Why leave all the talking to the men? Modern brides are taking their turn at the mic

Brides giving speeches - and why not? After all, you've gathered together all your best mates and closest family, you look fabulous, you're glowing with happiness. You're unlikely ever to find a more receptive audience.

It's the perfect opportunity to share a few well-chosen words about your new husband and personally thank your friends for their support. Don't waste it.

Rachel Barclay, 33, was determined not to. She made sure she was first to the microphone at her wedding reception.

'I wanted to go first. Maybe there was an element of getting it over with, and I was a bit nervous when I first got up there. But once I got going I really enjoyed it,' she says.

'I had never thought I would want to make a speech but then I thought I didn't want to have all those people there and not say anything. I also felt it was a bit old-fashioned to let all the men have their say and me keep quiet.'

Rachel adds: 'It went very well. Even now there are still people who say how good my speech was, how it was really funny and touching.'

Unlike the best man, who is expected to entertain the crowd, a bride faces no pressure to be either particularly funny or insightful, and her speech can be as short or long as she wishes.

Sally Passey, 34, made her wedding speech into a rhyming poem, mentioning many people who were at the ceremony and reception.

'I was just sure my husband Roger would invite me to speak, so thought I'd better have something prepared. I actually quite enjoyed doing it and don't see why the bride should just sit and listen and not participate.'

'I've been to quite a few weddings over the last few years where the bride has spoken, sometimes more articulately and with more wit than the men, so my advice is get up and do it. Although some preparation is probably desirable!'

While these days it is not uncommon for brides to stand up and have their say, a bridal speech doesn't carry with it the tradition or responsibility associated with the best man's or father of the bride's speech. So you can choose whether you go first or last.

Some couples do a joint speech, or you could make yours echo the subjects covered by your husband - your version of the events he has already mentioned, which should raise a few laughs.

Julia Thomson, 27, had a few sharp words from her mother-in-law when she said she'd be making a speech alongside her husband. 'I think it was more surprise than disapproval, but I made sure I mentioned her in the speech and she was really pleased afterwards.'

'I considered doing a hip-hop rap, which might not have gone down so well,' she says. 'Part of me still wishes I'd had the nerve to go through with it, but maybe it's just as well I didn't.'

Whatever method of delivery you choose, make sure you are happy with it, and if in doubt, err on the side of caution. Don't think about performing a song if your voice isn't up to it, and don't try and speak without notes if you're afraid your memory might let you down.

Not sure whether to have your say or not? Four tips from the brides