Even if writing is your forte, the thought of writing a wedding speech can leave a few people clueless or in a panic. Saying the right words and within just the right amount of time, can seem daunting sometimes. However, with a little guidance and wedding speech ideas, it is possible for anyone to pen the right speech for a celebratory occasion.
Wedding speeches are important, especially if you are a vital participant at a wedding. Whether you are father of the bride or groom, best man, or even bride or groom, you best have your speech ready before the big day. To help get you on the right track, we have below tips and samples of wedding speeches on Wedding Forward blog, which will be useful whether you thinking of how to write a maid of honor speech, groomsman speech or other.
Who Gives Speeches?
Traditionally, the Father of the Bride gives a speech, as well as the best man, the maid of honor, and then the groom gives a speech last on behalf of the couple. However, these rules are not written in stone, and every wedding is different.
There are weddings where siblings give speeches, the bride as well and the Mother of the Bride. So, in the end, who gives speeches is determined by the couple, who are the organisers of the wedding. A most non-traditional option is to have a kind of open-mic where anyone, as long as they are under a certain number, can give a speech. Hopefully, not more than five people.
When to Give Speeches
Most wedding speeches are given after dinner at the wedding reception. However, depending on how many people would be giving speeches, it could start during dinner, in-between courses and continue till after dinner. Sometimes father of the bride speeches or toasts are given at the rehearsal dinner as well.
Speech Outline
This outline can be used by anyone giving a wedding welcome speech, so it can serve as a best man speech outline, maid of honor, or just a basic guide on how to write a wedding speech. Therefore, if you are looking for a wedding speeches template, consider following something like this.
- Introduce Yourself
First start by telling everyone your name and explain either your relationship to the couple, or how you met them. This will give context to your main speech, since not everyone might know who you are.
- Tell a Story
It is always a great idea to tell a story to engage your listeners. It should be a story relevant to the couple and the occasion. So, try to make it relatable and also appropriate. A story that is endearing and reveals the qualities you like about the bride and/or groom.
- Talk About the Couple
They are, after all the focus of your speech. So, you could say a few words about the day you met the second half, the person who completes your son, daughter or friend. You could add to this, reasons why you know they are well suited for each other and made the perfect choice.
- Express Your Wishes for Them
Here is where you could give some words of advice, especially if you are married. You can follow this up with wishing them the best on their new journey, a long and happy life together.
- End with a Toast
Crown it all with a toast. Ask everyone present to raise their glasses in a toast to the beautiful couple.
Sample Speech
Below is a sample Maid of Honor Speech, which can also help as a loose guideline for marriage speeches in general.
Maid of Honor Speech
When (bride’s name) asked me to be her maid of honor, I started wondering where the custom of having a bridesmaid originated from. My research led me to the interesting origins of many of our wedding customs, and everything is done to protect the bride from misfortune on her wedding day.
In the old days, sometimes marriage was by capture, and a maiden was guarded by her family to prevent seizure. The bridesmaids would often act as decoys by wearing dresses similar to the bride’s to confuse the kidnappers and to keep evil spirits away. Today, I have done my best to keep the evil spirits away, but at least the family wasn’t a problem!
Both of you have found your other half. Thank you (bride’s name) for being such a wonderful best friend. I’m glad you have found (groom’s name), and I know that he will always love you. Always love and respect each other. Remember that a bride and groom are indeed best friends, and good friendships are built not with time, but with trust! May you grow old together on one pillow, and may your life be filled with happiness and joy! My love for the both of you!
Whatever the occasion might be, lots of people wonder, how to speeches. Well, it need not be dreadful or daunting. Where wedding speeches are concerned, as long as they are within the provided timeline and follow the basic rules, you should be golden. Think of the couple and what they mean to you, and you should have enough material for your wedding or toast speeches.
