Grooms Speech | Brides Speech | Bestman's Speech | Father of the Bride

Brides Speech

HISTORY
The bride's speech is a fairly new development and therefore does not have the traditional format of the others. She has great flexibility in deciding when she decides to speak and who she wants to thank or talk about.

THE SPEECH
She may decide to speak because of an absent father, who, for whatever reason was not able to attend. Or after her husband has spoken about how they met, how he wooed her and his first impressions of the woman who would eventually become his wife, she might give her version about who really did the wooing and the winning. The slant on the wooing and winning story usually differs dramatically from her poor spouse. And the difference of perspective is always the cause of great laughter among the guests.

The bride and groom may of course decide to rise and speak at the same time, which is logical, since the cost and organisation of many modern weddings is bourn by the couple themselves.

The bride should take note of the speeches of those who have spoken first, so as not to repeat too much of what has already been said. Though she might single out people for special praise- favourite sisters whose support was very welcome though the long process of arranging the wedding- or a specially gifted wedding dressmaker of whom brides often become quite fond.

She might also thank those people who she felt were missing from her new husbands list of 'thank yous.'

As with the groom's speech the bride's speech may contain words that are directed at the groom. Words of love, affection and hope for the future.

At the end, the bride may raise a toast whomever she pleases, since she is not bound by the ties of tradition.