Wedding speech guides
- Best man speech (UK): when it comes, how long, who to thank, and what to leave out
The best man speaks third in the traditional UK order. How long to speak (sources say 3 to 8 minutes), who to thank, a four-part outline and what to leave out, with sources.
- Bride's speech (UK): is it traditional, when it goes and what to say
A bride's speech is not traditional but is becoming more common. Where it fits in the UK running order, how long to speak and a five-part outline, with sources.
- Father of the bride speech (UK): what to say, how long and an outline
The father of the bride traditionally speaks first. A step-by-step outline, how long sources say to speak, and what to leave out, with sources.
- Father of the groom speech (UK): does he give one, how long and what to say
The father of the groom does not usually speak at a UK wedding, but it is increasingly accepted. When he does, how long to speak, who to thank and an outline, with sources.
- Groom's speech (UK): who to thank, in what order, and an outline
The groom speaks second in the traditional UK order. Who to thank, how long to speak (sources say 8 to 10 minutes) and an eight-step outline, with sources.
- How long should a wedding speech be?
UK wedding sources put main wedding speeches at roughly 4 to 9 minutes, depending on who is speaking. Here is the range by role, where sources disagree, and how to time yours.
- How to end a wedding speech and lead the toast
How to close a wedding speech, what to say when you raise the glass, who stands and drinks, and who toasts whom in the UK order, with sources where they differ.
- Joint wedding speech by the couple: how to split it and how long
A joint wedding speech is a recognised option in the UK. Sources suggest 3 to 5 minutes, short alternating sections and a private final tribute. An outline included.
- Maid of honour speech (UK): structure, length and what to avoid
A maid of honour speech is optional and sources disagree on length. A six-part structure, how long to speak, and what to leave out, with sources.
- Mother of the bride speech (UK): when she speaks and what to include
A mother of the bride speech is optional and sources disagree on length (3 to 10 minutes). When she speaks, what to include and what to avoid, with sources.
- Mother of the groom speech (UK): does she speak, and what to say
In UK tradition the mother of the groom does not usually speak, but it is increasingly common. When she goes, how long, who to thank and an outline, with sources.
- The order of wedding speeches at a UK wedding
Traditionally the father of the bride speaks first, then the groom, then the best man. Who thanks whom, when speeches happen, and the modern variations, with sources.
- How to mention someone who has died in a wedding speech
Mention a loved one who has died briefly and warmly. Where it fits in a wedding speech, who can do it, how to word it and what to leave out, with sources.
- Sister or brother of the bride or groom speech: when a sibling speaks and what to say
There is no traditional slot for a sibling's wedding speech. When a brother or sister speaks, how long, a four-part outline and what to avoid, with sources that differ on length.
- Wedding speech nerves: how to rehearse and deliver it
Practical delivery advice for a nervous wedding speaker: notes or memorising, pace, drinking beforehand, holding the microphone and how to rehearse, with sources that disagree.
- Wedding toast vs wedding speech: what is the difference?
A toast is the short moment when you raise a glass; a speech is the longer talk that usually ends in one. How sources define them, how they differ and which one you are giving.