Introduction to Wedding Speeches
The speeches at the wedding reception are an enjoyable part of the day, giving all family and friends the opportunity to have some light fun as the snippets into the back-ground and lives of the couple are being delivered.
If you are one of the privileged parties to be honoured with delivering a speech and are a little apprehensive about giving a public talk, take heed with good preparation and practice you will be successful in your endeavor on the day.

Order of Wedding Speeches
Traditionally, the bride's father's is first to make a speech followed by the groom's father, the groom and lastly, the best man speech. It is also common for the best man or grromsmen to read messages or telegrams. Invited guests may also make a speech.
These days, tradition need no be followed. In many weddings, speeches are made by both parents of the bride and groom, typically the father of the bride, then the mother of the bride followed by the father of the groom and then the mother of the groom.
It is also common for the bride to make a speech. Bridesmaids are also welcome to make a speech.
The order in which speakers deliver their speech should be considered by the bride and groom. For example, the father of the groom or a memer of the bridal party may be an experienced public speaker, and be allowed to speak first, settle the guests down, handle any loud guests and set the mood for the following speeches.
Some people may find public speaking to be daunting. Take this in to consideration. If a member of the bridal party politely refuses to make a speeche, don't force them in to making a speech which may turn out badly or create an awkward moment. This will not only spoil your wedding night, but also that of the unwilling speaker.

Writing a Wedding Speech
To begin with, make some notes about stories and experiences that you've enjoyed with the bride, groom or couple.
You need take into consideration several aspects of the audience, cultural back-ground, age, familiarity.
If you need to talk to other family (parents and siblings are an excellent source) and friends to help you with background material or humorous moments of the person/persons your speech is for.
When your ready to put your speech together be thoughtful, considerate whilst entertaining and stimulating your audience with your experiences.
Your speech should be from the heart, people will appreciate your sincerity.
You should consider 3-5 minutes for your speech; this is ample time in front of an audience. If you lack confidence, a good rule of thumb is 'short but sweet'.
When your have written up your speech, practice it out loud several times and make adjustments where necessary. And if you can, run the speech by a trusted family member or friend. You could even stand in front of a mirror to do this paying attention to your posture.
Stay away from crude and smutty material, you would not want to offend or embarrass anyone.

Delivering a Wedding Speech
To begin with, make some notes about stories and experiences that you've enjoyed with the bride, groom or couple.
You need take into consideration several aspects of the audience, cultural back-ground, age, familiarity.
If you need to talk to other family (parents and siblings are an excellent source) and friends to help you with background material or humorous moments of the person/persons your speech is for.
When your ready to put your speech together be thoughtful, considerate whilst entertaining and stimulating your audience with your experiences.
Your speech should be from the heart, people will appreciate your sincerity.
You should consider 3-5 minutes for your speech; this is ample time in front of an audience. If you lack confidence good rule of thumb 'short but sweet'.
When your have written up your speech, practice it out loud several times and make adjustments where necessary. And if you can, run the speech by a trusted family member or friend. You could even stand in front of a mirror to do this paying attention to your posture.
Stay away from crude and smutty material, you would not want to offend or embarrass anyone.

Father of the bride
Typically the father of the bride (and/or groom) has to foot the majority of the bill for the wedding, so it is only proper that he makes the first speech.
The father of the bride/groom usually addresses the guests formerly, welcoming them to the wedding, thanks the people by way of acknowledgment for the contributions thay have made towards the wedding.
The father of the bride or groom may also talk more casually about his feelings and relationship with his son or dauther and also welcome the bride or groom and in-laws in to his family.
Father of the Bride speech basics:
* Welcome the guests to the wedding.
* Thank them for coming to help you celebrate the wedding of your daughter.
* Tell them about your son or daughter.
* Tell them about your new son or daughter in-law.

Grooms Speech
Typically, the grooms speech is about the bride - his wife and about their future together and to thank the people involved in making their wedding a memorable occasion.
Thanking the Father of the Bride
* Thank the Bride's father for proposing the toast
* For his kindness and friendship
* For his daughter
* For the wedding feast (if appropriate)
Thanking the Guests
* for attending
* for their good wishes
* Everyone for their wedding gifts
Thanking the Bride, His Newly Wed Wife
* Thank your new wife for marrying you!
* Talk about how you met
* Talk about why you love your wife
* Talk about your future together
Thank Individuals
* Thank those who have helped organize and plan the event.
* Thank the Bridesmaids who have helped your wife through the day. Comment on their charm & beauty - not too much, though, as you may make your new wife jealous!
* Thank the groomsmen and the Best Man
As well as the traditional thanks, the Groom may wish to add a few words about how he met his wife, activities they share, etc. Gentle teasing is in order.
The grooms speech usaully thanks more people than any of the other speakers.
It is usually considered a bit uncouth to thank the people paying for the celebrations for the money they have spent. However it is important to make clear that you appreciate their generosity. There is a risk that your speech becomes a list of "Thank you's" - try to avoid this if possible. One way is to break up the list of thank-you's with humour or reminiscences. This is particularly effective if it relates to the person who has just been thanked, or is about to be thanked.
* Toast the Bride and Groom.

Best Man's Speech
The best man's speech is the last of the three traditional Wedding speeches at a wedding. He usually begins by recounting how he first met the groom and their relationship, followed by some insights about the groom and bride.
The best man is traditionally the official spokes man for the bridal party. In his speech, the best man will thank the the bride and groom on behalf of the bridal party, the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
* The 'best man' can talks about the groom's life, experiences, and qualities
* Some tasteful jokes and anecdotes about the groom are usually welcome
* Some details about the bride and groom, such as how they met
* The best man proposes a toast to the newly weds
* Traditionally, as a finale, there is a reading of telegrams and cards from people unable to attend
The best man should be careful not to tell of colour jokes - this is best kept for the bucks night. Generally, if the bestman jokes about the groom it should be in a positive manner - remember, nobody wants to be publically laughed at.