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Unlocking the Art of Rehearsal Dinner Speech

“If done well, a good speech has the potential to define the speaker’s relationship with the couple and leave a lasting imprint in their hearts. It should, not only mark the significance of the dinner, but make the guests laugh and bond them all in their love for the couple” , – Heidi Ellert-McDermott, Speechy’s director.

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Embrace the joy, share the love, and craft the perfect speech for an unforgettable rehearsal dinner. Dive into the examples and tips below to ensure your words leave a lasting impact on this special occasion.

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Rehearsal Dinner Speech Examples

For those who might wonder how to write a rehearsal dinner speech, below are a few examples of different kinds of rehearsal dinner speeches for different attendees. Most speeches are short, straight from the heart, but sometimes the speaker might choose to add in some wedding quotes or even romantic quotes for good measure.

Father of the groom rehearsal dinner speech samples

Wedding rehearsal speeches are customarily given by the father of the groom. He will introduce himself, welcome everyone, and talk about his son, the bride, and the couple. He will also thank everyone who helped, gave advice, and toast to the couple.

[Groom,] as your father I am very proud to know you. I have had the rare pleasure of watching you grow from a little baby into a wonderful young man. You cannot possibly know how pride I am of you and how much I love you. Congratulations to you and your lovely wife on your wedding day.

Having a son has been my greatest blessing in life. In many ways, [groom] is like my mini-me and my twin. But over the years, he has grown and he has become his own person. While I have tried to teach him many things over the things, he has taught me caught a few important things as well. [Groom] is someone who really cares about people and he will always go the extra mile for the people in his life. I know that my son will make an amazing husband and God-willing, a spectacular father one day. Let us all raise a glass to [groom] and his lovely bride, [bride.]

Here are some hopes and dreams from a devoted father to his loving son on his wedding day. I hope that the two of you live a life together that is long. I hope that this shared of life of yours is full of joy, laughter, abundance, love, and many other good things. May you always have each other to lean on.

Father of the Bride rehearsal dinner speech ideas

The father of the bride speech comes after the groom’s father. In such speeches at wedding rehearsal dinners, he’ll thank the guests and daughter’s parents-in-law. He will also welcome the new son-in-law and make a toast to them.

[Bride] and [groom,] as I look at the two of you in your beautiful dress and your nice suit, I am reminded a bit of my own wedding day where there was plenty of excitement, love, and of course some nervousness as well. Take it from someone who has been married for many years. Being in a successful marriage requires falling in love many times, and always with the same person.

When you are a parent, you always want the best for your child. My daughter was no different. So it should come as no surprise now that I am thrilled that she has met the person of her dreams. Someone who is her equal, her better half, and a wonderful person. [Groom,] I welcome you into my family and I know the two of you will keep each other very happy.

I have always wanted the best for [bride.] From the best teachers and schools to friends that were a good influence on her, you can be sure that I always wanted my daughter to have the best things in life. But she found [groom] all on her own. You can call it fate or pure luck, but whatever the cause, I am glad that they have found each other.

The Best Man Dinner Speech Examples

goddessbynature via Instagram

It’s not customary for the best man to say a speech. But if he must, he will keep it between two to three minutes. He’ll thank everyone, say something sweet about the couple, throw some jokes and make a toast.

So the big day is tomorrow and I am a bundle of nerves. I can only imagine how [bride] and [groom] are feeling. But it is a happy occasion and it will be a day full of love and celebration. I know that I do not just speak for myself when I say that I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Hello everyone, can I have your attention for a moment? I would just like to thank [bride] and [groom] for putting their hearts and souls into this wedding, this special day that we have all been anticipating for a very long time. Thank you both for including us in this special day. Tonight’s rehearsal and dinner is just a taste of the celebration that is yet to come. Let us all raise a glass to the lovely couple and the upcoming wedding day.

A lot of blood, sweat, and tears has gone into planning this wedding. And tomorrow is the big day. So thank all of you for coming here to support [bride] and [groom], who both mean so much to me. I cannot wait to celebrate this wedding with all of you.

Maid of Honor rehearsal dinner speech quotes

The maid of honor is close to the bride. So she’ll use the opportunity to tell stories relating to her experience with the bride. She will give anecdotes about the couple and will finish with one or two wedding toast quotes and have the guests raise their glasses to the happy couple.

Hi everyone, I am a friend of the bride, and after getting to know him, I have become quite good friends with [groom] as well. Watching the love that has blossomed between these two has just been magical and I am so happy that my dear friend has found the perfect match for her.

As I look around this room, it warms my heart to see all of the love in here that people have for [bride] and [groom.] If you have been in a wedding before, you know that it takes a lot of hard work and planning. It truly is a group effort and this rehearsal is the last thing on the to-do list before the big day. I know [bride] and [groom] are so happy and grateful to have you all here and I am so lucky to get to meet and eat with all of you.

As I look at the face of close friends and family members that are here at this rehearsal dinner, I am happy to know that [bride] and [groom] have such a great community behind them. To have that type of support from the people that you love is truly invaluable. Believe me when I say that this wedding would not have been the same without all of you.

Bride and groom rehearsal dinner speech examples

Via Unsplash

The bride and groom are centers of attraction. They have a duty to thank everyone that helped prepare for their day until that point. They will also gush about each other and how they can’t wait to tie the knot.

While getting through a wedding rehearsal is certainly not the most fun thing that you can do on a Friday night, it will certainly help with the wedding tomorrow. I also want to thank you all for your enthusiasm, and for showering us with your love. Your support means the world to us. Now we get to relax and eat and I promise you that tomorrow is going to be a fun day that we will all remember.

I want to thank all of you for making it to tonight’s wedding rehearsal. It is a crucial part of making sure that the wedding tomorrow will go smoothly. I know that many of you could be doing something else really fun tonight, but instead, you are here helping us get ready for our big day, and for that, we are very thankful.

Hello, everyone. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to the rehearsal dinner. It means to world to us that all of you are here with us tonight to help us prepare for our wedding. Now eat, drink, enjoy yourselves, and get a good night’s sleep. We all have a huge day ahead tomorrow.

Mother of the groom’s wedding rehearsal dinner speeches

She seldom gives a speech at the wedding, so here’s her time to shine. She’d state how proud she is, bless him and his wife to be, and thank everyone present. See the mother of the groom’s wedding rehearsal speech samples below.

I’m Lizette, the mother of the groom and I thank everyone for being here for my son and his wife. Bryan, you’ve always been a son after my heart, one I’m proud of. And I couldn’t be more proud of the man that you’ve become. Being your mom, my joy knows no bounds that you found the one, Alicia, who will love you forever. I am certain that you’ll cherish, respect, and love her till eternity. I’ve got a great son and I’m thankful for everyone who gave a hand in raising him.

I fell in love the first day I laid my eyes on you Bryan. From a charming baby to a bubbly toddler and a curious smart child. And then like a dream, the next thing I knew, Bryan is a man. The man you’ve become is one I’m proud of. Everything you’ve done has made your family proud. And as you set off into a journey of forever bliss, I couldn’t be happier. I wish you only the best marriage has to offer.

Mother of the bride’s wedding rehearsal dinner speech

The mother of the bride’s speech is an emotional one. An avenue to show your daughter just how much you love her. This is also a perfect time to remind everyone of the exceptional relationship she has with her dad.

Hi everyone, I’m Lisette, the bride’s mom. It’s common knowledge as parents that we love our kids with our hearts. And watching them grow up can be bittersweet. They make you so proud but you keep losing those little moments when they depended on you. Now my baby is a lady, and I’m delighted she found a groom deserving. May they both have a healthy, long, happy and fulfilled life together. The prayers for my daughter never cease, just like every good mom. This isn’t because she makes me unhappy, but because I’m naturally worried and want her to have the best. She’s honest, giving and empathic and I wanted her to experience only happiness. But you see, I didn’t know what I prayed for till I saw her groom. My ever happy daughter now has a permanent sparkle in her eyes, one I’ve never seen before. She’s complete with him and this is my biggest blessing.

Short Rehearsal Dinner Speech Examples

kreativwedding via Instagram

Craft a brief rehearsal dinner speech by expressing gratitude, sharing anecdotes, and keeping it personal. Short speeches maintain guests’ interest, convey sincerity, and create a memorable and enjoyable atmosphere.

Thank you all for being here to celebrate with us. Excited for tomorrow! Cheers to love, laughter, and a lifetime of happiness together.

Grateful for this wonderful gathering. Let’s raise a glass to love, family, and a lifetime of joy. Tomorrow, we officially become family. Cheers!

To family and friends, thank you. Tomorrow is the big day, but tonight is about us together. Here’s to love, laughter, and a lifetime of beautiful memories. Cheers!

Wedding Rehearsal Speeches Toasts

The rehearsal dinner is intimate and more casual, hence the wedding toasts could be longer and humorous. There’s no hard-fast rule about who gives the toast but it’s celebratory and ends the speech. See some samples below.

• A people so rare, two hearts so pure, two spirits uniting to become one forever. Here’s to my best friends as we get ready to ball.
• A toast to the wittiest, to the prettiest, and the truest of all who are true. Here’s to you who is all of them in one
• A toast to my sweetheart, bottle, and forever friend. The first of them is beautiful, the second of them is full, and the last ever faithful.
• I don’t need to regale you with the awesomeness that’s Juliet. But I can tell you for free that Bryan’s mom and I are quite excited to welcome our daughter-in-law. Here is to Bryan and Juliet!
• Bryan and I have enjoyed a lifetime of friendship and something that stands out is that he’s a lucky man. I mean, look at Juliet tonight and you’ll agree with me. Please raise your glasses with me in a toast to them. May they remain lucky for the rest of their beautiful lives.

How To Write Rehearsal Dinner Speech

Infographic.

As a professional wedding speechwriter, Heidi Ellert-McDermott, Speechy’s director, is admittedly biased, but she firmly believes that speeches are what make the rehearsal dinner truly special. Below, she shares her tips on crafting the perfect speech for the occasion.

Unlike the speeches on the wedding day, rehearsal dinner speakers don’t need to be so formal, and they don’t introduce themselves if everyone already knows them! Speakers can also generally get away with a few more ‘in jokes’ as their audience is likely to be close friends and family who have plenty of background intel on the couple already.

And one bonus – in a more intimate setting, you might not need a mic, which makes using notes a lot easier.

A rehearsal dinner toast generally follows the same structure as a standard wedding speech:

• Start with amusing & insightful anecdotes
• Saying a heartfelt and emotional to the focus of your speech
• Pay tribute to their partner
• Wish them well in their future life together and raise a toast

The key is balancing the humor with the sentiment. You want a few laughs early on, and a few tears towards the latter third if possible!

Like wedding speakers, resist the urge to use googled gags or resort to marriage cliches, but instead, get specific about the people you love and pay tribute to their unique character. Make sure no line in your speech could be used in another mother of the bride’s speech or another father of the groom’s!

Finally, one rule for any wedding or rehearsal dinner toast, make sure you can deliver your speech in less than ten minutes (and keep it even shorter if there are more than three speakers planned!).

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Speech Tips

sposiamovi via Instgaram

• Tip 1: Knowledge is power It might be a good idea to learn more. Who is going to be present, what is the venue, and who else is going to be speaking? These details are important.
• Tip 2: Keep it nice and simple Sometimes less is more. Don’t let everyone fall asleep listening to your endless speech.
• Tip 3: Don’t spoil the fun! If you are invited to make a speech you know some hilarious stories about the couple. Do keep the awkward ones for another event. Now it’s the couple’s time to shine.
• Tip 4: Holy Matrimony Do mention the upcoming big event in your speech, even if you decided to go for funny rehearsal dinner speech examples.
• Tip 5: Rehearse Take your time to read and record the speech. Watch the recording several times – it will help you feel more confident.

What do you say in a rehearsal dinner speech?

A good speech for a rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to be long or complex. Express gratitude to guests, thank the hosts, and share a brief anecdote about the couple. Keep it light, funny, and heartfelt. Toast to love, happiness, and the upcoming celebration.

Who typically gives speeches at rehearsal dinner?

Traditionally, the father of the groom, the best man, and the couple themselves may give speeches. Others, like close friends or family, may also speak if desired.

What do you say to your son at the rehearsal dinner?

Share your love and pride, and express confidence in his choice of a life partner. Offer a few words of advice or wisdom, and convey your best wishes for a joyful and successful marriage.

If you are searching for anything from mother-of-the-groom rehearsal dinner speech examples to rehearsal dinner speech examples bridesmaids, the tips and samples above would be a great place to start.

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How to Write an Unforgettable Rehearsal Dinner Speech (Plus 2 Examples)

The rehearsal dinner is all about sharing food, drinks and celebrating the upcoming nuptials of the bridal couple. It’s also the perfect opportunity for the couple’s friends and family to pay tribute to them with speeches and toasts. 

A rehearsal dinner speech is similar to the speeches you’ve heard at weddings. While it should be shorter than a wedding speech, the basic structure remains the same. The key is to share why the bride or groom is so special to you and to wish the couple the best on their big day and future life together.

Here are some of our tips on how to write a memorable rehearsal dinner speech that will not only capture the interest of the guests, but will warm the hearts of the couple you’re celebrating.

The Dos and Don’ts for a Great Rehearsal Dinner Speech

If you’ve been tasked with speaking at the rehearsal dinner of a friend or family member, there are a few things to keep in mind when writing your speech. Check out our dos and don’ts for writing a heartfelt speech the couple will love.

Do be prepared

Unless you’re a very gifted public speaker who’s used to speaking off the cuff, you should never try to wing a speech at the rehearsal dinner.

We recommend writing your speech at least two weeks before the event. You certainly don’t have to read your speech word-for-word if you’re the type of person who is comfortable talking in front of a large group; but you should have it with you to refer to and keep you on track.

Do introduce yourself

While a rehearsal dinner tends to be small compared to the actual wedding reception, it’s still important to introduce yourself. Even if a lot of people already know you, there will likely be a few who don’t know you or your relationship with the couple. 

Do talk about the bride and groom

Whether you’re a friend or family member of the bride or the groom it’s important to mention both halves of the couple in your speech.

If you’re a long-time friend of the groom, you can certainly tell a story about one of your exploits as long as you keep it PG-rated. Afterall, the couple’s grandparents and clergy could be in attendance.

While your speech might be mostly about the groom, it’s important that you find a way to transition into talking about them as a couple too. You could say how the groom has changed for the better since meeting his future spouse or it could be as simple as saying how happy he or she has made the groom. 

Whatever route you choose, find a way to integrate the groom’s future spouse into the speech.

Don’t talk about yourself

If you’re relating a tale about an exploit with the bride or groom, it can be really easy to fall into the trap of talking about yourself. That is a major no-no. Your speech should be all about the bride or groom and the love of his/her life.

After introducing yourself, keep yourself out of the story as much as possible. The goal is to talk about why the bride or groom is great and to offer them your congratulations.

Don’t be a comedian

One of the biggest mistakes people make when giving a speech is trying to be funny. If you have a knack for humor, great, use it. If you have a funny story, by all means, tell it. But don’t force yourself to be funny if it doesn’t come naturally.

Your speech isn’t a time to tell jokes. After all, you’re not doing a stand up routine. The goal is to talk about the bridal couple, not tell jokes at their expense. So while it’s OK to tell a funny story, it’s not appropriate to use the speech as a roast.

Do be appropriate

Like we mentioned in the point above, your speech is not a chance to roast the bride or groom, so while relaying a funny story is fine, make sure it’s appropriate. Keep in mind, there could be children and grandparents in attendance. If your friends are being married by a minister or priest, he or she will likely be at the dinner too.

No matter who is in the audience, do not curse or be vulgar and avoid talking about exes. Talking about exes in front of the families of the bride or groom is always in bad taste, even if it does involve a funny anecdote.

You should also avoid using inside jokes unless everyone there is privy to them. While they may not be offensive, they can still be inappropriate if they will leave the majority of your audience in the dark.

Pro tip: Don’t drink much before the toasts begin. Being sober ensures good delivery and proper behavior.

Do show some emotion 

The main point of your speech should be to reveal who the bride or groom is through your eyes. Whether you’re a family member or a good friend, if you’ve been invited to the rehearsal dinner, you likely know the bride or groom quite well, so don’t be afraid to tell a story that proves his or her best characteristics.

Showing is always better than simply stating something as a fact. If you want to talk about how thoughtful the groom is, don’t just say he’s considerate, share a story about how he stayed up all night to help you cram for your biology exam because you needed the moral support. Or talk about how he always does something special for his friends on their birthdays.

Don’t talk too fast 

If making speeches doesn’t come naturally to you, it can be tempting to talk as quickly as possible to get it over with. Talking too fast, however, will make the speech hard to follow and you’ll no doubt feel embarrassed for not delivering it as well as you could have. 

Remember to take a few deep breaths before taking your place at the mic. Breathing deeply and evenly will help to settle your nerves and enable you to speak more naturally. Once you begin, do your best to speak conversationally. Pausing in the right spots is also important because it allows the guests time to react. If you share a funny story and don’t pause after saying something amusing, people won’t have a chance to laugh and will lose interest in the remainder of your speech.

Do practice beforehand

Even if you’re not nervous, practice is important for a well delivered speech. You don’t have to memorize your speech, but you do want to make sure your delivery is smooth and natural. It can also help you to find a good pace and determine where pauses would be the most effective.

So, how many times do you need to practice to accomplish all of that? That number will differ for everyone. Rather than focusing on how many times you should practice, experts suggest rehearsing until the speech flows easily and sounds polished. 

Rehearsal Dinner Speech Examples

If you need a little extra help, these two examples could be just the inspiration you need. You can use the structure to craft your own unique rehearsal dinner speech.

Speech 1 (Father of the groom)

Good evening everyone, I’m Bill, father of Jason, the very lucky groom. Thank you to everyone who has joined us tonight to celebrate Jason and his lovely bride Natalie on the eve of their big day.

In the 26 years I’ve known Jason, he has always been determined. From taking his first steps, to learning to ride his bike without training wheels to conquering calculus in high school, once Jason set his mind to something, his mom Claire and I knew that he’d accomplish it. He always set his mind firmly on a goal and then did everything in his power to achieve it.

So, when Jason came home from college for Christmas in his final year and told us he’d met the woman he was going to marry, his mom and I had no doubts at all that he would, in fact, marry her. By spring he and Natalie were dating and we met her for the first time that summer.

Even then, Claire and I could see how much Jason loved Natalie. We could also see how good they were together and I can remember saying to Claire, “Jason is definitely going to marry that girl.”

It has been our privilege over the intervening years to get to know Natalie. She is everything we could have hoped for in a daughter-in-law: smart, kind-hearted, level-headed — and she fit right into our clan like she had always belonged to it. 

Jason and Natalie, we love you both so much and can hardly wait to see you become husband and wife tomorrow. We wish you all of the love and happiness in the world.

Speech 2 (Bridesmaid)

Hi everyone. I’m Maria, close friend and bridesmaid to the beautiful bride-to-be. I’ve known Natalie since elementary school and we’ve been besties ever since.

We spent many hours in our younger years playing Barbies and, in our teen years, we spent just as much time discussing boys, doing each other’s makeup and studying together. One of my fondest memories is of our time working as tutors together over the summer. Natalie was always so amazing with the younger kids and I knew she would become a teacher one day herself.

As one of Natalie’s oldest friends, we’ve seen each other through heartaches, have been witness to all of each other’s best moments and have celebrated each other’s victories. I can safely say that being able to see my BFF fall in love with a man who loved her just as much as she loved him has been my privilege. I also feel remarkably lucky to have gotten to know Jason over the past four years and to count him as a friend too.

Natalie, you and Jason truly are made for each other and I am so happy for you both. All the best on your special day and each and every day after.

Rehearsal Dinner Speech FAQs

Still have some questions about rehearsal dinner speeches? We’ve answered all of the most frequently asked concerns and queries to help you master rehearsal dinner speech etiquette.

Who speaks at a rehearsal dinner?

Traditionally the parents of the groom pay for and host the rehearsal dinner, making the father of the groom the main speaker of the night.

Today, however, couples are making their own rules and are choosing who will speak at the dinner. After all, not all weddings have a groom and some grooms may not have a relationship with their fathers. In some cases the dad of the groom could be deceased.

When a father of the groom speech isn’t an option, the bridal couple can choose to have whoever is playing the role of host speak or they can ask members of the wedding party who won’t be speaking at the wedding to say a few words.

How many speeches do you have at a rehearsal dinner?

The host of the rehearsal dinner typically kicks off the speeches by welcoming everyone and congratulating the bridal couple. Once the host is finished speaking, other friends or family members can say a few words if the bride or groom wishes.

If the host of the dinner is the parent of the bride or groom, they can speak again at the wedding if the couple wishes. Anyone else who speaks at the dinner, however, shouldn’t also get the mic at the reception.

How long should a speech be at a rehearsal dinner?

A rehearsal dinner speech should never exceed five minutes if you want to keep the vibe fun and relaxed. Longer speeches can cause your guests to zone out, which is why we recommend keeping speeches to two to three minutes in length.

This gives you ample time to reminisce and offer congratulations while still keeping dinner attendees engaged.

Does the groom have to give a speech?

No, neither the groom or bride have to speak at the rehearsal dinner unless they wish to. If you do want to say a few words, remember to keep your speech fun but brief. If you’re speaking at the wedding reception, however, you may want to rethink speaking at the dinner too.

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How to Write an Amazing Rehearsal Dinner Speech + Examples

• Posted by by Lisa Plaitt
• Last updated: December 10, 2022

The rehearsal dinner is an important tradition that happens just before the wedding day. This dinner is typically held the night before the wedding as a sort of calm before the storm!

It is a chance to sit down, share a meal, some drinks and memories together with your friends and family. 

The purpose of the rehearsal dinner is to celebrate together for the upcoming nuptials. It is also a chance for family and friends to come together and give speeches and pay tribute to the couple, especially if they aren’t able to on the big day.

During the rehearsal dinner, there will likely be a lot of speeches, as everyone will want to say how much the happy couple means to them.

There will be toasts, short speeches and funny anecdotes shared, but the speeches are not like the wedding day speeches, as they may be a little shorter, and more to the point, so that anyone that wants to speak can.

The thing is, most people get nervous around audiences, and speeches can make us really anxious and unsure what to say. So, if you’re unsure what to say in a rehearsal dinner speech, or how it should go, then follow this guide! We’ll go over what to do, what not to do, along with some examples that you can use. 

What To Do In A Rehearsal Dinner Speech

Let’s take a look at some of the things you should do in a rehearsal dinner speech, to make sure it goes as swimmingly as possible. 

Check With The Bride & Groom

The first step is a very important one – make sure you have asked the betrothed couple if it is okay to take a few moments to do a speech prior to the rehearsal dinner.

They have likely planned the evening to every specific detail, so never just stand up and decide to do one there and then, as this could delay dinner being served or any other timings.

If they approve of your giving a speech at the rehearsal, then go ahead and start planning what you’ll say. 

Let’s face it. No matter how confident you are as a person, in the moment of the speech, you will likely forget or stumble over your words briefly if you try and do it off the cuff. So, always be prepared, and write notes. 

Take a few days before the rehearsal speech to plan what you are going to say, and how you are going to say it. That way, there will be no awkward silences, and you won’t get sidetracked during the speech. 

You don’t have to read the speech from your notes word for word, but at least they will be there if you get distracted or lose what you were saying. 

Introduce Yourself To Everyone

At the start of your speech, be sure to introduce yourself, and how you are related to the bride/groom or both components of the couple.

People there may already know you, especially if it is your brother or sister getting married, but it’s nice to say hello to the group as a whole and make yourself known, along with what your relationship is to the couple. 

Talk About The Happy Couple

This is important. Your speech should not single out one side of the happy couple, even if you know them better or are related to the groom.

You need to talk about both halves of the couple in the speech, and tell a story about the two of them, rather than something you did with just the bride or just the groom. 

Keep It Clean

It’s all too easy to use a speech to talk about funny stories or inside jokes you have with the betrothed couple, but this can sometimes isolate the others present, who are not aware of your inside jokes and funny experiences.

It is best to relay a funny anecdote, as long as it is appropriate. 

In addition, think about who is attending the dinner. Are there children present? Are there elderly relatives present? Is the family traditional or conservative? It could be a good idea to leave out the dirty jokes or toilet humor in his case! 

You should also try to avoid inflammatory language, offensive jokes, anything about exes, vulgarity or curse words to keep it clean, fun and enjoyable for all.

A great tip is to not drink too much before the speeches take place so you don’t slip up and say something you shouldn’t. 

Speak From The Heart

One of the defining factors of a rehearsal speech is that it gives others a chance to learn more about the bride and groom through the eyes of the speaker. The speech can be revealing, with fun stories and memories shared with the audience about the soon to be wed couple. 

Family members and friends that are going to make the speeches may already know the bride/groom well, and can use this time to tell some stories about the couple’s personalities and defining characteristics. 

While telling a story is good, it can be more impactful to show how you feel than saying it. Don’t be afraid to get emotional, and speak straight from the heart. 

What Not To Do  

When it comes to making a rehearsal dinner speech, there are a few things you shouldn’t do too, to make sure it all goes smoothly and the speech is received well. 

Don’t Make It About You

The purpose of a rehearsal speech is to wish the bride and groom or the betrothed well before the wedding day. You should be talking about them. It is not the chance to talk about yourself and your endeavors with the betrothed. 

While it’s great to introduce yourself to the crowd, and how you know the couple, your anecdotes should be about them, and not about yourself. You should be talking about why the couple are great together, and wishing them good luck for the future. 

Don’t Speak Too Quickly

At a rehearsal dinner, you will likely be in a large room with lots of people scattered around tables, so they may struggle to hear you depending on where they are sitting.

So, try not to speak too fast or too quietly, as they will miss your speech entirely. Speak clearly and slowly, and don’t forget to pause for a moment in between what you are saying for laughs, toasts, or responses. 

Don’t Try To Be A Clown

You can easily get caught up trying to make your speech the funniest and most entertaining of them all, but if you try too hard to be funny, you’ll likely crash and burn. 

This is not the moment to try out your dreams of being a stand up comedian, it is just a chance to talk a little bit about the bride and groom, and wish them well.

It is also not the time to roast the happy couple and make lots of jokes at their expense. It’s not funny for everyone, and it’s not classy.

Example Father Of The Groom Speech

Good evening all, I’m Jeff, father of ( groom). I’d like to thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate the union of ( bride and groom). I’ve known ( groom) all his life! From when he was a young boy, he was always so determined to get what he wanted, and that’s not changed over the years. 

When he brought home the beautiful ( bride) , from the moment we met her, we knew she was the perfect one for him. She brings out the best in him, as he does in her. When she returned to college, he told us that she was going to be the woman he married, and I had no doubt in my mind that he was right. 

It’s been my absolute privilege being ( groom’s) dad, and I feel honored to now have another daughter to dote upon.  ( Bride and groom), we love you both very much, and can’t wait to see what your future holds. To the bride and groom, everyone! 

Example Maid Of Honor Speech

Hello everyone, my name is Julia, I’m the best friend of our wonderful bride to be, ( bride’s name ). I’ve known ( bride ) ever since I remember, having grown up next door to her. I first met her the day we moved into ( street name) and she helped me make friends starting in a brand new school, and we have been inseparable ever since. 

I remember the first time she ever told me about ( groom). She was in a time in her life when she had sworn off men forever…for the second time that year…and we were making plans for our next girls vacation and heading off to college. We were talking about how we didn’t need to date anyone for a while, and that was until ( groom) walked into her life and totally swept her off her feet.

All I remember from this time is her humming love songs to herself, and going all gooey whenever she had a text from him, and I knew that was it. Our girly vacation was definitely off the cards! But seriously, ( groom) treated her how she deserved to be treated, and has always been there to celebrate her successes and victories.

I’ve watched the two of them build a beautiful relationship and life together, and I’m so excited to see where this next chapter takes them. I can only hope that one day we can all share a love as special as ( bride and groom) ’s. 

( Bride), it’s been an absolute privilege being your friend for the past X years, and I feel incredibly blessed to have gained another friendship in ( groom), too. I wish you both all the love and happiness in your future. Cheers to the bride and groom! 

Rehearsal Dinner Speech Example Format

Introduce Yourself : Hello, my name is X, and I am (groom name)’s little brother. I’ve also known (the bride) for ten years now, having been in the same class in High School growing up. 

Insert Anecdote(s) About The Couple: example, first time you met your brother’s partner etc or a funny story about them together.

End On A High: I just want to say that there are no two people more perfect for each other. You truly bring out the best in one another, and I wish you all of the best for your future. Cheers, everyone. (Raise a glass and toast)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should talk at a rehearsal dinner.

The rehearsal dinner is everything you think it is. It’s a chance to get together, and have a run through, or a sort of mini version of the event before the big day arrives.

As a result, there will be speeches and tributes paid to the bride and groom to be.

A rehearsal dinner is traditionally paid for by the parents of the groom, and they will also likely be the hosts of the dinner. Therefore, the father of the groom, and occasionally the mother of the groom would be the main speakers. 

That being said, nowadays, traditions tend to go out of the window. The happy couples often choose how they want the rehearsal dinner to go, including who does the speeches and when. 

For some couples, there may not even be a groom, or some individuals do not have great relationships with their parents or fathers, so the rehearsal dinner may be organized by the couple themselves. In these cases, anyone the happy couple wants to give a speech is able to give a speech. 

Most of the time, a rehearsal dinner is hosted by the father of the groom, but if this is not the case, then the wedded couple-to-be can choose a host to run things and say a few words.

They may also choose friends or family members to speak during the night. In many cases, the people who are unable to make a speech at the wedding are the ones who will get a chance to speak at the rehearsal dinner. 

How long should the speech be at a rehearsal dinner?

A rehearsal dinner speech should be short and sweet. No one wants to listen to anecdotal stories that go on for 20 minutes at a time.

For the best results, a rehearsal dinner speech should be around five minutes long. This ensures that the audience’s attention is captured, it is fun, lighthearted, relaxed and easy going. 

Keeping the speeches short can also ensure other people can have a chance to give their speeches too. We recommend aiming for about 3 minutes in length when practicing, so if you stumble or lose track of time on the night, you still shouldn’t exceed 5 minutes by much.

All you need to do is offer your congratulations, reminisce on your relationship with the couple, and engage the rehearsal dinner guests, and that’s it!  

How many speeches should you have at a rehearsal dinner?

In a typical rehearsal dinner, the host would begin the speech section of the evening. This is typically just before the dinner is served,while the drinks and cocktails are flowing.

The host will first welcome all of the guests, before saying a few words of congratulations towards the bride and groom. 

The host may then share a short speech about the happy couple, before introducing the next speaker, and sitting back down. Then, the family members and friends who are planning on saying a few words can stand and take their turn. 

The whole point is so those who won’t be speaking at the wedding can wish the couple well at the rehearsal dinner. However, if the parents of the bride or groom are hosting, then they are able to speak at the wedding too. 

Do the bride and groom have to do a speech at a rehearsal dinner?  

Not traditionally, no. The bride and groom do not have to speak or give a speech at the rehearsal dinner, unless they really want to, but it is sometimes best to leave their speeches for the wedding. 

This is because everything is leading up to the special day, including the rehearsal dinner. Once it is all said and done, and the wedding has come to a close, then the bride and groom can give their speeches and thank everyone for attending. 

That’s not to say that a bride and groom or the happy couple cannot do a speech at the rehearsal dinner. If they would like to say a few words of thanks, then that is perfectly fine to do so. It’s their rehearsal dinner after all! 

The general rule of thumb is that if you are giving a speech during the wedding reception, then you do not have to give one at the rehearsal dinner too.

That keeps it fair for everyone so no one has to do two speeches, and those who wish to say a few words but can’t at the wedding can say their peace at the rehearsal prior to the big day. 

Final Thoughts

We hope that this article has given you an insight into how to write the best rehearsal dinner speech and what is best to include. If you write from the heart, you can’t really go wrong.

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Lisa Plaitt

Hello, I’m Lisa Plaitt and I have been married to my wonderful husband for almost five years. We met almost a decade ago now and I love him more everyday. But on my wedding day - the day that was supposed to be about celebrating us - I was far too stressed to enjoy it. My husband proposed to me in spring and it was a very lowkey setting, in our backyard without anyone else around to see it. It was a perfect proposal. But then everything got real, and I was suddenly thrust into planning mode.

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• What Happens at a Rehearsal Dinner? How to Plan a Rehearsal Dinner Who to Invite to Your Event Tips for Creating a Seating Chart Advice on Wording Your Invitations How to Craft the Perfect Menu What to Know About a Rehearsal Dinner Toast Creative Ideas for a Memorable Party

How to Write a Rehearsal Dinner Toast

See examples, tips, and advice.

Photo by Katherine Marchand

In This Article

When done right, rehearsal dinner speeches are fun, breezy—and, sometimes, a little raucous—odes to a marrying couple. As the person tasked with giving said speech , though, coming up with the right words to say can feel difficult. “The problem is that we have many years of thoughts, memories, and feelings about a bride or groom banging around in our head, and it feels like chaos,” says professional wedding speechwriter and strategist Den Pope. “Other than feeling a great sense of love and pride, it’s hard to define the relationship because you’ve never really had to think about it.”

Meet the Expert

Chicago-based Den Pope of Nailyourspeech.com has been a professional wedding speechwriter for over 22 years. His work and advice have been spotlighted by Vox , NPR , and Daily Mail .

Still, it’s worth it to take the time and distill those thoughts, because rehearsal dinner toasts are a great opportunity for those closest to the couple to honor the soon-to-be newlyweds and help them create lasting memories on this special occasion.

If you’re up to the task, read on for everything you need to know about giving and writing a killer rehearsal dinner speech.

When Does the Rehearsal Dinner Toast Take Place?

Unsurprisingly, the rehearsal dinner toast is given during the rehearsal dinner, which generally takes place the night before the wedding. As for when throughout the course of the evening you should plan to speak, that's up the event's hosts . Discuss it with the engaged couple and whoever has planned the party to figure out when it makes sense. A good rule of thumb? While guests are enjoying their meals, as you'll have your most captive audience.

Who Gives a Rehearsal Dinner Toast?

The host of the rehearsal dinner (traditionally the father of the groom in a heterosexual couple) gives the first speech. This person is followed by members of the wedding party that won’t be speaking at the reception (typically anyone other than the maid of honor and the best man ). Last up: additional friends and family if an open mic situation is encouraged.

Rehearsal Dinner Toast Template

A great rehearsal dinner speech includes the same core elements as a wedding reception speech . Here’s a template to follow to get you started on the process.

If possible, get introduced by someone else.

“It’s always better if there’s a master of ceremonies or DJ to introduce the speaker,” says Pope. “Otherwise, there will be throat clearing and empty platitudes right at the open when you should be grabbing the audience’s attention.” If there’s no emcee, go with something short and sweet: Hi everyone, I’m Maura. Brittany and I met as Theta pledges our freshman year at Mizzou. Then dive straight into the speech.

Tell a story that gets at their core values or personality traits.

Per Pope, the main goal of any great rehearsal dinner speech is to “to give an inside look at the bride and/or groom—their defining values, characteristics, and personality traits—through the speaker’s eyes.” That’s best accomplished by a narrative that’s heavier on showing rather than telling.

Instead of stating that Brittany is spontaneous, for example, share an anecdote about the time she booked a flight overseas on one day’s notice, or when she jumped into a pool at a college house party.

Talk directly to the person you’re honoring.

After sharing your anecdote, take a quick moment to address that person directly. Brittany, that brings me to one of the things I’ve always loved most about you: your spontaneity.

Incorporate their spouse-to-be. 

The characteristics and anecdotes you choose to address should next segway into a moment of recognition for the other half of the couple. “Tease out what makes their relationship work,” says Pope. “Define them, then bring them together.” Maybe Brittany’s fiancé James is just as spontaneous, and they met while sky-diving. Or, maybe he likes to have every hour of his day planned, but they’re the penultimate example of opposites attracting. Either way, you’ll want to explain why the characteristics you mention in your speech make them a great couple .

End with a quick toast.

“Wrap it up quickly,” says Pope. “No poems , no 16th-century quotes.” A go-to approach: And now, everyone please join me in raising a glass to Brittany and James for a life filled with X, Y, and Z. Two of those three sentiments can be universal (love, joy, laughter, adventure, happiness), but the last should tie back to something referenced earlier in the speech.

Rehearsal Dinner Toast Tips

Here are Pope’s best tips for writing and delivering your rehearsal dinner speech.

Think about tone.

While the father of the groom /rehearsal dinner host’s speech should serve as an emotional counterweight to the speech the father of the bride will give at the reception the following night, it’s okay if the rest of the speeches are a little more insider-y and casual. The group at the rehearsal dinner is the ultimate “in crowd” of any wedding, so they’ll be the most invested in what you have to say about the couple, and the most likely to understand or appreciate any inside jokes.

Write it early, but rehearse later.

Some of Pope’s clients come to him a full year ahead of a wedding. While they may settle on content in advance, he doesn’t encourage revisiting the speech until about two months ahead of the big day. And even then, he advises against over-rehearsing. “You’ll sound robotic and unnatural,” he says.

Open with something interesting and unexpected.

“All the audience wants to hear is what you have to say about the bride and groom as an insider,” says Pope. If you can do that, then you’re guaranteed to capture the attention of the crowd.

Keep your role in mind when considering timing. 

The longest speech, which should be kept under 10 minutes, should be reserved for the host of the rehearsal dinner. Bridesmaids and groomsmen should be shorter—think: five to seven minutes, max—and anyone jumping on an open mic should wrap up in about three minutes or less.

Don’t mention old flames.

It should go without saying, but don't bring up either partner's ex. Other than that, less is off the table than what you might think. “Some might think that gambling is off-limits,” Pope gives as an example. “If the story exemplifies the person in a positive way, and everyone in the room knows that [the person] does it, then it can be fun in for your speech.”

Address the couples’ relationship through your eyes.

“It doesn’t matter if anyone in the room agrees with you or not,” says Pope. “This is your speech . It’s your time to say what you want. Don’t think you have to fluff the couple up dishonestly to please the crowd.”

Read from your phone if that’s what feels most natural.

The best speeches are relaxed and authentic. If reading off note cards will make you feel like you’re giving a stuffy class presentation, don’t do it. (But if you don’t want to squint and scroll, download a flashcard app like Flashcards Deluxe .) And, of course, make sure your phone is fully charged.

Don’t hold your glass during the speech.

It will serve as a distraction, especially if you’re also balancing a mic and your notes. Place it near you on a table or have someone hand it to you at the end.

Be sure to actually sip after you raise your glass.

That seals the deal of the toast . (And yes, it’s perfectly fine to toast with water!)

Get Brainstorming!

Not sure how to begin mining a lifetime of memories for your rehearsal dinner speech? Here are a few questions to help whittle things down.

• What is your earliest or most vivid memory of the subject? What does that memory demonstrate about their personality or character? 
• What’s an endearing quirk about the subject? 
• When did the subject first mention their spouse-to-be to you? What did they say about them? 
• What was meeting their spouse-to-be for the first time like? 
• How or when did you realize their spouse-to-be was a good partner for the subject of your speech? 
• How has their spouse-to-be changed the subject of your speech for the better?

Rehearsal Dinner Toast Example

Pope strongly advises against Googling for one-size-fits-all or fill-in-the-blank examples of rehearsal dinner speeches , as they can lead to hollow, canned, and impersonal toasts. Instead, he encourages his clients to think deeply about the most meaningful memories they associate with the subject of their toast, and to build their speech out from there. An example from Pope of how that process works to inspire a speech follows below: 

"I wrote a matron of honor speech where the bride was her maid of honor three years ago. I asked if she gave a speech, and what that speech was like. She said, 'You know, the day was a blur. The only thing I really remember was that she quoted Dr. Suess.'"

"So, we opened with that: 'Welcome. This brings back fond memories of my wedding day, where [Brittany] gave a speech. The day was a blur, but I remember one thing very clearly. She quoted Dr. Suess: “We are all a little weird, and life is a little weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness and call it love.” I didn’t get it at the time, but I’ve been waiting for your wedding day to say one thing: Brittany, you’re weird.'"

A Guide to Rehearsal Dinners

What Happens at a Rehearsal Dinner?

How to Plan a Rehearsal Dinner

Who to Invite to Your Event

Tips for Creating a Seating Chart

Advice on Wording Your Invitations

How to Craft the Perfect Menu

What to Know About a Rehearsal Dinner Toast

Creative Ideas for a Memorable Party

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How to Write a Rehearsal Dinner Speech

Here are some tips and advice on how to write a rehearsal dinner speech.

By Monica Mercuri

The First Look ✨

• Rehearsal dinner speeches are the perfect opportunity to give a heartfelt salute to the soon-to-be-weds and create beautiful memories in the process.
• Spend some time brainstorming memories and associations of the person getting married and their spouse to be.
• Keep the beginning and ending straightforward—and keep the whole thing brief! Remember to include their spouse to be. Go for the inside jokes, but stay away from mentioning any exes.

Rehearsal dinner speeches are the perfect opportunity for the couple’s nearest and dearest to give a heartfelt salute to the soon-to-be-weds and create indelible memories in the process. Following a template similar to a wedding reception speech, these speeches, when done right, are funny, tender, moving, and insightful, capturing something ineffable about what makes these two people so special—to each other and to you and the others who love them. Here are some of Zola ’s tips and advice on how to write a rehearsal dinner speech.

Who Gives a Rehearsal Dinner Speech

The host of the rehearsal dinner gives the first speech and wedding rehearsal toast; in heterosexual couples, this is traditionally the groom’s father. Next is anyone in the wedding party who isn’t speaking at the reception (typically anyone besides the maid of honor, bride’s parents, and groom's best man). Finally, any other friends, family, and wedding party members may speak, if the mic is open to others.

Brainstorm Memories

Here are some questions to help you focus on meaningful anecdotes you might be able to incorporate into a speech:

• What’s your earliest or most vivid memory of them? Does that memory show anything about their personality or character?
• What’s an endearing quirk about them—one that others may not know?
• When did they first mention their spouse to be, and what did they say? Do you remember what you thought when you first heard about them?
• What was your first meeting like with their spouse to be?
• How or when did you realize their spouse to be would be a good partner for them?
• Has their spouse to be changed your subject for the better?

Introduce Yourself—Or Be Introduced

Start with a straightforward introduction that describes your relationship to the couple or to one of the people getting married: “Hi everyone, I’m Lisa. Christine and I met through a student newspaper at Berkeley.” Then jump into the wedding speech . Be sure to also follow the rehearsal dinner etiquette .

Show, Don’t Tell

Your aim should be to reveal something about a person’s essential values or personality, giving an inside look at their defining characteristics through your eyes. Showing how they’re thoughtful and loyal makes for a better story than simply saying that; for example, share the story of how your friend cheered you up by bringing over your favorite snacks and binge-watching your favorite show.

Go for the Inside Jokes

Remember, the rehearsal dinner includes those nearest and dearest to the couple. So feel free to keep it casual and go for those inside jokes that only those closest to them would know. You won’t have to explain that one spouse loves to sleep in or the other is always late, for example, the crowd will understand and appreciate these notes, and that’s what they really want to hear anyway! And be honest—people want to hear how you see the couple, not what you think others want to hear.

Don’t Bring Up Exes

Besides that, there’s not much that’s off-limits. Remember, this is an insider group, and most people will understand (or at least forgive) minor antics and indiscretions if the story ultimately shows the person in a positive light. Of course, keep in mind what’s appropriate for the audience and make sure it’s a story they’re okay with you sharing with others.

Remember to Include Their Partner

Be sure to take a moment to address the person you’re saluting directly. And don’t forget to mention their soon-to-be spouse. Whether it’s the traits they share or the way they balance out their differences, be sure to recognize how you believe they make for a winning partnership.

Keep it Brief

Even the longest speeches, reserved for the host of the rehearsal dinner, should be under 10 minutes; the wedding party should keep it under seven minutes, and everyone else under five. Katelyn’s Wedding Words , Professional Vow and Speech Writer, tells couples, “It’s totally okay to give your speakers a time limit. After all, you don’t want to cut into dinner or dancing time because the speeches ran long. All speeches combined should not go over 20 minutes. Having 4 speakers? Allow them up to 5 minutes each.”

Remember everyone’s here for the couple and the celebration; no one’s ever wanted a wedding speech or rehearsal dinner toast to go on for longer. Stay away from reading a poem or lengthy quote to wrap it up. A simple way to end: “Everyone, please join me in raising a glass to the wonderful couple.”

It’s not easy to give a good rehearsal dinner speech: you have often years of thoughts and memories of the couple swirling around in your head, not to mention waves of emotions, and it’s hard to know where to focus and how to organize them. Plus, it’s not often that one has to characterize or consider in-depth one’s relationship with a friend or family member, much less distill everything into a rousing speech in front of a crowd.

Finally, stay away from fill-in-the-blank examples you can find online—they can come off sounding canned and impersonal. Instead, start by thinking deeply about the most meaningful memories you have of this person and build your speech from there. Don’t forget: No one will remember any rehearsal speech or wedding rehearsal dinner toast every word years later—all they’ll remember is how the speech made them feel.

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Speeches for the Rehearsal Dinner

Kelly has more than 12 years experience as a professional writer and editor.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Amy has a B.A. in Communications and has worked in a wide variety of industries.

It's traditional for the host to give a rehearsal dinner speech, but this task comes easier to some people than others. If you're not sure about what to say, a few tips and rehearsal dinner speech examples can help you put together a wonderful speech that sets the right tone for all the festivities to come.

Examples of Rehearsal Dinner Speeches

The rehearsal dinner is usually hosted by the groom's parents , and the groom's father is expected to give a short speech at some point during the gathering. However, another family member or friend can host the dinner, so the content of the speech will vary a bit according to that person's relationship to the happy couple. The following examples can be modified with your own names and the circumstances tweaked to make them your own.

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If you need help downloading the printable speeches, check out these helpful tips .

Father of the Groom or Parent Speech

Good evening everyone. For those of you that don't already know me, I'm Ron Miller, this is my wife Gina, and we're the parents of the groom. We'd like to thank everyone for joining us on the eve of Jack and Carol's wedding.

As I look at these two beautiful people tonight, I think back to when Jack first introduced us to Carol two years ago. She was kind of quiet and shy, and I wasn't sure she'd last long with a rowdy family like ours. Once we got to know her, though, we could see why Jack fell in love with her and why they fit together so well. Now, it's hard to imagine our family without her, and after tomorrow, she'll officially become a Miller. Carol, we love you, and we couldn't be happier that you're marrying our son. Jack, your mother and I are very proud of you, and we love you.

I don't want to hold up the rest of the celebration, so let me wind this up with just a bit of advice for Jack and Carol. Every morning when you each wake up, make a promise to yourselves that today you will be the very best spouses you can be. Put each other's happiness before your own, and try to perform at least one act of kindness for each other everyday. If you can do that, everything else will fall into place. Congratulations to the two of you, and may your marriage be blessed.

Mother of the Groom Rehearsal Dinner Speech

Thank you, everyone. As John's mother and Karen's soon-to-be second mother, I'd like to thank you for the support and love you've shown us all throughout the wedding planning process and tonight. I/We're so glad you were all able to join us for a shared meal before the craziness of the big day tomorrow.

Watching John grow up, I could only dream about who he would marry someday. When he was 10, he told me he would marry our family dog, Daisy, because no one would ever love him as much as she did! Well, I'm pleased to say that Karen is a far better choice! Karen, I/we are excited to welcome you into our crazy family filled with not only pets, but love and fun, too. Bill and Susan, you have raised a delightful daughter and I/we adore her.

Before the big day, I just want to reflect on how John and Karen have grown as a couple. They hit it off right away, and we knew she'd be the perfect fit when she agreed to go with us on our family trip the following summer. If she can put up with three dogs, two parents, John, and his two sisters, she is a keeper. John told us when he made the decision to propose, and we were all bursting with the secret. Now the secret's out and everyone will gather to share in the joy and love you have for one another.

Let's raise our glasses and toast not only John and Karen, but Bill and Susan, and everyone here who has made tomorrow possible. Cheers to many happy years and a wonderful wedding day!

Speech from the Groom

Hello everyone. On behalf of Carol and myself, I want to thank you all for attending the rehearsal earlier this evening, as well as this wonderful dinner we're all about to enjoy. I want to thank my parents, as well, not just for hosting the dinner, but for everything they've done to support Carol and I on this journey.

I also want to thank Carol's parents, Michael and Linda, who've been behind us all the way. When you see the beautiful wedding they helped us put together, you'll know what Carol and I already know; they are awesome.

To my beautiful fiancée, soon to be my lovely bride, I want to thank you in front of all the wonderful people gathered here tonight for agreeing to join your life with mine. I know we have a fantastic future ahead of us. The path may not always be smooth, but that's just part of life. I know that we can handle all the bumps along the way as long as we always have each other. I truly cannot wait to take our vows tomorrow.

So, thank you everyone. Eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves. Tomorrow we do it all again.

Speech from the Bride

Good evening everyone. As I stand here tonight looking around the room at all of you, I feel so blessed, and I know that Jack does too.

I'd like to thank Jack's mom and dad, Ron and Gina, for putting this lovely rehearsal dinner together for us. We truly appreciate it. And I want to thank you both for welcoming me into your family as well. I'm so happy to have another set of parents to love and rely on.

To my parents, Michael and Linda Warner, I want to take this opportunity before we all get caught up in the wedding festivities tomorrow to thank you for everything you've done for us. I hope you know how much we love you.

To everyone else, thank you all for being part of our celebration and for helping us make our dream wedding a reality.

Speech from a Close Friend

Hello everyone. For those of you that don't know me, my name is Doug Cameron. I have been friends with Jack for quite some time, and I'm happy to say that after getting to know her so well over these last two years, I call Carol a friend as well.

At first, it may not seem obvious how these two became a couple. After all, Jack's so outgoing, and Carol's more on the quiet side. But as it so often happens, opposites attract, and I think these two quickly realized how well they complete each other.

So here we are two years later sitting down to this lovely dinner provided by Jack's parents, and tomorrow we'll all be at the wedding that Carol's parents have so graciously helped put together. It warms my heart to see all the examples of love in this room, and I think we're all privileged to be a part of it. Let's wish Jack and Carol every happiness and a long life together.

Tips for Giving Your Speech

Giving a rehearsal dinner speech can be a bit nerve-wracking, but if you remember just why everyone is gathered to celebrate and you speak from your heart, you will be able to express your joy and love for the happy couple. Practice your speech ahead of time so it will roll naturally off your lips, and it's all right to have a written copy to keep you on track. When you're finished, you can offer it to the bride so she can add it to her wedding scrapbook.

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Rehearsal Dinner Speech Examples

January 31, 2017 By Kate

Before the wedding ceremony, there will usually be a rehearsal day before. What typically follows afterwards is a rehearsal dinner with the people who participated in the wedding rehearsal earlier.

A rehearsal dinner is a chance for everyone in the wedding to eat and spend some time together before the big wedding day. This dinner is usually right after the wedding rehearsal. It is also a way to thank everyone involved in the wedding for putting their time and effort into the wedding.

While anyone can host a rehearsal dinner, this responsibility often falls on the parents of the bride or groom. It can also be customary, though not mandatory, for the people hosting the rehearsal dinner to give a speech.

When giving your rehearsal dinner speech, do not forget to thank everyone for coming to the rehearsal and for being a part of the wedding. Many people will take time off from work and travel far to make it to the wedding rehearsal.

You can also state the upcoming wedding, how excited you are for it, and you can also mention all of the hard work and planning that has gone into making the event a reality.

1. Hello everyone, can I have your attention for a moment? I would just like to thank [bride] and [groom] for putting their hearts and souls into this wedding, this special day that we have all been anticipating for a very long time. Thank you both for including us in this special day. Tonight’s rehearsal and dinner is just a taste of the celebration that is yet to come. Let us all raise a glass to the lovely couple and the upcoming wedding day.

2. So the big day is tomorrow and I am a bundle of nerves. I can only imagine how [bride] and [groom] are feeling. But it is a happy occasion and it will be a day full of love and celebration. I know that I do not just speak for myself when I say that I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings.

3. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears has gone into planning this wedding. And tomorrow is the big day. So thank all of you for coming here to support [bride] and [groom], who both mean so much to me. I cannot wait to celebrate this wedding with all of you.

4. As many of you know, planning a wedding is not easy. There are so many details to think about. The venue. The wedding date, the guests, the church, the caterer, the DJ or band, the florist, the dress, and so on. Every little aspect, every single detail of the wedding is meticulously planned out by the bride and groom who want nothing more than to share their love for each other with their closest friends and family members.

[Bride] and [groom] have both worked so hard to make sure that tomorrow will be amazing. And I for one, cannot wait for the wedding.

5. As I look at the face of close friends and family members that are here at this rehearsal dinner, I am happy to know that [bride] and [groom] have such a great community behind them. To have that type of support from the people that you love is truly invaluable. Believe me when I say that this wedding would not have been the same without all of you.

6. Hello, everyone. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to the rehearsal dinner. It means to world to us that all of you are here with us tonight to help us prepare for our wedding. Now eat, drink, enjoy yourselves, and get a good night’s sleep. We all have a huge day ahead tomorrow.

7. I would like to thank [groom’s] parents for putting together this lovely rehearsal dinner. Thank you for welcoming me into your family and for treating me like your own daughter. And to my own parents, I want to thank you for all of the help and support that you have offered up to us as well. To everyone here tonight, know that this wedding would not be the same without you. We are so grateful for each and every one of you. Now let’s eat!

8. Hi everyone, I am a friend of the bride, and after getting to know him, I have become quite good friends with [groom] as well. Watching the love that has blossomed between these two has just been magical and I am so happy that my dear friend has found the perfect match for her.

9. As I look around this room, it warms my heart to see all of the love in here that people have for [bride] and [groom.] If you have been in a wedding before, you know that it takes a lot of hard work and planning. It truly is a group effort and this rehearsal is the last thing on the to-do list before the big day. I know [bride] and [groom] are so happy and grateful to have you all here and I am so lucky to get to meet and eat with all of you.

10. I want to thank all of you for making it to tonight’s wedding rehearsal. It is a crucial part of making sure that the wedding tomorrow will go smoothly. I know that many of you could be doing something else really fun tonight, but instead you are here helping us get ready for our big day and for that, we are very thankful.

While getting through a wedding rehearsal is certainly not the most fun thing that you can do on a Friday night, it will certainly help with the wedding tomorrow. I also want to thank you all for your enthusiasm, and for showering us with your love. Your support means the world to us. Now we get to relax and eat and I promise you that tomorrow is going to be a fun day that we will all remember.

Check out our Best Man Speech Examples.

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5 Tips for How to Give a Speech at a Rehearsal Dinner

Whether you’re the parents of the couple, a wedding party member, or the soon-to-be-newlyweds, it can be daunting to write a rehearsal dinner speech. 

As a professional wedding speech writer , I’ve outlined a guide with examples of how to prepare your rehearsal dinner speech. 

Tip #1: Understand the Logistics 

Before you can write a rehearsal dinner speech, you need to know some logistical details. 

Venue : What is the setting for the rehearsal dinner? A country club may inspire your speech to be more formal while an arcade may warrant your speech to be on the casual and playful side. 

Attendees : How many guests will be attending the dinner and who are they? Is it mostly friends or mostly family? Adjust the style of your speech to those who will be listening to it. 

The speech lineup : Are you the only one giving a speech or will others be speaking? If so, who are they? This will affect what you say. For example, if you’re the father of the bride but you know the father of the groom is speaking and he’s hosting the event, you want to make sure your speech doesn’t come across as if you’re a co-host. 

Tip #2: Start with an Introduction

While the group may be on the smaller side compared to the actual wedding day, still introduce yourself. Not everyone will necessarily know you or your relationship with the couple. 

Good evening, everyone. My name is Regina. I’m the maid of honor and the bride’s childhood best friend.

Welcome! I’m Leo, the groom’s father. 

Thank you all for being here tonight. I’m Bert, the bride’s father. 

Don’t overthink this part of your speech. Simple and straightforward is all you need. 

Tip #3: Tell Short Stories

The best way to engage an audience is to tell a story. In the case of a rehearsal dinner speech, you want to focus on stories about each person in the couple. You have three goals with storytelling in a speech:

Keep it short and concise

Every story should share a similar theme

The stories should exemplify positive traits about the person

As an example, if you told a story about your son as the captain of his high school soccer team and another story about how he took care of his first pet, the theme that ties these two stories together might be how nurturing he is.

Then you can take that theme and apply it to the concept of marriage like this: 

Seeing how my son has always been deeply nurturing, I know when it comes to his marriage he will care for it, tend to it, and support its growth just like he has with anything he’s been passionate about. 

Tip #4: Close with a nod to the upcoming wedding 

It’s time to get everyone excited about the big day. Near the end of your speech, include a line or two about the upcoming nuptials.

Examples: 

As we head into the wedding day, may our hearts be ready to receive all the love that I know we’ll witness between Jack and his bride.

I’m so grateful to call Sheila my friend and I look forward to officially welcoming her new wife into our wolf pack tomorrow. 

May tomorrow be a beautiful new beginning for Jenna and Todd.  

Tip #5: Don’t Write in a Vacuum 

It’s hard to write a rehearsal dinner speech. You don’t need to do it alone and you shouldn’t. It’s helpful to collaborate with someone to ensure that your speech will be a hit. 

Work with a close friend you trust or turn to an expert . 

As a wedding speech writer, I work with parents and wedding party members to craft custom and heartful rehearsal dinner speeches.

Get in touch to see how we can work together to write a speech that will impress everyone at the rehearsal dinner. 

Rehearsal Dinner Speech Questions

Can only the father of the groom give a rehearsal dinner speech.

Historically, it’s tradition for the parents of the groom to host the rehearsal dinner and therefore the father of the groom is the one to give a speech.

However, there are no rules anymore. Some weddings don’t even have a groom and some grooms do not have fathers. The couple gets to decide who speaks at the rehearsal dinner and at the wedding. 

How long should the speech be?

Rehearsal dinner speeches should be less than five minutes. Two to three minutes is the sweet spot. 

Should the speech be funny or serious? 

The tone of the rehearsal dinner speech depends on your personality, the couple’s personality, and the tone of the event.

If you tend to be a light-hearted and humorous person, inject some playfulness into your speech. If making jokes feels foreign to you, keep it on the sweet and sentimental side.

I personally strive to write rehearsal dinner speeches that balance serious tones with funny lines. Your goal should be to make guests laugh and shed away a tear. 

When will I give the speech at the rehearsal dinner? 

This depends on what the couple has planned for the event.

Most speeches, however, are recited just before dinner is served. So be aware of how many drinks you toss back during cocktail hour. You don’t want to sound sloppy during your speech. 

I’m a terrible public speaker. What can I do to prepare? 

The best thing you can do to overcome public speaking nerves is to practice. Recite the speech out loud at least three to six times before the event. It’s best if you can practice in front of someone. 

Should I memorize my speech for the rehearsal dinner?

No. Do not feel pressure to memorize your toast. If you forget one word or line, your mind will go blank, and you’ll be stuck.

Instead, print your speech, and read from it while making frequent eye contact with the couple and guests.

Can the couple speak at their own rehearsal dinner? 

Absolutely! Couples who chose to speak at their own rehearsal dinner often focus on thanking their guests for attending and calling out specific people who have helped to make their wedding day possible.

Love my vows Katelyn!!!! It’s such a relief to have this out of the way so I can focus on all the rest of the stuff I need to do!  You were my very favorite part of the process!! Your experience and confidence in the process took all the stress out of writing my vows!

— Natalie, Florida

I thought the process was outstanding. You did a great job communicating, and I thought the turnaround time for editing was perfect. I also thought the video interview was great in that it was personal and meaningful!

I am a storyteller, not a speechwriter. I was incredibly intimidated about writing one.

So thankful to find Katelyn to get my thoughts all in order. Very proud of how the speech came out. Looking forward to giving it!

— Jennifer Whitley, Texas

I had such a wonderful experience working with Katelyn. She truly helped mold perfect vows that I can’t wait to tell my fiancé on our wedding day!  Katelyn was friendly, sweet, and super easy to work with. I will definitely be calling her up if I have to give another speech in the near future.

— Jordanne, California

Katelyn was professional, easy to talk to, and made the interviewing process fun. She came well prepared with unexpected and thought-provoking questions to get a better understanding of our love story and who we are as a couple.

She was a pleasure to work with and made the vow writing process enjoyable.

— Kimi Kinsey, South Carolina

Working with Katelyn on my maid of honor toast was an incredible experience. She really took the time to understand my relationship with my best friend and used my responses to craft a toast that put my thoughts and feelings into words in a way that I never would have been able to do on my own.

Before working with Katelyn, I was nervous and stressed about giving (and writing) such a big, important speech. But now I’m so relieved that it’s done, and I honestly can’t wait to stand up and tell everyone exactly what my best friend means to me.

— Allyssa, New Jersey

I didn’t actually know this service existed until I discovered Katelyn! It was such a fun experience to video chat with her about my best friend who is getting married this summer.

I don’t have to stress about writing this a few weeks before my best friend’s wedding. Thank you so much and I can’t wait to read it at my best friend’s wedding!

How To Nail Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Toast

By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting

Tasked with giving a wedding rehearsal dinner toast? Consider it an honor! While wedding day toasts often carry a lot of pressure, the rehearsal dinner or welcome party before the big day is a more relaxed and intimate affair. So while you should certainly prepare and practice a thoughtful speech, you can rest easy knowing you won’t need to hit a home run in front of hundreds of people.

Still, giving a toast is a special privilege that you shouldn’t take lightly. Your loved ones selected you to ring in their wedding weekend with a few words, so take the chance to celebrate their union and have some fun at the rehearsal dinner.

“In keeping with tradition, the groom’s parents or whoever is hosting the rehearsal dinner usually make a toast,” explains Sandy Brooks of Timeless Event Planning . But she notes that “it’s common for a few friends that are not part of the wedding party to make a toast.”

As for who makes the cut, Brian Franklin of Vows & Speeches says that “rehearsal dinners are a perfect opportunity to give a voice to people who are outside of traditional speakers.” Moreover, he says, "it’s a way to let people who have a more intense fear of public speaking an opportunity to give a speech that might find it much easier with a smaller audience.”

Ultimately, “each couple and wedding weekend is unique, so it truly can be up to the couple to hand-pick whomever they desire to deliver the speeches,” reminds Sarah Chianese of Mangia and Enjoy! .

So if you’re starting to think about what you’ll say—and how—keep reading for top tips from industry experts who have seen the best and worst of wedding weekend toasts!

Photo Credit: Anastasiia Photography

Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!

Keep It Short And Sweet

Your fellow guests will love hearing what you have to say, but if you drag on for too long, you can expect bored yawns and signs of impatience. So instead of telling the story of your lifelong friendship with the bride, keep it brief and avoid oversharing.

Stonegate Manor ’s Allison Russell recommends “keeping rehearsal dinner speeches between three and five minutes. This gives enough time to express heartfelt sentiments without losing the crowd.”

Of course, if you’ve been given instructions about duration, adhere to the allotted time! “If they ask you to do 2 minutes, stick to it,” Franklin stresses. “It might be because they only have so much time in the venue, and they’ve planned to have the food come out at a particular time. It might also be because that’s what they’ve told everyone else.”

If there’s a lot you want to say but can’t fit in, consider writing those sentiments in a thoughtful handwritten note to share with the couple at the end of the night.

Infuse Your Speech With Levity

The wedding will be an emotion-filled day, so don’t feel the need to lean too heavily into sentimentality at the rehearsal dinner. Instead, focus on keeping the vibe lighthearted.

“A rehearsal dinner is when you can have a bit more “fun” with your speech than at the wedding reception,” assures Laura Maddox of Magnolia Celebrates . “This is the bride and groom’s closest family and friends, so you have some leeway to share some more intimate antidotes than at the next day’s celebration.”

So if you want to pull out a silly anecdote from college or share a cheeky quote, go for it! Just be cautious to avoid anything that could make the couple or their family feel awkward or uncomfortable.

“It’s a wedding, not a roast,” reminds Vijay Goel of Bite Catering Couture . “While cute stories are appreciated, there are a number of stand-up techniques that can safely be saved for another time.”

Think fun and amusing for the rehearsal dinner, saving any inappropriate inside jokes for the bachelor(ette) party (or not at all!). The couple will thank you!

Photo Credit: Kelly Hornberger Photography

Prepare Your Toast In Advance

Whatever you say or do, avoid winging it! As with any speech, practice makes perfect — so give yourself time to write and prepare your toast in the weeks leading up to the wedding weekend.

“Think about what you want to say beforehand, write it down, then practice your toast in front of your mirror,” urges Kawania Wooten of Howerton+Wooten Events . “If you want feedback from others, practice in front of a friend or a trusted advisor.”

Nora Sheils of Rock Paper Coin and Bridal Bliss agrees, adding that “there is a time and a place to wing a toast. Hours before the big day isn’t one of those moments.”

Heading into the rehearsal dinner with a plan will help you feel confident and composed without worrying about stage fright. Plus, you can practice timing to avoid exceeding your time limit!

Don’t Hold Back

You might want to put on a strong front when giving your toast, but Jen Sulak of Weirdo Weddings encourages speech givers to express their feelings.

“Don’t be afraid to cry!” she says. “The more you hold back emotions, the more it might build up. Your happiness, joy, love, and more need to spill over into your energy and words. Just let it all go and run with it!”

And by being vulnerable, you may influence others to give in to their feelings — and there is no such thing as too many happy tears on such a celebratory occasion!

Photo Credit: Mandee Johnson Photography

Wrap Up With Well Wishes

It’s called a toast for a reason. Yet it’s common for people to fly through their speech, hand back the mic, and return to their seats. But wait!

Before sitting down, “don’t forget to end with the actual toast to the couple by raising a glass,” reminds Shannon Tarrant of Wedding Venue Map . “Without the wrap-up, your wonderful toast could just fall flat at the end.”

To avoid getting caught up in a flurry of emotions, build the actual toast into your planned speech and practice it beforehand. What will you say when giving cheers? Preparing the final words of your speech will ensure you wrap up naturally!

Giving a rehearsal dinner toast is a special privilege, and your engaged friends would not ask if they weren’t confident you were up to the task. So dedicate your time to it and follow these tips to share a memorable speech that starts their big weekend off on the best foot!

If you’re planning a rehearsal dinner, don’t miss some of these must-read resources:

Do We Need To Hire Vendors For Our Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Do’s and Don’ts

Who Gives The Toast At A Wedding Rehearsal Dinner?

About Let’s Get Rehearsed!

Welcome to stress-free and easy wedding rehearsal dinner planning and ideas! Let’s Get Rehearsed is the best, most helpful planning and inspiration resource for all things wedding rehearsal dinners, wedding welcome parties, and the night before the wedding celebrations. If you’re in rehearsal dinner planning mode or looking for unique ideas, check out our real rehearsal dinner and welcome party photos , rehearsal dinner ideas and inspiration , advice for planning a wedding rehearsal dinner , and a rehearsal dinner printable and download shop .

Don’t forget to visit the Let’s Get Rehearsed Shop where you can find fun and affordable wedding rehearsal dinner invitations, wedding welcome party signs, printables, digital downloads and more.

Let’s Get Rehearsed is all about getting you rehearsed before the wedding, so you can get to the celebration!

Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting . Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.

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• Chapelle writes articles for The Knot Worldwide. She covers all things wedding-related and has a personal interest in covering celebrity engagements and fashion.
• Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Chapelle was an editorial intern for Subvrt Magazine.
• Chapelle has a degree in English writing from Loyola University New Orleans.

Whether you and your partner want to keep it casual or host a full-blown fete, the rehearsal dinner is an exciting part of the wedding weekend . It's a perfect opportunity to get hyped up for the main event the next day, but there are rehearsal dinner etiquette rules that must be addressed. You need to know who's invited, where the venue should be, who hosts the event and much more to throw a successful wedding rehearsal dinner. Thanks to two highly acclaimed wedding industry experts, we have all those answers and more below. Learn everything you need to know about wedding rehearsal dinner etiquette so your prewedding event is fun and memorable.

In this article:

What Is a Rehearsal Dinner?

Wedding rehearsal dinner venue, wedding rehearsal dinner planning etiquette, wedding rehearsal dinner hosting etiquette, etiquette for rehearsal dinner guest list, rehearsal dinner invitation etiquette, rehearsal dinner speech etiquette, rehearsal dinner favor etiquette, rehearsal dinner gift etiquette.

"The rehearsal dinner is traditionally the meal immediately following the ceremony rehearsal the day before the wedding," says Erin Davies, wedding planning expert and founder of Erin Davies Consultancy . "It's meant to be a time for the wedding party and close family members [from both sides] to come together in a more intimate setting before the larger wedding celebration the following day."

Your guests are already taking the time to travel for your celebration, so don't make them travel more than 30 minutes to your rehearsal dinner too. Wedding rehearsal dinner etiquette dictates it's best to choose a venue that's close to where the majority of the guests are staying or the ceremony venue. If your wedding budget allows, provide wedding transportation for guests from their accommodations to the rehearsal dinner venue (and vice versa) so they don't have to worry about driving after a fun night. Also, write clear driving directions to the venue's location on your wedding website so everyone can easily access it––this way you avoid getting a dozen texts before the event.

Need some rehearsal dinner venue ideas? "A private dining room at a restaurant is great for smaller groups, but you can also have fun with more unique venues, such as a local brewery or winery, a car or art museum, or a party boat. I've even taken over a bowling alley once," Davies suggests. The only faux pas Davies warns against is hosting the rehearsal dinner at your wedding venue or another location that will upstage the wedding day itself. If you don't know where to look for your preferred rehearsal dinner location, start your search on The Knot Marketplace. You can find beautiful and top-rated venues in any city that fits your guest size, theme and desired food menu.

Find all the vendors you need

The etiquette for the rehearsal dinner theme and decor , as well as how formal or casual it should be, is completely up to the couple and the ambiance they envision. "The formality of the rehearsal dinner should be determined by the couple's preference. It can range from a casual dinner to a semi-formal affair but I highly suggest keeping the rehearsal dinner less formal than the wedding day," Desireé Dent , founder of Dejanae Events and instructor of a Wedding and Event Planning Certification program, says.

Some couples might want a glitz-and-glam rehearsal dinner to match their wedding, while some might opt for a more casual event focused on spending quality time with loved ones. If you want your events to have some variety, decorate your rehearsal dinner with the opposite aesthetic of your wedding. This creates a nice juxtaposition for what your guests will likely experience at the wedding the next day.

"[Traditionally,] the rehearsal dinner is hosted by the groom's family . However, in modern times, it has become common for the couple to host the rehearsal dinner themselves or split the cost with their parents. This decision ultimately depends on the family's preference and budget," Dent explains.

According to tradition, the wedding party, the couple's immediate family and anyone else participating in the ceremony—such as the officiant, flower girl and ring bearer —are invited to the rehearsal dinner , along with their partners and plus-ones, Davies says. In recent years, some couples have transformed the rehearsal dinner into a larger welcome reception that includes extended family members, out-of-town guests and even the entire wedding guest list.

"The rehearsal dinner invitation wording should include the date, time, and location of the event, as well as any dress code or special instructions. Rehearsal dinner invitations should be sent out three to four weeks before the event via mail or digitally to give guests ample time to make arrangements. They can also be included inside an individual's invitation suite," Dent advises.

If you're having a traditional rehearsal dinner with an intimate group (immediate family and wedding party), Davies says you don't need to send separate invitations for the rehearsal dinner. However, Davies does recommend creating an itinerary for them that includes all of the wedding events during the weekend, along with their duties, to ensure everyone is on the same page and book travel arrangements accordingly. This is important because there is often a large emphasis put on the rehearsal dinner, while the actual wedding rehearsal gets treated as an afterthought. Some wedding party members even miss it due to travel and scheduling issues.

The rehearsal dinner is also a great time for speeches , which are typically less formal than those given during the wedding reception. "Speeches at the rehearsal dinner are not mandatory, but it is customary for the host or hosts to welcome guests and thank them for attending. Other guests, such as parents or members of the wedding party, may give speeches if they wish," Dent says.

Regardless of who's speaking, Davies advises planning the speeches ahead of time to avoid the evening turning into an open mic night. Plus, a predetermined plan helps those giving rehearsal dinner speeches remember to keep them short and sweet.

Rehearsal dinner favors aren't required but many couples use this event to give gifts to close loved ones. "It's customary to offer a small gift to those who have participated in the wedding, such as the wedding party and parents," Dent says. These presents can serve as thank-you gifts to anyone who has helped you and your partner during the wedding planning process––you can even give a heartfelt speech while handing them out.

Guests don't need to bring their wedding gifts to the rehearsal dinner. We suggest you write on your wedding website for your guests to bring their presents on the big day. This way your stylish wedding gift table can have a purpose.

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• The Perfect Rehearsal Dinner Speech – Even If You Suck at Speeches

So, you’ve been asked to give a rehearsal dinner speech , have you? If you’re feeling nervous, you’re in good company: many people do not relish the idea of standing up in a crowded room with all eyes on them to give a rehearsal dinner toast.

Fortunately, a rehearsal dinner speech doesn’t have to be long, complex, or difficult. All you have to do is prepare a little speech ahead of time and bring index cards or notes on your smart phone and you’ll be good to go. Or, if you’re really nervous, feel free to write down your rehearsal dinner toast verbatim on a sheet of paper. It won’t be the end of the world!

The Perfect Rehearsal Dinner Speech – Start to Finish

1) Begin with the basics.

There will probably be at least a few people at the rehearsal dinner who have never met you, so start by (1) saying hello, (2) introducing yourself, (3) welcoming everyone, and (4) expressing your enthusiasm for the upcoming wedding. Keep it brief. Here are some sample rehearsal dinner toasts:

• “Good evening everyone and thank you very much for being here to celebrate Kathryn and Fraser’s wedding. My name is Chuck. I am the groom’s father and I am so excited to be a part of such an important occasion.”
• “Hi, everyone, and thanks so much for being here tonight.  I’m the groom’s dad, Chuck, and I hope you all are looking forward to this beautiful wedding as much as I am.”

2) Tell a story.

The idea here is to tell a cute and/or funny and/or interesting and/or romantic anecdote that has something to do with the wedding. This is the part of the rehearsal dinner speech that people tend to sweat about because they worry that people won’t think they’re funny enough or witty enough.

I am here to say DO NOT worry about it. Your story can be a funny one, but it doesn’t have to be. By all means, if you know the hilarious tale of how the happy couple met, feel free to share it (as long as it isn’t too risque!), but if you don’t know a funny story, try something sweet or sentimental – like an anecdote from the bride or groom’s childhood.

Here are some sample rehearsal dinner toasts story ideas:

• A funny story about a parent or sibling’s first impression of the bride/groom
• The couple’s engagement story
• The story of how the couple met
• The story of how you met your own partner (then segue into something like “I hope the two of you are as blessed in marriage as I have been”)
• A sweet memory from the bride or groom’s childhood (for example: “Kathryn used to run around with skinned knees in her brother’s hand-me-down clothes… I can hardly believe she’ll be in a white gown tomorrow, all grown up”)

3) Finish with something sentimental.

The best rehearsal dinner toast will tug at the heartstrings, just a little bit. To conclude your speech, say something heartfelt about the wedding and bride and groom. Or, if you aren’t the “touchy-feely” type, go with a nice quote about marriage . Then you don’t have the stress of having to come up with something yourself. Just say the quote, then cap it off with well wishes to the bride and groom on their big day. Last but not least, ask everyone to raise their glasses to the happy couple. That’s all there is to it!

Sample Rehearsal Dinner Toasts

“Welcome, everyone, and thank you so much for making the time to share in the wedding of Kathryn and my son, Fraser. My name is Chuck and I get the honor of ‘Father of the Groom’ this weekend, so I’m going to start off here with the rehearsal dinner toast. My wife and I got to meet Kathryn after she and Fraser had been dating for a few months. They’d met on a cruise ship of all places! Right away, we knew that Kathryn was different from all of Fraser’s other girlfriends… she was less, well… let’s not go there. Let’s just say that I could tell that Fraser was in love and this girl was special. I do have to confess we were a little disappointed that Kathryn wasn’t in the trades. After all, we already have an electrician and framer in the family… we were looking for a plumber! But despite that major shortcoming, Kathryn is just awesome and we’re so happy she’s marrying our son. I know they will have a very happy life together, so let’s all raise our glasses to Kathryn and Fraser!” (Need more wedding speeches for dads ?)

“Hello, everyone, and thank you for coming this evening. My name is Stacy and I am the groom’s mother. I have the honor of giving a toast tonight, so I thought I would tell you a little about how I met my own husband. We were just kids, younger than these two. Sam, my husband, sat behind me in geography class and – maybe this sounds cliche – but he was always bugging me! Pulling my hair, stealing my pencil, throwing paper airplanes at me, typical stuff. Then, all of a sudden, we hit high school and it was just like love. We’ve been together ever since – and we’ve learned a thing or two about marriage in these last 20 years. So, Amanda and Jeremy, pay attention! First: don’t stop dating. Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy romantic evenings out. Second: don’t go to sleep angry. Trust me, you guys are going to fight, that’s normal, but that doesn’t mean you don’t love each other. Third: cherish your moments together. You two have such a beautiful relationship and really an amazing foundation for a marriage. I know you’re off to a great start and I wish you every good thing in the world. To Amanda and Jeremy!” (Get more toasts for moms .)

“Hello all, welcome to Rebecca and Steven’s rehearsal dinner. My name is Jennifer. I’m Rebecca’s maid of honor and I’m so happy that you all could be here tonight. Rebecca and Steven have been planning this wedding for quite some time – but I thought I’d share with you how all this planning got started: the engagement. I have to tell you, Steven was so nervous! He had come to me about a month before to run his plans to pop the question by me and I was so touched. It was obvious how much he was in love with my best friend. So, here’s how it went down. Rebecca and Steven had taken a trip to New York City to look for an apartment before they moved there and, while they were there, Steven suggested they do the “typical tourist thing” and go up the Empire State Building. Believe it or not, Rebecca didn’t want to go! She said it would be too cold (this was December, after all) and too crowded. But Steven insisted and finally Rebecca gave in, but you have to know she was pouting a bit! Anyway, they got up there, and as they were going through security, Steven noticed his legs were shaking. He thought he was feeling weak from the altitude… I don’t think so, Steven! So they got outside. Rebecca was shivering and staring out at Central Park way below. Then she heard Steven whisper her name. She turned and he was down on one knee with the ring in hand. Of course she said yes and here we all are today! I am so happy for them and wish them all the best. Let’s raise a toast to Steven and Rebecca!” (Need more maid of honor speeches? Try here .)

Photo credit: kristaguenin on Flickr

hey!!! i am the moh at my friends wedding in a month or so, i do not know the groom very well and am having such a hard time thinking of good memories to put in the speech. any tips??? i get wiked nervous about speeches so the bride is letting me do a rehearsal dinner toast/speech (thank god) thank you!

Hi there Lauren! Good for you for being brave and giving a toast at all. It’s one of the scariest things for a lot of people, but don’t worry – it will be fab no matter what you say. If you can’t think of any good memories, you can just express your happiness and give some sweet wedding advice. Try these wedding quotes for inspiration. Or you can offer some advice from your own marriage or your parents’ or grandparents’ marriage (like “My grandparents hugged and said “I love you” every day” or “My parents always said to have a date night once a month”) then simply wish them well. Think about what you want for your bride’s future and just offer your kind words from the heart. They will love it! Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

Hey guys its me again I am kind of nervous. Any tips

The father of the groom speech delivered without a hitch. Thanks for the tips.

I am delighted to hear that! Thanks so much for stopping back here to comment – and congrats on your son’s marriage.

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The Perfect Rehearsal Dinner Speech [Examples & Tips 2024]

The perfect rehearsal dinner speech is a speech that is short and sweet, but also meaningful. It should be about your relationship with the bride and groom and how they’ve changed your life for the better. If you’re not sure where to start with writing your own speech , we’ve provided some helpful tips below.

How Long Should A Rehearsal Dinner Speech Be?

A good speech for a rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to be long or complex. Something simple and straight to the point, of just under five minutes, will suffice. Some of the best rehearsal dinner speeches can be saved in the notes on your smartphone, on flashcards, or even word for word on a sheet of paper.

Who Speaks At The Rehearsal Dinner?

Traditionally, rehearsal dinner speeches are given by the Father of the Bride or the Father of the Groom. Sometimes the Maid of Honor, Best Man and Bride, and Groom can give short rehearsal dinner speeches or toasts of their own, but it is not mandatory.

Rehearsal Dinner Speech Examples

Father Of The Groom Rehearsal Dinner Speech Samples

Wedding rehearsal speeches are customarily given by the groom’s father. It’s a day to introduce himself, welcome everyone, talk about his son, the bride, and the couple. In addition, he thanks everyone who helped, gives advice, and toasts to the couple.

[Groom,] as your father I am very proud to know you. I have had the rare pleasure of watching you grow from a little baby into a wonderful young man. You cannot possibly know how pride I am of you and how much I love you. Congratulations to you and your lovely wife on your wedding day.

Having a son has been my greatest blessing in life. In many ways, [groom] is like my mini-me and my twin. But over the years, he has grown and he has become his own person. While I have tried to teach him many things over the things, he has taught me caught a few important things as well. [Groom] is someone who really cares about people and he will always go the extra mile for the people in his life. I know that my son will make an amazing husband and God-willing, a spectacular father one day. Let us all raise a glass to [groom] and his lovely bride, [bride.]

Here are some hopes and dreams from a devoted father to his loving son on his wedding day. I hope that the two of you live a life together that is long. I hope that this shared of life of yours is full of joy, laughter, abundance, love, and many other good things. May you always have each other to lean on.

Father Of The Bride Rehearsal Dinner Speech Ideas

The father of a bride goes after the father of the groom. He will thank guests and daughter’s parents-in-law during wedding rehearsal dinner presentations. He will also welcome the new son-in-law and make a toast to them.

[Bride] and [groom,] as I look at the two of you in your beautiful dress and your nice suit, I am reminded a bit of my own wedding day where there was plenty of excitement, love, and of course some nervousness as well. Take it from someone who has been married for many years. Being in a successful marriage requires falling in love many times, and always with the same person.

When you are a parent, you always want the best for your child. My daughter was no different. So it should come as no surprise now that I am thrilled that she has met the person of her dreams. Someone who is her equal, her better half, and a wonderful person. [Groom,] I welcome you into my family and I know the two of you will keep each other very happy.

I have always wanted the best for [bride.] From the best teachers and schools to friends that were a good influence on her, you can be sure that I always wanted my daughter to have the best things in life. But she found [groom] all on her own. You can call it fate or pure luck, but whatever the cause, I am glad that they have found each other.

The Best Man Dinner Speech Examples

It’s not customary for the best man to say a speech. But if he must, he will keep it between two to three minutes. He’ll thank everyone, say something sweet about the couple, throw some jokes and make a toast.

So the big day is tomorrow and I am a bundle of nerves. I can only imagine how [bride] and [groom] are feeling. But it is a happy occasion and it will be a day full of love and celebration. I know that I do not just speak for myself when I say that I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Hello everyone, can I have your attention for a moment? I would just like to thank [bride] and [groom] for putting their hearts and souls into this wedding, this special day that we have all been anticipating for a very long time. Thank you both for including us in this special day. Tonight’s rehearsal and dinner is just a taste of the celebration that is yet to come. Let us all raise a glass to the lovely couple and the upcoming wedding day.

A lot of blood, sweat, and tears has gone into planning this wedding. And tomorrow is the big day. So thank all of you for coming here to support [bride] and [groom], who both mean so much to me. I cannot wait to celebrate this wedding with all of you.

Maid Of Honor Rehearsal Dinner Speech Quotes

The maid of honor is close to the bride. So she’ll share her experiences with the bride through the chance she had. She will tell stories about the couple, and she will finish with a toast to a happy future.

Hi everyone, I am a friend of the bride, and after getting to know him, I have become quite good friends with [groom] as well. Watching the love that has blossomed between these two has just been magical and I am so happy that my dear friend has found the perfect match for her.

As I look around this room, it warms my heart to see all of the love in here that people have for [bride] and [groom.] If you have been in a wedding before, you know that it takes a lot of hard work and planning. It truly is a group effort and this rehearsal is the last thing on the to-do list before the big day. I know [bride] and [groom] are so happy and grateful to have you all here and I am so lucky to get to meet and eat with all of you.

As I look at the face of close friends and family members that are here at this rehearsal dinner, I am happy to know that [bride] and [groom] have such a great community behind them. To have that type of support from the people that you love is truly invaluable. Believe me when I say that this wedding would not have been the same without all of you.

Bride And Groom Rehearsal Dinner Speech Examples

The bride and groom are centers of attraction. They have a duty to thank everyone that helped prepare for their day until that point. They will also gush about each other and how they can’t wait to tie the knot.

While getting through a wedding rehearsal is certainly not the most fun thing that you can do on a Friday night, it will certainly help with the wedding tomorrow. I also want to thank you all for your enthusiasm, and for showering us with your love. Your support means the world to us. Now we get to relax and eat and I promise you that tomorrow is going to be a fun day that we will all remember.

I want to thank all of you for making it to tonight’s wedding rehearsal. It is a crucial part of making sure that the wedding tomorrow will go smoothly. I know that many of you could be doing something else really fun tonight, but instead, you are here helping us get ready for our big day, and for that, we are very thankful.

Hello, everyone. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to the rehearsal dinner. It means to world to us that all of you are here with us tonight to help us prepare for our wedding. Now eat, drink, enjoy yourselves, and get a good night’s sleep. We all have a huge day ahead tomorrow.

Mother Of The Groom’s Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Speeches

She seldom gives a speech at the wedding, so here’s her time to shine. She’d state how proud she is, bless him and his wife to be, and thank everyone present. See the mother of the groom’s wedding rehearsal speech samples below.

I’m Lizette, the mother of the groom and I thank everyone for being here for my son and his wife. Bryan, you’ve always been a son after my heart, one I’m proud of. And I couldn’t be more proud of the man that you’ve become. Being your mom, my joy knows no bounds that you found the one, Alicia, who will love you forever. I am certain that you’ll cherish, respect, and love her till eternity. I’ve got a great son and I’m thankful for everyone who gave a hand in raising him.

I fell in love the first day I laid my eyes on you Bryan. From a charming baby to a bubbly toddler and a curious smart child. And then like a dream, the next thing I knew, Bryan is a man. The man you’ve become is one I’m proud of. Everything you’ve done has made your family proud. And as you set off into a journey of forever bliss, I couldn’t be happier. I wish you only the best marriage has to offer.

Mother Of The Bride’s Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Speech

The mother of the wedding’s speech is emotional. This is an opportunity to show your daughter how much you love her. Also, it’s a great time to remind everyone of the wonderful relationship she has with her dad.

Hi everyone, I’m Lisette, the bride’s mom. It’s common knowledge as parents that we love our kids with our hearts. And watching them grow up can be bittersweet. They make you so proud but you keep losing those little moments when they depended on you. Now my baby is a lady, and I’m delighted she found a groom deserving. May they both have a healthy, long, happy and fulfilled life together. The prayers for my daughter never cease, just like every good mom. This isn’t because she makes me unhappy, but because I’m naturally worried and want her to have the best. She’s honest, giving and empathic and I wanted her to experience only happiness. But you see, I didn’t know what I prayed for till I saw her groom. My ever happy daughter now has a permanent sparkle in her eyes, one I’ve never seen before. She’s complete with him and this is my biggest blessing.

How To Write Rehearsal Dinner Speech

There are a few common guidelines you can follow whether you are giving a father of the bride speech or a maid of honor speech.

In an introduction, ask for a few basic questions, then say hi, welcome everyone, and welcome everyone to rehearsal dinner. Next, express your joy for the upcoming wedding celebrations of the groom and bride. Here are some rehearsal dinner speeches that can also serve as a base for wedding toasts. Keep it brief.

Hi, everyone, and thanks so much for being here tonight. I’m the groom’s dad, George, and I hope you all are looking forward to this beautiful wedding as much as I am. Good evening everyone and thank you very much for being here to celebrate Jessica and Tony’s wedding. My name is George. I am the groom’s father and I am so excited to be a part of such an important occasion.

Next, you could tell a story; this would be a good place to insert some wedding quotes. For some funny rehearsal dinner speech ideas, you could include some anecdote related to the couple on how they met, or something sentimental from either of their childhoods. Could be a sweet memory of the girl the bride used to be or the boy that the groom was.

Try to finish with something sentimental. Say something heartfelt about the couple or the wedding and your wishes for them. Another way to conclude would be with one or two wedding toast quotes and have the guests raise their glasses to the happy couple.

Wedding Rehearsal Speeches Toasts

The rehearsal dinner is intimate and casual, making the wedding rehearsal speech a greater and humorous expression. There is no hard-fast rule regarding who delivers the toast, but it’s celebratory and ends the speech. Below are a few sample programs.

• A people so rare, two hearts so pure, two spirits uniting to become one forever. Here’s to my best friends as we get ready to ball.
• A toast to the wittiest, to the prettiest, and the truest of all who are true. Here’s to you who is all of them in one
• A toast to my sweetheart, bottle, and forever friend. The first of them is beautiful, the second of them is full, and the last ever faithful.
• I don’t need to regale you with the awesomeness that’s Juliet. But I can tell you for free that Bryan’s mom and I are quite excited to welcome our daughter-in-law. Here is to Bryan and Juliet!
• Bryan and I have enjoyed a lifetime of friendship and something that stands out is that he’s a lucky man. I mean, look at Juliet tonight and you’ll agree with me. Please raise your glasses with me in a toast to them. May they remain lucky for the rest of their beautiful lives.

Sample Rehearsal Dinner Toasts Story Ideas

Below are sample story ideas you could use when giving your best man speech, father of the groom speech, or other.

• The couple’s engagement story
• A funny story about a parent or sibling’s first impression of the bride or groom
• The story of how the couple met
• A double date you went on with the couple and what happened
• The story of how you met your own partner. You could end this with something sentimental like, “I hope the two of you are as blessed in marriage as I have been”

The Difference Between Rehearsal Dinner And Reception Speeches

A kind of informal wedding reception, the rehearsal dinner usually takes place the night before the wedding, just after the wedding rehearsal. Therefore, the tone of the rehearsal dinner is typically very different from the tone of the wedding reception. And so many things differ between rehearsal dinner speeches and reception speeches.

• The first difference is usually timing. Being an informal affair after perhaps a long day, there might be no rigid schedule for the exact timing of speeches at a rehearsal dinner. These speeches can be made during the course of the dinner or at its conclusion. Speeches and toasts at the wedding reception, however, usually have a more defined timing. They are usually made after the bride and groom have arrived, and before guests begin to have their meal, and then during the transition from appetizer to the main course or to dessert.
• The order in which speeches are made at the rehearsal dinner is also less informal than at the wedding reception. At the rehearsal dinner, after the host, usually, the father of the bride or groom is done with his speech, any other guest who wishes to speak can follow. At the wedding reception, however, it is customary that the father of the bride speaks first, then the best man and maid of honor, and then the groom or the host of the event to conclude the segment.
• The choice of beverage also differs at each event. While at wedding receptions most couples choose to have champagne for toasts, at rehearsal dinners, there is usually a mix of drinks from water to mixed drinks and sodas, in light of the more relaxed affairs. Speeches at rehearsal dinners might also run a little longer than five minutes due to the lack of urgency, but reception toasts and speeches are usually required to last three to five minutes tops as everything is on a schedule and time.

After all, rehearsal dinner speeches are usually not something to worry about as you are mostly with people who belong to your inner circle, friends, and family. Everyone gets together a lot before the wedding and this is a time when they have a chance to relax, enjoy each other’s company and be thankful for the time together and the chance to celebrate together. Whether or not you are giving a dinner speech best man or a maid of honor speech, you may find it much simpler than you expected.

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The Art of Toasting: A Guide to Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Speeches

by Antoinette Barajas

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Toasts: A Guide to Honoring the Happy Couple

Wedding rehearsal dinners are a special occasion where family and friends gather to celebrate the upcoming nuptials. And what better way to kick off the festivities than with heartfelt and memorable toasts? In this article, we will delve into the art of delivering a perfect wedding rehearsal dinner toast that will honor the couple, entertain the guests, and set the tone for a joyous celebration.

Traditionally, the father of the groom takes the lead in giving the first toast. As the host of the rehearsal dinner, he warmly welcomes everyone and sets the stage for the evening’s festivities. This is the perfect opportunity for the father to introduce himself and express gratitude to all those who have contributed to the wedding preparations.

Next, the father of the groom can share a few words about his son, the groom. Highlighting his son’s qualities, achievements, and the journey that led him to this special day is a touching way to honor the groom and show the depth of a father’s love and pride.

Turning the focus to the bride, the father of the groom can express his joy and excitement in welcoming her into the family. Complimenting her beauty, charm, and the positive impact she has had on the groom’s life will create a heartwarming moment and make the bride feel cherished and accepted.

Of course, the toast is not complete without acknowledging the couple themselves. The father of the groom can recount their love story, highlighting key moments and milestones that have brought them to this point. Sharing anecdotes and memories that showcase their compatibility, dedication, and love for one another will leave the guests with a deeper understanding of the couple’s bond.

In addition to honoring the couple, the father of the groom can also offer some words of wisdom and advice. Drawing from his own experiences, he can share insights on the importance of communication, compromise, and unconditional love in a successful marriage. This moment allows the father to impart his wisdom and guidance, setting the stage for a strong and lasting union.

To conclude the toast, it is customary to raise a glass and propose a toast to the couple’s future happiness and prosperity. The father of the groom can lead the guests in this celebratory gesture, signaling the start of a night filled with love, laughter, and well wishes.

Following the father of the groom’s toast, it is customary for members of the bridal party who won’t be speaking at the wedding reception to also offer their toasts. The maid of honor, bridesmaids, and other close friends or family members can take this opportunity to express their love and support for the couple, share heartfelt anecdotes, and offer their blessings for a lifetime of happiness.

In crafting the perfect wedding rehearsal dinner toast, it is important to keep in mind that these toasts can be slightly longer and more lighthearted than those at the wedding reception. Humor, personal stories, and genuine emotions are all welcome and can make the toast more engaging and entertaining for the guests.

So, whether you’re the father of the groom, the maid of honor, or a member of the bridal party, delivering a heartfelt and memorable wedding rehearsal dinner toast is a wonderful way to honor the couple and create lasting memories. With a little thought and preparation, you can ensure that your toast adds an extra touch of love and joy to this special occasion. Cheers to the happy couple!

What Do You Say At Rehearsal Dinner Toast?

At the wedding rehearsal dinner, the toast is a moment to express well wishes and celebrate the upcoming marriage. The speech is typically given by the father of the groom, who takes the opportunity to welcome everyone and share heartfelt thoughts about his son, the bride, and the couple’s journey together. In addition, the father of the groom expresses gratitude to those who contributed to making the wedding possible, imparts some wisdom, and offers a toast to the couple’s future happiness.

Here is a detailed outline of what can be said during a rehearsal dinner toast:

1. Introduction: – Start by introducing yourself and acknowledging everyone present. – Express gratitude for their presence and participation in this special occasion.

2. Welcome: – Extend a warm welcome to all the guests, including family, friends, and loved ones. – Emphasize the significance of coming together to celebrate the couple’s love and commitment.

3. Son: – Talk about your son, highlighting his qualities, achievements, and growth throughout the years. – Share a personal anecdote or story that showcases his character and love for the bride.

4. Bride: – Shift the focus to the bride, expressing admiration for her and her family. – Discuss her attributes, accomplishments, and the positive impact she has had on your son’s life.

5. The Couple: – Discuss how the couple met, their journey as a couple, and the love they share. – Highlight their compatibility, shared values, and the happiness they bring to each other’s lives.

6. Thank You: – Express gratitude to all those who have contributed to the wedding preparations, such as family members, friends, and wedding planners. – Mention specific individuals or groups and acknowledge their efforts, support, and dedication.

7. Advice: – Offer some words of wisdom or advice to the couple as they embark on their married life. – Share insights from your own experiences or lessons learned, focusing on love, communication, and commitment.

8. Toast: – Raise your glass and propose a toast to the couple’s future happiness. – Keep it short and heartfelt, wishing them a lifetime of love, joy, and shared adventures.

Remember, this outline is just a guide. Feel free to personalize your speech and add your own anecdotes or stories to make it more meaningful and reflective of your relationship with your son and the couple.

Are There Toasts At Rehearsal Dinner?

There are typically toasts at the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner is a special event held the night before the wedding, where the couple and their families come together to celebrate and prepare for the big day. It is an opportunity for the parents of the groom to host the dinner and give a speech to welcome the guests and honor the happy couple.

After the initial toast by the groom’s parents, it is common for other individuals to give toasts as well. This can include the parents of the bride, who may express their joy and well wishes for the couple. The maid of honor, as well as any other members of the bridal party, may also give toasts to share stories, offer support, and express their love and friendship for the couple.

Toasts are a way to bring everyone together and create a warm and festive atmosphere. They provide an opportunity for loved ones to share their thoughts and emotions, and to offer their blessings and congratulations to the couple. The toasts can be heartfelt, humorous, or a combination of both, and they help set the tone for the wedding festivities to come.

In summary, toasts are a traditional part of the rehearsal dinner, with the groom’s parents usually hosting the event and giving the first toast. Other individuals such as the parents of the bride and members of the bridal party may also give toasts to honor and celebrate the couple.

Who Gives A Toast At The Rehearsal Dinner?

At the rehearsal dinner, there is a traditional order of speakers for giving toasts. The first person to give a toast is usually the host of the rehearsal dinner, which is typically the father of the groom in a heterosexual couple. He takes on the role of welcoming everyone and setting the tone for the evening by expressing his gratitude and well wishes to the couple.

After the host’s speech, it is customary for members of the wedding party to give toasts as well. However, it is important to note that typically only those who will not be giving speeches at the wedding reception are expected to speak at the rehearsal dinner. This means that the maid of honor and the best man, who usually give speeches during the wedding reception, would typically not give a toast at the rehearsal dinner.

The order in which the wedding party members give their toasts can vary depending on the couple’s preference or any specific traditions they follow. Generally, it is common for the other bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other close friends or family members to give their toasts after the host’s speech. This allows them to share their well wishes, funny anecdotes, or heartfelt sentiments with the couple and the rest of the guests attending the rehearsal dinner.

To summarize, the host of the rehearsal dinner, usually the father of the groom, gives the first toast. This is followed by members of the wedding party who will not be giving speeches at the reception, such as bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other close friends or family members.

How Long Should A Rehearsal Dinner Toast Be?

A rehearsal dinner toast is typically expected to be between three and five minutes in length. However, it is important to note that there is no strict time limit for these toasts, and you have some flexibility in determining the length. Unlike the wedding reception toasts, which are usually more formal and concise, rehearsal dinner toasts can be slightly longer and incorporate more humor.

While three to five minutes is a general guideline, it is perfectly acceptable for the toast to be slightly shorter or longer depending on the content and the preferences of the individuals involved. Some factors that may influence the duration of the toast include the number of speakers, the overall schedule of the rehearsal dinner, and the level of engagement from the audience.

When writing a rehearsal dinner toast, it is crucial to keep the focus on the couple and their upcoming wedding. Share stories, memories, and well wishes for their future together. It is also a good idea to incorporate some lighthearted and humorous anecdotes, as the rehearsal dinner is often seen as a more relaxed and informal event compared to the wedding reception.

Remember, while it is important to have a general idea of the length of your toast, the most important aspect is the content. Ensure that your toast is heartfelt, engaging, and reflects the couple’s relationship and personalities. Ultimately, the goal is to create a memorable and enjoyable moment for the couple, their families, and the guests attending the rehearsal dinner.

Wedding rehearsal dinner toasts are a cherished tradition that allows the host and loved ones to express their joy and well wishes for the couple before the big day. The first toast is typically given by the father of the groom, who welcomes everyone and shares heartfelt words about his son and the bride. This speech sets the tone for the evening and creates a warm and celebratory atmosphere.

Following the host’s toast, other members of the wedding party, such as the parents of the bride, maid of honor, and other close friends or family members, have the opportunity to share their own toasts. These toasts can range from humorous anecdotes to heartfelt messages of love and support for the couple.

It is important to keep in mind that wedding rehearsal dinner toasts should be relatively short, typically lasting between three to five minutes. However, the exact length can vary depending on the preferences of the couple and the overall atmosphere of the event. Rehearsal dinner toasts also provide an opportunity to incorporate more humor and personal stories compared to the more formal toasts given at the wedding reception.

Wedding rehearsal dinner toasts serve as a beautiful way to honor the couple and express gratitude to all those who have contributed to the wedding preparations. They allow for a lighthearted and intimate gathering where loved ones can come together to celebrate the love and happiness of the soon-to-be-married couple.

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Rehearsal Dinner Speech [Etiquette + Samples]

Before a big day, there is usually a rehearsal dinner. If the couple doesn’t have it, it is entirely okay, and it’s okay. But if they decide that they need a way to bring all the friends and family that are participating in the wedding activities together before the big day, wedding rehearsal dinner is the perfect opportunity.

Some people that are involved in the rehearsal dinner may be feeling a little bit nervous because they are supposed to give a speech, and they don’t know how to go about it. Maybe it’s your first one; perhaps you simply do not like to give speeches overall. Don’t worry. You are not expected to give a long speech, simple and straight to the point will be perfect. Here are some tips on the speech and some samples.

Who should speak at the rehearsal dinner?

Traditionally, during the rehearsal dinner , the Father of the Bride or the Father of the Groom are expected to give a speech. Sometimes the Maid of Honor, Best Man and Bride may give toasts of their own. This part is not but mandatory or required.

Rehearsal Dinner Speech Examples

If you are not sure how to do it, we present you some examples. Feel free to personalize them according to your needs. You can choose to add marriage quotes or even romantic quotes or some funny stories about how the couple met, some instances when you knew they are meant for each other, etc. Keep in mind to keep it short.

• As many of you know, planning a wedding is not easy. There are so many details to think about. The venue. The wedding date, the guests, the church, the caterer, the DJ or band, the florist, the dress, and so on. Every little aspect, every single detail of the wedding is meticulously planned out by the bride and groom who want nothing more than to share their love for each other with their closest friends and family members.
• As I look around this room and see so many faces of close friends and family members that are here, I am happy to know that [bride] and [groom] have such a great community behind them. To have that type of support from the people that you love is truly invaluable. Believe me when I say that this wedding would not have been the same without all of you.
• Hello, everyone. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming to the rehearsal dinner. It means to world to us that all of you are here with us tonight to help us prepare for our wedding. Now eat, drink, enjoy yourselves, and get a good night’s sleep. We all have a huge day ahead tomorrow.

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Rehearsal Dinner Speech

After months of preparation for the big day, your best friend makes a request you just can’t say no to. While giving a speech at any event, let alone a rehearsal dinner, was never your thing, it would be rude to turn down a beaming bride as she waits for your response. So to calm your nerves and give you that extra push, here are some things you need to know about a rehearsal speech and how you could compose one. You may also see presentation speech .

• 24+ Speech Templates and Examples
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Best Friend Rehearsal Dinner Speech Example

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Best Man Rehearsal Dinner Speech

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Formal Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Speech

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The Difference between a Rehearsal Dinner Speech and a Reception Speech

Wedding ceremonies are beautiful celebrations filled with laughter, tears, and a whole lot of love that makes everything seem right even just for a day. But then comes one of the most sentimental parts of the celebration: the speech. You may also see launch speech .

Some wedding celebrations can last for more than a day. In some cultures, soon-to-be-married couples organize rehearsal dinners right before the big day as an “informally” formal party that a number of guests are invited to in order to prepare for the actual day. You may also see speech examples for students .

However, many people have wondered if rehearsal dinner speeches and reception speeches are one and the same. If so, wouldn’t it ruin the whole surprise of the wedding if somebody would have already delivered the same speech the day before?

The answer to this question is simple. A rehearsal dinner speech and a reception speech are quite different in a number of ways. To understand how they differ, let’s take a look into the following instances:

The Host(s)

Traditionally, rehearsal dinners are hosted by the groom’s parents, whereas the wedding is hosted by the bride’s folks. During the party, the parents of the groom are given the opportunity to say a few words. But since not many families continue to practice this tradition, it’s safe to say that the hosts (which is usually the bride and groom) may express their gratitude to one another and to everyone who has attended the event. Though you can’t really toast yourselves, a few words of thanks would certainly be appreciated by your audience. You may also see youth speech .

As for the wedding reception, the couple may also deliver a speech, or they could give the stage to one of their parents.

The great thing about rehearsal dinners is that they aren’t as formal as the actual reception, which means a few spontaneous and impromptu speeches are highly welcomed. But if you do have some people who are set to deliver a speech at the party, then you might want to give some guidelines to follow. Like a reception, most venues and caterers are only rented for a few hours. Exceeding the time allocated for the event could cause you some extra bucks, so if the speech-giving part of your ceremony lasts longer than expected, then you can expect some hefty charges on your wedding bill. You may also see leadership speech .

You must be wondering, where do the maid of honor and the best man fit in all of this?

For the most part, your right-hand man and woman are only meant to shine during your wedding day. This is why rehearsal dinner speeches are usually given by anyone other than your maid of honor and best man. Since these two spots are usually given to the closest sibling or to the best friend, having them speak on your wedding day can help set the mood just right. You may also see presentation speech .

Grandparents

It’s always good to have your grandparents deliver a short speech during your rehearsal dinner, especially if they were around all the time growing up. They don’t usually prepare their piece beforehand, so you can expect just about anything to come out from their mouths. Though you could always ask them to prepare a speech for your reception, chances are, your grandparents could be of a certain age where 8 p.m. would be their ideal bedtime. They might not have the energy to say much after a long day of prepping, crying, and eating, so you might want to consider having them around for a rehearsal dinner speech rather than a reception speech. You may also see special occasion speech .

Funny Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Speech Example

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Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Toast Speech Example

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Types of Rehearsal Dinner Speeches

There are different types of speeches delivered during a rehearsal dinner, and they usually vary according to the speaker and their content. If you’re looking for a speech that’s a certified tearjerker, then you might want to jot down some notes on this one. You may also see retirement speech examples .

Father of the Groom or Parent Speech

Oftentimes, it’s the father of the groom who makes a toast to the couple. As the patriarch of the time, this is the time where the father extends his blessings to his future daughter-in-law and gives a few pointers to his son on how he could build a happy and healthy family. This is more of a father-to-son speech that should prepare the groom for married life, while being witnessed by an audience of twenty-something people. Since men aren’t exactly seen as the emotional one in a relationship, it’s heartwarming to see the groom hold back a few tears while his old man wishes him the best for what’s to come. You may also see wedding speech .

Speech from the Groom

A rehearsal dinner speech delivered by the groom is generally a welcome speech in disguise. Not a lot of guys like to be expressive with their words, so they usually keep it short and simple instead. But for grooms who have no problem in showing their hopeless romantic side, this is the part where they express their excitement for the future. Since they might want to save a few words for their wedding vows, you can see this as an opportunity to add some wit and humor to your speech. Rehearsal dinner attendees typically comprise of close friends and family members, so you wouldn’t need to worry about losing your job due to your lame (or otherwise dirty) jokes.

Speech from the Bride

In some instances, brides are also given the chance to give a speech during their rehearsal dinner. Though it may not be as common because of how tradition works, nobody’s going to stop you from doing what you want on your special day. Like the groom’s speech, the speech given by the bride expresses her gratitude for everyone’s presence at the event. The speech could also be a dedication to her spouse, so you can expect quite a few waterworks during this time. You may also see after dinner speech .

Speech from a Friend

If you’ve seen the movie  Bride Wars,  then you can probably recall the scene where Anne Hathaway’s character, Emma, started giving a rather controversial speech during her best friend’s rehearsal dinner. Though Emma and Kate Hudson’s character, Liv, were already rivals since the very beginning of their wedding planning journey, and because there’s a need to separate reality from fiction, you don’t have to worry about your best friend making a scene at your rehearsal dinner. You may also see appreciation speech .

In fact, a friend’s speech is usually the most memorable. These are the people who have been by your side through the ups and downs of your relationship together, so you can look forward to a meaningful speech filled with memories that’s sure to leave a smile on everyone’s face. You may also see inspirational speech .

And the best part is, if you’re a bride who’s also a self-proclaimed crybaby, then you don’t have to worry about your mascara running on official pictures since this is only the rehearsal dinner and not the wedding day itself!

Groomsmen Rehearsal Dinner Speech Example

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Maid of Honor Rehearsal Dinner Speech Example

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Simple Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Speech Example

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How to Prep for a Rehearsal Dinner Speech

What’s great about a rehearsal dinner speech is the rawness of its structure. Unlike a presentation speech , as a speaker, you don’t need to worry about proper posture, wording, and delivery. People won’t judge you for what you do or do not say, as a rehearsal dinner speech, or any wedding speech in that matter, is meant to be more personal in nature. You can simply express yourself in ways that show your personality and emotions.

But if you’re still feeling a bit nervous about standing up in a crowded room with all eyes on you, then here a few tips on how you can ace that rehearsal dinner toast without a hitch:

1. Start with the basics. 

There might be a few people at the party who have never met you before. So you can begin by making a short introduction of who you are and how you know the couple. You can also add in a few words of welcome to break the ice. Remember to be courteous with your words, as not everyone would be too keen to hear foul language coming from somebody they’ve known for the past five seconds. Also, be enthusiastic with your speech. You need to make an exciting first impression before people decide to make bathroom breaks in the middle of your speech. You may also see introduction speech .

2. Tell an interesting story. 

Most people worry about not being funny or witty enough to entertain a crowd. But the key to a successful speech is to not worry about anything at all!

If you’re nervous, it will show in the way you stammer through every word. This is why confidence is extremely important when making a statement. To do so, focus on telling an interesting or romantic anecdote that has something to with the celebration. If you happen to know hilarious of how the couple first met, then by all means, make it the center of your speech. You can also keep the mood sentimental with a sweet story of the couple’s journey together. What matters most is how you are able to engage listeners, most especially the bride and groom, through the stories you share in your speech. You may also see informative speech .

3. Top it off with a sentimental ending.

The best speeches are those that will tug at your heartstrings and have people scrambling for tissues. No matter how funny you choose to make your speech, ending it with a heartfelt message for the bride and groom to cherish is something that’s worth more than you can imagine. But if you aren’t the “touchy-feely” type, you can always go for a heartwarming quote that best describes the essence of the celebration. A few well-wishes here and there would also add a nice end to your speech. You may also see farewell speech .

For all the time and effort that everyone has exerted to help put together a wedding, there’s nothing like expressing your gratitude toward everyone involved in the process. A rehearsal dinner speech is simply a dedication speech , a thank-you speech , and an appreciation speech in one. With proper writing and delivery, your speech is sure to build a sense of excitement for the wedding, and not to mention the “happily ever after” to come!

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How to Write the Best Maid-of-Honor Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Toast

Written by  Shutterfly Community Last Updated: Jan 30, 2018

Discover the seven parts of a wedding rehearsal dinner toast to give a memorable and touching speech that honors the bride and groom before the big day.

As the maid of honor, your wedding rehearsal dinner toast is a chance to share your love and support for the special couple in your life.

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Since it’s usually set in an intimate venue, you can forgo the pen and paper and speak from the heart.

“The best wedding rehearsal dinner toasts are the ones that make us laugh and cry,” says celebrity wedding planner JoAnn Gregoli of Elegant Occasions.

“These speeches are usually from the heart and are never mean spirited.”

Of course, sharing from the heart can be intimidating. What if you forget something important? What if you say something wrong or weird?

Here, the trusted wedding planning guru shares her secret ingredients to giving a memorable toast: the major dos and don’ts for wedding rehearsal dinner toasts to bring down the house.

Start with the seven essential parts of a toast, then fine-tune your speech with JoAnn’s expert tips:

The Seven Essential Parts of a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Toast

Expert tips for giving memorable wedding rehearsal dinner toasts, three ways to prevent rehearsal dinner toast faux pas, common questions about wedding rehearsal dinner toasts.

What makes a good toast? Here, seven key ingredients along with rehearsal dinner speech examples that will inspire the master toaster in you.

• Who are you? The wedding rehearsal dinner is a gathering of the couple’s closest friends and family members, but it doesn’t mean everyone knows who you are. Begin your toast by introducing yourself and tell everyone that you’re the maid of honor. Remember that there will be more than a few people giving toasts that night, including other bridesmaids.

Example: Hi everyone, my name is Lily. I’m Susan’s (the bride) maid of honor and best friend .

• How you know the couple. Have you known the bride since kindergarten? Now that’s shareworthy! Did you meet her in college? Did you introduce her to the groom? History adds perspective and heart to a toast. Don’t forget to share how you know both the bride and the groom.

Example: I met Susan in fifth grade and we’ve been best friends ever since. I met John (the groom), five years ago when after months of begging Susan to see him, she finally introduced us.

• Share “I love you’s.” Express your love and support for the couple. If you’re not comfortable with verbally expressing your love, just remember that it’s appropriate during a toast and will mean a lot to the bride and groom.

Example: Susan and John, you both mean the world to me. Susan, you know how much I love you and you couldn’t have picked a better man to be your partner in life. John, I admire and respect you and I am so happy that Susan finally found a wonderful, caring man like you .

• Tell a story. A unique story can turn an ordinary toast into a special moment. Think of a time when you witnessed the bride or groom doing something that revealed a unique, funny, or heartwarming aspect of their character. A personal story is memorable and will also help the guests get to know the bride and groom a little better.

Example: I remember the way Susan glowed the first time she talked about John. I’d never seen her talk or smile that way, and I knew something was different about this guy. But a year later is when I knew he was the one for her. I had planned a New Year’s Eve party that she actually helped me plan and prepare for.

I remember the first time Susan told me about John. She was glowing from happiness. But apparently she got sick that day but didn’t want to disappoint me. So when John arrived at her place to pick her up, he noticed she had a fever. After much coaxing he convinced her to stay home, monitored her fever and even made her dinner. While they didn’t get to stay up until midnight, I got a text from Susan the next day, “I had the best New Year’s Eve ever.”

• Point to the love it shows. As you tell a story about the bride and groom, remember to keep the focus on why that story matters. Chances are you’re sharing it because it is a part of their love story. Make that connection for everyone in the room by acknowledging the special love that they share.

Example: If you know Susan, you know that New Year’s is her favorite holiday. But discovering that John took the initiative, monitored her fever, and cooked dinner for her really touched me. It proved to me that he truly loves her and cares about her wellbeing. It also showed me how much she loves and trusts him.

• Hope for happiness in the future. Wish the bride and groom a “happily ever after” future.

Example: Susan and John, I am so happy that you both found each other. I wish nothing but a peaceful and happy life happiness filled with love and commitment, until death do you part.

• Make a toast! (Glasses raised, have a drink!) The best and only way to end a toast is to give a toast. Guests will know that it’s now time to raise their glasses and drink to the bride and groom.

Example: Join me in celebrating the happy couple today. Please raise your glasses. Susan and John, cheers! I love you both .

As you consider what you want to share for the parts mentioned above, keep JoAnn’s expert tips in mind:

Want your wedding rehearsal dinner toast to stand out? Celebrity wedding planner JoAnn Gregoli offers expert tips on how to give a memorable toast, including her advice to “add a skit or a song, if you can.”

Honor both the bride and the groom. While you might be the bride’s best friend, resist the temptation to only talk about your friendship. Instead, give equal time to both your best friend and her husband-to-be.

You can do this by addressing them as a couple or sharing a story about each of them. Either way, make sure to address both of them by name and make eye contact with both of them during the toast.

Honoring both the bride and groom avoids favoritism, creates a healthy atmosphere and sets a positive tone for the big day to come.

Make it funny, if you can. You don’t have to be a comedian to make everyone laugh; you simply have to share a funny story of the bride or groom.

As the maid of honor, you probably have many of these to choose from.

Pick one that won’t embarrass the couple or that doesn’t bring up anything taboo from the past. However, if humor is not your thing, you can still keep the tone pleasant and fun by remembering to smile.

Get creative. Add a skit or a song if you can. “My favorite toasts are those set to song,” says JoAnn. “My own daughters did an amazing toast to their sister set to ‘The Little Mermaid.’ It was awesome!”

Cry if you want to. “ There is a time for everything under the sun,” including a time to cry. Showing your emotions and even some tears while giving a toast isn’t a downer.

When authentic, it’s heartwarming and touching and will actually help others feel the intensity of the moment. So go ahead and cry if you want to!

Now that you know what you should say during a toast, here are a few things to avoid:

Don’t be mean. While sarcasm is a type of sense of humor, not everyone can appreciate it and some are even offended by it.

Take note of expert dos and don’ts for wedding rehearsal dinner toasts to make sure the couple is honored and everyone has a good time at this special evening.

To be safe, avoid sarcasm and don’t turn the “toast into a roast,” says JoAnn.

Don’t be dirty. Dirty jokes are simply not appropriate at wedding rehearsal dinners. The room is filled with people of all ages and backgrounds and it’s best to keep things clean. Clean jokes will ensure that everyone has a great time.

Don’t make it too long. A long toast does not equal the amount of love you have for the bride and groom. Instead, it takes the focus off the happy couple and puts it on you. Avoid being boring or even annoying to the guests by keeping your toast between three to five minutes.

Think Outside the Toast

Besides giving toasts at the rehearsal dinner, what are other ideas for how to connect and appreciate one another at the special event?

“Usually it is the time for a video montage of the couple’s relationship. It makes more sense at the rehearsal dinner than the reception,” says JoAnn.

Our expert JoAnn has experience planning wedding rehearsal dinners and answering the frequently asked questions that dinner hosts and honored guests might have along the way. Here are some of the questions she’s heard most and her answers.

Who gives a wedding rehearsal toast?

The host of the party is typically the first person to toast the bride and groom. The groom’s parents usually host the wedding rehearsal dinner, so either parent can give a speech to welcome the guests and honor the happy couple.

After the first toast, parents of the bride, maid of honor, and any other members of the bridal party can give toasts.

Finally, the bride and groom are also required to stand up and thank the people who gave toasts.

When should you give your wedding rehearsal toast?

Start the toasts during the main course of the dinner, says JoAnn. This timing will ensure that guests have had enough time to mingle, eat and drink.

If you’re having more than one toast, JoAnn suggests scheduling them between the courses to fill the void between meals.

How long is a wedding rehearsal toast?

Keep toasts between three to five minutes.

Although you’re not as pressed for time as you might be at the wedding, a short and sweet toast is always more pleasant than a long speech that might get boring or lose steam.

Personalized Wedding Invitations and Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

Wedding rehearsal dinners wouldn’t be as memorable without toasts, those heartfelt speeches that honor the special couple about to be married.

If you’re hosting the dinner party, you’ll want to browse our rehearsal dinner invitations to find stationery that reflects the special couple in your life.

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• By: Andy Hammond
• Updated: August 10, 2022

The wedding rehearsal is arguably almost as fun as the big day itself, and the rehearsal dinner, in particular, is always such a good way to kick off wedding festivities.

It’s the semi-casual party before the party and a time for both family and friends to catch up and shoot the breeze before any real formalities begin. However, there is one formality that always features: the toasts!

These welcoming speeches are vital in making everyone feel a part of the wedding event and allowing guests to give thanks on a more intimate level. But who gives speeches at the rehearsal dinner? And can anyone take control of the mic?

Well, pretty much everyone gives a speech at the rehearsal dinner. So you’ll be forgiven for not being able to identify the key players. 

While there are no set rules on who gives speeches, there are certain individuals who should offer a toast.

Today we’ll share exactly who, and also give you some expert advice on how to deliver a successful rehearsal or wedding reception speech . 

What Is the Purpose of a Rehearsal Dinner Speech?

Before we look at who, let’s look at why rehearsal dinner speeches are given in the first place. 

A rehearsal dinner is traditionally hosted by the parents of the marrying couple and serves as a way of showing appreciation to all those playing a part in the wedding celebration.

It allows people to say a few loving words about the group and the lovely couple, all within a more intimate setting, among close family and friends.

In general, the speeches are more casual than on the wedding day, but still well-thought-out, and no less meaningful. 

For those who tremble at just the thought of public speaking, this may well be your first thought when it comes to making a rehearsal dinner speech.

However, if you’re able to speak, you’ll certainly feel the benefit of welcoming and saying thanks to those beautiful people around you. 

Who Should Give a Speech at a Rehearsal Dinner?

Groom’s parents.

As we mentioned, traditionally, the parents of the marrying couple host the rehearsal dinner, and typically that’s the groom’s parents . Therefore, it’s customary for them to make a toast.

This would begin with a few welcoming words at the start of dinner, then possibly inviting guests to be seated at the table, depending on your setup. 

Speeches from the groom’s parents are not mandatory, and there’s no reason why tradition should dictate your celebrations. But if they are involved, and would like to speak, it’s often quite a sweet moment; especially if they’ve come armed with some embarrassing stories about their baby boy, and possibly a slide show! 

If you’re attempting to put together a funny mother or father of the groom speech , and you need some tips on how to make your toast hilarious. You have to check out our latest podcast featuring Geoff Woliner from winningwit.com.  

Geoff shares all his expert tips and tricks on public speaking, as well as specific examples you can use in your speech. 

Bride’s Parents

Traditionally, the wedding is hosted by the bride’s parents, so there is less obligation for them to speak at the rehearsal dinner. 

However, you may not have a set person or person’s hosting/paying for certain events. This means Mom and Dad should certainly feel welcome to say a few words if they wish!

Family Members

One of the great things about weddings is that they bring together people from your family you probably haven’t seen in a long time.

Those cousins, uncles, and nieces you used to be so close to will be there and the rehearsal dinner is the ideal time to get reacquainted. Let them share a few words about what you meant to them growing up!

You may also have family members who feel like second parents or best friends. Allow them a moment in the spotlight to shower a little love on you. Especially if they don’t necessarily fulfill any traditional wedding party roles, and won’t get another chance to speak publicly during the weekend.

Plus, it’s another excuse for someone to tell a few more embarrassing stories about the engaged couple!

The Maid of Honor Speech & Best Man Toast

Both the best man and maid of honor will get their big moments on the wedding day. However, during the rehearsal dinner, it’s nice to offer them the opportunity to speak again, and maybe address the group on a more intimate, personal level.

They could also share a few anecdotes that didn’t make the wedding reception speech cut.

Be sure to keep these speeches short and sweet, allowing more time for others to speak.

The Happy Couple

On your wedding day, you’ll be pulled this way and that by various well-wishers, all of whom will want just a few minutes with you. There simply won’t be enough hours in the day to have quality time with everyone, nor properly say thank you to all.

Keep this in mind when you think about the rehearsal dinner and its speeches.

Don’t pass up the opportunity to get the gossip from loved ones while in this more informal setting. Don’t miss your chance to let certain people know just how appreciative you are of their emotional and financial support during the wedding planning process. 

Your rehearsal dinner toast can also be a little more improvised and funnier than the speech on your wedding day.

Why not take inspiration from the other toasts, and riff off what has already been said? Respond humorously with some on-the-spot quips. This is not easy to pull off, but if you’re a secret Seinfeld, you’ll have those wedding guests eating out of the palm of your hand. 

Friends or Out-of-Town Wedding Guests

A portion of your rehearsal dinner guests will be made up of people who had to arrive a day early, as they live out of town.

These weary travelers may well have crossed more than state lines to attend your big day, so they deserve the opportunity to say a little something if they wish. Especially if they’re relatives you don’t get to see often. 

On the big day, the speeches will be dominated by the best man, maid of honor, etc, so the rehearsal dinner offers you the perfect time to shine the spotlight on those you’re just as close to, but who maybe aren’t an “official” part of your wedding party. 

Wedding Officiant

Whether your wedding officiant is a loved one  or present in an official capacity, it’s nice to gift them the chance to share some words, and potentially some wisdom with your guests.

If they are a friend or family member, perhaps let them use their rehearsal dinner speech to share some fun stories about the happy couple.

They might tell tales of your engagement story from their perspective, while also looking forward to the upcoming wedding day.

A close friend or not, the wedding rehearsal toast from your officiant could also include a few wedding quotes and wise words about the importance of marriage.

It’s often easy to get swept up in the drama of the day and forget exactly why you’re all there, so it’s good to have someone official present to remind everyone of how significant a wedding ceremony is. 

Who Shouldn’t Give a Rehearsal Dinner Toast?

Anybody can give a speech at your rehearsal, within reason.

All the members of your rehearsal dinner guest list should feel free to share some feelings about the soon-to-be-married couple. However, it’s a good idea to organize who exactly will speak ahead of time.

The last thing you want is a free-for-all of wedding rehearsal speeches and not enough time to eat or catch up with people.

Narrow down the selected few beforehand, and only let extra people talk if you feel there is time, and you’re in control.

Be sure to hand this organizational task over to a member of your wedding party and allow yourselves the chance to relax and enjoy the evening. 

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Toast Tips

We recently spoke to Katelyn Peterson from weddingwords.us , and she shared some expert tips on how to give the best wedding toasts . It inspired us, and we thought we’d share her key structural advice with you as it applies so well to rehearsal dinner speeches too. 

Not every speech is the same, and yours will differ depending on your role in the wedding activities.

However, it’s useful to use this breakdown below to organize your thoughts and keep things in an easy-to-understand order. 

• Introduce yourself
• Memorable stories/qualities about your friend/family member
• Personal stories/qualities about their new spouse
• Who they are as a couple
• Your wishes for their marriage
• Strong closing

Now you’ve got the structure of your wedding rehearsal dinner speech down, you can start to think about the finer details of your toast. 

Humor: Yay or Nay?

In general, it’s best to keep things tight. Short stories, quick anecdotes, and thoughts on the wonderful people tying the knot are best. Don’t delve into a long monologue from your shared past, or tell a funny story that requires a lot of time to explain. 

Humor is great if it’s something you feel you can pull off. But, whether it’s off the cuff or planned out, even the funniest of guys in the office have died a death trying to make a rehearsal dinner crowd laugh. It’s not as easy as it looks, so if it doesn’t come naturally, don’t force it!

Geoff Woliner recently shared some expert advice on how to write a funny wedding speech on our podcast . He talked about how it’s important to embrace your stage fright, and use your anxiety to fuel your toast.

Geoff explained that the average wedding rehearsal dinner guest will often see the speeches as something obligatory, and not what they actually are: an opportunity. A speech is an opportunity to speak from the heart, and wow those closest to you.

The sooner you think more positively about your speech, the sooner you’ll be landing those one-liners! 

Practice Makes Perfect

The last thing piece of advice we’re going to give is practice. Unless you’re super confident and improvising on the day, it’s essential to go over your speech as many times as possible before wedding festivities commence.

The key to a memorable rehearsal dinner speech is confidence. If you’ve practiced your toast multiple times out loud in the mirror, and sought trusted friends to listen to it too, you’ll know just how long it is, where it can be improved, and at what points you usually stumble.

By the time you deliver it for real, it should feel like just another read-through.