From ‘I Do’ to ‘Ta-Da!’: Creating the Perfect Order of Speeches for Your Wedding

Your wedding day should be unique to you and your partner. From the entertainment to the venue, everything needs to be handpicked carefully. There are no set rules when it comes to a wedding programme but if you’re after some guidance on the order of speeches at wedding celebrations, read on!

What is the traditional wedding speech order?

There is a typical sequence that has traditionally been used for wedding speeches. You can follow exactly or just use it as inspiration when planning yours, especially if you don’t fit the bride/groom profile.

1. The father of the bride or parents of the bride: Traditionally, the bride’s father speaks first. This speech is often one of the most special moments of the day and it’s usually the first toast given when following the traditional order of speeches. Depending on the situation, both the bride’s parents can give a wedding speech or just one of them.
2. The father of the groom or parents of the groom: Next up in the traditional order is the groom’s family. This could include the father of the groom’s speech, mother of the groom’s speech or a few words from both parents.
3. The maid of honour: After the parents’ speeches, the maid of honour often goes next. The maid of honour’s speech usually includes a short story explaining their relationship with the couple, personal anecdotes, funny stories and a closing remark with a toast.
4. The best man: The best man can either give a speech before or after the maid of honour. The best man’s speech often follows a similar format and ends with a wedding toast to the newlyweds.
5. The master of ceremonies: The MC closes out the speeches by offering well wishes to the happy couple and proposes a final toast. In traditional cases, your wedding DJ or band leader will handle it. Alternatively, you could find a professional for the role. For instance, hiring a wedding magician who also has expertise in master of ceremonies duties.

The order of speeches at a UK wedding

Many British weddings still follow the above order of speeches, with the addition of the bride, groom or both speaking. The bride’s speech can include thanking her guests and wedding party, offering compliments to her partner, thanking the wedding suppliers and ending off with a toast.
It is traditional in British weddings that the speeches come after the meal, however, it is now becoming more common to have the speeches in between the courses or even before the meal.

Since they are much anticipated during weddings, speeches are carefully prepared and rehearsed in advance. This differs for instance in American weddings where a speech may be off the cuff. British wedding speeches may last between ten to fifteen minutes although there are exceptions. Speakers often contain more irony and jokes in their speeches with the best man poking fun at the groom.

Crafting your perfect order of wedding speeches

Following the traditional order is a good starting point, but you should always feel free to do what works best for your specific situation. After all, it is your special day. Wedding traditions are just that – traditions. They are not rules for couples to follow. Family and friend dynamics are so different these days and some may not be comfortable with speaking. It’s best to use the traditional order as a guideline and decide what makes sense for you, your partner and your wedding guests.

Hire a master of ceremonies and wedding magician in one

Besides the entertainment, speeches at a wedding are often a highlight. It’s a chance for everyone to hear personal insights into you and your partner’s life. So you’ll want it all to go off well.

A great way to help your wedding programme run smoothly is to hire a professional master of ceremonies. But even better if your entertainer can do both! Professional wedding magician Chris Whitelock will be able to provide you with both a spectacular magic performance as well as perform master of ceremonies duties.

He will ensure that your wedding entertainment is memorable and your wedding speeches go exactly as planned. It’s the perfect magical touch your special day needs!

Enquire now by filling out the contact form.