Speech!...

Well you might be able to take some comfort in knowing that you aren't the only one. The father of the bride and the best man are also expected to make a speech. There are no hard and fast rules as to when the speeches should take place. Traditionally they take place after the last course of your wedding breakfast, i.e. the wedding reception meal .The first person to speak should be the father of the bride, then the groom, and the best man. They traditionally follow each other, to allow the festivities to continue with the cutting of the cake.

The Father of the Bride's Speech

It is traditional for the father of the bride to speak first. His task is to toast the bride and groom, welcome the groom into the family, and offer fatherly advice.

Important things to include:

1. Praise for his daughter. Saying how proud he is of his daughter, saying how proud both he and her mother are of her, and her choice of husband.
2. Welcoming the groom into his family. Congratulating the groom on securing his daughter's hand in marriage and welcoming him into the family and extending a welcome to the groom's parents.
3. The body of the speech. This will include one or two funny and/or sentimental parts, which illustrate the bride's character. Wishing the couple all the best for their future, a long and prosperous life together, children, health, wealth etc. and some advice on how to approach their married life together.
4. A toast to bride and groom. The father of the bride finishes his speech by making a toast to the bride and groom.

The Groom's Speech

The groom will speak after the father of the bride, thanking him for his toast, kind words and good advice, and responding officially on behalf of himself and his new wife.

Important things to include:

1. First thank you's: Firstly you should thank the father of the bride for his toast, kind words, good advice etc. Thank the mother and father of the bride for their generosity in providing such a wonderful wedding, or for their help in contributing, and of course anyone else who helped, i.e. your parents.
2. The body of the speech: If there are any funny stories, or sentimental moments you could share with your family or friends this is the time to do it. Your audience will make it as easy as possible for you and you shouldn't feel pressured into acting like a stand up comedian. You could think about stories that you and your fianc before or after you were engaged. The proposal, the time she made it absolutely clear that under no circumstance she would ever contemplate marrying you..
3. Last Thank YousThank the father and mother of the bride for their blessing in allowing you to marry their daughter. Express your happiness at being accepted into her family and vow to take good care of her.

The Best Man's Speech

The best man delivers the third and final speech of the day. This speech is light hearted and mainly directed at the groom.

Important things to include

1. Thank the groom, thank the groom for his kind words and gift and toast the bridesmaids.
2. Readings. Read out any telegrams, cards, or letters from absent guests.
3. The body of the speech. Like the groom's the best man's speech is one of funny stories and anecdotes and is generally the most light hearted and humorous. But remember, nobody expects you to be a comedian. If you are not an accomplished speaker, the most important thing is sincerity.
4. Toast the bride and groom. Finally a toast mentioning the groom's good fortune at finding his wonderful bride and what a perfect couple they make.