If your little sis is saying her, “I do’s” or your big sis is ready to take the plunge, as brother of the bride, you just may be inclined to say a few words at the reception. With our quick guide and some general etiquette questions answers, you’ll be on your way in no time!
Readers Ask: My older sister is getting married and I have been begged to make a speech. Do you have any suggestions as far as content is concerned, as brother of the bride?
Our Answer
Go with your head and go with your heart. First, do any and all thanking that you find necessary and appropriate. From the guests coming to celebrate to the help that made it all happen. Once that’s over with, dive into the heart of it all.
Memories, heartfelt wishes and maybe a punch line or two would be all great additions to the brother of the bride toast.
Making a wedding speech can be quite a nerve racking experience. It isn’t really traditional for the brother of the bride to make a speech but it of course it is a personal decision. The bride’s brother should normally recap a few fun memories of the bride and groom, perhaps a story about growing up with his sister and to wish them well. A good mix of humor and heartfelt love is often the way to go with a brother of the bride speech.
A great idea for a brother of bride speech is to bring up stories of what the bride was like as a child, with her first boyfriend, or even describe a few of the negatives of the bride/groom’s relationship in a funny way, as long as he “recovers” to finish with something heartfelt, welcoming his now brother-in-law to the family and saying something nice about the happy couple.
Other Expert Answers
“You are a really good brother to do this! If you just speak from your heart and keep it in the right, loving and hopeful place you will be great. Share your love on behalf of the family and try not to sweat it. A heartfelt wish for her “happily ever after!” will suffice!” – Sue of Hobart’s Fine Florals
“There are a few things you’ll want to include in your speech. They are:
- Thanking the guests (especially out-of-town guests) for coming
- Welcoming the groom into the family
You can include a favorite memory of your sister when you were younger, some of her traits you admire (possibly something you think will carry well into her marriage) and how happy you are that she has found the right partner for her.
If you’ve had time to get to know the groom, you can include a little about him as well, some things you like about him and why you’re happy to welcome him to the family.” – Rick Pieczonka of Instant Wedding Toasts
Brother of the Bride Speech Examples
Example 1:
Good evening, I’m Bob, Sheela’s young brother. I knew this day would come. I would stand before a crowd at her wedding, as I do today; look the man she has chosen in the eye and say, “You are not worthy. Go home.” What I didn’t expect, was to be standing here as Greg’s close friend and to be admitting that he is most certainly worthy of my sister.
Example 2:
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to be with you as we celebrate the union of my little sister, Linda, to the love of her life, Paul. Nothing means more to them and our families than sharing this special day with you. Ever since she was a little girl, Linda dreamed of a lavish outdoor wedding with garlands of roses on a warm summer day. Today, her dream came true; though speaking as a man in a tux, an unseasonably cool summer day would have been a fine wish too. But anything for my little sister.
Example 3:
I have just a few simple words to say today – to the the extended family members, thank you. To the groom and the groom’s family, thank you for loving and taking my sister and us into your family. To Mum and Dad and the rest of my family,thank you for acknowledging and warmly accepting the groom and his family as part of us and into our family. The thing is, the groom, is a true gentlemen. Your hard working, clever, <personal joke here>, and you seem to have the answer to many of life’s questions but your always the last to speak, and have a keenness to help. I respect you mate, and realise that family comes first for you. He’s humble, kind, and loves my sister truly and deeper than any other, and I can’t think of anyone more fitting to marry my sister.
So I’d like you all now to raise your glass and say cheers, say it loudly, to celebrate the union of the bride and groom. May the drinks of life keep on flowing…
Brother of the Bride Speech Additions
Funny & Appropriate Jokes
Silly Memories: ‘Donna always knew how to share. I clearly remember her gladly sharing the contents of her potty with whoever was passing, which was usually just me.”
The Older Brother: ‘People often ask what the difference in age between my sister and I is and if it’s impacted our relationship at all. And I always say [shouting, cupping ear with hand]: WHAT’S THAT? CAN YOU SPEAK UP, DEAR? YES, LOVELY WEATHER WE’VE BEEN HAVING…’
Warning the Groom: ‘I would never want to embarrass Rachel. But she certainly loves to push the time in the bathroom. I remember in high school, when we had to share an adjoining bathroom and by the time I had waiting for her to come out, I’d need to shave all over again.”
Openers
Funny: ‘Hi there, my name is Joe and I’m here to tell you all about Karen. She’s wonderful, she’s beautiful … and, I’m sorry sis but I can’t read your writing.”
Simple: ‘Good evening everyone, my name is Stephen and I’m the brother of the bride. I’m so honored to be able to welcome you all here tonight.’
Heartfelt: ‘Love has brought my sister and Brian together. And their new marriage is what has brought two families together as one today.’
Closers
Funny: “To the two things that make marriage a successful one – a good sense of humor and selective hearing.”
Simple: ‘Please join me by raising a glass and toasting to the happy couple.’
Heartfelt: ‘They say you don’t marry the person you can live with, you marry the person you cannot live without – and that’s my sister and Jordan.’
Wedding Speech Guides
- Groom’s Speech. Our Guide to writing and delivering an amazing Groom wedding speech.
- Best Man Speech. Helping the best man create an awesome best man speech.
- Maid of Honor Speeches. How to come up with a great maid of honor speech.
- Father of the Bride Speech. Your daughter’s getting married.
- Example Toasts & Speech Quotes. One liners, funny quotes, love parables and much more.
- Top Wedding Speech & Toasts Blog Posts. The latest blog posts about wedding speeches.