It's traditional for the host to give a rehearsal dinner speech, but this task comes easier to some people than others. If you're not sure about what to say, a few tips and rehearsal dinner speech examples can help you put together a wonderful speech that sets the right tone for all the festivities to come.
Examples of Rehearsal Dinner Speeches
The rehearsal dinner is usually hosted by the groom's parents, and the groom's father is expected to give a short speech at some point during the gathering. However, another family member or friend can host the dinner, so the content of the speech will vary a bit according to that person's relationship to the happy couple. The following examples can be modified with your own names and the circumstances tweaked to make them your own.
If you need help downloading the printable speeches, check out these helpful tips.
Father of the Groom or Parent Speech
Good evening everyone. For those of you that don't already know me, I'm Ron Miller, this is my wife Gina, and we're the parents of the groom. We'd like to thank everyone for joining us on the eve of Jack and Carol's wedding.
As I look at these two beautiful people tonight, I think back to when Jack first introduced us to Carol two years ago. She was kind of quiet and shy, and I wasn't sure she'd last long with a rowdy family like ours. Once we got to know her, though, we could see why Jack fell in love with her and why they fit together so well. Now, it's hard to imagine our family without her, and after tomorrow, she'll officially become a Miller. Carol, we love you, and we couldn't be happier that you're marrying our son. Jack, your mother and I are very proud of you, and we love you.
I don't want to hold up the rest of the celebration, so let me wind this up with just a bit of advice for Jack and Carol. Every morning when you each wake up, make a promise to yourselves that today you will be the very best spouses you can be. Put each other's happiness before your own, and try to perform at least one act of kindness for each other everyday. If you can do that, everything else will fall into place. Congratulations to the two of you, and may your marriage be blessed.
Mother of the Groom Rehearsal Dinner Speech
Thank you, everyone. As John's mother and Karen's soon-to-be second mother, I'd like to thank you for the support and love you've shown us all throughout the wedding planning process and tonight. I/We're so glad you were all able to join us for a shared meal before the craziness of the big day tomorrow.
Watching John grow up, I could only dream about who he would marry someday. When he was 10, he told me he would marry our family dog, Daisy, because no one would ever love him as much as she did! Well, I'm pleased to say that Karen is a far better choice! Karen, I/we are excited to welcome you into our crazy family filled with not only pets, but love and fun, too. Bill and Susan, you have raised a delightful daughter and I/we adore her.
Before the big day, I just want to reflect on how John and Karen have grown as a couple. They hit it off right away, and we knew she'd be the perfect fit when she agreed to go with us on our family trip the following summer. If she can put up with three dogs, two parents, John, and his two sisters, she is a keeper. John told us when he made the decision to propose, and we were all bursting with the secret. Now the secret's out and everyone will gather to share in the joy and love you have for one another.
Let's raise our glasses and toast not only John and Karen, but Bill and Susan, and everyone here who has made tomorrow possible. Cheers to many happy years and a wonderful wedding day!
Speech from the Groom
Hello everyone. On behalf of Carol and myself, I want to thank you all for attending the rehearsal earlier this evening, as well as this wonderful dinner we're all about to enjoy. I want to thank my parents, as well, not just for hosting the dinner, but for everything they've done to support Carol and I on this journey.
I also want to thank Carol's parents, Michael and Linda, who've been behind us all the way. When you see the beautiful wedding they helped us put together, you'll know what Carol and I already know; they are awesome.
To my beautiful fiancée, soon to be my lovely bride, I want to thank you in front of all the wonderful people gathered here tonight for agreeing to join your life with mine. I know we have a fantastic future ahead of us. The path may not always be smooth, but that's just part of life. I know that we can handle all the bumps along the way as long as we always have each other. I truly cannot wait to take our vows tomorrow.
So, thank you everyone. Eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves. Tomorrow we do it all again.
Speech from the Bride
Good evening everyone. As I stand here tonight looking around the room at all of you, I feel so blessed, and I know that Jack does too.
I'd like to thank Jack's mom and dad, Ron and Gina, for putting this lovely rehearsal dinner together for us. We truly appreciate it. And I want to thank you both for welcoming me into your family as well. I'm so happy to have another set of parents to love and rely on.
To my parents, Michael and Linda Warner, I want to take this opportunity before we all get caught up in the wedding festivities tomorrow to thank you for everything you've done for us. I hope you know how much we love you.
To everyone else, thank you all for being part of our celebration and for helping us make our dream wedding a reality.
Speech from a Close Friend
Hello everyone. For those of you that don't know me, my name is Doug Cameron. I have been friends with Jack for quite some time, and I'm happy to say that after getting to know her so well over these last two years, I call Carol a friend as well.
At first, it may not seem obvious how these two became a couple. After all, Jack's so outgoing, and Carol's more on the quiet side. But as it so often happens, opposites attract, and I think these two quickly realized how well they complete each other.
So here we are two years later sitting down to this lovely dinner provided by Jack's parents, and tomorrow we'll all be at the wedding that Carol's parents have so graciously helped put together. It warms my heart to see all the examples of love in this room, and I think we're all privileged to be a part of it. Let's wish Jack and Carol every happiness and a long life together.
Tips for Giving Your Speech
Giving a rehearsal dinner speech can be a bit nerve-wracking, but if you remember just why everyone is gathered to celebrate and you speak from your heart, you will be able to express your joy and love for the happy couple. Practice your speech ahead of time so it will roll naturally off your lips, and it's all right to have a written copy to keep you on track. When you're finished, you can offer it to the bride so she can add it to her wedding scrapbook.
