Staffordshire Wedding Services

 

Speeches

Order of speeches

Speeches are part of the tradition of weddings. Usually they are given by the Father of the Bride, the Groom and the Best Man but it is becoming more common for others to speak as appropriate.

Many consider that speaking to a gathering is a daunting task but remember, the eager listeners are there to be carried along with the atmosphere (and the drink!) so as to add to the enjoyment of the day as the pride, humour and love contained in the words unfold.

Mostly, principal guests are able to write perfectly good speeches. However, should you be approaching the occasion and find it difficult to put your feelings into words then help is always at hand.    Below are a few tips that may avoid turning a witty warm speech into a disaster.

Alternatively, we are here to help with our speech writing service. No matter if you are the Father, Groom, Best Man or even the Bride, just email us and we will contact you to take away the stress.

It would be helpful when emailing us if you could include the following details:

Your Name,
Date of Wedding
Your telephone number and code
Your e-mail address
Your part in the wedding

What is the order of the Speeches?:

1. Father of the bride;  

• Thanks the guests for attending
• Proposes a toast to the Grooms' parents
• Shares a few words on marriage/love etc
• Welcomes new son into the family
• Compliments his daughter and shares tales from the past
• Is the first to toast the Bride and Groom
  

2. Groom

• Thanks all parties who have assisted in making the day special
• Talks lovingly about his Bride
• Thanks parents
• Proposes a toast to the Bridesmaids and offers thanks to them for assisting the Bride
• Hands out thank you gifts

3. Bride

This is now becoming increasingly popular for non traditionalists

• The Bride usually performs her speech after the Groom
• The content will be pretty much the same as the Groom so a good prepared co-ordinated speech with the Groom is an option.

4.   Best Man

• Thanks the Groom on behalf of the Bridesmaids for his toast
• Shares some past experiences and amusing stories about the Groom
• Reads telegrams/cards from guests who have been unable to attend
• Toasts the Bride and Groom.

Here are a few Do's and Don'ts to consider:

Do :

• Consider who to include. This may seem obvious, but, it is important for those who would normally expect to be mentioned.
• Consider sensitivities. Make sure that your remarks do not upset certain of guests.
• Speak clearly. It is better to look at the people to whom you speak rather than read pages of text. Eye contact will help you time and emphasise certain points. If you just read then they will lose interest.
• Learn your speech and rehearse as often as you can.
• If you refer to certain guests as part of the speech, then find out where they are sitting so as to maintain the flow.

Don't :

• Do not make the speech too long. Any speech lasting longer than ten minutes will lose the attention of the listener.
• Avoid too many jokes. A few are fine but a string of jokes will just pass most people by.
• Avoid alcohol. You may think you are having a good time but the audience will not be amused.

 

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