Father of the Bride speech, contents and etiquette.
In traditional UK style Weddings, this is the first speech.
Basically to welcome the relatives and friends of both families.
To greet the parents of the Groom.
To praise the Bride's appearance and relate about her family life.
To welcome the Groom into the family.
To give words of wisdom and good wishes to the couple.
To thank Caterers, Clergy and anyone who has especially helped with the Wedding and Reception.
To propose a toast to the Bride and Groom.
If no Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies to introduce the Groom.
Bridegroom's speech, contents and etiquette.
In traditional UK style Weddings, this is the second speech after the Father of the Bride.
Basically to greet the relatives and friends of both families.
To thank the Bride's parents for allowing him to take their beautiful daughter’s hand in marriage.
To give a thank you to his own parents for all the happy years together.
To give thanks to the hosts and parents who have contributed to the Wedding and Reception.
To say some nice words about the Bride.
To thank and propose a toast to the Bridesmaids, including Matrons and Maids of Honour. To save complicating the toast, I would just make it to the Bridesmaids. If there are only Matrons or Maids of Honour I would just make it to the Matron[s] of Honour, or Maid[s] of Honour.
To thank the Flower girls, Page boys and ring bearers.
To thank the Best man and possibly relate about him.
To thank the Ushers or Groomsmen.
To thank everybody for the kind wishes, cards and lovely presents.
To present gifts to people. [I would recommend doing this in one go at the end of the speech to save disjointing it].If no Toastmaster or Master of Ceremonies, to introduce the Best man.
Best Man's speech, contents and etiquette.
In traditional UK style weddings, the third speech after the Father of the Bride and the Groom.
Basically to compliment the Bride and Groom and give good wishes for their future together.
To thank the Groom for asking you to be Best man.
To relate funny stories about the Groom, nothing too rude and no mention of previous lady friends.
To relate a little about the Bride, [If known]. It’s nice to say something about the Bride if possible.
To respond on behalf of the Bridesmaids to the Groom’s words and toast. There is a danger area here, because believe it or not, the Groom may not have mentioned them. So I respond by thanking the Bride on behalf of the Bridesmaids for giving them the great honour of accompanying her; and also by thanking the Bride on behalf of the Flower girls, Page boys and ring bearers.
To thank the Hosts on behalf of the Guests.
To read out a few cards, probably from absent relatives or close friends.
If no Master of Ceremonies, to introduce the next item. May be the cutting of the cake, but prearrange.
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