Ideas for the Brides Wedding Speech

Traditionally a bride did not make a wedding speech, as back in Victorian times it was only the men who were expected to speak. But times have changed and it is now very common for bride's to make a speech or say a few words. The traditional order of speeches is: the father of the bride, the groom and lastly the best man. The bride can choose when she wants to speak, as there is no formal order.

Again there is no formal structure for a bride's speech. You may only want to thank some people and leave it at that, or you may choose to deliver a lengthier speech with stories and jokes. It really depends on what you feel comfortable with and how much you want to say.

Here is a general guideline of how you could structure your speech:

Give Thanks

Thank everyone for coming, especially those from far away. Give thanks to those people that helped organize the wedding. You may want to give a special tribute to your parents for all their support throughout the years. The in-laws could also get a mention, such as how lucky you are to be joining their family.

Comment on the Wedding Preparation & Ceremony

Talk about the lead up to the big day, include any funny stories, such as things going wrong or not going to plan. You can also talk about the wedding day itself and how happy you are. Or maybe it will be a feeling of relief because all the stress of organizing is over!

Talk about the Groom

Say some affectionate words about your new husband and perhaps share a story about you both as a couple, such as how you met, how he proposed or what your first impressions of him were.

Share any Special Words

This could be a poem or a quote that has sentimental value to you on your wedding day.

Closing Line

You could end with a toast which could be to your husband, your bridesmaids or to all your guests. Otherwise your final words could be a comment about marital advice you were given or how happy you're going to be together or how it feels to be married. Just keep it short and sweet. Here are a couple of examples:

'I know that I've married my best friend and I want to thank (groom) for making this the best day of my life and I look forward to every day being as happy as today'

'Now that (groom) and I are married, I have to catch up with domestic chores and learn how to iron, cook, and vacuum - but I'm sure that after a couple of years of watching how (groom) does these things, I'll get the idea'