Speeches & Toasts Who Introduces the Speeches If there is no master of ceremonies the best man should perform these duties. He should judge when the time is right to proceed with the speeches. Order of Speakers There are generally at least three speakers who rise in the following order:- The bride's father The groom The best man

Other people can also make speeches, the bride, the mother of the bride, a close relative or a good friend can all make speeches if they wish.

The Purpose of the Speeches

Making a speech is a serious business and only the very best can make a good one without preparation.
If you are unaccustomed to public speaking and stand up totally unprepared you run the risk of chattering on and boring the other guests rigid. This embarrassing situation can be easily prevented by taking the time to prepare. Make notes on the points you wish to raise and in what order, take your notes with you to the microphone if you like, people would prefer to have you glance at your notes occasionally rather than prattle on. Do a few practice runs in front of a mirror (in the privacy of your own bathroom!)

There are a number of essential points that must be included in every speech, and these are:-

• To thank people
• To propose toasts, and
• To reply to other speeches

If you are a nervous person and you manage to address only these simple courtesies then you will have done a good job. If you are more confident you may like to continue on and amuse the guests with a few well chosen stories or jokes.

A good speech rarely lasts for much longer than four or five minutes. Bear in mind that you are only one of a number of speakers, 3 speeches plus toasts would last 20 minutes or so, thatâs quite long enough for the most patient of guests.

The Father of the Brides' Speech

The Bride's father may choose to format his speech in the following manner.

• Start by talking about his daughter, use this opportunity to tell a few funny anecdotes about the bride as a child or young adult, following up with something that highlights an attractive facet of her nature.
• Welcome the new son in law into the family
• Offer a little advice to the couple as they start their lives together.
• The father of the bride then proposes the first toast of the night to the bride and groom.

The Groom's Speech

The first thing the groom should do is respond to the toast proposed by the brideâs father and then continue on to:-

• Thank both sets of parents
• Thank the ushers and bestman.
• Tell an amusing story about some aspect of his relationship with the bride, maybe about their meeting.
• Thank the guests for attending. Make sure a special mention is made of anyone who has travelled some distance to attend the wedding.
• Finish up by proposing a toast to the bridesmaids.

The Best Man's Speech

The best man should immediately thank the groom on behalf of the bridesmaids then because all the required thanks and toasts have been given the best man can continue his speech as he wishes.

The best man is usually chosen for his ability to deliver an entertaining speech. Tacky stories and remarks that could be considered in bad taste should be avoided at all costs. There is nothing worse than seeing the guests cringing with embarrassment at some thoughtless or stupid remark, so be careful.

Everyone expects a few tales relating to the groom, you can even make jokes at his expense as long as they are in good taste. Whatever you do don't mention past girlfriends, any situations that the bride may not be aware of, or risque tales of the bride and grooms exploits. You could end up giving someone a coronary.

Finish up by making a toast to the bride and groom's future happiness.