Wedding planning advice: Writing wedding speeches CherryGorgeous

Wedding planning advice: How do the speeches work?

Traditionally the speeches happen after the meal and before the cutting of the cake. Doing a speech is a nerve racking experience and having done two wedding speeches myself I can honestly say that I wish the speeches had happened before the meal. It means you can get it over and done with and concentrate on enjoying the meal and the wine! If it does happen after the meal just make sure you don’t drink too much before the speech!

Who says what?

Traditionally the order of the speeches is:

The Giver Away (usually the father of the bride)
* Thanks the guests for coming (especially if they have travelled a long way) and sharing the special day.
* Compliments and praises his daughter and tells a story about her growing up
* Welcomes his new son-in-law to the family.
* Toasts the bride and groom. "I ask you to rise and drink to the health of the bride and groom.'

The Groom
* Thanks the Giver Away for his toast.
* Thanks both sets of parents.
* Compliments his bride and tels a story about how they met.
* Thanks his best man.
* Thanks and toasts the bridesmaids. "To the bridesmaids!'

Best Man
    * Thanks the groom for his toast to the bridesmaids.
    * Comments on the groom in a light hearted ( but never cynical!) way.
    * Reads any messages from absent guests.
    * Toasts the bride and groom. "to the birde and groom.'

A break from tradition?

Why do the men get to do the talking at a wedding? More and more weddings are now including speechs from bridesmaids and brides. Personally, I have done a speech as a best women (yes, you can have a best woman!) and as a bridesmaid. I think it’s great to have friends of the bride talk as well as the best man. For my friend Jane we (the bridesmaids) did 'An A-Z of Jane', which went down really well with the guests and was a light hearted way to talk about our experiences of being her friend over the years. 

Lots of brides feel a bit silly just sitting demurely at the top tale and not joining in with the speeches, so why not have a go too! You can thank your guests, give your version of how you first met the groom, or the proposal. Thank the bridesmaids and toast the best man. Or just do you own thing.

Remember traditions are there to be broken – its your day so do what makes you happy!

A little thank you never hurts

The speeches are a way to tell funny stories about the bride and groom on the eve of them supposedly growing up and starting a new way of life. They also thank all the people who have supported the bride and groom in organising their wedding. But don’t forget after the event to thank all your guests for attending your wedding and for any gifts they have given you. A great way to do this is with our thank you cards that coordinate with all your wedding stationery and remind the guests of your special day.