Bride's Speech

Bride's speeches can be short and simple or long and complex depending upon the type of wedding, the personalities of the couple and the kind of audiences they are being delivered towards. Since the bride is the star of the wedding, the bride's speech is the one that is most anticipated during the reception.

If you happen to be the bride, you should begin your speech by thanking everyone for coming and wishing you well.

Keep in mind that not only has your immediate family has attended, but distant relatives might have traveled a long way in order to be there with you and your new husband on this most special day. Thank them for really going the extra mile. In the bride's speech, tell them that their presence is the best gift for which you could ever have asked.

During the bride's speech, you might also wish to insert anecdotes about planning the wedding, about your professional life, and about the evolution of your relationship with your husband to be. Make sure your comments are heartfelt and sincere. You do not want to sound like a robot reciting a speech.

In the next part of the bride's speech, go on to thank everyone who has made this delightful occasion a reality. Thank your parents for helping with the wedding celebration (in most cases, they will have probably financed a great deal of it). But, you should also thank your aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers, and your grandparents, and whomever else in your family you feel deserves it. Remember, that in a bride's speech, over thanking people is generally not a problem.

Next, you should thank the father and mother of your new husband. Keep in mind that they have molded him in to being the wonderful man that you so love. Welcome them in to your family, and thank them for welcoming you.

Then in the bride's speech, it is the bridesmaids' turn to be thanked. They have spent the day with you, preparing you for this nerve-wracking event, and have seen to it that everything has run smoothly. Now, it is their turn to be recognized for showing so much support and for looking so lovely.

Moving on in the bride's speech, it is time to acknowledge your Maid of Honor, who is likely to be your best friend or at least one of them. Say a few words about how much your friendship has meant to you over the years, and her support and guidance throughout the process of the wedding planning and organization. Finally, thank her for standing beside you as you took your vows on that very special day.

Finally, as the most important part of any bride's speech, do not forget to thank your husband. He is the whole reason why you are there that day. Turn to your husband so that you face him directly when you address him. Now is the time to let all your feelings of love and admiration out, letting him and everyone else know how much he means to you and that you look forward to building a life together with him. Let him know that your love will last forever, and that you are happy to have found a mate who is so perfectly suited to you.

When coming to the end of the bride's speech, thank your guests one last time for making it to the wedding that day. Raise your glass to your guests, nod and take a sip.