Scottish and Irish wedding speech traditions

By the speechwriters.ai editorial team · Last updated 20 October 2026

How wedding speeches differ at Scottish and Irish weddings – the order, toasts, blessings and phrases – with tips for including them respectfully.

Wedding speeches across the British Isles share a lot – the father of the bride, groom and best man are at the heart of them all – but Scottish and Irish weddings have their own customs, toasts and turns of phrase. Whether you're from a Scottish or Irish family, marrying into one, or speaking at a wedding with a Celtic flavour, these traditions can add real warmth to your speech.

A note before we start: customs vary hugely between regions and families, and many couples mix and match. Always ask the couple what they'd like rather than assuming. What follows describes common practice, not rules.

Scottish weddings

The order of speeches

Scottish weddings typically follow the familiar British order – father of the bride, groom, best man – though a few details differ. The wedding breakfast is often preceded by a grace, sometimes the Selkirk Grace, attributed (probably wrongly) to Robert Burns:

"Some hae meat and canna eat,
And some wad eat that want it;
But we hae meat, and we can eat,
Sae let the Lord be thankit."

It's short, recognisable and a lovely moment for a grandparent or a minister to lead.

Piping in

Where there's a piper, the couple (and sometimes the top table) are piped into the reception. Speakers often refer to it – "After being piped in like royalty, Ross has promised to stay humble for at least the next hour."

The quaich

The quaich is a shallow two-handled "loving cup". The couple often share a drink from it, usually whisky, to symbolise trust and sharing. Sometimes it's passed to the parents too. A speaker – often the father of the bride or best man – may introduce it or mention it in their toast.

Scottish toasts and phrases

• "Slàinte mhath!" (roughly "SLAN-jah VAH") – Gaelic for "good health", the classic Scottish toast. The reply is often "Slàinte mhòr" ("great health").
• "Lang may yer lum reek" – "long may your chimney smoke", i.e. may you always have a warm home and good fortune.
• "May the best ye've ever seen be the warst ye'll ever see" – a traditional good wish.

Ceilidh and the evening

Many Scottish receptions end in a ceilidh. If speeches are held before dancing begins, keep them brisk – nobody wants to delay the Gay Gordons.

Irish weddings

The order and style of speeches

Irish weddings often have more speeches, and they're often longer, with the best man, father of the bride and groom joined by others. A popular Irish custom is for the groom to thank the bride's parents warmly and for the best man to read out messages or cards from absent relatives – historically telegrams, now usually emails or texts from family abroad. With so many Irish families spread across the world, this can be a very moving moment.

The sequence varies widely; in some families the father of the bride speaks last, or the master of ceremonies (often the best man) introduces several speakers. Ask the couple for the running order.

Irish blessings

Irish blessings are a beautiful way to close a speech or toast. The most famous:

"May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

Others, shorter and lighter:

• "May you have food and raiment, a soft pillow for your head, and may you be forty years in heaven before the devil knows you're dead."
• "May your troubles be less, your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door."

Irish toasts

• "Sláinte!" ("SLAWN-cha") – "health", the universal Irish toast.
• "Sláinte agus táinte" – "health and wealth".
• "Go maire sibh" – "long life to you both".

Humour

Irish wedding speeches are known for affectionate slagging (teasing). The same rules apply as anywhere: tease with love, never humiliate, and keep it something the grandparents can enjoy.

Welsh touches

Welsh weddings sometimes include a lovespoon – a carved wooden spoon given as a token of love – which a speaker might mention. The Welsh toast is "Iechyd da!" ("YEH-chid dah"), meaning "good health". A line or two of Welsh, if it's part of the couple's heritage, is always appreciated.

Including traditions respectfully

• Ask first. Some families love their traditions; others find them twee. The couple will know.
• Practise pronunciation with someone who speaks the language, or a reliable audio guide. A confident mispronunciation is worse than a modest attempt.
• Don't overdo it. One blessing or toast is charming; a whole speech in stage-Irish or stage-Scots isn't.
• Avoid stereotypes – drinking jokes, in particular, can fall flat with families who've heard them all before.
• Translate as you go if there are guests who won't understand: "Slàinte mhath – which means good health."

Mixed weddings

When an English family marries into a Scottish or Irish one (or any combination), a speech that nods to both traditions can be a lovely gesture of welcome. A father of the bride from Surrey closing with "Sláinte!" in honour of the groom's family from Galway will win the room.

For more on closing lines, see how to end a wedding speech, and for the usual running order see wedding speech order in the UK. The outline tool will happily include a blessing or toast if you mention it in your stories.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Scottish wedding toast?

'Slàinte mhath', meaning 'good health'. The reply is often 'Slàinte mhòr'.

What is a traditional Irish wedding blessing?

The best known begins 'May the road rise up to meet you', and is often used to close a speech or toast.

Are Irish wedding speeches longer?

Often, yes – there may be more speakers, and messages from relatives abroad are sometimes read out. Ask the couple about timings.

What is a quaich?

A traditional Scottish two-handled cup from which the couple share a drink, usually whisky, as a symbol of trust.

Related guides

• Wedding speech order in the UK: traditional and modern
• Short wedding toasts: examples for every speaker
• How to end a wedding speech (with example closing lines)