MW-Logo_#white
Menu
  • Find A Supplier
  • Blog
  • Galleries
  • Categories
  • Wedding Dresses
  • Real Weddings
  • Wedding DIY
  • Honeymoons
  • Magazines
  • Wedding Planning Tools
  • Advertising With Us
  • Login

Tips and Articles by category

Dresses
Cakes
Flowers
Honeymoon Ideas
DIY
Photography
Venues
Wedding Themes
Invitations
Wedding Ideas
Music
Videos
Wedding Hair and Makeup Ideas
Cars
Destination Weddings
Speeches
Gift Registries
Wedding Favours
Grooms

FIND A LOCAL WEDDING SUPPLIER

Reception Venues
Dress Retailers
Dress Designers
Cakes
Photography
Bridesmaids
Flowers
Video
Hair
Theming and Styling
Entertainment and Music
Makeup
Ceremony
Celebrants
Rings
Cars, Transport
Invitations
Bridal Accessories
Destination Weddings
Gifts and Gift Registries
Shoes
Accommodation
Honeymoons
Beauty Services
Hire
Hens & Bucks Parties
Flowers Girls/Page Boys
Caterers
Bomboniere
Alternative Bouquets
Planner
Photo Booths
Formal Wear
Speciality Services
Finance
Groom and Groomsmen
Grooms and Groomsmen

Traditional Order of Speeches

Modern Wedding Posted: February 13, 2013

The exact timing of wedding speeches can vary depending on custom and religion, but the normal time for the speeches is towards the end of the meal. This often means after the dessert has been served but before the bridal waltz. The cutting of the wedding cake can occur either before or after the speeches, although it is more common to occur afterwards.

There is a traditional order for speeches at a wedding - but it is important to remember that it is your wedding so the format is really up to you. It is useful to consider the traditional format so that you can decide which elements you wish to include and which you would like to vary.

The short version of the traditional order of speeches

  1. The toast to the bride and groom - given by the bride's father or a close family friend.
  2. The bridegroom's reply on behalf of his wife and himself. He then proposes a toast to the bridesmaids.
  3. The best man's speech on behalf of the bridesmaids. He then reads any emails or messages.

The longer version of the traditional order of speeches

  1. Welcome by the Master of Ceremonies.
  2. Introduction of the person proposing a toast to the bride and groom.
  3. Response from the groom and a toast to the bridesmaids.
  4. Response by the best man.
  5. Toast to the parents of the bride.
  6. Response by the father of the bride.
  7. Toast to the parents of the groom.
  8. Response by the father of the groom.
  9. Reading of important messages.
  10. Any other comments by those who wish to be acknowledged.
  11. M.C. thanks the musicians, caterers and any others.

Breaking tradition

You don't have to stick to this format. If anyone is very shy, why spoil the happy day by torturing them? There is no reason whatsoever why the girls can't have their say! If the bride wishes to speak, she may want to do so after the groom. She can toast the groomsmen as well as the bridesmaids and then the chief bridesmaid, or the Best Man could respond. A lot depends on who is good at making speeches. As long as the people who count are thanked, and someone wishes the happy couple well, speeches are simply a tool for livening up the party atmosphere, and making sure the room is filled with joy and laughter.

Previous Blog
Next Blog

Find a wedding supplier

OR

Let’s be inbox official!

Wedding obsessed? So are we! Become a Modern Wedding Muse to have updates delivered straight to your inbox plus receive exclusive offers from our suppliers!
  • like us on facebook
  • follow us on instagram
  • follow us on pinterest
  • MagSlider-SH4
  • MagSlider-Cakes20
  • planner-12
  • MagSlider-DIGIM74update
  • luxury-9
  • MW-78
  • DIY7
  • flowers-17
  • h&B12
Colour Wheel

Your next read!

Maid of Honour Speech Bridesmaids

Ultimate Guide: How To Write A Maid Of Honour Speech

Tips For Writing The Perfect Wedding Speech

How To Nail Your Maid Of Honour Speech

Popular Galleries

  • Real Weddings
  • Dresses
  • Cakes
  • Flowers
  • Theming & Styling

From Our Blog

  • Real Weddings
  • Wedding Fashion
  • Wedding Themes
  • Wedding DIY
  • Wedding Hair & Beauty

Wedding Tools

  • Seating Plan
  • Guest List
  • Check List
  • Budget

ModernWedding.com.au

  • Wedding Tools Login
  • About
  • Advertising Information
  • Contact
  • Sitemap
Modern Wedding

Copyright © 2021 Modern Wedding PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved. Website by The DMA.

  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Our other brands: Luxury Wedding Blog / Sydney Wedding Blog