Guests and etiquette
Speeches and toasts
Who speaks, in what order, for how long and what to say. 16 questions, answered for UK weddings.
Guide · Speeches and toastsThe Complete UK Wedding Speech Order and Etiquette GuideThis guide covers the traditional and modern order of wedding speeches in the UK, who speaks, how long each speech should be, and practical…Guide · Speeches and toastsHow to Write a Father of the Bride SpeechThis guide gives you step-by-step advice for writing a father of the bride speech, from the opening line to the final toast, with timing, s…Guide · Speeches and toastsBest Man and Groom Speech Writing TipsThis guide offers practical, UK-focused advice for best men and grooms writing their speeches, covering structure, content, humour, length,…
- What is the traditional order of speeches at a UK wedding?The usual order is father of the bride, groom, then best man. Many couples now add speeches from the mother of the bride or maid of honour.
- How do I write a good father of the bride speech?Start by welcoming everyone, then share a couple of short memories, welcome your new son or daughter-in-law, and end with a toast to the couple.
- What comes after best man?The father of the bride traditionally speaks after the best man, though the order is flexible and set by the couple. You can choose any sequence that…
- Who traditionally gives a speech?Traditionally the couple, the best man, and the father of the bride speak, but modern weddings welcome parents, friends and other speakers chosen by …
- Who gives toasts at a wedding?Traditionally the best man, groom and father of the bride give toasts, but anyone close to the couple can speak. The couple should agree the line-up …
- What order do speeches normally go in at a wedding?Speeches usually follow this order: father of the bride, groom, best man, and then optional speakers such as the maid of honour or parents. Some coup…
- Who is supposed to do speeches at a wedding?No one is strictly supposed to speak, but tradition points to the father of the bride, the groom and the best man. Couples may add any friends or fam…
- Do parents usually give speeches at weddings?Yes, parents often speak, especially the father of the bride, but it is now common for mothers, step-parents or both parents to share a toast. Whethe…
- Who writes speeches at weddings?The couple, their parents and the bridal party usually write their own speeches. Each speaker decides their own words, though the couple may share a plan.
- Who makes a speech at a wedding in the UK?In the UK, parents, the bridal party and sometimes the couple make speeches. The usual order is parents first, then the couple, then the bridal party.
- Does the mother of the bride give a speech?Yes, the mother of the bride can give a speech in the UK. It is now common, though not required, and the couple decides who speaks.
- What is an example of father's speech at daughter's wedding?A father's speech usually welcomes guests, thanks helpers, shares a short story about his daughter, offers advice and ends by proposing a toast to th…
- How do I start a speech for my daughter's wedding?Begin by welcoming everyone and introducing yourself, then say how much it means to you to be there. This sets a warm tone for the rest of your speech.
- How long is a typical father of the bride speech?A typical father of the bride speech lasts between five and ten minutes. This is long enough to cover the welcome, a story and well wishes, but short…
- Is it okay to read the Father of the Bride speech?Yes, it is perfectly fine to read the speech, especially if you are nervous. Many fathers find that reading from notes helps them stay calm and remem…
- What should a father say to his daughter on her wedding day?Tell her how proud you are of the person she is, share a genuine memory, and wish her a happy life with her partner. Keep the focus on love, support …
From us