As you approach the final milestone before the big day – the wedding rehearsal dinner – you might be wondering about the tradition of heartfelt speeches that take place at this celebration. If you’ve been to rehearsal dinners in the past, you’re likely familiar with the emotional and sincere sentiments shared among loved ones. But what’s the etiquette surrounding these special moments? And who should take the stage to deliver an unforgettable toast? Fear not!
This is your chance to shine, but we’ll also provide some guidance on how to make it a memorable one.
What is the Purpose of a Rehearsal Dinner Speech?
As the wedding rehearsal dinner unfolds, it’s customary for the best man, maid of honor, or a close family member to deliver a heartfelt or humorous speech that honors the bride and groom. This special moment not only brings joy and laughter but also serves as a poignant reminder of the love and commitment shared by the newlyweds. As you raise your glass in a toast, it’s essential to make this occasion truly unforgettable.
Who Should Give a Speech at a Rehearsal Dinner?
When it comes to crafting a memorable rehearsal dinner speech, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. In fact, the decision of who delivers the toast is entirely up to you and your partner. But if you’re looking for inspiration, traditional toasting customs can provide some valuable insights. With that in mind, here are the typical candidates you might consider asking to raise a glass at your wedding rehearsal dinner:
The Groom’s Parents
When it comes to hosting the wedding rehearsal dinner and delivering the toast, the groom’s parents typically take the lead. As hosts, they’re expected to make a few remarks to congratulate the newlyweds. While it’s not a requirement for the groom’s father or mother to speak at this stage, doing so can be a wonderful way to share some heartfelt words and even some humorous anecdotes about the groom that your guests might not know.
In fact, many couples cherish the memories of their parents’ speeches during this special moment.
The Bride’s Parents
When considering what to include in your wedding rehearsal dinner, don’t be afraid to invite your parents to share some thoughts. While it’s traditionally the bride’s parents hosting the event, modern weddings often blur the lines on responsibilities and expectations. As a result, it’s not uncommon for the mother or father of the bride to take the mic and offer a heartfelt message, regardless of who ultimately hosts the rehearsal dinner.
The key is to be respectful of traditions while also making room for personal touches that make your special day truly unique.
Other Family Members
Other immediate family members, such as siblings, aunts, cousins, uncles, and grandparents, are also typically invited to give a rehearsal dinner speech. Given that these individuals may not be part of your daily life, this presents an opportunity for them to share heartfelt congratulations with you and your partner. They might recount fond memories or stories about you, making the evening even more special and leaving a lasting impression on those in attendance.
Friends or Out-of-Town Wedding Guests
While many couples opt to expand the guest list at the rehearsal dinner to include friends and acquaintances who may not be able to attend the main wedding celebration, this occasion also provides an opportunity for guests to share in the joy of the upcoming union. The rehearsal dinner serves as a unique platform where attendees can express their heartfelt sentiments and well-wishes directly to the couple, allowing them to feel more involved and invested in the special day.
The Happy Couple
As the rehearsal dinner marks the start of the celebration leading up to your special day, it’s only natural that you and your partner take center stage. In fact, many grooms use this opportunity to express their gratitude and share a heartfelt message with friends and family gathered around the table.
A speech at the rehearsal dinner can be a wonderful way to thank the hosts for all their hard work in planning a memorable evening.
You might also choose to respond to toasts already shared by other guests, adding your own personal touch to the celebration. Furthermore, this is an excellent chance to acknowledge the individuals who have contributed to making your wedding day possible – whether it’s through financial support or invaluable advice.
By taking advantage of this moment to speak from the heart, you’ll not only leave a lasting impression on your loved ones but also create a cherished memory that will be treasured for years to come.
Marriage Officiants
The wedding officiant’s role in the rehearsal dinner speech is a natural fit, given their close relationship with the couple. As the individual entrusted with the responsibility of officiating the ceremony and ensuring the legality of the union, they have a unique perspective on the importance and meaning of marriage.
In this context, the rehearsal dinner provides an ideal opportunity for them to reflect on these aspects, drawing from their experience and insight to offer meaningful words of wisdom.
Who Shouldn’t Give a Rehearsal Dinner Toast?
Ultimately, the timing of the maid of honor and best man’s speeches is a matter of personal preference. While it’s common for them to wait until the wedding day itself to deliver their remarks, some couples may choose to include these heartfelt words as part of the rehearsal dinner festivities. This allows the celebrants to share their thoughts and well-wishes with the entire wedding party and their loved ones, setting a joyful tone for the days ahead.
When to Give a Toast at the Rehearsal Dinner
Most wedding speeches, as dictated by Wedding Words, typically take place just prior to dinner. However, the timing ultimately hinges on the overall event plan and the schedule of the rehearsal dinner.
Who Gives the First Toast at the Rehearsal Dinner?
The opening remarks at a rehearsal dinner typically fall to the hosts, who set the tone for the evening’s celebration. In many cases, the groom’s parents take on this role, kicking things off with a heartfelt speech. Following their lead, others may choose to share a brief message of congratulations or offer words of wisdom to the happy couple.
Tips for Giving The Perfect Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Speech
As I take the stage for the rehearsal dinner speech, I’m reminded that public speaking isn’t everyone’s forte. But fear not, dear speaker, for we’ve got your back! To help you confidently deliver your best toast or speech, I’ll be sharing some valuable tips to get you started.
Introduce Yourself
When preparing to deliver a speech at the wedding rehearsal dinner, it’s essential to take a moment to introduce yourself, regardless of your role in the celebration. As the host, bride, or out-of-town guest, you’ll want to establish a connection with the happy couple and acknowledge your relationship to them. By doing so, you’ll not only ensure that everyone knows who you are but also express gratitude for their presence at this significant pre-wedding gathering.
Take the opportunity to personalize your remarks and make them meaningful by highlighting your bond with the newlyweds.
Keep it Short & Sweet
When it comes to giving a heartfelt toast at an engagement party, it’s essential to keep things concise yet impactful. One effective approach is to share brief, uplifting anecdotes that showcase the couple’s positive qualities. Aim for a delivery time of under five minutes to maintain your audience’s attention and avoid the temptation to reach for their phones.
Speak from the Heart
Don’t worry if you’re feeling uncertain about what to say during your speech. Instead of stressing over crafting a perfect script, consider speaking from the heart and sharing genuine sentiments with the audience. Remember, it’s not about being a polished orator, but rather about expressing your heartfelt thoughts and feelings to the happy couple and their guests. By doing so, you’ll create a more authentic and meaningful experience for everyone involved.
Use an Anecdote
When it comes to sharing a personal touch at a wedding speech, there’s no better way to do so than by sharing a lighthearted anecdote about the happy couple. One approach is to recount the tale of how they first met, sparking a romance that would eventually lead them down the aisle. Alternatively, if you’re not part of the main event, you could regale the audience with your initial impressions of either the bride or groom – did you find them charming from the start?
And of course, for those who are actually the ones tying the knot, there’s no better way to share your own story than by recounting how you proposed or got engaged. Whatever approach you choose, remember that the goal is to add a dash of humor and warmth to an already special occasion.
Use a Funny Quote
Incorporating a well-chosen quote into your rehearsal dinner speech can be a fantastic way to add personality and warmth to your words. One idea is to use a witty remark that playfully teases the happy couple. However, it’s essential to strike the right balance between humor and tact, as you don’t want to offend the couple or their guests. A cleverly placed quote can help you achieve this balance, making your speech both enjoyable and respectful.
Raising a Glass and Toasting Etiquette
As the dinner toast commences, shift your focus squarely on the newlyweds, refraining from making the evening all about you unless, of course, you’re the happy couple themselves. Ensure your glass is full before initiating the toast, and grab everyone’s attention by clinking glasses or utilizing a microphone. Next, raise your glass towards the pair, then extend an invitation to the guests to take a sip from their own glasses.
During this toast, it’s essential that the recipient – the bride and groom in this instance – remain seated and simply savor the moment, not drinking or raising a glass themselves. However, they may opt to honor their hosts and guests by doing so, though it’s not a requirement.
Don’t Drink Too Much
As you prepare to deliver your wedding rehearsal dinner speech, it’s essential to strike a balance between relaxation and self-control. While it’s natural to feel nervous, indulging in excessive drinking during cocktail hour can have disastrous consequences. Not only might you end up embarrassing yourself or the happy couple, but you’ll also compromise the sincerity and eloquence of your words.
To avoid any awkward situations, take a deep breath, pace yourself, and focus on delivering a heartfelt and meaningful message that honors the occasion and celebrates the love between the newlyweds.
Practice, Practice, Practice
When preparing to deliver a wedding rehearsal dinner speech, it’s essential to practice beforehand. Writing down what you want to say and memorizing it can help you feel more confident. Try rehearsing in front of a mirror or with a friend who can provide feedback on how to improve your delivery. If stage fright becomes overwhelming, consider relying on the safety net of reading from a prepared text. This way, you’ll avoid forgetting key points or phrases, and ensure your speech goes smoothly.
Wrap Up
When it’s time to raise a glass and honor the happy couple at their rehearsal dinner, crafting a thoughtful and memorable toast is crucial. To help you stand out from the crowd and deliver a truly special speech, here are some expert tips to keep in mind. Take note of which ones you’ll be incorporating into your own unforgettable rehearsal dinner speech.