how to write the perfect groom's speech

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In This Article

• Speech Examples
• Speech Template
• Speech Tips
• What to Avoid
• Toast Ideas
• Wedding Party & Reception

Groom at Wedding Speech Templates And Ideas

phuket_wedding_planner via Instagram

Everyone wants to hear the groom say something at the wedding because he’s the man of the hour. For this reason, you must make the opportunity count. While it’s easy to celebrate the good fortune of finding your beloved, giving a speech is a different matter.

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Ironically, brides are always prepared, but grooms often leave the speech at the last minute, probably from panic. So whether you’re shy, confused about what to do, or don’t have the time to whip up something, we’ve got you covered. See our Post for the best groom wedding speeches tips and ideas ever.

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Groom Speech Examples

As against the best man speech which focuses more on the groom, the speech of the groom is for everyone, his bride inclusive. As a result, a groom’s speech is either light-hearted, funny, or witty. It has no blueprint or strict rules but two elements are ever-present regardless of what kind of speech it is – emotion and sincerity!

It is a special day and a lot of people made the day possible. In his speech, he will thank everyone and even those absent. He will salute his new father-in-law, the bridesmaids, the maid of honor, and even the bride’s mother.

He will thank his groomsmen and especially his best man for holding him up all the way. The highlight of this speech is when he would make a wedding toast to his beloved, with so much love in his eyes thanking her for coming into his life. He’d tell his love story and show his optimism and willingness to be her husband.

My speech today will be like a mini-skirt. Long enough to cover the essentials and short enough to hold your attention. Apparently, it’s my job to do all the thank you’s, so on behalf of my lovely new wife and I, the biggest thank-you goes to all of you for coming. The day would not have been the same without you and neither would my bank balance! But on a serious note, it is lovely to see so many of you here. Particularly those of you who have had to travel many miles. Amy and I would like to thank our parents for all the love and support both emotional and financial they have given us. And a special thank-you to Vanessa who is responsible for making our fantastic wedding cake. Sharon, Sue, Vanessa, Ray, Steve We’d also like to thank Darren for his services as the best man today and of course our ushers. You’ve all done a grand job. Darren, Mark, Jon, Jim, Adam That brings me onto our bridesmaids. Thank you all for your help and for being there for Amy through the ups and downs of wedding planning! I’m sure everyone will agree that you all look stunning today. Nina, Laura, Charlotte, Kirsty, Fiona, Lillie, Jordan, and Emily. Finally, I would personally like to thank my lovely wife, Amy, for having me as her husband! I read somewhere that “You don’t marry the person you can live with, you marry the person you cannot live without”. Well, we’ve lived together for five years and I know I’ve married the right person. I’m so glad I can at last call you my wife. Now all that remains is for me to say please enjoy the rest of the day…… and mine’s a foster!

………..Good evening ladies, gentlemen, family, and friends. First of all, I must say a big “thank you” to Colin for his kind words. His speech was so good, he’s going to do mine for me too. As many of you will know, I am of the shy retiring type that likes to keep quiet and keep my opinions to myself, therefore you can understand my nervousness at standing up here in front of all of you making a speech. And as many of you will also know, I’m also a compulsive liar, but I am still nervous, that bit is true. I have been fearful of this bit for weeks, and as you can imagine, this isn’t the first time today I have arisen from a warm seat with a piece of paper in my hand. I read while researching wedding speeches that a good speech has a good beginning and a good ending. But the best speech of all is one that keeps these close together. So I will try and keep this as short as possible and will try my best not to do a “Gwinny” with my list of thanks. Firstly I would like to thank any Rangers fans for still being here and not walking out at 4.30 as usual. Pause for cheers But then again, I don’t think we’re friends with any of them anyway. I would like to thank my parents, Ian and Margaret for all the help they have given me over the years, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here now. So, Helen, if it doesn’t work out you know who to blame. I would also like to thank Helen’s parents, Colin and Sandra, for making me feel like the son they never wanted, sorry the son they never had, right from day 2. Day 1 was a bit rough, but hey, they’re over it now……….

……….You are all aware of our problems over the last few years and one of my biggest worries, especially when I was “down South”, so to speak, was that my two children, Michelle and Nick would go off the rails. I’m pleased to say that they didn’t and they’ve both made us so proud of their achievements so I’d like to propose my toast to them….Michelle and Nick. Very few of you will know, but I am an erstwhile poet when the mood takes me. Anita has always complained that I have never written a poem for her, so I will today amend that omission. It’s called Wedding Day…………

………..On behalf of Julia and myself, or should I say on behalf of my wife and me, we would like to thank everyone for coming today. Everyone has traveled in some way to be here and share this special day with us and we’re delighted to see you all. A special thank-you goes out to those of you who have traveled a greater number of miles to be here today. It’s quite humbling to realize that you’re friends and family that care so much and are willing to travel all that way to share in your special day. Thank you for your cards, kind thoughts and of course all your wedding gifts. They’re all greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, there are two people who can’t be here today, my Dad and my granddad so, it would mean a lot to me if you would all stand for a toast in their memory – To Billy McCleery and James Harrison Snr…………

………….On a serious note, I’d firstly like to say a big thank you to my new Dad Dave. I’m proud to be his son-in-law and hope I can live up to his expectations, which should be easy, compared to his other son Mick! But let us not take this Father, Son thing too seriously, as I’m not into 10-mile runs before breakfast like you were in the Paras. Both Sharon and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for coming here today and sharing this special occasion with us. Especially those who brought expensive presents. Its much appreciated! Thank you to Edwin and Elsa, Margaret and Linda and many others who have traveled a long way to be here. It’s certainly a long way from Brighouse! We hope you all enjoy the day, have fun, relax and be merry…………….

Groom Rehearsal Dinner Speech

Congratulations on your upcoming rehearsal dinner speech! Here are three tips to help you write a memorable and meaningful speech:

• Keep it concise: Your speech should be short and sweet. Aim for no more than five minutes. Remember, this is just a rehearsal dinner, not the main event. You want to keep your guests engaged and entertained, but you don’t want to bore them with a long-winded speech.
• Personalize it: Share stories and anecdotes that are personal to you and your fiance. Talk about how you met, what you love about your fiancé, and what makes your relationship special. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions – this is a special occasion, after all.
• Thank your guests: Your rehearsal dinner is a time to thank the people who have supported you throughout your wedding planning process. Take a moment to express your gratitude and thank your guests for being a part of your special day.

Here’s an example of a groom rehearsal dinner speech that incorporates these three tips:

Good evening everyone, and thank you for joining us on this special night. I want to start by thanking our parents, who have been there for us every step of the way. Your love and support mean the world to us. I also want to thank our friends and family who have traveled from near and far to be here with us. We feel incredibly blessed to have you in our lives. As we sit here tonight, I can’t help but reflect on how lucky I am to have found my soulmate in [bride’s name]. I knew from the moment I met her that she was the one for me. Her kindness, intelligence, and beauty continue to amaze me every day. [Optional: insert a personal anecdote here] [Optional: insert a joke or humorous story here] As we prepare to start this new chapter of our lives together, I am filled with gratitude and joy. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

The Great Groom Speech Template

Here’s a groom speech at wedding template that will help you create a winning speech with ease.

• Thank the guests Say a heartfelt thanks to the guests for leaving their busy schedules to honor you on your big day. Many of them sacrificed time, money, work, and even their safety to come all the way because they love you. Say thank you, mean it, and crack a joke. This is also the time to distribute little gifts or wedding favors to the guests.
• Say some words about the bride Gush about the woman of the moment. Let the guests feel your joy at getting married to the love of your life. Talk about what attracted you to her, what she means to you, and reiterate your vows. You may also seal this part of your speech with a kiss and watch her blush.
• Share a memorable story Getting to your wedding day was a long journey and there are stories that bind you. Let the guests know the beautiful way you met, and share sweet memories, funny ones, and romantic events. If both of you have a favorite song, pick a line from it and incorporate it into your speech. Avoid near break-up situations, forgiveness for some errors, or unpleasant situations that happened in your relationship.
• Share your impressions about the day Recount something beautiful about your wedding day. Maybe talk about how the sun shined bright because it knows an angel got married today. Talk about the beautiful reception, cake, or decor. Just incorporate something from the present.
• Say some words about the best man Your best man is arguably one of your strongest support systems throughout wedding planning. Give him some accolades in your speech. Talk about how you met and him being your main man through life. Appreciate him sincerely and even take a friendly jab at him.
• Thank your parents There is no better time to tell everyone how awesome your parents are. Talk about the bride’s parents too because you’re family now. Thank both families for being in your corner and promise to always behave. That will get in a few laughs.
• Close with a toast Finish your speech with a toast to your wife, parents, guests, love, and happiness.

Groom Speech Tips

A lot of grooms always get confused when trying to write a speech for their wedding. Days before the wedding, they go into a fit of panic because they know absolutely nothing to write. While writing such speech, you are conscious about the introduction, body, and conclusion. You want to catch the guests at the beginning of your speech, keep them interested and close off to a magnetic finishing.

The speech tips below are simple, concise and will give answers to all your questions.

• Prepare your mind and calm your nerves for the speech.
• Run speech by your best man to sieve out off liners.
• Make eye contact with everyone.
• Address the audience as a couple. Include your wife.
• Do away with vulgar words or jokes.
• Include the decent but minimal amount of humor.
• Don’t forget to thank your parents and in-laws
• Always throw some compliments the way of your wife and make the core of your speech.
• Dedicate some part of your speech to your wife. She is the main focus.
• Make the last toast go to your wife.
• Make your speech heartfelt and let your personality shine through.

What Not to Say in the Groom Speech

kreativwedding via Instagram

A perfect speech will give you unending applause from everyone. But a bad speech? The disasters are too much to mention. You will have in-laws getting pissed at you, the bridesmaids coming for your head. Your best man gunning to have you quartered and your wife preparing to give you hell.

To avoid the later and all other unforeseen ills that could happen with a badly given speech, here are some don’ts to the rescue.

Don’ts

• Don’t build your speech around anyone else but your wife.
• Don’t include vulgar words or insensitive jokes.
• Don’t take too much time making your speech. 5-10 minutes is enough.
• Don’t forget to introduce your best man and compliments the bridesmaids.
• Don’t forget to make your last toast to the bride.

Groom Wedding Toast Ideas

The groom’s wedding toast is quite numerous, most of which he will give as he makes his speech. For every stage he concludes in his speech, there is a toast. A toast to the father-in-law, to his best man, to the bridesmaids, to the guests present, and many more. The most important toast is to his wife and both of them as a couple.

To the father of the bride

“Let us toast to my father in law for raising and giving me this beautiful woman. For being a wonderful father to her, although I’m taking over. For accepting me as a son……. “

To the best man

“To my right-hand man for being there all the way. For taking time off work to make all things ready for my big day. For all the sacrifices you made from way back until now. For being my best friend in the real sense and too many more years as friends…..a toast to my best man (insert name)”

Toast To the guests

“A toast to you wonderful people. You are all amazing. Thanks for being here today and sharing in our joy. To many more years of celebration and happiness………. “

To the bride

“Whoever thought this angelic beauty seated here will be mine? Let’s all make a toast to my heartthrob, whose smile lightens my world. A toast to you baby, for all you are, for all you’ll be. To us, to life, to our love, to your happiness, too many blissful years with me, to our future, to forever…………”

Frequently Asked Questions

What should the groom say in his speech.

The groom’s speech typically includes gratitude, compliments to the bride, thanks to guests, and a toast.

What should the groom say at the rehearsal dinner?

The groom at the rehearsal dinner can express appreciation to those involved, share anecdotes, and convey excitement for the upcoming wedding.

How Long Should A Groom’s Speech Be?

A groom’s speech typically lasts around 5 to 10 minutes. It should be long enough to express gratitude, share anecdotes, and convey heartfelt sentiments, but short enough to maintain guests’ interest and keep the overall flow of the wedding reception.

Thank you all again for being here tonight. Let’s raise a glass to love, laughter, and happily ever after! The groom’s speech is one of the most anticipated speeches at a wedding. It doesn’t need such long preparation but could flop if you don’t get the hang of it. Give the best groom speech at wedding ever with the tips, ideas, and templates we’ve curated in this post. Speak from the heart, let your love shine, add some humor and you’re home free.

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How to Write The Perfect Groom’s Speech: Top Tips and Examples

How to write a groom’s speech – the perfect groom’s speech is an essential part of any wedding celebration. It is an opportunity for the groom to express his gratitude, share heartfelt memories, and celebrate the love he shares with his new spouse. Crafting a thoughtful and meaningful speech can seem daunting, but with a little guidance, any groom can successfully navigate this essential task.

Understanding the purpose of the groom ‘s speech is the first step in its creation. The speech should be engaging and strike a balance between humour and sentimentality, all while properly acknowledging the important people involved in the couple’s journey. With a clear structure, careful planning, and a few helpful tips, your speech will become a cherished memory shared with your beloved on your special day.

• The groom’s speech expresses gratitude, memorable moments, and celebrates the new union
• Striking a balance between humour and sentimentality makes for a captivating speech
• A clear structure and planning are crucial for crafting a meaningful groom’s speech

Understanding the Purpose of a Groom’s Speech

The groom’s speech is an essential part of the wedding reception, serving as an opportunity for the groom to express his gratitude and share his thoughts with the attendees of this momentous occasion. It is important to bear in mind the overall purpose of the speech when crafting it.

Role of the Groom in the Reception

The groom’s primary responsibility at the wedding reception is to make the guests feel welcome and appreciated. He should extend his warmest greetings to everyone in the audience, acknowledging their presence and expressing his gratitude for their participation in the celebrations. This is particularly important in situations where the groom is meeting some guests for the first time.

A well-crafted speech should strike the right balance between entertaining the audience and conveying heartfelt emotions. Sharing funny anecdotes and light-hearted stories about the couple’s journey together can set a jovial tone, while heartfelt moments will make the speech memorable and touching.

As the groom, one should also take the opportunity to praise and express gratitude towards both families, and in particular, the bride. Complimenting her appearance and acknowledging her efforts in organising the wedding would be well-received by the audience.

In summary, the groom’s speech should be engaging, heartfelt and express gratitude to guests and family members alike during the wedding reception. This speech is a key element of the wedding celebrations that can create long-lasting memories for everyone present.

Planning Your Speech

Choosing a theme.

When planning the perfect groom’s speech, it is essential to select an appropriate theme. A suitable theme will give your speech structure and make it more engaging. Consider choosing a theme based on your relationship with your partner, shared experiences, or future aspirations. Remember that the theme should be personal and meaningful but also resonate with the audience.

Determining the Style and Tone

The style and tone of your speech play a significant role in delivering your message effectively. Consider whether you would like the speech to be humorous, sincere, or a combination of both. If you decide to use humour, be mindful not to offend anyone in the audience.

When planning your speech, make a list of key points you would like to address, keeping in mind the chosen style and tone. By outlining the structure of your speech, it will be easier to keep the audience engaged and maintain a coherent narrative.

Considering Public Speaking Techniques

To make your speech stand out, consider incorporating public speaking techniques. These can add polish to your delivery, ensuring that your speech is not only well-prepared but also engaging and memorable. Here are a few techniques to consider:

• Eye contact: Maintain eye contact with your audience to create a connection and build trust.
• Body language: Use appropriate gestures to emphasise your points and maintain an open posture to appear confident and approachable.
• Vocal variety: Vary your tone and pace to maintain interest and ensure your speech does not become monotonous.
• Pauses: Allow brief pauses for emphasis or to allow the audience time to react or reflect on what you have said.
• Anecdotal storytelling: Share brief, relevant stories to illustrate your points and make your speech more engaging.

By incorporating a well-chosen theme, a suitable style and tone, and effective public speaking techniques, you’ll be well on your way to delivering the perfect groom’s speech. Remember that planning is key, and practice will help you feel more confident when the time comes to deliver your heartwarming speech.

The Structure of the Perfect Groom’s Speech

Introduction.

The introduction sets the tone for the speech, welcoming the guests and expressing gratitude for their presence. Defining how the wedding day has been so far may be included here. It is crucial to begin with a brief, engaging, and memorable opening, setting the stage for the content to follow.

The body of the speech is where the groom should demonstrate gratitude, particularly towards the parents and guests who have made the day possible. Key points to address in the body include:

• Expressing gratitude : Thank the parents of both the bride and groom for their support, guidance, and love throughout the journey. It is essential to acknowledge their role in making the event successful.
• Compliments and anecdotes : Compliment the bride, expressing one’s admiration and love. Share a light-hearted or meaningful anecdote to characterise the relationship and invoke genuine emotions from the attendees.
• Acknowledging the wedding party : Show appreciation for the best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and anyone else who played a crucial role in planning and organising the wedding.

In conclusion, the groom will wrap up his speech by toasting the bride. This gesture signifies the start of the couple’s life together and the bright future that lies ahead. The groom should express his happiness to have his bride by his side and emphasise how she completes him. End with a heartfelt toast to the bride, summarising the groom’s sentiments in a sentence or two.

Content Recommendations for the Speech

Showing appreciation.

It’s important to begin the groom’s speech by showing appreciation to those who have made the day special. Mention the parents, the wedding party, and any special guests or contributors who have helped make the event possible. Express gratitude to everyone for their support and involvement in the couple’s journey.

Expressing Love for Your Partner

The speech should express the groom’s deep love and admiration for the bride. Speak from the heart and be sincere in conveying the emotions that the wedding day has brought. Mention the qualities about the partner that make them unique and special, while also providing examples of how they bring happiness and support into the groom’s life.

Incorporating Humour and Inside Jokes

A good groom’s speech balances heartfelt sentiment with a dash of humour. Incorporate inside jokes and funny anecdotes that will make the partner smile, and engage the audience in shared laughter. Be mindful of the tone, making sure the humour is appropriate and never offensive or inappropriate.

Sharing Personal Anecdotes

Share personal anecdotes that illustrate the growth of the couple’s relationship or highlight memorable moments spent together. These stories can be both touching and entertaining, offering insights into the unique bond that the couple shares. By making the speech personal, the groom creates a lasting memory for the pair to cherish in the years to come.

Remember to be confident, clear, and stay in the third person perspective when sharing the anecdotes. This helps convey the story better and ensures that the audience remains engaged.

Tips on Delivering Your Groom’s Speech

When it comes to delivering the perfect groom’s speech, being confident and knowledgeable is key. Make sure you know your audience and tailor your speech accordingly. Here are a few tips to help you deliver an exceptional groom’s speech:

• Prepare beforehand : Take the time to write and revise your speech, addressing any weaknesses in content or organisation. Make sure you know your material well, as it will help you feel more confident and come across as knowledgeable during your presentation.
• Practice makes perfect : Rehearsing your speech multiple times will help you become more comfortable with it. This allows you to focus on speaking clearly and confidently when the big moment comes.
• Keep it natural : Speak conversationally and use your natural tone of voice. Your audience will appreciate a genuine and heartfelt speech, rather than one that feels overly rehearsed or too formal.
• Engage your audience : Make eye contact with your guests, smile, and be personable. This will help create a connection between you and your listeners.
• Don’t be afraid to use humour : A well-placed joke or funny anecdote can set the tone for your speech and keep your audience entertained.
• Remember to thank important people : Acknowledge those who have contributed to the wedding and your relationship. This could include your parents, in-laws, and the bridal party.
• Raise a toast : At the end of your speech, raise your glass and offer a toast to your spouse and any relevant parties. This is a classic way to conclude a groom’s speech and show gratitude to those involved.

Follow these tips to deliver a groom’s speech that is heartfelt, engaging, and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Acknowledgement and Gratitude

Showing gratitude to the parents.

In a groom’s speech, it is essential to show gratitude to both sets of parents. Begin by acknowledging the bride’s parents and expressing appreciation for their love, support, and the welcoming embrace to the new family. Next, show gratitude to one’s own parents, thanking them for their guidance and unconditional love throughout the years. Demonstrating sincere gratitude will make a lasting impression on the families involved.

Thanking the Bridal Party

The bridal party plays a crucial role in the wedding celebrations. It is important to extend heartfelt thanks to the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and ushers for their teamwork, dedication, and friendship. Recognising each individual’s contribution can be achieved by highlighting personal anecdotes or funny memories, making it a memorable and engaging part of the speech.

Example: “As I look around this room, I see the smiling faces of our wonderful bridal party. Each of you has played an irreplaceable role in our lives, and we’re truly honoured to share this special day with you. To our bridesmaids, your unwavering support and keen eye for detail have made today even more magical. And to our groomsmen and ushers, your camaraderie and light-hearted jokes have made the journey to this day an incredible experience. Thank you all so much.”

Recognising the Efforts of the Staff

Last but not least, it is essential to recognise and applaud the efforts of the hotel, catering, and event staff. Their tireless work behind the scenes ensures the wedding day runs smoothly, allowing the bride, groom, and guests to focus on enjoying the celebrations. A few kind words of acknowledgement can go a long way in showing appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Example: “We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff here at [venue]. From the beginning of the planning process, their professionalism and attention to detail have been nothing short of exceptional. To the catering team, your culinary talents have resulted in a splendid meal that we will not soon forget. And to the event staff, your commitment to making today perfect has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for helping to turn our dreams into reality.”

Groom Speech Templates and Examples

Groom speech template.

How to write a groom’s speech template can certainly help simplify the process of crafting the perfect address. Here is a basic outline to follow:

• Introduction : Begin by thanking the guests for attending, acknowledging the wedding party, and expressing gratitude to both sets of parents.
• Bride’s Praise : Share personal anecdotes about your bride and describe what drew you to her. Compliment her appearance and express your love and commitment.
• Humorous Story : Recall a funny or memorable event from your relationship to lighten the mood and engage the audience.
• Appreciation for Others : Give special mention to those who helped make the wedding possible, e.g., planners, friends, and other individuals who lent a hand.
• Toast : Conclude the speech by raising a toast to your new spouse, your family, and everyone who has gathered to celebrate your special day.

Remember to personalise and tailor the template to suit your relationship and audience.

How To Write A Groom’s Speech

Best groom speech examples.

Here are some examples of memorable groom speeches:

Example 1 :

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here on this important day. I want to express my gratitude to my in-laws for raising such a wonderful daughter, and to my parents for their unwavering support.

When I first met [Bride’s Name], I was struck by her beauty, charm, and intelligence. We quickly became inseparable, and I knew that she was the woman I wanted to spend my life with. I consider myself immeasurably fortunate to be married to her and I vow to cherish her love, friendship, and support for a lifetime.

Have you ever wondered how two lovers who’ve just had a tiff can find themselves in each other’s arms again within the hour? That’s us – somehow, despite our differences, we keep finding our way back to love and laughter, which serves as the glue in our relationship.

We are eternally grateful to everyone who travelled from near and far to celebrate with us today. Your presence has made the event even more special and will always be cherished.

Please, join me in raising a toast to our future, full of love, laughter and happiness. Cheers!

Example 2 :

Dear friends and family, thank you for joining us on this truly special occasion. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our parents for their love and support, as well as to the wedding party for their help in organising this fabulous day.

From the very beginning, I was drawn to [Bride’s Name]’s infectious laugh, caring nature and ability to brighten any room simply by entering it. She has a unique gift of making everyone feel welcome and is truly the love of my life.

A funny story that comes to mind is our first holiday together; we got lost and ended up spending the night in a tiny village. It could have turned sour, but we made the best of it and forged memories that’ll last us a lifetime.

To our wonderful friends, families, and those who travelled far and wide to be with us, thank you for your love and encouragement throughout our journey.

Now, let’s raise our glasses and toast to a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure. Cheers!

In the final stage of wedding planning, the groom’s speech is a key moment to express heartfelt emotions and gratitude. When crafting the perfect speech, it is important to consider the order of speeches, ensuring that the groom’s words create a lasting impact.

To make the speech truly memorable, it is essential to speak from the heart and share stories about the love of your life, highlighting the unique bond that the two of you share. While it’s vital to balance humour and sincerity, remembering the significance of the moment is crucial for the speech’s success.

Proper preparation is paramount, including making note cards to streamline the delivery process and practising beforehand to increase confidence on the big day. By investing time and effort into crafting a carefully structured speech, the groom can ensure that his words resonate with everyone in the room.

In conclusion, the perfect groom’s speech combines emotion, gratitude, and wit, leaving a lasting impression on the bride, friends, and family. By adopting a confident, knowledgeable, and clear tone, the groom can truly celebrate the special bond he shares with his partner, making it a moment to be cherished for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some tips for creating the perfect groom’s speech.

To create the perfect groom’s speech, start by writing an outline to organise your thoughts. Focus on expressing gratitude, sharing anecdotes, and speaking from the heart. Additionally, practice your speech often to perfect your delivery and feel more comfortable on your wedding day.

How can I incorporate humour into my groom’s speech?

Incorporating humour into the groom’s speech can lighten the atmosphere and engage the audience. Begin by sharing a funny story or a light-hearted joke about your relationship with your partner. Make sure the humour is appropriate for the audience and avoid inside jokes that only a few people would understand.

What are some examples of emotional moments to include in a groom’s speech?

Emotional moments in a groom’s speech can include expressing gratitude for the love and support from both families, acknowledging the journey that led to your wedding, or even sharing memorable moments from your relationship, like the proposal or recounting your first meeting.

How should a groom thank the important people in his speech?

To thank important people in your speech, mention them by name, briefly share the significance of their role and express your gratitude. Be sure to thank your partner, both sets of parents, the best man, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and anyone else who played a key role in your wedding planning.

What’s a good structure for a groom’s speech?

A good structure for a groom’s speech could consist of an introduction, a section to express gratitude, sharing stories or anecdotes, and a heartfelt conclusion. Start by introducing yourself and setting the tone, express gratitude to the families and wedding party, share humorous or emotional stories, and finish with a loving message to your partner.

How can I personalise my groom’s speech with unique anecdotes or stories?

To personalise your groom’s speech with unique anecdotes or stories, think about the meaningful experiences that you and your partner have shared together. This could be a memorable travel experience, the story of how you met, or even a simple moment that captures the essence of your relationship. Make sure the anecdotes are authentic and relatable to your audience.

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Everything to Know About Your Groom Speech: Tips, Advice, and Examples

Our expert says all you need is 15 minutes to prepare.

Photo by Chi-Chi Ari

In This Article

When it comes to wedding speeches , there's no rule that says the groom has to give one; generally speaking, the father of the bride, the best man, and the maid of honor are the only people required to grab the microphone, but there's even some flexibility here. As the groom, if you feel inclined to say a few words during the party, you absolutely should. This is a great chance for you to say thanks: You can thank your guests for being there, thank your family members for their financial and emotional support, thank your wedding vendors for bringing the day to life, and thank your partner for making you the happiest man in the room.

If you're feeling nervous about the idea of giving a speech, here's the good news: According to Pete Honsberger , the author of Wedding Toasts 101: The Guide to the Perfect Wedding Speech , preparing for your moment in the spotlight is surprisingly simple. What's more, he says, this is an opportunity you won't want to pass up.

Meet the Expert

Pete Honsberger is the author of Wedding Toasts 101: The Guide to the Perfect Wedding Speech , He has been a serial groomsman, speaker, and wedding toast advisor for most of his adult life. When it comes to wedding toasts, he's seen just about everything.

Here, Honsberger's top tips for writing and delivering an amazing wedding speech as the groom, including exactly what to say to get everyone clapping.

Groom's Wedding Speech Tips

If you're feeling like you can't possibly add another task to your pre-wedding to-do list, remember that writing your speech shouldn't take long at all. "You only need a few minutes to prepare and about two minutes to deliver your speech ," Honsberger says. "This is your chance to recognize the hard work that others (and you) have put into this amazing day, to thank everyone for giving you the gifts of their time (and money, haha!), and to add another twinkle in your love’s eyes. "

His best advice? Keep it brief, but make it count. "From my experience [giving a speech at my own wedding] and those that I’ve witnessed, it’s so worth it," says Honsberger.

How to Prepare for a Wedding Speech as the Groom

Honsberger says that preparing for your speech should take less than 15 minutes. That's right: In less than the time it takes to watch a rerun of your favorite television show, you'll be able to pen a thoughtful message for the big day. "Just be sure to have a tidbit for each and you’ll look like a pro. Most importantly, you’ll show the crowd, your family, and your partner that you genuinely appreciate them," he adds.

When should you give your speech? Honsberger says either right before or right after dinner is served. "You'll want to speak to your planner in advance about fitting your toast into the reception timeline , but once it's go-time, simply gesture for a microphone and ask for the guests’ attention," he explains.

Groom Speech Template

To begin, simply prepare these five steps.

Step 1: Give Thanks 

In today's modern world, most of your wedding guests are traveling to be part of the big day. "And regardless of wedding size, you’ve had people traveling distances and giving their time to be in attendance," says Honsberger. "Most (and hopefully all) have brought you gifts , many of the pieces of green paper that will serve you very well as you start your new life. And even more than that, they deemed you important enough to spend a day of their lives participating in your celebration." That's why it's so important to take a moment and thank your guests. After all, regardless of how big or small your wedding is, there's a good chance you won't be able to spend quality time with each guest, which means you likely won't be able to thank everyone for being there.

At a loss for what to say? Honsberger suggests: "The only thing I want to say is wow. People have told me this would be the best day of my life, and I can honestly say it’s true, because of all of you (pointing at the crowd), and especially you (pointing at your partner). I cannot thank you all enough for being here."

Step 2: Give One Compliment to Your Partner

Your wedding day is about the two of you coming together, so you'd be remiss not to say something sweet about the person who just married you. "Cue up a classy and perhaps playful compliment about their dress or tux, the work they did to make the day possible, their patience in dealing with you, their resilience in wedding planning while you were out of town on a business trip, or simply their unwavering love throughout a challenging process," says Honsberger. "Tell them this publicly. You only need one or two lines to share your appreciation and to make their eyes sparkle and their face blush with slightly embarrassed happiness. "

An option he likes? “[Name of your partner], I’ll never forget seeing you walk down the aisle today. You are beautiful in more ways than I can count.” As a funny alternative, he also suggests: “[Name of your partner], you must be a parking ticket because you have fine written all over you right now!” 

Step 3: Recall One Memory 

"You don’t have a lot of time for this, so pick out one noteworthy anecdote or short memory from your relationship, from the wedding planning process , or from your interactions with their family and friends," says Honsberger. "Share your most compelling and enthusiastic version of that story and you’ll delight the whole crowd." A good option, according to the pro, would be something like: “When [name of partner] and I first met, we talked for hours until our friends all wanted to leave. I started to panic since I didn’t want to stop getting to know them. So I suggested we keep the party going by getting some pizza while everyone else went home. We’re only here tonight because my [husband or wife] likes pizza!”

Step 4: Share One Reception Comment 

Whether it’s about the dinner being currently served, the signature cocktail available at the bar, the DJ/band, or the overall atmosphere in the reception space, pull out one comment to share aloud related to the evening’s experience. "The purpose of this is to connect the whole room with your vision for the night," says Honsberger. "If you want the dance floor absolutely packed, speak it into existence. If you have a specially requested song you want to tease, mention it here."

Step 5: Give Thanks Again

Before concluding your speech, give one more round of thanks for everyone involved. Anyone you missed on the first pass—your families, any special friends, and especially your wedding vendors—should be noted here. Then, ask everyone to raise a toast to your partner, your families, the friends in attendance, and the hardworking staff working to bring the day to life.  

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The Groom Speech: Here's What to Write, Say & Do

• Jessica contributes wedding planning, wedding etiquette and relationship content to The Knot.
• She also covers lifestyle and wellness topics for print and digital publications such Refinery29, Bustle, Well + Good, Cosmopolitan, Byrdie, The Zoe Report, The Cut and more.
• Jessica has a journalism degree from Cal State University, Northridge and is certified as a life and success coach.

Traditionally, the father of the bride, the best man, and maid of honor are the ones who take the mic during the wedding reception to share a few words and toast the newlyweds as they embark on their new life together. These days, however, grooms are also opting to stand up and give a speech to welcome guests and thank them for being there to celebrate the special day. Writing and delivering a memorable wedding speech is no easy feat, though, especially if it's your first time. It requires preparation, creativity, and a hefty dose of confidence. To help ensure you give a great groom speech on your wedding day, we chatted with wedding vow and speech writer Alexis Dent of XO Juliet . Ahead, learn how to write a heartfelt, entertaining groom's speech and speech tips on how to deliver it with confidence on the big day.

How Long Should a Groom Speech Be?

Grooms speeches typically take place during the wedding reception. In general, it's best to keep wedding speeches relatively short, especially if there will be multiple speeches such as the father of the bride speech, the best man speech, and the maid of honor speech. You don't want the speeches to cut into the dinner and dancing portion of the wedding reception. According to Dent, about three minutes is the sweet spot for a groom's speech. That would equate to about 300-400 written words, depending on how quickly you speak.

How to Write a Groom Speech

A groom speech template.

Every groom's speech will be unique and different depending on their personality, what they'd like to share, and who they want to thank. But, in case you need some guidance, here's an outline of a structure Dent recommends following as you write your groom's speech. Whatever you do, Dent adds, ensure that you tap into your emotions and write your groom toast from the heart.

Thank your new spouse. First and foremost, start by thanking your new spouse and say a few words about how much this new phase of your relationship means to you.

Thank VIPs in your life. This could be your own parents, mother and father in-law, friends, family members, your wedding party (bridesmaids and groomsmen), or anyone else who made the wedding day possible.

Share a story. Next, follow the thank yous with a story. Dent suggests a positive anecdote that illustrates the road you and your new spouse had to travel to make it to this milestone.

End with a toast. And last but not least, Dent recommends concluding the groom speech with a toast to your forever partner and a lifetime of love together.

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Who does the groom thank in his speech.

"Grooms should thank everyone that made an impact not only on their wedding day but on their relationship as a whole," Dent says. "Most grooms thank both families and members of the wedding party." Be sure to include a thank you to anyone else who is particularly special and those who traveled far as well, she adds. You can also throw in a quick thank you to your wedding vendors (wedding planner, photographers, staff, etc.) for making the wedding day possible.

That said, ensure you keep the focus of your speech on your significant other. "While it's important to thank the people in attendance and the people who made this day possible, at the end of the day, it comes down to you and your new spouse — and your speech should reflect that," Dent says.

How to Give a Groom Speech

Groom speech jokes.

For jokes in a groom speech, Dent's best piece of advice is to know your audience. For instance, a dirty joke may be funny at an adults-only wedding reception but not appropriate if kids are in attendance. Use your best judgment on whether a joke will be well received. Also, Dent recommends avoiding inside jokes as only a handful of guests would understand them and can make things feel awkward if the joke doesn't land. If you're unsure of what joke to include, Dent's fail-proof groom's speech joke is to mention how guests are here for dinner drinks and not to listen to long speeches like these.

Groom Speech Example

Got writer's block? No worries. Below Dent shares a fully written groom's speech you can use as inspiration.

"Good evening everyone!

I know everyone is probably dreading one of my infamous and long-winded stories right now, but I promise to keep it short so we can all hit the dance floor.

I wanted to take a few moments to express my appreciation for all the support we've received; it has made this day and evening one to remember. There are too many people that I am utterly indebted to for helping our wedding go off without a hitch, but I want to shout out our photographer, our wedding party, and our parents in particular. To all of our guests, who traveled from both near and far, I appreciate each and every one of you for taking the time out of your lives to celebrate Alex and me. This day would not be nearly as magical without you all here, and I'm incredibly grateful for your presence.

Quite a few of you are involved in our love story and have played an integral role in us making it to this amazing milestone in life. I want to give special thanks to Alex's family in particular. You have accepted me entirely, you treat me as if I was your own, and you have really helped Alex and me over the years when times were tough. I have felt such a level of acceptance from all of you in a way that I never could have expected. Marie and Dan, you have truly raised a wonderful human, and all she is is because of you.

Now for my own family! Mom and Dad, thank you for the unwavering emotional support you have shown me throughout the years. You have given me more grace than I deserve and have loved Sam like she's your own. I aspire to have a marriage half as strong and a love half as unrelenting as yours.

Once again, thank you Trina, Kari, Tom, and Rick for helping us make it down the aisle. You guys are the best friends and most epic entourage that a guy could ask for.

Last of all, thank you, Alex. I still cannot believe how lucky I am.

Let's raise a glass to each other, to love, and to happily ever after.

How to End the Groom Speech

The end of any speech tends to be the most memorable as it's the last thing your guests will hear so you really want to make it count. Don't let this stress you out though. Dent says keeping the groom speech close super simple is best. She recommends simply raising a glass to your new spouse and toasting to many happy years of marriage. Classic, short, and to the point—you can't go wrong.

Write the groom speech on paper.

Although it may be tempting to just read your speech off your phone, Dent advices writing it on paper or printing it out instead. "Reading from a piece of paper is much more visually appealing, and it'll look much more timeless when you look back at your photos," she says.

Practice, practice, practice.

Preparing for public speaking requires repetition. Even though you'll be reading it off the paper and don't need to memorize it, be sure to still practice reciting it a few times before the wedding day so you feel confident in your delivery and can maintain a nice rhythm and eye contact. Dent suggests practicing in front of close friends and family as well who can provide feedback on the content and the delivery. "You want to be sure that they are happy with the speech and that it is reflective of both partners," Dent says.

What NOT to Say in a Groom Speech

When it comes to what not to say in a groom's speech, negativity is definitely at the top of the list. "Focus on the amazing wedding day and the joy it has brought — even if everything about the wedding has not gone as planned," Dent says. Also, she adds, avoid sharing embarrassing stories about your new spouse in your speech, unless, of course, you've discussed it with them and it's an interesting or funny anecdote that would entertain your guests.

Groom Speech Examples

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(*Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out all the different ways the Speechy team can help you write & deliver a great speech. Or check out our new AI-powered team member, SpeechyAI .)

Lessons to Learn from Our Speech Examples

• Length – no more than 1,300 words
• Structure – Don’t begin with the thank-yous, start with the stories and hook in your audience
• Don’t let your speech become a tedious thank-you list
• Tell good stories
• Resist Googled-gags, cliches, and platitudes
• Pepper the speech with humour throughout
• Have the romantic summary towards the end of your speech

Ultimately though,  every speech should be unique and tailored to the individual speaker’s style.

For obvious reasons, we cannot share the full range of speeches we write for our clients but these are generic (and made-up) speeches to give you an idea of a good structure.

Your speech may be more sentimental, shorter, or poetic. Crucially, it needs to be more YOU!

INTRODUCTION

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to what can only be described as the greatest day of my life. Well, second greatest day of my life, if you include the day Misty managed to not leave a wet towel on the bed. (Pretend to wipe tear away) Sorry, it’s an emotional memory.

Firstly, on behalf of both Misty and I, let me thank you all for coming. I know many of you have travelled long distances to be here. And a special thanks to our English friends, many of whom see travelling north of the border as akin to entering the Squid Games. Your bravery is greatly appreciated.

THE SPEECH-MEAT

Now, another person I’d like to thank is our mutual friend Lou who actually set us up six years ago. I mean, I say ‘set up’, she described me to Misty as ‘average looking, but has nice shoes’.

But uncharitable review or not, it certainly seemed to do the trick. When we met for the first time at Lou’s birthday drinks, we immediately gravitated towards each other. We talked intensely all evening. It was one of those conversations where you lose all track of time and everything else just seems to drift into the background. We talked about life, hobbies, future plans and how when she was a kid, she was obsessed with Winnie the Pooh. Which makes it not at all surprising that she’d end up with me: a chubby character with one shirt and an aggressive appetite.

I remember coming away from that evening in a bit of a haze, not only had I found someone I liked, and liked me back, but I’d also found someone who could still rap all the words to Eminem’s ‘Stan’.

I thought life couldn’t get any better until, as we went to leave, she nervously turned to me and uttered those three magic words all guys want to hear: Fancy a kebab?

It was then I knew I was in love.

It’s a weird feeling meeting someone that you know you’d happily spend the rest of your life with. Before meeting Misty ‘love’ felt like just a word, and all of a sudden, she comes along and fills that word with meaning.

To this day, I’ve always maintained that it feels like we are two halves of the same whole. It felt like that then, and still does now, that we were just the right amount of similar, and just the right amount of different to be perfect together.

We complement each other’s good traits, and soften each other’s bad ones. By which I mean, I occasionally pick up her wet towels and she does literally everything else.

But I also mean that she has taught me a lot. She’s taught me that kindness always wins, she’s taught me that it’s not the words you say, but the way you make people feel that gets remembered, and she’s taught me that marmite and cheese on crumpets is the greatest snack known to man.

She is the other side to my coin, the cheerful Winnie the Pooh to my grumpy Eeyore. And now, incredibly, she’s my wife.

THE THANK YOUS

If you’ll all allow me, I’d like to take this opportunity to mention some incredibly important people who have helped us not just today, but throughout our lives.

Firstly, I’d like to thank my dad, who has taught me that being a man isn’t about machismo and bravado, it’s about being warm, welcoming and caring. I’ve often been called a ‘mini David’, and it’s something I’ll continue to wear as a badge of honour.

To Misty’s parents, June and Martin, your help with the wedding planning has been utterly invaluable, and I can’t thank you enough for how you’ve both welcomed me into your family. I’ll look forward to many more Sunday dinners that end with Martin saying ‘I’ll get the whiskey’.

To my groomsmen, for turning up both fully dressed and mostly sober, and also for years of support, advice and knowing exactly when I need a chat and a game of FIFA.

To Misty’s bridesmaids for being amazing friends and helping everyone keep a cool head with yesterday’s dress disaster. Your sage advice and support has always been a great comfort to Misty and I both.

THE DEARLY DEPARTED

And finally, I’d like to say thank you to a very special woman who is sadly no longer with us: my mum. There’s no other way to say it, other than it’s heartbreaking that she can’t be here today. She was a person who was born to be at big events. A person who filled the room with her smile and her presence. And while she can’t be with us, I know how much she approved of Misty, because in the latter weeks of her life, she tapped me on the hand and gently said ‘Misty is a keeper’.

So mum, I love you and I miss you, and I hope you’re looking down on us today with your characteristic big smile on your face, safe in the knowledge that I’ve taken your advice on board.

ROMANTIC TRIBUTE

Now, I’m not one for massive promises and grand gestures, but now seems like as good a moment as any to break from that tradition. So Misty, before I end this speech, I’d like to give you three promises for our future life together: I promise whenever you say ‘fancy a kebab?’ I’ll always say yes. I promise to always back you up by singing the Dido chorus in ‘Stan’, and I promise that no matter what, I’ll spend the rest of my days attempting to make you as happy as you’ve made me.

So, without further ado, if you’ll all kindly be upstanding, and join me in a toast to my best friend and love of my life: The new… Mrs Misty Ferguson! (Raise toast).

Written by Ed and Tom , Speechy Writers

Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, Spaniards and Americans – today is a historic day. As Michelle has done me the great honour of agreeing to be my wife, it is a day when our countries’ traditions and cultures come together.

Today, the Spanish Imperial Eagle takes to the skies with the American Bald Eagle. Today, we scatter hamburgers and fries across the paella and create the McPaella. Today, we play the Marcha Real alongside the Star-Spangled Banner.

( PLAY MUSIC MASH-UP OF THE TWO NATIONAL ANTHEMS PLAYED AT THE SAME TIME).

As you can perhaps tell, a mix of cultures is not always an easy thing, but I believe that, with work, my wife and I can make it so that our music is harmonious, our meals are delicious and our nation’s birds do not peck each other to death.

Today, I have the joy of standing here as part of a married couple. As you may know, I am more mature than the traditional groom and I must admit that as, one-by-one, my friends and family members all got married, I sat there at a succession of weddings, always on the single table. In case you were wondering, the single table is Table Five today. Please stop by and pity them, it’s what they deserve. 

At every wedding, I was pestered by my mother and aunts about when I will marry. I looked at the grooms and I thought, ‘Thank God I am single.’ I will admit I have enjoyed the bachelor life. I have enjoyed being free to pursue my work, to not worry about when I come home, and to live in a house where there are fewer than two cushions in the entire place.

But then Michelle happened.

We met through the intervention of our friend Katya – there she is on Table Five, and, yes, she is single. I met Michelle in the street as we were passing and she was rude to me and bossy. I couldn’t understand this American powerhouse. She told me to take her out for coffee and I don’t know what happened. I lost the power to resist. All of my bachelor strength was drained, and I found myself nodding and doing as I was told for once.

I don’t know how but Michelle flies under my radar, she unpicks my defences and I find it impossible to resist her. And I have tried!

So, my beautiful wife Michelle arrived and my bachelor life ended. I am able to stand here today and say I am so grateful that it has. No more Table Five. No more aunts and mothers asking me when I will get married. So many more cushions.

Michelle has allowed me to speak for both of us today, which she did so on the condition that I understood this was to be the last time in our married lives that this was the case. From now on, I shall be the perfect trophy husband that Michelle wants, I will nod and I will look pretty.

I would like to take this opportunity then to say some sincere and heartfelt thank yous. First of all, I would like to thank you, our guests, for coming today. I know that for some of you, especially the guests today from Malaga in southern Spain, the journey to join us here today has been significant.

THE BIG THANK YOU

When people will fly nearly 5,000 miles to a wedding, you realise how powerful the offer of free food and drink truly is. I hope today is a celebration for you too and please know that we are so grateful for you making this day so special.

Now for the rest of you, I want to issue a warning that many of our Malagan guests might not have the greatest command of the English language. For some of them this is the first time that they have been abroad. I won’t embarrass him by name, but one of the guests asked me where Mickey Mouse was and I had to explain that the mouse isn’t everywhere.

So, to make them feel more welcome I thought maybe I could teach you some useful Spanish phrases that could help you integrate. If you look on your table you will see a card for you each so you can read along with me. So listen to me and repeat please!

‘He bebido demasiado Sangria y no puedo sentir mis piernas.’

Come on, I know you can do it.

That is a very useful Spanish phrase which means:

‘I have drunk too much Sangria and can no longer feel my legs.’

Ok, another:

‘Me gustaria bailar Flamenco contigo hasta una hora desaconsejable.’

That means:

‘I would like to dance the flamenco with you until an inadvisable hour.’

Excellent! Now finally:

‘Hola, me puedes llamar un Uber. No recuerdo nada de anoche.’

That translastes as:

‘Please call me an Uber, I have no recollection of last night.’

Now, as you may know I have been in America for nearly ten years now and I am starting to think of myself as part-American. For Michelle, I know this makes her laugh, because she often says that I am the most Spanish man in the history of the world.

But I think coming to a foreign country can be an amazing learning experience because every day you do things as an outsider. Everything is different here. Everything. You want to go to the toilet in America then you have to pay to go into the toilet. In America, toilets are also a business! Amazing!

I am an outsider with your food. Thanks to my mother I was raised eating home-cooked food bursting with flavour, then I come to America and I eat McDonalds every day and slowly my tastebuds fade away and now they are on life support, kept going only by the jamon iberico my mother sends me at Christmas.

But as an outsider I have also been shocked to see the difference in some people in America – the friendliness and the warmth that I am offered. I think this is why Michelle has overcome my defences.

As you know, she works as the director of a charity and she lives her life for other people. She thinks and she cares for other people all the time and I am amazed that she has agreed to be my wife today. Perhaps I am her biggest charity project yet and one day after years of rehabilitation she will release me back into the wild. I hope not.

By contrast, I am the greedy property developer, making money from the ruins of other people’s lives and hopes. I will not lie, my day is not complete until I have pushed at least three widows out of their houses and turned their homes into flats. But maybe this too has been useful for my marriage. After all, my work has taught me to look at ruined and dilapidated things and see the beauty there. Anyone drawing any comparisons to Michelle should be ashamed of themselves.

THE ROMANTIC SUMMARY

Seriously, I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful woman on any continent in the world today.

I want to thank you for coming to our wedding. I want to thank Michelle for agreeing to be my wife and I want to end my speech by offering her these traditional arras . These are Spanish gold coins that a groom gives to his wife on their wedding day. The coins are a symbol of how the man promises to provide for his wife. Not just in terms of finance but also for their emotions – to be a provider that gives her everything she needs.

My love, I give these coins to you today and promise that I will do my best to ensure that for you for the rest of our lives you have everything you ever need and, always, more than enough love.

Now everybody: please raise your glasses and repeat after me:  ‘¡Arriba! ¡Abajo! ¡Al centro! …. y pa dentro!’ That means put your arm up, put your arm down, health for you all, drink it down!

Speech written by Andrew, Speechy writer

Ladies and gentlemen, uncles and aunties, bhaiyon aur behano , boys and girls – namaste and welcome. My wife and I…(pause for applause) thank you so much for coming to share this wonderful weekend with us.

Of course, as much as we’d love to take credit for it, this has been a mammoth group effort with so many to thank for their involvement. After this, our parents are going to take a well-earned rest and sort out the global warming issue.

Now, you already heard the disastrous way Priyanka and I met from the best man, so I won’t go over that again. But it’s true what he said – we were… well, we are like chalk and cheese. Or some would say coal and paneer. And you can tell which one of us is paneer, can’t you?

As a primary school teacher, Priyanka is warm, caring, communicative – a real people’s person who works amongst a number of impatient clients every day. As an architect, I’m concise, introverted, and analytical – I need my space to focus on just one project, sometimes for months at a time. Basically, I’m boring, slow and don’t like hanging out with people.

(Look around) Really, I’ve no idea how this all happened.

But, as the saying goes, opposites attract and you can see that for yourselves in our wedding. Priyanka’s creativity and vivid imagination has gone wild. Getting married in October, she actually wanted this weekend to have a Halloween-themed twist, asking guests to wear Indian costumes, but ripped and bloodied so we’d all look like zombies.

At one point, there was even a Thriller dance routine being planned.

I, of course, shot down idea after idea with my pragmatism, wanting us to keep things traditional, low-maintenance and on the right side of sane. But, if any of you want to rip up your lehangas and kurtas and cover yourselves in the madras, feel free. Though, looking at my mother, maybe not!

Of course, I couldn’t reject all of Priyanka’s inspired ideas and you’ll spot many of them here this evening: the Indian food twists on pizzas and sushi, and the dosa-crepe stand were all her idea. The games of Antakshari, the Carrum tournament, the masala cocktails and the band that does rock covers of Bollywood numbers? All her.

Whilst she came up with all the cool ideas, I kept in my lane; compiling an Excel spreadsheet and making sure we could actually pay for it all. And when I say ‘ we ’, what I actually mean is we pay a small percentage while our parents pay the rest. Thank you Maa, Papa, Saasuma, Sasurji. We owe you. Literally!

But honestly, watching Priyanka plan our wedding has been an absolute joy and seeing how beautiful she looks today is truly humbling.

Priyanka’s knowledge and creativity as a teacher, even as an individual, has never failed to astound me. I had no idea how much my life lacked colour until I met her. She introduced me to different foods, different countries and cultures, and even different films and TV.

I honestly thought she was ready to break up with me when I told her I’d never watched Kuch Kuch Hota Hain . And I was sure it was the end of us when she forced me to watch Maine Pyar Kiya and I walked out halfway through the film. Those of you who don’t know, she loves Maine Pyar Kiya the same way I love KFC.

As I say, opposites attract.

ROMANTIC SUMMARY

Priyanka brings the fun and the excitement to the relationship, and I hope, as an architect, I bring the structure. It may not sound as fun as colour, but when you build the foundations of a relationship you need both passion and pragmatism to keep it from crumbling when confronted with life’s challenges.  

We visit monuments like the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids of Giza because of their colour and the emotions they evoke, and thankfully they continue to stand due to their intelligent architecture. Both foundation and beauty play equally important roles in maintaining the immortality of these international treasures. And I think it’s the same principle that means Priyanka and I will stand the test of time.  

We bring out the best in each other and push one another to challenge the people we are. Sure, this can lead to a few ‘debates’ but we’re ready to hear each other out, and most importantly, we’re ready to compromise. This wedding is the perfect example of the beauty that compromise can lead to. I’ve no doubt we have a few more disagreements ahead of us, but I’m equally sure that our compromises will lead to ever more beautiful times shared together.

Priyanka, before I met you, I already had strong foundations. In fact, I was an unmovable object, working in the same place I’d joined since graduation, living in the same flat. You came in like an unstoppable rainbow grenade, and I don’t think my life was ever the same again. I don’t want my life to ever be the same again.

Whenever you’re about, Kuch Kuch Hota Hain (something happens) and it’s fair to say, Maine Pyar Kiya (I fell in love).

Now, if you can all join me in a toast to my beautiful wife, my very own rainbow grenade, my wonderful Priyanka.

To Priyanka.

Written by Shai, Speechy writer

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How To Write The Ultimate Groom’s Speech

• 28th Apr, 2020

Jump to the good bits

Congrats on making it this close to your big day! Now all you have to do is write the perfect groom’s speech. Simple, right? When it comes to wedding speeches, we’re pretty sure the biggest thing giving you sleepless nights is what the best man is going to say! Definitely have a word with him but don’t forget to work on your own speech well before the day. With a few choice words and the right planning, you might just finally win the mother-in-law over!

We’ve compiled the comprehensive guide with a list of do’s and don’ts to deliver the ultimate groom’s speech.

Do Keep It Short

Wedding Days can be long and let’s be honest, as important as your words are, the groom’s speech tends not to be the speech that people are looking forward to most. 10 minutes maximum should be enough of a speech duration. Anything longer than that and you’re just going to start losing people’s attention. By keeping all of the ultimate groom’s speech do’s and don’ts in mind, you’ll easily be able to keep your speech duration short and hopefully, memorable.

Do Include A Bit Of Humour

Odds on, a good chunk of the wedding party are going to be a bit tipsy at this stage so getting a few laughs won’t be a problem. Nobody wants to hear a long drawn out serious speech. You have their attention and if you can put a smile on their face, it will set them up nicely to enjoy the remainder of the day.

Harmless jokes about how your best man and groomsmen are looking are good but just remember you’re the groom and not a stand-up comedian so don’t go overboard!

Do Thank Everybody

This is possibly the most important point of the groom’s speech. This is your time to (in no particular order) thank the venue, thank the celebrant, thank the bridal party, thank your groomsmen and best man, thank the in-laws, thank your family and thank everybody for coming. Now is the opportunity to thank your parents / family for bringing you into this world and to express your gratitude for all they have done for you.

For extra brownie points a bouquet of flowers for your mother and mother-in-law will go down a treat 🙂

Do Remember Your New Wife

Obviously, the whole point of the big day is to sign your life away to celebrate your marriage to your beautiful wife. If you forget to mention this, it might be a very short married life! Include a bit of cheese, tell everyone how you met, how much she means to you and how happy she has made you. People love hearing a good love story and no doubt there’ll be people at the wedding itching to get the kleenex out, so keep this in mind when you go to write the ultimate groom’s speech.

Do Practice

We all know the saying, practice makes perfect. It’s no harm to run through your speech the night before or even in the morning if you have time. Try it in front of the mirror or try it in front of your best man or one of the groomsmen. This will make you feel much more comfortable when delivering the speech and as you practice, you also might decide to add/remove parts. This will go a long way when delivering the ultimate groom’s speech on the big day!

Don’t Hurry

Relax. This is not an Oscar acceptance speech. You’re talking to friends and family who know you so take your time. If you start rushing through the speech, you’ll probably forget something and nobody will have a clue what you’re talking about.

This is the bride and groom’s day and remember that you are the main man. People want to hear the groom’s speech and see how happy you are. If you are feeling a bit nervous beforehand, just a try a few deep breaths in and out – it’ll work a treat.

Don’t Picture Everybody Naked

You’re guaranteed the best man or groomsmen will throw this “helpful” nugget of information out when it comes to making your speech. Don’t go there. This will just make you feel uncomfortable especially when you turn to acknowledge your new mother-in-law!

Imagine looking at the bridal party and how beautiful they are then all of a sudden they’re stark naked… this might just prompt you to say/do something completely ridiculous or worse still, lose your concentration and make a complete tit of yourself!!

Don’t Drink Too Much

This will not help the groom’s speech and on a related note, it will also not help things in the bridal suite later on. It should be a given, especially considering it’s probably the most important day of your life. You might think it’s a good idea to get a bit of dutch courage but before you know it, you’ll be forgetting people’s names. If you are having a drink, leave it until after your speech is done and you’ll appreciate it more.

Don’t Outshine The Best Man

While it’s your day and you want to write the ultimate groom’s speech, a lot of people will also be looking forward to what the best man has to say. He might be a pain at times and has probably gotten you into a whole world of trouble with the Mrs but let’s allow him to have the spotlight for a moment. He’s probably worked really hard on his speech.

If you found writing the grooms speech tough, just think about how the best man has probably struggled with his speech. This will put you much more at ease. Best man speeches are a whole different minefield. While you should include some humour, leave the comedy and stories to him. Don’t be too worried, wifey probably has him under strict instructions to keep everything PC.

Don’t Go Overboard On The Bridal Party

It’s important to remember the bridal party and to comment on how beautiful they look. But just do that only. Don’t try and be funny by saying ‘if I wasn’t a married man…’ or ‘one time I got the sisters mixed up…’. A good idea is to look at everyone else while mentioning this topic and asking your audience to agree with you. Then move on. You do NOT want to upset your new wife. She takes priority when it comes to who’s looking beautiful.

We hope that will help you write the ultimate groom’s speech!

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The groom’s speech: a complete guide.

• Wedding Planning
• May 18, 2023

A groom’s speech is one of the most anticipated moments of any wedding. It’s a moment to express love, gratitude, and joy. But, crafting the perfect groom’s speech can be a daunting task. Fear not, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide.

What Is the Groom’s Speech?

The groom’s speech is a tradition where the groom addresses the wedding guests, typically during the reception. It’s an opportunity to share heartfelt sentiments, express thanks, and toast to a future filled with love and happiness.

The Importance of the Groom’s Speech

Why is the groom’s speech so important? It’s more than just a wedding tradition. It’s a chance to speak from the heart, acknowledge the love and support of those around you, and reflect on the journey that led to this special day.

When to Give the Groom’s Speech

Traditionally, the groom’s speech is one of the last speeches, following the best man’s and the father of the bride’s speeches. It typically occurs during the reception, either before or after the meal.

Crafting the Perfect Groom’s Speech

Creating a memorable groom’s speech might seem overwhelming, but with a few key tips, you can easily craft a speech that will resonate with your audience.

Start with Thanks

Begin your speech by expressing your gratitude. Thank everyone for attending and give special thanks to both sets of parents.

Acknowledge Your Partner

Your wedding day is about the love you share with your partner. Speak about how you met, what you love about them, and your hopes for your future together.

Keep It Light and Humorous

While your speech should be sincere, it’s also an opportunity to entertain your guests. A well-placed joke or a funny anecdote can keep your audience engaged and make your speech more memorable.

Your speech should reflect who you are. Speak from the heart and let your genuine emotions shine through.

Practice Makes Perfect

Don’t forget to practice your speech. This will help you get comfortable with what you’re saying and allow you to deliver your speech confidently.

Final Thoughts

The groom’s speech is a special part of any wedding day. It’s a chance to express your deepest emotions and to thank those who have supported you. Remember, this is your moment to shine, so embrace it with confidence and sincerity.

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How To Write The Ultimate Groom’s Speech

• Help & Advice , Trending , Wedding Planning , wedding-speeches

No clue where to begin when it comes to making a speech on your big day? We’ve got you covered with all the do’s, dont’s and inspo you need to know so you can nail the best groom’s speech ever!

We get that sometimes speeches can be the most dreaded part of your wedding day, but they don’t have to be as scary as you think! This is your chance to connect with your guests and tell them all about your unique journey, so it’s important to get the right balance of informative and entertainment.

Whether you’re rattled with stage fright, suffering from ‘writers block’ or just looking for a fun way to bring your love story to life, then you’ve came to the right place – these foolproof facts can help you pull off a killer groom’s speech without boring the pants of your guests…

RELATED TO: 20 Genuinely Funny Jokes For The Best Man Speech

1. Don’t be too formal (or boring!)

Here we come with the cliché ‘be yourself’ talk, but you really have to let your personality shine through when delivering your groom’s speech. Just because it has the word ‘speech’ in the title doesn’t mean it has to be anything formal or serious – you don’t need a fancy delivery, just speak how you normally would to your friends and family and they’re sure to love it.

2. Keep it short & sweet

We all know someone who could talk for Ireland and it’s easy to glaze over as they go in and out of every detail. While detail can be great, it’s best to keep it to the main points when it comes to your groom’s speech. As soon as you cover the basics like thanking everyone for coming, the parents, bridal party and everyone who helped create your day, then focus on the significant moments of your journey – your guests want something short and easy to follow, especially after a few drinks!

RELATED TO: What Are The Best Man’s Duties? The Ultimate Checklist

3. Know your audience

If you can get your guests smiling from the get-go, this means you can relax a little and know you’re headed in the right direction. Have a think about something funny that specifically relates to your guests or wedding situation rather than an obvious overheard cliché. We would say focus on the funny, but don’t try too hard – if you’re no Jim Carrey, then don’t force yourself to be! Whatever your humour, play on this but be aware of your audience and look out for cues that things are or aren’t being well received.

4. Keep it romantic AND respectful!

If you want to share some deep moments from your love story, be sure to keep it romantic and respectful! If romance isn’t your biggest forte, you can keep it cute by sharing some sweet playful moments, but don’t cross the line – if it’s a private or personal detail your bride probably wouldn’t share with her entire family, it’s best not to take the risk with it (we don’t want your marriage ending before it’s even started!)

RELATED TO:

5. Cute Vs Cringe

Although we love a little romance in our groom’s speech, try not to fall into the trap of sounding like a compilation of all her favourite chick flicks. Rather than saying ‘I’m so lucky I’ve found you’, make it more personal and real, such as ‘my parents always said nothing good would ever come of me always running late, but I’m happy to say I’ve proved them wrong – I missed my bus that day (as usual), and the best thing that came of it was meeting you…’. This is cute but not overly cringey, so leave out the soppy details and keep it light-hearted and warm – your real love story should paint the picture.

READ OUR LATEST MAGAZINE ISSUE – SUMMER 2021 OUT NOW

6. It’s all about the timing

Okay, this is a biggie! One secret yet not-so-secret dread of many wedding guests is a never-ending speech.  Don’t get us wrong, we love hearing all about your special journey together, but try to keep the speech around the 7 – 10 minute mark. This is considered the perfect amount of time for a groom’s speech! This probably ends up covering 1,000 words which is more than enough to hit the main points and get some cute and funny moments in there without anyone falling asleep.

7. Use a quote!

If you find you don’t quite have a way with words, let someone else sum up your feelings for you! There are plenty of great quotes out there from authors, famous storytellers or even your favourite movie. Whatever you choose, make sure you pick a quote that means something to the both of you (not just your favourite Avengers movie!)

RELATED TO: 33 Non-Religious Ceremony Readings That Will Leave You Speechless

8. Make a promise

This a cute and funny way to create a heartfelt moment while also surprising your partner in front of all your friends and family. We’re not saying repeat your vows, but adding a genuine promise that is unique to your person – maybe she’s a little bit of an adrenaline junkie while you’re more of a couch potato? So, promise her that you’re going to make a commitment to try new things and live life to the fullest with her. If there’s something about your other half you admire, then surprise them with a little extra commitment.

Famous Groom’s Speeches we love…

Tom fletcher.

Tom Fletcher from the band McFly did one of the most famous and unusual groom’s speeches of all time! If you’ve been blessed with a singing talent or can hold a decent tune why not replicate his speech with your own song?

Mark Wright

TOWIE star Mark Wright got a little emotional during his groom’s speech to his wife Michelle Keegan.

Through tears, he said: “Not only are you beautiful, but you are one of the most incredible people I have ever met. You truly are sensational in every single way.”  Take inspiration from his touching way to be emotional without making everyone feel awkward.

Singer Nick Jonas from the Jonas Brother had a sweet and touching speech to his now-wife actress Priyanka Chopra, saying he “couldn’t be happier” with his “beautiful wife”.

“It wasn’t too far from here that I took Madhu (Priyanka’s mother) out for lunch and asked if I could marry her daughter. To be here with all of you, who have helped shape who she has become, means a lot to me. You have welcomed me with such open arms. So, thank you for that.

RELATED TO: Has Your Man Turned Into A Groomzilla?

“Tonight, is about celebrating and spending some time together. My first introduction to all of you. So, thank you again and thanks to Madhu for putting this together and my beautiful wife. I couldn’t be happier being with you.” How cute is this? Take inspiration from this classic and sweet speech and your family and friends are sure to gush.

Now for some funny groom speech inspo…

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How to Write a Short and Simple Groom Speech

The Groom Speech is one of the most important pieces of the wedding ‘jigsaw’.

Get it right and you’ll be a hero in the eyes of your new Bride and leave your guests with big smiles on their faces.

Get it wrong and there could be a big, embarrassing hole in the middle of an otherwise perfect day.

So the pressure’s on and while the Groom speech is not a hard one to pull off, it’s also an easy one to screw up.

But there’s no need to panic! Take a deep breath, think calming thoughts and read my Stress-Free Guide to Writing a Short and Simple Groom Speech .

An Effective Groom Speech is as Simple as ABC

Some Groom speeches are masterpieces of speechwriting - full of touching stories, memorable details and clever jokes.

But the truth is that as long as you include just three essential elements you can deliver a rock-solid Groom speech that ticks all the right boxes.

So here’s my ABC for an effective Groom speech, which tells you exactly what to say, and when to say it…

A is for… Acknowledgements

This is non-negotiable - acknowledging the important people in your life, particularly those who’ve helped with the arrangements for the big day.

Forget to say “thank you” and you’ll not only look ungrateful but your speech could leave a bad taste in the mouth of anyone who felt they deserved a quick mention.

And remember, even if you’ve thanked someone in person - or plan to - nothing can quite replace giving them public recognition in front of the other guests.

”Thank You” Checklist

Here’s a checklist of people you might want to thank:

• The Father of the Bride for his toast to you and the Bride
• Your parents for their support over the years
• The Bride’s parents for:a) bringing up your wonderful wife, andb) for welcoming you into their family
• Your Groomsmen for their help on and before the big day
• The Bridesmaids for the help they’ve given the Bride

”Thank You” Gifts

If you intend to hand out any gifts you can do this as part of the acknowledgements.

Absent Family and Friends

It’s also customary to acknowledge absent family and friends.

This can be a poignant moment so make sure there’s a brief pause to remember important people, before diving into…

B is for… Bride

Once you’ve shown your gratitude by acknowledging all the key wedding players, it’s time to get to the main topic of your speech, which is of course - the Bride!

Yes, the thank you’s are absolutely essential, but they’re really just a polite preamble. It’s the bit where you start to talk fondly about your new wife that your guests are really looking forward to hearing.

Even if you’re the strong, silent type, your wedding day is the one occasion where you get to show your softer side and let a few honest feelings show through.

But don’t worry, it’s dead easy to write a crowd-pleasing Groom speech. Because although the Best Man’s speech, for example, is expected to be funny, all that the Groom’s speech really needs to be is sincere - and a little romantic.

In the spirit of minimalism, here’s a simple template to use if you’re lost for words when it comes to talking about your beautiful Bride:

• Tell the story of how you first met
• Say what you love about her - illustrated with a quick anecdote
• Tell us something about your hopes and plans for your future together

Do this right and you’ll score some serious points with your new wife and have all the guests (well the women at least!) thinking you’re the ultimate romantic hero!

C is for… Cheers!

So you’ve thanked everyone who needs thanking and you’ve made your new Bride swoon with some well-chosen words straight from the heart.

Job done, right? Time to sit down.

Well, not quite.

Wrap it up and end on a high

All good speeches have a clear beginning, middle and an end, and the Groom speech is no exception. You’ve just nailed the beginning and the middle, so let’s wrap things up neatly and end on a high.

Nothing gets a more enthusiastic response than an invitation to drink, and it’s traditional for the Groom’s speech to end with a toast to the Bridesmaids.

In an ultra-minimal Groom speech you could simply thank everyone for listening and immediately propose the toast.

However, it’s nice to acknowledge the next speaker - usually the Best Man - before you sit back down (and hopefully receive a big kiss from your wife).

A simple template for the perfect ending

So, with that in mind, here’s a quick guide to the perfect ending:

• Thank everyone for listening and say it’ll soon be time for the Best Man to speak
• Say a few short words about the Best Man and how much you’re looking forward to his speech
• Raise a toast to the Bridesmaids and hand straight over to the Best Man (or the MC)

So that’s it! You’ve reached the end of my Minimalist Guide.

Hopefully the prospect of writing your Groom speech is now about as stressful as gently raking the sand in your Zen garden whilst listening to an iPod full of whale song.

Now take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, then slowly exhale any remaining worries and fears about your speech.

Just pick up a notepad and your favourite pen, and get writing.

Read More Like This

Boring! 5 Groom Speech Clichés That Make You Seem Dull and Unoriginal

Groom Speech: Common Questions

Funny Groom Speech Example

A guide to delivering the perfect grooms speech

Content Team

You’ve made it through the ceremony – you’re emotional, elated, and now you have to face a pretty important piece of public speaking… It’s no wonder some grooms are nervous about delivering their speech. However, worry not! With the right prep and adequate planning, you’re going to do great! Check out our guide below to discover how to deliver the perfect grooms speech.

Start with structure

One mistake many of us make when it comes to writing speeches or anything at all is simply to start from the beginning and run on from there. This can be a mistake; you want your speech to be rounded, balanced, and flow naturally, like a story. To that end, start by planning your structure; map out the points you have to include and where in the flow they might fit. There is no need to be eloquent or clever at this stage, just create a framework. By the time you come to fill in the details you will be halfway there.

Keep jokes to a minimum

You may have a whole draw full of amazingly funny jokes about the wedding party, now is not the time to wheel them out. Leave the gags to the best man and plan a speech that is sincere and heartfelt. Your guests and your bride want to hear you tell them how you adore your bride, and how pleased you are they could be part of the day. A little humour is fine but keep it as a background note.

Write in your voice

Remember to write a speech as you would speak it. This means the grammar doesn’t have to be flawless, and you should pick vocabulary and phrases that you use in everyday life. Very formal language and excessive use of adjectives and uncommon words will feel stilted and flat. Put the thesaurus away and say everything you write out loud to ensure it reads naturally.

Keep it Short

The number one guest complaint at weddings is overlong speeches. Don’t be part of the problem. Between two and four minutes is more than adequate for a grooms speech and your message will be clearer if you keep things pithy and short. Practice giving the speech out loud several times to get an average length and remember you may speak a little faster if you are feeling nervous. ( Read what guests secretly want from you ).

Praise your bride

If you take nothing else from this guide, take this point; praising your bride should be the central point of your speech. Speak about your love for her, tell her she looks amazing, and remember to refer to her as your wife. This part always raises a big cheer and will probably be the first time you refer to her in these terms. It’s easy to assume that this stuff is a given, everyone knows how much you love her, right? It’s not – shout it from the rooftops!

Thank the right people

On top of thanking your gorgeous new bride, you should thank everyone who has made the wedding day a success. Thank both sets of parents, groomsmen, bridesmaids and the best man, alongside your guests in general. It means a lot to those in the wedding party and beyond who have invested time, money, and love to make your day special.

Don’t leave it to the last minute

If you are writing your speech on the back of a napkin as the best man makes his address, you have left it too late. Seriously, don’t create an added pressure point for yourself by being underprepared. Start writing at least two weeks before your wedding day.

Practice will make your speech flow smoothly, and prevent you staring in horror down at a sheet of closely typed paper. If you feel comfortable, ask a close friend to listen to what you have prepared. Friendly feedback will help you not only perfect what you have written but give you a confidence boost prior to the day.

Not a groom? Here’s 10 tips for nailing the best man speech

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Writing the Groom’s Speech: The Ultimate Guide to Your Wedding Toast

• Wedding Planning

Unless you’re a fan of public speaking, you’ve probably found your way here wondering how on earth you’re meant to begin writing the speech for your wedding day…

Well, as a groom, you’re in luck, the Groom’s Wedding Speech is actually a very simple, straightforward one to write, and with a couple of read-throughs, you’ll nail it (even if you are reading this the night before.

In what order should the Groom’s speech be?

A Groom’s Wedding Speech is one of the four traditional wedding speeches. Typically, the Groom’s wedding speech follows the speeches of the Father of the Bride and the Best Man, and is followed by the Maid of Honour (historically, a Bride would not make a speech). Of course, it will be completely up to you as a couple to decide who will be speaking, and what order that should be in (though someone may just surprise you and wish to speak on the day!), and of course, if this is a same-sex wedding, there may be two Grooms making speeches.  See all the different ways  same-sex couples can reinvent the speech section of their wedding.

Why the Groom’s Speech is the Easiest Wedding Speech to Write

It’s often said that the groom’s speech is the easiest speech to write because it has a simple structure and purpose. Here are some reasons why:

• Shorter length: The groom’s speech is usually shorter than other speeches, such as the Father of the Bride or Best Man’s toast. This means that there is less pressure to come up with a lot of content, be particularly funny or entertaining, or even share personal stories – leave that up to the others if you wish.
• Simple structure: The Groom’s speech typically follows a very simple structure, starting with an opening thank you and acknowledgment of the Bride, followed by a brief anecdote or two, possibly about wedding planning (and how much or little you’ve had to do with it), and ending with a toast to the future. This structure makes it easy to plan and write the speech.
• Personal experience: The Groom’s speech is often based on personal experience, making it easier to write from the heart. The Groom can share stories about how he met his Bride, how he fell in love, or when he knew he wanted to marry her, which can easily make for a heartfelt and meaningful speech. Trust us, all anybody really wants to hear is how stunning you think your new wife is, and what a phenomenal job she has done planning the day (even if you think you took on a fair share of it!)

How to Write the Groom’s Wedding Speech

• Start with a plan

Before you begin writing your speech, it’s important to have a plan in place. Think about the key points you want to make and how you can weave them together into a cohesive message, possibly incorporating a point into both the introduction and conclusion.

• Begin with a strong opening

To captivate your audience from the start, consider beginning with a strong opening. This could be a heartfelt quote or a humorous story that sets the tone for the rest of your speech. The goal is to grab the attention of your audience and set the tone for the rest of your speech.

• Speak from the heart

The best wedding speeches are those that come from the heart. While it can be tempting to focus on jokes or generic sentiments, take the time to speak honestly about your feelings. Share what you love about your new spouse and what makes your relationship special. Speak from the heart, and your words will be sure to resonate with your audience.

• Keep it concise

While you may have a lot to say, it’s important to keep your speech concise. Aim for a speech that lasts around five minutes, as anything longer can cause your audience to lose interest. Stick to the key points you want to make and be mindful of your audience’s attention span.

• Include humor

Wedding speeches don’t have to be serious all the time. In fact, including humor can be a great way to engage your audience and lighten the mood. Consider adding a funny story or anecdote to your speech to break up the more serious moments., practice, practice.

• Practice Reading Your Speech

Once you’ve written your speech, it’s time to practice. Read it out loud several times to get a feel for how it sounds and to make sure it flows well. Consider practicing in front of a mirror or in front of a friend to get feedback. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel delivering your speech on the big day.

Making the Groom’s Speech Funny

If humour comes naturally to you, your speech is likely to be funny too, and your guests are the ones who know and love you best (so they’ll definitely laugh along with you). If you struggle to tell personal anecdotes, consider including some funny quotes or sweet sayings:

• “The secret to a good marriage is to be a little deaf.”  —  Ruth Bader Ginsburg 
• “If at first you don’t succeed…try doing it the way your wife told you.”  —  Unknown
• “The secret to a happy marriage remains a secret.”  —  Henny Youngman
• “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times—always with the same person.”  —  Mignon McLaughlin (this one’s in our ‘ I still do ‘ anniversary journal)
• “To keep your marriage brimming with love in the loving cup, whenever you’re wrong, admit it; whenever you’re right, shut up.”  —  Ogden Nash

What should the Groom actually say in his wedding speech?

Of course, the groom’s wedding speech is also an opportunity to express his love and appreciation for his partner in front of friends and family. It’s a chance to share heartfelt words that capture the essence of their relationship and the depth of his feelings. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a groom’s speech, the following tips can help create a personal and loving tribute:

• Start with gratitude: Begin by thanking everyone for being there to celebrate this special day. Express your gratitude for their love and support, and how much it means to have them all there with you.
• Acknowledge your partner: Take a moment to acknowledge your partner and how much they mean to you. Share a personal story about how you met or something that has strengthened your relationship over time. Speak from the heart and let your emotions guide you. Thank them, if they have worked really hard to plan the wedding , as it has probably been a huge emotional undertaking for them too.
• Speak to their qualities: Talk about the qualities you admire in your partner, such as their kindness, compassion, sense of humor, or intelligence. Share specific examples that demonstrate these traits and how they have impacted your life.
• Express your love: This is the perfect opportunity to express your love and affection for your partner. Use language that is personal and meaningful to you, whether it’s through poetry, song lyrics, or your own heartfelt words.
• Make promises: A wedding is a celebration of a lifelong commitment, so take this opportunity to make promises to your partner about the future you will build together. Reinforce the vows you wrote to each other . You might promise to support them through thick and thin, to always be their partner in life, or to continue growing and learning together.
• Thank the families: Thank both families for their love and support, and for coming together to celebrate this special day. Acknowledge any special people in your partner’s life, such as parents or grandparents, and express your gratitude for their presence.
• End with a toast: Raise a glass to your partner, your families, and your future together. Invite everyone to join you in celebrating this joyous occasion and toast to the happiness and love that lies ahead.

Is there anything the Groom shouldn’t say in his speech?

Ah, yes, we’re so glad you asked, there are a few things never to include in a wedding speech .

• No matter how funny the anecdote sounds to you on paper, ex-girlfriends or past relationships for either party are off the table . It’s best to avoid this topic entirely.
• Controversial or sensitive topics: Weddings are a time to celebrate love and happiness, so it’s best to avoid controversial or sensitive topics that could potentially upset or offend guests. This could include politics, religion, or other divisive issues.
• Inside jokes or stories that are inappropriate: While inside jokes and stories can be entertaining, it’s important to consider whether they are appropriate for a wider audience. If a story or joke could potentially embarrass or offend someone, it’s best to avoid it.
• Negative comments about anyone (ANYONE): A wedding is a time to celebrate and show love, so it’s important to avoid negative comments or criticism of anyone. This includes family members, friends, vendors, or even the bride or groom themselves. Don’t resort to self-deprecating humour, this just isn’t the time. See etiquette guide to wedding speeches .

Remember, the most important thing is to speak from the heart and be true to yourself. While it can be tempting to focus on jokes or generic sentiments, take the time to speak honestly about your feelings. Share what you love about your new spouse and what makes your relationship special. Speak from the heart, and your words will be sure to resonate with your audience. Don’t worry too much about getting the words perfect – the emotion behind them is what really counts. With these tips in mind, you can create a personal and loving tribute to yo.ur partner that will be remembered for years to come.

Finally, the best, most entertaining and engaging speeches are ones which are to the point and concise. Aim for a speech that lasts around five minutes, as anything longer can cause your audience to lose interest. Stick to the key points you want to make and be mindful of your audience’s attention span.

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How to Write the Perfect Groom Speech

It’s the day you’ve been waiting for all your life. You’ve married your beautiful bride, tucked into the delicious food, and now all that is left to do is relax before the evening reception. Wait, don’t forget about your speech!

For many of us, speaking in front of a room full of people is probably pretty nerve wracking. After the act of actually getting married, giving the Groom speech is probably the second most nerve-wracking thing every man has to face on his wedding day, and it’s easy to see why.

To help you out, we’ve talked to some industry professionals to get their expert advice. Below, we have outlined everything you need to mention in order to make your speech a hit.

The Structure

Thank your guests.

Coming to a wedding is a big expense for everyone involved. Your guests pay for a good amount of petrol (or even flights), a hotel room, and your gift. Therefore, it is important you make sure they know they’re appreciated.

The first way you can do this in your speech is by thanking them. On the other hand, if you make your whole speech relatively short, they can get on with drinking and dancing. Trust me, everyone will appreciate this!

Toast absent friends

Toast to those who couldn’t make it, as well as those who are no longer alive. All guests should be thanked, even ones who are not there. Don’t be afraid to show your sensitive side here. It’s a nice touch and it will definitely be appreciated.

Big up your best man and your ushers

Your best man has been with you every step of the way with this wedding, so thank him for this. Don’t forget your ushers, either. Your boys have done you a big favour by playing a part in your wedding day (even if all they did was roll out of bed and put on a nice suit), so don’t be afraid inject a little bromance in your speech.

And, of course, make some jokes at their expense. After mentioning deceased friends and relatives, this is a good time to lighten the mood. Furthermore, your best man probably mentioned some embarrassing anecdotes about you in his speech, so get him back!

Just remember this speech isn’t all about you and your mates

“But please do this briefly,” says Seb of  Great Speech Writing . “One regular complaint from wedding guests is that they came to listen to stories about the bride and groom, not the groom and his best man. Don’t forget who you are marrying and why you have asked people to come and celebrate.”

Don’t forget everyone else. Tradition dictates you mention the bridesmaids and flower girls as well. They played a massive role in the day and have likely also acted as important support for your new wife. Especially if your wife isn’t speaking, make sure they know they are appreciated.

Others who have lent a helping hand

This is not school speech day; however, you should still acknowledge those who’ve made your day the wonderful occasion it’s been. For example, consider the person who set you up with your spouse, or the venue manager. If you haven’t given them a nod yet, do so here.

Be careful of rattling off a list like an Oscars speech, though. “It is important to thank those people who have helped you on the way to this special day but there is always a risk of simply standing there and reading a list of people to whom you wish to show your appreciation,” says Kevin of  Speeches For You .

Seb of Great Speech Writing agrees. “You don’t want you speech to become a long list of thank yous,” he points out. So just keep it to the really vital people. Everyone else can get a thank you note.

Your new in-laws and your own parents

This is your moment to gain some serious credit with your new wife’s parents, so don’t throw it away. Thank them for all they’ve done. If they paid for the wedding, sing their praises to the rafters. Thank them for raising the woman of your dreams and for accepting you into the family. And, even if they haven’t quite accepted you yet, that doesn’t matter right now! Get your now legally-binding relationship with them off to the right start nevertheless and make them feel appreciated.

When it comes to your mum and dad, only you know what to say. They raised you and, hopefully, have supported you through good times and bad, so make sure they feel the love.

Last, but absolutely never least, your new wife is the star of the show on your wedding day. Therefore, make sure the longest and most heartfelt part of your speech is all about her. It’s cliché, yes, but if you don’t mention how beautiful she is, how lucky you are, and how you’re punching well above your weight with her, you won’t have done your job with your speech.

Then, talk about your relationship in as genuine and real a way as you can muster. If you both have a good sense of humour and you like joking around, let that come through here. But, nothing is worse than a groom who spends his speech reciting bad one-liners he found on the internet.

If you do tell some jokes or a funny story about your new wife, think hard about what tales to go for. Some jokes are best left just between you two. That being said, a couple of funny and endearing stories can go a long way.

Make your speech memorable for all the right reasons  

It’s up to you to break the ice, but keep it simple.

“Weddings always have a large mix of people and not many know one another,” Kevin of Speeches for You says. “You and your wife will probably be the only people who know everyone in the room. Including some shared memories will have guests talking to each other after the meal and will make for a much more pleasant atmosphere in the evening.”

Maybe you’re the type of guy who doesn’t really wear his heart on his sleeve, and for whom saying a lot of cheesy, lovey things during your speech would feel alien. In that case, don’t force it. It’ll feel and look awkward and disingenuous.

Bear in mind that the most important thing during this part of your speech is to stay true to yourself and to represent your relationship honestly and with love, and no one can dictate to you how to do that.

Other things to bear in mind

This part of your day doesn’t have to be scary if you don’t let it be. As long as you’ve written a speech that is authentic to you and your relationship, you really can’t go wrong. Be as funny or as serious as you typically are in your everyday life; forcing either one will make for a boring or robotic speech that will be forgettable or even embarrassing.

Timing is key

When it comes to timing, try to keep it to 5-10 minutes. According to Seb, as much as your guests love that you’re happy and in love, they’re mainly there to party. And, before you think that’s untrue or harsh, remember the last time you sat through speeches at a wedding. As for the toasts, keep it down to two; one to the bridesmaids and one to your new wife. Any more than that and your speech could turn into a drinking game.

And if you are left totally blank? “Just remember to thank the parents, the best man for his help, and the guests for coming, and say how beautiful your wife is,” Seb says. That’ll guarantee you say what needs to be said with as little drama as possible!

So, go ahead and write an amazing speech (or ask for help from Seb or Kevin). Wow your guests and, more importantly, your new spouse. We also have speech writing advice for the Father of the Bride and the Best Man . Good luck.

2 thoughts on “ How to Write the Perfect Groom Speech ”

Crucially – don’t get too tied down by ‘the speech rules’ or traditional etiquette. Other than keeping the speech no longer than ten minutes and thanking the important people – the speech is yours to have fun with.

Gray is a well known colour for the grooms. So, this colour is elegant. I love that style thanks.

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How to write a Groom’s wedding speech

Nail your nerves and craft a groom’s speech that’ll blow your wedding guests away.

As a groom, what makes the perfect wedding speech? Should you be funny like the best man? Emotional like the maid of honour ? Or pull the heart strings like the father of the bride? Well, the answer is, a little bit of each would be ideal! With some admin thrown in. Unlike many of the other wedding speeches being given on the day, the groom’s speech is basically one big thank you. There’s no set things you should say, no style it has to be written in, or reaction it needs to receive. Essentially, you just have to praise and complement those closest to you for all their hard work ( and money ), while thanking the assembled guests for being there. Easy, right…?

If you’re not used to speaking in public, or you’re unsure of exactly how to lay out your speech, don’t worry. We’ve put together some easy-to-follow tips that’ll help you write the perfect groom speech for your wedding day.

The people you need to thank

As mentioned, the groom’s speech is all about thanking friends and family who were involved in putting the wedding together. Alongside that, it’s nice to also welcome the other side of the family, as well as remembering those who couldn’t be there on the day. Suppliers too, if you feel they played a really significant part in your day being a success, share the ones who deserve a special mention. You never know, it could lead to one of your loved ones hiring your wedding photographer for their big day.

Give your speech structure

It could be tempting to just run head first towards all those thank-yous, desperately trying not to miss anyone out. This approach, although potentially fun to watch, will seem quite chaotic and almost certainly lead to you missing important members of the wedding party out. Instead, organise your thoughts, and create an outline. You don’t need to write your groom’s speech out and follow it word by word on the wedding day. But you should have bullet notes you can (mentally) tick off as you go. Here’s a simple outline that will work for most groom speeches: · Introduce yourself, and say a few words about the day so far. · Welcome everyone, and thank them for coming · Thank specific people involved in the wedding. · Share a personal anecdote or story about your wedding planning journey, or relationship. · Share how you feel about your spouse. · Thank everyone for coming again and let guests know any information the venue has given you. Food or bar times, when certain events will be, that sort of thing. · Raise a toast.

Keep it light, but don’t force humour

We’re not all blessed with a funny bone. If you’re someone who’s never been the joker in the pack, the wisecracker in the group. Don’t force yourself to be one during your groom’s speech, on your wedding day! Your guests know you, they love you, and they want to hear a speech that sounds like it came from you, not Seinfeld. However, if making a joke here and there is part of your personality, by all means, use humour in your speech. But it’s important to strike a balance between laughs and sentiment. Guests should get a sense of how serious you are about the day, and feel your emotions. And they can’t do that if you’re just delivering a stand-up routine. Keep wedding guests interested and engaged in your groom’s speech by bouncing back and forth between playfulness and sentimentality. Jokes, interspersed with more serious, and emotional parts, is the key to a successful groom’s speech.

How long should a Groom’s wedding speech be?

The secret to any good speech is to keep it short and sweet. However humorous, or emotional your groom’s speech is, wedding guests will soon start to nod off if it goes on too long. Likewise, if you only share a couple of words, there’s no way loved ones will get a sense of how you feel about the day, or their contribution. Recite, or practice your groom’s speech ahead of the wedding day, multiple times, so you know how long it is. And remember that nervous energy will potentially take over on the day, speeding up the whole speech , and shaving off 30 seconds from the total time. Another reason why it’s important to practice. Overall, on your wedding day, aim to keep your groom’s speech around 2–3 minutes long. In that time, you should be able to convey just how delighted and thankful you truly are. Without sending any older relatives off to sleep! We hope we have inspired your groom’s speech, and hopefully settled some nerves ahead of the wedding day! It would be a pleasure to guide you further, and introduce you to our lovely wedding venue in Co Kildare. The Abbey is only an hour away from Dublin, and has an 18th century chapel on-site, a stunning ballroom, multiple events spaces and 38 contemporary style rooms. You are welcome to have a browse of our wedding venue online , and if you like what you see, please get in touch via our contact page to book a viewing. And while you wait for your visit, you can find out more about us via our online brochure .

HOW TO WRITE A MEMORABLE GROOM SPEECH

Traditionally, the wedding reception is home to several speeches from the wedding party and the bride and groom’s parents. It’s a time to celebrate the new marriage and share stories of fond memories of the couple. Your groom speech is a chance to share how much you love your bride, but writing the groom’s speech can be daunting for those who haven’t attended several weddings this year to see them in action. Here’s an easy format you can follow to write the perfect groom’s speech for your big day.

WELCOME YOUR GUESTS

Start off your speech by welcoming those who have come to help you celebrate your marriage. Thank them for coming to share this special day with you and your new wife. You can give specific welcomes, but try to stick to the basic categories: friends and family.  Sometimes is may be ideal to start out with a joke to break the ice, have a look at some of our funny examples .

THANK THOSE WHO HELPED

In this section, you’ll want to thank those who have had a significant role in making your wedding a reality. This includes those who funded the wedding (though this doesn’t need to be stated aloud during the speech), parents, supporters, the Best Man, and the Maid of Honor . You can also thank anyone in your life who had a large role in supporting your relationship before your engagement. Is there someone who introduced the two of you? A married couple that mentored you during your relationship? A community that you both belong to that supported your relationship? These people helped make your wedding happen, so take a moment to thank them publicly.

• The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Speeches & Toasts . Our go-to guide.
• Groom’s Speech.  Deliver an amazing Groom wedding speech. Groom speech examples .
• Best Man Speech.  Create an awesome best man speech. Example best man speeches .
• Father of the Bride Speech .  A heartfelt father of bride speech. Example father speeches .
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• Recent Wedding Speech Posts . Latest blog posts about wedding speeches and toasts.

ADDRESS YOUR WEDDING PARTY

Take a brief moment to thank and acknowledge each groomsman and bridesmaid. Even just calling each one by name and thanking them for helping your big day run smoothly is enough. Everyone likes to be recognized.

FAWN OVER YOUR LADY

At this time, you can look your bride in the eyes and share how much she means to you. This part of the speech can be made very personal, and is intended to make your bride feel loved and adored in front of all of your guests. Remember to include aspects of her physical beauty as well as her character and what makes you love her. You can be sappy or you can remain more formal, but remember not to lean too far in one direction. Too formal, and it won’t feel natural and true. Too sappy, and everyone will be rolling their eyes by the end of it, including your bride.

INTRODUCE YOURSELVES AS A MARRIED COUPLE

After you’ve talked about how great your blushing bride is, you have the chance to tell everyone present what you are as a couple. You can share a meaningful or funny story, describe how you met, and talk about how she has changed your life since meeting her. You can talk about how you look forward to growing with her over the years, or share a value the two of you intend to base your lives on. If you share a religious affiliation, this is a good time to bring that up if you intend to make it the basis of your shared life. This is the first time you get to introduce yourselves as a married couple, so think about how you want to represent your new marriage to your guests.

FAWN OVER YOUR LADY…AGAIN

You’ll want to end your speech by talking once more about how much you love your bride. This is the day to celebrate how much you love her, so take every opportunity to do that! You don’t need to drag the speech on, but make sure the last thing you say is about how much you love your wife.

WHAT NOT TO SAY

Almost as important as what you do include in your speech is what you choose to leave out. Obviously, you’ll want to leave out any profanity, but make sure these don’t make it into your final speech either:

Delivery Tips

• Over-used cliches. Unless it’s one that really speaks to your relationship, try to keep it original.
• Excessive thank-yous. Thank the important figures in your relationship, but it’s not necessary to thank every person who helped with the wedding in a small way.
• Innuendos or sexual remarks. This should go without saying, but keep it PG for the sake of your bride’s conservative grandmother.

Even the most experienced public speaker can get flustered at the thought of speaking at his own wedding, so it’s normal to feel nervous about the speech. Keep these points in mind to make sure your speech is well-received and natural:

• Practice, practice, practice. The more you go over your speech beforehand, the more comfortable it will be to give it. You don’t need to feel pressured to memorize it, but make sure you can give the whole speech without reading straight from your notes
• Look your bride in the eye. Don’t stare her down the whole time you speak, but you should make intentional eye contact while you’re talking about how much you love her.
• Use tasteful humor to keep a lighter mood. Sharing a funny story or telling a short joke can put your guests at ease and make the whole speech feel more conversational.
• Keep it brief. Choose your words carefully and intentionally to avoid dragging on your speech. A short but meaningful speech is easier to deliver than a long speech that is full of verbal fluff.

Most importantly, remember that the speech you give at your wedding won’t be the only thing people remember. As long as your bride can tell that you love her from your speech, nothing else matters.

Miss Manners: Should the bride and groom be shown the best man’s speech before the wedding?

• Published: Apr. 22, 2024, 8:00 a.m.

"Miss Manners" Judith Martin Courtesy Andrews McMeel Universal

• Judith Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Should the bride and groom be shown the best man’s speech before the wedding? Or, if not them, someone else?

GENTLE READER: What makes you think the best man needs vetting?

Oh, right -- he is the bridegroom’s best friend, so it is not hard to guess his notion of what should be said. Miss Manners supposes that that is the problem. Perhaps that should have been considered before he was assigned the role.

But yes, the bridegroom can inquire, in the spirit of friendship, what his buddy is thinking of saying. He could even drop some remarks about the sensitivity of the crowd, and what topics should be avoided, however amusing.

But in the end, he has to trust that his best man will do his best to please him.

(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com ; to her email, [email protected] ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)

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