Newlywed couples are increasingly stepping up to the microphone at their own weddings, as brides and bridesmaids claim a voice in the traditionally male-dominated speech lineup.
The latest data from Hitched.co.uk reveals a shift in wedding traditions, with 28% of brides and 34% of bridesmaids and maids of honour delivering speeches in 2024. While grooms (92%), best men (86%), and fathers of the bride (66%) still account for most speeches, more women than ever before are taking part. Additionally, 24% of wedding guests also contributed speeches last year, marking a move towards more inclusive and modernised celebrations.
The findings build on insights from 2023, which showed that 44% of couples planned to diverge from the standard speech lineup, opting instead for joint speeches, speeches from mothers as well as fathers, multiple short speeches from guests, or even no speeches at all. A further 30% of respondents expressed the belief that wedding speech traditions should be updated to reflect contemporary values.
Jasmine Granton, 31, from Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, married in November and explained her reasons for delivering a speech at her own wedding. “I wanted to do a speech because… well, why not?” she said. “I’m a fairly confident speaker, and I think it’s nice for my husband, bridesmaids, and my side of the family to have words dedicated to them. A lot of classic wedding traditions don’t resonate with me as a feminist, and it seems bizarre that, traditionally, only men would speak at a wedding.”
Beyond her speech, Jasmine also made adjustments to other aspects of the ceremony to challenge long-standing customs. “I invited our mums up to be the final people to give us both a kiss before we said ‘I do’, instead of just my dad giving me away,” she said.
Reflecting on the impact of her speech, she added: “I wanted it to be light-hearted and fun while sharing stories and memories from the 13 years I’ve spent with my partner. There were plenty of tears and laughter, which was exactly what I had hoped for.”
She also encouraged more women to embrace speaking at their own weddings. “I love seeing traditions evolve. Nowadays, most of us contribute financially to our weddings, so it felt right to stand up and address the people who had come to celebrate with us.”
Zoe Burke, editor of Hitched.co.uk, sees the shift as a reflection of broader societal changes. “At Hitched, we’re witnessing a meaningful departure from rigid wedding customs, with more women than ever stepping up to the microphone,” she said.
“The latest data highlights how brides and bridesmaids are taking their rightful place in the spotlight alongside grooms and best men. It’s inspiring to see how modern couples are reshaping wedding norms, from shared speeches to breaking free from outdated traditions. This trend reflects the evolving role of women in weddings and society as a whole – in 2025, everyone deserves a voice.”
