"Not Just the Groom: Effective Tips for the Rising Trend of Bride's Welcome Speeches"
2021.05.04 published
The "Welcome Speech" to Greet Guests Is Now Commonly Given by the Bride Too*
After the ceremony, the 'Welcome Speech' is often given at the welcome party or the beginning of the reception♩
Until recently, it was standard for only the groom to give the welcome speech, but it has become more common for brides to speak as well.*
At weddings, the only time the bride typically speaks in front of guests is during the last letter to her parents.
While there may be moments to express gratitude to each individual guest, there hasn’t been a moment for the bride to express her thanks in front of all guests. Thus, many modern brides are choosing to give a welcome speech.*
However, when researching welcome speeches, most resources focus on the groom's speech.
So this time, we will introduce “what the bride can talk about during her welcome speech”♩
So, what does the groom usually talk about in the welcome speech?
Before considering what the bride will talk about, let’s review what the groom usually covers.*
The groom typically follows a standard flow when giving his welcome speech.
《Flow of the Groom's Welcome Speech》
① Thanking the guests: Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us on this special day.
② Reporting on the ceremony: We successfully completed our wedding ceremony with your support.
③ About the reception: We have prepared a modest celebratory gathering, so please relax and enjoy yourselves.
This flow is the norm for the groom’s welcome speech.
If the bride repeats the same content as the groom, it will become redundant, so
☑ It is good to borrow half of the groom's standard flow (the groom could cover points ① and ②, while the bride covers point ③)
☑ Or the bride can talk about something different from the groom.
Choosing one of these two options seems ideal.*
Borrowing a bit from the groom’s flow (dividing the content) is straightforward, but if the bride is to discuss something different, what should she say?
Here are some content ideas and examples!*
Bride's Welcome Speech ① Talk About Wedding Preparation
First, let’s introduce talking about the wedding preparation.*
The bride has likely spent daily effort preparing for this special day.
By including anecdotes that only the bride can share in her welcome speech, the guests will surely enjoy it from a different perspective♩
☑ For this special day, I have worked hard on preparations with my partner (groom). We have prepared many props for photos, so we hope you will take lots of pictures and enjoy them.
Bride's Welcome Speech ② Discuss the Theme and Flow of the Reception
Adding commentary about the theme and flow of the upcoming reception from the bride is also a good idea♡
Let’s let the guests know how you would like them to enjoy the occasion♩
☑ Today, I hope we can enjoy this gathering in a warm and friendly atmosphere rather than a formal one. If you feel comfortable, please take off your jackets and enjoy the delicious food and drinks together.
Bride's Welcome Speech ③ Talk About the Future
Sometimes, the bride may leave the wedding details to the groom and instead discuss their future together.*
☑ Last month, I started my new life with my partner (groom) in (location). As I am still getting used to this new life, I would be grateful if the life veterans among you could share some tips for a happy home life.
Bride's Welcome Speech ④ Share Her Current Feelings
It’s also recommended to express current feelings in the welcome speech.*
Being honest about her feelings will make for an engaging and heartfelt welcome speech.
☑ I was very nervous during the ceremony as I am not used to speaking in front of others, but now that I see all your smiling faces, I feel much more at ease. I hope we can enjoy a pleasant reception together.
Bride's Welcome Speech ⑤ Include Their Love Story
Lastly, let’s introduce sharing their love story in the speech♡
It’s not an exaggeration to say that guests come to see the happy couple on their wedding day.
By briefly mentioning their love story, the welcome speech will surely become more exciting for the guests◎
☑ I met my partner (groom) when we were in high school, and today, after 8 years together, we have finally reached this moment. It feels a little surreal to be here, but I am also filled with joy.
What Should the Bride Say in the Welcome Speech?
We have discussed ideas and examples for what the bride can say during her welcome speech.*
While the groom can convey his gratitude to the guests during his speech, there isn't a moment for the bride to express her thanks to the guests (the bride's letter mainly expresses her feelings towards her parents).
Thus, many modern brides often take this opportunity to express their gratitude during their welcome speech as well◎
For brides who wish to convey their gratitude to the guests, a welcome speech is highly recommended!♡