Historically at most weddings it is expected that a few people will give a speech. Sometimes, it's the father of the bride, the best man and the groom.
However lately there has been a new addition to the marriage speeches, the women in the wedding party are also now expected to share a few words.
The mother of the bride speech has been becoming increasingly popular in more modern wedding celebrations. The bride and the maid of honor are also called on to share their thoughts of this very special occassion with the wedding guests.
For the mother of the bride, this speech can be one of the most difficult to make. You have spent a life-time with your girl and you know all the details, all the embarrassing stories, all the good times and the bad.
So how does one pick a mother's speech that is going to be suitable, and not on your daughter's list of "absolutely not to mention" subjects? Here are a few ideas that are nearly always safe.
When you're writing your mother of the bride speech, think about moments that are among the most happy times in her life. Like the day when your girl met her husband.
If that isn't something you want to tell from your perspective, than highlight some of the good points. Share what you felt about the groom when you first met him, any awkward but not embarrassing moments the three of you have shared, or even even better how you knew he was the right one for her.
A general recap of all of your daughters happy milestones are perfect for your speech too. Touch on when she first learned how to ride a bike, when she graduated from highschool and then university, when she had her first boyfriend, learning to drive, and other happy moments.
Remeber for the sake of your daughter, leave the naked bathtub photographs at home! She will not appreciate you for that! If your daughter was always a daddy's little girl, those are the kind of stories that are good for a mother of the bride speech.
No matter what you choose to talk about, there are only a few things to always remember when you're thinking of the ideal topic:
- Make it something light and entertaining. People are there to eat, drink and be merry, and though you might want to remember those who can not be present, just mention it, thats is sufficient.
- Don't touch on subjects that are embarrassing or that you might regret once your daughter gets back from the honeymoon.
- Keep on a positive note when speaking about the groom. You do not want to be the subject of their first arguement as man and wife.
It is appropriate for the mother of the bride speech to touch on what marriage is generally like, focusing on the good points, and on the importance of the relationship between man and wife.
You can mention the seriousness of the commitment and the issues the couple might face in their shared future. This short information should be inspiring to the newly weds and target the joy of having a partner to share the fun times and the bad.