who gives the speech first at a wedding

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The great thing about modern weddings is couples have the choice to lean to tradition or do things their own way. 

Whether making up your own rules or being a little more ‘by the book’, this guide outlines the speech order at a wedding side of things and gets you on your way to making a decision.

Speech Order at a Wedding

At most weddings, the speeches don’t kick off until the reception (either before or after dinner), and while it may not seem like the biggest deal, having an order as to who says what and when will ensure smooth sailing and good speech etiquette.

As it’s your wedding, you and your partner get the say in what’s what, and you can either embrace or shunt tradition. Many modern weddings include speeches from the bride, the mother of the bride, the mother/father of the groom, the maid of honour, and anyone else the couple would like to speak at their wedding.

Wedding Speech Order

Father of the bride speech.

We know families can be complex, and sometimes, the father of the bride may not be present at the wedding for a variety of reasons, in which case, someone else can stand in. 

Father of the Bride Speech: Dos & Don’ts

Groom speech.

Next up, the groom will traditionally say a few words. Ideally, the groom will take on a few thank-yous, as well as pay a nod to the father of the bride in regards to his speech. 

Groom Speech: Dos & Don’ts

Best man speech.

Ideally, the best man’s speech should be injected with humour, banter, and anecdotes about his BFF (the groom), and should have everyone giggling into their champagne.

Best Man Speech: Dos & Don’ts

Other toasts/speeches.

The above speeches are the traditional top 3, but it’s not uncommon for others to say a few words, or even just make a toast. This can be:

Alternative Wedding Speech Givers

Some of us say, “to heck with tradition” and want to do our weddings our way! For those wanting to wander a more contemporary wedding speech path, we’ve included a guide on how to smash those alternative speeches.

Bride Speech

Speech ideas for the bride, maid of honour speech, speech ideas for the maid of honour.

Photography by Wildling Weddings

LBGTQ+ Wedding Speeches

Wedding speeches: top tips.

The traditional speech order at weddings goes as follows:

The toast-giver is usually the allocated wedding host. In traditional times, this would be the father of the bride. However, nowadays, it can be any member of the bridal party, including the mother of the bride, maid of honour, best man, or even the registrar/celebrant. 

Pin Wedding Speech Guide

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• Who Gives Speeches at Weddings?

Here’s a breakdown of who typically gives speeches at weddings and when. Use our guide to help you figure out what works best for you and yours!

By Jennifer Prince

Last updated April 23, 2024

Weddings are emotional roller coasters. Besides the vows , few moments carry as much emotional weight as the speeches. As the clamor of reception chatter halts, the clinking of knives on glasses invites the honored toasts. It’s an opportunity for couples to give the floor to those they love and care about to welcome guests, tell stories, and possibly even have everyone shed a tear or two. But who gives speeches at weddings, anyway?

For those about to tie the knot, the question is not only about who speaks but also about how to manage that highly anticipated mic time. In the vast symphony of wedding logistics, speeches stand out as an unscripted time that can either be fun and intimate or total chaos, depending on who has the floor.

This comprehensive guide is tailored to couples looking to enhance their receptions and bring a bit of personality into their receptions. From parents and siblings to friends and officiants, here’s who speaks at a wedding reception.

Typical timeline and breakdown of wedding speeches

The question of who gives speeches at weddings is best answered by coupling the traditional order of wedding reception speeches with who should offer them. So, the order of speeches at the reception below gives great insight into the who and how of these times at the mic.

The welcome toast

Who gives the welcome speech at a wedding? This honor is usually reserved for the parents of the couple. The purpose of the welcome toast is to make the guests feel welcome. It also centers everyone’s minds on the reception and evokes emotions from sentimental memories.

Reflecting on the union, the parents conceptualize the toast as a welcoming bridge of life's chapters. Be it the father's wisdom, the mother's warmth, or both parents sharing the limelight, this speech introduces the evening, setting a tone that resonates through the night.

The blessing

A customary part of the wedding structure , the blessing can be religious or secular. Close family members, the officiant, or influential community figures often offer it. Additionally, the blessing is a solemn invocation of joy and future success over the union. It transcends the marriage into spiritual realms, humbling the gathering before nature, love, and divine grace.

The best man and maid of honor toasts

If you’ve been wondering who gives a speech at a wedding, don’t skip out on those standing by your side. After all, these speeches, often the most anticipated and, subsequently, the most terrifying, are the products of unabated friendship and cherished memories.

The best man and maid of honor carry the torch of humor, sentimentality, and a dash of mischievousness. They speak of golden-oldie escapades, enduring friendship, and the unyielding support that bonds the trio of friends in the silent contract of trust and secrets.

The newlyweds' toast

This heartfelt moment the newlyweds share encapsulates the essence of love, commitment, and partnership. While not as common in all cultures, this modern practice allows the duo to express gratitude. They can also recognize the start of their joined life and, perhaps, sneak in a few playful comments. Doing such a speech can give the audience a glimpse into the dynamics of their relationship. A toast for the bride and groom is common, but a toast from them makes the evening even more special.

Who gives a speech at the wedding rehearsal dinner?

The rehearsal dinner, a pre-wedding soirée, often includes its own set of speeches and toasts. Who gives the wedding toast at the rehearsal is often up for debate. Sometimes, it’s even up to the mother of the groom .

It’s common for the parents or significant guardians of the bride and groom to give speeches at the rehearsal dinner. These are appreciated as more casual expressions of love and support, free from the structured formality of the wedding day protocols.

The couple-to-be

In modern times, it's also not uncommon for the couple to say a few words of thanks and anticipation. This can be a touching moment for the couple to share their excitement and appreciation in a less formal setting. They can also give a bridal party toast to thank their attendants.

Who should I ask to give a speech at my wedding?

Selecting the right individuals to speak at your wedding is a decision of great honor. While wedding planning, it’s important to think about who gives the speeches at a wedding reception.

Even if you’ve already figured out how many speeches at a wedding you’ll have, choosing the right mix of presenters is key. Plus, there are a few things to consider when weighing your options.

Understand the culture.

Wedding traditions are often deeply rooted in cultural practices. Understanding the specific expectations of who gives the speeches at weddings can save you from a diplomatic misstep. In some cultures, the godparents might have a speaking role, while in others, the best man’s speech might be a highlight. Acknowledge and accommodate these cultural nuances when selecting your speakers.

Give weight to personal considerations.

Bridal couples must feel a profound connection with the individuals chosen to speak. Discussing the expectations and the content of the speeches can ensure that the personal tales shared are in good taste and align with the couple’s narrative.

Know who will be reliable.

A wedding speech is not the time for surprises. Ensure those who speak are familiar with public speaking. They should also have a friendly, reliable, and potentially sober disposition (at least until after the speeches!).

Think about the emotional ties.

The speakers should have a meaningful connection to the couple or family. It's not about status or impressive titles; it’s about shared history and a genuine desire to honor the occasion with a heartfelt address.

Consider the personality and style of the individual.

The most memorable speeches are those that resonate authentically with the personality of the speaker. Whether it’s a quiet grace or an exuberant spirit, the speeches should be a natural extension of the speaker's persona.

Ensure the person is willing to prepare a speech.

The adage, ‘fail to prepare, prepare to fail,’ holds true for wedding speeches. The selected speakers should be willing to invest time and effort into crafting their message.

Wedding toast hints for speechgivers

If the answer to “who gives speeches at weddings” is you, then here’s a short guide to pulling it off successfully. A worthy wedding toast combines humor, sentiment, and brevity into a cohesive, engaging message.

It’s a balancing act that not everyone can pull off, but with a bit of guidance, anyone can deliver a memorable toast. Who gives a wedding toast on your big day is important to them, you, and your guests.

Dos and don’ts of wedding speeches

• Do keep it short .
• Don't overshadow the other speakers.
• Do share personal stories.
• Don't dredge up old and potentially embarrassing tales.
• Do practice.
• Don't memorize word for word.

Structure of wedding speeches

A good speech usually follows the simple structure of an introduction, body, and conclusion. A toast, however, is less rigid in form. Keep it light and memorable, and always end with a direct “to the happy couple.”

FAQ about wedding speeches

Who gives speeches at weddings vs. rehearsal dinners.

Rehearsal dinner speeches tend to be given by close friends and family, often setting a more intimate and relaxed tone. In contrast, wedding speeches are a blend of formal and personal accolades, typically delivered by the bridal party, parents, and sometimes, the couple themselves.

Do people give speeches during the wedding ceremony?

Speeches during the actual wedding ceremony are less common but not unheard of. In religious services, clergy often deliver homilies that resemble speeches in their reflective and narrative style, sometimes allowing for personalized content.

Do the bride and groom give speeches?

As stated above, sometimes the newlyweds give some of the best speeches at weddings. However, if you want to add a creative twist, think about having a bride toast to the groom (or bride) or the groom to his partner. Giving a toast to the groom or bride from the newly crowned spouse can be a treasured moment.

Who will endorse your beginning?

Selecting who gives speeches at your wedding is an act of trust and tribute. Each speech, however, should not only resonate with the couple but also with the essence of the celebration.

Secure in the knowledge of who, when, and how these voices speak, you and your partner can rest assured that the echoes of the speeches will reverberate through the story of their marriage. If you’re wondering exactly how long your reception should be so that you can make time for speeches, check out Zola’s wedding reception timeline .

Even more answers

• When Wedding Planning Meets Social Media Stress: Finding Your Balance

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Order of Speeches at Weddings and Who Speaks

by Ryan Hart | Updated on May 12, 2024 | Post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Are you getting ready for your big day and wondering about the order of speeches at weddings? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

The traditional wedding speech order has been around for centuries, but it can still be confusing to know who speaks when. In this article, we’ll break down the order of speeches and give you tips on how to make your wedding speeches memorable.

The reception speeches are a chance for your loved ones to share their love and support for you and your partner. It’s a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.

Whether you’re giving a speech or listening to others, it’s important to make the most of this special moment. So, let’s dive into the traditional order of speeches and how you can make your wedding speeches unforgettable.

Wedding Speech Order

At a wedding, speeches are an important part of the celebration. They give the chance for loved ones to express their feelings and share memorable moments with the newlyweds. However, the order of speeches can be tricky, especially if you are not familiar with the traditional structure.

In this section, we will break down the order of speeches, so you can feel confident and prepared when it comes to your big day.

Traditional Order

Traditionally, the order of speeches at a wedding reception follows a specific structure:

• Father of the Bride

Maid of Honor

The first speech is given by the father of the bride, or parents of the bride. This speech usually welcomes guests and thanks them for coming. The father of the bride will also express his love and pride for his daughter, and welcome his new son-in-law into the family.

The maid of honor is then given the floor to share some sweet memories and offer her support to the newlyweds.

Finally, the best man takes the stage to give a speech that is usually filled with funny stories and anecdotes about the groom. He also usually offers a toast to the newlyweds .

Modern Variations

While the traditional order of speeches is still widely followed, there are some modern variations that couples may choose to incorporate. For example, the bride may choose to give a speech, or the groom’s parents may give a speech as well.

It is also common to hear speeches from siblings, bridesmaids, or other family members and friends.

Couples may also choose to switch up the order of speeches or have multiple people speak at the same time. It’s important to remember that the structure of speeches should reflect the couple’s preferences and personalities.

Order for Same-Sex Couples

For same-sex couples, the order of speeches can be adjusted to fit their needs. While there is no set order for speeches, it’s common for one partner’s parents to speak first, followed by the other partner’s parents.

After that, the couple themselves may choose to give a speech, followed by their friends or family members.

The key is to make sure that everyone who wants to speak has the opportunity to do so and that the speeches are filled with love and support for the newlyweds. It’s important to remember that every wedding is unique and that the order of speeches can be tailored to fit the couple’s preferences and needs.

Who Gives Speeches at a Wedding?

At a wedding, there are several folks who typically step up to the microphone to give speeches and share their heartfelt thoughts. Here’s a rundown of who you can expect to see giving speeches at a wedding:

Bride and Groom

The bride and groom have several options for when and how they can give their speeches at their wedding. Here are some potential options:

Rehearsal Dinner: The night before the wedding, during the rehearsal dinner , the bride and groom can give a speech to express their gratitude to everyone for being a part of their celebration. This is often a more intimate setting and allows for a more personal and heartfelt speech.

Before the Reception Dinner: Some couples choose to give their speeches just before the formal reception dinner begins. This can be a great way to kick off the evening and set the tone for the celebration. It also ensures that everyone is seated and attentive.

After Dinner with the Other Speeches: The bride and groom can opt to give their speeches as part of the lineup of speeches and toasts during the reception. They may follow the speeches by the Maid of Honor, Best Man, parents, or other close friends and family members. This is a common choice and allows the couple to share their thoughts and gratitude in the midst of the celebration.

During Cake Cutting: Some couples opt to give speeches right before or after the cake cutting ceremony. It adds a special moment to the festivities and often garners the attention of all the guests as they gather around to watch the cake cutting.

Ultimately, the timing and format of the bride and groom speeches depend on their preferences and the flow of their wedding day. They should choose the option that feels most comfortable and meaningful to them, as well as one that fits well with the overall schedule of events. The important thing is to express their love, gratitude, and excitement for their new journey together.

Mother or Father of the Bride

As the mother or father of the bride, you have a special role to play in the wedding reception. Traditionally, you are the first speaker to give a toast, and your speech is often one of the most sentimental and emotional speeches of the evening.

During your speech, you will typically welcome guests and thank them for coming to celebrate this special day with your family. You may also share some memories of your daughter growing up and express your love and pride for her on her wedding day.

It’s important to remember that your speech should be heartfelt and genuine, and not overly rehearsed or formal. Speak from the heart, and let your emotions show as you share your thoughts and feelings with your daughter and her new spouse.

Mother or Father of the Groom

The mother or father of the groom typically gives their speech at the rehearsal dinner, which is usually held the night before the wedding.

The rehearsal dinner is a more intimate gathering, where the wedding party and close family members come together to practice the ceremony and enjoy a meal. This is a great opportunity for the parents of the groom to express their love and support for their son and his future spouse.

The mother or father of the groom may share some stories about their son, offer some words of wisdom, and express their excitement for the upcoming wedding day. Overall, the speech is a way for the parents of the groom to show their love and support for the happy couple.

The best man usually gives his speech after the maid of honor and before any other speeches at a wedding. The best man’s speech is typically filled with funny stories and anecdotes about the groom, but it should also be heartfelt and express his support for the newlyweds.

Ultimately, the best man’s speech should be a reflection of his relationship with the groom and his wishes for the couple’s future together.

When preparing your best man speech, it’s important to strike a balance between humor and sincerity. You want to make the guests laugh, but you also want to express your genuine affection for the groom and your happiness for the couple.

Remember to keep it appropriate for all ages and avoid any inside jokes that only a select few will understand.

In the traditional order of wedding speeches, the maid of honor typically gives her speech after the father of the groom and before the best man. Her speech is all about the bride and her relationship with the groom.

During her speech, the maid of honor may share some funny stories or sweet memories about the couple, but her speech should also be heartfelt and show how much she supports the newlyweds.

She may also thank the bride’s family for welcoming the groom into their lives and express her gratitude for being a part of the wedding celebration.

Grandparents

Grandparents are an important part of any family, and they may be given the opportunity to give a speech at a wedding.

In many cases, grandparents will give their speech during the reception, after the main speeches have been given. Grandparents may offer some words of wisdom, share some stories about the couple, or express their love and support for the newlyweds.

While grandparents are not typically included in the traditional order of wedding speeches, they are still an important part of the celebration. If you would like to include your grandparents in your wedding speeches, be sure to talk to them ahead of time and give them an idea of what you would like them to say.

Well, it’s not set in stone, but there are a few common times when siblings might get up to say a few words at a wedding.

Maid of Honor or Best Man Speech: If your sibling is the Maid of Honor or Best Man, they usually get a chance to give a speech during the reception. They’ll share funny stories, heartfelt moments, and wish the newlyweds all the best. It’s a big honor!

As a Surprise: Sometimes, siblings plan a surprise speech. They might talk to the bride and groom beforehand and get a secret spot in the schedule. This can be a super touching moment because it’s unexpected.

During Open Mic Time: At some weddings, there’s an open mic time where guests can come up and share their well wishes. Siblings can use this opportunity to say a few words if they want.

At the Rehearsal Dinner: If there’s a rehearsal dinner before the wedding, siblings might give a speech there. It’s a more intimate setting, so it can be a great chance to express your love and support.

Toast with Everyone : Sometimes, there’s a big toast where everyone raises their glasses to the newlyweds. Siblings can definitely participate in this and say a few words if they’d like.

Remember, it’s not a must for siblings to give a speech at a wedding, but if you want to, just make sure to coordinate with the couple or the wedding planner so you know when and where to do it.

Best Friends

If you’re the Maid of Honor (for the bride) or the Best Man (for the groom), you’re almost guaranteed to give a speech. It’s like your time to shine! You’ll get to stand up in front of everyone, share funny stories, and say some super sweet stuff about your friend.

But even if you’re not in those roles, there are still opportunities. Sometimes, during the wedding reception, there’s an open mic period where friends and family can give speeches. That’s your chance to grab the microphone and say some heartfelt words about your bestie and the happy couple.

Oh, and don’t forget the rehearsal dinner! It’s usually the night before the wedding, and it’s a cozy, smaller gathering. You might be asked to speak there, kind of like a warm-up for the big day.

Other Speakers

Aside from the traditional speakers, you may choose to involve other speakers in your wedding speeches. These could be close friends or family members who have a special connection to you and your partner. Including other speakers can add a personal touch to your wedding and make it more memorable for everyone involved.

Before choosing additional speakers, consider the size of your wedding and the amount of time you have allotted for speeches. It’s important to keep in mind that the more speakers you have, the longer the speeches will be. You don’t want your guests to get bored or restless during the speeches.

If you do decide to include other speakers, make sure they are comfortable with public speaking and have enough time to prepare their speech. You can also provide them with some guidelines or suggestions to help them craft a meaningful and appropriate speech.

It’s also a good idea to let your other speakers know the order of speeches and when they will be speaking. This will help them prepare and ensure that the speeches flow smoothly. You can also consider having a designated MC or host to introduce the speakers and keep the speeches on track.

Remember to keep your audience in mind when choosing additional speakers. You want to make sure that the speeches are engaging and relevant to everyone in attendance. With a little planning and consideration, including other speakers can make your wedding speeches even more special and memorable.

Master of Ceremonies

The Master of Ceremonies (MC) is a crucial part of any wedding reception. Their primary role is to ensure the smooth flow of events throughout the day. They act as a host and guide, making announcements and introducing speakers as the day progresses.

The MC is responsible for keeping the guests informed about what is happening and when. They work closely with the wedding planner to ensure that the wedding timeline is followed, and all the activities are executed as planned. They are the ones who inform the guests when it’s time for speeches, games, and traditions.

During the wedding reception, the MC will introduce the newlyweds and announce the start of the meal. They will also announce when it’s time for speeches, and introduce the speakers in the correct order. They will ensure that the speeches are kept to the allotted time and that everyone who wants to speak gets a chance.

At the rehearsal dinner, the MC will go over the plan for the wedding day and ensure that everyone knows their role. They will also go over the order of speeches and ensure that everyone is comfortable with their position.

Overall, the MC is a crucial part of any wedding reception. They keep the day running smoothly and ensure that everyone is informed about what is happening. If you are planning a wedding, be sure to choose an experienced MC who can handle the responsibility and guide you through the day with ease.

Joint Speeches

If you and your partner want to give a joint speech at your wedding, it’s a great way to share your love story with your guests. Joint speeches are becoming more popular, and for good reason. They allow both the bride and groom to express their feelings and share their thoughts with their loved ones.

When giving a joint speech, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you both agree on what you want to say. You don’t want to surprise each other with your words on the big day. Take some time to plan your speech together and make sure you’re both comfortable with what you’ll be saying.

Second, decide who will say what. You can split the speech up evenly, or have one person start and the other finish. Whatever you decide, make sure it flows well and tells your love story in a way that’s meaningful to both of you.

Finally, practice your speech together. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident when it’s time to give the speech. You can even practice in front of friends or family members to get feedback and make any necessary changes.

Remember, your joint speech should be a reflection of your love for each other and your excitement for your future together as newlyweds. Keep it heartfelt, sincere, and true to yourselves.

Rehearsal Dinner Speeches

The rehearsal is a crucial part of the wedding planning process, as it allows everyone involved in the wedding to practice and prepare for the big day. This includes the wedding party, family members, and anyone else who will have a role in the ceremony or reception.

Typically, the rehearsal takes place the day before the wedding, and it is usually followed by a rehearsal dinner. During the rehearsal, you will go through the ceremony from start to finish, so that everyone knows

The rehearsal dinner is a chance for everyone to relax and enjoy each other’s company before the big day. It is usually held at a restaurant or other venue, and it is a more casual affair than the wedding reception. During the rehearsal dinner, you can give speeches, toast the happy couple, and share stories and memories with your loved ones.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations on your big day! The order of speeches at weddings is an important tradition that can make your wedding reception even more special. By following the traditional order of speeches, you can ensure that everyone who wants to speak gets a chance, and that your guests are entertained and moved by the speeches.

As you plan your wedding, be sure to consider your own preferences and those of your partner. You may want to deviate from the traditional order of speeches, or you may want to add your own unique touches to the speeches. Whatever you decide, make sure that your speeches are heartfelt, sincere, and memorable.

If you are looking for more wedding ideas and inspiration , be sure to check out the ultimate guide to writing wedding speeches and toasts . This guide provides tips and advice on how to write and deliver a great wedding speech, as well as sample speeches and toasts to help you get started.

Remember, the order of speeches at weddings is just one of many traditions that make weddings so special. Whether you choose to follow tradition or put your own unique spin on things, your wedding day is sure to be a day that you and your guests will remember for years to come .

Ryan Hart is a certified relationship coach and writer. His mission is to help make connections between people better, stronger, more meaningful, and longer lasting using technology.

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Who Gives Speeches at Weddings?

No matter which way you look at it, speeches at weddings are heroic. They deliver moments of pure elation, tears of joy and truly special memories for everyone involved. They are, without doubt, one of the most important parts of your wedding day, but who gives speeches at weddings? 

• Father of the bride

Maid of Honor

• Anyone you want

Over the course of this article we will look at who traditionally gives speeches and how that’s changed in modern times. We will also look into most commonly asked questions about speeches while providing you an order of which we recommend you follow for your wedding day.

With toasts being such a perfect opportunity for members of the party to share their thoughts on the couple and give advice and guidance for their future, it’s important to make sure that all the important people have a chance to vocalize their love and feelings. 

Let’s get started and look at who gives speeches at a wedding.

What is a wedding speech?

Before we look ahead to the people that actually give speeches, let’s define what we mean when we use the term wedding speech.

Well, a wedding speech, or a wedding toast is a brief address given by various members of the wedding party, typically shortly after the wedding breakfast. While there are technical differences between wedding toasts and wedding speeches, the terms are traditionally interchangeable and we aren’t going to change things here. Moreover, a wedding speech often contains a wedding toast anyway. Let’s not fret about pedantics.

Who gives speeches at weddings in what order?

Right, so let’s actually get down to it. Who gives wedding speeches?

As with everything wedding related, the answer is flexible. If your dad has a fear of public speaking, don’t force him into anything he doesn’t want to do. If you feel you need to waffle for 2 hours professing your love for everyone, go ahead, although I don’t think it will make it to the tips section of this article… In all seriousness, it’s your big day (yes, that old chestnut), you do as you please. 

While the exact rules on who gives wedding speeches may vary, we have broken our order down into two sections. Who traditionally gives wedding speeches and what brides and grooms are doing in the modern age of weddings.

Traditionally

In times gone by, there is a specific rule to follow when it comes to who must give a wedding speech. The 3 members of the wedding party that must give a speech are the father of the bride, the groom and the best man. Let’s take a look at each of them.

Father of the Bride

It’s tradition for the father of the bride to start the speeches. As one of the hosts of the event, he will usually start by welcoming the guests and thanking them for attending the wedding. He will then switch his attention to the bride, his daughter. He will share his love and admiration for her while discussing memories from times gone by and how much pride he shares in being her father. Finally, he will likely move onto the groom and couple as a whole. He may offer advice and words of wisdom to them in their future lives together. 

We absolutely love father of the bride speeches. Watching your dad get a little teary eyed just makes the heart flutter. Just make sure your photographer is ready to capture some truly emotional moments. You won’t be able to wait to get your wedding photos back !

Father of the bride speech

After the father of the bride speech, it’s an opportunity for the groom to reply and declare why he deserves his daughter’s hand in marriage. 

Generally speaking, the groom will once again start by thanking the guests for coming to the wedding. He will likely then thank members of his family, his best man and his ushers. Finally it’s time to move onto the all important bride. The love of his life!

Most grooms choose to share a story of how the couple met alongside a few anecdotes about what they have experienced in life together so far. He will then likely express his love and feelings for the bride before sharing how much he is looking forward to sharing his future life with her.

Groom’s speeches deliver every emotion possible. From funny jokes about his best man, caring thoughts about his parents, to finally, tear jerking stories and love declarations for his new bride. Truly an opportunity for epic moments!

After all the emotion of the father of the bride speech and toast from the groom, it’s time to lighten the mood. Enter the best man. 

From crude anecdotes, to gut-wrenching funny stories about the couple. Cover your ears if you are afraid of anything a little blue. 

Don’t worry, if you are boring, it’s not all jokes and laughter. Joking! He will likely share a few words of wisdom and wish the couple a happy life together. Finally he will raise a glass and toast to the new Mr & Mrs!

We’ve all seen those youtube video’s of “The Best Best Man Speech Ever”, well sit back, relax, your best man is about to knock it out of the park. No pressure.

In all seriousness, we love best man speeches, everyone laughing, smiling and enjoying the witty stories he has to tell. Honestly a picture perfect part of the wedding day. 

Best Man Speech

Modern Times

Times have changed and you no longer have to stick to the traditional. Why should the men have all the fun? Get yourself up there and shout from the rooftops. Not for you? No worries, let your maid of honor take the helm. 

We joke but in truth, anyone can give a wedding speech. Below is a list of what modern brides tend to go for.

In many ways, the maid of honor speech is very similar to the best man’s speech. It also usually becomes either before or after the best man has said his piece. 

As with the best man speech, it’s an opportunity for the maid of honor to tell a few funny stories about the bride and the couple. She can then propose a toast to the newly married and offer her congratulations.

The Maid of Honor speech is a fantastic addition to your speech giver list and the Story Amour team would highly recommend. 

Both Parents

There are two ways to look at this. If your Dad isn’t particularly keen on delivering a speech on his own, he can ask your mum to give a joint speech with him. Share the responsibility as it were. 

However, it may be that your Mum just wants to have her own say… Prepare yourself! The mother of the bride’s speech should take part immediately after the father of the bride, or, most commonly, at the end of the traditional speeches. If it is a joint speech, simply replace the father of the bride speech at the start of the order. 

Related Reading: When do parents stop paying for daughters’ weddings?

Bride & Groom

Nowadays it’s become a very common sight to see both the bride and groom giving a wedding speech together. In general life, responsibilities are becoming shared more and more, and why should your wedding speeches be any different?

As with a groom only speech, you can still welcome your guests and thank them for coming. You can also thank your parents directly. That being said, one thing we would definitely recommend is taking the time to thank each other personally. Some of the most amazing moments of your wedding day will appear during this specific speech, doing anything to jeopardize this moment may mean you miss out. Trust it, it will be worth it in the end.

Bride and Groom joint speech

Order of speeches at a wedding

Believe it or not, there is a specific order in which you should announce the speeches. This is because traditionally, the speeches are a response to the previous speech, or have a particular reason for being in that specific order. 

For example, the father of the bride is seen as the host of the event, therefore it’s up to him to welcome the guests. The groom’s speech usually comes after the father of the bride, an opportunity for the groom to respond and state why he is good enough to marry his daughter. Finally, the best man is there to lighten the mood. A little bit of laughter after a few emotional moments. 

Typical Speech Order

• 1. Father of the Bride speech
• 1a. Mother of the bride speech (if given)
• 2. Groom’s speech
• 2a. Brides speech (if given)
• 3. Best man’s speech
• 4. Maid of honor’s speech (if given)
• 5. All other speeches

FAQs about wedding speeches

Do parents give speeches.

Yes, traditionally the father of the bride always gives a wedding speech. In addition, it’s becoming commonplace for the mother of the bride to either join or give her own speech.

In our opinion, provided you’ve got time, the more speeches the merrier. Just keep them short and snappy and the guests should avoid boredom.

Who announces the speeches?

This tends to depend on your exact wedding. Traditionally, the father of the bride will announce each speech however it’s also very commonplace to hire an emcee for your event. An emcee will usually announce the speeches and each individual speech. Be sure to discuss with them before the event. Finally, the wedding venue itself will usually assign an on-the-day coordinator and, more often than not, they will have a role in announcing the speeches based on the schedule and timeline of the day. 

Worth A Read: Duties of a wedding coordinator

How to ask someone to give a speech at your wedding

Most people will know their responsibility when it comes to giving speeches, if not, have they been living under a rock? That being said, we alway recommend just checking with them to make sure they are aware they have to give a speech.

Below we have put together a list of tips on how to ask someone to give a speech.

• Ask in advance –  Make sure you ask in advance and give plenty of time for them to prepare their speech
• Provide an incentive – One nice touch, especially if asking outside of the traditional group of speech givers, is to send a bottle and card requesting their speech. Think something along the lines of “We hope you will give a toast at our wedding, here is a little bottle of something to get you through it.
• Give advice – If perhaps you are having quite a few speeches, or stuck to a strict schedule, offering advice on how long the speech should be, will help remove any possibility of long delays. 
• Prepare for rejection – Public speaking is a bit of a nerve wracking experience for even the most confident of people. With that in mind, you should always offer the person a get out clause. If they really don’t want to give a speech, they shouldnt be made to. 

Who gives speeches at a rehearsal dinner?

Should there be speeches at the rehearsal dinner? Who should give them? Well, much like the wedding day itself, the people giving speeches should be quite similar with a few additions. Although they should be much more watered down than the main wedding speech. 

The speech givers should welcome the guests, thank them coming, and state how much they are looking forward to the actual wedding day.

Below is a list of suggested rehearsal dinner speeches.

The Grooms Family

The rehearsal dinner is traditionally hosted by the groom’s family, rather than the bride’s family. As a result, any speeches given should include the father of the bride, or the groom’s family. 

While the speech itself should be shorter and more informal than the father of the bride speech, it’s still seen as an opportunity to welcome the guests, congratulate the couple and offer words of advice for their married life together. 

Keep this one simple as you don’t want to repeat what you will be saying during your main speech. 

See this as an opportunity to thank the attendees and the hosts of the event. Discuss how you are looking forward to the wedding day and married life together. Wish everyone good festivities. 

Father of the bride & The Best Man

Both the father of the bride and best man will undoubtedly give a speech at the wedding day itself. With that in mind, it’s important to ensure that any speeches given during the rehearsal dinner are considerably shorter and, truth be told, less emotional all round. A few jokes here and there is a good way to go. 

Finally, try to direct the speeches towards the hosts, the groom’s parents. Thank them for welcoming you into their family, stating their admiration for the man they have raised, and share how you are looking forward to future experiences together. 

Toasts All Round

One final note, in many cultures it’s tradition for anyone who pleases to stand up and give a toast. The floor is opened for any member of the wedding party to start forward to congratulate the couple on their impending marriage. However, it’s important to note that these are very specifically toasts. Glasses raised to the new couple. Not lengthy speeches. 

How many speeches can I have?

As many as you want! There is no limit to the number of speeches, and in terms of creating fun and happy moments on your wedding day, there is really no better way than people standing up, sharing funny stories and emotional feelings. Speeches really do rock!

But what about the average? Most couples will choose to have 3-4 wedding speeches, usually supplementing the traditional speakers with either a reading from the maid of honor or bride herself. 

Story Amour Tip: While it may seem like a good idea to ask lots of people to give a speech, you should only make that decision on your own personal preferences, and experience/knowledge of the more traditional speech givers. By that we mean, if you know the father of the bride, the groom and the best man are likely to give short speeches, but you want to dedicate a large part of the day to people sharing memories of your time together, then it’s a good idea to ask around and see who wants to give a speech. 

How long should the speeches last?

5-10 minutes per speaker. No more, no less. 

When it comes to wedding speeches, there really is a tried and tested formula to follow. Provided you don’t go too much over 10 minutes, and don’t share much than 5 minutes, you should enjoy a series of speeches that will go a long way to creating an epically enjoyable wedding vibe. Any longer than 10 minutes and your guests may start to get a little bored. Any shorter than 5 minutes and you will leave them wanting more. Don’t waffle but don’t rush. 

In general we recommend allowing for about 45 minutes to just over 1 hour for the speeches in their entirety. Obviously, the longer the speeches, the longer your wedding reception will be . 

Can my parents do a speech together?

100% yes. As we mentioned previously in the article , joint parent wedding speeches are actually quite common. Make sure they practice the speech together to ensure they aren’t tripping up over themselves during the live version!

Who should not give a speech?

Ooo, now this is where it gets juicy? Who is on the banned list? Who should we hide the microphone from? Let’s find out!

When it comes to banning certain family members/friends from giving speeches, there are no hard and fast rules you need to follow. In fact, only you can really make the decision based on your relationship with those people. 

If you know that certain members of the family react very badly to public speaking, and they would absolutely be uncomfortable giving a speech, then you should discuss this with them before the wedding day. There is no point in forcing someone into giving a speech that they don’t want to give. A wedding is there to be enjoyed by everyone. You may ask them to give a simple toast during the speeches, rather than reading from a specific script. This could be a great way to include them without pushing worry onto them before your big day. 

What about controversial wedding guests? Well, it goes without saying that if you have a member of the wedding party that traditionally gives a speech, or for some reason, wants to give a speech on your wedding day. You should discourage them from doing so in a quite strict manner. Don’t upset them, but be firm and let them know your feelings. The last thing you want is a wedding day drama, so get ahead of it. 

Finally it’s important to assess the situation on the day. If for some reason the best man really has had one too many, we would suggest you have a quiet word and ask them to sit it out. There is a difference between a little bit of Dutch courage, and a slurring best man! The last thing you want is a ruined wedding video. No one wants to watch that! 

The same can be said about anyone looking particularly “queezie” about standing up on the day. Have a word in private and let them know that you understand if they don’t want to give a speech. Don’t make a big deal out of it. A stress free wedding is an unforgettable wedding for all the right reasons. 

Hopefully that just about clears it up. No matter who gives a speech at the wedding, they are sure to live long in memory. 

Wedding speeches are a sensational part of the day, one you should go above and beyond to ensure you include as part of your wedding timeline. Filled with people speaking from the heart, perhaps in a way they never have before, you are sure to see a few tears on faces as you look out onto your wedding guests. But fear not, provided there are a few jokes included, any groans will be quickly squashed with cheers of laughter. 

No matter who you decide to give a speech to, whether following traditional speech giving orders or creating your very own, you will love every moment. Enjoy your wedding speeches!

Wedding Speeches: How to Write and Deliver a Memorable Toast

Wedding speeches are an important tradition that adds a personal touch to the wedding celebration. They allow loved ones to share their feelings and memories, express gratitude, and wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness. However, with the rising trend of online marriages due to the ongoing pandemic, wedding speeches have taken on a new form. Online marriages refer to weddings that take place virtually, with the couple and their guests participating from different locations through video conferencing platforms. 

In this post, we will discuss how to write and deliver a memorable toast, both for in-person and virtual weddings.

Who gives speeches at a wedding?

At a traditional wedding, certain people are expected to give speeches. These people include the father of the bride, the best man, and the maid of honor. 

Here is a breakdown of the traditional roles of speech givers at a wedding:

• Father of the Bride: This speech is typically the first one given, and it sets the tone for the rest of the speeches. The father of the bride welcomes the guests, thanks them for coming, and talks about his daughter and his relationship with her. He will usually end the speech by toasting the newlyweds.
• Groom: The groom will usually give a speech after the father of the bride. He thanks everyone for coming, talks about his bride and their relationship, and thanks her parents for their support. He will usually end the speech by toasting his bride.
• Best Man: The best man is responsible for giving the final speech of the night. He will typically start by thanking the groom for choosing him as his best man. He will then share stories about the groom, including some embarrassing ones, and end by toasting the newlyweds.
• Maid of Honor: The maid of honor will typically give a speech after the groom. She will thank the bride for choosing her as her maid of honor, share stories about the bride, and offer advice for a happy marriage. She will also usually end by toasting the newlyweds.

However, more modern variations have emerged over the years, and other people may give speeches at a wedding as well. These could include the mother of the bride, the bride herself, the groom's parents, or close friends of the couple. It's important to keep in mind the wishes of the couple and to ensure that all speeches are appropriate and in good taste.

Tips for Writing a great wedding speech

Here are some tips to help you write a great wedding speech:

• Prepare and Practice: Don't wait until the last minute to start writing your speech. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and practice. Write down your thoughts and ideas, and then organize them into a logical structure. Practice delivering your speech several times, either by yourself or in front of a trusted friend or family member.
• Structure Your Speech: A great wedding speech typically follows a basic structure. Start with an attention-grabbing opening that will capture the audience's attention. Then, move on to the body of your speech, where you will share your thoughts, stories, and advice. Finally, end with a memorable conclusion and a toast to the newlyweds.
• Keep it Positive: A wedding is a joyous occasion, so keep your speech positive and uplifting. Share stories that celebrate the love and happiness of the couple, and offer words of encouragement and support.
• Use Humor Wisely: Humor can be a great way to connect with the audience and lighten the mood, but be careful not to go overboard. Avoid jokes that are inappropriate or offensive, and keep in mind that what may be funny to you may not be funny to everyone.
• Share Personal Anecdotes: Personal anecdotes are a great way to personalize your speech and connect with the couple and the audience. Share stories that highlight the couple's strengths and unique qualities, and that demonstrate the love and support they have for each other.
• Avoid Sensitive Topics: Avoid topics that may be sensitive or controversial, such as politics, religion, or past relationships. Stick to positive and uplifting messages that celebrate the love and happiness of the couple.

Tips for delivering a great wedding speech

Here are some tips to help you deliver a memorable speech with confidence:

• Manage Your Nerves: It's normal to feel nervous before giving a speech, but there are techniques you can use to manage your nerves. Take some deep breaths, visualize a positive outcome, and remind yourself that the audience is there to support you.
• Project Your Voice: Make sure you speak clearly and project your voice so that everyone in the audience can hear you. Take your time, speak at a moderate pace, and avoid rushing through your speech.
• Maintain Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with the audience to help build a connection with them. Look around the room and make eye contact with different people, but avoid staring at one person for too long.
• Use Pauses: Using pauses can help you emphasize key points and give the audience time to digest what you're saying. Don't be afraid to take a moment to gather your thoughts and take a breath before continuing.
• Vary Your Tone: Varying your tone can help you keep the audience engaged and prevent your speech from sounding monotonous. Use inflection to emphasize key points, and adjust your tone to match the mood of the moment.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice your speech, the more confident you'll feel on the day of the wedding. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself or give your speech to a trusted friend or family member for feedback.

Examples of great wedding speeches

Here are some examples of great wedding speeches to inspire you:

• Father of the Bride Speech: This father of the bride speech is both touching and humorous. He speaks from the heart and uses personal anecdotes to illustrate his love for his daughter and his joy at seeing her marry the man she loves.
• Best Man Speech: This best man speech is funny, charming, and heartfelt. He tells stories about the groom that show both his good qualities and his quirks, and he ends with a touching message of support for the newlyweds.
• Maid of Honor Speech: This maid of honor speech is both heartfelt and inspiring. She talks about the bride's strengths and qualities and offers a message of love and support to the happy couple.
• Bride's Speech: This bride's speech is touching and emotional. She speaks about her love for her new husband and her gratitude for the support of her family and friends.

What makes these speeches effective is that they all have a clear structure, with an opening that captures the audience's attention, a body that tells personal stories or expresses heartfelt sentiments, and a conclusion that offers words of wisdom or congratulations to the happy couple.

For more inspiration, there are many online resources that offer examples of great wedding speeches, including Hitched , Wedding Forward , and LoveToKnow Weddings . 

Additionally, In the spirit of embracing new experiences, you may want to craft a heartfelt and personalized wedding speech by using Provenance , which has a number of modern online tools, including a Ceremony Builder, Vow Builder, and Toast Builder, as well as more in-depth services like professional speechwriting and public speaking services.

Wedding speeches are an important part of any wedding ceremony, as they provide an opportunity for loved ones to express their feelings and support for the happy couple. Whether you are the father of the bride, the maid of honor, or any other speech giver, there are certain tips and techniques you can use to write and deliver a great wedding speech that will be remembered for years to come.

Remember, a great wedding speech can have a profound impact on the newlyweds and their guests, and can create cherished memories that last a lifetime. So, if you have a wedding coming up, start preparing your speech early, and use the tips and resources we've discussed to create a memorable and meaningful tribute to the happy couple.

Common questions

What is the best time during the wedding for speeches?

Traditionally, speeches are given after the meal and before the cutting of the cake. This allows everyone to enjoy their food and drinks before the speeches begin and also ensures that the speeches do not run too late into the night. However, some couples may choose to have speeches earlier in the evening or during the reception, depending on their personal preference.

How long should a wedding speech be?

The length of a wedding speech can vary, but generally, it should be no longer than 5-7 minutes. This allows enough time to deliver a heartfelt message or share a few humorous anecdotes without losing the attention of the audience.

Is it okay to use humor in a wedding speech?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to use humor in a wedding speech, as long as it is appropriate and not at the expense of anyone present. However, it's important to balance humor with sincere sentiments, so that the speech doesn't become too light-hearted or frivolous.

What should I do if I forget my speech during delivery?

If you forget your speech during delivery, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. You can take a moment to gather your thoughts, look down at your notes (if you have them), or ask someone to prompt you with a question. If all else fails, you can simply speak from the heart and express your feelings in your own words.

How can I involve the audience in my speech?

One way to involve the audience in your speech is to ask them a question or invite them to participate in a brief activity. For example, you could ask them to raise their glasses for a toast or have them shout out a particular phrase or response at certain points in your speech.

How do I end a wedding speech?

A good way to end a wedding speech is to offer a message of congratulations or well wishes to the happy couple. You can also thank them for the opportunity to speak and express your gratitude to those who helped make the wedding day special. Finally, you can invite everyone to join you in raising a glass for a final toast to the newlyweds.

Online Marriage with Courtly

In recent years, online marriage has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional in-person weddings. Online marriage allows couples to legally tie the knot without the need for physical presence in a courthouse or a place of worship. One platform that has garnered a lot of attention for its online marriage services is Courtly. We offer customizable ceremonies, licensed officiants, and a virtual marriage license, making the entire process streamlined and efficient. 

Couples can choose from a range of ceremony options, including secular, religious, and interfaith ceremonies. Furthermore, we offer additional services such as wedding planning, premarital counseling, and online resources to help couples prepare for their big day.

One of the key benefits of online marriage with Courtly is convenience. Couples can get married from the comfort of their own home, without the need for travel or extensive planning. This can be particularly appealing for those who have busy schedules, are unable to travel, or simply prefer a more intimate ceremony. Additionally, the online marriage option may be more affordable than a traditional wedding, as it eliminates many of the expenses associated with a physical ceremony.

However, it is important to note that online marriage is not without its drawbacks. Some may argue that an online ceremony lacks the personal touch and emotional impact of a physical wedding. Some countries may not recognize online marriage as a legally valid option, which can be a barrier for couples looking to obtain legal recognition of their union. It is important to do thorough research and ensure that online marriage is a legally valid option in your location before making any decisions.

Let us handle the paperwork.

Getting married is complicated. Courtly simplifies the process and provides everything necessary to get married online, including providing a licensed officiant who can perform a remote ceremony.

Get married online.

Getting married is complicated. Courtly simplifies the process and provides everything necessary to get married online.

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How to Write—And Deliver—The Perfect Wedding Speech

If one of your nearest and dearest is tying the knot, it’s possible you may be asked to give a speech during the wedding festivities. And while having an opportunity to share your love and memories at a major milestone event is an honor, there’s no denying that it’s a big ask—especially if public speaking isn’t your forté. A wedding speech presents a unique challenge: There’s no set formula for how the speech should play out, but it often requires sentimentality, a touch of humor, and the good sense to know when to wrap it up.

Are you a member of the wedding party that wants to (or has been asked to) give a toast at an upcoming celebration? Read ahead to learn how to write and prepare for your big moment.

Who Gives a Wedding Speech?

First off, it’s important to make sure that the couple definitely wants you to give a toast at their celebrations. Traditionally, the maid of honor, best man, and parents of the couple will give a speech at the wedding. However, the couple should explicitly ask these guests well in advance to give a speech so they have plenty of time to prepare. They may also choose additional wedding party members to give toasts at the reception or pre-wedding parties; but if the couple has not asked you to give a speech, do not prepare one. Speeches are carefully placed into a wedding timeline so the day will stay on schedule, and an additional five minutes could cut into strategically timed moments of the celebration.

The to-be-weds also have the right to curate the day as they wish, and occasionally at a rehearsal dinner or welcome party, the couple may open the floor to additional toasts. But if this doesn’t happen, grabbing the mic unexpectedly for an off-the-cuff speech (especially after a few glasses of wine) will not be appreciated.

How to Write a Wedding Speech

If you are asked to give a toast, it’s important that you don’t just wing it. “First, recognize that speechwriting is a creative process,” shares Allison Shapira, founder and CEO of Global Public Speaking . “Give yourself plenty of time to be creative (i.e. not the night before, when you already have so much to stress about). Wait for your most creative time of the day, and turn off any distractions. Spend some unrushed time thinking about your relationship to the couple, and what you’d like to say.”

While there’s no exact template to follow, there is a good basic formula to adhere to. “The framework I recommend for a wedding speech is: story, message, blessing,” she shares. “Tell a heartwarming story, share the message or value behind that story, and then offer a blessing or wish for the couple based on that message.”

“Typically, we advise our speakers to try to bring the audience on a journey where you initially try to make them laugh, then get to the real depth of the speech and earn some tears, then bring the whole speech full circle with a deep insight or story about the couple that ends with a funny final punch,” shares Steven Greitzer, CEO and founder of Provenance , an AI company that specializes in helping write personalized wedding vows, ceremonies, and toasts. “It’s important to have a good balance of humor and sentimentality because, if it’s a full roast, it can feel like you’re just doing a standup comedy show for your own benefit and it could lack substance. Or, if it’s too overly emotional, it can get heavy and perhaps a bit too somber for a wedding celebration.”

When choosing a story, Shapira recommends reading the room. “It should obviously be good-natured, without making anyone look bad. And, it all depends on the family dynamics,” she says. “What one family considers good-natured, another family could consider scathing. Choose someone in the audience whom you think could give you some helpful feedback, and practice the speech with them in advance.”

Greitzer adds that it's important that both members of the couple are highlighted in the speech. “Great anecdotes showcase who each person was before meeting, their synergy together, and their individual and collective growth,” he shares. If you don’t know one member of the couple very well, don’t be afraid to get creative. “One of the best speeches I’ve seen was from a bridesmaid who hadn’t really been able to spend too much time with her best friend’s fiance because of the pandemic,” Greitzer shares. “She creatively read texts she found in her phone that gave her a hilarious timeline of her friend falling in love.”

If you’re still not sure where to begin, consider giving an AI platform a try to help you form your toast. “The Provenance tools guide speakers to create unique, and personal ceremonies, vows, and toasts without the stress. It’s a partner in your brainstorming process; a way to help you verbalize what you were trying to say—but faster,” explains Greitzer. “Instead of being some outdated, mad-libs-style template, the expert-curated prompts inspire special stories and insights, ultimately weaving your responses together into a custom, editable first draft.”

A final writing tip from Shapira? “I definitely recommend creating an outline but do not recommend writing the speech out word for word. When we script the entire speech, it sounds too formal,” says the public speaking expert. “I recommend first brainstorming the content, rearranging it into a logical structure, then drafting a general outline which you can bring with you to the event. While it may look better to simply give the speech ‘from the heart,’ the stress involved in trying to memorize your speech is simply not worth it.”

How to Deliver a Wedding Speech

Writing a wedding speech is half the battle—next comes your performance. It’s important that your toast has a good flow, feels natural, and doesn’t drag on. Here’s where the idiom “practice makes perfect” rings true. Shapira advises giving yourself a few weeks of rehearsal to make your speech feel authentic and fluid. Her recommendations? “Read your speech out loud and make sure it stays within the time you have allotted. Read it to someone else and get their feedback. Record it and watch it back. We use a tool called AMPLIFY to get AI-based feedback.” She adds, “Don’t memorize the speech, but do read it out loud and make sure it sounds like your voice.”

The ideal length of a toast is between two to four minutes, which translates to around 500 to 1000 words on a page. Still, Greitzer notes, “The perfect length for the wedding toast complies with whatever length the couple wants it to be. Many guests don’t realize that long speeches can impact the whole evening’s timeline and affect the caterer, DJ, and so much more.”

While it’s now common to see toasts being read off a phone, both experts agree that it’s much better to print out your speech. “Reading off of a phone comes with the risk of distractions from notifications, a weird backlight that can affect the color of your face in photos, finicky technical difficulties, and having that annoying sound interference with the mic,” says Greitzer. (You also should make sure your speech is legible with a large font and wide spacing so you can easily find your place.)

The final hurdle of giving a wedding toast is getting over your nerves. “Find a quiet place right beforehand to center yourself (perhaps the bathroom or a corner of the room), pause and breathe, and remind yourself why you care about the couple,” recommends Shapira. She also adds—perhaps unsurprisingly—that it’s best to hold back on alcohol consumption ahead of the toast. “No one expects a perfect or professional speech; they want a unique, authentic message. The speech isn’t about you—it’s about the couple. Once you reframe the fact that the center of attention isn’t on you, you can relax.”

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Who Gives Speeches at Weddings? Wedding Speech Order

At the wedding reception, certain key members of the wedding party tend to give toasts to the bride and the groom. Before a wedding, you may find yourself wondering “Who gives speeches at weddings?” especially if you’re in the wedding party. Plan ahead to figure out if you’ll be speaking, or to decide who you want to speak on your wedding day.

Typically, the best man and maid of honor give toasts, but more members of your wedding party can speak as well. Figure out who gives wedding speeches before the big day!

Who Gives Speeches at Weddings?

If you haven’t attended many weddings, you may not be prepared for the wedding speeches that come at the reception. Learn in advance if you have to prepare a wedding speech, or consider who you’ll ask to speak at your wedding.

The Best Man

The best man has a long list of responsibilities, and one of them is giving a toast at the wedding ceremony. At weddings, this toast is the most traditional. Guests are sure to be looking forward to the best man’s speech to hear stories about the couple. 

If you’re the best man at a wedding, prepare your toast and practice if needed! The best man may also choose to say a few words at the rehearsal dinner.

The Maid of Honor

Like the best man, the maid of honor has a number of responsibilities in the wedding planning process as well as on the wedding day. Although it isn’t necessary for the maid of honor to give a speech, it’s becoming far more common. The maid of honor will also have fond memories of the couple, so it’s only fair that she can share some of the reasons why the bride and groom are perfect for each other! 

If you’re the maid of honor for a friend or family member, prepare to say a few words! You may be asked to say something at the rehearsal dinner as well; ask the bride beforehand to figure out when you’ll be giving a wedding speech!

Since the happy couple won’t toast themselves, their role is to give a short speech if they chose. This speech is an opportunity is welcome guests to the wedding and thank everyone for coming. The married couple can do this together, or one person can give a quick speech. Sometimes, the bride and groom choose to speak at the rehearsal dinner among a smaller group rather than at the wedding itself. 

The Parents

Who is hosting the wedding? If one set of parents is hosting the wedding, they are usually the ones to give a speech or toast. The parents should also welcome guests and thank them all for attending the wedding.

Alternatively, all the parents can stand up for a toast and say a few short words or have one person speak for them. As part of the speech, the parents will also congratulate the couple and give them their best wishes!

Additional Speeches

Ultimately, it’s up to you who speaks at your wedding . If you want more wedding speeches, you can ask additional family members or members of the wedding party to speak. You can also open up speeches to all of your guests, but this risks unwanted or inappropriate speeches and can drag on the wedding speech portion of the night.

The best practice is to ask all of your speech givers in advance to prepare a few words, and restrict your wedding speeches to those asked.

Wedding Speech Order

Now that you know who gives toasts at the wedding, it’s time to think about the order of toasts at a wedding reception. This is somewhat flexible, so don’t be afraid to break tradition and do what feels best for your reception.

The best man usually gives the first toast, but if you choose to include a welcome speech at your ceremony, the first speech will fall to either the couple or the parents of the couple. A welcome speech should be given early during the ceremony once all the guests arrive. 

After the welcome speech, festivities really kick off! So what’s next? The best man typically gives the first toast , followed by the maid of honor. The couple can toast each other or give a short speech to thank their guests. The parents of the couple are the last to give a speech or toast, but if the parents already gave a welcome speech, it isn’t necessary for them to give a second toast. 

The best time for toasts is after the meal has been served. This way, there are fewer people moving around and they can focus their attention on whoever is giving a toast. Plus, it’ll be easier to get everyone’s attention. Although this is the optimal time for the best man and maid of honor, the couple or parents may speak earlier at the reception, especially if they make a welcome speech.

How to Give a Wedding Speech

Not sure how to make a toast? With all the guests’ eyes on you, making a wedding toast can seem daunting, but if you plan ahead, your toast will go smoothly and be a huge hit! Once you have everyone’s attention, you can begin your speech. If everyone’s still chatting away, use a glass or tap the microphone. You wouldn’t want to start your speech and catch everyone off guard.

When you start your toast, make sure you briefly introduce yourself and your connection to the happy couple. Keep your speech focused on cheerful memories or how the couple met. Tell personal stories that focus on the bride and groom. Although you have the mic, don’t make the speech about your relationship with the newlyweds. It’s their day, and you’re at the wedding to celebrate them! 

If you want to add a few jokes in your toast, go ahead! You can keep your speech more humorous or emotional, depending on what your style is, but stay away from bringing up anyone’s exes. When you wrap up your speech, don’t forget to congratulate the couple and wish them a bright future. 

Preparing a speech takes time, so make sure you set aside a couple hours to write one. It may take a few drafts to get the speech just right, but it’s worth it to see the couples’ faces light up and the guests fully engaged. Once the couple has asked you to give a speech, start thinking about it right away so you have time to think of the best stories and memories. At the reception, bring up a slip of paper with the entire speech or main points so you don’t forget anything while being caught up in the excitement!

How Long Should a Wedding Toast Be?

It might be tempting to include all the funny and heart-warming stories you know about the couple, but remember to keep your toast short and brief! A few minutes is more than enough to express your love for the couple and congratulate them. 

Do your best to keep your toast under five minutes. Even a two to three minute speech can be thoughtful and delightful. The couple and the guests (and you!) are all at the wedding to celebrate, not to listen to toasts. With just a few short minutes, you can tell a story or two that will leave a great impression on everyone at the reception. Then, everyone can continue enjoying themselves by mingling and dancing! If you’re unsure about how long your toast should be, ask the couple for tips or a guideline. 

If you’re the best man , maid of honor, or parents of the couple, be prepared to give a toast. Although these are the people who traditionally give toasts and make speeches, you don’t need to strictly limit yourself to these people. If you feel someone else in your wedding party or another close relative would give a wonderful speech, don’t hesitate to ask! 

By keeping speeches focused on the happy couple and short and sweet, you’re sure to leave your mark on the wedding. 

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Who Usually Gives Speeches At A Wedding

Welcome toast: who traditionally gives speeches at a wedding, who can toast at a wedding, newlyweds thank you speeches: inspirational tips, who gives speeches at wedding rehearsal dinner, who should not speak at a wedding.

• Wedding Party & Reception

Tips & Ideas On Who Gives Speeches At A Wedding

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Wedding speeches are a timeless tradition that remains relevant forever. You have people to celebrate with you and they must say nice things and give their best wishes. But for the sake of organization, it’s good to find out who gives speeches at a wedding.

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Everyone can’t possibly come to the microphone. And that’s where we come in with ideas, tips, and examples of who says what, what they say, and who should never get the microphone. Follow this topic and arm yourself with relevant information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should all guests give speeches at weddings.

No, all guests cannot possibly give speeches because it will be a long, unending day. Keep the speeches among family and the wedding party.

Do bridesmaids give speeches?

Yes, bridesmaids give speeches, even though it is not mandatory. However, the speeches are very short, lasting four minutes at most.

thecurries.co_

As parents, share sweet memories of your child getting married, welcome your new in-law and share some anecdotes about the couple. Finish with good wishes and some words of wisdom.

Maid of honor

The maid of honor focuses on the bride with a heartfelt yet lighthearted and hopeful speech. She should also include the groom, especially if she is friends with him.

The best man is arguably the closest to the groom, so his job is to earnestly congratulate the groom and his new spouse. Also, he will tell funny and maybe decently embarrassing stories about the groom, then end with a toast.

Other guests

Restrict this part to only the most important people in our lives, keep it short and make it mainly nest wishes.

Speak from your heart, thank everyone for coming, say something nice about your new spouse, tell a sweet story and make a toast.

To be on the safe side, give your speeches after dinner because it could take quite a while. Also, the bride’s father goes first, followed by the best man, maid of honor, and then the groom. Keep each speech at three to five minutes maximum.

mollycarrphotography

The person who traditionally gives speeches at a wedding is the host. The main idea of welcome toasts is to thank everyone for coming to celebrate with you while sharing your wishes on a glass of wine. The toasts could be upbeat, funny one-liners, or solemn. So to pull off the perfect toast, see some tips below.

• Pick up the microphone immediately everyone settles in the reception. This will capture the guest’s attention.
• Start by introducing yourself and state your relationship with the couple. Welcome the guests and thank them for coming to celebrate with the couple.
• Talk about the beautiful ambiance. Ask them to relax and enjoy themselves.
• Make a toast to them, wishing fun, happiness, and everything good.
• Make one or two jokes and keep it brief.

lichttrunken

The fathers of the couple would toast at the wedding followed by the maid of honor, the best man, and the couple. This toast is usually shared towards the end of the wedding when the guests are in a very celebratory mood. Here are some tips you can use to get the toasts started.

• Notify your speakers on time Tel the speakers you have chosen about their duties on time. It is always best to include it in the wedding invite so that they can organize their thoughts and prepare.
• Organize your speakers in succession Curate the order of speakers and let them know who goes first and who follows. This move will help the speakers know when their time is close.
• Work with a time limit Intimate the guests on the time cap you set per speech so that the guests wouldn’t be bored. It will also help the speakers shave their speeches to fit.
• Give your speakers a guideline Have a general guideline set up for the speakers so that they work within the confines. You wouldn’t run the risk of someone sharing dark humor, speaking about the exes, or private jokes.

pasion_eventos

It is the couple who gives wedding speeches at the reception, saying some thoughtful words to the guests. For what to say,

• Start by introducing yourself and thank them for attending your big day.
• Express how excited their presence makes you feel and how much their support means.
• Reference specific people who are pivotal to the success of your big day. They could be your parents, best man, maid of honor, and special guests.
• Make a wish for the guests and close with a toast.

When giving the speech, one person can present on behalf of two of you. However, if you choose to speak together, work as a team by alternating between paragraphs. Decide on who would make the toast on behalf of the couple.

Rehearsal dinners are more relaxed than the actual wedding, so the floor is more open for speech. The person who gives speeches at the wedding rehearsal dinner is the host first, followed by everyone else, like the best man, groomsmen, maid of honor, bridesmaids, friends, and family.

Rehearsal dinners may be hosted by the bride or groom’s parents. In some cases, the couple pays for it. The overall speech time could take almost thirty minutes depending on how many volunteers. So keep each speech at a maximum of three minutes. Follow these tips for a winning speech.

• Personalize the speech by speaking from the heart after introducing yourself
• Say a personal experience or your favorite memory of the couple
• You can be spontaneous but we advise you to be prepared
• Finish with a funny line and a toast

There are people you should never allow to speak at your wedding for varying reasons. If you have an estranged parent, prevent them from making a speech at your wedding as it isn’t the place for reconciliations.

You may also have aunts who are vulgar or those who speak before they think. How about that uncle who is always at the bottom of a vodka bottle or friends who have a penchant for bringing up weird topics? These are the kinds of people not to allow because they could ruin your day in a twinkle.

Pull this off by creating a speaker list with a time frame that is not flexible. Let your emcee handle the speakers with strict instructions not to bend for anyone.

We have listed and discussed the person who gives speeches at a wedding, but it goes beyond that. In this post, you will find tips and ideas on how to pull off an unforgettable wedding speech, welcome toast, thank you speech, and more. Whether you are the couple, host, parents, family, friends, or wedding party, we’ve got you covered. Check this post and get inspired with our viable wedding speech tips.

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The Must-Know Rules for Making a Wedding Toast + Who Gives Speeches at Weddings

Etiquette expert anna post on the etiquette of wedding toasting and wedding speeches..

While toasts are appropriate at any wedding party, there are three wedding events where they are absolutely required: the engagement party, the rehearsal dinner, and the wedding reception. Get tips from etiquette expert Anna Post of the Emily Post Institute! By Anna Post

One of the very best toasts for weddings I’ve ever heard came from my cousin Nick when he was the best man at the wedding of his brother, Peter. Nick is a professional journalist, so he already has a leg up on the rest of us with the honor of being best man, but he really went above and beyond on this one. He spoke as though he were writing a letter to “Dear Abby,” seeking advice on how to give a toast for weddings to a member of the Post family. He played on our family’s relationship to Emily Post, poking gentle fun at etiquette and inserting little comments about Peter along the way. Emily would have loved it! 

While toasts are appropriate at any wedding party and should be factored into the timeline while wedding planning, there are three events at weddings where they are absolutely required: the engagement party, the rehearsal dinner, and the wedding reception . Read these tips and advice whether you're the best man, parents of the bride or groom, or even the maid of honor, who will be giving a speech at the wedding.

The Engagement Party 

At an engagement party , the first toast is made by the father of the bride in the form of an announcement of the engagement. This typically occurs midway through the party once all of the guests have arrived and have had a chance to mingle for a bit. If the groom’s parents are there, a toast from his father is also a nice touch. The couple themselves may also wish to raise a glass to their hosts, their future in-laws, or their guests.

The Rehearsal Dinner 

At the rehearsal dinner , the host (usually the groom’s father) gives the first toast. This often occurs during the main course and is frequently met by a return toast from the father of the bride. Unlike the reception, when toasts and wedding speeches should generally be short, to the point, and given by a small number of people, the rehearsal dinner is an intimate setting and thus a time when longer toasts and stories about the happy couple are welcome. Those making toasts might include the mothers of the bride and groom, the best man and maid or matron of honor (whose toasts may coincide with presenting attendants’ gifts to the bride and groom), and just about anyone else.

The Wedding Reception 

So who gives speeches at weddings? Does the father of the groom give a speech at the wedding? Do groomsmen give speeches? Traditionally, the best man makes the first toast at the wedding reception . This is the most formal of all wedding toasts and speeches, and it occurs only after all the wedding guests have been provided with a glass of Champagne. At a sit-down dinner, the toast takes place as soon as everyone is seated; at a cocktail reception, the best man will make it after the couple enters the reception. The toast should be brief, lasting no more than a minute or two at most. 

It’s fine if the best man’s toast is the only speech made, though a companion toast from the maid of honor or matron of honor is fast on its way to becoming a tradition. Fathers of the bride and groom often say a few words, especially if either is in the role of host of the wedding. Mothers of the bride and groom are even getting in the mix like the maid of honor, as well as the bride and groom themselves (especially if they are hosting the event). It’s best to know in advance who is going to say something, and in what order; anyone not on the list should check with the couple before making impromptu speeches at the reception.

Toasting Tips 

No matter the party, when it’s time to toast, the best man – or whoever is going first – should ask for everyone’s attention using a microphone (or in its absence, by gently – they can break! – clinking your glass). When done, raise your glass toward the couple, and then lead wedding guests in taking a sip. (Couples: remain seated and don’t drink when being toasted – just smile and enjoy!)

How long should wedding speeches be? 

For most of us, when to speak matters little compared with what to say. Regardless how tongue-tied you feel, you’ll never go wrong with short and sweet speeches. A great wedding speech should not take more than a few minutes and can be as short as a few lines: “Kim and Steve, may your love for one another always be as strong and deep as it is today. You are my dearest friends, and I wish you all the joy in the world. Cheers!” Be sincere, and unless you’re a stand-up comedian or a politician, don’t try to wing it. Wedding toasts are best prepared ahead of time. When it’s time for your toast, it’s fine to take out your notes and refer to them.

No one wants his toast to be received to the chirping of crickets; avoid the following landmines and your wedding speech will be a shining success: 

- Skip pointless stories about the couple’s childhoods (anecdotes are okay, just keep them relevant to the occasion). 

- Be sure not to talk about yourself instead of the couple; this is the time to check your ego at the door. The couple has spent months wedding planning and it's best to keep wedding speeches all about them. 

- Last and most importantly, keep mum about any past problems the couple may have had, and never reference any of their old flames at the wedding. It's absolutely inappropriate to include in toasts at receptions.

Think before you make a joke. 

Think you’re funny? Cracking jokes and telling amusing stories about the bride and groom is fine, just make sure to keep it light and clean and approach it with good intentions – this is a wedding day, not a roast. And if you want to express strong emotions (the good kind, of course), there are few better opportunities than during wedding speeches. It’s okay if you get a little choked up; composure is great, but so is honest, heartfelt emotion during a wedding speech. After all, it’s what the day is ultimately all about.

Opening photo by Branco Prata; Bridal Salon: The White Dress ; Planning & Design by Evoke Design & Creative ; From Real Wedding:  Chic Destination Wedding with California Style in Washington, DC

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When Should Speeches Take Place During the Wedding Reception?

Great wedding toasts are all about timing.

Jaimie Mackey was the real weddings editor at Brides from 2013 to 2015. She also worked as a luxury wedding planner and produced over 100 high-end weddings and events in Colorado

Photo by Hugo Coelho Photography

In This Article

Love them or hate them, speeches are a key part of a wedding reception. Those toasts (not roasts—save those for the bachelor party or rehearsal dinner) give guests an insight into who the couple is, as well as their relationship. What's more, speeches are a chance for the hosts and the happy couple to speak to their guests and thank everyone for attending. But what’s the best way to arrange these speeches? Is there usually a specific time that the toasts happen during the reception? When does the best man give his speech? If you're asking these questions, you're not alone.

Great wedding toasts are all about timing, since the length of a speech and when they take place can have an effect on the overall celebration. For instance, you don’t want to disrupt the flow of the reception, but you also don’t want to place the speeches at the end of the evening, giving your best man or maid of honor a chance to drink a little too much champagne (yikes!).

With all this in mind, and since the timing of toasts is so important, we thought it might be valuable to put together a brief guide to help you find the best moments to schedule your wedding speeches . Read on to learn more.

When Does the Maid of Honor Give Her Speech?

Before diving into any timeline suggestions, it's important to first understand when the two main speeches are commonly supposed to happen: the maid of honor and the best man speech. As tradition dictates, the maid of honor usually gives her speech right after the parents of the bride (who typically speak after the parents of the groom). Of course, couples may choose to switch up this order depending on their personal preferences, but the maid of honor is usually second to last in the lineup of toasts. And while the maid of honor's speech doesn't get as much attention as the best man's speech, it's still a sweet moment at the reception and a period of time the bride will remember forever.

When Does the Best Man Give His Speech?

Once the maid of honor has spoken, the best man is traditionally next, and last, in the lineup of reception speeches. His toast is usually the one that's most anticipated as well (thanks to the depiction of fictional best-man speeches in pop culture), and is the speech that is meant to kick off the party. A best man's toast should be celebratory and encouraging, with a few appropriate jokes that emphasize the love the couple has for each other.

The Best Moments for Wedding Speeches

As noted above, a traditional lineup of speeches is generally as follows: the parents of the bride, the parents of the groom, the maid of honor, and the best man. But now that you understand the typical lineup, you may be stuck on when to actually schedule your loved ones to speak during your reception's run of show . If that's the case, keep reading below for a few speech timeline options to consider, based on your preferred wedding style.

Schedule Speeches First Thing

Getting these formalities out of the way is great for two reasons. First, your parents, maid of honor, and best man can enjoy the rest of the evening stress-free, and these speeches can also serve as a way to set the tone for the rest of the night. So if you want to kick the reception off with toasts, schedule them to happen as soon as everyone sits down. Make your grand entrance , take your seats, and then ask the first person to take the mic. You can have the toasts all happen back to back or even take a little in-between so your caterer can serve the first course, then pick up the mic again after the salad plates are down.

Give Speeches Once Entrées Are Served

Another great option (that still has those toasts happening early in the evening) is to hold off until guests are served their main course. This part of the meal is the longest, so it allows for a little more time for talking without interruptions from the waitstaff .

Make sure your caterer serves your VIP tables first, so anyone giving a toast can enjoy their meal while it’s hot. Then, as other tables are being served, or while guests are enjoying their meal, those giving speeches can get up and make their toast with a captive audience.

Kick Off Dancing With Toasts

The third option is to have toasts at the tail end of the meal, giving your speechmakers plenty of time to enjoy the reception once they’re done. You can either have them get up to speak at the end of dinner or invite them to take the stage when it’s time to dance. Schedule the toasts, and then head straight into the cake cutting . Finish off with your first dance and parent dances, and then open up the dance floor to celebrate!

Utilize Cocktail Hour

If you’re planning something a bit more casual than a seated dinner, the best time to capture the audience’s attention may be when guests have that signature cocktail in their hands. Allow guests to arrive and get a drink at the bar and a plate of hors d'oeuvres , then grab their attention. This option will allow for the speeches to be delivered early on, and once the toast happens, everyone will be able to mingle and relax for the rest of the night.

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Sir Keir Starmer can't just keep blaming the Tories — he needs to give us all a little more hope

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It really isn’t 1997, is it? Back then, a confident new Labour prime minister promised that “things can only get better”. In sharp contrast, Sir Keir Starmer warns today, in his first keynote speech as PM , that “things will get worse before we get better”. Note the ominous “we”.

His political logic is not hard to decode. The Prime Minister and Rachel Reeves have a window of opportunity, in the aftermath of Labour’s landslide victory on July 4 but before the remnants of the Conservative Party elect their new leader on November 2, in which to get as much of the bad news into the public domain as they possibly can.

Last month, the new Chancellor announced — with some justification, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility — that the Tories had left her with unfunded commitments adding up to £22 billion .

Signalling tax rises and spending cuts ahead, she demanded departmental savings of £5.5 billion this year and scrapped winter fuel payments for around 10 million pensioners : a measure that is already causing her political difficulty. Today, Starmer goes much further, identifying “a societal black hole” and committing his government to “unpopular decisions now if it’s the right thing for the country”. Correctly, he distances himself from the infantile populism of the post-Brexit years: “When there is rot deep in the heart of a structure, you can’t just cover it up. You can’t tinker with it or rely on quick fixes.”

The astonishing speed with which Kamala Harris has reframed the US election should be a lesson to Labour

Every new government blames whatever predicament it faces on the last lot. For years after 2010, the Tories made gloating reference to Liam Byrne’s note to his successor as Chief Secretary to the Treasury: “I’m afraid there is no money.” Up to a point, it is only natural for Starmer to frame his mission as a colossal repair job.

But only up to a point; blaming the Tories for everything will deliver diminishing returns, not least because they are such a pathetically reduced force. More importantly, the public has had it up to here with excuses, warm words and postponements. It wants to see some gain in return for all the pain.

If you campaign for office, as Starmer did, with a single word as your slogan — “Change” — you raise public expectations accordingly. When you compare your ambitions to those of Clement Attlee, Tony Blair and Margaret Thatcher — as he has done — you must be ready to be held to those standards.

During the riots earlier in the summer, the PM performed impressively, not giving an inch to those who were urging him to acknowledge the supposedly “legitimate grievances” of racist thugs. For many new prime ministers, this would have been a daunting test; but Starmer was in his element as the nation’s prosecutor-in-chief.

Sir Keir Starmer warns Budget 'will be painful' as he vows to ‘get a grip’ on UK’s problems

Keir Starmer slams Tories amid row over Civil Service 'cronyism' under Labour

Tories demand investigation into Labour donor’s appointment to Civil Service job

Kamala triumphed at the Democratic Convention. Now for the hard part

In sharp contrast, he has yet to present a broad narrative of revival and radical centrism that will make sense of the hardship he forecasts. Fiscal conservatism may reassure the markets but it does not quicken the popular pulse. And there is a risk that his own party will become the scene of bitter recrimination between now and the budget in October over — for instance — the two-child benefit cap, the winter fuel allowance restrictions and the deeper cuts that clearly lie ahead. Labour’s first conference in power since 2009 will be a curious brew of celebration and angst. It is legitimate to say that there are tough times ahead. It is honest, which is to the PM’s credit. But it is also woefully insufficient.

Having been rewarded with a working majority of 167, he will not be taken seriously if he offers no more than grey, gradualist technocracy. It was he who promised “a decade of renewal”. It was he who so expertly fought for the top job. The voters are entitled to say: Well?

Starmer should bear in mind what happened to the last relentlessly dour Labour prime minister. He might also reflect that it doesn’t have to be this way. In Chicago last week, at the Democratic National Convention , we witnessed a very different style of progressivism.

True, he will never match Kamala Harris’s panache and sense of political theatre. Obama rhymes with Starmer, but there the symmetries end.

Yet Harris’s slogan— “We’re not going back” — is a challenge to progressive parties all over the world seeking to put the populist-nationalist era behind them. The astonishing speed with which she has reframed the presidential contest should be a lesson to the Democrats’ sister party across the Atlantic. A little hope wouldn’t hurt.

Matthew d’Ancona is an Evening Standard columnist

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