Who traditionally says what

Here's a rundown of the traditional order of the toasts, and who says what about whom

There are no hard and fast rules today, of course, but the order of toasts/speeches traditionally run as follows:

• father of the Bride
• groom
• best Man

The father of the bride

As the bridal couple are central to the day, whoever makes the first speech or toast ends by toasting the bride and groom. Traditionally this is the father of the bride.

The groom

The groom traditionally toasts the bridesmaids/maid of honour. He may also choose to toast his wife, who will then reply and toast the bridesmaids. He may also toast the hosts, his in-laws, especially if there are no bridesmaids.

The best man

The best man traditionally ends his speech with a final toast to the happy couple. He may also toast the bride's parents during his speech or 'absent friends' as he reads telegrams/messages from afar.

Other toasters

Increasingly the bride and sometimes also the bridesmaid will want to say few words to mark the day. Generally, these toasts will come between the groom and best man.