Being a groom is a lot of work. From planning the proposal to organizing the wedding, there are plenty of things on the groom’s plate. One of the many important tasks of the groom is to deliver a wedding speech. Weddings can be stressful, but the groom’s speech is one of the highlights of the day for many. There are many things for the groom to say in his speech, but one question that often arises is, who does the groom thank?
In this blog post, we’ll dive into who the groom should thank and provide some tips on how the groom can nail his speech.
The Father of the Bride
The first person the groom should thank in his speech is the father of the bride. Traditionally, the father of the bride pays for the wedding, so it’s important to acknowledge his contribution to the big day. The groom can thank the father of the bride for raising such a wonderful daughter and welcoming the groom into the family.
The Guests
Next up, the groom should thank the guests. These are the people who have taken time out of their busy schedules to join in the celebration. The groom can thank them for their support and for sharing in the joyous occasion. The groom should also give a special thanks to any guests who have traveled from out of town or out of the country to attend the wedding, showing how much he and his bride appreciate their attendance.
The Parents
The groom’s own parents should also be acknowledged in the speech. The groom should thank them for their love and support throughout the years and especially in his journey with his bride. The groom should also express his gratitude to the bride’s parents for raising a wonderful daughter and helping to make the wedding day such a success.
The Best Man and Groomsmen
The groom should take the time to thank his best man and groomsmen for their support leading up to the wedding and on the wedding day. These are the guys who have been with the groom through thick and thin, and they deserve a special mention. The groom can share how he values their friendship and the role they have played in his life, and mention how much he trusts and needs them.
The Bridesmaids
The groom should also thank the bridesmaids who have supported the bride throughout the wedding planning and on the big day itself. The groom can express his appreciation for the bridesmaids’ hard work, especially in ensuring that his bride had the perfect wedding day. The groomsmen can also be thanked at this juncture for being willing to pair up and help make the night a meaningful one.
The Bride
Of course, the most important person to thank in the groom’s speech is his bride. The groom can express his love for his bride and how thankful he is for marrying her. This is the perfect opportunity to share stories about how they met and fell in love and to acknowledge the qualities that make the bride so special. The groom should also thank the bride for all of her hard work in planning the wedding and for being by his side throughout their relationship journey.
Tips for Giving a Great Wedding Speech
Now that we know who the groom should thank in his wedding speech, let’s take a look at some tips for making sure the speech is memorable:
1. Practice, Practice, Practice – It’s important to practice the speech before the day, so the groom does not stumble over his words. Rehearsals with someone trusted such as the Best Man or sibling are a great way to ease the nerves.
2. Be Honest – The groom can deliver his speech in his own way – funny, sentimental or both – as long as it is authentic and true.
3. Keep it Brief – Long speeches can be boring, especially if guests have already sat through several speeches. The groom should keep his speech between five to eight minutes long and make sure he isn’t repeating what others have already said.
4. Thank People Who Could Not Attend – If there are anyone who could not make it to the wedding, either due to distance or unforeseen circumstances, it is a good idea to thank them, especially if they have sent a gift or message.
Conclusion
The groom’s wedding speech provides an opportunity to express gratitude to all the important people in his life and give shoutouts to the people who have made his relationship possible. By thanking the father of the bride, guests, parents, best man, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and most importantly his bride, groomsmen can showcase his appreciation and love for those he adores. By taking the time to practice, be honest, and keep it brief, the groom can deliver an unforgettable speech that will be remembered for years to come.
FAQ
Does the groom welcome guests?
Traditionally, the groom’s role during the wedding is not to welcome guests, but rather to wait patiently at the altar for his bride to walk down the aisle. However, in some cases, the groom may also take on the role of welcoming guests, especially in smaller and more intimate weddings where there isn’t a designated usher or greeter to perform this task.
As an alternative to having ushers, some couples may ask close friends or family members, including the groom, to welcome the guests and guide them to their seats. In such cases, the groom or his appointed representative would stand at the entrance of the ceremony venue and greet each guest with a warm smile, a friendly hello, and a firm handshake.
The groom can also be helpful in assisting guests with any questions or concerns they might have, such as directions to the restroom or the wedding reception venue. He can also help any elderly or disabled guests to their seats, ensuring that everyone is comfortable and well taken care of.
All in all, while it’s not a traditional role assigned to the groom, welcoming guests to the wedding can be a great way to make guests feel more comfortable and connected to the bride and groom and make the wedding more memorable for everyone involved.