Speeches; Who says what & when?

THE DEED IS DONE, the Bride can now relax and enjoy the attention! But for the Groom, well.........possibily the hardest part of the day is still to come! The Speeches!! Arrrrr, I hear you cry!!

At least he's not alone. The Bride's Father and Best Man will be feeling the same way too, unless of course they are used to public speaking! Nowadays, some Brides like to say a few words too; it's really up to you - it's your day!

The BRIDE'S FATHER has the honour of going first, welcoming the guests to the reception and his new son-in-law in the family. He will compliment his daughter (and tell a few tales about her growing up!) and thanks her mother for happy times spent together (This can be difficult in this age of broken marriages - care should be taken not to offend anyone, as tensions can be running high on such an emotional day) Finally, he will propose a toast to the Bride & Groom.

Now it's the GROOM's turn! He should reply to his Father-in-law's toast, thanking him and the Bride's mother for their daughter, welcoming him into the family and for any help that they have given, financially or otherwise. (It always goes down VERY well, if he mentions how beautiful his wife looks! Trust me, it works every time!) Then he thanks the guests for coming to celebrate the day, and for their gifts. After a few jokes, I'm sure, he will thank his Best Man and the bridesmaids for their help to the wedding couple, before finally proposing a toast to the bridesmaids.

Lastly, but not least, it's the turn of the BEST MAN. He should reply to the Groom's toast to the bridesmaids, before telling stories about the Groom! (Ensure previous girlfriend stories are NOT mentioned - you'd be surprised......!!) He should finish by wishing the couple well and reading some cards/messages/telegrams.

Tradionally, the speeches are AFTER the wedding breakfast. However, if the Groom (and other speakers) feel uncomfortable with this, think about having them BEFORE the meal. Rules are made to be broken, and if it means everyone enjoys their meal, then it's worth thinking about! After all, it's your day! Enjoy!!

© ; Nickie Westlake Photography 2011