When it comes to wedding speeches, everyone’s got an opinion. Do you stick with tradition? Mix it up? Get them done early or save them for later? Truth is, there’s no “right” answer, but after hosting and singing at hundreds of weddings, I’ve seen what works (and what definitely doesn’t).
So, if you’re wondering who should speak when, and how to keep things running smoothly without losing the room, here’s my take.
Traditionally, the speeches go like this:
Father of the Bride – Welcomes everyone, shares a few stories, and toasts the newlyweds.
The Groom – Thanks guests, the wedding party, and family, and says a few words about their new wife or husband.
The Best Man – Wraps things up with stories, humour, and a few cheeky one-liners.
It’s a classic order that still works well today. It flows nicely, builds up the emotion, and usually ends on a laugh, perfect for setting the tone for the evening.
These days, there are no rules. I’ve seen brides take the mic, couples do joint speeches, mums step up to speak, and even friends put together surprise toasts that had everyone in bits.
The best weddings are the ones that reflect you, not a list you found online. If you fancy mixing it up, go for it. Just make sure whoever’s speaking knows roughly how long they’ve got… trust me, I’ve seen a few go rogue!
This is where couples often get stuck. Do you feed everyone first or get the talking done early?
I always recommend doing the speeches before the meal. Get them out of the way, let the nerves settle, and then everyone can relax, enjoy their food, and really get into what I bring to the day. The energy in the room just feels better that way, everyone’s buzzing, the laughter’s fresh, and the photographer gets all those great reaction shots.
Doing wedding speeches between courses can really hold things up, I’ve seen chefs pulling their hair out in the kitchen when they drag on too long. It breaks the flow and can slow service right down, so it’s best to keep things tight and well-timed.
As your wedding host, I help cue up the speakers, line up the mics, and make sure transitions are seamless. The key is confidence and flow, no awkward pauses, no dead air, just smooth running and plenty of fun in between.
I’ll often chat with the speakers beforehand, calm their nerves, and make sure the timings work with the venue and kitchen. It’s all about keeping the day moving so your guests stay entertained and relaxed.
No matter what order you choose, keep your wedding speeches short, genuine, and from the heart. Make people laugh, maybe shed a tear, and then get ready to celebrate.
If you’d like someone to keep your day running perfectly, with music, laughs, and the right atmosphere from start to finish, that’s where I come in.
👉 Get in touch here to find out more about having me as your wedding host.
If you would like a few more helpful tips then visit my Wedding Tips Page
