At Bredenbury Court Barns, we’ve hosted countless unforgettable weddings and one thing we’ve learned? The speeches are the heart of the celebration.
A great speech lineup creates a smooth flow, keeps your guests entertained, and ensures every key player gets their moment in the spotlight.
As one of the UK’s most sought-after wedding venues, we know what it takes to nail the perfect speech order.
Whether you’re planning a romantic barn celebration or adding a modern twist, this guide will help you craft a lineup as flawless as your wedding day at Bredenbury Court Barns.
Why Does the Wedding Speech Order Matter?
Let’s face it: speeches at a wedding can either be the most cherished part of your reception or the moment everyone starts checking their watches. The order matters because it’s not just about who speaks it’s about how they set the stage for your wedding celebration.
A well-planned speech lineup ensures:
- Laughter, Tears, and Everything in Between: The perfect balance of funny stories, heartfelt anecdotes, and emotional toasts. No one wants a speech marathon or an awkward pause.
- Smooth Sailing for Your Day: Just like our seamless wedding packages at Bredenbury Court Barns, a good speech lineup keeps everything running like clockwork.
- Everyone Gets Their Moment: From the bride’s family to the groom’s parents, every wedding party member deserves their time to shine (without hogging the mic).
And let’s be real: if your speeches flop, even the best wedding breakfast won’t save the vibe. Thankfully, at Bredenbury Court Barns, our light-filled Orangery and elegant Atrium create the perfect setting for speeches that are as unforgettable as the newly married couple themselves. Add in the warmth of your closest friends and family, and you’ve got a recipe for memorable moments.
Wedding Inspiration: Why a Barn Venue is Perfect for Your Wedding
Traditional vs. Modern Wedding Speech Order
Compare the traditional wedding speech order with modern variations to find the perfect flow for your big day.
The Traditional Wedding Speech Order
Most weddings stick to the tried-and-true formula for speeches—but with a bit of flair, this traditional order can still feel fresh and exciting. At Bredenbury Court Barns, we’ve seen this lineup work beautifully in our versatile spaces:
1. Father of the Bride (or Bride’s Parents)
The honour speech starts with the bride’s father—or both parents—welcoming guests to the wedding reception. Picture this in our Atrium, with natural light flooding in as they toast the newly married couple.
Typical Highlights:
- Warm welcomes to the wedding party members and guests.
- Nostalgic (and sometimes hilariously embarrassing) stories about the bride.
- A heartfelt mention of absent friends and loved ones who couldn’t be there.
Example:
“[Bride’s Name], you’ve always been a bright light in our family, and now, you’ve found someone who matches your glow. [Groom’s Name], welcome to the madness—we mean family.”
Wedding Planning Tip: Father of the Bride Speech Tips
2. Groom’s Toast
Next up, the groom steps in with a mix of charm, gratitude, and humor. This is his chance to thank the key members of the wedding team and, of course, swoon over his bride.
Key Moments:
- Gratitude to the bride’s family, groom’s parents, and guests.
- A few words about the journey that led to the wedding day.
- A heartfelt thank-you to the wedding planner and the behind-the-scenes crew.
Example:
“To my bride, [Bride’s Name], you are my best friend, my greatest adventure, and my favorite person. I promise to always laugh at your jokes, even when they’re bad (especially then).”
Related Read: 10 Tips for the Groom’s Speech
3. Best Man’s Speech
Closing out the traditional order is the best man, who brings the laughs and the love. At Bredenbury Court Barns, we’ve seen it all—from hysterical impressions of the groom to unexpectedly emotional final toasts.
Must-Haves:
- Funny stories that give everyone a peek into the groom’s life.
- A sweet nod to the bride (always a crowd-pleaser).
- A toast that leaves the room smiling, laughing, or both.
Pro Tip: Keep it light but meaningful—your speech should be more about the couple’s journey and less about the groom’s questionable hairstyle in college.
Wedding Ideas: Best Man Speech Guide
At Bredenbury Court Barns, speeches are more than just a few words—they’re the heart of your wedding celebration. Whether you stick to tradition or shake things up with a modern twist, the perfect order ensures every wedding party’s key member has a moment to shine.
Now, let’s grab the mic and make those speeches unforgettable!
Discover More: Wedding Planning Tips for the Ultimate Celebration
Modern Variations on the Speech Order: Make It Your Own
While the traditional order of speeches at a wedding is timeless, let’s face it not every couple fits into a one-size-fits-all approach.
Many couples today love putting their unique spin on speeches, creating moments that are heartfelt, humorous, and deeply personal. At Bredenbury Court Barns, this trend plays out beautifully in our venue, where every couple brings their personality into the spotlight.
Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or a cosy celebration with close friends and family, here are some creative ways to reimagine your wedding speech lineup:
1. The Bride’s Speech: A Modern Tradition
Traditionally, the bride’s speech wasn’t part of the lineup, but who says you can’t break the rules? It’s your day, and this is your moment to speak directly to your partner, guests, and loved ones.
Why Brides Are Stepping Up:
- Gratitude: Thank your wedding team, family, and guests for making your day special.
- Love Story: Share your perspective on your journey as a couple.
- Humour: Add some lighthearted moments—after all, no one knows the groom quite like you do!
Pro Tip: Use this time to shout out your bridesmaids, who’ve been your hype squad through the entire planning process. Bonus points for sprinkling in funny anecdotes about their speech-giving advice!
Inspiration: How to Include Important People in Your Wedding
2. The Maid of Honour Speech: Charm and Personality
The maid of honour has a unique perspective—usually filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and just the right amount of sass. In most weddings, this speech celebrates the bride while also acknowledging the happy couple’s journey.
How to Nail It:
- Keep it Balanced: Share funny stories, but balance them with heartfelt memories.
- Celebrate the Couple: Highlight the relationship between the bride and groom (bonus if you’ve witnessed it firsthand).
- Raise a Toast: End with a wedding toast that sets the tone for the night ahead.
Pro Tip: The ambiance of Bredenbury Court Barns makes every word feel more intimate and personal.
Related Read: Ideas for Memorable Wedding Favours
3. Rehearsal Dinner Speeches: Keep It Casual
Want to keep your wedding reception speeches short and sweet? Save the more relaxed, personal toasts for the rehearsal dinner. This informal setting is ideal for speech givers like close family friends, bridesmaids, or even the man of honour (yes, that’s a thing now!).
Why It Works:
- Creates a cosy atmosphere for longer or more emotional speeches.
- It offers a chance for everyone, including shy speakers, to say a few words.
- Sets the stage for the big day without the time constraints of the reception.
Planning Tip: Top Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Venue
4. The Groom’s Speech: Gratitude and Love
The groom’s speech is a classic—and for good reason. It’s the perfect blend of gratitude, humor, and heartfelt love. At Bredenbury Court Barns, this moment feels even more special against the romantic backdrop of our barn venue.
Key Elements:
- Thanking Key People: Acknowledge the bride’s family, your own family, and the amazing wedding team.
- Sharing Stories: Add a personal touch with anecdotes about your relationship.
- The Final Toast: End with a wedding toast to the love of your life, the bride, and a future filled with happiness.
Inspiration: 10 Tips for the Groom’s Speech
5. Joint Speeches: Teamwork at Its Best
Why let tradition dictate who speaks when you can share the moment? A joint speech by the couple is becoming a popular choice, allowing both partners to express their gratitude and love together.
Why Couples Love It:
- Shared Spotlight: It’s a perfect way to showcase your dynamic as a couple.
- Playful Banter: Lighthearted back-and-forth adds a fun, personal touch.
- Efficient: Two birds, one speech!
6. Surprise Speeches: Expect the Unexpected
Looking for a way to wow your guests? Arrange for a surprise speech from someone unexpected—like a sibling, grandparent, or even the bride’s squad of bridesmaids. These spontaneous moments often create the most memorable and heartfelt reactions.
Pro Tip: Let your wedding planner know in advance so they can seamlessly work it into the reception timeline.
Final Thoughts: Personalize Your Wedding Speech Order
At Bredenbury Court Barns, every wedding should reflect the couple’s unique love story. Whether you’re planning a bride’s speech, a heartfelt toast, or a surprise twist, our versatile spaces and expert team will help bring your vision to life.
Discover More Wedding Inspiration: Why a Barn Venue is Perfect for Your Wedding
When Should Wedding Speeches Happen?
We’ve seen it all at Bredenbury Court Barns, and here’s what we recommend for timing your speeches:
Before the Meal
- Pros: Speakers can relax and enjoy the rest of the day.
- Cons: Guests might be distracted if they’re hungry.
Related Read: Healthy Wedding Breakfast Options
During the Meal
- Pros: Breaks up the meal with emotion and laughter.
- Cons: Timing needs to align with catering services.
Related Read: Wedding Breakfast Ideas
After the Meal
- Pros: Creates a relaxed, celebratory vibe.
- Cons: May feel rushed if the schedule runs late.
Related Read: Rustic Wedding Decor Inspiration
Tips for Memorable Wedding Speeches
Whether you’re speaking in our Atrium or the Orangery, these tips will ensure a winning performance:
- Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your speech to feel confident.
- Keep It Short: Aim for 5–10 minutes to hold attention.
- Add Personal Touches: Include heartfelt stories and a touch of humour.
- End with a Toast: Raise your glass to love, laughter, and happily ever after.
Related Read: How to Write a Memorable Wedding Speech
Conclusion: Celebrate Your Love, Your Way
At Bredenbury Court Barns, we know every couple’s story is unique, and your speeches should reflect that. Whether you’re sticking to tradition or blazing your own trail, the right order, timing, and heartfelt delivery will make these moments unforgettable.
For more expert tips and inspiration, explore our Wedding Ideas Blog.
