Do You Really Know Who Gives Speeches at Weddings?

As far as traditions go, wedding speeches are definitely at the top of the list of most memorable moments. But who gives speeches at weddings? Well, it's not just anyone who likes the spotlight. Whether it's a unique wedding speech that involves dancing or one with meaningful touches, traditionally, there are a few key people who deliver a speech.

Ultimately, yes, whoever gives a speech at the wedding reception is totally up to you—but it doesn't hurt to know who customarily speaks on the big day. To help put you on the right track, we spoke to Hannah Nowack, our top-notch Senior Editor, and Melisa Imberman, president and passionate event and wedding planner of The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc. These two experts give us the inside scoop on everything wedding speech-related including details on other events where speeches are expected.

Wedding speech info you need to know: Who Gives One? | What About Other Events?

Who Gives Speeches at Weddings?

"The main people who contributed to the wedding budget are typically invited to offer a few words at the reception. Traditionally, at weddings with a bride and groom, it is common for the bride's parents to give a welcome speech. If both partners parents contributed financially to the wedding it is a nice gesture to invite them both to say a few words. Additionally, the honor attendants (typically a maid of honor and best man) may give a speech at the wedding. However, many modern couples opt for those speeches to happen at the rehearsal dinner instead of at the reception. Lastly, it's common for the couple to give a thank-you speech at the reception to express their appreciation for everyone in attendance," Nowack explains. (Psst. You can find the wedding speech order here.)

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The Best Man

Are you wondering who makes speeches at weddings? Well, one of the first people to go is the best man or best woman. Along with planning an epic bach party, one of their wedding duties is delivering a speech at the wedding reception. In their speech, they'll typically introduce themselves, explain their relationship to the groom, congratulate the couple, share an anecdote or funny story about the groom and end with a toast and best wishes.

The Maid of Honor

The maid or man of honor is another person who gives wedding speeches. The speech will usually follow an outline similar to the best man's speech but with an emphasis on the bride and her journey to this milestone. The tone for both the best man speech and the maid of honor speech is typically heartwarming, encouraging, and lighthearted as they are typically the people who know the couple the best.

The Parents of the Bride

The father of the bride and mother of the bride speech are likely the ones that'll have you reaching for the tissues. In the parent speeches, the bride's parents may share a heartfelt anecdote about the bride, mention their new son or daughter-in-law, and perhaps offer some words of wisdom for the couple. By the way: This speech can be given by any guardian of the bride who the bride deems crucial to their life.

The Parents of the Groom

According to tradition, the mother and father of the groom give a speech during the rehearsal dinner. This is because traditionally the groom's parents hosted the rehearsal dinner while the bride's parents hosted the wedding. Splitting the budget that way may or may not be the case for many modern couples, that's why Imberman recommends having both sets of parents speak during the wedding reception. The mother of the groom and father of the groom speeches can follow a similar format as the other speeches.

The Newlyweds

For those curious about who else gives the speeches at a wedding, you might be surprised to know that the newlyweds can grab the mic. Whether you're the bride wanting to say a few words or the groom wanting to tell guests you appreciate them for coming, Imberman's advice is to keep wedding speeches brief and speak from the heart. And feel free to get creative as well, some couples opt to deliver their wedding toasts individually or give them together.

Who Gives Speeches at Other Wedding Events?

The wedding isn't the only place you and your loved ones can give a speech. Now that you know who typically gives speeches at weddings, learn what other affairs people can give well-wishes.

The Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner's host(s), whether that be the couple's parents or someone else, will usually speak first during the rehearsal dinner. Once they've welcomed everyone and said a few words, the floor is open for others to speak. Nowack suggests couples keep their reception speeches short by having some people do them during the rehearsal dinner. Plus, it's a more intimate setting. "The people closest to you will be in attendance at the rehearsal dinner and they will appreciate all the inside jokes and heartfelt stories people are sharing. Additionally, while it's okay to have an 'open mic' time during the rehearsal dinner where anyone can give a speech, it's ill-advised to let any and everyone give a speech during the reception," Nowack says.

The Engagement Party

The engagement party is one of the first events scheduled after your significant other pops the question. Speeches at an engagement party aren't necessary, but it's a nice opportunity for someone to give a public congrats. According to tradition, whoever hosts the event will say a few words, whether it's the couple's parents or the couple themselves.

The Bridal or Wedding Shower

Imberman says toasts or speeches aren't usually given at a bridal or wedding shower, but of course, the host can welcome guests and wish the couple well. Traditionally, the maid of honor, wedding party, a friend, or in-laws host the wedding shower. Even the bride-to-be or her parents can give a speech if they're willing.

The Bach Party

Speeches aren't required for a bach party, but it's definitely not uncommon. If someone does want to speak about the to-be-wed, whether it's the honor attendants, a close friend or another wedding party member, this is the opportunity to keep the speeches fun and light. For instance, the speech giver can save the heartwarming speech with sweet stories for the wedding reception and share a funny story or inside jokes that attendees would all get for the bach party.

The Postwedding Brunch

End the celebration on a high note with a postwedding brunch and one last round of speeches. By this point, everyone will be all partied out, so it's a great idea to keep the speeches during the brunch brief. As with all the other wedding events, the host can say a few words, thank everyone for coming and clink glasses one last time. The newlyweds can also say a few words too to express their appreciation for all the love.

Jessica Estrada contributed to the reporting of this piece.