speeches at reception

HillandRon Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:18 AM

speeches at reception

I was just wondering what everyone is doing regarding speeches at the reception. Do both the best man and the MOH give a speech/toast? At the finalization meeting with my band last week, the band said that the best man always gives a speech but the MOH usually doesn't (however it can be done if we want). My parents were there and said they never went to a wedding where the MOH gave a speech. However, many wedding that I've attended recently have had both the best man and the MOH give a speech. (By the way, we're not having a rehearsal dinner, so the MOH can't speak there.) So, maybe it's a growing trend these days to have the MOH give a speech, but I don't know.

I'm not sure if I want my MOH to give a speech, but if I tell my parents that I do, I'd like to know how common it is. Please let me know if you're having your MOH speak or if you've seen it done. Also, I haven't spoken to my MOH at all about giving a speech, and I'm a little concerned that if I say nothing, she might assume she's supposed to give one and show up to the wedding with a speech prepared. What's everyone's thoughts?

Scoop Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:20 AM

Re: speeches at reception

I was my sister's moh and I gave a speech. It's totally your choice. I would ask your moh if she wants to or not and then let the band know.

nrvbrd Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:21 AM

Re: speeches at reception

I posted a similar question a couple of weeks ago.

I would like to keep speeches to a minimum at the reception.

Use the rehearsal dinner as a time for everyone to give speeches.

nylisa Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:21 AM

Re: speeches at reception

I have seen the MOH stand next to the BM during his speech but I have never seen a MOH give a speech at the reception. I am only having the BM give a speech at my reception.

OctBride03 Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:22 AM

Re: speeches at reception

My MOH is also giving a toast. She asked if she could. Works out well because our BM is rather shy when it comes to speaking in front of so many people!

Anyway, it's traditional that the BM does it alone, but nowadays, people don't totally stick to tradition anymore.

It's totally up to you!

EBM7 Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:22 AM

Re: speeches at reception

I was just the MOH in a wedding in February and I gave a speech. I think you should at least offer her the opportunity. Why should the best man get to speak and not the MOH?

KarenK122 Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:25 AM

Re: speeches at reception

I think that my MOH (my sister) will be the only one giving a toast at my wedding. My FBIL is socially inept and I am almost certain he is going to flake and refuse to do a toast at the reception, so I'm making sure my sis is ready to step in : ).

Chloegirl Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:26 AM

Re: speeches at reception

I have been to a few weddings recently and the MOH at all the weddings spoke.

My MOH will say short speach at my wedding. She is very special to me and has a few things she would like to share. Its all up to you really and how comfortable she would feel doing this.

Sassy Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:26 AM

Re: speeches at reception

Both BM and MOH are giving speeches. They will keep it short.

karen32 Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:27 AM

Re: speeches at reception

our MOH will not be giving a speech. the last one i attended the MOH gave a toast, it didn't bother me in the least, but i know older members of the family didn't quite understand why she had to give a toast. they viewed it as a special time for the BM.

kelly6273 Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:28 AM

Re: speeches at reception

If the best mans speech is short, I would have your MOH do a speech. This happened at my sisters wedding...I (the MOH) wasn't expecting to give one but when I heard the best man's speech (so short) I decided to.

jennyg Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:30 AM

Re: speeches at reception

I would give her the choice if she wants to make a speech. Seems pretty sexist, IMO, why only the BM would give one. I know it's considered 'tradition' but seems outdated to me. Do whatever you and MOH feel comfortable with.

cluelessbride Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:33 AM

Re: speeches at reception

I've been to one wedding where the MOH gave a toast, not a long one, but sweet. I thought it was nice.

I don't like when the BM goes on and on, so for me if speeches are short and sweet people will listen and not be bored and it's not such an interruption to the party.

I think MOH toasts are fine, but not a long speech.

HillandRon Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:34 AM

Re: speeches at reception

thanks for all of your opinions--- I need to discuss with my FH and let you guys know

NovemberSue Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:41 AM

Re: speeches at reception

Our Best man gave a speech and my brother read a poem that was written by my father who couldn't be there due to his health.

MarcellaBella Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:44 AM

Re: speeches at reception

Our Best Man and my sister (MOH) will be giving a little speech with a toast..

Jess2 Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:48 AM

Re: speeches at reception

Mine is giving a speech. I was in a wedding this year & spoke, and recently went to another wedding where my BF was the MOH and spoke. Usually, the best man gives the toast & then the MOH speaks.

SeptemberBride03 Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:50 AM

Re: speeches at reception

I would like my MOH to give a speech. We have two BM and they are giving a jt speech. At the RD anyone who wants to can speak.

eroxgirl Posted: Apr 30, 2003 10:51 AM

Re: speeches at reception

I gave a speech when I was MOH in my best friends wedding - but there were 2 of us, and the other didn't want to give one. She also had the 2 best men give a speech, and 2 of the groomsmen gave a speech together. (It was a bit much)

BUT people complimented my speech more than anyone elses because I kept it very, very short!