Bride Toasts

My husband and I personally spoke at our wedding after cutting the cake, but the last weddings we were at... the couple didn’t make any kind of toast or thank you speech. I don’t know if it’s all that common (at least in our circle) so I think you’ll be fine!

I don't think I've ever been to a wedding where the bride or groom gave a speech, but the receiving line is a pretty standard practice, I think, which gives you the opportunity to thank everyone individually.

My husband gave a brief thank you speech. Our parents weren’t paying or hosting so I thought we should say something. He just said thank you for coming and traveling, we hope you enjoy the food

I think that’s ok ! I’ve been to weddings where the groom and bride didn’t speak at all

It’s not rude at all. I’ve been to weddings where only the groom spoke, on behalf of the couple. Do what is most comfortable for you and your peace of mind, it’s your day!

Actually, I think it's less common for the bride to talk. If the couple speaks, it's usually the groom who does the talking. We both spoke together. I actually was originally going to do it but husband wanted to practice his public speaking lol, so we both said a few words (like a minute each, if that). However, it's more the norm for the bride to not say anything, thinking back to all the weddings I've attended.

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Thank you so much, everyone!

I’ve never been to a wedding where the bride or groom said anything and I’ve been to many. It might be different in your culture, though.

Different culture, different ways. I think it’s a nice gesture when the groom step up and gave a very short speech of appreciation to the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the guests. I feel somewhat different. More impressed as a guest.

I will probably let my FH speak for both of us. He is much better with addressing crowds than I am. I will also be speaking with and thanking each guest one-on-one throughout the evening next year.

We postponed our big wedding and reception to next year, but are still getting married in a MUCH smaller wedding (15 people max + officiant and photographers) this year, with a casual cook out in the backyard afterwards (max 25 people, including the wedding guests). I think I'll be ok to say something with that smaller crowd.

I understand I am the same. I would think it's perfectly acceptable if you FH does this on behalf of both of you!

Also, this article on wedding wire might be helpful I was so happy to find it

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/how-to-enjoy-your-wedding-if-you-hate-being-in-the-spotlight

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Thank you Amy!!!! You all are the best!

I actually like your idea of thanking everyone individually better. Its very personable and adds intimacy to your wedding.

I have bad social anxiety so I know the feeling. Im not going to be doing a speech either instead I will be thanking everyone individually. Most of the wedding I went to the couple never made a speech to thank everyone instead they went around and individually thanked everyone.

No need to do anything you dont want. I have stage fright to so we took the last part of the cocktail hour and ate while we got a chance to celebrate just us two. Then once we where done, everyone else ate and we just carried our selves around and visited the tables. It was a more casual and less stressful way. And no we did not have seating charts as people ate with like minded people naturally, so one table we were doing celebrate shots, and another was relaxed and we swapped stories, another older table was giving advice, and so on( like 10 min each) ,all while we thanked them for coming.

I don’t think a speech is necessary, as long as you are able to get around to each table and thank everyone. I hate speeches too!

Most often, either a representative member of the family, or of the hosts if parents are contributing, or of the couple, one from this group speaks. Most common is a parent or older family member as representative welcoming and thanking people. Least common is the bride. The only must for the bride is that during the reception, she circulate and talk with each guest or at each table. Or does a receiving line. Most brides seem to prefer no speech and no receiving line, and opt for visiting guests as part of the cocktail hour, or reception. With her groom, or both of them circulating separately.

Depending on size of guests, one of the nicest things I’ve experienced at a wedding was the bride & groom coming back into the church & thanking their guests as they exited the pew. Never seen that before or sense and it didn’t take that long at all.

Most of the weddings I've been to didn't include a toast from the happy couple. If you'd like to give one then that's lovely, but you shouldn't feel at all obligated. You could also have your FS give one if they don't mind the spotlight, but that's not necessary at all.