When it comes to weddings, a lot of attention goes to the big day. But let’s not forget the charm and intimacy of the rehearsal dinner, often where some of the most heartfelt moments unfold. Among these special moments is the rehearsal dinner speech. Whether you’re the bride, groom, best man, or a proud parent, nailing your speech is key to setting the tone for the wedding weekend.
What Makes a Rehearsal Dinner Speech Stand Out?
Rehearsal dinner speeches are often more casual than the ones on the wedding day itself, but they still carry emotional weight. This is the time to share personal stories, express gratitude, and sprinkle in a bit of humor. The best rehearsal dinner speeches are ones that connect with the couple, entertain the audience, and leave everyone feeling excited for the big day.
How to Write a Rehearsal Dinner Speech
1. Start with a Warm Opening
The first thing you want to do is greet everyone. A simple “Good evening, everyone!” followed by a brief acknowledgment of those present will set a welcoming tone. You might even want to include a short icebreaker or thank everyone for attending the event. Remember, everyone at the rehearsal dinner is usually close family and friends, so the vibe is intimate.
2. Introduce Yourself
Even if you know most of the guests, there will likely be a few unfamiliar faces. Take a moment to introduce yourself. A short introduction helps everyone understand your connection to the couple. For example:
“For those who don’t know me, I’m Sarah, the bride’s sister. I’ve known Jessica since, well, forever, and I can’t tell you how excited I am to be standing here on the eve of her big day.”
3. Share a Personal Story
Here’s where the magic happens! A personal anecdote or story is what will make your speech memorable. Share a meaningful memory, but make sure it aligns with the occasion. This could be about how the couple met, a funny moment during their relationship, or even a touching moment from your shared past.
For instance, “I remember the first time Jessica told me about Tom. She called me up and said, ‘Sarah, I’ve met someone who’s kind, funny, and…tall!’ Of course, we all know her well enough to understand that the height was just a bonus to his amazing heart.”
4. Keep it Light with Humor
While it’s great to be sentimental, adding a little humor will help keep things engaging. You don’t need to be a stand-up comedian, but a lighthearted joke or a funny observation can go a long way. Just ensure that your humor is appropriate and won’t offend anyone.
5. Express Gratitude
This is a big moment for the couple, but also for their families. Be sure to thank the hosts of the rehearsal dinner, typically the groom’s family, and extend gratitude to anyone who played a role in making the wedding come together. Gratitude shows thoughtfulness and appreciation for the collective effort.
6. Offer Best Wishes to the Couple
Close your speech by raising a toast to the couple. You could say something like:
“So, here’s to Jessica and Tom. May your lives together be filled with laughter, love, and endless adventures. Cheers!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Going on too long: Rehearsal dinner speeches should be heartfelt, but concise. Aim for around 5-7 minutes.
- Inappropriate jokes: Keep the humor light and avoid anything too edgy.
- Reading word for word: While it’s okay to have notes, try not to rely too heavily on reading. Your speech should feel natural and conversational.
- Leaving anyone out: Make sure to thank both families and anyone who played a role in the planning.
Rehearsal Dinner Speech Etiquette
While the tone of a rehearsal dinner is typically more relaxed than the wedding day, there are still a few etiquette guidelines to follow when giving a speech.
1. Timing
Rehearsal dinner speeches usually happen towards the end of the meal, once everyone has had a chance to eat. It’s best to give your speech when the guests are settled but not too tired from the day’s events.
2. Order of Speeches
The order of speeches often starts with the host, followed by close family members (such as parents or siblings), and then the bridal party. If you’re unsure of when to speak, don’t hesitate to ask the couple or the event planner for guidance.
3. Keep it Classy
While you want to inject some personality into your speech, it’s important to keep things appropriate. Avoid embarrassing stories, private details, or anything that might make the couple or guests uncomfortable.
Sample Rehearsal Dinner Speech Outline
Here’s a handy outline you can use to craft your speech:
- Greeting and Introduction – Begin with a warm welcome and introduce yourself.
- Personal Story or Anecdote – Share a memorable or funny story about the couple.
- Gratitude – Thank the hosts, families, and the couple for including you.
- Best Wishes – Conclude with heartfelt wishes for the couple’s future.
- Toast – Raise your glass and invite everyone to toast the happy couple.
FAQs About Rehearsal Dinner Speeches
- Who traditionally gives a speech at the rehearsal dinner? Traditionally, the host of the rehearsal dinner, often the groom’s family, gives the first speech. Following that, close family members, the bridal party, and even the bride and groom may say a few words.
- How long should a rehearsal dinner speech be? A good rehearsal dinner speech should last between 5 to 7 minutes. This is enough time to convey your message without losing the audience’s attention.
- Can the bride and groom give a speech at the rehearsal dinner? Yes! In fact, it’s common for the bride and groom to say a few words of thanks during the rehearsal dinner. This is a great opportunity for them to express their appreciation to their families and friends.
- Should I memorize my speech? While it’s not necessary to memorize your speech, it’s a good idea to rehearse it a few times. Having notes or an outline is helpful, but try to speak naturally and from the heart.
- Is it okay to cry during my speech? Absolutely! Rehearsal dinner speeches are often filled with emotion. If you tear up, don’t worry— it only shows how much the moment means to you.
Conclusion
Delivering a rehearsal dinner speech is a meaningful way to show your love and support for the couple. Whether you’re sharing a funny story or offering heartfelt wishes, the key is to keep it genuine. Stick to the outline, sprinkle in some humor, and speak from the heart. Remember, this is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the couple, and your words will help make it unforgettable.