It is always nice to pay tribute to your family and give thanks to anyone who contributed financially to your wedding or gave other forms of help or support. It is also a nice opportunity for you or someone in your family to welcome your new spouse to the brood and vice versa, so wedding reception speeches are necessary, and can actually be a highlight of your wedding.
They can be short or informal or full of customs and traditions, the choice is entirely yours. Here is a list of some of the people you may choose to ask to make a speech at your reception. Just be sure to ask or inform the people you choose in plenty of time for them to prepare. If you would like to impose a time limit, also outline this clearly at the time you ask and confirm any restrictions or requirements the week of the big day.
Bride
Groom
Best Man
Maid of Honour/Chief Bridesmaid
Father of the Bride
Mother of the Bride
Father of the Groom
Mother of the Groom
Grandparents of the Bride and/or Groom
Siblings, close relative or notable friends of the Bride and/or Groom
Somebody else meaningful in your lives
You can choose all of the above, more or less people to make a speech. You can even have your MC throw out an invitation for anyone to say a few words.
If you are going to have a lot of speeches, and you think they will go on for sometime, consider breaking them up into smaller groupings with a menu course or some dancing in-between. However, make sure you have the speeches at an early point in the evening so old Uncle Joe doesn’t have a few too many under his belt when he gets hold of the microphone!
Images by Emma Nayler Photographer
