At the reception it is traditional for the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man to give a small wedding speech before the cake is sliced and dessert is served.  These speeches are usually given in good humor and intended to get both sides of the newly formed family laughing and talking together.

If the wedding is being hosted by a master of ceremonies, he or she should be informed exactly who would like to speak and in which order they would like to be introduced.  If there is no master of ceremonies, the people giving speeches will have to introduce each other in the order of which they are speaking.

Father of the Bride

The father of the bride will traditionally give the first wedding speech.  This is because the bride’s family will have traditionally paid for the wedding and also because the father of the bride is often given the chance to welcome the groom and his family into his family.

The flow of a wedding speech given by the father of the bride can begin by thanking everyone for attending the wedding and welcoming the groom and his family into the family.  He can then say how beautiful the bride looks and may follow with a brief story of a favorite memory of him and his daughter.  He could then follow with some humorous and/or serious advice for the new couple.  Before making a toast to the bride and grooms future happiness, it is considered appropriate to thank the staff who helped the wedding flow smoothly.

The Groom’s Wedding Speech

The groom should begin his wedding speech by thanking all of the attendants for sharing in his special day.  Then he could welcome everyone into the family. Next most grooms will want to compliment the bride’s parents for raising the woman he loves so much. 

The groom should then thank the staff for taking care of all the aspects of the wedding so all the guests could enjoy them selves and thank the brides maids for giving the bride their friendship and support throughout the wedding planning process.  Finally he should thank his best man for his friendship and support and finish up by introducing the best man to speak.

The Best Man’s Wedding Speech

The best man’s wedding speech is often the most fun as he has a chance to poke fun at his friend in front of dozens or hundreds of people.  He should begin his wedding speech by thanking the groom for asking him to be his best man.

Next the best man can tell a brief, tasteful (parents and grand parents are likely to be there) and funny story about the groom.  The best funny story would also include the bride.  This should be followed with a toast and well wishes to the newly wedded couple.