If you are not going to have a master of ceremonies present at your wedding then traditionally it will fall to the person who is paying for the wedding (usually the bride’s father) to make the opening speech.
The correct structure of the speech should follow the well established and recognised wedding format.
-First welcome all the guests to the wedding.
-Second welcome the bridegroom and his parents into your family.
- Third always congratulate the bride on how beautiful she looks on her big day.
-Fourth recount a humourous story about when she was young.
- Fifth deliver some advice and words of wisdom about married life (Another good place to tell a joke and some humour into your speech)
- Sixth thank everyone whos hard work has made the wedding special (caterers, vicar etc)
- Last of all propose a toast to the bride and groom!