Who speaks and when
If you’re following tradition, there is a set order in which the speakers are introduced
Usually, the toastmaster and master of the ceremonies will introduce the speeches at the end of the meal. The formal order of speakers is:
- father of the bride (or a close family friend)
- groom
- best man
But if the bride, chief bridesmaid or guests want to speak, that’s great too! Where they go is up to you. Often it’s before the best man and after the groom.
Traditionally, the speeches take place after the meal, but some couples decide to have them beforehand to allow the speakers to enjoy their meal free of nerves.
General Wedding Speech Guide
- About the bride
- Lines that are sentimental
- Who says what
- Great lines about the groom
- 20 top tips for making a great speech
- Coping with nerves
- End on a high!
- Tips, hints and checklists for a perfect wedding speech
- After you’ve written the speech
- Handling props and equipment
- Making a strong start
- Giving your speech a meaty middle
- Choosing the right material
- Researching your speech
- Getting your delivery right
- Speech games
- Great lines for your best man’s speech
- Wedding speech No-Nos
- Great lines about the bride
- Lines to get a laugh
- Lines to kick off with
- Ten tips for a top performance
- How to make people laugh with a wedding speech
- How to work jokes into your wedding speech
- Lines that work – and lines that don’t…
- Other speakers
- The bride’s speech: Where to start
- Sample material: For the stand-in speaker
- Stand-in speaker: Where to start
- Making a wedding toast
- Who traditionally says what






