Quick Answer
What order do wedding speeches go in at a British wedding?
The traditional British order is: the father of the bride (or whoever is giving her away/hosting), then the groom, then the best man, usually delivered during or right after the wedding breakfast. The best man's speech traditionally comes last because it's expected to be the lightest and funniest.
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Last updated:
What order do wedding speeches go in at a British wedding?
Also called: toasts order, order of wedding toasts.
British weddings run speeches in a fairly fixed sequence, and getting the order wrong is one of those small etiquette slips guests notice even if they can't say why it felt off. The classic three-speech format goes: the father of the bride speaks first (traditionally welcoming guests and toasting the couple), the groom replies second (thanking guests, his own parents, the bridesmaids, and toasting the bridesmaids), and the best man closes third with the more informal, often comedic speech and the traditional reading of any messages or telegrams sent by absent guests.
Why the best man goes last
The logic of ending on the best man is structural: the earlier two speeches are expected to be sentimental and formal (a father's toast, a groom's thanks), so putting the best man's lighter, joke-heavy speech last sends the room into the rest of the reception on a high note rather than following comedy with sincerity. It's also traditionally when the best man reads out any cards or messages sent by guests who couldn't attend — a small housekeeping role folded into the entertainment. Many modern British weddings now add a fourth speech from the bride herself, either before or after the groom's, reflecting a shift away from the historically male-only speech lineup.
Planning notes
- •Confirm the exact running order with everyone speaking well before the day — don't assume they know the traditional sequence.
- •Time speeches for right after the meal, before the room turns over for evening guests — this is when the traditional slot sits.
- •If a toastmaster or master of ceremonies is booked, they typically introduce each speaker and manage timing between speeches.
- •Ask speakers for a rough length in advance (5–7 minutes is the common guideline) so the schedule for the rest of the day doesn't slip.
Keep speech timing on schedule
Weddingkart's wedding checklist helps you plan the day's running order, from speeches to the first dance, so nothing overruns.
Try the wedding checklist →Frequently Asked Questions
Who speaks first at a British wedding?
Traditionally the father of the bride (or whoever gave her away/hosted the wedding), followed by the groom, then the best man last.
Does the bride give a speech at British weddings?
Not in the traditional format, but it has become increasingly common for the bride to speak too, usually alongside or right after the groom's speech.
Why does the best man speak last?
His speech is traditionally the lightest and most humorous of the three, so it closes the formal toasts on a high note before the reception moves into its next phase.
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By Mayank JaiswalLast updated