Wedding speech order in the UK: traditional and modern

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

The traditional order of wedding speeches in Britain, what each speaker does and toasts, when speeches happen, and how modern couples change it.

British weddings have a well-established order of speeches, but it's more flexible than many people think. Here's the traditional running order, what each speaker is expected to do, and the common variations you'll see at modern weddings.

The traditional order

The logic is a conversation: the host welcomes everyone, the groom replies, and the best man replies on behalf of the bridesmaids the groom has just toasted. It also means the speech most likely to be funny comes last, when the room is warmest.

Who introduces the speakers?

At larger weddings a professional toastmaster announces each speaker ("Ladies and gentlemen, pray silence for the father of the bride"). At smaller weddings, the best man usually acts as master of ceremonies, introducing the father of the bride and then the groom before giving his own speech. Some couples ask a confident friend or the venue's coordinator to do it.

Common modern variations

• The bride speaks – usually after the groom, or as a joint couple's speech. See our bride speech guide.
• The maid of honour speaks – typically before or after the best man. See the maid of honour guide.
• Mother of the bride, or both parents, give the first speech. See the mother of the bride guide.
• Two best men share one speech.
• Same-sex weddings: couples choose whatever order suits their families – often a parent from each side, then each partner or a joint speech, then the best man and/or maid of honour.
• The couple speaks first to welcome everyone, especially if they're hosting the wedding themselves.

A typical modern order (five speeches)

1. Father and/or mother of the bride
2. Groom (or joint couple's speech)
3. Bride
4. Maid of honour
5. Best man

With five speakers, keep each speech to 3–5 minutes so the total stays around half an hour. See how long a wedding speech should be.

When do the speeches happen?

After the meal (traditional)

Speeches traditionally come at the end of the wedding breakfast, with coffee, and before the cake is cut. Guests are relaxed and well fed; speakers, on the other hand, may have spent the whole meal too nervous to eat.

Before the meal

Increasingly popular. Speakers get their nerves over with and can enjoy their food, and the room is fresh and attentive. The downside is that hungry guests may be keener on the starter than the stories, so keep speeches tight.

Between courses

A compromise: one or two speeches between each course. It keeps energy up, but needs careful coordination with the kitchen.

Whichever you choose, tell the caterers, the photographer and the band. Everyone plans around the speeches.

Regional traditions

Scottish and Irish weddings have some lovely variations, from the toast to the bride's parents to the grace before the meal. See our guide to Scottish and Irish wedding speech traditions.

Practical tips for organising the speeches

• Share a running order with every speaker in advance, including roughly how long each should be.
• Make sure speakers know who speaks before them so they can avoid repeating stories or thanks.
• Check there's a working microphone – essential in bigger rooms or marquees.
• Make sure glasses are charged before the first toast.

Frequently asked questions

Who speaks first at a British wedding?

Traditionally the father of the bride, as host. Today it may be the mother of the bride, both parents, or the couple themselves.

Who speaks last at a wedding?

Traditionally the best man. Some couples prefer to finish with a joint speech or the maid of honour.

Are wedding speeches before or after the meal in the UK?

Traditionally after, but before the meal or between courses is now common.

Can the bride speak at a UK wedding?

Absolutely. Bride speeches are now common and are usually placed after the groom's speech.

Related guides

• How long should a wedding speech be?
• Father of the bride speech: a complete guide
• Groom speech: structure, sample lines and tips
• Scottish and Irish wedding speech traditions