Who says what

Here’s a brief outline of who traditionally says what in wedding speeches

Father of the bride or friend of the family

• Thanks the guests for coming and participating in the special day
• Thanks everyone who has contributed to the cost of the wedding
• Compliments and praises the bride, and welcomes her new husband into the family
• Toasts the bride and groom

Bridegroom

• Thanks the father of the bride for his toast
• Thanks the guests for attending and for their gifts
• Thanks both sets of parents
• Compliments his bride
• Thanks his best man
• Thanks and toasts the bridesmaid

Best Man

• Thanks the groom for his toasts to the bridesmaids.
• Comments on the bridal couple, particularly the groom
• Reads any messages from absent friends and relatives
• Toasts the bride and groom

Bride

• Thanks the guests for coming
• Thanks her parents and bridesmaids
• Compliments the groom
• Proposes the toast

Chief Bridesmaid

• Thanks the bride
• Compliments the ushers
• Proposes a toast