Who speaks in what order at a wedding?

The speaking order at a wedding depends on the type of ceremony and what you decide together. In a civil ceremony, the registrar leads the legal declarations, then you exchange vows and rings, and you can include readings, poems or songs if the registrar agrees. Religious ceremonies follow the traditions of that faith, so check with your place of worship for the exact order. Speeches are separate from the ceremony and usually happen at the reception. A common order is: the host or chair of the day welcomes everyone, then the couple or a close friend gives a toast, followed by parents or family members, and then the best person or chief bridesmaid. You can mix it up. There are no rules that say who must speak or when. If you want a quieter ceremony, you can skip speeches entirely. For legal details, such as what the registrar must say, check with your register office or venue. For religious ceremonies, ask your officiant. The key is to plan the order with everyone involved so no one is surprised on the day.