who gives the speeches at weddings

Wedding Speech Order: Who Gives Speeches and When?

Before you get on the dance floor, there’s one wedding tradition you don’t want to miss: the speeches. If done right, they’re one of the most memorable and pleasant parts of the wedding, so be sure to make room for them in your timeline.

Not sure how much time to allocate, who needs to make a speech, or the correct wedding speech order? We’ve got you covered, so let’s jump right in!

Who Traditionally Gives Speeches at Weddings?

Traditionally there are three speakers at the reception: the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man.

Who Gives Speeches at Weddings? (For Modern Couples)

Modern weddings typically have four to five speakers at the reception: the couple’s parents, the maid of honor, the best man, and the bride & groom.

With that being said, there are no restrictions or limitations on who can give a speech. 

So if a bridesmaid, groomsmen or someone outside of the wedding party wants to give a speech – then that’s perfectly fine too.

How Long Should Wedding Speeches Last?

Collectively, reception speeches should last no longer than 20 to 30 minutes. Individually, they should last no longer than three minutes.

Pro Tip : This is one area you really want to be strict about, otherwise you run the risk of cutting into your time on the dance floor – and who wants to miss that?

Who Gives Speeches at the Rehearsal Dinner?

Traditionally the hosts give the first speech, followed by other members of the wedding party that won’t be speaking at the reception (usually everyone other than the best man and maid of honor).

Rehearsal dinner speeches are generally more informal and intimate, so don’t worry too much about length (unless someone is getting really carried away)!

Can Both Parents Give a Wedding Speech?

Absolutely. Both parents of the bride and groom can give a speech during the rehearsal dinner and/or reception.

Do You Need to Have Speeches at a Wedding?

No, speeches at a wedding aren’t required. You can either skip them entirely, do a slight twist on the traditional speech, or replace them with speech-free alternatives .

Traditional Wedding Speech Order

While this is historically the “correct” or traditional order, be sure to note that it’s becoming much less common as it doesn’t account for same-sex couples, parents, or brides/female wedding party members that want to give a speech.

We’ve included a more modern wedding speech order further below.

Rehearsal Dinner

• Groom’s Parents: The parents of the groom traditionally host the rehearsal dinner – and as good hosts – thank the guests for attending.
• Wedding Party: This is the chance for anyone that’s not the best man or maid of honor to publicly say nice things and show appreciation to the soon-to-be newlyweds.
• Bride and Groom: The couple – appreciative of everyone’s support – thanks their relatives, wedding party, and other guests.
• Other family members or important guests : Grandparents, cousins, and other close relatives share informal congratulations.
• Bride’s Parents : Typically the father of the bride will congratulate and toast the newlyweds.
• The Groom : The groom responds to the father of the bride, and thanks everyone for attending before concluding his speech with a toast.
• The Best Man : The best man honors the bride and groom (while keeping things fun with some light ribbing).

Modern Wedding Speech Order

A more common speech order for the modern couple.

• The Couple’s Parents : Parents from both sides of the family give speeches (expect anywhere from one to four speeches).
• Wedding Party : Anyone from the wedding party has the opportunity to speak (including the best man and maid of honor).
• Bride and Groom : The couple acknowledges the prior toasts and thanks everyone for their support.
• Other family members or important guests : Relatives and friends that aren’t part of the aforementioned groups share informal congratulations.
• The Couple’s Parents : Typically the fathers from both sides will congratulate the newlyweds, but the mothers may join in too (or in lieu of the fathers).
• The Maid of Honor : The maid of honor shares how the bride’s life has changed for the better – since meeting the groom – and gives her best wishes for the marriage.
• Bride and Groom : The couple acknowledges the prior toasts and thanks everyone for coming.

Wedding Speech Order Tips

• It’s not required, but we recommend you at least consider giving a thank you speech (or toast) at some point . Whether it’s between the cocktail hour and dinner, at the rehearsal, or some other time – it’s important that guests know you appreciate them being there.
• Tradition dictates that only certain people should be allowed to (or even need to) give a speech, but that’s obviously outdated. Keep an open mind by allowing anyone that wants to give a speech the opportunity to do so . Likewise, if someone really doesn’t want to give a speech, don’t force them to!
• If your potential speech-givers are introverts (or aren’t the greatest of public speakers), then consider limiting the number of speakers to a select few . We suggest you turn to guests that are both enthusiastic about speaking and are likely to follow general speech etiquette.
• Depending on how many speakers you have, it may (or may not) make sense to slot them in at different parts of the day to avoid speech fatigue . If you don’t have many speakers, consider having the speeches all at once.

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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

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 September 22, 2023 | 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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Father of the Bride Speech Examples and Templates

Looking for inspiration for your father of the bride speech? Check out our collection of examples and ideas to help you craft a memorable and heartfelt speech that will make your daughter proud.

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What's the Correct Order of Speeches at a Wedding?

A modernised template and tips to make the speeches run smoothly.

We're often asked, "What's the correct order of speeches at a wedding ?" and we always give the same answer - the correct order of speeches is the order that works for you and your partner, your style of wedding, and your chosen speechgivers! Of course, what couples actually mean is, "What's the traditional order of speeches at a wedding?" which is an easier question to answer, but we find the traditional order of speeches largely unhelpful when planning a modern wedding. That's why we've come up with a new, modernised template for you to work from, as well as some tips on customising the list for your own big day.

The Traditional or Formal Order of Speeches at a Wedding:

When we're asked about the correct order of speeches at a wedding, the couple is usually looking for the traditional , typical or formal order of speeches at a wedding, which we've provided below. However, it's important to note that this order is pretty outdated, and doesn't accommodate same-sex couples or parents, mixed-gender bridal parties , or brides or other female wedding party members who would like to speak . So, while we've provided it here for any traditional couples out there, we highly recommend you check out our modernised version below!

• The Father of the Bride
• The Father of the Groom
• The Best Man

The Order of Speeches at a Wedding for Modern Couples:

For our updated version of the traditional order of speeches at a wedding, we've gone for a semi-chronological line up. We placed parents first, as they tend to talk more about the couple's early lives, followed by friends and siblings, who often talk about school and early adulthood, and how the couple met. It can be useful for the couple to go last, as this gives you an opportunity to thank everyone who played a role in the day, including the speechgivers. That said, there are many more factors to consider when planning the order of speeches at a wedding - keep reading to find out what they are!

• The Couple's Parents - could be anything from one to four speeches
• The Couple's Closest Friends and/or Siblings - these might include Best Man, Maid of Honour, Groomsmen, Bridesmaids, Groomsmaids, Bridesmen, members of the wedding party or non-members
• The Couple  - speaking either together or separately

Tips for Planning the Order of Speeches at a Wedding

• Remember, there's no rule to say that the father-of-the-bride or best man has to give a speech. Equally, we've witnessed amazing speeches given by friends, grandparents and flower girls! Keep an open mind when deciding who will speak at your wedding , and consider who you'd like to hear from, and who would like to speak, rather than blindly following a traditional order.
• It's not mandatory, but we recommend that you at least consider speaking at your own wedding . Guests love to hear from couples, and most couples report that they're glad they made the effort to speak on their own big day.
• When planning the order of speeches, consider whether the speeches will take place all at once , or whether you will stagger them throughout the day . As we discussed here , having some speeches before or after the ceremony, or during the drinks reception, can help combat speech fatigue at the reception, and give nervous speakers the opportunity to get their speech done early on in the day.

• Think about who's going to be giving the speeches, and whether they're confident or nervous about it. It's worth asking them about this directly, as the answer might surprise you!
• Ask one of your more confident speakers to MC the speeches . This really just means they'll introduce each of the speakers in the line up to give the speeches a more polished feel, and give speakers a boost by encouraging the audience to give them a round of applause when they first pick up the microphone.
• You can also ask your MC to watch out for any potential technical difficulties , make sure all the other speakers are ready to go, keep an eye on time, arrange glasses of water for each speaker, etc. You can also give them a list of people to thank on your behalf.
• Place nervous speakers early on the line up , but have your MC introduce them, preferably with a (tasteful!) joke or some words of encouragement. Let your MC know that they're feeling a little apprehensive, so they can encourage the crowd to welcome them warmly.
• Confident speakers can go anywhere on the line up, but having a particularly confident or funny speechgiver go last will end the speeches on a high note!

We have lots more great tips on speeches below:

• Our Favourite Opening Lines
• How to Make a Great Best Man's Speech
• How to Stop Your Speeches Going on Too Long
• Ways to Shake up Your Wedding Speeches
• Free Wedding Speech Bingo Printable
• Dos and Don'ts of Giving a Great Maid of Honour Speech
• The Ultimate Groom's Wedding Speech Checklist

Got another question that needs answering? Check out our  wedding FAQ page or follow us on Instagram

Image credits

Megan hannon photography, via one fab day, see more in:.

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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.

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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!

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In This Article

• Speeches Examples
• Speeches Tips
• Speeches Order
• Speeches Template
• What Not to Say
• Wedding Party & Reception

Voices of Love: Unforgettable Wedding Speeches

oliveromg via Shutterstock

Wedding speeches are an essential part of every wedding. They let all the members of the bridal party and guests share their overwhelming emotions about the big day. Best wedding speeches stay in our memory forever, marking the significance of the wedding day for everyone involved. It can be quite challenging to fit all the feelings you want to share into a single toast . In this article, you will find invaluable tips from the expert Amanda Layton, an experienced wedding vow and speechwriter, in crafting memorable wedding speeches.

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Wedding Speeches Examples

Best wedding speeches.

Writing a wedding speech can seem daunting, but with some preparation and guidance, you can deliver a heartfelt and memorable speech that will be cherished by the newlyweds and their guests.

Good evening, everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Sarah, and I’m the ___ I’ve known the bride, Emily, since we were little girls, and we’ve been best friends ever since. I remember the first time she told me about Alex, and how excited she was to go on a date with him. From that moment on, I knew he was something special. Seeing them together over the years has been such a joy, and I’m so happy to be here today to celebrate their love. Emily, you are the most kind, caring, and generous person I know. And Alex, you are her perfect match. I’ve never seen her so happy as she is with you. I know you will continue to be each other’s best friend, confidant, and partner in all of life’s adventures. So, let’s raise a glass to the newlyweds. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations!

Groom Wedding Speech

“I would like to thank my parents for all the help they have given me over the years, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here now. I would also like to thank (my wife’s) parents for making me feel like the son they never wanted, sorry the son they never had, right from day 2. Day 1 was a bit rough, but hey, they’re over it now. I would also like to thank them for having such a beautiful, intelligent, kind, and caring daughter. I hope to do you both proud and thank you both for everything you have done today and to make today happen.”

The groom’s wedding speech starts at the reception. On behalf of himself and his bride, he expresses his gratitude to everyone involved in the wedding preparations. He toasts his parents, bridesmaids, and the groom’s party, and mentions their help and support. His speech is often quite sentimental, as he shares some personal memories. He also mentions how his life has changed since he met his bride.

Wedding Speeches for Parents

When the kids find love, the parents are also happy. So, it rests upon them to give wedding reception speeches in honor of their children. Now, depending on the chosen style, you’ll have to fit in with the wedding theme. Most times, a funny speech is just perfect, because it works for every wedding. Below, we’ll see wedding speech examples for different parents.

Wedding Speeches for Mother of the Groom

“The first time I saw you, it was love. My little baby grew into a wobbly toddler, and then a smart child. The pre-teen and teen years and the next thing I knew, you’ve become a man. I am so proud of you. You’ve made us proud of everything you’ve done. And on your wedding today, we wish you only the best.”

As a mother of the groom, wedding speeches for your son will be an emotional one. You’ll talk about his growing up, the bond you share, and how he was well-raised. You can add one or two romantic quotes  and close. See the wedding speeches sample below.

Wedding Speeches for Mother of the Bride

“It’s no news that we love our kids so much, and seeing them grow up is hard. Everything they do fills you with pride. But you also miss the little girl who cuddles into you. And cried to you when she scraped her knee. Now my daughter is older and I’m grateful and proud that she found love in the groom. May your lives be long, happy, and peaceful together.”

The wedding speeches for mother of the bride isn’t a norm. But today, it’s becoming acceptable especially if the father isn’t involved. Tell your daughter that she’s beautiful and strong. Talk about the good memories in her growing years. And if her father has passed, talk about him with fondness.

Wedding Speeches for Father of the Groom

“My greatest blessing is having a son, one that mirrors me in many ways. But like his dream, he’s grown into his own person. He has taught me as much as I’ve taught him and I’m proud. My son is someone who goes the extra mile for people and I know he’ll make an amazing husband. I wish you every best, as we raise our glass to the groom and his amazing bride.”

Your son getting married excites you because he carries on the torch. Again, he will be looking to you for support and wisdom for marriage. So, good wedding speeches from the father of the groom must contain lots of quotes about marriage . Draw inspiration from talking about your own marriage, the bond you share, and why he’s a great son.

Wedding Speeches for Father of the Bride

“Looking at both of you in your beautiful dress and dapper suit, my wedding day comes to mind. We were quite excited, filled with love, merriment, and of course nervousness. From me to you, I’ll tell you for free that a successful marriage requires falling in love many times. And doing it with the same person always.”

As the father of the bride, you have responsibilities to your baby girl. From walking her down the aisle to the father-daughter dance. Throwing in a great speech is just perfect. Let your love for your baby shine through and talk about her growing up. Remember the groom, give them pieces of advice, and your best wishes. See the wedding speeches template below for some inspiration.

Wedding Speeches for Sister

Ladies and gentlemen, today I stand before you with immense pride and joy as I celebrate my sister’s union with [Groom’s Name]. As her older sister, I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow into the amazing woman she is today. She has found in [Groom’s Name] the love and support she deserves. Here’s to a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Cheers to the newlyweds!

When delivering a wedding speech for your sister, begin by expressing your love and pride for her. Share heartfelt stories that illustrate her special qualities, highlight her relationship with the groom, and offer well-wishes for their future. End your speech by raising a toast to the newlyweds.

Best Man Wedding Speech

Take a look at this great example of a witty speech, presented by the best man.

“There comes a time in everyone’s life when they meet their one true love, their soul mate, the person that’s going to know and love them for the rest of their life. That moment came for the groom…3 years ago when he met me. Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, for those of you that don’t know me my name, is Dan, What-would-you-like-to-drink. I hope you’ll come and say hello at the bar later, but please…call me by my full name. On behalf of the bride and groom, I’d like to thank you all for coming. And I want to give special thanks to the parents of the bride and groom… it’s amazing how far some people are willing to travel, just for some free food and drink. And finally, I’d like to thank my best friend (the groom), for giving me the first EVER opportunity…. to be able to speak for five minutes without him interrupting!”

Wedding speeches best man deliver are usually the most humorous of all the others. Thank you’s are also appropriate, especially to the bridesmaids and fellow groomsmen. Some anecdotes about the groom would be also much anticipated. People expect wedding best man speeches to be memorable, funny, with well wishes to the couple . Humor is a must.

100+ Best Wedding Toasts For Different Types Of Guests

Maid of honor speech.

“Before I go any further, I just want to say, Bride, you look absolutely beautiful and Groom, you’ve never looked more handsome. For those of you who don’t know me and for those who can’t tell, I’m Bride’s sister. Thank you Bride for the honor of being your bridesmaid. Obviously, I’ve known Bride all of my life and we know more about each other than we would probably care to. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and laughed until we’ve cried. We’ve also had the odd fight! We also have so many inside jokes that only we find funny.”

There is one thing all wedding speeches maid of honor makes have in common: they boost the bride. Like any other wedding speech, the maid of honor’s speech can be witty and humorous, but the most important feature of this category is love and sentimentality. Add a couple of memorable stories you have of the newlyweds. Don’t forget well wishes!

Wedding Speeches for Best Friends

“I’m here to talk about two very special people, John and Eve. I’ve been friends with Eve since kindergarten. On our first day at school, we met and formed a friendship that has lived two decades and some. We got into trouble a lot and got grounded many times by the parents. My bestie is free-spirited and has a strong will to date. James, I hope you’re prepared for marriage with a woman who is full of life and spirit. With her, you’ll never live the same day twice. I wish you heaven’s best all your life. A toast…”

Wedding Welcoming Speeches

“Welcome to the celebration of James and Eve’s wedding. A tale of love that promises to last forever. Today promises to be one of beauty, friendships formed, and bonds lasting forever. For you all who have come from far and near to celebrate, we hope you take joy home with you. The happiness of marriage is the highest happiness on earth. And this is what we’ve witnessed today. Sit back, relax, have the time of your lives, and thank you for choosing to share in our joy.

Funny Wedding Speeches

Good evening everyone! For those who don’t know me, I’m the groom’s brother. I’d like to start by saying that I’m delighted to see so many people here tonight, and I hope you’re all enjoying the celebrations as much as we are. Now, it’s not often that you get to make a speech at your brother’s wedding, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to share a few stories about him. Growing up, my brother was always the smart one. He was top of his class and excelled at everything he did. And then he met his beautiful bride-to-be, and everything changed. Suddenly he became clumsy, forgetful, and absent-minded. I guess you could say that love really does make you do crazy things. But in all seriousness, I couldn’t be happier for the two of them. They truly are a perfect match, and I have no doubt that they will have a long and happy life together. So let’s raise a glass to the newlyweds – may your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and lots of adventures!

Writing a funny wedding speech can entertain guests and create lasting memories. Keep it appropriate, short, know your audience, and practice for a smooth delivery.

Short Wedding Speech Ideas

“Groom, thank you for being an anchor, a friend, and brother. And I can’t be more proud that you married an amazing bride. Man! You’ve won a lottery! We celebrate both of you tonight, and all of the good things you are. You care for everyone and I’m sure you’ll care for her. We wish you success, laughter, and love. May your humor in bad times and appreciation in good times never leave you. May you get answers to prayers. May the friendship you share keep growing till death parts you. Cheers to you!”

Whether you’re giving wedding speeches for the bride, best man, or brother; the shorter the better. This will help make sure you don’t bore the audience. 11 /14

Wedding Thank You Speeches

“We (couple) worked really hard to make this day perfect. But we remembered that being bound to the one you love in the presence of your loved ones — is what makes the day perfect. I’m overjoyed that we had beautiful weather. The food and drinks were great and everyone is happy. Thank you all, especially my beloved, because today I’m bound to him to start a beautiful journey together. And after all my fears and jitters, today turned out to be much more memorable than we planned. Thank you.”

Wedding thank you speeches give you the opportunity to thank your guests. You will also extend your appreciation to everyone who made your day possible. If you intend to mention names, have a list, so that you don’t leave anyone out. This speech can come from the bride or groom. But it’s always better to skip the names. Also, infuse some humor. 12 /14

Wedding Officiant Speeches

“Shall we all sit? Today, we gather to witness and celebrate the matrimony of Eve and James. What they have is an existing bond, and we’ve come together to strengthen it. As family and friends, it’s our honor to witness today. Marriage is a lifetime commitment where two people work tirelessly to bring out the best in each other. You get an opportunity to share your joys, success, failures, and burdens with an ally for life. You get an opportunity to share and grow. One relationship which no other can equal. You are in for a physical and emotional binding that has the promise of a lifetime.”

Great wedding officiant speeches must be short, sweet, and have the perfect length to keep guests dialed in. The officiant should leverage the relationship and how much they know the couple. You must also tailor your speech in line with the wedding style. 13 /14

Wedding Anniversary Speeches

“Anniversaries are beautiful recollections of the past years and reflections for the years to come. The years past were happy and successful ones in many ways. They’re shrouded in a kaleidoscope of great relationships, supportive families, and happy memories. I’m not saying it’s smooth, but with your support, the journey became easier. We can only be grateful, even as we look forward to better years. As we celebrate our 50th year, I want to thank you for walking with us. It’s not a question of where you, it’s who goes with you. Thank you, everyone.”

A wedding anniversary speech must be heartfelt, sweet, and short. Whoever is giving the speech must know that it’s a time to reminisce and give good wishes. So, you’ll talk about the marriage, throw in some humor and bless the couple. If it’s the couple giving the speech, some advice will go a long way. 14 /14

Wedding Quotes for Speeches

“I’ve seen nothing more satisfying than two people coming together to become one. They share in each other’s pleasure, and bear each other’s pain. They crush their enemies together and make home with their friends.” “The pain and weight of life vanish from our lives by one word. It sets us free and we live again. It’s called LOVE.” “If you want to keep your marriage cup filled and running over, always admit your wrongs. And, if you’re right, be kind to shut up.”

Wedding Speeches Tips

Ready to seize the mic, command the room, and leave everyone applauding your wedding speech? Not quite yet? Amanda Layton, a Professional Wedding Speech Writer, shared top 5 tips to help you craft and deliver an epic wedding speech. With a little bit of guidance, you’ll be delivering an unforgettable wedding toast template that captures hearts and makes memories for years to come!

• Keep it Short and Sweet First things first–when it comes to wedding speeches less is more. Did you know that a 5-minute speech is approximately 700 words? It’s important to keep your speech concise and to the point, ensuring that every word is impactful and resonates with the audience.
• Skip the Roasts Steer clear of roasting the couple. It might sound funny in your head, but trust me, some things are better left unsaid. Avoid cringeworthy moments by focusing on heartwarming and positive anecdotes that celebrate the couple’s journey and love.
• Harness the Power of Storytelling Capture everyone’s attention by using storytelling to highlight either the bride or groom’s wonderful qualities. Is she loyal, adventurous, generous, or kind-hearted? Is he optimistic, resilient, hilarious, etc? Share a touching story that really showcases one of these character traits, allowing everyone to get a deeper insight into how amazing this person truly is.
• Celebrate the Path to Becoming a Husband or Wife Remember that this is a wedding celebration and your wedding speech is a great opportunity to encourage the bride in her new role as a wife or the groom in his new role as a husband. Share your heartfelt wishes and why you believe they will make an amazing partner in this new chapter of their life.
• Practice Makes Perfect Confidence is key! Practice your speech a few times to build up your self-assurance. Remember to speak slowly when practicing because you are more likely to speed up in front of a crowd. Think of the areas you might tear up at and remember to pause and take a second to breathe. You don’t have to rush through the toast. Everyone wants to hear what you clearly have to say. Here’s the thing, the audience wants you to succeed, so embrace those nerves and let them fuel your confident delivery! You’ve got this, my friend! With these tips and a little bit of preparation, your speech is bound to be a show-stopper that leaves everyone applauding and reaching for the tissues! Crafting a memorable wedding speech is an art form, and your words have the power to touch hearts and create lasting memories.

Wedding Speeches Order

The order of wedding speeches can vary depending on cultural traditions and personal preferences. However, a common order for wedding speeches is as follows:

• Father of the Bride: Welcomes guests, and expresses love and pride for his daughter.
• Groom: Thanks guests, expresses gratitude to both families, and shares love for the bride.
• Best Man: Shares humorous anecdotes about the groom, and proposes a toast.
• Maid/Matron of Honor: Expresses friendship and admiration for the bride, offers wisdom, and proposes a toast.
• Additional speeches: Other family members or friends may give shorter speeches or toasts as desired. Note: The order and inclusion of speeches can be customized to the couple’s preferences. Communication with the wedding party beforehand is essential for a smooth flow of the reception.

Wedding Speeches Template

Learning how to write a wedding speech involves creating a heartfelt and memorable outline.

Introduction:

• Greet the guests and introduce yourself.
• Express your gratitude for being chosen to speak at the wedding.

Personal Connection:

• Share a personal story or memory about the couple.
• Talk about your relationship with either the bride or groom (or both) and how you’ve seen their love grow.

Compliments and Qualities:

• Compliment the couple individually and as a pair.
• Highlight their qualities and what makes them a great match.

Anecdotes and Humor:

• Share light-hearted and funny anecdotes about the couple.
• Keep the humor appropriate and avoid embarrassing stories.

Words of Wisdom:

• Offer advice or lessons on love, marriage, or relationships.
• Use heartfelt and meaningful quotes or poems if desired.
• Raise a toast to the couple’s happiness and future together.
• Invite guests to join in raising their glasses and toasting.
• Express well wishes and congratulations to the newlyweds.
• End with a final heartfelt message or a toast to love.

Remember to personalize the speech to your relationship with the couple and make it heartfelt and authentic. Practice it beforehand to ensure a smooth delivery and consider keeping the speech around 3-5 minutes in length.

Things You’d Better Exclude From Any Wedding Speech

At the same time, there are things great wedding speeches avoid.

• Do not include any embarrassing information.
• Do not mention previous boyfriends or girlfriends of the newlyweds.
• Do not say rude things like ‘We thought that day would never come’.
• Do not include any crude language, there are all sorts of guests around, and what is totally appropriate in a group of friends is inappropriate at the celebration.
• Adding humor, don’t make fun of the bride or groom. This is your best friend’s wedding, do not spoil it! If in doubt – use examples above, but by no means copy them. It is only a piece of speech to boost your imagination.

Wedding Speeches can be tricky to write, but we hope that now you have everything you need to deliver a perfect speech. A couple of jokes, a sentimental story, and letting your love for the couple shine is all it takes.

What Not to Say in a Wedding Speech

• Embarrassing Stories : Steer clear of tales that could embarrass the couple.
• Negative Remarks : Refrain from negative comments or jokes.
• Excessive Inside Jokes : Ensure your speech is inclusive for all guests.
• Lengthy Monologues : Keep it concise and engaging.
• Controversial Topics : Avoid sensitive or controversial subjects.
• Overuse of Clichés : Aim for originality over clichés.
• Inappropriate Humor : Be mindful of cultural or personal sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you say in a wedding speech.

• Express your love and support for the couple.
• Share personal anecdotes or stories about them.
• Offer well-wishes for their future together.

How long should a wedding speech be?

What is an example of a short marriage speech.

To [Couple’s Name], may your love be as endless as the horizon, your laughter as infectious as a melody, and your journey together full of joy. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness. Cheers!

Save This Helpful Information And You Will Know What & When Say!

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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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Photobug community, wedding blog, the ultimate guide to wedding speeches and toasts.

Image by Hugo Coelho . See more of this real wedding here . Read on about nailing wedding speeches and toasts

Wedding speeches and toasts may be the most daunting things to write and deliver, but they’re also one of the best parts of any wedding. They give guests a unique perspective on the couple, make you laugh, make you cry, and bring the room together. So, to take some of the pressure off your shoulders, here are some tried-and-true tips for writing a killer wedding speech and toast!

Image by Emily Delamater Photography . See more of this real wedding here

The Basics Of Wedding Speeches and Toasts

Who gives toasts and speeches.

Traditionally, the best man, the maid of honor (MOH), and both sets of parents give speeches for the couple. You’ll also find that the couple gives a welcome and gratitude speech. However, here at Junebug , we believe it’s entirely up to you and what you want for your special day. 

We’ve seen brides give the newlywed speech, and we’ve seen best friends give speeches instead of the MOH or best man. If you’re going the non-traditional route, we don’t recommend an open-mic situation where anyone can speak, and we don’t recommend having more than five speeches or guests will start to get restless.

When do speeches and toasts take place?

Most speeches and wedding toasts are given during the wedding reception , either before or after dinner. If you’d rather they be more intimate or you aren’t having a traditional reception, you can also have them take place at the rehearsal dinner .

What is the correct order for speeches?

Did you know that wedding speeches have a logistical order that is typically followed? While it may seem like such a minute detail, it actually makes more sense than you’d imagine. It usually starts with the couple. This gives you the opportunity to welcome and thank your guests for coming. From there, it traditionally goes in this order:

• The hosts (typically the parents)
• Maid of honor

Every couple has their preferences on who they want to speak and the order in which they want them to speak. As we mentioned earlier, it’s your wedding. If you have a maid of honor who hates public speaking, or you want your best friend to give the speech rather than your best man, go for it. The same goes for the order we just listed.

How long should wedding speeches and toasts go?

No matter how long you’ve known each other, try to keep speeches under five minutes. In fact, three minutes is the sweet spot. Even if you have countless things to say, three minutes can feel a lot longer than you’d expect. Keeping it short and sweet will keep everything, including the newlyweds, happy.

Image by Ana Hinojosa . See more of this real wedding here

Steps For Writing Killer Wedding Speeches and Toasts

The hardest part of writing a speech is knowing where to start. If you’re drawing a blank or having difficulty narrowing down the stories you want to tell, start by making a list of your favorite qualities about the newlyweds. Chances are there are many amazing qualities about them, so making a list of your top three favorites will help you craft a personalized speech tailored to them.

To expand beyond that, you can ask yourself these questions as well:

Questions To Ask Yourself

• Is there anyone speaking before or after you? If so, how will it affect the content of your speech?
• What is the general tone you want to convey in your speech? Emotional? Joy? Funny?
• What are some of your favorite memories with the newlyweds? These memories can be based on the individual getting married or them as a couple
• What do you see when you envision their future with one another?
• Is there any advice that you want to share?

When it’s time to start writing, use the following general outline to help create a great speech from beginning to end.

1. Introduce Yourself

Tell everyone your name and a brief explanation of how and when you met the couple or how you’re related. Everyone may not already know who you are, so a little context will go a long way.

2. Tell A Relevant Story

Go back to the list you created and choose a story that reflects the qualities you love most about the couple. This should be relatable, endearing, and appropriate. Make sure you have a point to the story so that you can seamlessly tie it into your speech at the end.

3. Reminisce about the day you met their partner

Everyone in that room will likely have seen different pieces of the couple’s love story, so tell their story from your perspective. Talk about the day you met their significant other for the first time and the moment you realized this was the person they were going to marry.

4. Talk about what you love about their partner

Although your main responsibility is to talk about one of the newlyweds, every speech should ultimately be about both of them. Tell their partner why they are the best choice for your friend and what qualities you love most about them.

5. Talk about your hopes for their future as a couple

If you’re married, this is where you can insert your best piece(s) of advice for a healthy marriage. If you’re not married, wish them a long, happy, and healthy life together. Make your wishes and your advice personal to their relationship and end on a positive, optimistic, and heartfelt vision of their future.

6. End with a toast

Ending a speech can be just as challenging as starting it, which is why we recommend ending with a wedding toast. Ask everyone to raise their glass and toast to the wonderful couple—and, in your own mind, to the killer speech you just gave!

Junebug Tip:

The Art of Etiquette’s wedding guest books include ten speech sheets that will give a beautiful space for your loved ones to write the perfect speech that is short, sweet, and sentimental. We love that they’ve included these thoughtful speech sheets that will double as a wedding keepsake in your guest book.

Image by Annabelle Agnew Photography . See more of this real wedding here

Tips For Giving Wedding Speeches and Toasts

Don’t drink too much beforehand.

We love open bars at weddings as much as the next person, but you don’t want to be slurring your words or drunkenly rambling in front of everyone. Just a couple of sips of liquid courage will get you through those few minutes in front of the crowd, we promise!

Don’t make it about you

It’s okay to be relatable by telling a story, but remember that this speech is about them . After you’ve introduced yourself, move on to talking about the newlyweds and their relationship.

Don’t humiliate the couple

There’s nothing wrong with jokes. In fact, some of the best toasts and speeches inject humor throughout. However, don’t use crude language, tell inappropriate stories, or mention past relationships. The moral of the story is if there’s even the slightest chance someone could feel uncomfortable about something you want to say, leave it out.

Keep it short and sweet

We mentioned this earlier, but it’s an important one! Chances are there will be at least two other people giving speeches before or after you, so keep your speech to five minutes max . If you go any longer than that, the couple and their guests may start getting a little antsy. If you aren’t sure how long your speech will take, our next tip will help.

Practice beforehand

You practice for speeches for school and work, why should a wedding be any different? Rehearse your speech with a friend or in front of the mirror. It will help get some of the nerves out and allow you to make sure it all flows before the big moment. 

Keep in mind that you’ll naturally speak more quickly when you’re handed the microphone, so as you’re practicing make sure you remind yourself to slow down. 

Write your speech down

With all the excitement and nerves of the day, there is a good chance you’ll blank out or forget parts of your speech. Even if you plan to memorize it, write it down and bring it with you just in case. Nobody will fault you for holding notes–just be sure to look up occasionally!

Pass these tips along to everyone giving a speech and toast at your wedding, and get ready for some pretty epic and heartfelt moments! Then start thinking about how to keep the party going all night with these wedding reception songs guaranteed to get your guests dancing .

Image by Jordan Jankun Photography

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Being the standout at the wedding speeches and toast is quite tricky. You have to be funny for everyone, or even a heartfelt story to tell for the guest and couple. This guide really tick all the boxes for build an ultimate wedding speech.

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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.

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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.

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March 1, 2021 · 8 Comments

Wedding Speeches (Who, When, & How)

Guest Experience · Traditions · Wedding Planning

Ah, wedding speeches.

I think I’ve seen at least a hundred wedding speeches in my life. Some were cringe-worthy (like the time a Maid of Honor had to drag the Best Man away from the microphone because he was rambling so much). A few were so touching I wish I could hear them again (like the one my mother gave at my wedding). Some were very long. Some were just a few seconds. Most fade into the background of my memories.

I’ve even given a couple speeches as well, both as a Maid of Honor and as a Bride. Now, I’m not going to brag or anything but I did make the bride and groom crack up like crazy at one of the weddings I spoke at.  I’ve even caused a few emotional tears at others.  Giving a speech is usually not the first thing people want to do when they attend a wedding.  However, it is typically something they feel honored and happy to do for those they love.

If you’re planning a wedding and want some advice on how to incorporate speeches, I’ve got all the details for you below. Take the advice with a grain of salt.  You will have to customize the advice for what works best for your own wedding and situation. If something doesn’t fit, change it so it does.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wedding speeches (or weddings in general), so do what feels right for you.

WHO GIVES WEDDING SPEECHES

Typically, there are three different sets of people who give speeches at weddings.  Those are the parents of the people getting married, the leads in the wedding party (usually Best Man and Maid of Honor), and the actual people getting married. 

Often people will ask their parents to give a welcome speech or blessing before a meal. I usually see the fathers of the people getting married take the lead on the public speaking.   Mothers often join in, or go solo if the father isn’t at the wedding. In some cases, one set of parents will welcome guests (usually the one who is the main “host” of the wedding).  The other will say a prayer or blessing before dinner starts. Not everyone is religious, though, so it’s also common for each set of parents to just say a few words and leave it at that.

Wedding Party

Speeches by Best Men and Maids of Honor are usually really sweet and fun to listen to. Close friends and family know all the dirt on you, don’t they? While they aren’t out to embarrass the brides and grooms, usually friends will give a little background on how they know the person getting married.  They share why they care so much about them, and maybe a little promise or advice for the future. In almost all the BM / MOH speeches I’ve heard, they have been really heartfelt, had a few laughs, and in general a good time.

Brides/Grooms

In recent years I think speeches by the brides and grooms have become more mainstream. I will say, at most of the weddings I’ve been to, the groom has said something. However, you don’t always see the bride speak. I think it’s a matter of preference for the couple. At my own wedding, I made it a point to say a few words of thanks and welcome to the guests, but I am comfortable with public speaking.  A toast or speech is an option for brides and grooms.  It’s a nice and thoughtful touch if they go for it.

As I mentioned before, the order of speeches can vary based on your own wedding. My wedding had us (the bride and groom) giving the welcome speech, followed by parents, followed by the wedding party. Do what works best for you.

WHEN TO DO WEDDING SPEECHES

A good rule of thumb is to have speeches given when people are already seated for dinner.

Again, this may vary based on your wedding (you may not have a formal seated dinner), but when people are already congregated and seated it does make it much easier to gain their attention and focus. Plus, most guests are kind of expecting it at that point.

If you have a coursed meal, you can break up the speeches to be given between courses. For example, we had salad served and then we spoke, followed by our parents. Then the main course was served and our wedding party spoke. This seemed to break up the “listening” for guests and worked really well.

If you have a buffet or other food situation, wait until all guests have some food and then go into the speeches. This gives guests a little time to feed themselves, relax into the evening, and be able to focus when speeches are going on. In some weddings, speeches are given before cake cutting or other focused events. Beware of this as it may mean some guests miss the speech.

No matter how you schedule the speeches, it is important to have at least some breaks between speakers otherwise guests will get antsy. Even just a few minutes will allow guests to get up if needed, order another drink, finish their meal, and be more ready for the next round of speeches.

HOW TO ASK SOMEONE TO GIVE A SPEECH

It’s really important that the people giving a speech are aware of it well before the wedding day.

Blindsiding your wedding party or parents with this request may make them feel really stressed out, and ill-prepared for your ask of them. Give people at least a month to prepare for giving a speech. Let your loved ones know that you would feel honored if they said some words at your wedding, and that you are happy to help them if they need it.

While you don’t have to actually write or tell your loved ones what to say, it’s fair to give them some general guidelines. Remember, the goal here is to make guests feel good about this union and enjoy hearing what the speaker says. Sharing fun memories, words of wisdom, and well wishes always seem to go well. If needed, there are lots of guidelines online about wedding speeches that can be customized (guests will not be any wiser!). This is a great article to send someone who needs pointers on giving a wedding speech. 

Depending on the tone of your wedding, you may want to let your speakers know if you encourage a more humorous speech or want it to be serious. 

If you ask a loved one to give a speech, and they decline, be okay with it. Seriously, public speaking isn’t for everyone.  And you want them to enjoy your wedding day as much as possible. Alternate requests could be for them to say a few words at the rehearsal dinner or recite a reading during the ceremony.

TIPS FOR WEDDING SPEECHES

There are some general guidelines you should give to your speakers.

1. Their speech should be concise.

Not that there is a time limit, but if a speech goes longer than a few minutes, people start to lose their attention. A rule of thumb might be to keep each speech to three minutes or less, especially if you have multiple speakers back to back.

2. Let the speaker know how they will be cued to speak.

Usually there is a DJ, Day of Coordinator, or MC (Master of Ceremonies) who will help keep track of the wedding cadence and let each speaker know when it’s their turn.  However you do it, have a plan.  Someone  should be keeping the flow going, announcing who is speaking, and handing out a microphone.

3. Your speaker should have a general idea of the crowd, and how they will feel about certain jokes, words, or stories.

Depending on the wedding audience and the speaker, you may want to have a little talk about what’s inappropriate to say or share, and what to avoid. Things like swear words, embarrassing stories, politics, or offensive jokes may not go well at most weddings. If your speaker is likely to “go there”, you’ll want to make sure they know what’s okay and what’s not okay. 

If you feel like a certain speaker will cross boundaries that may make an uncomfortable experience for the listeners it is entirely fair for you to ask them not to speak at all.  This may mean some hurt feelings, but you’ll have to weigh what’s best for your wedding. 

Some weddings can take a joke better than others.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Speeches are an underestimated yet important part of any wedding. They don’t cost anything and they can give off a real sense of family and community. Plus, wedding speeches are usually really well received. When planning out speeches, consider the speaker, audience, and logistics, and everything will go very well. Enjoy!

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[…] the bride with a bustle or bathroom (if needed) before the reception.  The Maid of Honor will say a speech at the wedding (not always),  and will probably stay to the end of the wedding to make sure everything is packed […]

[…] timeline to adhere to.  So, unless a member of the couple (or both) have asked you to provide a speech or toast, please don’t prep for one.  Most weddings do not have open mic opportunities, and when the […]

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Who Does Wedding Speeches? & In What Order? - Solved!

By Louise Baltruschat Hollis

Photos by Alexa Poppe Photography

Wedding speeches , who gives them, when to do them and in what order ?

Well, I’m here to give you the lowdown, as well as share some alternative and unconventional options to ensure your day is unique to you as well as with the times.

Then I will share my top wedding speech tips and advice on writing the perfect wedding speech.

Who does wedding speeches and in what order?

Traditional speech givers & order.

Traditionally, and I say this tentatively as we live in the 21st century, after all, the following wedding party members give speeches in the following order :

• Father of the Bride

But and this is a big but, there are no rules when it comes to who makes a wedding speech or in which order.

It’s also worth remembering that not everyone has a father or father figure in their life, not all weddings have grooms or best men. So these roles may not fit with your day.

But that’s absolutely fine, it’s your day so it should be celebrated in your own unique style.

Modern Speech Givers & Order

Egalitarian weddings bucking patriarchal traditions, will also hopefully include brides and bridesmaids in speeches too.

These people can make a wedding speech too:

• Bridesmaids
• Maid of Honour
• Father of Groom
• Mother of Bride
• Mother of Groom
• Step-Parent/Guardian

Wedding Speech FAQ Solved

What if someone declines to make a speech at my wedding.

If someone doesn’t want to make a wedding speech or feels uncomfortable doing so, don’t force them to make one. Let them enjoy your day and take away that speech stress.

You could well find something else special on the day to be involved, or suggest they record a speech beforehand to play on video or a slideshow if they have nerves.

What do I do if someone asks to do a wedding speech uninvited?

You may have a loved one who is gagging to get up and say a few words, if you’re happy for them to do so, let them. Don’t sweat about tradition and shake things up a little.

Just be sure to think about your wedding timeline and your guests’ enjoyment, you won’t want speeches that last for hours when a party is waiting to begin.

If you need to decline their speech offer, don’t feel bad. Simply respond kindly and honestly. For example:

Thank you for your kind offer, we’re keeping the speeches simple so we can get on with the party. But I’d love for you to be involved in another way, would you like to do [enter task here] at all?

How do I write a wedding speech?

When it comes to writing a speech, speak from a place of truth and heart. As a guide follow this order:

1. Introduce Yourself

A short and sweet hello, share your name and relationship with the newlyweds, or that you are the bride/groom.

You could mention how you met or how long you’ve been a part of each other’s lives. It’s fun to reference newly married titles and new names too. That usually gets a few whoops of excitement!

2. Thank You’s

Thank guests’ for coming along, and individually thank those that have helped with wedding planning and give out any gifts.

3. Share A Small Story/Anecdote/Memory

A lovely way to personalise your speech is to share a sweet anecdote or story that your guests may not know. Be cautious about sharing anything that may embarrass the couple or any guests.

Family members, welcome your new family member(s) to the fold.

4. Jokes (or No Jokes)

Don’t force jokes into your wedding speech. Cheesy jokes may not come across well and you want to be authentic.

If you are naturally a joker and it’s a part of your personality it may work well. But don’t feel like you have to make guests laugh with a special one-liner. Be natural.

5. Share Something About The Day

You could mention how lovely the couple/wedding party look or how wonderful a part of the day has been.

6. End With A Wedding Toast

To round up your wedding speech make a toast to your new husband/wife or the happy couple and ask guests to raise their glasses.

Other Wedding Speech Ideas

• Write/perform a song
• Perform a dance routine
• Create a slideshow
• Bring props
• Share messages from those that can’t be there
• Pre-record a video speech

Wedding Speech Writing Tips

Cross reference with other speech givers or team up.

You could team up to do a speech with another person, or think about cross-referencing your speech with other speech givers to ensure yours is unique.

How long should wedding speeches be?

Don’t feel like you need to write an essay or speak for a long time. Concise but heartfelt words will mean more than a long waffle.

Aim for a speech that lasts around 5 minutes but no more than 10 minutes. You want to keep guests engaged and enjoying what you’re saying.

What should you not say in a wedding speech?

Avoid talking about taboo subjects or any references or stories that may embarrass anyone in your wedding speech. A wedding is not the time for this, save these for appropriate occasions.

Keep talk of party antics or exes away from a wedding speech or any crude jokes. Any chat about the couples’ relationship woes or bets on their future is not a good approach.

Don’t swear and keep the language as well as subject matter appropriate for all ages in attendance.

Keeping Balanced & Avoiding Speech Nerves

Don’t go overboard on alcohol before the speech. Look after yourself, stay hydrated, eat well and calm your nerves by doing these:

• Take a short stroll/get some fresh air
• Talk to someone you trust
• Drink water/have water to hand
• Listen to some calming music
• Remind yourself, the people watching are rooting for you to do well
• It doesn’t matter if you muddle your words, it’s what’s being said that counts, not how it’s delivered

Practice Makes Perfect

Be sure to fully prepare your speech beforehand with plenty of time in advance. Write out the wedding speech by hand, create a printout or cue cards or read from a phone/tablet.

Practice in front of a trusted friend/family member and ask for their honest feedback. Time how long the speech is and adjust where necessary.

When Is the best time for wedding speeches?

Most weddings have speeches following the wedding meal. However, you can shake up your wedding timeline .

You could have a speech at these times instead:

• After the ceremony
• At the drinks reception
• Before the meal begins

Sometimes it works well to do wedding speeches earlier as the speech givers can get them out of the way so they can relax and enjoy their meal to the full.

Do you have to have wedding speeches?

No, you don’t have to have wedding speeches. There is no rule about wedding speeches, it’s your day, so you do as you please.

At our wedding, we decided not to do speeches, we didn’t want anyone to feel nervous or stressed. So we cut them out and just had a really relaxed wedding party.

So there we have my ultimate guide to wedding speeches, w ho gives speeches , in what order wedding speeches happen and just how to write the perfect wedding speech. Hopefully, you're now fully clued up and ready to organise and write your wedding speeches!

Further Reading

• What Is A Wedding Breakfast?
• Wedding Napkin Folds
• What Are Wedding Favours?
• Groom’s Wedding Speech Template
• Best Man’s Wedding Speech Template

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7 Wedding Toast Examples to Help You Write a Pitch-Perfect Speech

• The Speaker Lab
• June 14, 2024

Table of Contents

Raising a glass to the newlyweds is a cherished tradition at weddings. But when it’s your turn to deliver a toast, finding the right words can be daunting. Whether you’re the best man, maid of honor, or a proud parent, crafting a memorable speech takes some thought and preparation. That’s where wedding toast examples come in handy.

In this article, we’ve pulled together several toast examples to spark your own toast-making magic. Dive into our collection of emotional stories and fun jests if you want unique ways to say “I love you” and “We’ve got your back!” to the happy couple. Let’s get started!

Wedding Toast Examples for the Best Man

If you’ve been tasked with giving a best man speech , you know it’s a big responsibility. You want to honor your friend, make the bride feel welcome, and maybe even get a few laughs. But where do you start?

The key to a great best man toast is to speak from the heart. Share a funny story or two about your friendship with the groom. Talk about how you’ve seen him grow and change for the better since meeting his new spouse. And don’t be afraid to get a little sentimental—this is a day for celebrating love, after all.

Wedding Toast About Shared Memories or Funny Stories

One of the best ways to personalize your best man toast is to share a funny story about the groom. Maybe it’s a tale of a crazy adventure you had together, or a time when he did something so ridiculous you couldn’t help but laugh. Just make sure it’s a story that paints him in a positive light and shows off his best qualities.

For example, you could say something like:

“I’ll never forget the time John and I went camping and he insisted on bringing his entire collection of Star Wars action figures. He spent hours setting up elaborate battle scenes and making sound effects. It was like watching a kid in a candy store—except instead of candy, it was Ewoks and Stormtroopers.”

A story like this shows off the groom’s playful side and lets the audience see him through your eyes. It’s a great way to make your toast more engaging and memorable.

Quotes to Use

Including a quote in your best man toast can be a great way to sum up your feelings or add a touch of humor. Here are a few examples:

• “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin
• “I love being married. It’s so great to find one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner
• “Marriage is not just spiritual communion, it is also remembering to take out the trash.” – Joyce Brothers

When choosing a quote for your best man speech , look for something that reflects the couple’s relationship or your own views on love and marriage.

At the end of the day, though, the most important thing is to speak from the heart. Share your love for the couple, your hopes for their future together, and your joy at being a part of their special day. With a little humor, a lot of heart, and maybe a quote or two, you’ll give a best man toast they’ll never forget.

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Maid of Honor Wedding Toast Examples

As the maid of honor, you’ve been by the bride’s side through thick and thin. You’ve seen her at her best and her worst, and you know just how amazing she is. So when it comes time to give your maid of honor toast , you want to do her justice.

The key is to focus on the bride’s best qualities and the love she shares with her new spouse. Share stories that highlight her kindness, her humor, her intelligence, and her beauty—inside and out. And don’t forget to welcome the groom to the family and let him know how lucky he is to be marrying your best friend.

Highlighting the Bride’s Best Qualities

One of the best ways to make your maid of honor toast memorable is to highlight the bride’s best qualities. Think about what makes her special and what you admire most about her. Is she always there for you when you need her? Does she have a wicked sense of humor? Is she the most loyal friend you’ve ever had?

“Sarah has been my best friend since we were five years old. Even then, I knew she was someone special. She’s always been the first to lend a helping hand, the last to judge, and the best shoulder to cry on. She’s the kind of person who lights up a room just by walking into it, and I feel so lucky to have her in my life.”

A toast like this not only shows off the bride’s best qualities, but it also lets the audience see her through your eyes. It’s a great way to make your toast more personal and heartfelt.

Welcoming the Groom to the Family

As the maid of honor, you’re not just there to celebrate the bride. You’re also there to welcome the groom into your family. Take a moment in your toast to acknowledge him and the love he shares with your best friend.

You could say something like:

“John, I’ve watched you and Sarah fall in love over the past few years, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen two people more perfect for each other. You bring out the best in each other, and I know you’ll continue to do so for the rest of your lives. Welcome to the family—we’re so lucky to have you.”

A toast like this shows that you support the couple’s relationship and that you’re excited to have the groom as part of your family. It’s a great way to make him feel included and appreciated on his special day.

Remember, the most important thing is to speak from the heart. Share your love for the bride, your excitement for her future with the groom, and your joy at being a part of their special day. With a focus on her best qualities and a warm welcome for her new spouse, you’ll give a maid of honor toast that she’ll cherish forever.

Wedding Toast Examples From the Parents

For many parents, watching their child get married is a moment filled with love, pride, and a touch of bittersweet emotion. As they reflect on watching them grow up, it’s natural to want to express their love and wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness together. If you’re a parent tasked with giving a wedding toast, these examples can help you find the right words to capture your feelings and share your hopes for the couple’s future.

Reflecting on Watching Them Grow up

One of the most heartfelt themes in a parent’s wedding toast is reminiscing about watching their child grow up. You might share a funny or touching story from their childhood that highlights their personality or values. For example, you could say something like:

“From the moment Sarah learned to walk, she was always on the move, eager to explore the world around her. That curiosity and zest for life has never left her, and it’s one of the things I admire most about the woman she’s become.”

These anecdotes give guests a glimpse into your unique relationship with your child. Additionally, they help everyone feel more connected to the couple’s journey.

Wishing Them a Lifetime of Love

Of course, a parent’s wedding toast should also acknowledge and celebrate the couple’s love for each other. You might share your hopes and wishes for their marriage, such as:

“May your love for each other continue to grow deeper with each passing year. May you always be each other’s best friend, strongest supporter, and most loving partner. And may your marriage be filled with laughter, adventure, and endless joy.”

By focusing on the couple’s future together, you’re setting a positive tone and reminding everyone of the reason for the celebration.

Wedding Toast Examples for the Newlyweds

While the majority of wedding toasts are given by family and friends, many couples also choose to give a toast themselves. This is a wonderful opportunity to thank your guests for their support, express your love for each other, and share your excitement for the future. If you’re a newlywed looking for inspiration, these examples can help you craft the perfect wedding toast.

Thanking Guests for Their Support

One of the main purposes of a couple’s wedding toast is to thank their guests for being there to celebrate with them. You might say something like:

“We are so incredibly grateful to have all of you here with us today. Your love, support, and friendship mean the world to us, and we feel so lucky to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people as we start this new chapter in our lives.”

Acknowledging your guests’ presence shows them how much you value their role in your lives and your special day.

Expressing Gratitude for Help with the Wedding

In addition to thanking guests for their attendance, you should also give special recognition to those who helped make your wedding day possible. This could include your parents, wedding party, or anyone else who went above and beyond. For example:

“We also want to say a huge thank you to our incredible parents, who have been there for us every step of the way. From helping us plan this amazing celebration to offering endless love and guidance, we couldn’t have done it without you. We are so grateful for everything you’ve done for us.”

By specifically acknowledging those who contributed to your wedding, you’re showing your appreciation and letting them know how much their efforts mean to you.

As you craft your wedding toast, remember to speak from the heart and let your unique personality and love story shine through. Whether you’re a parent reflecting on precious memories or a newlywed couple expressing gratitude, a sincere and heartfelt toast will be cherished by all who hear it.

Tips for Delivering a Great Wedding Toast

Giving a wedding toast can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little preparation and our wedding toast examples, you can deliver a memorable toast that will have the happy couple and their guests smiling from ear to ear.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when giving a wedding toast is to keep it short and sweet. The best wedding toasts are concise, typically around 2-3 minutes. A shorter toast is more likely to hold the audience’s attention and leave a lasting impact.

Keeping It Short and Sweet

So, how do you keep your toast short and sweet? Start by focusing on one or two key points you want to make about the couple. Maybe it’s a funny story about how they met or a heartfelt memory that showcases their love for each other. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that will resonate with the audience and the couple.

Another tip for keeping your toast concise is to practice, practice, practice. The more you rehearse your toast, the more comfortable you’ll feel delivering it on the big day. And don’t be afraid to use notes. It’s better to glance down at your notes than to ramble on and lose your place.

Speaking from the Heart

While it’s important to keep your toast short, it’s equally important to speak from the heart. The more authentic you are, the more meaningful the toast. So don’t be afraid to get a little emotional. Share a story that showcases the couple’s love for each other or express how much they mean to you. Just remember to keep it appropriate for the occasion and the audience.

Raising a Glass to the Happy Couple

Finally, don’t forget to actually raise a glass to the happy couple. This traditional gesture serves as a celebratory exclamation point to the speech and signals the end of your toast. So, as you wrap up your toast, invite everyone to join you in raising a glass to the happy couple. You can even use a classic toast like “To love, laughter, and happily ever after.” Alternatively, come up with your own unique phrase that captures the essence of the couple’s love story.

By following these wedding toast tips, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a toast that will be remembered for years to come. Just remember to keep it short, speak from the heart, and raise a glass to the happy couple. Cheers!

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Wedding Toast Quotes to Include

When it comes to giving a wedding toast, sometimes the hardest part is finding the right words to express your feelings about the happy couple. That’s where wedding toast quotes come in handy. By incorporating a few well-chosen quotes into your toast, you can add a touch of humor, romance, or wisdom to your words. Let’s look at a few examples you might want to include in your own wedding toast.

Romantic Quotes About Love

If you’re looking to add a touch of romance to your toast, consider using a quote about love. One classic option is from the beloved children’s book author Dr. Seuss: “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” This quote perfectly captures the excitement and joy of falling in love.

Another romantic quote comes from the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning: “I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.” This quote speaks to the transformative power of love and how it can bring out the best in us.

Humorous Quotes to Lighten the Mood

If you want to keep things light and fun, consider using a humorous quote in your toast. One option is from the comedian Rita Rudner: “I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” This quote is sure to get a laugh from the audience while also acknowledging the ups and downs of married life.

Another funny quote comes from the actress Audrey Hepburn: “If I get married, I want to be very married.” This quote is a playful way to express the commitment and dedication that comes with marriage.

Classic Quotes for a Traditional Toast

If you’re looking for a more traditional quote to use in your toast, consider one from the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” This quote emphasizes the importance of friendship and companionship in a successful marriage.

Another classic quote comes from the author Mark Twain: “To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.” This quote speaks to the idea that happiness is meant to be shared with the one you love.

No matter which wedding toast quotes you choose to include in your speech, make sure they reflect the couple’s unique love story and personality. By incorporating a mix of romantic, humorous, and classic quotes, you’ll be sure to deliver a toast that is both meaningful and memorable.

FAQs on Wedding Toast Examples

What do you say in a wedding toast.

Kick off with how you know the couple. Share a short, sweet story or compliment. Wrap up by wishing them joy and love.

What is the best short wedding toast?

“To love, laughter, and happily ever after.” It’s quick, classic, and covers all bases for celebrating the couple’s future.

What are some examples of toasts?

Toasts can range from “Here’s to new beginnings.” to “May your love be modern enough to survive the times but old-fashioned enough to last forever.”

What is the best opening line for a wedding speech?

“I’m here today not just as [relation], but as someone who has seen their love grow firsthand.”

Wedding toast examples offer a wealth of inspiration for crafting your own unforgettable speech. By blending heartfelt sentiments with a dash of humor, you can create a toast that perfectly captures your unique relationship with the newlyweds.

Remember, the key is to speak from the heart and let your genuine emotions shine through. Whether you share a funny story, express your admiration, or offer words of wisdom, your toast will be a cherished part of the couple’s special day.

So raise your glass, take a deep breath, and deliver a wedding toast that will have everyone laughing, crying, and celebrating the incredible love story unfolding before them.

• Last Updated: June 12, 2024

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Biden Plan Gives 500,000 Immigrant Spouses Amnesty: Here’s What To Know

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President Joe Biden announced Tuesday a program that could grant lawful permanent residency to hundreds of thousands of undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens— the most sweeping immigrant protections in a decade during a presidential year when concern over migration tops voter priorities.

US President Joe Biden arrives to board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, on June 12, ... [+] 2024. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

The Biden administration estimates the “parole in place” program will offer amnesty, and a path to legal permanent residency, to 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens and 50,000 children under 21.

Prior to Monday, many of these individuals were required to leave the country and wait for their applications to be processed abroad, often resulting in a “prolonged, potentially indefinite, period of separation” from their families, DHS said.

Biden attacked former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and rhetoric in announcing the program from the White House Tuesday, accusing him of “trying to play on fear” and “proposing ripping thousands of children away from their families and homes” and placing “them in detention camps,” if he’s reelected, referring to Trump’s plans to arrest and deport undocumented migrants en masse.

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Who Qualifies For Biden’s “parole In Place” Amnesty Program?

Eligible applicants must have lived in the U.S. for 10 or more years and have been legally married to a U.S. citizen as of Monday.

Does “parole In Place” Offer A Path To U.s. Citizenship?

The new program will clear barriers to apply for citizenship by allowing eligible applicants to obtain a green card without leaving the U.S. and risking the threat they could be banned from re-entering for living in the country illegally.

How Long Can Immigrants Stay In The U.s. Under The Program?

Qualifying participants would be allowed to live and work in the U.S. for a three-year period while they apply for permanent residency, according to the Department of Homeland Security, which will review applications on a case-by-case basis, including an assessment of potential threat to public safety or national security.

The initiative will also speed up the work visa application process for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), Dreamers and other immigrants without full legal status who have earned a college degree in the U.S. and received a U.S. job offer related to their degree.

The announcement comes on the 12th anniversary of DACA, which was enacted by former President Barack Obama and protects individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children and have lived here for at least five years from deportation.

Chief Critic

The Trump campaign predicted in a statement “Biden’s mass amnesty plan will undoubtedly lead to a greater surge in migrant crime, cost taxpayers millions of dollars they cannot afford, overwhelm public services, and steal Social Security and Medicare benefits from American seniors.” (U.S.-born citizens are more than twice as likely to be arrested for violent crimes and 2.5 times more likely to be arrested for drug crimes as undocumented immigrants, according to a study by the Texas Department of Public Safety).

Biden mumbled inaudibly for several seconds before thanking Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas during his White House speech Tuesday, prompting criticism from the Trump campaign. “Is this also a ‘cheap fake’?” campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt tweeted , tagging White House spokesperson Andrew Bates. Leavitt was referring to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre’s statements a day earlier that Trump and his allies had spread a series of “cheap fake” videos of Biden in recent weeks, referring to some that were deceptively edited to make him look confused in public.

24%. That’s the share of respondents in a February Gallup poll who said immigration was the most important problem facing the country, outranking 14 other issues, including the economy, inflation, crime and healthcare.

What To Watch For

The political response from Republicans, which will likely be critical—but possibly cautious, out of concern for alienating potential Latino swing voters who have moved more toward the GOP. Though Rep. Marjorie Taylor-Green, R-Gal, was quick to already call it “a vote-buying free citizenship executive order for illegals bypassing Congress’s law making authority!”

Key Background

The announcement comes as immigration issues have vexed the Biden administration throughout his presidency, amid a surge in border crossings and backlash from Republicans who, at Trump’s behest, have blocked Congress from passing legislation to address the issue. Earlier this month, Biden implemented a new, higher standard for asylum applicants who cross the border illegally, prompting backlash from his progressive base and activists, including the American Civil Liberties Union, which sued the administration to block the policy. Tuesday’s announcement is expected to placate critics of Biden’s asylum restrictions and appeal to Latino voters, a constituency that polls show increasingly support Trump over Biden, despite the former president’s anti-immigration rhetoric.

Further Reading

Biden Planning New Deportation Protections For 500,000 Undocumented Spouses Of U.S. Citizens Tomorrow (Forbes)

Biden Launches Asylum Crackdown At Southern Border—But Lawsuits Are Already Pending. Here’s What To Know (Forbes)

Trump Doubles Down On Border Deal Attacks After Biden Vows Tough Reforms (Forbes)

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Biden announces new policy shielding undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation

President Joe Biden is taking executive action to protect undocumented spouses of American citizens — a move that would shield about 500,000 immigrants from deportation.

The White House announced the election-year policy Tuesday, framing it as “new action to keep families together.” NBC News reported last week that action protecting the spouses was likely to be announced soon, after urging from immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers and as the president courts Latino voters in crucial battleground states.

The new policy would allow noncitizens who have been in the country for at least 10 years and are married to a U.S. citizen, and their children, to apply for permanent residence without leaving the country.

During a ceremony at the White House, Biden called the steps a "commonsense fix" to a system that is "cumbersome, risky and separates families."

He said the order would go into effect this summer and stressed that it would not benefit people who recently came into the country. Instead, it would help people who are "paying taxes and contributing to our country" and their family members.

“This is the biggest thing since DACA,” said a source familiar with the matter, an immigration advocate.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, announced by then-President Barack Obama in 2012, allowed immigrants who illegally came to the U.S. as children to stay in the country.

Foreshadowing the likely battles to come over the policy, the White House was keen to stress that it has been tough on unlawful border crossings and has worked to dismantle people-smuggling networks.

The president "believes that securing the border is essential," it said in a news release Tuesday outlining the new action.

"He also believes in expanding lawful pathways and keeping families together, and that immigrants who have been in the United States for decades, paying taxes and contributing to their communities, are part of the social fabric of our country," the statement said.

The statement added that the spouses eligible to apply for this have been in the U.S. for 23 years on average.

The program would also make it easier for some undocumented immigrants to get a green card and a path to U.S. citizenship.

Sources also say that the undocumented spouses would be allowed to obtain work permits on a case-by-case basis.

The action includes plans to allow DACA recipients who earned degrees in higher education and are seeking a job in that same field to more quickly receive work visas.

Republicans, including former President Donald Trump , blasted the executive action.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Wisconsin, Trump said that if he's elected in November, Biden’s new immigration policy would be immediately “ripped up and thrown out.”

"It's been a nonstop catastrophe, but one of crooked Joe's most destructive moves yet is the lawless executive action he's taken today," Trump said. "Under this program, a deluge of illegals will be given immediate green cards and put on the fast track to rapid citizenship so they can vote."

The presumptive Republican nominee for president, who has made immigration and border issues a cornerstone of his campaign, said "millions" of immigrants would benefit from the program, a figure that contrasts with a White House estimate that it would impact roughly 500,000 people who are spouses and 50,000 non-citizen children who are under 21 with a non-citizen parent who married an American before they were 18 who may also qualify.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., also ripped the administration's announcement, painting it as "granting amnesty to hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens" and saying it would "incentivize more illegal immigration and endanger Americans."

The new program is expected to be challenged in court.

Noting the likelihood of lawsuits, Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a statement that passing legislation would be "the only action that will fully allow these deserving individuals to put down roots, start families, further their education, and continue contributing to our society without fear of deportation." But he also acknowledged that getting a bill through Congress would be unlikely given Republican opposition to previous immigration overhauls.

Gabe Gutierrez is a senior White House correspondent for NBC News.

Julie Tsirkin is a correspondent covering Capitol Hill.

Julia Ainsley is the homeland security correspondent for NBC News and covers the Department of Homeland Security for the NBC News Investigative Unit.

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• Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception? How to Write a Wedding Toast Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech How to Write a Best Man Toast Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech What to Know About a Newlywed Toast Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips 60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

60 Wedding Toast Quotes for Every Speech

Raise a glass and write these down.

Cristina Montemayor is a freelance writer and makeup artist whose work has appeared on HelloGiggles, Slate, Elite Daily, and Bustle.

Photo by David Bastianoni

In This Article

Wedding day jitters  aren’t just for the couple. If you’ve been asked to give a  wedding toast , you may feel just as nervous on the big day as the couple getting married in anticipation of your speech. Public speaking is a nerve-wracking experience on its own, but when someone you’re extremely close to asks you to give a speech on what’s supposed to be the best day of their lives, the pressure is most certainly on. 

Unless you’re a standup comedian or an exceptionally gifted writer,  writing a wedding toast  can feel like a truly daunting task. If you can’t find the words to adequately express the emotions you felt watching these newlyweds get together, tie the knot, and eventually plan a future together, don’t sweat it—just borrow someone else’s. 

Incorporating famous  wedding toast quotes and sayings into your speech is a great trick to get the audience to laugh or tug at their heartstrings, which are both qualities of a memorable toast. Sure, you’ll also want to include a few personal anecdotes, but don’t feel the need to overdo it: The best wedding toasts are short, sweet, and make everyone in the room believe in true love.

If you’re not sure where to start with writing a wedding toast , we’re here to help. Get inspired with these 60 memorable wedding quotes for every speech. 

Classic Wedding Toast Quotes

• "There is only one happiness in life: To love and be loved." — George Sand
• "Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." — Antoine de Saint-Exupery
• "The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time." — Julia Child
• "Where there is love there is life." — Mahatma Gandhi
• "The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now." — Rick Warren
• "A  happy marriage  is a long conversation which always seems too short." — Andre Maurois
• "There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage." — Martin Luther
• "Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead." — Oscar Wilde
• "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." — Audrey Hepburn
• "When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too." — The Alchemist
• "You don't marry the person you can live with—you marry the person you can't live without." — Unknown
• "May this marriage be full of laughter, our every day in paradise." — Rumi

Funny Wedding Toast Quotes

• "It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." — Rita Rudner
• "Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards." — Benjamin Franklin
• "Marry a man your own age; as your beauty fades, so will his eyesight." — Phyllis Diller
• "May she share everything with her husband, including the housework." — Unknown Proverb
• "The man who says his wife can't take a joke, forgets that she took him." — Oscar Wilde
• "Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?" — Groucho Marx
• "By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher." — Socrates
• "Getting married is like trading the adoration of many for the sarcasm of one." — Mae West
• "Women marry men hoping they will change. Men marry women hoping they will not. So each is inevitably disappointed." — Albert Einstein
• "My husband and I have never considered divorce ... murder sometimes, but never divorce." — Dr. Joyce Brothers
• "Being a good husband is like being a stand-up comic. You need 10 years before you can call yourself a beginner." — Jerry Seinfeld
• "Marriages are made in heaven. But so again, are thunder and lightning." — Clint Eastwood

Romantic Wedding Toast Quotes

• "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." — Mignon McLaughlin
• "Grow old with me. The best is yet to be, the last of life for which the first was made." — Robert Browning
• " Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get—only with what you are expecting to give—which is everything." — Katharine Hepburn
• "In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine." — Maya Angelou
• "Being married is like having somebody permanently in your corner. It feels limitless, not limited." — Gloria Steinem
• "To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness." — Robert Brault
• "Love seems the swiftest but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century." — Mark Twain
• "My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite." — Romeo and Juliet
• "You know you're in love when you don't want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." — Dr. Seuss

Famous Wedding Toast Quotes

• "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." — When Harry Met Sally
• "The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return." — Moulin Rouge
• "To me, you are perfect." — Love Actually
• "It’s like at that moment the whole universe existed just to bring us together." — Serendipity
• "Choose me. Marry me. Let me make you happy." — My Best Friend’s Wedding
• "True love is the soul's recognition of its counterpoint in another." — Wedding Crashers
• "I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone." — The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
• "It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other." — Good Will Hunting
• "May you never steal, lie, or cheat. But if you must steal, then steal away my sorrows. And if you must lie, lie with me all the nights of my life. And if you must cheat, then please cheat death. Because I couldn't live a day without you." — Leap Year
• "To love another person is to see the face of God." — Les Miserables
• "The heart’s not like a box that gets filled up. It expands in size the more you love." — Her

Religious Wedding Toast Quotes

• "Two are better than one." — Ecclesiastes 4:9
• "Through love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13 
• "I found the one whom my soul loves." — Song of Solomon 3:4
• "Follow the way of love." — I Corinthians 14:1
• "Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away." — Song of Solomon 8:7
• "Deep love is stronger than life." — Jewish Proverb
• "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." — 1 John 3:18
• "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." — Genesis 2:24
• "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." — Corinthians 13:4-5
• "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." — 1 John 4:18-19
• "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." —Corinthians 13
• "Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs." —Proverbs 10:12
• "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." — 1 Corinthians 13:13
• "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." — Matthew 19:6
• "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." — Romans 12:9
• "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." —Psalm 143:8

A Guide to Wedding Reception Toasts

• Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception?
• How to Write a Wedding Toast
• Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech
• How to Write a Best Man Toast
• Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech
• What to Know About a Newlywed Toast
• Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips
• currently on 60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

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The Ending of Bridgerton Season Three, Explained

What’s next for Lady Whistledown? Do Colin and Penelope make up? And who in the world is Michaela Stirling?

Warning: Major spoilers for Bridgerton season three lie ahead.

The last episode takes place a day after Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington’s wedding . Instead of post-nuptial bliss, tension fills the newlyweds’ home as the two contend with the Lady Whistledown–size elephant in the room. Elsewhere in the Bridgerton family, Francesca is ready to embark on her own life as a newlywed after marrying John Stirling —but an unforeseen complication is thrown her way. As for single Bridgertons Eloise and Benedict, we can expect both siblings to begin new journeys down paths of self-discovery.

Ahead, gentle reader, we’ve rounded up all the answers to your most burning questions about the season three finale.

More “Bridgerton”

It’s Luke Newton’s Turn to Lead Now

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Simone Ashley on Joining the “Bridgerton” Universe

Read All the Books That Inspired “Bridgerton”

How do colin and penelope reconcile and what happens to lady whistledown.

Colin’s discovery that Penelope is Lady Whistledown in episode six spells trouble for their romance. He decides to commit to marrying Penelope, though, despite feeling betrayed and Pen offering him a way out of their engagement. But although the two share a tender moment dancing together during their wedding breakfast, Colin reverts back to being cold and guarded by the next day.

Still, there’s nothing like a crisis to bring a couple together. Cressida Cowper uncovers Whistledown’s true identity and then insists Pen pay her, threatening to reveal the truth to the entire ton otherwise. Faced with this blackmail scheme, Colin goes into emergency mode. First, he beseeches Cressida to show mercy—though that quickly backfires when she instead doubles the amount she’s asking for. Later, Colin tells Penelope that he intends to ask Benedict to lend him the money to pay off Cressida. Penelope refuses this gesture. She does not want Colin to rescue her, she tells him, but simply desires his love. To this, he replies, “As long as you live with this secret, there will always be something between us.” Pen responds, “I know. Perhaps that is the key.”

Penelope writes a letter to Queen Charlotte, unmasking herself once and for all. She also uses all the money she made selling Lady Whistledown columns to fund her sisters’ spectacular vision for a joint ball. It is at this ball that Penelope comes into the light at last, revealing her alter ego before an audience that includes the queen, the Bridgertons, the Featheringtons, and the rest of the ton. The queen allows Penelope to state her case.

“I wrote about all of you because I was captivated by you, living your lives so out in the open,” Penelope says. “And in writing about all of you, I suddenly felt as if I had a life. I had power. And for anyone in this room who has ever had a taste of that, they should know it can be intoxicating.” She admits to being “careless with that power” and vows to courageously “live a life out in the open” and to “honor one’s weaknesses publicly.” Graciously, the queen grants Pen permission to continue writing as Lady Whistledown “more responsibly.”

Afterward, Colin reconciles Penelope’s voice with Lady Whistledown’s. “In truth, I have been envious of you—of your success, of your bravery,” he tells his new wife. “And now I simply cannot believe that a woman with such bravery loves me. How lucky I am to stand by your side and soak up even a little bit of your light.” Swoon!

Fast-forward a year later, and the two—along with Penelope’s sisters—are reveling in their happily ever after and welcoming their first child. Although Prudence and Philippa presumably had their daughters first, Penelope’s child is the only son—making him the Featherington heir.

What’s the deal with Francesca and Michaela?

Penelope and Colin aren’t the only newlyweds in season three. In the finale, Francesca Bridgerton ties the knot with John Stirling, a union that will take her out of Mayfair and to the Kilmartin family seat in the Scottish Highlands.

Joining them on their journey to Scotland is John’s cousin, Michaela Stirling. Upon meeting her, Francesca looks awestricken and momentarily forgets her own name—a callback to a conversation she had with Violet, who said, “When I first met your father, I could barely speak my own name. I was so taken by him. I stumbled over words most familiar.”

For those who haven’t read the original Julia Quinn novels, the introduction of Michaela’s character is our first look into what to expect from Francesca’s season . In the sixth Bridgerton book, When He Was Wicked , Francesca originally falls in love with John’s cousin Michael after John dies unexpectedly, two years into their marriage. It seems the creative team behind the Netflix series has decided to take a gender-bent approach to Francesca’s story.

It’s currently uncertain how the change in gender will affect Francesca’s storyline. Showrunner Jess Brownell told Netflix’s Tudum , “Part of Francesca’s exploration going forward will be about whether or not there is in fact something missing [in her marriage] … You’ll just have to wait to see, going forward, what we do with the addition of Michaela.”

Where are Kate and Anthony?

Sorry, Kanthony shippers, but it seems we’ll be bidding farewell to our season-two leads for quite some time.

Kate and Anthony actually didn’t appear in episode eight of the third season. At Colin and Penelope’s wedding in the previous episode, the couple decided to temporarily relocate to India, where they plan to welcome their first child. But don’t lose hope for Kanthony cameos in future seasons, as Anthony promises Kate in episode seven: “We will return.”

What’s next for Benedict and Eloise?

The remaining single Bridgerton siblings (besides Hyacinth and Gregory, who are children and, respectfully, should stay unmarried for quite some time) are heading on their own journeys of self-discovery by the end of season season.

After spending the entirety of the season engaging in an affair with the widowed Lady Tilley, Benedict embraces the fluidity of sexuality by having a threesome with her and her friend Paul. The throuple situation works out great for everyone—until it doesn’t. It turns out Tilley is ready to take her relationship with Benedict to the next level, while Benedict only wants to further expand his previously limited conceptions of love and lust. As he tells Tilley, “You’ve opened my world, and I’m not ready to close it again just now.” Ultimately, the two end things on relatively amicable terms.

As for Eloise, she finally mends her friendship with her best friend and now sister-in-law, Penelope. Still, she finds herself restless. “I’ve spent nearly all of my life in either Mayfair or at Aubrey Hall,” she laments during a late-night vent session with Benedict. “If I’m going to attempt to make change in the world, certainly I shall need to see some of it first.” Her solution? Joining newlyweds Francesca and John at their estate in Scotland, where she expects to live “outside our tiny bubble” and “have some adventures.” Cheers to new frontiers!

As an associate editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com, Chelsey keeps a finger on the pulse on all things celeb news. She also writes on social movements, connecting with activists leading the fight on workers' rights, climate justice, and more. Offline, she’s probably spending too much time on TikTok, rewatching Emma (the 2020 version, of course), or buying yet another corset. 

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Biden immigration rule will protect undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation

WASHINGTON – Thousands of immigrants who are married to U.S. citizens but are in the country illegally would be protected from deportation and allowed to work while they seek permanent legal status under a sweeping new government program announced Tuesday.

The program, which President Joe Biden unveiled during an immigration event at the White House, would allow undocumented spouses and their children to apply for permanent resident status without leaving the country − but only if they meet certain criteria.

To be eligible, immigrants must have resided in the United States for 10 years or more as of June 17, 2024, and be legally married to a U.S. citizen by that date. They cannot have been paroled and cannot pose a threat to public safety and national security. On average, those who are eligible for the program have resided in the United States for 23 years, officials said.

Under current law, many migrants seeking legal status must first depart the United States and wait to be processed abroad, which can take years.

The new rule will allow them to stay in the United States and work for up to three years while they seek permanent legal status.

The new rule doesn't require any fundamental change in immigration law and "embraces the American principle that we should keep families together," Biden said.

“I refuse to believe that to secure our border we have to walk away from being an American," he said. Generations "have been renewed, revitalized and refreshed by the talent, the skill, the hard work, the courage and determination of immigrants coming to our country.”

Related: Immigrants who missed hearing lose deportation battle at Supreme Court

The White House said the program would shield about 500,000 spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation and provide them with authorization to work for up to three years. The program also would provide protections for about 50,000 people under age 21 who are the children of a migrant who is married to a U.S. citizen. Those chosen for the program will have three years to apply for permanent residency.

The government believes the new rule will strengthen the economy and promote family unity by allowing families to stay together while waiting for their legal status to be approved.

Biden’s decision comes as he runs for reelection against former President Donald Trump, who has taken a hard line against illegal immigration.

Biden has faced record numbers of migrants caught illegally crossing the U.S. border with Mexico under his watch. This month, he signed an executive order authorizing the U.S. to turn away migrants who enter the country without legal permission when the number of crossings is high. The conditions for closure will be automatically triggered when more than 2,500 migrants enter the country between legal ports of entry.

Two immigrants rights groups sued the administration over the new restrictions last week. The groups seek to block the restrictions on the grounds that Biden’s order violates the nation's immigration laws by effectively barring migrants' access to the asylum system.

Biden has also faced pressure to provide protections for long-term U.S. residents who lack legal status, including the spouses of U.S. citizens.

Biden announced the protections for spouses at a White House event marking the 12 th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. That program was implemented under President Barack Obama with the goal of protecting young adults from deportation who were brought to the United States as children and who want temporary work authorization.

The new rules Biden announced Tuesday also will make it easier to obtain work visas for DACA recipients and other "Dreamers" who have earned a college degree in the United States and have a high-skilled job offer from a U.S. employer.

The change will make it easier for employers to hire the talent they need and make sure people educated in the United States are able to put their skills and education to use in the U.S., officials said.

Michael Collins covers the White House. Follow him on X @mcollinsNEWS.