Wedding Speech Procedures

The first person to speak should be the father of the bride. He is responsible for toasting the Bride and Bridegroom.

The second speaker should be the Groom. He should thank the bride's father for the toast and it he is responsible for tributes to the bridesmaids and everyone involved in the arranging of the wedding.

The third speaker should be the bride - this is not rigid but it is a good slot to follow the bridegroom and speak before the best man who is the final speaker and will round off the speeches on a lighter note. She can add any other tributes, possibly mentioning her mother and anyone involved in the reception / buffet, etc.

The fourth and final speaker is the best man. He should pay tribute to the bridesmaids and any other attendants - pageboys, etc.

The Wedding Speeches should take place when the wine or champagne has been served and before the meal or buffet.

Although anyone can make a speech, it is wise to limit the number of speakers, otherwise the guests will get bored, particularly if any of the wedding speeches are lengthy. Restricting speakers to the Father of the Bride, The Bridegroom, The Bride and The Best Man would be good advice in this respect.

It's a good idea for the main speakers to arrange a meeting to share notes inorder to avoid the same topics being repeated.