You're referring to the popular Reddit thread "Who gives a speech at a wedding?"!
The post, which has garnered over 12,000 comments and 2 million upvotes, asks readers to share their thoughts on who should give speeches at weddings. The thread has sparked lively discussions, debates, and even some humor.
Some common themes that have emerged from the conversation include:
1. **Tradition vs. modernity**: Many commenters argue that it's traditional for the best man, maid of honor, or groom/bride to give a speech, while others suggest that modern weddings should allow more diverse voices to be heard.
2. **Speech styles and topics**: Commenters have shared their favorite (and least favorite) speech styles, from heartfelt to humorous, and discussed what makes a great wedding speech.
3. **Inclusions and exclusions**: Some users have raised concerns about who might feel left out if they're not asked to give a speech, such as friends or family members.
4. **The role of technology**: A few commenters have suggested that online speeches or video messages could be an alternative to traditional in-person speeches.
Some humorous highlights from the thread include:
* "I gave a 10-minute speech at my friend's wedding and then immediately got married myself, so I guess you could say I 'stepped up' for the groom"
* "The most epic wedding speech is when someone starts crying, drops their microphone, and runs away"
Overall, the Reddit thread has generated a lively discussion about who should give speeches at weddings, what makes a great speech, and how to make everyone feel included.
The modern wedding speech order may vary depending on the couple's preferences and cultural traditions. However, here is a general outline of a common modern wedding speech order:
1. **Best Man**: The best man typically gives the first speech, usually around 3-5 minutes long. He'll often start by thanking the hosts (parents) for letting him stand up and talk, then tell some funny stories about the groom, and finally congratulate the couple.
2. **Maid of Honor**: The maid of honor gives her speech shortly after the best man. Her speech is usually around 3-5 minutes long as well. She'll often share some heartfelt words about the bride, share some funny anecdotes, and express her congratulations to the newlyweds.
3. **Groom's Father or Groomsman**: The groom's father or a groomsman may give a short speech (around 1-2 minutes) to welcome everyone, thank them for coming, and offer some words of wisdom or congratulations to the couple.
4. **Bride's Speech**: The bride usually gives her speech last, often after dinner or before dessert. Her speech is typically around 3-5 minutes long. She'll often express her gratitude to her new husband, share some heartfelt words about their relationship, and offer some words of wisdom for their future together.
5. **Open Mic (optional)**: Some couples may choose to have an open mic session where friends or family members can give a quick shout-out to the newlyweds. This is usually a lighthearted and casual way to end the speeches.
Some modern wedding speech trends include:
* **Keeping it short and sweet**: Speeches are often shorter than they used to be, with an average length of around 3-5 minutes.
* **Mixing humor and heart**: Modern wedding speeches often balance humor and heartfelt moments to keep guests engaged and entertained.
* **Personal stories**: Speakers may share personal anecdotes or stories about the couple to make their speeches more relatable and memorable.
* **Incorporating props or multimedia**: Some speakers may use props, videos, or music to add visual interest and creativity to their speeches.
Ultimately, the modern wedding speech order is flexible, and couples can choose any format that feels comfortable for them. The most important thing is to make sure each speaker has a clear understanding of what's expected from them and that they're prepared to deliver their message with confidence and passion.
At a traditional rehearsal dinner, the following individuals may give speeches:
1. **Best Man**: The Best Man is often asked to deliver a speech or toast during the rehearsal dinner. This is a great opportunity for him to share some heartfelt words, funny stories, and well-wishes for the couple.
2. **Groom's Father**: The Groom's father (or stepfather) may also give a speech at the rehearsal dinner. As the patriarch of the groom's family, he can offer words of wisdom, share some personal anecdotes, or simply congratulate the couple on their upcoming marriage.
3. **Maid/Matron of Honor**: While not always traditional, the Maid or Matron of Honor (or both) may give a speech at the rehearsal dinner. This is an opportunity for them to express their gratitude to the couple and share some heartfelt words about their relationship.
4. **Close Family Members or Friends**: Other close family members or friends who are significant to the couple may also be invited to give speeches during the rehearsal dinner.
When deciding who should give a speech at the rehearsal dinner, consider the following:
* The couple's preferences: Ask them if they want anyone specific to speak or if there are any individuals they would like to avoid.
* Time constraints: Rehearsal dinners can be busy and loud, so keep speeches brief and concise (5-7 minutes maximum).
* Tone and style: Ensure that the tone and style of the speeches align with the overall atmosphere of the rehearsal dinner.
Remember, the rehearsal dinner is a time for the couple to relax and enjoy their closest friends and family. Keep speeches light-hearted, sincere, and respectful, and make sure they don't overshadow the main event – the wedding!
The order of toasts at a wedding is a significant part of the reception celebration. Here's a general outline of the typical order:
1. **Best Man's Toast**: The Best Man, or the Maid/Matron of Honor if there is no Best Man, typically gives the first toast to honor the groom.
2. **Groom's Response**: The groom responds with his own toast, usually thanking his friends and family for coming, praising his bride, and sharing a few heartfelt words about their relationship.
3. **Father of the Bride's Toast**: The Father of the Bride is often invited to give a toast to welcome the new husband into the family and share some fond memories or words of wisdom.
4. **Wedding Party Toasts**: Other members of the wedding party, such as groomsmen or bridesmaids, may also be given the opportunity to raise a glass in honor of the happy couple.
5. **Open Bar and Guest Toasts**: After the formal toasts are complete, the open bar is typically opened, allowing guests to take their turn raising a glass and sharing their own well-wishes with the newlyweds.
Some general tips to keep in mind:
* **Keep it brief**: Try to keep your toast concise and to the point. Aim for 2-3 minutes maximum.
* **Be sincere**: Speak from the heart, sharing genuine thoughts and feelings about the couple.
* **Raise a glass**: Make sure to raise your glass as you give your toast, so that everyone knows when it's their turn to join in.
* **Don't get too emotional**: It's okay to show some emotion, but try not to get too teary-eyed or overly sentimental. You want to keep the mood light and celebratory.
Remember, the order of toasts may vary depending on the specific wedding party, cultural traditions, or personal preferences. But this general outline should give you a good starting point!
Wedding speeches are a crucial part of the celebration, and it's great that you're looking for some inspiration. Here are some wedding speech examples to help you get started:
**Best Man Speech Example**
"Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends, welcome! My name is [Name], and I am honored to stand here today as the best man.
First of all, I want to say how happy I am to see [Groom's Name] finally settling down with an amazing partner like [Bride's Name]. I've known [Groom's Name] for [Number] years, and I've seen him go through many phases. But never have I seen him as happy and in love as he is today.
I want to start by saying how much [Groom's Name] means to me. We've been through thick and thin together, and I'm grateful to call him my friend. And now, I get to add another important role to our friendship: being the best man at his wedding!
As many of you know, [Groom's Name] and I have had our fair share of adventures. From crazy road trips to late-night gaming marathons, we've shared some unforgettable moments. But what I admire most about [Groom's Name] is his kind heart, his sense of humor, and his unwavering commitment to the people he loves.
Today, [Bride's Name] has brought out the best in him. She's the sunshine that brightens up his day, the calm in every storm, and the safe haven where he can be himself. And I'm so grateful to have her as a part of our lives.
So here's to [Groom's Name] and [Bride's Name]: May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day, just like the bond between two old friends like us. Cheers!"
**Father of the Bride Speech Example**
"Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends, welcome! My name is [Name], and I am honored to stand here today as the father of the bride.
First of all, I want to say how proud I am of my daughter, [Bride's Name]. She's grown into an amazing woman, and I'm grateful to have been a part of her journey. And now, she's found her perfect match in [Groom's Name].
As some of you may know, I've had the privilege of watching [Bride's Name] grow up. And let me tell you, she's always been a bright light in our family. Her mother and I have been blessed to have her as our daughter, and we're overjoyed that she's found someone like [Groom's Name] who loves and supports her just the way she is.
[Groom's Name], you've stolen my girl's heart, and I couldn't be happier about it. You two are meant to be together, and I'm so grateful to have you as a part of our family.
To [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name]: May your love continue to flourish like the flowers in our garden. May you always find joy in each other's company, and may you never stop laughing together. Congratulations, and cheers to a lifetime of happiness!"
**Mother of the Groom Speech Example**
"Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends, welcome! My name is [Name], and I am honored to stand here today as the mother of the groom.
As many of you know, I've had the pleasure of watching my son, [Groom's Name], grow into the kind and gentle man he is today. And now, he's found his perfect match in [Bride's Name].
I have to say, I was a little hesitant at first when [Bride's Name] came into our lives. But as I got to know her, I realized she was exactly what my son needed: someone who loves and supports him just the way he is.
To [Bride's Name]: You've stolen my son's heart, and I couldn't be happier about it. You two are meant to be together, and I'm so grateful to have you as a part of our family.
To [Bride's Name] and [Groom's Name]: May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. May you always find joy in each other's company, and may you never stop laughing together. Congratulations, and cheers to a lifetime of happiness!"
**Best Friend Speech Example**
"Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends, welcome! My name is [Name], and I am honored to stand here today as the best friend of the groom.
As many of you know, I've had the privilege of knowing [Groom's Name] for [Number] years. And let me tell you, he's one of the most genuine and kind-hearted people I've ever met.
I remember when [Groom's Name] first told me about [Bride's Name]. He was beaming with excitement, and I could tell right then that she was special. And now, here we are, celebrating their love and commitment to each other.
To [Groom's Name] and [Bride's Name]: May your love continue to be the guiding force in your lives. May you always find joy in each other's company, and may you never stop laughing together. Congratulations, and cheers to a lifetime of happiness!"
Remember, these are just examples, and you should tailor your speech to your own unique relationship with the couple. The most important thing is to speak from your heart and express your genuine feelings and well-wishes for the happy couple.
**Tips for Giving an Amazing Wedding Speech**
1. **Keep it short and sweet**: Aim for a speech that's 3-5 minutes long, max.
2. **Be sincere and authentic**: Speak from your heart and share personal anecdotes.
3. **Make it funny**: Add some humor to keep the audience entertained.
4. **Show appreciation**: Express gratitude to the couple and their families.
5. **Raise a toast**: End your speech with a heartfelt toast to the happy couple.
I hope these examples and tips help you give an amazing wedding speech!
The timing of wedding speeches can be a bit tricky. Here are some general guidelines and pros and cons to consider:
**Before Dinner:**
Pros:
1. Sets the tone for the evening: A heartfelt speech before dinner can set a warm and intimate tone for the rest of the celebration.
2. Gets everyone in the mood: A great speech before dinner can get everyone excited and looking forward to the meal ahead.
Cons:
1. May not be as memorable: If the speeches are given before dinner, they may not be as well-remembered or impactful due to the distractions of food, drinks, and socializing.
2. Competition for attention: With food and drinks flowing, some guests might not give your speech their full attention.
**After Dinner:**
Pros:
1. More focused audience: After dinner, guests are often more relaxed and focused on the speeches, making them a more engaged audience.
2. Can be a nice conclusion: A well-delivered speech after dinner can serve as a nice conclusion to the meal and set the stage for the rest of the evening's activities.
Cons:
1. May feel like an interruption: If the speeches are given too long after dinner, some guests might start to lose interest or feel like they're being interrupted from their socializing.
2. Can be rushed: With a full belly, some speakers (or guests) might rush through their speech to get back to mingling and having fun.
**In-Between Courses:**
Some couples choose to have speeches during a specific course, such as the main course or dessert. This can help keep the audience engaged and attentive while still allowing for a break from the food and drinks.
Ultimately, the timing of wedding speeches depends on the couple's personal preferences, the flow of their reception, and what works best for their guests. Here are some general tips to consider:
1. Communicate with your speakers: Make sure your best man, maid of honor, and any other speakers know when they're expected to give their speech.
2. Plan accordingly: Consider the overall pace and tone of your reception when scheduling speeches. You want to make sure there's enough time for each speaker to shine without overwhelming or boring your guests.
3. Keep it concise: Remember that attention spans can be short, especially after a big meal. Encourage your speakers to keep their remarks brief and engaging.
By considering these factors and tips, you can create a seamless and enjoyable experience for your wedding guests, ensuring that everyone has a great time celebrating with you!
The age-old question: should the bride and groom give a speech at the rehearsal dinner?
In general, it's not as common for the couple to give a speech at the rehearsal dinner compared to the reception. The reason is that the rehearsal dinner is typically a more low-key, intimate gathering with family and close friends, whereas the reception is usually a larger celebration with a wider range of guests.
That being said, if you're considering giving a speech at your own rehearsal dinner, here are some pros and cons to consider:
**Pros:**
1. **Intimate setting**: The rehearsal dinner is a smaller, more informal gathering, which can make it easier to connect with your loved ones and share personal stories.
2. **Gratitude expression**: You may want to express gratitude to your friends and family for being there to support you on this special day.
3. **Personal touch**: A speech at the rehearsal dinner can add a personal touch to the evening, making it feel more like a celebration of your love and commitment.
**Cons:**
1. **Formality vs. informality**: The rehearsal dinner is often a more casual affair than the reception, so you may want to keep your speech light-hearted and informal.
2. **Tone-setting**: Your speech can set the tone for the rest of the evening, so make sure you're not too serious or heavy-handed.
3. **Timing**: You'll need to consider the timing of your speech and ensure it doesn't overshadow the main event (i.e., the rehearsal itself) or steal attention from other important moments during the dinner.
If you do decide to give a speech at the rehearsal dinner, here are some tips:
1. **Keep it brief**: Aim for 5-10 minutes maximum.
2. **Be sincere and authentic**: Share personal stories, express gratitude, and highlight what your partner means to you.
3. **Avoid wedding day jitters**: Try not to reveal too much about the big day or create unnecessary excitement (remember, this is just a rehearsal!).
4. **Consider enlisting a trusted friend or family member to help**: If you're feeling nervous about speaking in front of people, ask someone close to you to join you and share their own thoughts and well-wishes.
Ultimately, whether or not to give a speech at the rehearsal dinner depends on your personal preferences, style, and comfort level.
The age-old question: should the father of the groom give a speech at the wedding?
While it's not as traditional as the best man or maid of honor giving a toast, many fathers of the groom do choose to speak on this special day. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
**Pros:**
1. **Unique perspective**: As the father of the groom, you've had a front-row seat to watch your son grow into the man he is today. Your speech can offer a fresh, personal perspective on his life and how it's led him to this moment.
2. **Emotional connection**: Sharing stories and memories about your son can create a strong emotional connection with the guests, making your speech more impactful and memorable.
3. **Gratitude and wisdom**: As the father of the groom, you may have valuable insights to share with the newlyweds, such as advice on marriage, relationships, or life in general.
**Cons:**
1. **Pressure to perform**: Giving a speech can be daunting, especially if you're not comfortable speaking in front of large groups. You may feel pressure to deliver a perfect speech, which can be stressful.
2. **Outshining the best man/maid of honor**: If you give a long or overly emotional speech, it may overshadow the speeches given by the best man or maid of honor, who have their own important roles to play in the ceremony.
3. **Personal boundaries**: Some fathers of the groom may not feel comfortable sharing personal stories or emotions about their son's life, especially if they're more reserved or private people.
**Tips for giving a great speech as the father of the groom:**
1. **Keep it brief and sweet**: Aim for 2-3 minutes at most. You want to leave room for other speeches and keep the ceremony moving.
2. **Focus on positivity**: Share happy memories, offer words of wisdom, or express your gratitude for having such an amazing son and daughter-in-law.
3. **Practice beforehand**: Rehearse your speech in front of a mirror, record yourself, or practice with friends to get comfortable with the material and your delivery.
4. **Make it personal (but not too personal)**: Share stories that showcase your relationship with your son, but avoid getting too emotional or sharing sensitive information.
Ultimately, whether you decide to give a speech as the father of the groom depends on your comfort level and preferences. If you do choose to speak, remember to be sincere, heartfelt, and brief – and don't worry if it's not perfect; the goal is to celebrate this special moment with your son and his new partner.