Guernsey Weddings - Guernsey's Online Wedding Directory Speeches & Toasts

Traditionally, the toastmaster or master of ceremonies will introduce the speeches at the end of the meal. The formal order of speakers is: 

• Father of the Bride (or whoever gives the bride away)
• The Groom
• The Best Man

Nowadays, more and more brides and chief bridesmaids are opting to speak too. They can be slotted in wherever seems appropriate, but make sure all the speeches don’t run on for too long, try to keep them to 30 minutes in their entirety. 

Here is a brief outline of who says what...  

Father of the Bride or Friend of the Family

• Thanks the guests for coming and sharing in the special day.
• Thanks everyone who contributed to the cost of the wedding.
• Compliments and praises his daughter and welcomes her new husband into the family.
• Toasts the bride and groom.

Bridegroom

• Thanks the father of the bride for his toast.
• Thanks the guests for attending and for their gifts.
• Thanks both sets of parents.
• Compliments his bride.
• Thanks his best man.
• Thanks and toasts the bridesmaids.

Best Man

• Thanks the groom for his toast to the bridesmaids.
• Comments on the bride and particularly the groom.
• Reads any messages from absent friends.
• Toasts the bride and groom.

Bride

• Thanks the guests for coming.
• Thanks her parents and bridesmaids.
• Compliments the groom.
• Proposes a toast.

Chief Bridesmaid

• Thanks the bride
• Compliments the ushers
• Proposes a toast

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