Mother of Bride Speech

As the ‘average’ family changes, it is becoming more and more popular for the mother of the bride to make a speech at their daughter’s wedding.

This can be because the father of the bride has died, or the mother of the bride has remarried and it is not appropriate for the father or step-father of the bride to make the traditional speech.

Also, as it is becoming increasingly common for the bride and groom to pay for the majority or all of the wedding themselves, if the couple have a difficult relationship with the bride’s parents, or father in particular, it is less necessary for the father of the bride to make a speech.

As the mother of the bride, many people will be keen to see what you are wearing and to compliment you on your beautiful outfit. Your role is rather like that of the bridesmaids – your work was more required prior to the big day and now you need to sit back and look lovely!

However, if you do wish to make a speech at your daughter’s wedding, use the following tips and template to help you make it a success.

Planning the Perfect Mother of the Bride Speech

Everyone will be on your side and will be impressed with your gumption to make a speech, so don’t be concerned that it needs to be the greatest speech ever made. However, if you are wanting to make a serious point about the purpose of your speech (perhaps you have recently lost your husband), do speak to your daughter so you are both happy with the content and will not be too upset to enjoy the occasion.

1. Starting Your Mother of the Bride Speech

If you have decided, with the approval of your daughter, to mention why you are making a speech, this is a good place to start. If you would prefer not to mention this, it is perfectly acceptable to simply start by thanking the guests for coming. If you are making a speech in addition to the father of the bride speech, ensure that you are aware of the content of that speech so there is not too much cross over, although you will both inevitably make some similar comments. If you find yourself getting too emotional, try taking a deep breath and looking upwards - apparently it is impossible to cry when looking up!

• Thank your guests for coming to the wedding of your daughter and her new husband
• Say a special thank you to any guests who have travelled long distances
• Say how beautiful your daughter looks and that your husband would have been very proud, if appropriate
• Make a positive comment about your new son-in-law, such as how happy he makes your daughter, or an anecdote from when you first met him

Example: I am so pleased to see so many friends and relations with us here today, to help us celebrate the wedding of our daughter, Sally. I am especially pleased to see John and Jenny with us as they have taken a plane and two trains to be with us!

I’m sure you will all agree that my daughter Sally looks especially beautiful today. I’m not the first person to say it and I’m sure I won’t be the last! Her new husband also looks very dapper in his morning suit and I know Sally is very pleased with how well he’s scrubbed up. I am pleased to see him in a suit, too - especially as the first time we were introduced he was wearing oil-covered overalls that made a terrible mess of the sofa!

2. Wish them a Long and Happy Marriage

You do not need to talk for long, so you simply need to say how you hope that your daughter and her new husband will have a long and happy marriage. If you would like to make a comment about the ushers, bridesmaids or best man, now is the time. Similarly, if a family member or friend has provided the cake or flowers, it would be a good time to say thank you and note how lovely they look.

• Share a positive memory about marriage - read a short quote/poem if you prefer
• Wish your daughter and her new husband good health and happiness
Welcome your new son-in-law and his family into your family
• Say how impressed you have been with the best man/ushers/bridesmaids

Example: I am sure that today will be the start of a long and happy marriage for Sally and Michael. Even when the wedding day is over, the marriage will reach forward into a strong, mutually supportive partnership. I’m sure Michael’s parents will join me in saying we hope to be a part of the family network that will help you to build your own family.

3. Toast the Happy Couple

You can finish your speech by making a toast to the bride and groom, although you may feel like there have been plenty of toasts already. If the best man has not read out any telegrams or messages, you can do this now, or you can highlight a particular upcoming event in the proceedings, such as the five piece band or fireworks. If you do not want to make another toast, simply say ‘thank you’ and sit down.

• Read any telegrams or messages, if appropriate
• Say how you hope everyone will enjoy the evening's entertainment
• Toast the bride and groom

Example: I hope you all enjoy the rest of the evening, especially the wonderful jazz band we have to help you dance the night away. Please join me in saying a toast to the bride and groom. To the bride and groom!