Who Traditionally Makes Speeches at Weddings? Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities
Wedding speeches are a beloved part of the celebration, providing personal moments to honor love and relationships. Traditionally, the father of the bride, the groom, the best man, and the maid of honor are the main speakers. Each speech has its own special role, helping to set the tone and create lasting memories for everyone involved.
As you plan your wedding, knowing who typically speaks can guide you in choosing the right people to express heartfelt sentiments. From funny anecdotes to emotional stories, wedding speeches add a unique touch to the event. By understanding these roles, you can ensure that your wedding tradition is not only respected but also filled with personal flair.
Whether you’re preparing to give a speech or simply curious about the process, knowing who traditionally takes the stage can enhance your experience. Embrace the opportunity to celebrate love and laughter on this special day!
Traditional Wedding Speech Order

At weddings, speeches play an important role in celebrating love and unity. Knowing the traditional order of these speeches can help you understand the special moments dedicated to family and friends.
Welcome Toast
The welcome toast often sets the tone for the celebration. Usually, it is given by the hosts of the wedding, often the parents of the bride or groom. This toast aims to thank guests for coming and to acknowledge their presence.
In this speech, the host might share a brief story about the couple or express their happiness about the union. It’s a warm and inviting way to start the festivities.
The welcome toast often happens before the meal or soon after guests are seated. You might want to keep it light and cheerful, aiming for around two to three minutes. Guests appreciate a heartfelt message that makes them feel welcomed and valued.
Best Man Speech
The best man speech is a highlight for many guests. Traditionally, the best man, usually a close friend or relative of the groom, delivers this speech right after the couple is introduced.
This speech typically includes funny anecdotes about the groom, insights into their friendship, and heartfelt wishes for the couple’s future. It balances humor with sentiment, making it relatable and enjoyable for the audience.
A good best man speech lasts around three to five minutes. It’s important for the best man to practice beforehand to ensure a smooth delivery. Including a toast at the end will encourage everyone to raise their glasses in celebration of the newlyweds.
Key Speakers at Weddings

Weddings are special events filled with joy, love, and heartfelt speeches. Knowing who traditionally speaks can help you prepare for these moments and make them meaningful.
Maid of Honor Speech
The maid of honor typically gives one of the most anticipated speeches at the wedding. This speech is a chance for her to share personal stories about the bride.
She can express her love and support for the couple. It’s common for the maid of honor to keep the tone light-hearted while also touching on emotional moments. Aim for a speech that lasts about 3-5 minutes.
Include funny anecdotes but balance them with sincere wishes for the couple’s future. A great way to conclude is by raising a toast to the bride and groom, wishing them happiness.
Additional Family Speeches
Other family members also have the chance to share their thoughts. Common speakers include the bride’s parents and the groom’s parents.
The father of the bride often gives a speech first, welcoming guests and sharing memorable stories. The groom may also speak, expressing gratitude to guests and sharing his love for the bride.
The bride’s mother and siblings can contribute heartfelt speeches, offering personal insights into the couple. In modern weddings, it’s not unusual for both parents to speak, adding more voices to the celebration. Keep speeches respectful and focus on the couple’s journey together.
Rehearsal Dinner Speeches
Rehearsal dinners are perfect opportunities for lighter speeches. These speeches can include toasts from close friends and family.
It’s a more casual setting, allowing for fun stories and laughter. Speeches at this event are often shorter, usually around 2-3 minutes.
Friends of the bride and groom can share lighter, funny stories that show their friendship. These moments help set a warm, supportive tone for the wedding day ahead.
Tips for Delivering Great Wedding Speeches

Delivering a wedding speech can feel daunting, but with the right tips, you can shine. Here are some helpful ideas to guide you.
1. Keep it Short and Sweet
Aim for a speech that lasts about 3-5 minutes. This keeps the audience engaged without losing their attention.
2. Start with a Hook
Open with a funny story or an interesting fact. This grabs everyone’s attention right away.
3. Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse your speech several times. Practice in front of friends or family who can offer feedback.
4. Speak from the Heart
Share personal stories that connect you to the couple. Authenticity resonates and makes your speech memorable.
5. Use Humor Wisely
A light-hearted joke can break the ice. Make sure it is appropriate and does not offend anyone.
6. Raise a Toast
End with a toast to the couple. This invites everyone to join in celebrating their love.
7. Maintain Eye Contact
Looking at the audience helps you feel more connected. It also makes you appear more confident.
8. Stay Calm and Breathe
Taking deep breaths can help reduce nerves. Remember, everyone is rooting for you.
Integrating Speeches into the Reception Timeline
Planning your wedding reception timeline is key to a smooth event. Integrating speeches at the right times keeps things flowing and enjoyable for everyone.
Start with a welcome toast to greet your guests. A parent or close family member can do this. It sets a warm tone for the evening.
Next, schedule the father of the bride’s speech. This traditional speech is a heartfelt moment where he shares stories and expresses his love.
Following that, the best man usually takes the mic. His speech often includes funny anecdotes and well-wishes for the couple. Make sure he knows to keep it light and respectful!
It’s common for the maid of honor to speak next. She can share her friendship with the bride and celebrate their special bond.
If you want to include a blessing before the meal, now is a good time. This can be done by a close family member or someone special.
Finally, consider having the couple speak. Sharing your gratitude can make a personal touch to the evening.
Make sure to keep speeches short. Aim for 3–5 minutes each to maintain everyone’s interest. This plan helps keep your wedding reception lively and memorable!