Brides Wedding Speech

Order of Speakers:-
1st: Father of the Bride 2nd: The Bridegroom 3rd: The Bride 4th: The Best Man

The third speaker should be the bride - this is not rigid but it is a good slot to follow the bridegroom and speak before the best man who is the final speaker and the most humorous who will round off the speeches on a lighter note. She can add any other tributes, possibly mentioning her mother and anyone involved in the reception / buffet, etc.

Format: Divide your speech into three sections: 1: Opening, 2: General Chat and 3: Closing.

The Opening should be informally spoken without script. However, you don't need to memorise your speech word for word. Take it with you as it is perfectly acceptable to read from it, but do look up at the guests as often as possible.

When writing your speech, visualise how it will work. For this reason, you will find below examples of text and hints on toasting and leading applause, etc. Include these notes in your written speech in brackets, to remind you what to do.

Opening

E.g:
"Thanks, (e.g.)Steve (the groom). And, I'd just like to add my own special thanks to (e.g.) the caterers for this lovely buffet and to (e.g.) my Mum and... (e.g.) Auntie Sarah...etc., for helping to co-ordinate and organise everything to make today so perfect for Steve and I."

General Chat

Then maybe some humorous quips:
E.g:
"Well, so now I'm Mrs (e.g.) Brown! It will be hard at first getting used to a new name - but not as hard as if I'd married someone called Ivan Polianskovich (rehearse this!)

You can then maybe say something about how you first met the groom and why you wanted to get married. Obviously, this would be personal to you and cannot be written for you.

Then follow with an amusing quip:-
E.g:
"This is the happiest day of my life and I'm looking forward to our future together, but you've always got to consider the practical side of married life, like the washing, ironing, cooking and cleaning - well, that's Steve's jobs sorted out, for a start!"

Closing
First, say something romantic to the Groom:-
e.g: "But seriously, Steve thanked me for saying 'Yes' and I would like to thank him for asking me." (Pause and smile at Steve.)

or:

"I read something nice about marriage, recently, that I would like to dedicate to Steve. It said: 'It's not just being with the person you want to live with, but being with the person you can't live without.'

Then a little tribute to the guests:-
e.g: "I want to thank you all for coming and for helping to make this such a lovely day. This toast is to you!"
(raise your glass and sit down. As you do do, the best man should stand and lead the applause whilst facing you, avoiding any embarrassing silence.)

Go to Wedding Speech Tips.