tips on writing a groom's wedding speech

12 Groom Speech Tips: How to Make a Killer Groom's Speech

Are you nervous about giving your groom's speech? Our experts have 12 top tips to giving the ultimate speech and help calm your nerves

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Have you been worrying about giving your groom’s speech ever since you popped the question? You’re not alone! This is arguably one of the most daunting parts of your entire wedding planning journey. 

You’ll need to consider how long your speech should be, your groom speech structure, and who you should be thanking. If you’re following the traditional order of speeches, your speech will come after the father of the bride (or groom) speech , and he could have set the bar pretty high.

But, don’t fret! We spoke to wedding speech writing experts to help calm your nerves. Speechwriter Chris Dance , Adrian Simpson from All Speeches Great and Small  and Heidi Ellert-McDermott from Speechy gave their best advice on what it takes to deliver a great groom speech.

• Groom's Wedding Speech Tips
• Groom Speech Preparation
• Who Does the Groom Toast and Thank?
• How to Write a Groom's Speech?

What Does the Groom Say in His Speech?

• How Long Should the Groom's Speech be?

12 Groom's Wedding Speech Tips

So here are our top tips on giving a wedding speech, but we've also put together a handy video for wedding speech-givers in a hurry! This video explains our best wedding speech tips for grooms, in under a minute. 

1. Acknowledge This Special Moment

“A great groom speech should be a really good dollop of entertainment and fun, whilst at the same time acknowledging what a very special moment this is. It’s your chance to stand up and acknowledge the people who have brought you to this point and, of course, to talk about the person you’ve been lucky enough to marry,” explained Adrian.

2. Think Carefully About How to Begin

Heidi advises that the best way to begin your groom speech is “quickly”.

She says: “Grooms often make the mistake of thinking they should sound formal and get overly stressed about following traditional etiquette. The aim is to get people laughing as soon as possible, certainly within the first three lines of your speech as it puts everyone listening at ease.”

As well as keeping it light and funny, Adrian points out that it’s important to address your partner's father and thank him for his speech: “Make it a warm and inclusive introduction, however, don’t be tempted to detail his financial contribution. A reference to his generosity should be sincere but very general.”

3. Know Your Audience

Knowing your audience applies to all speech writing and Chris emphasises this by explaining that you should: "Keep in mind who you're talking to and make the speech accessible to everyone in the room. Don't use in-jokes that only you and your workmates will get, don't risk anything offensive or controversial, and steer clear of politics."

4. Add in a Few (Appropriate) Jokes

“There’s a lot of emotion on the big day and making people laugh with some wedding jokes or amusing stories is the best way to balance that out,” explains Adrian.

Keep your stories short, funny, and appropriate! You don’t want to be embarrassing your new wife or husband on your first day as a married couple.

“Are you already concerned that your bride’s ‘pinot posse’ have started chatting up the bar staff? Or are you finding it hard to recognise your middle-aged cycling buddies in clothes that they usually wouldn’t be seen dead in? Make your humour personal and seemingly spontaneous – your guests will really appreciate it,” adds Heidi.

Adrian advises grooms to steer away from a speech that’s more of a ‘dry procession of thanks’ as you’ll struggle to keep your guests’ attention – so even if you’re not a naturally charismatic person, make sure your personality shines through above the mere thank-yous.

Take a look at these groom speech jokes for inspiration! 

5. Remember to Thank Everyone

Traditionally, the groom will need to thank the following:

• Everyone for coming
• His parents
• His partner’s parents
• His best man and ushers (if there are any)
• The maid of honour and bridesmaids (if there are any)

Heidi advises that although there are probably plenty of other people who you would love to thank for their contributions and help towards your special day, try to avoid thanking half of the guest list.

A simple way to thank everyone would be to say:

"This is the best day of my life and it's because of all of you, and especially you (referring to your partner). I cannot thank you all enough for being here."

When it comes to thanking parents, there’s one thing Adrian warns grooms to be careful of. “Don’t fall into the trap of waxing lyrical about your new parents-in-law for several paragraphs, dismissing your own parents in a sentence. They should both be given equal measure.”

An example to combine them both would be to say:

"Thank you for my parents for bring me up to be the person I am today and thank you to my in-laws for welcoming me into your family."

6. Focus on Your New Partner

Heidi suggests that your new partner should be the main focus of your speech. She says, “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to drop a public love-bomb on your partner and considering they’ve just agreed to tolerate all of your habits and box sets for the rest of their life, it’s the least you can do!

“Remember, every groom thinks his partner is gorgeous, kind and generally amazing so avoid cliché terms and words and concentrate on what makes them unique. Nailing their individual and quirky characteristics shows that you really get your new husband or wife and your friends and family will love you for that.”

Chris recommends that you do this by giving examples: "Don't just say that your partner is kind and thoughtful; illustrate it with the story about the time that they dressed up as Boba Fett and threw you a surprise Star Wars party, or about how they still hold your hand at the dentists because you hate the sound of the drill."

7. Forget Giving Out Gifts

Heidi advises that if you’re planning on giving thank you gifts to bridesmaids , parents or anyone else, either do it earlier on in the day or announce that you’ll be personally thanking them later as to not disrupt the speech.

She says: “Gift-giving is basically an excuse for guests to start checking their WhatsApp!”

8. Don't Be Too Ambitious

The time you take to the mic to make your groom's speech will no doubt be a big moment, but Chris shares that it is important to be realistic about what your comfort zone is and stay in it.

"It's a speech to your friends, not an audition for Britain's Got Talent. If you're terrified of public speaking, keep it simple. Don't give yourself unnecessary stress by filling your speech with tongue-twisters or trying to be Billy Connolly." 

9. Think Carefully About the Structure

Adrian says, “There are lots of people to talk about and you should deal with them one at a time and avoid repetition.

“Resist the urge to launch straight into how amazing your new partner looks and then pepper the speech with references to them. They are the star of the show so save the latter half of the speech to be dedicated to them and what they mean to you.”

10. Eight Minutes is the Perfect Length of Time

Adrian says that the length of a groom’s speech can really make or break it: “Too short and people are going to be wondering why you bothered. Too long and nobody will be listening. Keep it to a ‘stand up-sit down’ time of 10 minutes – that’s a talking time of around eight minutes and the rest will be made up from laughter, applause and heckles.”

Heidi also stressed the importance of not boring people with a lengthy speech, but also not coming across like you’re enjoying the attention a little too much.

11. Avoid Too Much Detail

Adrian explained that it’s too much detail that really slows a speech down: “A great speech demands the very least from the guests in order for them to enjoy it, so now is not the time to recount exactly how you know each of the ushers individually. A good guide is to aim for a total of 1,350 words – if you’re edging well over that, then it’s time to strip out some of the content.”

12. Think About Your Ending

According to Adrian: “Tradition says that you should end on a toast to the bridesmaids and a little aside to the best man. I’ve never found this works – in my opinion, the focus of the speech should be exclusively on your partner, that’s why I suggest toasting to the bridesmaids earlier in the speech and making the final words all about your partner.

“You should have talked about the best man earlier in the speech but there’s no harm in having a quick one-liner referencing him at the end but make sure it’s after the final toast.”

Groom Speech Preparation To Calm Your Nerves

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Heidi has a lot of advice when it comes to calming nerves around your wedding speech, starting with just how important the planning and preparation is.

“The key to being confident on the day is writing a wedding speech that’s so good you can’t wait to deliver it. If you know you’re going to make your friends laugh, your mum cry and your bride/groom love you even more then you’ll ooze confidence whilst delivering your speech.”

1. Film Yourself – Use your phone to film yourself practising your speech. Watch it back and channel your inner Simon Cowell – work out how your delivery could be improved and what you would change.

2. Dutch Courage Isn’t Always the Answer – Although lots of grooms swear by a bit of Dutch courage, this is based on wishful thinking rather than solid science!

3. Smile and Breathe – It may sound obvious but taking a deep breath is surprisingly effective at reducing those stress nerves and smiling is scientifically proven to be infectious, making them a fool-proof combination.

Does the Groom Give a Speech?

Traditionally, the groom will give a speech at the wedding reception, following the ceremony. You can do whatever works for you, but the traditional order for speeches is for the father of the bride to speak, then the groom, best man and any other toasts.

How to Write a Groom's Speech

If you are writing your groom's speech yourself the key points to remember are to compliment your new spouse and thank any key guests. Any other additions are nice extras! 

Writing not your strength? Hiring a professional speechwriter is a brilliant option. "It’s not cheating - if it is then so is ordering a wedding cake when you’ve got perfectly good eggs and flour at home," shares Chris.

"Speech writing is a specialist skill: giving the task to someone who can mould your words and articulate your thoughts is as valid a use of your budget as any other wedding service you’re paying for – arguably more valid, given that it’s probably the bit of the day you’re most worried about."

"The groom should focus on thankyous," explains Chris. "He should thank everyone for coming to the wedding - especially Jim and Tania who’ve kayaked all the way from Gdansk; anyone who contributed to it significantly, his partner’s parents for spawning such a catch; his own parents for loving and/or tolerating him.

"When he’s done that he can get on with lavishing praise on the person he’s married and saying how deliriously happy he is. That’s what the guests really want to hear from him, so he needs to do that bit well and sincerely."

How Long Should a Groom's Speech be?

Ideally, you want your groom's speech to be no more than ten minutes. Make sure to rehearse it a few times before the big day and time yourself - you don't want your guests to start getting bored!

"Just remember, if there are two or three other speakers then you’re asking your guests to sit still and listen patiently for half an hour, which is a long time when you’re stuffed full of wine, sea bass and tiramisu and you want to stretch your legs.

"However long your speech lasts (I find seven to ten minutes is usually enough), try to keep it punchy, lively and relevant: there is such a thing as a five minute speech that’s so dull it feels like a lifetime, yet fifteen minutes can race by if your speech is bright, engaging and funny," says Chris.

Still feeling nervous? Fear not – here’s our guide on how to deliver an amazing wedding speech !

Related Hitched articles

Your Ultimate Guide to Writing a Meaningful Wedding Speech

• Lauren is a contributor for The Knot covering topics such as music, cakes, venues and speeches.
• She has been published in a wide array of lifetsyle-oriented publications including SELF and Allure.
• Lauren is a proud graduate of Syracuse University's SI Newhouse School of Public Communication.

Getting asked to speak at a wedding is exciting, but it can also be nerve-wracking, especially since you're not a professional speaker or speechwriter! So, if you're unsure how to write a wedding speech , know you're not alone. Whether you're a member of a wedding party or a parent or sibling of the soon-to-be-married couple, you may be wondering what to say in a wedding speech. However, that's where we come into the picture: Keep reading for a full rundown of wedding speech tips , insight and, last but not least, a fully written example that you can use as a guide. Happy speechwriting!

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How to Write a Wedding Speech

Wedding speech example, wedding speech tips.

Writing your wedding speech is no easy feat. To help ensure things go as smoothly as possible, we tapped into Renée Dalo, owner of Moxie Bright Events in Los Angeles, California. Below, she shares a step-by-step guide.

Brainstorm a great opening.

To captivate other guests' attention, Daloe recommends taking some time to brainstorm a great opening. For example, she says, "Try to resist saying, 'For those of you who don't know me, I'm Erica's sister, Michelle.'" Instead, skip this entirely in favor of something more fun and creative.

Start with a story.

…but be sure to make it a short one, says Dalo. "Make sure it's relevant to your friendship and/or the couple." When selecting what story to share, the wedding pro recommends sterling clear of any that involve ex-partners—and for that matter, anything negative about the newly married couple. "Even if you think it's funny , she says, "it's not." Instead, think of a special moment or fun memory you shared with the couple. What did it involve? What was so great about it? All of these things are worth considering as you jot down your wedding speech.

Share your well wishes.

After all, what would a wedding speech be if it didn't include some well wishes for the newlyweds? "Make sure to include both people in the couple in your remarks," advises Dalo.

End with a toast.

Cap off your speech on a fun and sentimental note by ending with an actual toast . Dalo recommends this foolproof example: "Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple. Cheers to X and Y, and best wishes for a lifetime of laughter!" Afterward, go in for a hug with the couple, making for the perfect photo op !

Rehearse away.

After you write your speech down, spend a significant amount of time rehearsing it so that you feel confident and comfortable while giving the actual speech. "Don't try to wing it," says Dalo. "You're going to want to rehearse this [so that] you can be as calm and present as possible."

Still trying to figure out where to start? Don't fret: If you could use some additional assistance writing your wedding speech, consider Provenance , which helps users create personalized, meaningful wedding speeches using AI-powered tools along with real responses to personal questions.

Take the Provenance Toast Builder , for example. Couples can invite those who will be giving wedding speeches—including the father of the bride , mother of the bride , father of the groom , mother of the groom , maid of honor and best man —to use the Toast Builder. Upon being invited to use the platform, these individuals will "get alerted to how long their speech can be," as well as any other important information to mention—or steer clear of. "From there," says Provenance CEO Steven Greitzer, "you can see the status of the speech and the estimated length."

To help get those creative juices flowing, check out the below wedding speech example.

Hi! As Lisa's younger sister—and now maid of honor—I've had the unique privilege of growing up alongside her. Since we're just two years apart, we've been each other's built-in best friends from the start. Like most sisters, we bickered constantly throughout our childhood, hurling insults over clothing, makeup and missing pieces of jewelry: I'll finally admit it, Lisa, I was the one who lost your charm bracelet at summer camp! All kidding aside, I hope I've made it up to you with this epic speech.

When Lisa first met Jay on the train coming home from work (romantic, I know!), we lived together in a tiny one-bedroom apartment in the city, an experience that only brought us closer together. After their first date to their now-favorite pizza place, she came home all giddy—bubbly, smiling, and laughing. She told me that the two of them already planned their next date. I had never seen her so happy. The look in her eyes since that night has not faded, and if I know Jay—which I do!—he will make sure it never will.

Like Lisa, Jay is kind, patient, and compassionate, and this was evident from the first time we met, which was right before his and Lisa's second date. I ran to the door to catch a glimpse of the guy who was slowly but surely stealing my sister's heart. Upon meeting, Jay and I instantly hit it off. He greeted me by name, hugged me, and took the time to sit down and truly get to know me. Less than 10 minutes later, we were already cracking jokes. It was clear to me then that Jay was, without a doubt, my sister's perfect match.

Lisa and Jay, you've set the bar (very) high for all of your friends and family when it comes to relationship goals. The love and commitment you share with each other is inspiring and everlasting. I know Jay will spend the rest of his life making Lisa happy and supporting her through every endeavor—and I know she'll do the same, too.

So, Lisa and Jay, I wish you nothing but a lifetime of love and happiness together. And I'm so excited to have a front-row seat to all that's in store. Everyone, please join me in raising a glass to the newlyweds!

Keep it short and sweet.

According to Dalo, your wedding speech should be "no more than three minutes." She continues, telling The Knot, "Three minutes is a long time, and when you figure in getting up to the mic and then hugging afterward, it's about five minutes total which is ideal." If you go any longer, you run the risk of losing guests' attention and potentially boring them (a no-no in our book!).

Acknowledge both partners.

"A big speech taboo that we see way too often is when the person giving the speech only talks about the partner they're closest with, unintentionally making the other partner feel left out and unimportant," says Greitzer. If you need a helping hand, Greitzer recommends using the Provenance Toast Builder , which offers "thoughtful prompts to encourage you to share why they're both 1) good people and 2) a great match for each other."

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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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How to Write Your Own Wedding Vows, Including 17 Vow Examples

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Voices of Love: Unforgettable Wedding Speeches

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Wedding speeches are an essential part of every wedding. They let all the members of the bridal party and guests share their overwhelming emotions about the big day. Best wedding speeches stay in our memory forever, marking the significance of the wedding day for everyone involved. It can be quite challenging to fit all the feelings you want to share into a single toast . In this article, you will find invaluable tips from the expert Amanda Layton, an experienced wedding vow and speechwriter, in crafting memorable wedding speeches.

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Wedding Speeches Examples

Best wedding speeches.

Writing a wedding speech can seem daunting, but with some preparation and guidance, you can deliver a heartfelt and memorable speech that will be cherished by the newlyweds and their guests.

Good evening, everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Sarah, and I’m the ___ I’ve known the bride, Emily, since we were little girls, and we’ve been best friends ever since. I remember the first time she told me about Alex, and how excited she was to go on a date with him. From that moment on, I knew he was something special. Seeing them together over the years has been such a joy, and I’m so happy to be here today to celebrate their love. Emily, you are the most kind, caring, and generous person I know. And Alex, you are her perfect match. I’ve never seen her so happy as she is with you. I know you will continue to be each other’s best friend, confidant, and partner in all of life’s adventures. So, let’s raise a glass to the newlyweds. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Congratulations!

Groom Wedding Speech

“I would like to thank my parents for all the help they have given me over the years, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here now. I would also like to thank (my wife’s) parents 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. I would also like to thank them for having such a beautiful, intelligent, kind, and caring daughter. I hope to do you both proud and thank you both for everything you have done today and to make today happen.”

The groom’s wedding speech starts at the reception. On behalf of himself and his bride, he expresses his gratitude to everyone involved in the wedding preparations. He toasts his parents, bridesmaids, and the groom’s party, and mentions their help and support. His speech is often quite sentimental, as he shares some personal memories. He also mentions how his life has changed since he met his bride.

Wedding Speeches for Parents

When the kids find love, the parents are also happy. So, it rests upon them to give wedding reception speeches in honor of their children. Now, depending on the chosen style, you’ll have to fit in with the wedding theme. Most times, a funny speech is just perfect, because it works for every wedding. Below, we’ll see wedding speech examples for different parents.

Wedding Speeches for Mother of the Groom

“The first time I saw you, it was love. My little baby grew into a wobbly toddler, and then a smart child. The pre-teen and teen years and the next thing I knew, you’ve become a man. I am so proud of you. You’ve made us proud of everything you’ve done. And on your wedding today, we wish you only the best.”

As a mother of the groom, wedding speeches for your son will be an emotional one. You’ll talk about his growing up, the bond you share, and how he was well-raised. You can add one or two romantic quotes  and close. See the wedding speeches sample below.

Wedding Speeches for Mother of the Bride

“It’s no news that we love our kids so much, and seeing them grow up is hard. Everything they do fills you with pride. But you also miss the little girl who cuddles into you. And cried to you when she scraped her knee. Now my daughter is older and I’m grateful and proud that she found love in the groom. May your lives be long, happy, and peaceful together.”

The wedding speeches for mother of the bride isn’t a norm. But today, it’s becoming acceptable especially if the father isn’t involved. Tell your daughter that she’s beautiful and strong. Talk about the good memories in her growing years. And if her father has passed, talk about him with fondness.

Wedding Speeches for Father of the Groom

“My greatest blessing is having a son, one that mirrors me in many ways. But like his dream, he’s grown into his own person. He has taught me as much as I’ve taught him and I’m proud. My son is someone who goes the extra mile for people and I know he’ll make an amazing husband. I wish you every best, as we raise our glass to the groom and his amazing bride.”

Your son getting married excites you because he carries on the torch. Again, he will be looking to you for support and wisdom for marriage. So, good wedding speeches from the father of the groom must contain lots of quotes about marriage . Draw inspiration from talking about your own marriage, the bond you share, and why he’s a great son.

Wedding Speeches for Father of the Bride

“Looking at both of you in your beautiful dress and dapper suit, my wedding day comes to mind. We were quite excited, filled with love, merriment, and of course nervousness. From me to you, I’ll tell you for free that a successful marriage requires falling in love many times. And doing it with the same person always.”

As the father of the bride, you have responsibilities to your baby girl. From walking her down the aisle to the father-daughter dance. Throwing in a great speech is just perfect. Let your love for your baby shine through and talk about her growing up. Remember the groom, give them pieces of advice, and your best wishes. See the wedding speeches template below for some inspiration.

Wedding Speeches for Sister

Ladies and gentlemen, today I stand before you with immense pride and joy as I celebrate my sister’s union with [Groom’s Name]. As her older sister, I’ve had the privilege of watching her grow into the amazing woman she is today. She has found in [Groom’s Name] the love and support she deserves. Here’s to a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Cheers to the newlyweds!

When delivering a wedding speech for your sister, begin by expressing your love and pride for her. Share heartfelt stories that illustrate her special qualities, highlight her relationship with the groom, and offer well-wishes for their future. End your speech by raising a toast to the newlyweds.

Best Man Wedding Speech

Take a look at this great example of a witty speech, presented by the best man.

“There comes a time in everyone’s life when they meet their one true love, their soul mate, the person that’s going to know and love them for the rest of their life. That moment came for the groom…3 years ago when he met me. Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, for those of you that don’t know me my name, is Dan, What-would-you-like-to-drink. I hope you’ll come and say hello at the bar later, but please…call me by my full name. On behalf of the bride and groom, I’d like to thank you all for coming. And I want to give special thanks to the parents of the bride and groom… it’s amazing how far some people are willing to travel, just for some free food and drink. And finally, I’d like to thank my best friend (the groom), for giving me the first EVER opportunity…. to be able to speak for five minutes without him interrupting!”

“They say, in a good marriage the husband is the head, and the wife is the heart. So let us drink to the fact that our young people did not know in life either headaches or heartaches!”

“Love is not a fire, it will catch fire, you will not put out. In the hearts of our young people, the fire of love burns. This is a sacred fire. So, fill our glasses and amicably drink to ensure that it never goes out in their hearts!”

“I drink to ensure that our newly married and in 10 years and 20 years of family life, looking at his charming wife, lost his head, but not reason.”

“Friends! I offer a drink for a kiss! After all, he came up with a man, because he did not find any other way to close a mouth to a woman.”

Wedding speeches best man deliver are usually the most humorous of all the others. Thank you’s are also appropriate, especially to the bridesmaids and fellow groomsmen. Some anecdotes about the groom would be also much anticipated. People expect wedding best man speeches to be memorable, funny, with well wishes to the couple . Humor is a must.

100+ Best Wedding Toasts For Different Types Of Guests

Maid of honor speech outline.

“Before I go any further, I just want to say, Bride, you look absolutely beautiful and Groom, you’ve never looked more handsome. For those of you who don’t know me and for those who can’t tell, I’m Bride’s sister. Thank you Bride for the honor of being your bridesmaid. Obviously, I’ve known Bride all of my life and we know more about each other than we would probably care to. We’ve laughed together, cried together, and laughed until we’ve cried. We’ve also had the odd fight! We also have so many inside jokes that only we find funny.”

“A real woman can make a man who surrendered to her, always think that he is the winner. Look at our groom. He looks like a winner. Therefore, let us drink to his beautiful victory and the woman who allowed herself to be defeated, the bride.”

“What is the difference between the fairy tale and the reality? A fairy tale is when he married a snake, and she became a princess. A reality when it on the contrary. Let the life of our newlyweds be like a fairy tale!”

There is one thing all wedding speeches maid of honor makes have in common: they boost the bride. Like any other wedding speech, the maid of honor’s speech can be witty and humorous, but the most important feature of this category is love and sentimentality. Add a couple of memorable stories you have of the newlyweds. Don’t forget well wishes!

Wedding Speeches for Best Friends

“I’m here to talk about two very special people, John and Eve. I’ve been friends with Eve since kindergarten. On our first day at school, we met and formed a friendship that has lived two decades and some. We got into trouble a lot and got grounded many times by the parents. My bestie is free-spirited and has a strong will to date. James, I hope you’re prepared for marriage with a woman who is full of life and spirit. With her, you’ll never live the same day twice. I wish you heaven’s best all your life. A toast…”

Wedding Welcoming Speeches

“Welcome to the celebration of James and Eve’s wedding. A tale of love that promises to last forever. Today promises to be one of beauty, friendships formed, and bonds lasting forever. For you all who have come from far and near to celebrate, we hope you take joy home with you. The happiness of marriage is the highest happiness on earth. And this is what we’ve witnessed today. Sit back, relax, have the time of your lives, and thank you for choosing to share in our joy.

Funny Wedding Speeches

Good evening everyone! For those who don’t know me, I’m the groom’s brother. I’d like to start by saying that I’m delighted to see so many people here tonight, and I hope you’re all enjoying the celebrations as much as we are. Now, it’s not often that you get to make a speech at your brother’s wedding, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to share a few stories about him. Growing up, my brother was always the smart one. He was top of his class and excelled at everything he did. And then he met his beautiful bride-to-be, and everything changed. Suddenly he became clumsy, forgetful, and absent-minded. I guess you could say that love really does make you do crazy things. But in all seriousness, I couldn’t be happier for the two of them. They truly are a perfect match, and I have no doubt that they will have a long and happy life together. So let’s raise a glass to the newlyweds – may your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and lots of adventures!

Writing a funny wedding speech can entertain guests and create lasting memories. Keep it appropriate, short, know your audience, and practice for a smooth delivery.

Short Wedding Speeches

“Groom, thank you for being an anchor, a friend, and brother. And I can’t be more proud that you married an amazing bride. Man! You’ve won a lottery! We celebrate both of you tonight, and all of the good things you are. You care for everyone and I’m sure you’ll care for her. We wish you success, laughter, and love. May your humor in bad times and appreciation in good times never leave you. May you get answers to prayers. May the friendship you share keep growing till death parts you. Cheers to you!”

Whether you’re giving wedding speeches for the bride, best man, or brother; the shorter the better. This will help make sure you don’t bore the audience. 11 /14

Wedding Thank You Speeches

“We (couple) worked really hard to make this day perfect. But we remembered that being bound to the one you love in the presence of your loved ones — is what makes the day perfect. I’m overjoyed that we had beautiful weather. The food and drinks were great and everyone is happy. Thank you all, especially my beloved, because today I’m bound to him to start a beautiful journey together. And after all my fears and jitters, today turned out to be much more memorable than we planned. Thank you.”

Wedding thank you speeches give you the opportunity to thank your guests. You will also extend your appreciation to everyone who made your day possible. If you intend to mention names, have a list, so that you don’t leave anyone out. This speech can come from the bride or groom. But it’s always better to skip the names. Also, infuse some humor. 12 /14

Wedding Officiant Speeches

“Shall we all sit? Today, we gather to witness and celebrate the matrimony of Eve and James. What they have is an existing bond, and we’ve come together to strengthen it. As family and friends, it’s our honor to witness today. Marriage is a lifetime commitment where two people work tirelessly to bring out the best in each other. You get an opportunity to share your joys, success, failures, and burdens with an ally for life. You get an opportunity to share and grow. One relationship which no other can equal. You are in for a physical and emotional binding that has the promise of a lifetime.”

Great wedding officiant speeches must be short, sweet, and have the perfect length to keep guests dialed in. The officiant should leverage the relationship and how much they know the couple. You must also tailor your speech in line with the wedding style. 13 /14

Wedding Anniversary Speeches

“Anniversaries are beautiful recollections of the past years and reflections for the years to come. The years past were happy and successful ones in many ways. They’re shrouded in a kaleidoscope of great relationships, supportive families, and happy memories. I’m not saying it’s smooth, but with your support, the journey became easier. We can only be grateful, even as we look forward to better years. As we celebrate our 50th year, I want to thank you for walking with us. It’s not a question of where you, it’s who goes with you. Thank you, everyone.”

A wedding anniversary speech must be heartfelt, sweet, and short. Whoever is giving the speech must know that it’s a time to reminisce and give good wishes. So, you’ll talk about the marriage, throw in some humor and bless the couple. If it’s the couple giving the speech, some advice will go a long way. 14 /14

Wedding Quotes for Speeches

“I’ve seen nothing more satisfying than two people coming together to become one. They share in each other’s pleasure, and bear each other’s pain. They crush their enemies together and make home with their friends.” “The pain and weight of life vanish from our lives by one word. It sets us free and we live again. It’s called LOVE.” “If you want to keep your marriage cup filled and running over, always admit your wrongs. And, if you’re right, be kind to shut up.”

Wedding Speeches Tips

Ready to seize the mic, command the room, and leave everyone applauding your wedding speech? Not quite yet? Amanda Layton, a Professional Wedding Speech Writer, shared top 5 tips to help you craft and deliver an epic wedding speech. With a little bit of guidance, you’ll be delivering an unforgettable toast that captures hearts and makes memories for years to come!

• Keep it Short and Sweet First things first–when it comes to wedding speeches less is more. Did you know that a 5-minute speech is approximately 700 words? It’s important to keep your speech concise and to the point, ensuring that every word is impactful and resonates with the audience.
• Skip the Roasts Steer clear of roasting the couple. It might sound funny in your head, but trust me, some things are better left unsaid. Avoid cringeworthy moments by focusing on heartwarming and positive anecdotes that celebrate the couple’s journey and love.
• Harness the Power of Storytelling Capture everyone’s attention by using storytelling to highlight either the bride or groom’s wonderful qualities. Is she loyal, adventurous, generous, or kind-hearted? Is he optimistic, resilient, hilarious, etc? Share a touching story that really showcases one of these character traits, allowing everyone to get a deeper insight into how amazing this person truly is.
• Celebrate the Path to Becoming a Husband or Wife Remember that this is a wedding celebration and your wedding speech is a great opportunity to encourage the bride in her new role as a wife or the groom in his new role as a husband. Share your heartfelt wishes and why you believe they will make an amazing partner in this new chapter of their life.
• Practice Makes Perfect Confidence is key! Practice your speech a few times to build up your self-assurance. Remember to speak slowly when practicing because you are more likely to speed up in front of a crowd. Think of the areas you might tear up at and remember to pause and take a second to breathe. You don’t have to rush through the toast. Everyone wants to hear what you clearly have to say. Here’s the thing, the audience wants you to succeed, so embrace those nerves and let them fuel your confident delivery! You’ve got this, my friend! With these tips and a little bit of preparation, your speech is bound to be a show-stopper that leaves everyone applauding and reaching for the tissues! Crafting a memorable wedding speech is an art form, and your words have the power to touch hearts and create lasting memories.

Wedding Speeches Order

The order of wedding speeches can vary depending on cultural traditions and personal preferences. However, a common order for wedding speeches is as follows:

• Father of the Bride: Welcomes guests, and expresses love and pride for his daughter.
• Groom: Thanks guests, expresses gratitude to both families, and shares love for the bride.
• Best Man: Shares humorous anecdotes about the groom, and proposes a toast.
• Maid/Matron of Honor: Expresses friendship and admiration for the bride, offers wisdom, and proposes a toast.
• Additional speeches: Other family members or friends may give shorter speeches or toasts as desired. Note: The order and inclusion of speeches can be customized to the couple’s preferences. Communication with the wedding party beforehand is essential for a smooth flow of the reception.

Wedding Speeches Template

Introduction:

• Greet the guests and introduce yourself.
• Express your gratitude for being chosen to speak at the wedding.

Personal Connection:

• Share a personal story or memory about the couple.
• Talk about your relationship with either the bride or groom (or both) and how you’ve seen their love grow.

Compliments and Qualities:

• Compliment the couple individually and as a pair.
• Highlight their qualities and what makes them a great match.

Anecdotes and Humor:

• Share light-hearted and funny anecdotes about the couple.
• Keep the humor appropriate and avoid embarrassing stories.

Words of Wisdom:

• Offer advice or lessons on love, marriage, or relationships.
• Use heartfelt and meaningful quotes or poems if desired.
• Raise a toast to the couple’s happiness and future together.
• Invite guests to join in raising their glasses and toasting.
• Express well wishes and congratulations to the newlyweds.
• End with a final heartfelt message or a toast to love.

Remember to personalize the speech to your relationship with the couple and make it heartfelt and authentic. Practice it beforehand to ensure a smooth delivery and consider keeping the speech around 3-5 minutes in length.

Things You’d Better Exclude From Any Wedding Speech

At the same time, there are things great wedding speeches avoid.

• Do not include any embarrassing information.
• Do not mention previous boyfriends or girlfriends of the newlyweds.
• Do not say rude things like ‘We thought that day would never come’.
• Do not include any crude language, there are all sorts of guests around, and what is totally appropriate in a group of friends is inappropriate at the celebration.
• Adding humor, don’t make fun of the bride or groom. This is your best friend’s wedding, do not spoil it! If in doubt – use examples above, but by no means copy them. It is only a piece of speech to boost your imagination.

Wedding Speeches can be tricky to write, but we hope that now you have everything you need to deliver a perfect speech. A couple of jokes, a sentimental story, and letting your love for the couple shine is all it takes.

What Not to Say in a Wedding Speech

• Embarrassing Stories : Steer clear of tales that could embarrass the couple.
• Negative Remarks : Refrain from negative comments or jokes.
• Excessive Inside Jokes : Ensure your speech is inclusive for all guests.
• Lengthy Monologues : Keep it concise and engaging.
• Controversial Topics : Avoid sensitive or controversial subjects.
• Overuse of Clichés : Aim for originality over clichés.
• Inappropriate Humor : Be mindful of cultural or personal sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you say in a wedding speech.

• Express your love and support for the couple.
• Share personal anecdotes or stories about them.
• Offer well-wishes for their future together.

What is a good speech to give at a wedding?

• A good wedding speech is heartfelt and genuine.
• It engages the audience with humor or sentiment.
• It balances praise, personal stories, and wishes for the couple.

What is an example of a short marriage speech?

To [Couple’s Name], may your love be as endless as the horizon, your laughter as infectious as a melody, and your journey together full of joy. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness. Cheers!

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Create the Ultimate Groom’s Wedding Speech

By Terry Meadows

Table of Contents

3-minute read

Are you feeling the pressure to deliver a perfect groom's speech? 

Wondering how to express your deepest emotions while captivating your audience? 

Crafting a groom's wedding speech is no small feat. It's a unique opportunity to share your love story, express gratitude, and make a lasting impression on your partner and guests. In this comprehensive guide, explore the art of creating a speech that's not just words but a memorable experience.

At Zion Springs, we've been helping couples create their dream weddings for over 15 years. Our expertise extends beyond the logistics of wedding planning; we understand the emotional nuances that make your big day special. This article draws on our rich experience, offering you insights and practical tips to craft a speech that reflects your personality, celebrates your journey, and resonates with every heart in the room. Whether you're aiming for a speech that's emotional, thoughtful, or a blend of both, we're here to guide you every step of the way. 

Emotional Moments in a Groom’s Wedding Speech: Sharing Heartfelt Stories

In the emotional heart of your speech, dive deep into the moments that truly define your love story. This is where you share those poignant memories and express heartfelt gratitude, painting a vivid picture of your journey together.

Sharing a Tender Memory

Focus on a specific, tender memory that holds significant emotional value in your relationship. This memory should encapsulate a moment where you felt a deep, emotional connection with your partner, one that perhaps marked a turning point or deepened your understanding of each other. 

Example :  "There's a moment that always comes back to me. It was a chilly evening, and we were walking back home. Suddenly, it started to rain lightly. Most people would rush to find shelter, but not us. We just walked slower, letting the raindrops mingle with our laughter. In that simple, unplanned moment, I realized how perfectly content I was just being with [partner's name]. It wasn't about where we were or what we were doing; it was about the effortless joy of being together. That evening, amidst the soft rain and our shared smiles, I understood that I had found my true companion in life."

Deepening the Connection with a Personal Story

Your story should be a vivid illustration of the qualities you cherish in them and how they've enriched your life. For instance, you might recount a challenging period in your life, focusing on how your partner's support and understanding were pivotal.

Example : "I remember a time when I was overwhelmed with work stress, feeling like I was losing my footing. It was then that [partner's name] stepped in, not just with comforting words, but with actions that showed unwavering support. Whether it was taking over small daily tasks, listening patiently as I vented, or simply being a calming presence, their empathy and strength were my anchors. This experience didn't just help me through a tough time; it deepened my understanding and appreciation of the person I have by my side."

This part of your speech is not just about sharing a story; it's about revealing the layers of your relationship and the attributes of your partner that have strengthened your bond. It's a chance to show your guests not just why you love your partner, but how your love has grown and been fortified through shared experiences. 

Gratitude for Your Partner

This part of your speech is a direct acknowledgment of your partner's impact on your life and the value they add to your everyday experiences. It's about recognizing their qualities and the ways they've supported and enriched your life.

You might begin by reflecting on the everyday moments that have been enhanced by their presence. 

Example :  "Each day with you brings a new reason to be thankful. Whether it's your infectious laugh that fills our home with joy, or the way your eyes light up when you talk about your passions, you make every ordinary moment extraordinary. Your love is a constant source of strength and happiness in my life."

Then, delve deeper into the specific attributes of your partner that you are most grateful for. 

Example :  "I am immensely grateful for your unwavering support, especially during times when I doubted myself. Your belief in me has been a guiding force, inspiring me to be the best version of myself. Your patience, understanding, and the gentle way you challenge me to grow, have been the foundation of our relationship."

Conclude this section by emphasizing the irreplaceable role they play in your life. 

Example : "You are more than just my partner; you are my confidant, my rock, and the cornerstone of all my happiness. Our journey together has been the greatest adventure of my life, and I look forward to every chapter yet to be written."

This part of your speech should be heartfelt and genuine, reflecting the depth of your appreciation for your partner. It's an opportunity to publicly acknowledge their significance in your life, making them feel cherished and valued in front of all your loved ones.

After sharing these emotional depths, it's time to weave in a different texture to your speech. While emotions form the heart of your relationship, humor adds a sparkle to it.

Adding Humor to Your Wedding Speech: A Groom’s Guide to Making Guests Smile

Bring a smile to everyone's face, and showcase the lighter, more playful side of your bond with your partner. Bring forth those amusing anecdotes and playful exchanges that characterize the joy and laughter you share.

A Touch of Laughter

Lighten the mood with a bit of humor; sharing a funny yet endearing story from your relationship brings a smile to everyone's face and showcases the joy and light-hearted moments you share as a couple. When selecting a story, choose one that's relatable and reflects the quirks of your relationship.

Example :  "I'll never forget our first attempt at a romantic dinner at home. We decided to cook an elaborate meal together. Picture this: flour everywhere, two different interpretations of what 'lightly sauté' means, and a smoke alarm serenading us. In the end, we sat on the kitchen floor, eating takeout pizza, and laughing at our culinary misadventure. That night, I learned two things: our love can conquer any challenge, and maybe, just maybe, cooking isn't one of our strengths!"

Playful Banter

Following the humorous story, keep the mood light with some playful banter. This part of the speech is great for showing the dynamic between you and your partner in a fun, loving way.

Example :  "In our relationship, we have a perfect balance. [Partner's name] is the planner – every detail, every list, meticulously organized. Me? I'm more 'go with the flow,' which is a nice way of saying I rarely have any idea what's going on. She's the one who keeps us on track, and I'm the one who reminds us to enjoy the detours. Together, we strike a balance between order and spontaneity, which somehow works out perfectly for us."

This section of your speech, filled with light-hearted anecdotes and playful teasing, not only entertains your guests but also paints a picture of the fun, loving aspects of your relationship. 

With the room now filled with laughter and smiles from your light-hearted stories, transition to the next part of our speech of more thoughtful reflections,

Thoughtful Insights for a Groom’s Wedding Speech: Crafting Meaningful Messages

This next section shares the wisdom and growth that love has brought into your lives.

Lessons Learned

In this part of your speech, take a moment to reflect on the valuable lessons you've learned from your partner. This is an opportunity to acknowledge how they've contributed to your personal growth and the positive changes in your life. 

Example : "Being with [partner's name] has been an enlightening journey, teaching me more than I ever anticipated. I've learned the true meaning of patience, not just in waiting but in understanding. I've gained a deeper sense of empathy, seeing the world through their eyes. And yes, I've even mastered the art of loading the dishwasher correctly, which, as it turns out, is not just about efficiency but also about caring for the small details in our daily life together."

Future Aspirations

After reflecting on the lessons learned, smoothly transition to talking about your future aspirations. This is where you express excitement and hope for what lies ahead in your journey together. 

Example :  "Looking forward, I am filled with anticipation for every step, every challenge, and every joy we will share. Our journey together is just beginning, and the thought of exploring the future with [partner's name] fills me with immense happiness. Whether it's traveling to new places, experiencing life's milestones, or simply enjoying quiet evenings at home, every moment with them is a step into a promising future."

Having shared the wisdom gained and the dreams for the future, let's now shift our focus to a more relaxed and informal tone. 

Casual and Genuine: Tips for a Relaxed Groom’s Wedding Speech

For the final section of your speech, the tone shifts to a more relaxed and informal style, reflecting on the simple, everyday moments that are the true essence of your relationship.

Casual Anecdotes

Begin by sharing a casual, relatable story that brings out the comfort and ease of your relationship. This could be a tale that highlights the joy found in the simplicity of daily life. 

Example : "One of my favorite memories is actually quite a simple one. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and we were sprawled on the couch, binge-watching our favorite shows. There was a moment amidst our laughter and the comfort of being in each other's presence, where I realized there was absolutely nowhere else I'd rather be. It's these quiet, everyday moments that truly define the beauty of our life together."

Sincere Appreciation

After sharing your anecdote, transition into expressing sincere appreciation. Extend your heartfelt thanks to your partner, family, and friends for their support and love. 

Example :  "As I stand here today, I'm filled with gratitude. To everyone here, thank you for your love and support, and for being part of our journey. And to [partner's name], thank you for every laugh, every lesson, and every moment of love. Saying 'yes' to you was the easiest decision I've ever made, and it has made me the happiest person alive. Your love is my greatest blessing."

This relaxed and informal section of your speech brings a warm, genuine feel to your words, allowing you to connect with your audience on a more personal level. 

Crafting Your Perfect Wedding Speech

As you approached this article, you were likely seeking guidance and inspiration for a speech that will resonate deeply on your wedding day. Whether it was to express heartfelt emotions, share a laugh, impart thoughtful reflections, or simply speak in a relaxed and genuine manner, this guide has aimed to equip you with the tools to create a speech that is as unique and special as your love story.

At Zion Springs, we understand that your wedding journey is filled with moments that are both profoundly meaningful and joyously celebratory. We invite you to explore more of our resources, which are designed to help you navigate this beautiful journey with ease and confidence. For more insights on planning your wedding day, check out our article on a Realistic Wedding Day Timeline Checklist . And for a fun, unique way to engage with your partner during the planning process, don't miss our piece on Couples Jenga: A Fun Wedding Planning Game .

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The Ultimate Groom's Wedding Speech Checklist

Don't leave anyone or anything important off your list of thank yous.

The groom's wedding speech is often about covering all bases. It doesn't have the bravado and general LOLs of a best man speech , the gushing and poignant words of a bridesmaid speech, or all the nostalgia and tear-jerking words of a father of the bride or groom speech. Instead, a groom's speech is half admin, half emotion; kind of like an Oscar acceptance! A chance to shout out the wedding party, thank the ushers, and tell your new in-laws how chuffed you are to be part of the family. To help you write your speech - and to make sure you don't leave anyone out - we've put together a handy groom's wedding speech checklist . You'll thank us later!

A groom doing a speech solo is more common, but we've also seen lots of couples do their thank you speech together , as well as brides making speeches too ( more ladies on the mic please !). Our list covers all bases and standard family structures, but tweak it as is appropriate for you. Hopefully it comes in handy whatever kind of wedding thank you speech you're making.

Groom's Wedding Speech Checklist

(In no particular order, but this order makes for a nice crescendo!)

• Thank the guests for coming - give a special shout out to anyone who's come a long way
• Thank any staff or suppliers who worked on the day - only those present
• Thank the celebrant - if present
• Thank anyone who helped in the lead up to the day (outside of the wedding party and immediate family) - any one who gave lifts, stitched bunting, glued centrepieces, etc.
• Thank anyone who took part in the day itself - ceremony readings , music, wedding cake baker, etc
• Mention your new parents in law and siblings - this is a good time to tell them how happy you are to join the family, how welcome/terrified they made you feel, how you promise to be there for their son or daughter/brother or sister.
• Mention your siblings  - be specific about things they helped you with or special memories. This is also a good time to mention any other special family members, grandparents, step-parents, etc.
• Mention your parents - if both your parents are present, thank them both individually, usually an anecdote about the kind of person they've taught you to be goes down well.
• Thank your wedding party - make sure both sides get a mention, though it's fine to gush a bit harder about your best man!
• Thank your other half - for marrying you, for looking fabulous, for being wonderful, and all the other good things you can think of. Remember to tell them all about why you love them and why you can't wait to get started with married life!

Need more help with your wedding speeches - we've got you covered!

• 30 Funny Opening Lines for Wedding Speeches
• How to Begin a Wedding Speech: Great Opening Lines
• The Correct Order of Speeches at a Wedding?
• 9 Ways to Shake Up Your Wedding Speeches
• How to Give a Flawless Best Man Speech
• Everything You Need To Play Wedding Speech Bingo

Listen & Subscribe to The One Fab Day Wedding Podcast

Episode 22: wedding speeches 101.

You can listen to the One Fab Day Wedding Podcast wherever you get your podcasts , and search them on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Image credits

Tomasz kornas photography, via one fab day, see more in:.

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Top Grooms Wedding Speech Checklist (With Useful Examples)

Giving the grooms wedding speech is one task that can make even the most confident groom nervous. This is where a groom’s wedding speech checklist comes in handy.

The day is all about celebrating your love. As the groom, your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. You have found the love of your life and are ready to start a new chapter with them.

Understanding your role as the groom , your speech is an opportunity to thank your guests for attending, express your love and appreciation for your partner, and share your excitement for your future together. It’s important to understand your role and what is expected of you before you start writing your speech.

Preparation Stage – The preparation stage is crucial for delivering a successful speech. This includes writing your speech, practicing your delivery, and preparing any props or visual aids. With the right preparation, you can deliver a speech that will be remembered for years to come.

• Understand your role and what is expected of you as the groom.
• Preparation is key to delivering a successful speech.
• A groom’s wedding speech checklist can help you cover all the important points and deliver a memorable speech.

Understanding Your Role

As the groom, you have a very important role to play on your wedding day. One of the most significant duties is giving the groom’s speech. This is your chance to thank everyone who has helped make your special day possible and to express your love and appreciation for your new spouse. In this section, we will discuss the importance of the groom’s speech and provide tips on timing and duration.

Importance of Groom’s Speech

The groom’s speech is an essential part of the wedding reception. It is an opportunity for you to thank your guests for coming and for their support, to express your love and gratitude to your new spouse, and to acknowledge the contributions of those who have helped make your wedding day possible. Your speech should be heartfelt, sincere, and memorable.

Timing and Duration

Timing and duration are important considerations when it comes to the groom’s speech. Ideally, your speech should take place after the meal has been served and before the cutting of the cake. This will ensure that your guests are attentive and that there are no distractions.

In terms of duration, a speech that is too short may come across as insincere, while a speech that is too long may become tedious and lose your audience’s attention. Aim for a speech that lasts between 7 and 10 minutes, which is around 1200 to 1400 words.

To ensure that your speech is well-timed, practice beforehand. Time yourself and make sure that you are not rushing or dragging out your words. Remember to speak clearly and at a comfortable pace.

Preparation Stage

Before you start writing your groom’s speech, it’s important to take some time to prepare. This will help ensure that you deliver a speech that is heartfelt, well-organised, and memorable. Here are some key steps to take during the preparation stage:

Brainstorming Ideas

The first step in preparing your groom’s speech is to brainstorm ideas. Think about what you want to say and how you want to say it. Consider the following:

• What do you want to say to your bride?
• What do you want to say to your parents and in-laws?
• Who else do you want to thank or acknowledge?
• What stories or anecdotes do you want to share?
• What emotions do you want to convey?

Take some time to jot down your thoughts and ideas. You can use a notebook, a word processor, or any other tool that works for you. Don’t worry about organising your thoughts at this stage – just focus on getting your ideas down on paper.

Writing the Speech

Once you have some ideas, it’s time to start writing your speech. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Begin with an attention-grabbing opening that sets the tone for your speech.
• Use personal anecdotes and stories to connect with your audience.
• Include heartfelt thanks to your bride, parents, in-laws, and anyone else who has helped make your wedding day special.
• Keep your speech concise and to the point. Aim for a length of around 5-7 minutes.
• End with a memorable closing that leaves a lasting impression.

As you write your speech, be sure to practice delivering it out loud. This will help you identify any areas that need improvement and ensure that you are comfortable with the content.

No good at writing? Use Koala Writer tool . It will write the speech for you. Just give it some prompts you want to include and hey presto its done.

Practising the Speech

Finally, it’s important to practice your speech. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Practice in front of a mirror to work on your delivery and body language.
• Practice in front of a friend or family member to get feedback and support.
• Record yourself delivering the speech and watch it back to identify areas for improvement.
• Practice your speech until you feel comfortable and confident delivering it on the day.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you are well-prepared to deliver a memorable groom’s speech on your wedding day.

Speech Content

When it comes to the groom’s wedding speech, there are a few key elements that should be included to make it a memorable and heartfelt speech. Here are some sub-sections to consider when planning your speech:

Thanking the Guests

It’s important to start your speech by thanking all of the guests for coming to celebrate your special day. You can also thank those who have helped with the wedding planning and preparation, such as the parents, wedding planner, and vendors. Make sure to express your gratitude for everyone’s support and presence on this special day.

Praising the Bride

Your bride is the star of the show, and it’s important to acknowledge her in your speech. Take the time to express your love and admiration for her, and share some of the reasons why you fell in love with her. You can also thank her for her support and for being your partner in life.

Acknowledging the Parents

It’s customary to acknowledge the parents in your speech, especially if they have contributed to the wedding planning or have been a source of support for you and your partner. You can thank them for raising you and your partner, and for their love and guidance throughout your lives.

Sharing Personal Anecdotes

One of the best ways to make your speech memorable is to share some personal anecdotes and stories. This can include how you and your partner met, funny moments from your relationship, or touching moments that have brought you closer together. Just make sure to keep it appropriate and avoid embarrassing anyone.

By including these sub-sections in your speech, you can create a heartfelt and memorable tribute to your partner and your special day. Remember to keep it concise and to the point, and practice your speech beforehand so that you can deliver it confidently and smoothly.

Grooms Wedding Speech Examples

Here are three examples of a groom’s wedding speech:

Example 1 : the groom starts by thanking his new spouse and expressing how much this new phase of their relationship means to him. He then goes on to thank VIPs in his life, such as his parents, mother and father in-law, friends, family members, wedding party, or anyone else who made the wedding day possible.

Example 2: the groom may use a template as a guide for his speech. He can start with a greeting, thank the guests for coming, and then express his gratitude to his new spouse, parents, and wedding party. He can also share a few funny anecdotes or heart-warming stories about how he and his partner met.

Example 3: the groom’s speech is described as half admin, half emotion, kind of like an Oscar acceptance. The groom may cover all bases by thanking his parents, spouse, and wedding party, as well as sharing some funny or emotional stories about his relationship with his new spouse. He may also express his hopes and dreams for their future together.

Delivery Techniques

When delivering your groom’s speech, it’s important to keep in mind that your delivery can be just as important as the content of your speech. Your delivery can help you engage the audience, make them laugh, and keep them interested throughout your speech. Here are some techniques to help you deliver your groom’s speech effectively.

Body Language

Your body language can convey a lot of information to your audience. Make sure you’re standing up straight, making eye contact, and using appropriate gestures to emphasize your points. Avoid crossing your arms or fidgeting, which can make you seem nervous or closed off.

Voice Modulation

Varying your tone and volume can help keep your audience engaged and interested in your speech. Use a louder voice to emphasize important points and a softer voice for more emotional moments. Vary your pace as well, slowing down for dramatic effect and speeding up for humorous moments.

Using Humour

Humour can be a great way to connect with your audience and keep them engaged throughout your speech. However, it’s important to use humour appropriately and avoid offensive or inappropriate jokes. Make sure your humour is relevant to the occasion and keep it light-hearted and fun.

Handling Emotions

Your groom’s speech is likely to be an emotional moment, and it’s important to be prepared to handle those emotions. Take a deep breath and pause if you feel yourself getting emotional, and use that moment to connect with your audience. Remember to keep your emotions in check and avoid becoming too emotional, which can make it difficult to continue with your speech.

Overall, the key to delivering a great groom’s speech is to be confident, engaging, and authentic. Use these techniques to help you connect with your audience and deliver a speech that will be remembered for years to come.

As you prepare to deliver your groom’s wedding speech, here are some final tips to help you make the most of the moment.

Dealing with Nerves

It’s natural to feel nervous before giving a speech, but there are things you can do to calm your nerves. Practice your speech several times before the big day , and consider recording yourself so you can watch it back and make any necessary adjustments. Take deep breaths and try to relax your body before you begin speaking. Remember, everyone in the room wants you to do well, so take comfort in the support of your loved ones.

Avoiding Inappropriate Content

While you want to inject some personality and humour into your speech, it’s important to avoid anything that could be deemed inappropriate or offensive. Stay away from jokes that are overly risqué or that could offend certain groups of people. Be respectful of your new spouse and their family, and avoid any stories or anecdotes that could embarrass them. Remember, this is a celebration of love and commitment, so keep the focus on that.

Keeping it Brief and Engaging

Your groom’s speech should be heartfelt and meaningful, but it should also be concise and engaging. Keep your speech to around five minutes, and use bullet points or a table to help you stay on track. Make eye contact with your audience and speak clearly and confidently. Use anecdotes and personal stories to illustrate your points, and don’t be afraid to inject some humour into your speech. Remember, the goal is to entertain and inspire your audience, so have fun with it! For extra help >> use Koala Writer AI Tool.

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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…

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

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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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Groom Wedding Speech Guide with Examples

The groom’s speech is a big part of the wedding experience for everybody and for good reasons. This is an opportunity for the groom to share with all guests, family, and friends just how much he loves, appreciates, and is excited to be the husband of his new wife.

It is also his chance to thank the bride’s parents, welcome everybody, perhaps while also showing his personality and funny side. Yep, the groom has a lot of work to do during his wedding speech.

To help you write an unforgettable groom speech we put together this helpful guide. It includes everything you need to write and deliver your groom speech.

THE BEST GROOM SPEECH COVERS A LOT OF GROUND

Like we mentioned, the groom’s speech has a lot to accomplish in a short amount of time. The most important part of the groom’s wedding speech by far is to acknowledge his new wife in front of all of the wedding guests. That is what makes a groom’s toast so meaningful. We like to see the groom focus on his wife. How they met, how much she means to him, why he loves her so much, and sharing just how excited he is about the future.

The groom’s wedding toast must also thank the people involved in making their wedding a memorable occasion, thank the parents of the bride for their daughter, and for welcoming him into their family. The best groom speech also thanks guests for supporting the bride and groom and for all their good wishes and gifts. Finally, the groom’s speech says thanks to specific people who helped organize the wedding and thanks to the bridal party.

Nice-to-have elements of the groom’s speech (if there is enough time) include mentioning family who couldn’t attend the wedding. The groom can also have a go at his best man in a lighthearted fashion, maybe saying some memories of the two terrorizing while single and young.

WHAT SHOULD YOU TALK ABOUT?

You could just get up and ramble for 10 mins, or you could plan ahead and write your groom’s speech ahead of time. You guessed it; we’re fans of planning ahead. Let’s start with the basic groom speech structure when you sit down to write. This is an easy starting place:

• Thank your new father-in-law; make a funny joke.
• Thank your bride’s family, for their warm welcome.
• Thank your family for their love and support; add a funny anecdote about your childhood.
• Thank the bridesmaids, praise their beautiful appearance, and give a toast.
• Thank your best man; add a funny (clean) story.
• Thank anybody else who helped during wedding planning.
• Thank your new wife for her love, support, and encouragement.
• Talk about how excited you are about the future.
• Give the microphone to your best man.

The tone of your speech needs to balance sincerity and humor. Spend some time thinking about how you want to deliver the speech. With the above vital points written, think about how you can add a touch of humor to them.

Humor helps make the speech entertaining for sitting guests and relieves some of the pressure felt standing in front of a crowd. Keep the humor appropriate and positive. Nobody wants to hear you giving off-color jokes. A joke or two and maybe a few one-liners is perfect.

Don’t be afraid to add some genuine comments about how you feel about your new wife and your family and friends. The easiest way to do this is to think about your new wife. Talk about your feelings for her, remember how you first met and why you wanted to marry her.

An easy technique is to directly address that part of the speech and tell her how happy she has made you, how you can’t believe your luck, and how you’re looking forward to building a future together.

Use specific anecdotes, such as when you realized you were in love and would be with your now wife forever. Also, don’t forget to tell her again how beautiful she looks.

Time is the other issue with the groom’s wedding speech.  Avoid a long toast at all costs. Remember that typically several speeches will take place, so you want to take up too much time, and you definitely want to avoid boring all the guests.

While your groom toast should have substance, keep it short and sweet for the best results. You have a lot to say and can’t spend 20 minutes doing so. When you sit down to write your groom speech, the most challenging part will be fitting in so much into such a short space of time.

Once you start writing, coming up with ideas and things to say won’t be the issue. It will be challenging to weave all these elements together in an original, memorable way while being very concise.

DO’S, DON’TS & MAYBE’S FOR GROOM’S WEDDING SPEECH

• Do: Thank their guests for attending, particularly those who have traveled from far and wide.
• Do: Mention any special guests (i.e., elderly relatives)
• Do: Thank their new in-laws (particularly if they are hosting the wedding)
• Do: Mention their own parents – this is an opportunity to thank them for all those years of help and support.
• Do: Talk about the bride in a way that balances warmth with a little bit of humor.
• Do: Introduce the best man.
• Do: Finish with a toast to the bridesmaids.
• Don’t: Spend more time building up the best man than the bride.
• Don’t: Waste too much time thanking people who’ve been paid to do a job (e.g., caterers or planners)
• Don’t: List so many ‘thank yous’ that the speech resembles a school register.
• Don’t: Talk for too long. Generally, we recommend 10 minutes as an optimum speaking time.
• Don’t: Forget this is a celebration of love, not an opportunity for a 10-minute comedy stand-up routine.
• Maybe: Mention any friends or family who has made considerable efforts in organizing the day
• Maybe: Say thanks to the flower girls, page boys, and ushers
• Maybe: Talk about those who are not able to be there on the day and relatives (grandparents) who has passed
• Maybe: Acknowledge a friend who has been a source of strength or inspiration over the years

GROOM SPEECH TIPS

• Focus on your wife: We know you love your best man. We know you want to talk crap about him in front of lots of people. Just remember what your wedding is about. It is about you and your wife: fewer jokes, more love.
• Yes, call her ‘my wife’: We recommend you do this early in the groom’s speech. Mention ‘my wife and me.’ Do it right, and you will. It will always receive a warm clap and will help set your nerves.
• Say thanks as a couple: Most grooms start their speech by thanking their guests for coming and thanking everybody involved. Remember to ask your wife if she wants to thank somebody and ensure you speak on behalf of both of you.
• Be nice to your in-laws: Thank your father-in-law for his words of wisdom after his speech. Mention that you are thankful to both parents for allowing you to marry their beautiful daughter. This is an excellent time to tell the bride or the first time how stunning she looks.
• Use humor, but not too much: Inject a little humor into the speech, but don’t feel the need to force it. It should be a balance of seriousness and heartfelt with some humor mixed in. It isn’t a chance to make jokes at the bride’s expense or include smutty jokes or do 10 minutes of stand-up comedy.
• Prepare for the speech: By this, we mean that you should stay somewhat sober for your toast. We also suggest that you should take this seriously and spend time writing the speech and practice.
• Dedicate part of the speech to your wife: The most important piece of a groom’s toast is the part where he talks about his feelings for his new wife. Address this part of the speech directly to her and tell her how happy she has makes you, how you can’t believe his luck, and how you are looking forward to building a future together. Use real anecdotes where you can.
• Compliment your wife: Make sure you tell your wife how beautiful she looks. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tell her in front of a large collection of your friends and family, so make the most of it and make her feel amazing.
• Keep it clean: Make sure you don’t use foul language or distasteful content. Anything that could offend should be left out.
• Make eye contact: The more meaningful parts of your groom’s speech will be more powerful if you make eye contact with your wife.
• Avoid lists: Boring. Period. Lists suck, and they are dull. Your guests will walk out on you (maybe).
• Thank your parents: Thank them for everything, for making you the man you are today: the lessons, the homework help, the advice. Overall, the support in every aspect of your life.
• Cross-reference: This is an easy one to forget. Check with your best man that you aren’t repeating things.
• A simple toast: End the speech with a toast to your wife.

GROOM SPEECH EXAMPLES

If you are not a talented writer or a professional motivational speaker, finding the right words to say at your wedding can be challenging. It is much easier to get started when you can see (or hear) what other grooms have done before you. We get it!

That’s why we rounded up some great examples of groom speeches. You can see from the list that we tried to cover various groom speech examples. Everything from funny groom speeches, the best groom speeches we could find, short groom speech examples, groom speech jokes, groom speech quotes, and more.

HEARTFELT GROOM WEDDING SPEECH EXAMPLE

When it comes to wedding speeches, humor is not the only thing that can and should be the focus. We absolutely love how this groom shared many heartfelt thoughts about his new wife. This groom speech is an example of how you can truly share the love you feel by using words.

TRADITIONAL GROOM SPEECH EXAMPLE

This groom speech example is more traditional in nature. It hits all the right points and is a safe play for a groom.

“Ladies and Gentlemen: I would like to thank Steve for those sincere words and both Bobbie and Steve for the love that they have both shown me, not only in preparation for today but from the first moment that we met some two and a half years ago.

I don’t know who was more surprised that first night when Marcella brought me home without warning when they were sitting there all ready for bed in their satin bath robes and Steve in his Snoopy slippers.

Anyway, quickly moving on, I did have a speech all worked out for this occasion, but, of course, now that I’m a married man, Marcella has insisted that I read from the one that she has written for me.

So here goes:

On behalf of my wife and me…I suppose I’m going to have to get used to that; I would like to start by thanking everyone here today for sharing our very special day with us. Thank you for all the wonderful gifts and cards that you have given us; we are very touched by your generosity. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing how Steve has managed to gift-wrap the Wheelbarrow!

We have both been very nervous about today, and it means a great deal to us that you are sharing our day with us; and we hope that you are enjoying the occasion every bit as much as we are.

Most people on their wedding day describe it as the happiest day of their lives. That worries me because it implies that tomorrow there’s a lifelong decline ahead, so I’m making the most of today. However, I’m so happy today that even days less happy would still be blissful.

I would like to say a special thank-you to those of you that have traveled some distance to be here today. It is quite a humbling experience to realize that you have friends and family that care so much for you. And I do genuinely mean that.”

STANDARD GROOM SPEECH EXAMPLE

This groom also took the traditional route. This sample groom speech is a little longer.

“On behalf of my wife and I, we’d like to thank you all for coming here today and sharing our special day with us. There are times when it’s good to be surrounded by people who are important to you, and for us, this is one of those occasions. We hope that you’re enjoying it every bit as much as we are, and we’d like to thank you for your kind wishes, cards, presents, and support.

We must say we’ve been impressed by the number of people that have rallied around to help us in preparation for today; if you’re not mentioned by name, and that’s most of you, please be assured that Kate and I are very grateful.

David and Maggie, thank you not only for your hospitality this evening and your kindness but also for giving me your very beautiful daughter. I promise I’ll take good care of her and, of course, do everything she tells me to, even if it involves golf! I must confess I did actually try it a while ago, and during one lesson with the local pro, I asked him whether he had seen any improvement since my last lesson. And he said, “er… yup, that’s a much better haircut”.

So, Maggie, we have a present here for you.

I also want to say thank you to my parents who put up with me for all these years; you have both been there for me when I’ve needed you and given me a wonderful start in life, and I’m very fortunate and proud to have you as my mum and dad. I have a present for you here, Mum, as a thank you.

I can imagine that Neil, my best man, is getting impatient to make his speech soon. Now many people don’t know that Neil suffers from a rare medical condition that causes him to invent fanciful stories. He really does believe these stories to be true, and I thank you for humoring him during his speech.

I am absolutely delighted to stand here today with Kate; I never knew what was missing in my life before I met her. Kate has been a source of friendship, support, and love. Of course, I do not doubt that she is going to tell me afterward that the only thing missing in my life at the moment is golf. However, I am still waiting for her to explain the attraction to a game that consists of a lot of walking, broken up by disappointment and bad arithmetic.

And finally, the bridesmaids, thanks for calming Kate nerves and helping in her preparation today. I’d also like to thank you for getting her to the church in one piece and on time; you’ve done a brilliant job. We have a small gift for each of you as a token of our appreciation.

Well, that’s it from me for now, but before I pass you over to my best man, Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand and lift your glasses and join me in a toast to bridesmaids.

SHORT GROOM WEDDING SPEECH

This is a short speech but gets to the point quickly. We love the simplicity, definitely one of the best short groom toasts.

“Firstly, I would like to say thank you to Bob and Karen. Thank you for your beautiful daughter, Amy. Your contribution to today has been amazing. Thank you for taking me into his family; it has meant a lot to me. Most importantly, thank you for raising such an amazing and beautiful woman. Doesn’t my wife look amazing today? Wow, called Amy, my wife. Feels weird.

Secondly, I’d like to thank all of you for coming today. It is amazing to feel all this love and friendship. Thank you for your good wishes and for joining us in our celebration. Thank you for your gifts; I am sure they will help us in our new life together, so thank you.

Also, thank you to the bridesmaids; you all look amazing. Today wouldn’t have been the same without you helping my beautiful bride through today. So thank you.

Finally, to my wife. I just want to say a massive thank-you for always being here for me, making me happy, and marrying me. I love you.

For those of you who don’t know, we men do have dreams of our wedding day when we are younger. They may not be about the same as you women, about dresses and big churches, but nevertheless, we do have the dreams. When I was younger, my dream was to marry a beautiful woman, be happy for the rest of our lives, have a family, and have a nice home. This is what I wanted from marriage. When I met Amy, I knew that she was different. She made me laugh in different ways, and the feeling of happiness I get when I am around her cannot be described. My wife is more than I could ever have hoped for. I love you, honey.

There are so many good times that Amy and I have enjoyed together, days out, holidays, and nights out with friends and family. But like all couples, we have had lows. Fallings out, family bereavements, and arguments between ourselves. But all these factors have made us who we are today—a strong couple who work brilliantly together.

Finally, I would like to thank you again to all of you for celebrating with us today.

And could you all please raise your glasses to my beautiful wife, the one I love, Amy?”

ANOTHER FUNNY GROOM TOAST FOR INSPIRATION

“Distinguished guests, guests of no particular distinction, relatives young and old, friends, freeloaders, hangers-on, gypsies, tramps, thieves, and anyone else who may have wandered in, you are all about to witness a unique event in history. The very first and very last time that my wife is going to let me speak on behalf of both of us. However, it is a privilege and an honor to do so. I just hope that, so soon into our married life, I don’t let Sue down.

My speech today will be like a mini-skirt. Long enough to cover the essentials but short enough to hold your attention! To be honest, I didn’t really know where to start, so I thought I’d trawl the internet. After a couple of hours, I‘d found some really, really good stuff. But then I remembered that I was supposed to be writing a speech. Before I start, there will be plenty of toasts over the next few minutes, so please make sure that your glasses are charged.

Firstly, we’d like to thank Philip for his kind words and good wishes. And to thank him for paying for this lovely reception …(pause and look at him) What? I thought you said…….No, I’m only joking – you don’t need to find the key for the padlock on your wallet!

It’s lovely to see so many of our family and friends here today to help us celebrate the happiest day of our lives. I know that some of you have traveled a long way to be here, and that means a lot to us. It really wouldn’t be the same without you all. It’d be a darned sight cheaper, but that’s not the point. Thank you all for your very generous gifts, and a special thanks to those of you who have given cheques. No, we are grateful for those, especially as we’ll be using the checks’ details to set up direct debits paying our bills for years to come. Who said that identity fraud is a bad idea?

Unfortunately, it’s not been possible to have everyone we love here with us today, but we know they’re here with us in spirit, and they’re not only in our thoughts today, but more importantly, they’re with us in our hearts. So, with them in mind, would you please all stand, raise your glasses, and join me in a toast to absent family & friends.

(To absent family and friends)

I’d also like to thank Sue’s mum sincerely and dad, Val and Peter, for making me feel like the son they never wanted – sorry, the son they never had, right from day two. Day one was a bit rough, but I *think* they’re over it now. Her brothers, too, have never made me feel anything other than welcome, and I thank them for that.

It can be very difficult when two families come together, but we have been extremely lucky. Sue’s children, Philip and Emma, have welcomed me into their family, and my children, Molly and Emily, have welcomed Sue into theirs. We all get on so well, and that is a rare thing indeed. And something that has been made possible by all of our children. So I’d like to propose a toast to Philip, Emma, Molly, and Emily.

 (To Philip, Emma, Molly, and Emily)

My Dad has helped me enormously over the years and has seen me through thick and thin. Mainly thick, if I’m honest, but he’s been there for me, and I hope that I have done him proud. I really couldn’t have asked for a better father, and I thank you for everything that you have done, not just for me but for my wife and me. Thank you.

There is an unwritten rule of wedding etiquette that states that nobody should look more handsome than the groom, and I’d like to thank our ushers, Steve and Peter, for sticking to that rule to the letter. They have both lent an air of ‘nightclub bouncer respectability’ to their roles, and I particularly admired the way they searched the ladies’ handbags and frisked the men as they came in with such discretion and subtlety. I’m not quite sure that saying “You’ll sit where you’re ruddy well put” was really in the spirit of the day, but we’ll let that pass. Thanks to both of you.

I have known Richard, my Best Man, for nearly seventeen years now, and throughout that time, he has been there for me when it matters and is always ready with an encouraging word and a welcome bottle of Rioja when things are going badly. And, if I’m honest, when things are going well. I’d like to thank him for all his help in organizing the stag do and for creating the table plan for us. But, most importantly, I’d like to thank him for being a true friend. However, there is something that I need to make you aware of. Rich suffers from a strange condition that occasionally causes him to drift in and out of weird, strange flights of fantasy. He has been known to make up fanciful stories, absolutely believing them to be true. Anyway, it’s only right that I advise you all of this ahead of his speech. As I say, he is a true friend, and I wouldn’t want you to go upsetting him, so if you could bear with him, even join with him on his journey of make-believe, I would appreciate it.

Apart from my wife, there are three other beautiful ladies here today: Sue’s daughter Emma and my daughters, Molly and Emily. We’d like to thank them very much for being such wonderful bridesmaids. So, please stand and join me in a toast to the bridesmaids.

(To the bridesmaids!)

Finally, I would like to thank my wife – I think I’m going to enjoy getting used to saying that – for agreeing to marry me and making me the happiest man in the world. I think you’ll agree that she looks absolutely gorgeous today, and when she walked up the aisle, she took my breath away.

They say you don’t marry someone you can live with-you marry the person who you can’t live without, and I think that sums us up perfectly. Now, if I had to single out one thing about why I love Sue so much, it would be the fact that she makes me happier than I ever dreamed I could be. And I intend to spend the rest of my life making sure that the reverse is also true. I know that Sue has put a huge amount of effort into making today perfect, and I think that she has done that and more. Having lived with Sue for a couple of years now, I have learned a valuable lesson – when I’m wrong, admit it. When I’m right, keep quiet! Seriously though, I never have a problem finding the words to express my love for Sue, but if I start then, I probably won’t be able to stop. Suffice to say that, Sue, I love you so much, and I can’t wait to grow old with you. Ladies and gentlemen, please stand and raise your glasses to my wife, Sue.

Now, I’m not going to stand here all afternoon and bore you all with a load of stale old jokes. That’s the Best Man’s job! So, without further ado, I’d like to hand it over to Richard.”

SHORT GROOM SPEECH EXAMPLE

“Ladies and Gentlemen, friends and family, on behalf of my beautiful wife and myself, thank you very much for being here today. I can safely say it wouldn’t have been the same without you all…although it would have been cheaper.

More specifically, I’d like to thank Jerry, my new father-in-law, for all the kind words and wishes.

In addition, I’d like to thank both Jerry and Jan for all their kindness in the last 2 years and for keeping a straight face when they heard I had proposed to their daughter. I’ve always chosen to assume those were tears of joy, Jan.

I would also like to thank mom and dad, Beth and Lee, for all their love and support growing up. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be standing here now. Thanks for the ride, guys.

Thanks to Ross, my best man who’s been a speech is, we might even stay friends.

I’d also like to thank Jen’s bridesmaids, Grace and Zoe, for keeping her calm over the last 24 hours or so and, of course, for being such good friends to her all this time.

Which love, support, friendship, trust, and a million other things. Basically, thank you for being you.

So with no further ado and despite my better judgment, I’ll hand you over to Ross.”

HUMOUROUS GROOM SPEECH EXAMPLE

Here is a great video example of a groom using humor to get past his fear of public speaking. Check it out now.

CROSS-CULTURAL GROOM SPEECH EXAMPLE

What an incredible speech! This is an example of a groom speech that touches on two cultures joining together. In this speech, the groom shares why he still believes in “weddings”. He has some great promises to his bride. You can really get some great groom speech inspiration from this awesome speech. Have some tissues handy, you may shed a few tears. WOW! Love is so magical.

GROOM SPEECH JOKES

Here are some fun quotes you can use in your wedding speech. These groom speech jokes should be used sparingly; remember that the idea is to add some humor but not go overboard.

• “My speech today will be like a mini skirt, long enough to cover the essentials and short enough to hold your attention.”
• “I planned to do a very short speech today, but someone reminded me that this would be the only opportunity that I would have with my wife and mother-in-law in the same room and not get interrupted, so I may be some time!!!”
• My ex-girlfriend and I would like to thank you all for coming today…..
• “Komrades, we gather here on the brink of our greatest attack.” Then say, “sorry- wrong speech.”
• ‘And so, without further ado, let me ask those of you who still can to stand up and join me in a toast…’
• ‘And so will everyone now please raise their glasses – and themselves…’
• ‘And so, in the words of my ex-girlfriend, “I’m going to leave you now…”’.
• A wise man once said to me… If you love her, let her go. No… Wait. Sorry. Got that wrong. A policeman once shouted out at me … If you love her, let her go and come out with your hands up! Yeah, that was it.
• “When I sat down with my wife-to-be to sort out the seating plan, we decided to place those who had given us the best presents closest to the top table. So <insert names here>, if you can hear me at the back, many thanks for the oven glove.”
• “When I proposed, I got down on one knee – then the other, and asked <brides father> ‘Please pay for the wedding’ He said yes, and the rest is history.”
• I’m a bit nervous… this is the first time I’ve had to make a Groom speech.
• Thanks to everyone that offered their advice when I told them I was getting married. The comments ranged from “Well done” to “about time” and “What are you doing, you stupid fool!”
• When thanking the best man… “Thanks for what you said… and more importantly for what you didn’t say”
• We’d like to thank our parents because… quite frankly we wouldn’t be here without them.
• Tradition says we should give flowers, but Andrea and I wanted to give you something more permanent. So we are getting you a tattoo each!
• Thanks, Dad, for the kind words. I hope $20 was enough.
• I have to thank you both (Father of the bride) & (mother of the bride) for bringing up such a beautiful and intelligent daughter. I’ll leave you to argue over which trait comes from who.
• (Father of the bride) has written out a receipt for me, it says:
• “Received one daughter in perfect condition, fully guaranteed, fully warranted. Comes complete with all extras. Keep topped up with expensive jewelry and fine wine.”
• But not to be outdone, (Father of the groom) has a receipt to give to (my wife), it says:
• “Received one son, sold as-is, no refunds under any circumstances. We’ve changed the locks, so you’re stuck with him.

GROOM SPEECH QUOTES

• May your love be like the misty rain, gentle coming in but flooding the river.
• In so much as love grows in you, so beauty grows. For love is the beauty of the soul.
• We never live so intensely as when we love strongly. We never realize ourselves so vividly as when we are in the full glow of love for others.
• To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage.
• Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction.
• Night and day, you are the one—Only you beneath the moon and under the sun.
• Marriage is like a golden ring in a chain, whose beginning is a glance and whose ending is eternity.
• “My heart is ever at your service.” – William Shakespeare.
• “You don’t marry the person you can live with… you marry the person you can’t live without.” – Unknown.
•  “Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” – -1 Corinthians 13:7
• “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin.
•  “Grow old with me. The best is yet to be –the last of life which the first was made.”

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

• Best Man Speech
• Groom’s Speech
• Father of the Bride
• Maid of Honour
• After-Dinner
• Your basket is currently empty.

Groom Speech Writing Tips

Check out my guide with all the groom speech writing tips you’ll ever need.

So, you’ve proposed, and the ring is safely on your fiancée’s finger. Congratulations! You are now looking forward to the big day itself and, of course, your groom’s speech. Ah, yes… the speech. Unlike the words you carefully delivered – or stumbled over – during the proposal, your speech will be in front of all your friends and family. The pressure is understandable.

This is why I’ve written these groom speech tips. I’m a wedding speech writer who’s written hundreds of wedding speeches and I’d like to help you deliver an exceptional groom speech.

These groom speech tips will cover elements such as icebreakers, thanks, structure and toasts. So, let’s remove some of that apprehension you might be feeling and look at how to write a great groom speech.

Let's make it all right on the night with these Groom speech tips

• Groom Speech Icebreakers
• Who To Thank In Your Groom Speech
• Giving A Toast
• Including Your Bride In Your Groom Speech
• Showcasing Your Proposal In Your Speech
• Nailing Your Groom Speech Structure
• Things To Avoid In Your Groom Speech
• Additional Blogs
• Groom Speech Writing Packages

Groom Speech Ice Breaker Ideas

“Groom speech icebreakers” is a very popular Google search. And it’s obvious why. They set the tone of the speech, and with an early laugh, the guests relax and your confidence soars. So here are some tips on funny groom speech opening lines.

“Without all of you here today, it wouldn’t be the same…but it would be cheaper.”

The old favourites will always have their day in the sun. But rather than use a groom speech opening line that’s more ancient than the Pyramids, why not aim for something original? Here are some angles that might inspire you…

People’s journeys are fresh in their minds so you might want to make a reference to dodgy budget airlines or SatNavs breaking down in tears in trying to find the venue.

Famous wedding

If a celebrity wedding has taken place or is due to, you could draw some fun comparisons. Yours is better obviously…

Calendar clash

Does it clash with a big sporting event? Perhaps people will be checking the latest on their phones…so, if you hear cheers, it’s not because your speech is ending…

Can you link your job to a line? For example, if you’re a hairdresser, you’re used to having an audience that can’t escape for 20 minutes…

Want some funny opening groom speech jokes and lines delivered to your inbox? Why not check out my Groom speech icebreaker packages ?

Tips For Who To Thank In Your Grooms Speech

The thanks are a bit like wedding invitations. As soon as you go beyond close friends and family, you suddenly don’t know where to stop. It’s best to resist this temptation to include everyone. A long list of thanks is a chore to read and a bore to hear. Try to keep the list short, the lines snappy and have a light-hearted remark for each.

The key thanks are to your parents, parents-in-law and those with an important role such as the Best Man, Bridesmaids and Maid of Honour. Here are some examples:

A long list of thanks is a chore to read and a bore to hear. Try to keep the list short, the lines snappy and have a light-hearted remark for each.

The usual suspects

• Parents-in-law
• Ushers & Best Man
• Bridesmaids & Maid of Honour

The less usual suspects

• The staff at the venue
• Page boy & those who’ve done a reading
• The wedding planner
• The celebrant (if it’s a friend)

“And for supporting me – and putting up with me over the years – a massive thanks to my mum and dad.”

“Thanks to [PARENTS-IN-LAW] for welcoming me into their family so warmly. They clearly didn’t know what they were letting themselves in for!”

“And now my Best Man – I find myself in the odd position of thanking him before I hear what he has to say about me….”

Add a little humour to each thanks and it will make the world of difference to your groom speech.

How Best To Give Toast During The Groom Speech

A wedding toast is a few words where you wish people well, thank them or remember them. You then raise your glass and the guests do so too, all taking a sip to express agreement.

Who should I toast?

In a groom’s speech, it’s traditional to toast the bridesmaids at the end, but this is becoming less common. You might wish instead to toast your bride, your family or everyone for coming. One toast at the very end is standard. If you wish to do one or two more, try to do them nearer the beginning to give maximum effect to the final toast.

How many times?

I’ve seen some grooms wishing to toast 4 people or more. I’d strongly advise against this as each extra toast dilutes the effect. Moreover, the guests don’t want to feel they’re participating in an interactive show.

So, other than the bride or bridesmaids, who might a groom toast? Well, it could be to absent friends but check whether the Father of the Bride plans to do this. It could also be parents with some grooms opting to toast parents and parents-in-law in one: “To family!”

My advice with toasts? Less is more.

Ideas For Your Groom Speech To Include Your Bride

Your bride will obviously be the main focus of the speech. Yet how do you encapsulate her and your relationship in just a few minutes? Here are some potential things to cover. Each element has the potential for that winning combination in a groom speech – humour and heartfelt emotions.

How you met

Not everyone will know how you met your wife. Even if it seems fairly normal, such as meeting at work, you’d be surprised how that can be turned into a nice story. Did you have to keep it a secret? Did either of you actually hire the other?

Was one of you late, and is that still mentioned? What was the spark? Perhaps it was your shared sense of humour or tastes. Maybe you both ordered the same drink or meal or were you the opposites that instantly attracted? Did nerves quickly become a conversation that wouldn’t stop, and the staff thought they’d never go home?

Another angle is to describe your feelings when you first saw or spoke to your fiancée. It doesn’t need to be poetry. It can even be: “Wow!”

What you’ve learned about each other

Your groom’s speech is a chance to tell the world all about your fiancée’s qualities and talents. Try not to make it a list though. Give a little detail for each one. For example, if she plays an instrument, what’s the piece she plays that always amazes or moves you. If she’s super-kind, how does she show this? Perhaps it’s patiently listening to you recite your woes after work. Is her smile so radiant and calming it’s a miracle cure? With each of her qualities and talents, try to paint a little picture.

Silly habits either of you might have

Mention these and you’ll get laughter and a free pass to be a bit more sentimental later. Here are some examples…

Poor timekeeping – do you have to tell her the show starts 30 minutes before it actually does? Or are you the one that has to be dragged out of the house?

Hoarding – d oes your wardrobe resemble an Amazon warehouse? Does she laugh at all the old cables you keep “just in case”?

Unable to pass a particular type of shop – does she agree with the statement that there’s no such thing as too many handbags? Or is that you with gadgets or sports equipment?

Superstitious – do either of you believe in horoscopes or fate?

Obsessed with a band/TV show – can she quote Friends word for word? Or is it, worryingly, a true crime show?

Spreadsheet – could your life be described as excellent mainly because your wife organises it on Excel?

If you plan to speak for 7-8 minutes, it’s a good idea to include a couple of stories about your bride or you as a couple. Keep them fairly brief – one that can be told in one paragraph is ideal – two paragraphs at a maximum.

You might wish to include one from early in your relationship, such as how you met. Other areas include nights out, holidays, meeting your future parents-in-law or asking for permission to marry your fiancée. And, of course, there’s the proposal…

Top Tips To Showcase Your Proposal In Your Groom Speech

The proposal isn’t always needed in your groom’s speech. However, mentioning how you felt when you said the words – or how your fiancée reacted – can be a nice touch. If you want to include it, a proposal story naturally has the following elements:

• Did you manage to keep your plan secret?
• Where did it take place?
• What was the reaction when the ring was produced? A peal of laughter, a tsunami of tears?

A good place to include the proposal is nearer the end of the speech, after all your main stories about the bride. Your natural lead-in is then: this is why you wanted to make her your wife.

Hacks For A Perfectly Structured Groom Speech

You want your groom’s speech to be memorable. You want it to be special. However, don’t fall into the trap of assuming you need an elaborate structure to do this. A simple groom speech structure allows the listeners to know where they are in the speech. They can relax and focus on your carefully crafted lines. Here’s a classic structure you can use:

You can usually cover all of the above in seven to eight minutes. If you wish to tell more stories – or have longer thanks to make – then a longer speech might be needed. That said, I’d advise not going much longer than ten minutes.

• Icebreakers
• Welcome and thanks
• A lighter-hearted section about the bride – how you met; first impressions; stories about her or the two of you as a couple
• The proposal (if you wish to include this)
• A more heartfelt section about the bride
• A toast to end

Avoid These Things When Writing Your Grooms Speech

One of my main groom speech tips is: if in doubt, leave it out. Here are some examples of what to leave on the cutting room floor.

“And I’d also like to thank…”

Avoid reciting a stream of “thank you”s. You don’t want your speech to be remembered as the acceptance speech that went on and on.

The gifts that keep on giving…

Handing out gifts is surprisingly time-consuming and can turn your speech into an adult version of Santa’s Grotto. Keep this to a minimum or, better still, don’t do it during the speech at all.

Too much about the Best Man

I recommend poking some gentle fun at the Best Man before thanking him for his support and friendship. Choosing one simple foible can suffice, e.g., his timekeeping, his obsession with sport, etc. Joking about your fear about what he will say is also a traditional angle. However, don’t use this as an excuse to do a mini-Best Man’s speech. You’re not marrying him, after all.

“I love my wife. I really really really love my wife.”

Don’t go overboard with expressions of love. The more you use them, the less impact each one will have. Think of it as your joker. When used, it will have maximum effect.

Wonderful, brilliant, amazing, delightful

A groom speech with ten “wonderfuls” won’t sound wonderful. Use a variety of positive adjectives throughout your speech. If you’re struggling, don’t be scared to use an online thesaurus .

Check Out These Blogs below For More Groom Wedding Speech Tips

Essential groom speech tips a-z, serving up a great groom’s speech, stand and deliver: how to deliver a good speech, my groom speech writing packages.

If you’re still scratching your head on how to write a great groom speech, and are feeling a bit overwhelmed, I have the perfect groom speech writing packages and services for you.

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• from the opening welcomes and icebreaker to the final toast, I write you a speech from scratch. Jokes and heart-string-tugging lines written just for you

Groom speech edit

• if you’ve written a draft (or most of one) and want it to go to the next level, I can help. I can take a look at the flow, balance, and write new original lines and jokes. Not sure if you need help? Send your speech over for free feedback.

Groom speech icebreakers and tearjerkers

• A PDF of 60 gags and tear-jerkers for your groom's speech. 100% original material. Takes you from the opening funny lines to final toast.

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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 .