Brides speeches are a relatively recent addition to the ceremony. Weddings of the past have been dominated by the male roles-father of the bride, best man, and groom.

Even as it becomes more popular, the bride's speech is changing as brides figure out what part they would like to play in the day.

The basic structure for bride's speeches:

1. show your gratitude to maids, family (including in-laws), and friends,

2. offer a story that illustrates your love for your husband,

3. toast him with a quote, and

4. introduce the next speaker.

Of course, the focus of the bride's speech is generally the groom and marriage. Since it can be challenging to find a good quote to use for the toast, I've included a list you can draw from below. They cover a range of attitudes from respectful, to humorous, to acknowledging the blustery quality that mark some relationships.

Some distinctive wedding toast quotes:

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. - Mignon McLaughlin

I love being married. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. - Rita Rudner

No, I don't understand my husband's theory of relativity, but I know my husband and I know he can be trusted.-- Elsa Einstein

When you love someone, all your saved up wishes start coming out. --Elizabeth Bowen

There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved. - George Sand

You know that when I hate you, it is because I love you to a point of passion that unhinges my soul. - Julie de Lespinasse

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

So much more you can do.

A well-chosen quote is just one resource to help your bride's speech add luster to an occasion you'll cherish your whole life. There are a lot of other ways to make your speech special, such as speaking jointly with your new husband, or adding touches to make it a small celebration of it's own.

A huge time-saver

Searching the internet for a quote here and a toast there is going to be a terrific drain on your time. If your wedding is coming soon, a better bet is to get a collection professionally written bride's speeches you can download and customize right away.