Order of speakers

The order of speeches at the wedding reception Who should give the first speech at the wedding? According to Swedish tradition, there is something known as the ‘order of speeches’, which sets out who should give their speech first and when. Wedding speeches are given to congratulate the bride and groom, but don’t forget to register with the toastmaster first.

PLEASE
NOTE! The list below is a suggestion of speakers. The toast to the bride and groom is made when the couple arrive at the reception after the wedding ceremony. Everyone raises their glasses (traditionally with genuine champagne or sparkling white wine) and calls out ‘A toast to the bride and groom’ or ‘Cheers to the bride and groom’.

• Welcome speech. Delivered once the guests have taken their seats, traditionally by the bride’s father – preferably together with the bride’s mother – if he and the bride’s mother are the hosts.
• The bride’s father. Gives a speech to his daughter (also welcoming the groom into the family).
• The groom’s father and/or mother. Gives a speech to his son (also welcoming the bride into the family).
• The officiant (the minister). Offers the bride and groom their best wishes.
• The older generation. Grandparents and older relatives offer their best wishes to the bride and groom.
• Siblings. Share pleasant anecdotes from their lives and childhood memories.
• Best man, groomsmen, bridesmaids. The speech is addressed to the bride or groom but should also pay tribute to the other partner.
• Other relatives. Cousins and the parents’ siblings offer their best wishes to the bride and groom.
• Boss. Offers the bride and groom their best wishes.
• Friends. The speech is addressed to the bride or groom but should also pay tribute to the other partner.
• Toastmaster/Toastmadam. Reading out greetings and telegrams.
• Thank-you speech (the hostess’s table companion). Thank the hosts, thank them for the food, and wish the bride and groom a future as successful as the celebration. Conclude with a toast to the hostess or the hosts.

Would you like to get to the bottom of the historical rules? Here is an in-depth guide to the basics of etiquette regarding the order of speeches and seating at the table of honour.