Basic Etiquette for Requesting a Friend's Speech: Examples of Thank You Messages and Recommended Gifts Explained

2019.10.19 published

Emotional Performance at the Wedding Reception: "Friends' Speech"

Having important friends give a speech or read a letter at the wedding reception, known as "Friends' Speech."

Many brides have found themselves moved to tears when receiving episodes or words like "Wishing you happiness" from close friends. It's a heartfelt moment.

Sharing both joyful and tough times, being together in classrooms and clubs, supporting each other during difficult moments, and sometimes even scolding each other, makes speeches from such friends truly special.

@kimimi_03

If You Ask for a Friends' Speech, Be Sure to Show Your Gratitude♡

When you ask a cherished friend for a friends' speech, it's a rule to express your gratitude♡

Taking the time to choose a gift or thank you for your friend is a delightful experience, and even if they say, "You don't need to thank me! Just don't worry about it!" it’s essential to desire to express your gratitude♡

As the saying goes, "Even in close relationships, manners matter," showing proper gratitude is important◎

@sk.wedding2017.7.7

When Should You Give Thanks for the Friends' Speech?

The timing to give a thank you gift for the friends' speech is often:

☑ Right after the speech

☑ During the farewell after the reception

It seems to be common to do so at one of these times＊

To avoid making them think, "(Well, it’s fine, but) isn't there a thank you? (There was something last time...)," it’s recommended to give it on the same day, rather than through mail at a later date or during a meal gathering♡

@tuu.tomo_wd_0526

What is the Standard Gift for a Friends' Speech?

The standard gift for a friends' speech ranges from 3,000 yen to 5,000 yen.

Many brides prefer to prepare a physical item rather than cash or gift cards for gratitude. Since they are close enough to request a friends' speech, they likely know the recipient's preferences♩

Adding a Letter or Message as a Thank You is Recommended♡

It is appreciated to include a letter or message with the thank you for the friends' speech♡

Receiving a letter of thanks gives the recipient joy, knowing that they were equally valued＊

《Example Messages for Thank You》

①

Thank you for taking on the friends' speech, XX-chan! We’ve been together since we met at the elementary school entrance ceremony. I’m really grateful for you talking to me back then♡

From now on, although I’ll be a bit farther away, let’s go out for drinks or travel together again!

②

Thank you for your speech. As I write this letter, I’m thinking about what kind of speech you will give, and just remembering our past makes me feel emotional already.

Thank you for always being there to listen to me. I believe that being able to marry XX (the groom) today is thanks to you being by my side!

From now on, let’s maintain a relationship that includes our families too♡

Recommended Gifts for Expressing Gratitude for the Friends' Speech♡

Recommended gifts for a friends' speech include:

☑ Cosmetics

☑ Skincare products

☑ Haircare products

☑ Handkerchief sets

These seem to be popular♡ Especially, items that can be personalized with names or engravings had high popularity♩

You can find plenty of specific items by referring to "Thank Yous for Receptionists"♡

➡ See the full list of thank you articles here＊

Additional Ways to Make Them Happy♡

Adding a little extra to the thank you gift can also be appreciated♡

☑ Upgrading the souvenir from your honeymoon and giving it while saying, "Thank you for the friends' speech!"

☑ Giving a bouquet as a gift

☑ Having "Thank you for the speech♡" written on the dessert plate

☑ Taking photos after the speech is done

☑ Introducing friends before the friends' speech from the bride

➡ A Simple Method to Capture Guests' Attention: Introducing Friends Before the Friends' Speech to Quiet Down the Crowd!

☑ Giving them a hug to say thank you at the end♡

@m__wedding__t

Be Sure to Show Gratitude for the Friends' Speech!

Always express your gratitude if someone has given a friends' speech◎

Those who have been asked to speak understand that thinking of what to say in a friends' speech or letter is genuinely difficult!

If you requested it, convey your feelings of appreciation sincerely and be sure to show your gratitude♩

Wishing your friendship lasts forever♡

@loveland.march.3