our health. We were basically living and breathing the till death do us part!
What did you plan for your wedding day?
Our wedding was an amazing garden wedding. We had an intimate audience of family and friends from around the globe to celebrate the day with us in the UK.
Became friends at work and you know the saying…fell in love with my best friend!
What is your favourite shared memory?
Apart from our wedding day a gorgeous trip to Venice!
What is the greatest challenge you’ve overcome together?
I (Em) went through life changing surgery. The build-up and recovery were long and hard, with some dark days where Emma became my strength.
What did you plan for your wedding day?
Ours was an Easter wedding. It was a gorgeous sunny day with our guests and ourselves staying at the venue’s glamp site. We had an Easter egg hunt in the forest outside the cottage we got married in, and a live band in the evening. Plus our dog was with us all day at the wedding!
Pride goes beyond June. We’re here to support, to inspire, to educate – and above all to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community – not just for one month, but for all time always.
Two common choices for couples are getting married in a civil ceremony or a traditional religious ceremony. They’re both fantastic choices but come with certain limitations if you’re hoping for a more bespoke ceremony. That’s why the third option, a wedding celebrant, is becoming an increasingly popular choice for couples tying the knot.
By hiring a celebrant, you’re free to have your wedding be as personal and customised as you like. But how much does a wedding celebrant cost and what’s included?
In this post, we’re going to explore how much a wedding celebrant costs, what factors can influence that cost and why they ask for as much as they do.
A wedding celebrant is someone who will officiate your wedding. A celebrant doesn’t only officiate weddings, but many of life’s other important events, such as funerals, naming ceremonies and renewals. You may find yourself hiring the same celebrant for various events throughout your life.
When a celebrant officiates your wedding it will be highly personalised so it’s specific to you and your partner. They can be as religious as you like, or have no references to religion at all, which is why they’re a popular choice for couples with no beliefs or mixed religious beliefs.
Believe it or not, there are several types of celebrants that can officiate your wedding:
Interfaith ministers – A great choice for couples who may have different faiths or no faith at all. They have knowledge of different beliefs and can accommodate accordingly.
Humanists – They officiate highly personalised weddings, usually not focused on religious beliefs. They also officiate alternative weddings regularly.
Independent celebrants – Authorised independent celebrants can solemnise marriages.
No, a wedding celebrant isn’t the same as a registrar and it’s important to be aware of the differences when planning your wedding.
A registrar can legally officiate a wedding via a civil ceremony. They oversee the approval of your marriage license and it’s legally binding.
A celebrant cannot legally marry you (apart from in Scotland!), but can support you through your wedding and help you with everything you need for getting your marriage license. When a celebrant officiates your wedding ceremony you will still need a registrar so your marriage is legally binding. However, this doesn’t remove any of the personalisation from hiring a celebrant.
With this in mind, you’ll also need to factor the cost of a registrar into your overall budget, which averages at around £300 (check out our ultimate wedding budget breakdown for more information).
The average amount spent by couples in the UK on a wedding celebrant is around £500. However, some celebrants can cost much more than this, while others cost less. If you’re looking for your ceremony to have a personal touch, then a wedding celebrant is the best way to do that. For more information, check out our ultimate bedding budget breakdown.
To the average guest at your wedding, a celebrant appears to play a small part in your celebrations. But, they don’t simply pop in for half an hour to officiate at the ceremony then head off to the next wedding – there’s a lot of work involved.
As we’ve already highlighted, a celebrant will help make your wedding ceremony hugely personal. It’s unlike any other wedding that came before it nor any other wedding that will come after it – and that doesn’t happen by accident. Once you’ve hired your celebrant they’ll sit down with you and your partner to discuss how you met, what interests you share, where you’ve travelled, times you’ve laughed, times you’ve cried, and you’ll share many, many other stories as they really get to know you. After all, how could they make your ceremony personal if they don’t know the real you?
Many celebrants will send out questionnaires that encourage detailed answers, which they’ll study carefully to create a beautifully crafted script for the big day. They may even talk to your family and friends to get some of the juicy information from them that you may have conveniently not mentioned. They’ll also arrive at your wedding and meet with you and your partner individually to help calm any nerves you might have before you walk down the aisle.
There’s also years of training and experience behind a skilled wedding celebrant that got them to where they are today, so you can be confident they’re going to officiate your wedding with style, confidence and professionalism.
So, while your guests might only see your celebrant for less than an hour, there’s a lot of work involved beforehand that helps to justify the cost.
Natalie Beer, experienced celebrant and proud founder of Velvet Moon Ceremonies, shares her top tips on how to save money on your wedding:
“The best way I found to save money as a 2023 bride myself was forgoing anything I didn’t want but others perhaps thought ‘should’ be part of a wedding. That way you’re not spending money on things you don’t care about and you get a wedding that’s more ‘you’ and only includes things you really want.
Having the big wedding day not be legally binding was part of that for us, so saving money on the fee of a registrar visiting our venue could go towards the celebrant cost we booked for the big wedding day and then had a simple legal ceremony a couple of days before. It was night and day difference throughout the whole process – the celebrant-led process was so much more personalised, we felt so much more cared for, and the ceremony itself, despite having perhaps triple if not quadruple the audience compared to the legal ceremony, was so much more relaxed as we were really put at ease and the atmosphere was so much more us!
As celebrants we can bring such personalisation, fun and creativity to your ceremony so that it’s exactly what you want, and you almost have a friend standing up there taking your ceremony more so than a stranger. That’s a cost that for us was absolutely worth it, and for all of my couples it is too. If it’s something that couples feel is important to them, to have a ceremony that really reflects them and is so much more meaningful than a generic script, then it’s definitely worth considering booking a celebrant.”
What factors affect the cost of a wedding celebrant?
While the average cost of a wedding celebrant may be £450, this figure can be higher or lower depending on a number of factors.
Experience – A more experienced celebrant will often have higher rates.
Reputation – A skilled and reputable celebrant will be able to ask for more due to the demand for their services.
Location – Where the celebrant is based will affect their rates, for example, if they’re based in London they’ll usually be higher. They may also ask for more if they have to travel a long way to meet with you and on the day of your wedding.
Style of your wedding – If your wedding is complex or takes more preparation it could affect the cost.
Rehearsals – If you choose to have rehearsals then this will increase the cost of your celebrant.
Additional services – Additional services, such as asking your celebrant with help writing your vows, will affect the overall cost.
How long before your wedding should you book a celebrant?
It’s recommended that you book a celebrant as early as possible, as many affordable, skilled and in-demand celebrants are fully booked for many months. If you find the perfect celebrant who is excited about the stories you and your partner share, the last thing you want is for them to book another wedding on the same day as yours – so get in there quick!
“I’d recommend that couples book their celebrant as soon as they are able to! Mainly because, like other suppliers, the earlier you book the more likely the celebrant is to be free. Booking far in advance also means there’s plenty of time to get to know each other and for the ceremony script to be written, and perhaps even visit the ceremony space together to discuss ideas and make the couple comfortable with how everything will run. I’ve had some couples book me two years in advance and others book with just a couple of months to go until their date, so it’s all doable as long as the celebrant is free on their wedding day!”
Planning your wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be time-consuming and stressful – not to mention overwhelming. Where do you start? How do you approach vendors? Do you know how to secure the best deal or negotiate with venues?
Of course, using Bridebook is a great way to take away a lot of the stress of planning your wedding, but there’s so much to do and so many things to remember, that it can still feel daunting at times.
That’s why many couples choose to hire a wedding planner. A wedding planner is an expert and will know exactly what to do to give you the wedding of your dreams.
That expertise does come at a cost – but it can definitely be worth it, saving you time, stress and even money. In this post, we’re going to explore how much a wedding planner costs, including what a wedding planner will do, the average amount couples might spend, and how a wedding planner could save you money.
What’s the average cost of a wedding planner in the UK?
The average amount couples spend on a wedding planner in the UK is £2,436. This may sound like a lot for something you can do yourself, but it will save you a lot of time, energy, stress and money in the long run. Wedding planners also have years of experience planning weddings behind them, so know exactly what you need to execute your ideas for the perfect wedding. As revealed in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, the average overall cost of a wedding is £20,775, and a wedding planner can help keep spiralling costs down to a manageable level.
Remember, this figure is an average, so some wedding planners will cost way less. But, more expensive planners will likely have more experience in the industry, along with better connections and negotiating skills, so paying that bit more could be worth it.
As you might expect by the name, a wedding planner takes the reins and helps you plan your wedding. They help you by making bookings, securing deals, making decisions and sorting out any problems that might arise. Depending on what you agree with your wedding planner, they may also help you to set up and manage the day as well.
However, while they may take the lead in planning your wedding, you don’t lose out on the excitement, or lose any control. You’ll have in-depth discussions with them about what you’re looking for and your budget to make sure they’re always aligned. Then, they’ll go and do all the long-winded bits, so you have the pleasure of making the decisions while avoiding the boring and tiring leg work.
While at first the average cost of a wedding planner can seem like a big expense on top of an already expensive wedding, a good wedding planner can save you a lot of money.
An experienced wedding planner will have planned dozens, if not hundreds, of weddings. In that time, they’ll have made connections with venues and vendors, know all the right questions to ask and have learned how to negotiate the best rates. They’ll help you save money in ways you might not have even realised were possible.
As well as saving money, they’ll help you organise everything to avoid expensive mistakes. What might seem like an unnecessary cost could actually be one of the best decisions you make to make sure your wedding goes to plan and sticks to your budget.
On top of saving you money, a wedding planner also saves you time, which could be spent doing other more valuable things, particularly if you’re self-employed. Planning a wedding is time-consuming, so why not let someone else do the hard work?
What does it mean when a wedding planner receives a commission?
When you’re finalising the details with your wedding planner, you may notice in the paperwork that it mentions the planner may receive a commission when they make a booking. But what is that commission and where does it come from?
Don’t worry, this isn’t an additional fee you have to pay. This simply means your wedding planner may receive a small amount of commission when you book a specific venue or vendor and is usually a small percentage based on the cost. However, a good wedding planner won’t be driven by their commission, so shouldn’t allow it to sway their decisions about what is right for your wedding.
If you’re not sure about anything, just speak to your wedding planner before hiring them – they’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.
What factors can affect the cost of a wedding planner?
A wedding planner will usually charge a flat fee based on the scope and scale of your wedding. What that fee is can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
Your budget – the higher your budget, the more a wedding planner will usually ask for. Not because they think you can afford to pay more, but because there will be more work involved. Often, a wedding planner will ask for between 10% and 15% of your overall budget.
Location – The location of your wedding will play a big part in the cost. For example, a wedding planner based in London will be more expensive than one outside the capital. However, if you’re getting married in London, you’ll probably want to consider a London-based wedding planner as they’ll have the local knowledge and contacts.
Service – A partial wedding planning service will be more affordable than a full planning service.
Number of guests – The more guests you intend to invite, the more work a wedding planner will need to do to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Can a wedding planner also be your wedding coordinator?
Many wedding planners also offer a package that includes coordinating your wedding day. After all, who better to manage the big day itself than the one who helped you to plan it?
On-the-day coordination helps to reduce the stress further, make sure everyone knows what they’re doing and fixes any potential hiccups that might occur. This leaves you to enjoy your day, knowing it’s being managed by an experienced professional.
If you’re looking to hire a wedding planner to provide a full planning service, the best time to do so is right at the start, before you’ve made any other bookings or reservations. This is so you can fully utilise their services and allow them to help you consider all options and secure the best deals.
If you’re only interested in a partial wedding planning service, you’ll need to hire them with around three or four months to go before your big day.
Planning a wedding can be a long, tiring, stressful and expensive process. That being said, it’s also a lot of fun! However, not everyone has the time and energy to spare, which is where a wedding planner shows their true value. If you find planning challenging or may struggle to find the time to spare, then you’ll definitely get a lot out of hiring a wedding planner.
A wedding planner can also be a lifesaver if you’re interested in a destination wedding. A local planner will have the knowledge and insight you might lack by getting married away from home and will save you hours and hours of avoidable research on just the area alone.
In fact, according to qualified wedding planner and wedding expert, Hamish Shephard, organising a wedding can take 200 to 300 hours of planning. When you think of it like that, the average cost of a wedding planner is actually pretty great value, especially as they can also save you a lot of money down the line.
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What is a wedding without music? If you think about it, music plays a major part in every wedding. It greets your guests as they take their seats, it accompanies you as you walk down the aisle, and it’s the reason why your uncle decided to do the Macarena alone on the dancefloor because everyone else refused to join him.
Music sets the tone for your wedding, creates atmosphere and gets everyone moving. But, with so many options available, should you choose a solo musician, a band, or a DJ? And what about the music at the ceremony itself?
In this post, we’ll take a look at how much wedding music costs, including the average price couples pay, the cost of various options available to you at the ceremony and reception, and the factors that affect the cost of wedding music.
As revealed in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, the average amount couples spend on wedding music in the UK is £1,800. To be specific, based on our 2024 UK Wedding Report, that breaks down to £1,127 for reception music, and £641 for ceremony music. This figure doesn’t include the costs that may come with hiring additional non-music entertainment, like magicians or dancers, which can cost an extra £800 on average.
This cost can, of course, be much higher or lower, and depends on various factors such as the number of musicians and singers, how long they’re needed and the type of music they play. It may seem obvious, but a band that comprises five members will usually be more than a solo musician or a DJ.
If it’s important to you that there’s music at your wedding but your budget is on the smaller side, check out our blog post on saving money on wedding entertainment.
How much do wedding bands, singers and DJs cost?
The average spend may be £900, but the price you pay for music at your wedding may be vastly different depending on what you’re after.
Solo musician
A solo musician will be accompanied by pre-recorded backing music or may play an instrument such as a piano or guitar. Some great solo musicians for a wedding include Kate Ferguson and Jon Hart. Costs start from £350.
A duo is a pair of musicians, with one or both often playing an instrument. Great duos include Mango Acoustic Duo and The Boardwalk Duo. Costs start from £500.
Welcome your guests and walk down the aisle to beautiful music by a string quartet. Many quartets even offer classical versions of well-known pop songs! Consider quartets like 4tissimo String Quartetand Crystal Palace String Quartet. Costs start from £500.
A safe option for almost every wedding, a DJ will play the tunes to suit your taste and even take questionable requests from your guests. Some of the DJs you can discover on Bridebook include Iggy Davis, Disco Nytsand The Wedding Players. Costs start from £360.
A choir brings harmony and class to your wedding and is a wonderful way to begin your celebrations. Fabulous choirs include Crystal Gospel Choir and Lyrica Singers. Costs start from £300.
If you’re looking to celebrate your Celtic heritage, the bagpipes are a fantastic way to include some traditional Scottish charm into your wedding. Talented bagpipers include Andrew Brian Highland Bagpiper and Spud the Piper. Costs start from £150.
Delicate and elegant, a harpist is a great way to welcome your guests and a beautiful choice of music to walk down the aisle to. Great harpists include Nottinghamshire Harpist and Meredith McCracken. Costs start from £225.
For a touch of wedding tradition, an organist (or pianist) provides just that. Organ players we love include Musical Sam Servicesand Grant Jones. Costs start from £120.
If you’re on a tight budget, then a live musician isn’t a must-have for your wedding – your guests will still have an incredible time celebrating your big day by throwing some shapes thanks to a DJ. But, if you do have a larger budget to dedicate to musical entertainment, then it will add a unique and personalised touch.
A talented live musician or band not only provides background music to your wedding but also works as a feature and talking point. There’s so much variation out there, whether you’re a fan of rock music, pop, classical, jazz or more. Check out our selection of wedding musicians and find the perfect musical entertainment for your big day.
How much does wedding ceremony music cost?
It’s unlikely you’ll want a band or singer at your wedding ceremony (but if you do, go for it!) but live music can add a lovely, personal touch. A string quartet, a harpist or even a bagpiper ensures a welcoming atmosphere and ambiance that pre-recorded music can’t match.
Because your wedding ceremony is one of the shortest parts of your big day, the cost of a live musician at the ceremony can be far more affordable than a musician you may hire for the entire day or evening reception. If you’re looking for a musician to perform during the ceremony alone, the costs will be around £120 – £350. The more specialist the musician is, such as a harpist, the more expensive they’ll be.
What factors affect the cost of wedding music?
Several factors can affect how much you’ll pay for wedding music, including:
Location: If you’re in London you’ll likely pay more than if you’re hiring a musician outside the capital. You may also have to pay an additional fee if you’re outside their usual catchment area.
Date: Expect to pay more for a musician during peak times, such as during the summer months and at weekends.
Type of music: The type of music played can affect how much you’ll pay. For example, a band will usually be pricier than a DJ.
The number of musicians: It may seem obvious, but you’ll pay more for a band than a solo singer.
Experience: An experienced performer will cost more than an up-and-comer, but is more likely to entertain your guests for longer.
Time: The longer you want the musician at your wedding the more they’re going to charge.
Extras: A lighting package, smoke, bubble or confetti machine, plus mics for the speeches, may be available for an additional cost.
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Sign up to Bridebook and start planning your wedding today! We have a wide range of musicians available to book for your wedding to suit all tastes and budgets.
And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding music, we’ve got all the hacks you need to help you hit the right notes.
Since 2021, the laws surrounding outdoor weddings in the UK have been relaxed to allow couples a greater amount of choice when it comes to getting married. Now, if you’re looking to get married outside, or in a marquee surrounded by glorious countryside, you’re absolutely free to do so.
However, there are costs and considerations you need to be aware of when it comes to hiring a marquee for your wedding. In this post, we’ll take a look at the average cost of a wedding marquee, what factors can push that cost up, and why a marquee might not necessarily suit every venue.
As explored in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, couples spend an average of £4,200 on a wedding marquee. However, the bare bones of a marquee aren’t likely to provide you with a dream location for you to host your wedding ceremony, breakfast or evening reception. So, you’ll also have to budget for wedding decorations to ensure it’s personalised to your tastes and every bit as beautiful as you’d hope for your big day.
On top of the cost to hire the marquee, there are other costs to bear in mind:
Site rental: This could be free if you own the land, or £1,000+ if not
Due to the differences in style and size – which can affect storage, set up, take down and transportation – not all marquees cost the same to hire. There are several types of marquee that are often used at weddings, with each type suitable for a slightly different purpose. Just some of the marquee types include:
Pole marquees: Wooden poles support a canvas roof. They provide an elegant look for a more traditional wedding.
Clearspan marquees: Modern and high-tech with a metal frame which allows for more flexibility. However, they’re also more expensive.
Stretch tents: A popular choice with material – as the name suggests – stretched over internal poles.
Tipis: Tipis are full of character, but creative use is important as interior space can be limited.
Yurts: Yurts are constructed using circular wooden frames and can be visually striking, especially from the inside.
For something a little different, you could even hire a circus tent to really make sure your wedding is remembered for a long time to come. In fact, Bigtopmania allows just that, with prices starting at £100 if you have a smaller budget. If you’re looking for something a little more modern but still just as unique, BAYA Hire provides incredible dome tents, with prices starting from around £4,600.
What is the most commonly used marquee at a wedding?
Despite there being so many choices available, the traditional marquee remains a firm favourite thanks to its versatility, large capacity and highly customisable interior space.
What factors can affect the cost of hiring a wedding marquee?
On top of the type of marquee you decide to go for, there are many other factors that mean the price you pay may begin to creep up (and up and up if you’re after a lot).
Some of the factors that can affect the cost include:
The size: The bigger the marquee the more you’re likely to pay.
Location: Is the venue in a remote location? Does the space mean set up and take down will be difficult?
Duration: If you need the marquee for multiple days then the cost will be higher than if you only need it for one.
Date: If your wedding is taking place at peak times such as during the summer or at weekends the rates may be higher than off-peak times.
Is it cheaper to use a marquee over a traditional reception venue?
The average cost of a wedding venue is over double the cost of a marquee. Initially, it may seem like a no-brainer that a marquee is a more budget-friendly option than a traditional venue. Here are a few ways a marquee may be a cheaper option:
A greater level of flexibility when it comes to location, size and layout
There are far lower rental costs
Venues often have certain restrictions which marquees don’t
Vendors can provide off-peak discounts
On paper, a marquee is a great option for couples with a smaller budget. But, before you start hammering tent pegs into the nearest field, there are additional costs to be aware of.
When speaking to your chosen vendor, make sure you know exactly what you’re getting for the price you’re quoted. If you’re after a marquee and it just fits within your budget, then check it includes everything you’re hoping for – otherwise, you could be in for an unwelcome surprise.
For example, not all marquees will be big enough for you, your guests AND catering, so will a second smaller marquee be required for the caterers? Similarly, what about a bar and a dance floor? Or lighting and heating? You may also need to hire a generator to make sure there’s power and toilets because…*ahem*. All of these additions will considerably bump up the cost, so if they’re needed make sure they’re factored into your budget before you hire your marquee.
Choosing your wedding venue is just one part of planning your wedding. Even once you’ve found the perfect venue, chances are it still might not match your and your partner’s personalities 100%. That’s where wedding decor comes in, and helps you to personalise your wedding so it reflects your life, interests and values.
Your wedding day is about celebrating your love, so why not add a few extra touches that help the day be all about you?
In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much wedding decor costs, what factors can affect the cost of wedding decor, and whether you should consider hiring a professional decorator for your wedding.
Wedding decorations are the additions you make to your chosen venue to help create a beautiful, romantic and – most importantly – personalised setting. Your decor can be as bold or as subtle as you want and can help to create an overall theme for your wedding that goes beyond a simple colour scheme.
For example, you could have something traditional like a rustic or vintage theme, or even something out there like a superhero or steampunk theme – whatever you choose is up to you. Spell out your new shared surname in giant lights with Letterhire.com, or introduce a ‘Pintrest-esque’, rustic feel with The Rustic Wedding Company. Your decor will ensure that your theme resonates throughout your entire wedding, from signage through to the table decorations.
When it comes to wedding decor, you can be as creative as you like. Examples of what to include are:
Candles
Table centrepieces
Fairy lights
Table runners
Chalkboards
Photo collages
Balloons
Chair covers
Unique signage
You can even incorporate your theme into the ceremony, with plenty of opportunities to add that personal touch, such as altar decor, a ring pillow, or an aisle runner. Just remember, you’ll only spend a small portion of your wedding at the ceremony, so don’t blow your entire decor budget on something your guests won’t get to appreciate for very long.
As our ultimate wedding budget breakdownwill show, we found that couples tend to spend around £1,500 on average on professionally sourced wedding decor (as opposed to DIY wedding decor). However, this doesn’t include the cost of flowers, which have a separate budget, so this is something to bear in mind when planning what to spend on decorations.
Wedding decor is something many couples choose to arrange for themselves, but if you’re looking for custom items then you may want to consider hiring a professional to take care of it for you. Similarly, you may have a vision for your wedding that you could struggle to make a reality by yourself – wedding decorators have the skills and experience to bring your ideas to life in ways that you might not.
It should also be said that some decor can take a lot of time and energy to put together. When planning your wedding you’ll have a lot of plates to spin, and custom decorations can be one of the most time-consuming. Yes, hand-making your own bunting may save you money, but it might unnecessary stress to what can already be a stressful process.
That being said, if you’re on a tight budget then organising your decor yourself is one of the first cuts you can make. For more tips check out our guide to saving money on wedding decorations.
What factors can affect the cost of wedding decor?
Whether you choose to hire wedding decorations, hire a decorator, or do it yourself, there are various factors to be aware of that can push that cost up or down.
The venue: The larger the venue, the more expensive it’s likely to be to decorate to your own tastes. It’s also important to check with the venue whether they restrict certain items.
The location: Is the venue difficult to get to, or in a less populated area which means sourcing decorations from nearby may be challenging?
Date: If you’re hiring decorations, then expect to pay a little more during peak times such as during the summer months or at weekends.
The number of tables: If you have fewer tables then you’ll need fewer centrepieces.
Style and theme: The more grandiose your style and theme, the more expensive it will be to hire the relevant decor.
Customisation: Custom decorations are more expensive than those that are off-the-shelf. A DIY approach may save you a lot of money – check out our best DIY wedding ideas for some inspiration!
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And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding decor, we’ve got all the advice you need to decorate your venue without breaking the bank.
When it comes to planning your dream wedding, one of the most important decisions is choosing your theme. The possibilities are endless – from formal black tie and season-themed weddings to all-black weddings and media-based pop culture weddings. One other very popular and currently trending wedding theme is the boho wedding.
If you’re a free-spirited individual who would LOVE a natural and earthy outdoor wedding with rustic themes, lavish floral arrangements, flowing light linen drapery, woven decor elements, and DIY projects aplenty, then you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you’ll need to plan the boho wedding of your dreams.
Before we get to the planning stage, let’s clarify exactly what a boho, or bohemian, wedding is. The bohemian lifestyle means embracing your free spirit and becoming one with nature. The ‘boho chic’ trend began gaining popularity around the 2000s while being heavily inspired by the ’60s and 70s Hippie era.
Now, you don’t have to follow the hippie culture A-to-Z or have a complete boho wedding; instead, you can pick and choose what you like to have in a wedding that follows your vision. The best part about this is that you won’t go wrong with anything you choose. With a boho wedding, blending your natural surroundings with touches that reflect your personality is all you need for perfection.
If you’re a couple that prefers structure and a clear-cut plan, then incorporating macrame and boho-inspired stationery, such as handwritten calligraphy, botanical prints, and watercolour designs would look amazing. But if you’re a more free-spirited couple, an eclectic mix of colours and textures should be the way to go.
There’s a lot to consider when planning a wedding. A boho wedding is no different: you can opt for a romantic, vintage, or natural boho wedding with different elements thrown in. To help you out, we’ve created a guide that will help you with shortlisting and finalising your options:
Your venue is one of the key elements that will show your passion for the bohemian lifestyle. Boho wedding venues are laid-back, natural, and generally in an outdoor setting, with possible rustic or vintage touches. The best thing about these is that they cost less than traditional weddings, so you can get the real fairytale wedding without breaking the bank.
You can get married in:
A famous local park
Natural reserve
Beach
Farmhouse
Ranch
Orchard
Barn
Cottage
Even in a well-decorated backyard or garden
Some of the lush and green places in the UK that would make a perfect setting for a boho or outdoor wedding are:
Cornwall: With its golden beaches, rugged coastline, and beautiful gardens.
The Cotswolds: Known for their scenic villages, rolling hills, and gorgeous countryside.
The Scottish Highlands: With their wild and beautiful landscapes, dramatic mountains, and ethereal forests, you can’t get a more boho wedding venue than this.
Top tip: don’t forget to consider the local climate and weather when choosing a location.
When choosing the decor for your picturesque boho wedding, choose decor that works with your venue. If you have an outdoor wedding in a garden, park, forest, or beach, focus on natural, earthy elements that will make the venue pop. You can never go wrong with Pampas grass and driftwood accents.
For the floral arrangements, you don’t have to follow structure or have manicured bouquets with matching flowers. Mismatched wildflowers with succulents and big boughs of greenery are popular options in the boho wedding scene. You can even match your bouquet and flower crown, if you choose to wear one, with the floral arrangements.
You can save on budget for the rest of the decor by making it a DIY project or thrifting. Here are a few other decor items to consider:
The arch: you can go with a fun and spirited geometric arch or macramé fringes for a whimsical setting. If you want to take a more natural route, raw wood and florals can create an arch that will awe your guests.
Rugs: rugs can be used to line the aisle for a softer and easier walking path and also the dance floor for a coachella-esque approach.
Rustic decor: The options are numerous: feathers, candles, bottles and jars, and glassware.
Boho wedding dresses tend to be more casual, whimsical, and often not white. Some have off-the-shoulder designs with flowing sleeves; others are covered from top to bottom with lace. Since they’re more minimalistic than their traditional counterparts, you can get a boho wedding dress for a lot cheaper. If we’re selling you on the budget-friendly options, trust us, most boho weddings are that cost-effective.
For accessories, you could pair the dress with vintage jewellery, flower or lace headbands, and even cowboy boots and a hat for a fun twist.
Here’s a list of ideas for boho wedding dresses:
Flutter sleeves or lantern sleeves
Non-white wedding dress, such as cream, champagne, light pink, or any soft pastel colour
A goddess-style boho wedding dress with an inner corset, flowing sleeves, and mermaid skirt
Plus size boho wedding dress with sweetheart neckline and bishop or long puff sleeves
Here are some popular boho wedding accessories to consider:
Like with the decor and everything else – boho wedding invitations are best to keep casual, fun, and whimsical. For a spiritual touch, a metallic mandala embossed invitation would give off elegant yet mystic vibes. For a more laid-back option, deckled edge or kraft paper invitations would look amazing. Following an eclectic theme, your invitations can be mismatched with funky colours.
If you want to check out our range of boho wedding invitations, check out our stationery section.
As we all know, the vibe of any place is set by good, relevant music. For a boho wedding, you want to set the mood with music that follows your wedding theme and breathes life into the venue. Your guests could end up disappointed with a generic DJ or band who doesn’t understand how to enthral the crowd with music that fits.
For a classic boho wedding, you could skip the DJ and opt for instrumental pieces or even violin and piano music. Acoustic wedding singers could also make the evening magical with a personalised playlist: Michael Mulholland, Matthew Turner and Ed Peczek are some of Bridebook’s most in-demand acoustic wedding singers.
6. Wow your guest with a boho wedding cake and bohemian menu
Food brings everyone together, and what better way to make your wedding memorable than having a unique spread with foods from cultures around the world? You can contact a catering company and work with them to design a custom menu, or if you want to go down a simpler path, having a simple buffet with dishes from different parts of the world is a good option too.
You can get locally-sourced food from farms and ranches around you with rustic selections like a charcuterie board, fruit platters, local wine, vintage elements like a vintage food truck, or DIY food stations.
And for the heart of the wedding, the wedding cake, you can take inspiration from the ground and the sky above. There’s nothing dreamier than a celestial-inspired cake featuring geodes and gemstones. Alternatively, naked cakes adorned with flowers and lush greenery are also a signature bohemian wedding staple.
FAQs
Check out some commonly asking questions about planning a boho wedding ceremony, along with their answers.
How many people use boho weddings?
While there are no clear-cut stats on the percentage of people opting for a boho or outdoor wedding, boho weddings are one of the most popular wedding themes for 2023. With more and more people embracing the minimalistic, free-spirited approach, boho weddings will only be gaining popularity.
How can you make a boho wedding bouquet?
There’s no ‘one’ way to make a boho bridal bouquet. Instead, you can match the wedding bouquet with your dress, accessories, or venue. Pampas grass is an evergreen option; you can pair it with rust-coloured florals. Or, a bouquet of wildflowers tied together with lace is a great option too. If you need some inspiration, check out these boho floral arrangements on Pinterest.
What should grooms wear to a boho wedding?
The essence of a boho wedding is freedom; naturally, it also extends towards the groom. He can match his clothes with the bride’s or opt for something completely different such as no shoes or a cream shirt with suspenders – think Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic.
What is the colour of boho?
There is no single “colour of boho” – it’s a blend of different tones ranging from earthy to stunning jewel tones, encompassed in neutral and warm colours such as white, grey, brown, yellow, orange, blue, red, white, etc.
Now you have the perfect guide to planning the boho wedding of your dreams. For hassle-free and cost-effective A-to-Z wedding planning, get started on Bridebook today!
