Speeches

VioletRose519

My question is about whom generally gives speeches at the wedding… Obviously the Best Man and Maid of Honor are going to speak at our wedding but what about the parents?I have asked my parents if they would like to speak and being that they are both very relaxed and soft spoken they felt no need. My soon to be mother in law is a little different; she is loud and can at times be very inappropriate. My Fiancé and I are afraid that she will want to make a long drawn-out speech. Both my Fiancé and I do not want to her speak, is it wrong for us to ask her not to? Also, I feel that because my parents are paying for the entire wedding and are choosing not to speak I don’t really want her to... am I wrong for this? I actually have never been to a wedding where the parents gave speeches so I have no idea what to do at this point… Help!

Mrs.B6302007

Just keep it with the BM and MOH.  The more speeches there are, the bettter the chance for someone to say something to embarass you or themselves and the less interested your guests become.

lsvensson

That's a good question, I'm wondering the same.  I know it's standard for the BM and MOH to say a few words, but I'm sure my father will want to say something as well, and I would like to actually give a speech thanking my guests, but perhaps my bit is best reserved for our "Meet & Greet" party (it's a destination wedding so we're hosting a M&G with all of our guests in lieu of a rehearsal dinner with just the wedding party)?

MRSBJS

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_speeches-6?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:fe06bba1-235d-4b8e-a6f3-7e2476786876Post:42c74b7d-f3c9-431e-89c0-4dfc8ee8013b">Re: Speeches</a>:
[QUOTE]Just keep it with the BM and MOH.  The more speeches there are, the bettter the chance for someone to say something to embarass you or themselves and the less interested your guests become.
Posted by Mrs.B6302007[/QUOTE]

Mrs. B, you give really good advice...and that baby! She is so cute!

But really, OP, I understand where you're coming from - if my MIL had spoken at my wedding, I can only imagine what she might have said lol - and honestly, until recently, I hadn't been to a wedding where the MOH spoke at all.  I think just the 2 of them will be fine.

jeslm

If your FMIL wants to speak, maybe she can at the rehearsal dinner?  Traditionally, doesn't the groom's family pay for that anyway?

We'll be having just our MOH and BM do speeches at the wedding. Anyone else who wants to talk can talk at the rehearsal dinner, where people would be more inclined to listen and not be bored, anyway, at least in theory, because they are closest friends and family.

mica178

Traditionally, the groom's parents would toast at the rehearsal dinner, the bride's parents toast at the wedding reception since they would be the hosts greeting the guests.  Then the BM (and MOH if she chooses) do their toasts.

regan117

We're having my father and the BM give speeches/toasts. My MOH *might* want to but I'm not too sure yet.

Is your FMIL hosting the RD? If so, I'd suggest she toast there.