Does the father of the bride usually give a speech?

The tradition comes from the time when a father 'gave away' his daughter and then hosted the wedding breakfast. Today, many fathers still enjoy this role, but it is not a legal requirement. You can choose who speaks and in what order. Some couples prefer both fathers to speak, or the mother of the bride, or the couple themselves. If the father is shy or not comfortable, he can skip the speech or share it with a sibling or the mother. The key is to agree the order with the couple and the other speakers before the day. In Scotland, the father often speaks but the best man may open, and the couple may speak later. In Ireland, the father usually speaks first, but again, it is a custom, not a rule. Talk to your family and the couple, and decide what feels right for your wedding. The most important thing is that everyone feels included and no one is pressured into speaking.