One of the most special parts of any wedding reception is the toasts and speeches. These heartfelt moments allow your loved ones to share their stories, wisdom, and well wishes as you begin your married life together. As a Pittsburgh wedding planner, I’m often asked about the proper order for these toasts. While every wedding is unique, here’s a tried-and-true order that keeps things flowing smoothly and gives each important person their time to shine.
1. Parents of the Bride
Traditionally, the parents of the bride kick off the toasts. Since they are often the hosts of the wedding, they typically thank the guests for attending and share their pride and joy in seeing their daughter marry the love of her life. This speech may also include a few anecdotes about the bride and some words of advice for the couple.
2. Parents of the Groom
Next, the parents of the groom take the stage. Like the bride’s parents, they will usually express their gratitude to the guests and share their excitement about welcoming the bride into their family. It’s also common for the parents of the groom to offer well wishes and wisdom for the couple’s future together.
3. Maid of Honor
The Maid of Honor’s toast often brings a lot of emotion to the evening, as she typically shares touching stories about her friendship with the bride. This speech may include memories from childhood, the early stages of the couple’s relationship, or humorous moments during wedding planning. The Maid of Honor often concludes by offering her support and love to the couple as they start this new chapter.
4. Best Man
The Best Man’s toast tends to be one of the more humorous speeches, offering lighthearted anecdotes about the groom and their friendship. The Best Man may recount funny stories or inside jokes but should always keep things respectful and focused on the joy of the day. His toast usually ends with a heartfelt congratulations to the newlyweds and a raise of the glass.
5. Thanks from the Couple
Finally, the couple themselves will take a moment to thank everyone for being part of their special day. This is a chance for the bride and groom to express their gratitude to their families, wedding party, and guests. It’s also the perfect time for them to reflect on the love and support they’ve received throughout their journey and share their excitement for the future.
A Few Tips for a Smooth Toast and Speech Process
Keep it Short and Sweet: While every speech is important, it’s a good idea to encourage your speakers to keep their toasts to 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the speeches don’t drag on too long and allows time for other parts of the reception.
Practice Makes Perfect: Remind those giving toasts to practice their speech beforehand. It can help calm nerves and ensure the speech flows well.
Timing is Key: Plan the speeches for a time when most guests are seated and attentive—usually after dinner or just before cutting the cake.
Consider the Rehearsal Dinner: If you have more loved ones wanting to give toasts, such as siblings or extended family members, the rehearsal dinner is a perfect opportunity. This allows for more intimate and personal speeches without taking up too much time at the reception.
Planning the perfect order for wedding toasts and speeches ensures that your reception flows smoothly and each special person has their moment to shine. Whether it's heartfelt messages from parents, emotional words from your Maid of Honor and Best Man, or a final thank you from the couple, these speeches add so much meaning to your big day. By following this order and using the rehearsal dinner for additional toasts, you'll create a celebration full of love, laughter, and cherished memories for everyone involved.