sample mother of the groom speech at rehearsal dinner

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A Guide to Writing the Perfect Mother of the Groom Speech

Last Updated: January 18, 2024 Fact Checked

• How to Write Your Speech

Best Practices

Templates & examples.

• What Not to Say

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 7,612 times.

Your son’s wedding is quickly approaching and all the details are taken care of—except the speech you plan to give at the rehearsal dinner or reception. We're here to help! Writing and giving a mother of the groom speech will be a piece of cake with our guide. You only need a few stories, anecdotes, and sweet words to melt everyone’s hearts. We’ll explain what to include and avoid, provide tons of examples, and even show you how to format your speech from beginning to end.

Things You Should Know

• Start your speech with a quick introduction, stating who you are and your relationship to the couple.
• Add personality and warmth to your speech by including heartwarming or funny stories about your son.
• Finish your speech with a touching message for the happy couple, expressing how bright and joyful you wish their future together to be.

How to Write a Mother of the Groom Speech

• If you’re feeling stuck, brainstorm speech ideas by jotting down what words describe your son and his partner.
• Practice makes perfect! If you’re nervous about giving your speech, that’s completely normal. Practice your speech as many times as possible so you know what you’ll say and how you’ll say it. This can help calm your nerves. [5] X Research source
• Keep your speech short and sweet. [6] X Research source The longer your speech is, the less engaged your audience will be. So, aim to keep your speech under 5 minutes.
• At the end of the day, make the speech unique to you. If these templates don’t speak to you, that’s okay! Write and speak from the heart. [7] X Research source
• If you’re worried about how your speech sounds, ask someone to read it over.
• 1 Standard Example Hello everyone, I’m [Your Name], the mother of the handsome groom. I’m so grateful to be standing before you today to celebrate [Your Son’s Name] and [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], and it’s been wonderful getting to meet each and every one of you. The support you’ve shown my son is truly heartwarming. Now, some of you know [Your Son’s Name] as the person who’s always [insert personal description]. But to me, he’s still the sweetest little boy. [Insert story about your son’s childhood]. [Your Son’s Name] has always been [insert description that matches above childhood story], and now he’s found someone just as incredible as he is. [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], you are [insert description of your son’s partner]. From the first time I met you, I knew you were the one. It gives me great honor to welcome you into our family. [Your Son’s Name] and [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], I hope your lifetime together is full of joy and laughter. May your love continue to grow with each year, each milestone, and each hardship. Let’s raise our glasses to the happy couple! Here’s to many more happy years to come!
• 2 Short & Sweet Example Dear friends and family, I’m here tonight to talk about my son, [Your Son’s Name], the most [insert description] man I know. Ever since he was little, he’s been a [insert description]. He has a heart of gold, and I knew whoever would win his heart one day would be someone very, very special. [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], you are that very special someone. From the moment [Your Son’s Name] introduced me to you, I knew you were his future. You’re [insert description], and I can’t imagine anyone better for my son. [Insert a popular quote or family saying]. I can’t wait to spend more time with you, [Your Son’s Partner’s Name]. I hope your marriage is happy, bright, and filled with joy. I love you both dearly.
• 3 Funny Example Good evening, everyone! Thank you all for coming to this special occasion. I am honored to stand before you as the groom's mother. Now, [Your Son’s Name] may have gotten his good looks from his father, but he certainly got his humor from me! [Insert a funny story about your son growing up that showcases his personality or relationship with you] [Insert another story about your son that focuses on his relationship with his partner] And [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], our beautiful bride. Now, I must admit, when [Your Son’s Name] first introduced us, I was a bit skeptical. But I’m happy to say you’ve won me over with that contagious laugh, kind heart, and [insert description]. [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], you’ve brought my son and this family so much joy these past few years, and I cannot thank you enough for that. You’re a perfect match for each other, and it’s been an honor to watch you grow and thrive in each other's arms. Here’s to a future full of love and laughter. To the happy couple!
• 4 Heartfelt Example Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here tonight to talk to you about my son and his fabulous new life partner. Growing up, [Your Son’s Name] always talked about finding the one. [Insert personal story]. When he brought [Your Son’s Partner’s Name] home, I just had this feeling. Something told me this was it. And then he asked [Your Son’s Partner’s Name] to marry him. [Insert story about the proposal]. I knew she’d say yes—we all did! But seeing them waltz into the house with the biggest grins made it all so much more real. [Your Son’s Partner’s Name], I’m so happy to say you’re a part of this family. It feels like you always have been. Here’s to many, many years of happiness. I love you both.
• 5 Simple Example Good evening, everyone! I don’t want to take up too much of your time. After all, we have a lot of speeches to get through tonight! So I’ll just say how happy I am for my son and his beautiful partner. These two are a force to be reckoned with, and I have no doubt that they are going to do such wondrous things together. To [Your Son’s Name] and [Your Son’s Partner’s Name]! Let all of your wildest dreams come true.

What Not to Say In Your Speech

Expert Q&A

• Typically, the mother of the groom speech is given at the rehearsal dinner or during the reception after the wedding ceremony. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Do breathing exercises to help calm your nerves before you give your speech. Try inhaling for 4 counts and exhaling for another 4. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Write your speech down if you feel like you’ll forget it. There’s no shame in glancing at it every so often! Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.allspeechesgreatandsmall.com/mother-of-the-groom-speech
• ↑ https://melbourneentertainmentco.com.au/mother-of-the-groom-speech-tips-ideas/
• ↑ https://nathancassar.com.au/write-wedding-speech-in-5-steps/
• ↑ https://theeverygirl.com/wedding-speech-tips/
• ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/
• ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/15/style/how-to-write-a-wedding-speech.html
• ↑ https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/relationships-love/a27153047/how-to-write-a-wedding-speech/

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Mother of the Groom Speech – Best Tips & Examples

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Congratulations! Your son is getting married and starting his own family. Aside from a dress and pair of shoes, you must also prepare a mother of the groom speech.

Below are some expert tips and examples on how to write a speech as the mother of the groom. Follow the outline provided to keep it clear, logical, and organized.

Does the Mother of the Groom Usually Give a Speech?

Yes, the groom’s mother also gives speeches. This usually occurs during the rehearsal dinner. But a mother-of-the-groom toast may also be done during the reception.

How Long Should the Mother of the Groom Speech Be?

The groom’s mother is a special person at the event, so she mustn’t be rushed. I plan to command the room at my own son’s eventual wedding! However, the ideal length of the entire speech to keep the wedding guests’ attention is around three to five minutes.

This fantastic speech should include an expression of gratitude to the guests and some anecdotes related to the married couple. The three-minute speech may also contain marriage advice during this exciting time.

Mother of the Groom Speech Outline

Every speech usually includes three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Here’s an outline you should follow.

Introduction

• Introduce yourself as the mother of the groom and the mother-in-law of the bride to the guests.
• Thank the guests for being part of the sweet moment.
• Briefly congratulate the happy couple.
• Share funny memories with your son.
• Share memories with the bride and how she’s an incredible daughter.
• Offer a cheerful piece of advice to the married couple.
• Finish the inspirational speech by thanking everyone again.
• Make a cheerful toast.

Mother of the Groom Speech Tips

Follow these tips when writing, editing, and practicing your speech as the mother of the groom.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

Introduce Yourself

Perhaps everyone on the wedding day already knows who you are. But the first part of public speaking is the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself as the groom’s mom. This will provide context and clarification to the expert advice and funny anecdotes you will share later.

The introductory section lets you state a clear fact. It also helps you sound more confident as you stand on stage.

The self-introduction is composed of two parts. First, you state your name. Then, tell everyone about your relationship with the couple.

Here are some examples of introducing yourself to the guests during the wedding reception.

• Good afternoon, everyone. I am [name], and I am the groom’s mother.
• My name is [name], the mother of the groom. And I want to thank everyone in this room for being here tonight.
• Hello everyone. Thank you for coming to this happy event. I am [name], the proudest mother of the groom, [groom’s name].

Thank Everyone for Coming

Don’t crack wedding jokes or share fond memories about your son immediately after introducing yourself. It’s an excellent idea to acknowledge people’s presence so as not to sound entitled.

Thanking people for attending the joyous occasion is one tip for making a memorable speech. Tell them that you, along with them, are lucky people for witnessing the love and marriage of the bride and groom.

Here are a few quick examples of how to thank everyone for attending the wedding ceremony and reception.

• I’d like to thank you all for being here tonight. This special occasion would not be possible if it weren’t for the friends and families who support [groom] and [bride]’s love.
• Thanks to the beautiful guests in this room who helped me celebrate the marriage of [groom] and [bride].
• Thank you, everyone, for being one in the love of [bride] and [groom] today.
• I want to thank all the guests for attending [bride] and [groom]’s wedding. This special occasion has become more meaningful because of your presence and celebration.

Include Your Memories with Your Son

An anecdote is sometimes the best part of the mother of the groom’s speech. Now’s the perfect time to share authentic stories between you and your son. You can also communicate to everyone that he’s the kindest person you know.

Choose a cute story of how your son was always messy and loud as a kid. Or tell the guests that he’s a funny person today because he got the trait from you. You might also want to tell everyone about your happiest times together.

Try listing every great memory you have with your son and select only two or three that you want to share. Make the speech more special by relating these memories and traits with how amazing he will be as a husband.

Below is an example showing what I mean.

“I knew I had raised my son to be a gentleman when he started offering to carry the grocery bags when he was six. At sixteen, he went to driving school so he could drive me to the shop every weekend. And at twenty-three, I watched him open doors for [bride].”

Don’t Forget His Partner

The mother of the groom speech to her daughter-in-law should be heartfelt because it’s also her day. Use this opportunity to tell the crowd of people what an amazing person she is and how suitable the bride is for your son.

You may also consider sharing happy times or emotional events you’ve shared with your son’s wife before they were married. Let her feel that she is now part of your family.

Check out this example to get a better idea.

[Bride], you have landed a catch. But my son is luckier for having found you. We all are! You are an exceptional person who has brought out the best in [groom]. You hold a very special spot in my heart, and I consider you an amazing daughter.

Show Them Why Their Marriage Makes You Happy

This part of the mother of the groom speech is about the couple. Express how happy you are for the two lovely people for sharing their lives. Use statements that show pride in them and how you’ll support them in achieving their dreams.

Some might find this step challenging because they are still unsure of the person their son is marrying. But it’s crucial to avoid voicing out any form of resentment or anger.

Here’s an example of how to show the couple why their marriage makes you happy.

“I am delighted to witness a pure and strong partnership. [Bride] and [groom], you will share many special moments and difficult times together. But I am confident that every experience you go through will only make you stronger. When you’re with the right person, the negatives are nothing compared to your positives.”

Weddings are supposed to be enjoyable, so demonstrate your sense of humor well. You can do this by sharing a funny story or funny quotes.

Get the creative juices flowing by thinking of short yet humorous statements, such as “I raise boys. Nothing scares me.” Perhaps you can make light jokes about stereotypical mothers-in-law to make yourself the butt of the joke. But make sure the bride and audience won’t find it offensive.

Avoid sharing embarrassing stories about your son that he might not want the audience to know. Instead, focus on his guilty pleasures and quirks.

One tip for adding comedy to a speech is to pace your laughs and shorten the punchlines. Don’t fill your piece with too many jokes, or your audience won’t take you seriously.

Give the Best Advice

Balance your funny wedding speech with something memorable. Delivering your best well wishes to the couple will make you an impactful mother. Offer critical life lessons they will live by for a lifetime of happiness.

Your advice should only be one to three sentences long. Here are some examples.

• [Groom] and [bride], I hope you continue growing, laughing, and loving together. May your future children learn what true romance is through you.
• I wish you both all the love and happiness you deserve.
• It’s easy to take care of your wife or husband in your marriage and forget yourself. Make sure to reset for a stronger marriage. May your individual growth complement your growth as newlyweds.

Keep Your Speech Short

Conciseness is key to keeping your audience interested from the beginning to the end of your speech. Challenge yourself to make your writing shorter after producing the first draft. Omit unnecessary statements and cliches. Then, rephrase lengthy sentences.

Prepare to Deliver

Practicing is vital even if you’re comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. Record yourself while delivering the speech, then check if it only lasts three to five minutes. You also want to practice it in front of a friend and ask for their feedback on how to give a magnificent speech.

It also helps to be at the ceremony on time to be familiar with the venue. Chat with the event planner if you need help with specific audio-visual components for your speech.

Popular Quotes for Mother of Groom Speech

Here are some mother-of-the-groom quotes to include in your speech.

“When you teach your son, you teach your son’s son.” -The Talmud “Children and mothers never truly part. They’re bound in the beating of each other’s hearts.” – Unknown “To be a mother of a son is one of the most important things you can do to change the world. Raise them to respect women, raise them to stand up for others, raise them to be kind.” – Shannon L. Alder “A mother’s love doesn’t make her son more dependent and timid; it actually makes him stronger and more independent.” – Cheri Fuller “No man succeeds without a good woman behind him. Wife or mother, if it is both, he is twice blessed indeed.” – Godfrey Winn “When you have a wonderful mother-in-law who takes sides with you in squabbles with her own daughter – that’s something.” – Lou Gehrig

If you’re looking for hilarious mother-of-the-groom quotes to lighten the mood, here are some you can include in your speech.

“I told my mother-in-law that my house was her house, and she said, “Get the hell off my property.” – Joan Rivers “When you’re a boy mom you get to say things like, We can’t have nice things because you will pee on them.” – Unknown “Be kind to your mother-in-law but pay for her board at some good hotel.” – Josh Billings “I raise boys. Nothing scares me.” – Unknown “Loving your son means accepting him just the way he is; stinky, dirty, and loud.” – Unknown

Craft the Perfect Speech

We understand how hard it is to give an excellent mother-of-the-groom speech. Your son and daughter-in-law deserve the perfect message on their special day. That’s exactly why we compiled these tips and examples for you.

Don’t forget to proofread your speech before delivering it. Fix spelling and grammar issues after removing lengthy sentences and cliches.

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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.

• Free Short Best Man Speech Examples That'll Capture Hearts
• 3 Sample Wedding Reception Dinner Prayers (+ Helpful Tips)
• Thoughtful Wedding Gifts From the Groom's Parents

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.

Mother of the Groom Speech... Choose   the right words  to convey your heart-felt feelings!

Worried and Anxious about your Mother  of the Groom Speech? If You REALLY WANT to easily and quickly come up with AND confidently deliver a Meaningful Speech, then Click Below:  Click Here for All the Details .

Watch the Video Version of this Mother of the Groom Speech Page.

The Mother of the Groom Speech is a major part of the Wedding Rehearsal Dinner. He also could be asked to deliver a speech at the reception.

This page shares some tips that will help the Father of the Groom deliver a special message to his son and future daughter-in-law.

Let's start by watching an outstanding example of this speech.

This Mother of the Groom Speech was delivered at the wedding of Char  and Jake.

We'll talk about the strengths of this speech shortly.

Video Source: Father of the Groom Wedding Speech . https://www.youtube.com

This Mother of the Groom Speech has plenty of strengths:

+A gracious welcome to her new in-laws as well as the other guests who attended, followed a brief background about her son, Jake, and several very nice comments about the bride, Char. 

+She expresses her appreciation to those who helped arrange the wedding.     

+She shares the happiness experienced by the entire family over Char and Jake's Marriage. 

+Nice touches of humor. funny and appropriate for the occasion.

+Excellent Eye Contact- She speaks directly to the bride and groom as well as the guests.

+Well Poised- Very comfortable and confident. Plus, she spoke in a conversational tone of voice.

About the Mother of the Groom Speech...

The speech lasts between 3 and 5 minutes.

The Mother of the Groom Speech usually is the first of the Rehearsal Dinner Speeches.

This speech welcomes everybody to the dinner and sets the tone for the other speeches to follow.

Your goal for the Mother of the Groom Speech is to talk about some of your past moments with the groom and share the happiness that you are feeling for the bride, groom, and this milestone in their lives.

Note: If the Father of the Groom is deceased, make sure that the person delivering the speech says some nice words in the father's memory. Also, make a comment about how happy the father would have been for his son.

In a Hurry?

"I will write a touching Mother of the Groom Speech for You" 

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At what occasion(s)will the Mother of the Groom Deliver Speeches?

Be sure to get in touch with the bride and groom about their expectations well in advance. You may speak at any or all of these events:

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Reception

Wedding Farewell Brunch

The major speech for the Mother of the Groom Speech will be the Rehearsal Dinner. You might also be asked to deliver a Father of the Groom Speech at the reception.

The speech and toast formulas that you will see on this website are appropriate for any of these occasions.

The order of Rehearsal Dinner Speeches

A common, but not required speaking order is:

1st: Mother of the Groom

2nd: Father or Mother of the Bride

3rd: Best Man

4th: Maid of Honor

5th: Bride and Groom or Other Speakers

6th: Other Speakers or Bride and Groom

The Order of Reception Speeches

The typical, but not required speaking order is:

1st: Father or Mother of the Bride Speech (unless he/she speaks last)

5th: Mother of the Groom

6th: Other Speakers

Final Speaker: Father/Mother of the Bride (unless he/she speaks first)

The order of the Wedding Farewell Brunch Speeches varies.

Mother of the Groom Speech Format

Introduction

*Say your Name and introduce yourself as the Father of the Groom.

*Thank the guests for attending

*Thank the host(s) of the event

* Welcome the in-laws to the family and make a warm comment about the person who will marry your son.

*Finally, say the main points that you will discuss during the speech body.

*Explain the two or three ideas that you previewed in the introduction (memories from your son’s childhood, the first time you met the bride, three positive qualities, etc.).

Conclusion and Toast

*Repeat Your Main Points. This is a signal to the audience that your speech is coming to an end.

*Ask everybody to please raise their glasses for a toast to the couple.

*Give your toast

*Say  Cheers!  and expect a similar response from the guests.

Where should you go from here?

Click Here  to put your Mother of the Groom Speech into action.

If you want to go from start to finish, view all of these pages in order. Or just look over the specific areas that would be most helpful to you.

Start by clicking on speaking areas listed to the side or below that you want to visit.

See the  Speech Anxiety Page  if you want to tackle your nervousness and speak with more confidence.

The Audience Analysis Page  is a must. Learning about your audience can be the difference between an outstanding speech and a disaster.

You might be thinking of making this a funny speech. Before you do, view the  Funny Speech Page .

If you want to complement your speech with a special touch, but don't know what to add, scan the  Wedding Poem Page  for some ideas.

Using Visual Aids? This can be tricky and fall apart if you are not prepared. See the  Visual Aids Page  for the do's and don'ts before going down this path.

Check out the  Speech Outline Page  to see a 3-step formula for a speech that the audience will follow, understand, and enjoy.

Check out the  Speech Writing Page  to quickly and painlessly organize your speech.

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• Mother of the Groom
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In This Article

How to Write a Mother of the Groom Speech

What not to say in a mother of the groom speech, tips to remember, mother of the groom speech template.

• Wedding Party & Reception

Touching, Motivational, or Short: How to Craft the Perfect Mother of Groom Speech

ethanbeazleyphoto via Instagram

A mother of groom speech is always a sweet moment that guests look forward to. However, it hasn’t always been that way. Traditionally, it’s the bride’s parents that make the speeches. Over recent years, the formality surrounding weddings has loosened up a bit, giving brides and grooms plenty of new options to tailor their unique wedding experience. Opening up the floor to new speakers is a relatively new trend, but it’s been very well received. So much so that it’s a trend that we can assume will stick around for a long time.

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Now that you know how popular mother of the groom speeches is, you’re probably wondering how to write the speech. Well, we have all the advice you need. Stay with us for a complete guide to writing a mother of the groom speech.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should the mother of the groom say in her speech.

The mother of the groom can express her love and joy, share anecdotes about her son, welcome the bride into the family, and offer words of wisdom and support.

What does a mother say to her son on his wedding day?

A mother may express her love, share fond memories, and offer heartfelt advice for a happy and successful marriage on her son’s wedding day.

What do you say to your son on his wedding day speech?

In a speech on his wedding day, a mother can express her love, share memories, offer advice, and convey blessings for her son’s future with his new spouse.

dmvasilenko via Shutterstock

Like anyone delivering a speech, the mother of the groom is going to wonder what topics you should touch on during a mother of the groom speech. You want to be respectful. You want to be funny. How do you accomplish this while being funny, memorable, and sweet? We’re not going to tell you exactly what to say, but we do have the structure needed to check all of the mother-of-the-groom speech boxes. This mother of the groom speech template will point you in the right direction.

• Introduce yourself Not all of the guests are going to know who you are. The first thing you should communicate is your relationship with the couple. This will provide context to the rest of your speech.
• Thank wedding guests No inspirational speech from the mother of a groom can go without acknowledging the guests. Not only does this make them feel good, but it also converts you from talking at them to talking to them.
• Include your memories Including an anecdote really drives the mother of the groom’s speech. You can choose a funny story from when they were growing up or a cute story about the moment you realized he would make a perfect husband.
• Don’t forget about your son’s partner Welcoming the bride to the family is always a sweet moment. Take advantage of this opportunity to express when you first realized they were destined to be together or the moment you knew she was part of the family. It’s always wise to also acknowledge her parents by congratulating them for raising such a fine woman.
• Explain Why Their Marriage Makes You Happy Although this portion of the mother of the groom’s speech is about why you are happy, it’s still about the bride and groom. Use statements that explain how proud you are that they will be so happy or that this is their dream coming true.
• Add jokes and be funny You don’t want to be cruel, but you absolutely should include a few jokes in your mother of the groom’s speech. You can include the bride if you know her well but should otherwise stick to the groom when poking fun.
• Keep it short When it comes to mother of the groom speeches, less is often more. Make your statements without wandering. If needed, practice your speech so that it’s concise.
• Give some unique advice for newlyweds Deliver your best well wishes to the couple. Provide some life lessons that will help them navigate the trials and tribulations of marriage. This will finish your mother of the groom’s speech on the perfect note.

sobolevskyi via Shutterstock

There are a few topics that are taboo in mother of the groom speeches. These topics usually embarrass the bride and groom, the guests, and the speaker. Pretty much everyone. Here is what to avoid.

• The negative situation of the son It’s okay to poke a little fun at your son as long as it’s mild and has good intentions. Tread carefully, however. Going a little too far could shine a light on uncomfortable situations that are making him feel like a bad person.
• Embarrassed the son’s partner If your pike on the bride, it’s likely to make her feel like she’s not good enough for your son. Not only will this embarrassment hurt her at the moment, but it will also become a lifelong obstacle to overcome.
• Don’t add stories about ex Even if it’s in a negative light, stories about ex-boyfriends and girlfriends have no business at a wedding. Nothing good can come of this and it almost always ruins the vibe of the reception.

volkway via Shutterstock

If you have never delivered a speech, as the mother of the groom you will appreciate these tips. These will help you stay focused, keep your structure, and connect with the audience.

• Ensure that you are not too drunk It’s common to assume that a drink or two will help calm nerves. This is not true. If anything a few drinks will cause you to lose focus and will probably add to your nerves. A few too many drinks will make you sloppy and possibly make you forget the rules about avoiding taboos.
• Practice many times Reading directly from your notes is never a good speech. Mothers of the groom are encouraged to practice speaking in front of a mirror and friends. This will help establish a tempo and commit your points to memory.
• Use note cards You shouldn’t read from your notes, but you should have your talking points written down. Nerves often get the better of us and cause us to lose track of what we are saying. A few written reminders will keep you on point.
• Express your feelings Weddings are emotional events. Feel free to smile, laugh, and cry. Don’t hold back. It’s very much appropriate to emote while you deliver the mother of the groom’s speech.

There are a few speech styles to consider. These mother-of-the-groom speech templates provide guidance for the 3 most common scenarios.

Short mother of the groom speech

Insight Freak via Shutterstock

A short mother of the groom’s speech is typically under 3 minutes long. A short speech is a great goal to have as most speeches suffer from running too long. There are lots to say, and scaling it back to the bare minimum will keep things punchy and concise.

The trick is self-editing. Once you write your first draft, analyze each complete thought and try to find the quickest way to relay those thoughts.

If your son met his bride at a sporting event, your mother of the groom speech could start a little something like this:

When John was a little boy, a third-grade teacher taught him how to dribble a basketball. Once he got good at it he joined the basketball team and made a bunch of new friends. Sports taught him the value of teamwork.

This is a nice story but could be much more concise.

• “When John was a little boy, a third-grade teacher…” These are redundant statements. By stating that John was in the second grade it becomes immediately evident that he was also a child at the time.
• “Once he got good at it he joined the basketball team…” This detail does not add a lesson to the story.
• “Sports taught him the value of teamwork.” This is a nice thought, but it’s a little disjointed from the rest of the paragraph.

When you consider all of these factors the new sentence becomes:

John joined the basketball team in second grade. This introduced him to a lot of new friends and taught him the value of teamwork.

Half the amount of words relay the same information without the potential for confusion. Use this technique with your jokes, your anecdotes, and your well-wishes.

Motivational speech from the mother of the groom to the bride

Andrii Medvediuk via Shutterstock

The second mother of the groom’s speech style is motivational. The entire point of the speech is to deliver sage advice about how to nurture love and facilitate a successful marriage. This style requires attention to balance. On one hand, you want to be realistic about the difficulties that marriages endure. On the other, you don’t want to be all gloom and doom.

One thing to avoid is stories like “Sarah and Dave were just as happy as you when they first started out. Now they are divorced and Dave doesn’t have access to the kids anymore.”

This is not advice. This does not help the couple start off on the right foot. Instead, provide advice that helps the bride and groom avoid fights and misunderstandings. Explain that a marriage takes work.

“Marriage is not a 50/50 relationship. It’s 100/100. Your vows today mean that you will always give your all and that, if either of you isn’t giving 100%, the other will be there to support you and bring you back up. Marriage is a partnership that both participants need to contribute to every day.”

• In short, your speech should include examples of staying true to the couple’s vows. Examples of struggles your marriage has endured will serve to provide guidance on how they can avoid it, or manage it if it happens.
• The focus should be on love and cooperation, not warnings.
• You can also consider providing practical advice. Most couples are aware of the significance and value of love but are ill-prepared for life’s surprises.
• Marriage advice about raising a family: “Marriage is the beginning of a family. You will never be 100% ready for a child, but the two of you have all of the love needed to successfully raise a son or daughter.”
• Marriage advice about finances: “Love is more important than money, but money does play a huge role in your future. You are accountable to each other and should be transparent with your spending, savings, debts, and investments.”
• Marriage advice about careers: “In marriage, your family comes first. Although your jobs pay the bills, they do not define who you are.”

These types of advice can, and should, be blunt. Sugar coating the realities of life only serves to dilute the message.

Touching mother of the groom speech

An emotionally deep mother of the groom’s speech is always a winner. Someone who has experienced a lifetime of marriage and is overjoyed that her son is about to experience the same thing. Just make sure to have the tissue ready.

The touching of the mother of the groom’s speeches is based on emotion. They talk about feelings, relationships, and the future. They acknowledge personality traits

• If you are in a healthy marriage, this is a good time to express how important it is to set a good example. “After 40 years of marriage, your father and I still hold hands. It warms my heart to know that one day you will be standing in front of your children feeling the same way.”
• If the groom’s father has passed away or is otherwise absent, you can speak on his behalf. “Your father would be so proud of the man you have become. He would say that you are strong, intelligent, and treat your new wife with respect. He would say that he admires who you are today and what you will become tomorrow.”
• If you don’t know the bride well: “I’ve only met Sarah recently. I can’t say much about her as a person but by the changes I can see in my son, I know she’s perfect. He’s happy. He’s excited. He has a renewed zest for life and is constantly talking about the future. Anyone who can do that to my son must be a saint and is very much part of this family.”

The key to a successful touching speech is to speak from the heart. Use your personal experiences and anecdotes to tell the story of how your son arrived at this point in his life. Explain the journey that both you, your son, and your new daughter-in-law have developed and how many more experiences they have to look forward to.

Stay true to yourself. If you’re known to be a funny person, incorporate jokes into your mother of the groom speech. If you are naturally emotional, let it shine. Sticking to your structure and practicing your speech will make it good. Staying true to yourself and allowing your personality to shine will make it great!

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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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Does the Mother of the Groom Give a Speech at the Rehearsal Dinner?

Wondering if the mother of the groom will give a speech at the rehearsal dinner? Continue reading to find out.

By Shameika Rhymes

The First Look ✨

• The rehearsal dinner is usually hosted by the groom’s parents, and it gives the engaged couple a chance to spend time with their inner circle before the wedding day.
• The mother of the groom can give a speech or just a toast at the rehearsal dinner, as she is one of the hosts of the event.
• There are some details that a speech should include, such as special memories, stories about the couple, and of course, the toast.
• Anyone, including the maid of honor, best man, wedding party members, and even grandma and grandpa, can give a speech at the wedding rehearsal, as long as it’s what the couple wants.

Before the wedding day, there’s a wedding ceremony rehearsal followed by the rehearsal dinner. It’s the last party before the kick-off of your wedding festivities. Your most important guests are there, including your families and the wedding party.

The idea of a rehearsal dinner is to celebrate in a more intimate setting with loved ones before the big day. It gives families a chance to mingle and get to know each other better. The rehearsal dinner is also where the groom’s parents can take an active part in the celebration. But, which parent should give the wedding rehearsal dinner toast or wedding speech? Zola is here to help, with everything you need to know.

Table of Contents:

• Part 1: Who Gives a Speech at the Rehearsal Dinner ?
• Part 2: What Should the Speech Include ?
• Part 3: Rehearsal Dinner Toast Tips
• Part 4: Who Else Should Give a Speech at the Rehearsal Dinner ?

Does It Really Matter Who Gives the Speech at the Rehearsal Dinner?

As far as wedding traditions go, rehearsal dinner speeches and toasts are some of the most memorable moments. The people you love take the mic to share heartfelt sentiments to get you started on your new life together. Every marrying couple’s situation and family dynamics are different, so the groom’s mother can absolutely give a speech at the rehearsal dinner, if that’s what you want. The modern mother of the groom is taking a more active role in wedding activities more than ever before. Keep reading to find out the ins and outs of giving the speech at the rehearsal dinner.

Who Gives a Speech at the Rehearsal Dinner?

According to tradition, the parents of the groom speak at rehearsal dinner. This is largely due to the tradition that the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner, while the bride’s parents host the wedding. It allows for both sets of parents to have an opportunity to speak, since they are splitting some wedding-related costs. However, modern couples may opt to take on the financial aspect of the rehearsal dinner so that they can decide who will give the speeches.

• Who Speaks First? The rehearsal dinner hosts will usually speak first during the rehearsal dinner. That’s the opportunity for the groom’s parents to grab the mic. During the speech, they will welcome everyone and give their speech.

Traditionally, it’s the groom’s father, but it’s perfectly fine to let mom say a few words. Family dynamics are different, and, perhaps, the father of the groom is deceased or estranged, so the mother of the groom can step in to give the first speech of the evening. Members of the wedding party, family, close friends, and other wedding guests that won’t be speaking at the reception can also give their speeches at the rehearsal dinner, if there’s an open mic.

• Time Limit. Rehearsal dinners aren’t as formal, as it’s a smaller, more intimate group, so the wedding rehearsal dinner speech can be prepared ahead of time, or given spontaneously and in the spirit of the moment. The rehearsal dinner is the time for roasts instead of toasts, if there’s more lighthearted fun to be had. If you prefer a more formal rehearsal dinner, speeches can be planned in advance, but be sure to share time limits and a schedule with those that will be speaking. A good rule of thumb is to allow the hosts to have 10 minutes, while everyone else should have five minutes or less to speak.

What Should the Speech Include?

A rehearsal dinner speech that will tug at the heartstrings and inspire will include some of the same elements as a wedding reception speech.

Get Introduced. If there’s a DJ or someone that can handle introduction duties, it’s best to let them introduce the speaker. That way, you can avoid having to use a knife to clink against a wine glass, and clearing your throat to get everyone’s attention. If there’s no master of ceremonies, then have the speakers do a short and sweet introduction before launching into their speech.

Use Storytelling to Your Advantage. The goal of any wedding rehearsal dinner speech is to talk about how much the happy couple means to the speaker. It’s the opportunity for the speaker to give an inside look at the bride or groom through their eyes, plus tell a narrative that displays their traits and values—or share a funny story or inside joke.

Talk Directly to the Couple. The mother of the groom can give an emotion-fueled speech, but make sure to address the bride and groom directly since they are the ones being honored.

Rehearsal Dinner Toast Tips

There’s no need to wrap up the speech with a long, drawn out anecdote, but rather a simple, “Let’s raise a glass to the couple,” and include well wishes that tie back to what was in the speech.

Hire a Wedding Speechwriter. Writing a speech ahead of time can be time-consuming, and with time constraints, it may be challenging to put everything you want into a 10-minute speech. Depending upon how soon you want to start on the speech, it’s best to hire a speechwriter months in advance, not wait until a couple of weeks before the wedding festivities kick off.

Find a Template Online. Speakers can Google a template to help get them started, but it’s best to just use that as a starting point, otherwise your toast and speech could come off emotionless like you’re reading a script. Find the emotional connection and memories to include in your speech. Finding a template online that asks questions for the

Read Off Your Phone or Note Cards. Coming off relaxed and speaking straight from the heart helps to make the best rehearsal dinner speeches and toasts. If reading off note cards makes you feel like you’re giving a presentation, then use your phone as a guide. Don’t keep your head down and get lost in what you wrote. Rather, continue to make eye contact every few lines.

Don’t Hold Your Glass. It’s tempting to want to clutch your wine glass while speaking to the bride and groom, but it will be a bit of a distraction. If you’re already holding the mic and your notes, then it may be hard to juggle. Set the glass on the table, or give it to someone to hold.

Pick Your Glass Back Up for the Toast. Your glass doesn’t have to be filled with wine, rather it can be filled with water. However, when you get ready to wrap the toast, have your glass in your hand, and actually take a sip after you toast—it’s like sealing the deal!

Part 4: Who Else Should Give a Speech at the Rehearsal Dinner?

The number of people that give a speech or toast during the rehearsal dinner is totally up to you as the couple. But, traditionally, in addition to the groom’s mother and father, there are a few that are expected to say a few words.

The Maid of Honor and Best Man. Typically, the maid of honor and the best man would save their speeches for the main event, but if they want to share some sentiments at the rehearsal dinner in good natured fun, they can follow the groom’s parents. Perhaps they can share a few tidbits that didn’t make the cut for the wedding reception speeches.

The Bride and Groom. This is probably the best time to thank your circle for the amount of time, money, and support they have given to you both during the wedding planning process. Giving out any gifts to the wedding party would also be done at the rehearsal dinner as a way to thank them.

The Wedding Party. This is the prime opportunity for the wedding party to say a few words. Reach out in advance to see if anyone is interested in public speaking or giving a toast. Encourage them that speaking isn’t mandatory, but they can share a memory, story, or simply express well-wishes.

Other Family Members. If your grandparents are there, allow them to say a few words if they are up to the task. This would also be the time where maybe a sibling or even a close cousin may want to share some fun stories of the couple.

Ultimately, the decision of whom gives a toast during your rehearsal dinner is yours—and whether or not it’ll be an open mic situation. After all, it’s celebrating you and your upcoming wedding.

For more on the wedding planning process , Zola is here to help.

Even more answers

• Who Walks the Mother of the Bride Down the Aisle?
• What Do You Write In a Marriage Advice Card?
• Navigating Wedding Planning Without Parents
• Everyone That Can Help You Plan Your Wedding
• Unplugged Wedding: How & Why to Ban Phones at a Ceremony
• Mother of the Groom’s Duties
• September Wedding? Here's Everything You Need to Know
• What Happens if You Don't Get a Prenup?
• Pop the Question: "How Do I Get My Wedding Party to Help Out More?"
• Pop the Question: "How Do I Stay Sane While Planning My Wedding?"
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• What to Expect When Planning a Wedding While Grieving

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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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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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Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Examples and Writing Tips

Here's how to write and deliver the perfect toast on this special day.

Photo by Bokeh Company

In This Article

Raise your glasses to the moms taking the mic at wedding receptions to give their very own mother-of-the-bride speech. While we know moms are basically superhuman creatures with an endless array of skills and abilities, public speaking can be a feat to shake even the heroes among us—not to mention the added flood of mixed emotions that will be present throughout the day.

Delivering a heartfelt speech to a crowd of family members and newly minted in-laws will surely have you feeling a bit nervous, and we can't dismiss the act of finding the right words to convey everything you're feeling in the first place. But rest assured, mamas, we've got a guide to help you ease your minds and fortify your wits. We tapped three experts—wedding planners Amy Abbott and Paulette Alkire and Kylie Carlson, CEO of Wedding Academy Global —to walk you through the process of giving a pro-level mother-of-the-bride speech.

Meet the Expert

• Amy Abbott is a wedding planner and the owner of Amy Abbott Events , a Los Cabos–based wedding and event planning company that designs celebrations throughout Mexico.
• Kylie Carlson is the CEO of Wedding Academy Global , an educational service that offers certification training for the wedding industry.
• Paulette Alkire is the lead wedding planner at Chalet View Lodge , a full-service wedding venue, boutique resort, and spa in Graeagle, California.

Below, find expert tips that will help you write—and deliver—the perfect toast on your son or daughter's big day.

Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Template

Just as all moms are unique, and no two mother-daughter relationships are alike, your mother-of-the-bride speech will be entirely personal to you and the bond you share. However, there are a few components that should be present in your toast. Here's a general outline to help you get started.

Acknowledge your guests.

Every great speech should start with a few words of gratitude for the people who have gathered to partake in the celebration with you. You can mix this into a full greeting to welcome guests if you are the first speech on the schedule of events.

Welcome your new son- or daughter-in-law.

No mother-of-the-bride speech would be complete without a warm welcome to their daughter's new partner. Abbott explains that a good way to honor your new son-in-law or daughter-in-law is to make it clear that you feel you're gaining a new family member and that they are welcome. You should also nod to how they have changed or complemented your daughter for the better.

Choose happy memories to share.

As you choose memories, focus on positive, happy moments. Telling a story that highlights how your daughter overcame something unpleasant or embarrassing shouldn't be shared on their wedding day.

Never mention your daughter's previous relationships or marriages, and don't talk about unfulfilled dreams. Only bring up the best memories of your daughter's life.

Highlight one or two big accomplishments.

Theoretically, the guests should already know what the bride does for a living. Reciting every success they've ever had, in detail, is completely unnecessary. You should, instead, express how proud you are of their accomplishments and highlight one or two.

Mother of the Bride Speech Tips

Here are our experts' best tips for writing and delivering your mother-of-the-bride speech.

Write your thoughts down on paper.

This momentous occasion is probably not the best time to wing it. Whether you use bullet points or an outline, make sure you pen everything you want to tell your daughter in your speech to avoid leaving out anything special. “Start the process informally by simply writing down any and all things you want to make sure to include, from fond memories to advice on love for the newlyweds. As you lay it out on paper, you’ll see that an organic flow may come together quickly,” says Carlson.

Remember to pause and breathe.

If your nerves are starting to get to you, you might start speeding through your speech; to combat this, take a deep breath and remember that it’s alright to take a pause. “Many people forget just how powerful a pause can be. If your nerves are getting to you, take a moment to gather yourself before continuing. Most guests will take this silence as you giving them a moment to fully receive the last bit of sentiment you shared. Center yourself by making eye contact with the bride, breathe, and continue,” says Alkire.

Don't feel pressured to be funny.

Sure, humor is great—but if you're not a naturally funny person, don't push your limits on your daughter's most important day. Just be your sincere and honest self. The rest will follow, and your daughter will love it.

Practice your speech beforehand.

Write your mother-of-the-bride speech well in advance of the wedding so you’ll have plenty of time to practice it. “Try giving the speech out loud on your own, run it by a few trusted friends or family members, and then set it aside for a bit. This gives you time to return to the speech in a week or two with a fresh perspective," says Carlson.

Increase the amount of time you practice your speech in the month before the wedding, advises Carlson. No matter what the speech, the calmest of presenters are always the most practiced.

Avoid inside jokes.

You might have some amazing inside jokes that will make your daughter laugh, but no one else will find them funny. "Avoid inside jokes to keep the speech inclusive of everyone listening," says Alkire.

Keep it short and sweet.

You're talking about your daughter, and we know you could probably go on about how amazing they are for hours, but a good rule of thumb is to limit your speech to three to five minutes.

Don't worry about crying.

This is one occasion that indisputably warrants tears—if you're afraid of getting choked up during your delivery, just remember no one will judge you for it. In fact, most people will think it's incredibly sweet and you just might make them need a tissue, too.

Olivier Truan Photography / Getty Images

Get Brainstorming!

Now that you have a slew of tips for writing your mother-of-the-bride speech, here are some questions to ask yourself to get the brainstorming process started.

• Which of your daughter's qualities do you really want to highlight?
• What's one of the best memories you have of raising your daughter?
• When did you first know that their partner was "the one"?
• What advice do you wish you'd heard from your mom on your wedding day?
• What about their new marriage makes you the happiest?

Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Examples to Make Your Own

Does the mother of the bride give a speech? For these women, the answer was a resounding “Yes!” Get inspired with these actual toasts from loving moms.

Today is your wedding day. It's something a mother wishes and waits for from the time her daughter is born until she walks down the aisle.

"When Jewel was young she surrounded herself with lots of friends, some of whom are here today. They know our basement was always full with high school friends, just as your wedding is full of yours and Jason's friends today.

Time doesn't stand still; it is fleeting and it is amazing how quickly it passes. Like time, Jewel has never stood still. It seems like she is always running after one adventure after another. When her sister Mindy ran a marathon, Jewel had to keep up, so she started running. Mindy was content to say she checked a marathon off her bucket list, but Jewel had to keep on running, competing in a triathlon, and then an Ironman. Even getting her engagement ring was a race, a scavenger hunt adventure but still a race. This one she and Jason won together. Partners all the way.

Jewel and Jason, now it is your turn to embark on your own journey as a couple, to experience life with a loving partner. As you find your own route through life, remember to cherish each other. We know that through all the twists and turns of the road, you will support and care for each other with true love.

As you celebrate this wedding day, know it is not the best but the first of many blessed events in your lives together. We're thrilled you two have found the one for you. We wish you both joy, laughter, and love—from our hearts to yours.”— Eileen Roth

Thank you all for coming. I’m a strong mom, I have a strong daughter, and after this, I know I will need a strong drink.

"I would like to welcome Steve, and his parents Helen and Larry, and all of his wonderful, huge family into our family. I will not begin to mention all his brothers and sisters lest I forget one.

Steve: You are an amazing young man that I have grown to know and love. I met you after I fell skiing and I had cracked my ribs. I was on morphine and I was very happy...so please note that I am not always that crazy. Steve, when you asked to take me to lunch at my office, I knew that something was up. And it was—you asked to marry my daughter and we both cried. You have such a kind heart.

Adrienne: You are a strong, smart, and beautiful woman. I’m going to take this opportunity to apologize for the many things that I did with and to you while you were growing up. I’m sorry for many of them but not really for others, as they may have helped make you who you are today.

• I am sorry for always giving you peanut butter for lunch every day...as we found out later that you were deathly allergic to peanuts.
• I am sorry for dragging you to all the boys’ hockey and baseball games; however, you and Alysse retaliated by dragging them to all your dance recitals.
• I am sorry for the overkill of health foods—especially quinoa. But on the bright side, you have become a fabulous cook. (And have now married a cook).
• I am sorry that I made you follow me down the black diamond ski hills...but you have become a great skier.
• I am sorry for taking you on all those crazy adventures—an impromptu helicopter ride; a million Walk of Life events; travel to England, Wales, California, Boston, Chicago, New Orleans...but hey, they were lots of fun.
• I am sorry I made you watch all-night episodes of Gilmore Girls.
• I am sorry for eating bags of BBQ chips...actually, that was just me.
• I am sorry for taking you to so many dance workshops and involving you in many choreographies...but wow, you have become an accomplished dancer, actress, and teacher.

So, as a tribute to your dancing, I offer a musical toast to you and Steve. And the music is to ‘New York, New York’...the place where Steve proposed to you.”— Barbara Kennedy

“I want to thank everyone for being here celebrating Kayleigh and Adam; the Hodgins family, our family, and friends who have become family—welcome. Kayleigh’s father, her Derd, and I are tickled pink to host this beautiful evening.

As most of you know, Kayleigh faced physical challenges as a newborn and toddler but with every year, grew stronger and even more delightful. As she got older, she excelled in basketball and show choir, and happily graduated from FIDM. She then embarked on what promises to be a fulfilling career.

Kayleigh—it always has been and always will be an honor and absolute joy to be your mom. You light up any room just by being in it.

As a parent, you, of course, want your child to succeed in life—both personally and professionally. But one of the most satisfying rewards is seeing your child experience true love and happiness, which she has absolutely found with Adam. Thank you, Adam, for loving our girl, we’re thrilled you are part of our family.

Please join me in a toast to the bride and groom—congratulations! We all wish you the best for everything this new journey has to offer.” — Marla White

While every wedding is different, the mother of the bride typically delivers their speech during the  wedding reception  following the father of the bride's speech. In some instances—whether the father is deceased or unable to attend—the mother of the bride will kick off the wedding toasts by going first.  

Focus on personal anecdotes from your daughter regarding how the two met or when they knew that they had found " the one ." 

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Groom Rehearsal Dinner Speech Ideas & Tips

Need some tips on what to include in your wedding rehearsal dinner toast? Typically the groom has to make a toast at the rehearsal dinner, and it may be hard to come up with the proper words to say.

Here are some ideas of what to say during the groom’s rehearsal dinner toast. 

What is the Rehearsal Dinner?

The wedding rehearsal typically takes place the day before the wedding day, when everyone gets together to practice the wedding ceremony. Usually the groom’s parents are given the responsibility to host the rehearsal dinner. The wedding party, family relatives, or anyone else who is in the wedding is usually invited to the rehearsal. 

Typically the rehearsal dinner is when all of your friends and distant family members get together and meet each other for the first time. Distant relatives who live far away have the opportunity to meet your partner’s family for the first time and see the happy couple in person. 

What is the Rehearsal Dinner Toast?

At wedding rehearsal dinners, it is normal for members of the bridal party to make toasts. These are similar to speeches given by the wedding party at the wedding reception, but typically reception toasts are longer than the rehearsal dinner toasts . 

Members of the wedding party that typically make a speech at the rehearsal dinner are the maid of honor , best man , and the groom. Sometimes, the parents of the groom or just the father of the groom speaks as well.  The parents of the bride may speak as well. Often, the maid of honor and best man save their speeches for the wedding day, but sometimes they speak at both.

Since the groom’s parents typically host wedding rehearsal dinners, it is in good faith that the groom and often his parents thanks the guests for coming. 

Typically the groom’s speech and maid of honor speech at the rehearsal addresses the upcoming wedding. Your rehearsal dinner usually takes place the day before the actual wedding day, so your speech should prepare guests and family for the next day’s events. 

One thing to mention is how much you love your partner and how you think they are a wonderful person. Everyone is gathered here today to celebrate your love for one another, so make sure they know how much you love your partner at the rehearsal dinner. 

How Long Should the Groom’s Speech Be? 

The perfect time for a rehearsal dinner speech varies. It is usually nice to stay between 2 to 3 minutes. The groom’s speech at the actual wedding should be no longer than 10 minutes, so it is in your best interest to stick to a shorter speech for the rehearsal.

If you are a storyteller, it is better to stay with quick moments instead of a long story for the rehearsal. Keep the love story of how you two met for your actual wedding day. 

Tips for the Groom’s Rehearsal Dinner Toast

The biggest goal of your rehearsal dinner toast is to get everyone to say thank you to everyone who helped with your wedding day and to get your wedding guests to toast to the bride and groom. 

Good topics to focus on are how you and your partner are the perfect match for each other, and to allude to the upcoming nuptials. It’s important to make sure you save some things to talk about at your wedding toast for your reception speech. 

Rehearsal Dinner Toast Template Ideas

The perfect groom’s wedding speech usually comes from the heart. Your wedding day is the best opportunity to let your wedding guests and your partner know just how thankful you are to have this moment. Your wedding rehearsal toast should not be any different. 

Make sure you personalize your rehearsal dinner toast. Following a guide you found on the internet is not a good rule of thumb because it means you did not put your soul into writing special words from your heart. You need to sit down, focus, and let yourself think of the words to describe how you feel in this special moment. Your wedding tomorrow should serve as great inspiration to write your speech. 

The first thing to mention is who you are. Most people know that you are the groom, but for those family members that are meeting you for the first time, it is nice to introduce yourself. Let your guests understand why your partner chose you to marry. Let your personality shine and try to be as friendly and personable as you can. It’s likely that you and your partner will be a bundle of nerves the day before the wedding day, and so will your closest family members, so break the ice by being charming and engaging. 

Some popular toast topics range from a funny story about you and your partner to incorporate your sense of humor to your engagement story. Even if you break the ice by telling some funny stories and bad jokes, it will be appreciated by the crowd who may not know each other. It is your responsibility to make sure everyone feels comfortable and ready to party with each other the next evening! You can even break the ice by sharing an embarrassing story that only your closest friends know. This will make all of your new relatives feel like they really know you when you exchange vows the next day. 

Take advantage of this special moment in time. Tomorrow is the day that you will be married. It’s nerve wracking but it’s also one of the best days of your life. One idea for your speech at the rehearsal dinner is to speak about the beauty of marriage. 

Some rehearsal dinner toast story ideas are to tell a personal story. This can be anything from a funny moment in the wedding planning process that didn’t go as planned, or a personal story about how even as a young boy you also dreamed of your wedding day. Let your personality shine by letting your wedding guests get to know the real you. This is the perfect time to be sentimental and reflect on everything before the special day. 

Rehearsal Dinner Speech Examples

When writing your rehearsal dinner toast, it is important not to use a canned, impersonal template that is taken from the internet. Although this is advised against, some groom’s may feel as though they do not know where to start when writing their own.

This sample speech was taken from LovetoKnow.com , to give you a better idea of what is a proper groom’s toast at the rehearsal dinner. If you decide to use this as a template, remember to include personal details that make your speech original and from the heart. 

“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 will do it all again.”

Funny Rehearsal Dinner Speech Example

Here is an example of a funny story being told at the rehearsal dinner. This speech was found on LovetoKnow.com . Use this as inspiration to write your own personal account of a funny story that you want to tell family and friends.  

“I want to take you all back to several years ago when we took a wild road trip to Colorado. It took two days longer than we anticipated and we had not one, but two flat tires. When we finally got to Colorado we all realized that skiing wasn’t nearly as easy as we thought it would be. Who knew that flying down a mountain with two sticks stuck to your feet could be hard?

But the important thing here is that we all had a great time, even when things got bumpy. Even when Jerry broke his foot. Even when the lodge ran out of hot chocolate. It didn’t matter. Please raise your glasses to a couple who will endure the flat tires, the difficult tasks, the broken bones, and even hot chocolate shortages, all in the spirit of love.” 

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Caroline Kinsley

Caroline Kinsley is a recent graduate from the University of Delaware. With a degree in media communications, Caroline’s passions are marketing and journalism. Caroline has always loved the wedding planning process, being the daughter of an event planner. In addition to contributions to Yeah Weddings, Caroline Kinsley has published articles in Delaware Today Magazine, Her Campus, and YOUR Magazine.

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‘Mother of the Bride’: Every Wedding Should Have a Skinny-Dipping Brooke Shields

LIFE OF THE PARTY

Shields, Benjamin Bratt, and Miranda Cosgrove star in Netflix’s “Mother of the Bride.” But the fun (though soulless) rom-com, money might just be the most well-developed character.

Laura Bradley

Senior Entertainment Reporter

It’s not easy being a mom—just ask Brooke Shields’s character, Lana, in Netflix’s newest rom-com, Mother of the Bride . One minute, your daughter is holding you close and insisting that she can’t have her wedding without you, and the next, she’s threatening to throw you out of her big day in Thailand because you’ve upset her “corporate parent” by skinny-dipping at their resort. Mothers, you’ve all been there before, right? Anyone…?

On the surface, Mother of the Bride follows Lana as she tries to process the fact that her daughter Emma (Miranda Cosgrove) is engaged to a man she never met. To make things even spicier, the groom to be, RJ (Sean Teale), also happens to be the progeny of Lana’s grimiest college ex, Will (as played by certified zaddy Benjamin Bratt)—a not-so-fun fact the entire group finds out together when they arrive in Thailand for the destination wedding. Sadly, none of this is really the meat of the story.

It turns out, Emma’s most complicated relationship is not with her brilliant perfectionist of a mother, or with her charming but possibly performative fiancé, but with her own deep desire to become… *checks notes* a brand ambassador? Oh, boy.

From her name to her life aspiration, Ms. Emma Rose Winslow is about as generically “Gen Z” as a character can get. In the entire hour-and-a-half-long runtime of this film, she never looks happier than in the beginning, when she announces to her mother that she’s locked down a six-figure brand sponsorship deal with a high-end hotel chain. “I know it’s not grad school,” she tells her mother—who just secured another year of funding for her ground-breaking lab at Johns Hopkins—“but this is what I want to do with my life!” (Somehow, Lana manages to be genuinely supportive.) In keeping with the persistent narrative that younger generations do not have much sex , Emma and her fiancé also have about as much chemistry as any couple that has never kissed with tongue.

Brooke Shields and Benjamin Bratt

Sasidis Sasisakulporn/Netflix

The emotional entanglements pile high in this movie: Lana still hasn’t forgiven Will for ghosting on their epic romance decades ago in college, and she warns Emma that RJ seems to exhibit a lot of the same emotional aloofness that his father once did. This does not help shrink Emma’s stress as she tries to plan a last-minute wedding in Phuket, sponsored by the hotel chain that’s decided to make her its face.

On a practical level, Mother of the Bride leaves a lot of questions unanswered. For instance: Are Emma and RJ’s friends all millionaires or something, because how else can they all afford last-minute tickets to Thailand on a few weeks’ notice, all for a weekend wedding? Also, do they maybe just not have many friends, because why else would they ask their parents to serve as the maid of honor and best man? Also-also, are Emma and RJ concerned about mixing business with pleasure, considering he’s also the guy that helped her grow her lifestyle socials in the first place? How does his role in her career impact their relationship? After hanging out with all of these people for 90 minutes, I still have no idea!

Brooke Shields

Instead of an amusing character study, we get a rote paint-by-numbers game. Lana’s barely repressed rage toward Will manifests in clumsy gags like accidentally pulling him into a pond when he tries to help her pick up her purse. At dinner, her chair leg manages to slam down on his foot. During a game of pickleball, she accidentally lobs a ball right into his… ugh, don’t make me say it. If that wasn’t enough to confirm she’s still got feelings, there’s also her competitive response when she finds out that he’s given their kids a multimillion-dollar condo in Tribeca as a wedding present, when all she got them was the most expensive item on their registry—a state-of-the-art cappuccino maker. If only all of us could have such expensive interpersonal tension!

Sean Teale and Miranda Cosgrove

Meanwhile, Emma is living in a wedding fever dream thanks to her very expensive wedding planner, the corporate rep Camala (Tasneem Roc). She’s got centerpieces from the same vendor who did Meghan and Harry’s wedding (lol), a five-figure wedding dress from “the next Vera Wang,” Daisy St. Daisy, and bridesmaids dresses from the equally important designer Klaus von Klaus. (Yes, this is played as a self-aware bit, and no, that doesn’t quite make up for how goofy it is.) Lana tries to warn her daughter that perhaps this wedding is turning into a bit of an impersonal circus, but Emma is simply too excited by the number of people who will be streaming her wedding to care. It’s right around the moment that she asks her mother to read a pre-written speech at the rehearsal dinner that I stopped caring about her altogether.

You can see the moral of this movie from a mile away. According to her mother, Emma is “losing” herself, but even by the end, when she stands up to Camala, it’s unclear who this clout-chasing brunette really is. She’s the human equivalent of walking down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon in D (which is, of course, her actual processional song). She’s beautiful, polished, and completely forgettable. She has no quirks or defining traits outside of her brand-safe ambitions, and because of that, her final-act epiphany flops into the hotel swimming pool with barely a splash. That said, it’s hard to blame Cosgrove for any of this; the script gives her basically nothing else to work with.

Chad Michael Murray, Wilson Cruz, Michael McDonald, Rachael Harris, Brooke Shields, and Benjamin Bratt

At least the grown-ups get to have more fun in this movie—although that said, supporting actors Wilson Cruz (who plays Will’s brother, Scott) and Rachael Harris (seen here as Lana’s hard-partying sister, Janice) are tragically under-used. While the kids spend all their time working and scoping out good backdrops for photo shoots, they get to actually enjoy Thailand—or at least, their resort. They go skinny-dipping, play racket sports, and get stranded by broken-down Jeeps. Chad Michael Murray even shows up as a flirtatious doctor and “Hemsworth hottie” named Lucas, whose abs help distract Lana from her drama with Will. It’s not often that the 40-year-old moms get to have more fun in a rom-com, and for that, I must respect this movie.

Don’t get me wrong; Mother of the Bride is not a particularly bad movie. Really, the shortcomings of its emotional storytelling feel pretty in keeping with the modern rom-com , which can sometimes preoccupy itself with self-awareness at the expense of actual emotional stakes. If anything, it’s all just sort of forgettable. It goes down easy like an overpriced hotel Mai Tai, and once the hangover has left your system, you’ll probably never think about it again.

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast  here .

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