how to write the best groom speech

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How to Write The Perfect Groom’s Speech (With Examples)

Author: Hollie Bond

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How to Write a Grooms Speech

Funny groom's speech ideas, emotional groom's speech ideas, unusual groom's speech ideas, famous groom's speech ideas.

No idea where to start when it comes to making a speech on your big day? We’ve compiled all the best tips and inspiration to help you write and deliver the best groom’s speech ever.

The groom’s speech is always a highlight at a wedding. It’s a chance for guests to hear all the romantic and heartfelt sentiments that you, as a newlywed, will be experiencing.

It’s also a feel-good part of the day where you get to acknowledge all your guests and thank individuals who have helped you bring this special day together. Everyone in the ‘audience’ will be friends and family, so put any public speaking nerves aside, as everyone will be willing you on to do your best and if you stumble over your words or well up when you’re talking about your new wife or husband – well, they’ll just love you even more!

We’ve rounded up 40 of the best groom’s speech ideas, with inspiration for funny, emotional, and unusual speeches, plus examples from famous grooms, to help you write your own Oscar-worthy speech.

What should the groom say in his speech?

Good news! The groom’s speech is one of the easiest speeches to write and deliver as it is essentially just one big thank you.

A groom’s speech should focus on thanking everyone who has helped make the wedding day special including the mother and father of the bride (or equivalent), the guests, his own parents, the best man, the bridesmaids, ushers, and anyone else who has contributed to the wedding.

The other main focus of the groom’s speech is to lavish praise and compliments on his new wife (or groom) and to tell them how happy he is to be married. Finally, the groom should raise a toast to his new wife or husband.

How long should a groom’s speech be?

Any speech at a wedding, including the groom’s speech, should be no longer than ten minutes. When written down this is approximately 1500 words, but make sure to time yourself before the big day in case you’re a particularly slow or fast speaker.

Ten minutes is the ideal length to get across everything you need to say, but not so long that your guests get bored and start to fidget. If you’re not a confident speaker you can always just say a few lines lasting a couple of minutes.

Less is definitely more when it comes to speeches. That said, if it’s too short you could sound flippant! Anywhere between five and ten minutes and you’re in safe territory.

1. Don’t be too formal

Unless you’re known for your love of a bit of pomp and circumstance then you don’t suddenly have to become the master of all things etiquette and stuffy speech-making just because it’s your wedding day. Your guests will want to hear you speak in your usual way, and as long as you cover the expected formalities like thanking everyone for coming, both sets of parents, the bridal party, and anyone who went above and beyond to help you with something like making a cake, then you don’t have to worry about anything else.

2. Focus on the start

If you can get guests smiling from the very beginning of the speech, then both you and your guests will feel relaxed and enjoy the rest of it. Have a think about something humorous that specifically relates to your guests or wedding situation rather than an obvious/ heard-100-times-before gag. Perhaps you’re known for your non-stop chatter, so you could open with “I know you’re all thinking you should take a loo break before I start talking, but I promise I’ll keep this as short (as I can!)…”

3. Don’t forget the main purpose of the speech

A romantic and heartfelt ode to the person you’ve just married should be the main focus of this speech. Try to avoid just saying empty words that anyone could say like “she/he is wonderful, beautiful, kind” etc. Think of specific things that your other half has done that makes you proud/ really love them/ that makes them unique. Anecdotes and stories that highlight a personal trait are the best way to do this.

4. Be romantic, not cheesy

Try not to fall into the trap of sounding like a compilation of all the lines you might find inside a cheesy Valentine’s Day card. Instead of “I’m so lucky to have found you” think about “My parents always told me nothing good would come of always being late, but I’m so glad to say I proved them wrong. I missed my train (as usual) that fateful day and the best thing ever came out of it… you.” Or a simple list of all the things that you particularly love about your partner, from the way they constantly fiddle with their hair to the way they talk to your dog like it’s a human.

5. Don’t give out gifts

This isn’t prize-giving at school and giving out weddinggifts to bridesmaids and ushers etc. will just take up valuable partying time. Give your bridal party their gifts in the morning when you’re all getting ready as it’ll be more personal in private.

6. Think about timing

A speech around the 7 – 10 minutes mark is considered the perfect amount of time for a groom’s speech (written down that’s about 1200 – 1400 words). Any less and you’ll sound a bit flippant. Any more and guests will start getting bored.

7. Don’t go into massive amounts of detail

We all know someone that tells a story as intricate and descriptive as a Tolstoy novel and how we automatically glaze over as soon as they start speaking. Don’t be that person. Your guests don’t want War and Peace – they want a nice easy to listen to a speech that doesn’t mentally challenge them, especially once they’re a few drinks down.

8. Find the perfect quote

If you’re not a wordsmith, let someone else more qualified sum up your feelings for you. There are plenty of amazing quotes from authors and famous orators out there and one or two of them may be exactly what you need to succinctly put all your feelings about the day and your partner into one neat sentence. Just make sure to acknowledge the original author!

9. Give your partner a promise

A lovely way to be funny and also heartfelt at the same time is to make a promise or two to your partner in front of your guests. Don’t just repeat your vows here, promise something that is unique to her/him. Perhaps she’s an avid rock climber and you’re more of a couch potato? Promise you’ll learn to love her crazy hobby. Maybe you’re not exactly Heston Blumenthal in the kitchen? Promise you’ll learn to cook your partner more than beans on burnt toast. Perhaps she/he is the world’s greatest Swiftie. Promise you’ll learn the lyrics to all their favourite Taylor Swift songs… you get the idea.

10. Prepare the delivery

The biggest mistake you can make is to write a great speech on paper and then not read it out loud before the big day. You need to practice talking slowly and confidently and leaving little pauses after funny bits (for any of the slower guests to get it!). Also, some written sentences don’t sound great when spoken, so reading out loud will help you to iron out any clunky syntax. Plus, you’ll want to know the speech almost by heart so that you don’t have your head in a piece of paper reading word-for-word on the day. Eye contact with your guests is one of the most important parts of delivering a successful speech.

You don’t have to be the next Michael McIntyre, but giving your guests a giggle and making them smile is the quickest way to make both them and you feel at ease with the speech.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to pepper your speech with gags and silly one-liners to make it funny. Instead, just focus on things that are unique to you as a couple or for the audience (perhaps the region you’re from for example) and have a bit of fun at your/ their expense. Be careful not to reference something that only a few members of the audience will understand as that will very quickly alienate your other guests.

Here are ten funny speech ideas to take inspiration from:

Focus on your differences

Comparing your differences can be an easy way to make the guests smile. Are you obsessively tidy and your new partner a bit of a slob perhaps? Can you cook like a pro while they can’t even heat soup without burning the place down? Whatever your differences, exaggerate them and make a joke out of them to get guests giggling.

Tell the crowd something they don’t know

Do you know some funny things about your bride/groom’s past that others in the audience might not? Now’s a good time to reveal that she/he did some hilarious hobbies or geeky things as a child. Perhaps they have a funny secret crush or can do a really odd trick.

Exaggerate your weaknesses

Putting yourself down and acknowledging something everyone knows about you can be a good way to make guests smile. E.g. “Would you believe it? The bride/ groom has finally given up holding out for Ryan Gosling and decided a bald, beer-swilling Insurance Broker from Newcastle is a better option instead.”

Here’s a good example of a funny, self-deprecating groom’s speech:

Make a joke about the wedding itself

“Before I begin, please can we ensure that all the aisles and fire exits are kept clear throughout the reception. There’s a medical team waiting outside the building and I’d like them to have a clear run when my in-laws are presented with the final bill.”

“I’d like to thank Mastercard and Visa, without whom this would never have been possible. My wife and I will be forever in their debt.”

Mother-in-law jokes

These always go down well if you actually get on with her! Reference something unique to your mother in law like her shopping obsession or how long she takes to get ready perhaps. Or keep it classic with: “I’ve been told that this is usually one of the only times in a man’s life when he can be around his wife/husband and mother-in-law and not be interrupted – so hang in there, I’m going to take full advantage.”

“In [in-law’s names], I have found the perfect in-laws. I always cringe when I hear jokes about difficult mothers-in-law because my own experience has been far from that stereotype. [Turn to in-laws and whisper audibly] Did I read that right? Please don’t hurt me…”

Tell a story

If your first date, engagement or the time you asked the in-laws if you could marry their daughter/ son has a funny element to it, go ahead and tell the story. Just remember not to kill the humour with too many details.

Talk about your partner’s quirks

Does your wife/ husband have any weird habits? Divulge a few to the guests but make it romantic by saying how much you love her/him even though they… still get drunk after one glass of wine/ still go to bed with a teddy bear at the age of 33/ always get the words to songs wrong/ always have to be the last person on the dance floor even when the lights come up…

Make the thank yous funny

Instead of a boring list of thank yous, try and inject a bit of fun. For example: “I’d like to thank my mother in law for passing on such wonderful traits to her daughter; her kindness, her humour, though unfortunately, an unwavering support for Arsenal has also slipped down the genetic line.”

Trip the guests up

Everyone expects the first line of the groom’s speech to mention his new wife/ husband. Momentarily confuse them with a sentence like this: “My ex-girlfriend/ boyfriend and I would like to thank you all for coming today” – and then pause while they work it out and laugh.

Use props or videos

If there’s a funny prop or a video that you can show during the speech go for it, plus holding something or giving yourself a break in video form can help stop the nerves.

Leave guests guessing

It’s fine to reference the stag do , but don’t tell a long and boring story about something that happened while you were on it. That’ll only be funny to the stags. It’s best to mention something and leave the end of the story untold as a cliff-hanger so that guests can fill in the blanks with all manner of funny thoughts.

As a groom, you have free reign to get emotional and if you’re not normally an emotional person it will really surprise and delight guests as they will realise just how much the day and marrying your loved one means to you.

You don’t want to get too over the top though and make your guests feel uncomfortable. Keep the really mushy stuff for your bride or groom on your honeymoon and instead focus on the sort of emotional sentiments that will make guests smile.

Here are some ideas for how to make your groom’s speech just the right amount of emotional:

Look guests in the eye

The quickest way to get guests to buy into what you’re saying and to feel the raw emotion of your words is by looking them in the eyes as you deliver each sentence. If you’ve had a difficult time in the run-up to the wedding and are really grateful for the support they’ve all shown, say so while looking sincerely at the guests you really want to show your gratitude to.

Put your heart into the thank yous

If you don’t want to make the thank yous funny or witty, how about making them emotional by not just thanking the person for what they did, but by explaining how much it meant to you.

Mention absent friends

If a member of your family or a friend isn’t at your wedding and is greatly missed then make sure to raise a toast to their memory. You don’t want to be morbid, but a few words about how much the person/ people meant to you both and how much you miss them, followed by inviting all guests to raise a toast to them is a lovely emotional gesture.

Let yourself feel the emotion

If you feel yourself welling up don’t stop the emotion – guests won’t mind if your voice breaks a bit or if you have to take a deep breath. In fact, it just shows how much the words actually mean to you.

Be creative when it comes to describing your partner

If you want to inject emotion into your speech, don’t just say sentences that could describe any bride/ groom. Think specifically about your partner and be poetic when you talk about them and it will be much more sincere than just saying: “My new wide is beautiful” or “My husband is kind”. Here’s a lovely example from a groom’s speech about how to reference your new spouse:

Want to make sure your speech is unforgettable? Make it unusual and unique with some of these stand-out suggestions…

Rap the speech

Got a hidden talent for rapping (or if you don’t it can still be hilarious), then why not attempt to rap the speech instead. You could do part of it normally, before breaking out into a fun rap perhaps.

Sing the speech

Got a good set of pipes on you? How about singing your speech instead? Choose a famous song and then write personalised lyrics to fit. You can make it funny or heartfelt – whatever suits your personality best. Having the words on PowerPoint beside you can help in case some guests miss the words.

Write your speech on blackboards around the room

If the idea of public speaking really is too much for you and threatens to ruin your whole wedding day, why not write it up on blackboards that can be displayed around the venue for guests to read instead. You could even pre-record a video of you reading the speech too. Guests who know and love you will appreciate the effort and know how stressful making a speech in person would be for you.

Speak in a different language

Are you marrying someone who is originally from another country and has another language that you don’t speak? Impress both your new wife or husband and especially their family members who make not speak your language by learning some lines in secret in their language. Starting the speech in English for example before changing seamlessly into French will wow your audience and be very emotional for your new partner.

Get other people to do it for you

Track down important guests who can’t make it to the wedding or some famous people if you can and ask them to say something special that you can record and play as part of the speech.

Borrow the words

If you don’t want to make a traditional groom’s speech, how about performing a poem or reading out the lyrics to a song that means a lot to you as a couple (just don’t make it as awkward as Pam and Mick’s rendition in Gavin & Stacey!)

Write a story

Why not make your groom’s speech sound like the start of a novel or children’s story in a ‘once upon a time’ format, but insert yourself and your new spouse as the main characters. After all, your wedding is part of your love story and you can end your speech with a toast to your happily ever after.

Get your guests involved

Don’t like the idea of all eyes being on you? Surprise your wife/ husband by prepping guests beforehand to each say a sentence. Or you can encourage audience participation by turning your speech into a quiz about you as a couple/ the wedding day.

Perform a musical mash-up

Make it themed.

If your bride or groom has a love for something specific, theme your entire speech around it. Take these maids of honour who did a Disney medley as an example:

Tom Fletcher from band McFly did one of the most famous and unusual groom’s speeches of all time. If you can hold a tune why not replicate his speech with your own song…

Nick Jonas went down the heartfelt route for his groom’s speech at his wedding to Priyanka Chopra in 2018 and nailed the thank you to his new mother in law.

Mark Wright from TOWIE gave way to the tears when talking about new wife Michelle Keegan at their wedding: “Not only are you beautiful, but you are one of the most incredible people I have ever met. You truly are sensational in every single way.” Take inspiration from his touching way to be emotional without making everyone feel awkward.

Not a groom’s speech, but you could definitely steal the idea from the best man speech of Danny McKenzie at footballer Jamie Milligan’s wedding – he pretended he had forgotten the speech and then played a video that “showed” him racing through fields and various places James Bond-style to retrieve it…

Hollie Bond

Hollie is a lifestyle journalist with over ten years’ experience working in the wedding industry as Lifestyle Editor for You & Your Wedding magazine Also a Regional Editor for Muddy Stilettos, Hollie has written for Square Meal magazine, Family History Monthly, BBC History magazine and Homes & Antiques. In her spare time you can find Hollie in a dance studio practising ballet…

Learn more about Hollie Bond

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In This Article

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Groom at Wedding Speech Templates And Ideas

phuket_wedding_planner via Instagram

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

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

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Groom Speech Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Groom Rehearsal Dinner Speech

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

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

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

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

The Great Groom Speech Template

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

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

Groom Speech Tips

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

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

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

What Not to Say in the Groom Speech

kreativwedding via Instagram

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

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

Don’ts

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

Groom Wedding Toast Ideas

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

To the father of the bride

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

To the best man

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

Toast To the guests

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

To the bride

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What should the groom say in his speech.

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

What should the groom say at the rehearsal dinner?

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

How Long Should A Groom’s Speech Be?

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

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

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How To Write The Ultimate Groom’s Speech

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

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

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

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

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

1. Don’t be too formal (or boring!)

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

2. Keep it short & sweet

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

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

3. Know your audience

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

4. Keep it romantic AND respectful!

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

RELATED TO:

5. Cute Vs Cringe

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

READ OUR LATEST MAGAZINE ISSUE – SUMMER 2021 OUT NOW

6. It’s all about the timing

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

7. Use a quote!

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

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

8. Make a promise

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

Famous Groom’s Speeches we love…

Tom fletcher.

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

Mark Wright

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

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

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

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

RELATED TO: Has Your Man Turned Into A Groomzilla?

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

Now for some funny groom speech inspo…

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Groom Speech Examples

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

Lessons to Learn from Our Speech Examples

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

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

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

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

INTRODUCTION

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

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

THE SPEECH-MEAT

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

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

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

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

It was then I knew I was in love.

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

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

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

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

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

THE THANK YOUS

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

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

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

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

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

THE DEARLY DEPARTED

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

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

ROMANTIC TRIBUTE

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

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

Written by Ed and Tom , Speechy Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

But then Michelle happened.

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

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

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

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

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

THE BIG THANK YOU

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

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

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

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

Come on, I know you can do it.

That is a very useful Spanish phrase which means:

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

Ok, another:

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

That means:

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

Excellent! Now finally:

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

That translastes as:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE ROMANTIC SUMMARY

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

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

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

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

Speech written by Andrew, Speechy writer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As I say, opposites attract.

ROMANTIC SUMMARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

To Priyanka.

Written by Shai, Speechy writer

The Speechwriting Experts

The Speechy team  are TV-trained scriptwriters/comedians by trade & we’ve helped 1,000s of speakers around the world deliver their dream speech.

Our advice has been quoted everywhere from  The New York Times  to  Grazia  and from Forbes to The Observer . Our founder has also featured on the  BBC Sounds’ Best Men podcast with Jason Manford and written ‘ The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’ , published by Little, Brown.

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GROOM SPEECH STRUCTURE

Wondering how to put together a speech for your wedding and what the groom speech structure should actually be? We’ve provided a simple guide to what you should include in your speech on your wedding day.

Let’s be clear for starters, there’s no right or wrong way groom speech template to use. You can include anything you want in your speech – it is your wedding day after all!

There’s also no requirement whatsoever on length. Make it as long or short as you are comfortable with and use these groom’s speech examples for some inspiration.

While you might well want to make things special to you, your new wife, your families and guests with some personal touches and stories, there are several things that you should definitely include in your speech.

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

A great way to start your speech, for example, is to begin with the words “My wife and I…”. It will be the first time you have addressed anyone as husband and wife and it gets the speech off to a great start.

Don’t forget the thank yous either. Get off to the right start with your new father in law by thanking him for his kind words, if he has delivered his speech before you, and your mother in law if she has performed a speech too.

Thank you guests for coming and being part of your special day, thank your own family for all the help you have received, and also anyone who has gone the extra mile in the build up to the wedding. And finish by thanking your new wife, giving her some flattery in the process too.

FUNNY ANECDOTES / STORIES

This is now your stage and certainly the time to include some groom’s speech jokes . The formalities are out of the way. Start with a gag or a one-liner and you’ll be off and running. Use props to add to the stories you are telling.

Tell a story or two about how you met, how you fell in love and why you knew she was the one for you. Entertain guests with some of the funny moments of relationships, buying your new house or living together for the first time, a holiday moment or something that will make the guests laugh. Even talk about something poignant in your speech at this stage if there is something close to your hearts.

RAISE A TOAST TO THE BRIDE

End the speech with a return to the formalities. After a special message to your new wife make a brief comment to the guests – “Finally, I would like to say thank you again to all of you for celebrating with us today” or something similar – and get the wedding breakfast to raise a toast to your new wife:  “And could you all please raise your glasses to my beautiful wife, the one I love…”

HAND OVER TO THE BEST MAN

It is time for you to take a deep breath, sit back and relax and have a bit of fun poked your way by your best man. At the end of your speech, hand over to him and prepare to be the center of the ribbing.

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

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The ultimate groom speech guide

The most important speech you’ll ever make.

The Groom Speech is a really busy speech. There are a lot of bases to hit – you’ve got all the acknowledgements, thanks and tributes, and if you’re not careful it can easily unravel into one long procession of thanking people, and several hours of your life you’ll never get back. So, things to remember;

It’s an amazing opportunity to say lovely things about people who are, or have been, important in your life, and you really need to make the most of it, because whilst it’s 10 minutes or so on the day, it’s something that will stick with you for the rest of your days, and so getting it right is very important.

You need to make all those thanks, acknowledgements and welcomes, in the most creative and entertaining way possible, and the magic ingredient is humour. If you can make people laugh in an original and personal way, they will love you for it and listen to everything you’ve got to say, and it acts as a perfect balance for some of the more profound things you might like to say.

On this page I’ve written out pretty much every idea, hints and tips that you’re ever going to need to write a really great groom speech.

Quick Links

Opening lines.

• Special Thanks

Absent Friends

Groom's parents.

• Bride's Parents
• Bridesmaids

Closing Lines

• Divorce Parents
• Marrying Across Nations

The devil is in the details

• Lead the Way
• Stag Weekend

Some really bad ideas

How to write a great groom speech.

Here’s a short video with all my hints and tips for writing a great groom speech. I’ve expanded on those thoughts and ideas on this page to give you the complete guide to writing your own.

This is very straightforward. I am not a fan of clichés in wedding speeches and avoid them as much as possible, with one notable exception, and that’s the opening lines of the groom speech. There really is no better way to kick off the speech and to get people cheering from the beginning, than to welcome everyone on behalf of ‘my wife and I’. It works every single time, and anyone looking to better it, really is trying too hard to be different, sometimes, and only very rarely, the dusty old wedding clichés get it spot on.

“Good afternoon everyone…on behalf of my wife and I…thanks you all so much for being here with us, and making to day today even more special….even the best man Dave”

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, it is so wonderful to have you all here with us today, it really does mean a great deal to us both…I’m just glad that the best man Dave made it here in one piece…because the last thing I heard his full time carers weren’t going to release him”

The structure of a groom speech is really important, because without a clear framework, it can all too soon become a rambling mess. Where people usually go wrong is to keep flitting back and forwards with the same ideas – once you’ve mentioned someone, then you should really keep moving on to different areas. Don’t forget, you’ve only got limited time up there before you out stay your welcome.

  The structure can be very basic. The beginning of the speech should of course, be the welcome, and then you can include thanks to anyone that’s really helped out. Avoid going straight into talking about your bride, as in my opinion and experience, the speech should always build towards her part in the latter stages. Once you’ve got the ‘admin’ bits of the speech covered, you can then include a toast to those no longer with us.

That brings us to the next part of the structure which is all about the important people. This should include:

• both sets of parents.
• Bridesmaids.  

Things to remember:

• You need to keep this fairly punchy and resist going into too much detail, so make every sentence count. Yes, it would be great to talk about the ushers in detail, but you simply haven’t got the time.
• You need to come up with a way of summarising their impact on your life in a really creative, efficient, and preferably funny way.  
• This is also true of the best man. Many grooms write as much about their best man as they do their brand new wife, so check your world count and adjust accordingly.  
• There is usually an expectation from the bride to lay out in detail her various relationships with the bridesmaids. Just keep in mind that when it comes to a groom speech, less is always more.
• The final part of the structure is all about the bride, and what you simply have to focus on here, is avoiding the trap of saying the same thing in about 3 different ways. This should include how you met, first dates, and how your relationship developed, and what she means to you.

Special thanks

I like to include any thanking that needs to be done at the top of the speech and to get it out of the way as early as possible.  

• These thanks should only ever be reserved for friends and family that have really helped you out with the wedding plans and/or on the day.
• If possible group them together so you’re not reading out a list of individual thanks. If you do attempt to do this it’s going to be very tedious to listen to, lose all impact and really start to rack up the word count.  
• Whatever you do don’t be tempted to start thanking the venue, the caterers, photographer etc. They are all being paid handsomely, and really, they should be thanking you!

“I would like to thank Uncle Dave for coming all the way from Australia to the UK…which, let’s face it, is just like Australia but with slightly more swimming gold medals and slightly fewer blokes with non ironic mullets”

“I would really like to thank Mary for all her hard work making our cake, and for Cassie for making all the beautiful bridesmaids dresses, thanks to them you haven’t had to look at, or eat anything or look at anything that I’ve been responsible for which can only be a good thing. I have on the other hand been responsible for the free bar which I’m not saying is as good as a dress…but it’s a pretty close second.”

Some people go to extraordinary efforts and expense to be make it to weddings on the other side of the world, and quite rightly that should be publicly recognised in the groom speech. You should try to group these together as much as possible, so if you’ve got several different guests coming all the way from New York, put them under one umbrella and avoid thanking them individually. It’s also an opportunity to have some fun with where they’ve come from and where the wedding is, so a comparison between Los Angeles and Stevenage is ripe for the picking. Maybe as a pay off you could offer some way in which all that effort is going to be worthwhile such as the free bar/meal/watching you dance.

‘Don’t worry uncle Dave your carbon footprint all becomes worthwhile when you see me dancing later on”

“I would like to thank Dave for coming all the way from New York, not saying that Dave’s usually late but to get him here on time we actually told him the wedding was last week.”

There should only be one absent friends toast in the series of wedding speeches, and that’s usually taken care of by the groom. I like to put the absent friend’s toast towards the start of the speech because you want to end on a positive, celebratory note and not to bring things down.

It all depends on how close your relationship was with friends and family that have passed away, but obviously the closer you were, the more detail you’re going to put into this section. Parents who have died, obviously deserve a really special mention, and as difficult as it may be, you’re still going to have to treat this as an overview, and don’t be tempted to go into too much detail. The day is about one person: the bride, and you need to keep the spotlight on her – in other words don’t write a mini eulogy.

“Unfortunately, my father cannot be with us today. He was a much loved family man, son, uncle and friend to many, and he is missed greatly every day.”

This is pretty much the only time in your life that you’re going to stand up and tell a room full of people what amazing parents you have, and what a great job they’ve done, so don’t blow it.  

• You need to say as succinctly as possible how much you love and respect them for the years of sacrifice, hard work and generally putting up with you. Hopefully, you’re only going to get one stab at this, so chose your words carefully.
• Again, recounting specific stories here really eats into the words, and I would only ever use one if it had a killer punchline, and keep the whole thing down to a couple of punchy sentences.
• Talking about your parents is always fertile ground for having some fun, and will balance out the more heartfelt things you might like to say, so what is it that you have, or haven’t, inherited from your parents, and how can you make that funny?

“Dad, I would like to thank you for passing on your brains…well, I say thank you but as they only led me to becoming an estate agent, the juries out as to exactly how useful they really have been.”

“Dad, thanks for the hair genetics, you really shouldn’t have. I mean you REALLY shouldn’t have.”

The Bride's Parents

What you’re looking to do here is achieve roughly the same world count for both sets of parents. Focussing on one set of parents is the kind of thing that really sticks out in a speech, and usually grooms are guilty of giving their new in laws the big up, and skimping on their own mum and dad, so make sure it’s even.  

• Here you talk about how they’ve welcomed you into their family, and what it is about them that you love so much.  
• Try to draw parallels between the people they are, the way they raised their daughter and the person she is today.
• If there are specific times you’ve shared together that really mean something, then here’s where to add them in.
• If there’s any conflict between you and either your parents and/or the bride’s, then just glide over it. Don’t use the speech as attempt to point score, as it will only backfire.

The Best Man

I much prefer to handle the best man in the middle of the speech and avoid any clumsy handover at the end, because I believe the conclusion of your speech should be all about the bride. You need to say what a great friend/brother he has been and how much better your life has been for having him in it. This isn’t to be taken lightly, best men are appointed because of their close connection, and it’s the only time you’re ever going to get to let everyone know what he means to you, so make the most of it. Then you need to find a way of having some fun with his character and exploiting some of his weaknesses etc. that might suggest why his judgment could be poor.

“Jake is an estate agent, he’s paid to tell lies, so prepare yourself for some of his most creative work yet!”

“It should be noted that Dave is a Sunderland fan and so has never been amongst a crowd of happy people before and will probably react by creating controversy just s he can feel comfortable again.”

It’s groomsmen in the US and Australia, and ushers in Europe, but they all do the same job: support the groom in the run up to the wedding and ion the big day itself. When you’re thanking ushers keep it general, light and funny, and please don’t find things to say about each and every one, otherwise we’re going to be here all day. This should be fun as well, so if there’s a way of collectively having a laugh with them, exploit it. If you are going to mention the stag weekend or bachelor party, and it’s not something I’d recommend, then do it here, and go light on detail.

The Bridesmaids

It’s your job to talk about and toast the bridesmaids, not the best man. You need to mention them by name, and say what a great group of friends/sisters they have been and how great it is that you’ve got them in your life as well. You could thank them for organising the hen weekend, and say what a culturally enriching experience that was for all concerned. If this involves sisters you should say how amazing it is to now be related…even if you don’t mean it! The toast at the end is the only toast that the groom has to make.

‘Sarah, you are an amazing sister to Jane, and I am so happy that we are now officially family…you don’t have to agree but at least I come with access to free plant machinery hire”

“ladies you all look absolutely amazing, the facts that there are seven of you, and one looks quite grumpy is in no way going to lead me make any Disney comparisons”

This is the conclusion of the speech and in reality, should make up about 30% of the total word count. In these words, you need to describe how you met, what an incredible positive impact she’s had on your life, what her character is like, what she means to you and how you proposed.  

There is a lot to fit in there, and these words will stay with you for life, so make what you say really count. On the other hand, you can’t be too gushy, because that can come across as a little clumsy too. Think about what makes her character unique in your eyes; what is it about your wife that makes her the person you want to share your life with? In these words you could include some short anecdotes of the times you’ve shared so far that highlight her character, passions and unique sense of humour.  

This cannot be one huge chunk of emotion, there needs to be light and shade, funny ideas and observations about your new wife always go down well, and you should sprinkle these throughout. A common mistake is to repeat what you’ve already said but in a slightly different way. So, if you’ve said how much you love her in one way, then that’s enough.

The Final Toast – You’re looking to finish the speech in the most succinct way possible so don’t drag it out too long. I always avoid toasting the bride in isolation, it’s never felt right and I think in the celebration of marriage only toasting one half is a little weird. Instead, just make it a general health/happiness toast and you’re done.

The closing lines in a groom speech are a contentious issue, and I’ve always diverted from tradition. The usual status quo when it comes to the closing lines in a groom speech, is to then hand over to your best man, and this for me, is getting it completely wrong.

The best man should have already been mentioned, the last sentiment and words you should say has to be all about your bride, so why make the best man the final part? Forget handing over to him, and leave at a toast to the future. Everyone knows he’s on next, and many weddings have an MC to remind them.

Other things to consider

Delivering the speech, divorced parents.

This is a really common tricky area, and on that needs to be handled very carefully especially if new partners are involved. Take them one at a time and make sure you give each parent an equal measure. If their new partners have been around for a long time and have had a big impact on your life, then this needs to be recognised.

I usually start with the father, but with Jewish weddings you should probably start with the mother. What you’re looking to do is not give any opportunity for inequality, so don’t wax lyrical about your dad’s new partner and go light on your mum – the ramifications of this speech will last for many years. If either parent has a very new partner on the scene, then it’s best to just omit them altogether.

This is a hugely important ingredient to any really great groom speech. If you make people laugh, they’ll love you for it and listen to everything you’ve got to say, and it acts as the perfect balance to some of the more profound things you might like to say. This should be an entertaining speech with some pretty big messages wrapped up in it – the entertainment factor keeps people interested because there’s only so much emotion people can take.  

However, when it comes to jokes and comedy, I’m not talking about the scripted gags you’ll find on the internet, this is about working out how to make situations and events in your life funny when you’re introducing people and thanking them. Work out what it is that’s funny about your new father in law and have some fun with it. What is it that your new wife doesn’t like about you? How can you exploit your best man’s character flaws? There’s comedy gold out there, you just have to look for it!

Many grooms see the speech as an opportunity to dish out a little treat to people that have helped and who also mean a lot to them, unfortunately it’s one of the most counterproductive things you can do in a speech. Making the whole room twiddle their thumbs whilst various people make their way up to the top table to collect tankards etc. not only makes the speech unbearably long, but also it stops it dead in its tracks.

Forward momentum is the key to a great speech and the last thing you want to do is have to get everyone back on board again. I always recommend handing out the gifts in a private moment on the morning of the wedding.

Marrying across nations

So many weddings involve the coming together of different nationalities and cultures, which adds extra fun and excitement to an already amazing day, but it can also provide a few challenges when it comes language barriers. I have written for countless grooms in this position, and here’s what I recommend:

• Don’t attempt a dual translation of the speech in real time. It will unravel into a 40 minute marathon, and be extremely tedious for everyone.
• Make the majority of the speech in your native language, but have two well crafted pieces you say in your wife’s language to top and tail the speech.
• Many cultures do not embrace wedding speeches and whilst they’re happily curious, keep things on the shorter side – listening to something they don’t understand, their patience isn’t limitless.
• Make sure the other speakers have thought about the cultural divide. Help them avoid lengthy/inappropriate speeches.

The groom’s speech is the one that can run away with you and take on epic proportions if you’re not careful. The main problem is that most grooms want to include far too many people in the speech, and talk about them in far too much detail, and there simply isn’t time to do that.

You should really aim for a total word count of 1400 words, which on the day, when read at a steady pace, will come in at around the 10 minute mark, maybe a touch longer with stoppages. Speeches always take longer on the day than they do when you’re practicing at home, but if you’re looking at anything over 1500 words then it really is time to snip a few words here and there.

You’ve also got to bear in mind that if the Father of the bride has spoken for a while and you’re up for half an hour, guests will have sat through an hour of speeches before they get to the best man, and that’s way too long.

It may sound counterintuitive, but detail really kills a speech. That doesn’t mean your speech should be a bland overview, but rather save the detail for where it really matters.

• We really don’t need a full run down on the history and provenance of the venue.
• When talking about your parents boil down the childhood memories to the most efficient minimum.
• A groom talking about his new in-laws can often be swamped with detail, in a bid to underline his love and respect for them. Less is more.
• When mentioning the best man, remember this is not a history of your days together in real time.
• You can talk about each usher in detail, but if you do, be prepared to be already single by the time you’ve finished.
• Be efficient with how you include the bridesmaids – a powerful summary is worth much more than a series of stories.
• War and Peace as to how you met, the dating days and the proposal should be avoided.

Lead the way

Most grooms don’t make the most of their position, and that’s a shame because as the guy in charge you can do your bit to ensure that the speeches are a huge hit, and not several hours of your life you’ll never get back.

• The first thing to do is make all the other speakers agree to a maximum word count, the more speakers there are, the less each individual word count should be. With 3 speakers it should be 1400 each, and then with 4 speakers 1200 each, and so on.
• You should also make sure that you’re not doubling up on any content, so ensure that each of the toasts are given only once, and then if you’ve mentioned a close relative who has passed away the best man isn’t also planning some kind of tribute. Avoiding repetition is the aim of the game.

The maximum number of toasts I would have is 4. You need a general toast at the end, a toast to the bridesmaids, a toast to the parents, and also a toast to those no longer with us.

Of course, this is completely optional but ending your speech without a toast would be odd and also tradition states that you should toast the bridesmaids, so if you’re going to drop any of them it should be the parents and those departed. I would resist the urge to make more than four toasts, so forget the best man, ushers, helpers etc.

One of the pitfalls of a groom speech is having no balance to it because you’re far too keen to talk about your bride. Diving straight in to the subject of the bride might seem like a great idea, but the latter end of the speech and conclusion should all be about her, and so there’s no point in beginning the speech talking about her and then ending it talking about her. I have seen many groom speeches which are only made up of talking about the bride and how amazing she is. You can try it, but it won’t work.

Stag weekend

Ok, it was a great few days away in Magaluf, Berlin or Ljubljana, but those things are best shared with all the survivors at the pub rather than in the groom speech.

Of course, you can thank the best man for organising a great stag weekend, but don’t isolate the rest of the room by recounting stories that make 6 people laugh and the rest of the room scratching their heads. All too often it comes across as boorish and a little conceited, and so far, has never made it into any groom speech that I’ve ever written.

One of the most entertaining areas of wedding speeches is reading what other so-called experts suggest adding to, or indeed making, your speech. You may not have the greatest speech in the world, but as long as you avoid these appalling pieces of advice, seen elsewhere, you’ll at least scrape through with your dignity intact. So, never ever …

• Rap your speech…unless you want to live with permanent PTSD.
• Start your groom speech with the words ‘Once upon a time’. Yuk.
• Perform a ‘musical mash up’…this is a groom speech, not the Edinburgh Fringe.
• ‘Get other people to do it for you’ i.e. a video montage of friends saying their bit. It’s a groom speech. If you can’t be bothered to say it, call it off.
• ‘Turn your speech into an audience quiz’. Toe curling, and about as meaningful as Blankety Blank.
• Sing the speech…even if you’re that guy from One Direction, listening to an 8 minute song about parents, absent friends, best man, bridesmaids and bride…would be a legal form of torture.

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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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Groom’s Speech Examples

February 21, 2017 By Kate

While it is not at all mandatory, some grooms will sometimes give a speech at their wedding. Traditionally, the groom’s speech comes right before the best man’s speech. Here are a few tips and talking points to think about when you are writing your groom’s speech.

First of all, you should thank all of the guests for coming to celebrate with you and your bride on your special wedding day. Acknowledge the effort that people have put in from traveling far and wide to helping out with the wedding. Do not forget to thank your parents and the bride’s parents as well.

Last but not least, do not forget to talk about your bride. She is the whole reason that you have this wedding. Throwing in a compliment is a good idea, whether you are talking about her dazzling personality or how gorgeous she looks in her wedding dress.

And since you will be married already, you can now refer to her as your wife. Your guests will love it when you refer to her as your wife and they will love to see it if your speech is a little bit romantic.

While it is very thoughtful to thank and acknowledge the important people in your wedding speech, you also want to avoid doing that for too long as it will bore the guests. Of course, there is a long list of people who have helped to make your wedding a success and you might still want to find a way to thank them for contributing to your wedding.

People like your vendors and the people in your bridal party might not all need a mention. If you would like to thank them, you can do so privately in person or by writing them a Thank You note. When it comes to making acknowledgements in your groom’s speech, you should definitely remember to include your parents, the bride’s parents, and the bride at the very least.

If somebody will have a speech after yours, then you will want to introduce them to the guests. In most cases the person following you will be your best man. You can just briefly say who he is and what he means to you before handing over the microphone to him.

As much as you might like your best man, he is not the star of the wedding, so you can keep his introduction nice and simple. If you go into a long story about the two of you, it might bore the guests.

When writing your speech, try to keep it to only a few minutes long. Anything too long will make it harder for your guests to stay interested and engaged in your speech. It is okay, in fact it is often welcomed to be romantic in your speech. It is your wedding day after all.

Below are a few examples of groom speeches that you can use as inspiration for your upcoming wedding. Let these groom speeches help you put together a unique and heartfelt speech for your special day.

1. You have all heard the story about the bride who dreams of her wedding day. But I have dreamt of my wedding day too. My wife and I worked hard and put our heads together to plan the perfect wedding. From the venue to the caterer and the suit and gown, a lot of work was put into this wedding. We prayed for beautiful weather, good health, and for our guests to all arrive safely.

But at the end of the day, the only thing that could make my wedding day perfect was getting to stand next to the woman I love so that I could exchange vows with her. At the end of the day, that was all that really mattered. And now we are here before all of you as husband and wife.

2. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of you for being here. To my parents, for guiding me, even now as an adult. To [bride’s] parents, for raising such a wonderful woman, and of course to all of our guests and vendors, for making this day even more complete. And lastly, thank you to [bride,] as we all know, this day would not have happened without you. Thank you for taking a chance on me and thank you for loving me the way that you do.

3. Now as many of you probably know, I am not an in-your-face romantic. I don’t go out to the movies first in line to see the latest romantic comedies and I’m not much of a mushy person. But I became a romantic the moment I met [bride,] who is now my wife.

In my experience, there are two kinds of people. The people who are romantic at heart and the people who don’t really believe in true love until they meet the one. I fit into the latter category. I was a skeptic, I was cynical and never thought love would come calling. Until one day, it did.

And it always happens in the most ordinary, unexpected way. I was not some knight looking for a princess. One day we just bumped into each other and sparks slowly started to fly. And now here we are, husband and wife.

When it comes to [bride,] I believe in romance with all of my heart. Now that I have you, I will kiss you every day and tell you that I love you because I never want you to forget that. I cannot believe how lucky I am to now be able to call you my wife.

4. Growing up, I had the best parents that a guy could ever ask for. And besides being such wonderful parents, my mom and dad were such a lovely couple to know. And I was even luckier to be able to call them mom and dad. Thank you guys for really showing me what love is. Love is the best gift that you can ever give anyone.

Seeing that kind of love between two people every day is such a gift and it has inspired me to be a loving person to everyone that I know, especially to my wife.

5. Doesn’t [bride] look stunning today? I do not really need to go on about how beautiful [bride] looks tonight, though to be honest, I think she looks beautiful any day of the week and at any time of day whether it be morning, noon, or night. But beauty is only skin deep anyway. What counts is what you find on the inside. And the more I got to know my wife, the more I feel in love with her.

6. As some of you here may know, [Bride] and I started off as friends. Naturally, I tried my best to not fall in love with her, I really did. She is a selfless person who is always thinking of others. But I have other selfless friends too. She is thoughtful, but so are my other friends.

While I love her for all of her many great qualities, what I love about my wife more than anything is how well she gets me. She knows me inside and out and never once ran away screaming. And I love her for who she is as well.

And that is why we are all here today in this room, because one day, we decided that it was not enough to just be friends. We knew that we could not live without each other and we wanted to spend the rest of our lives side by side.

[Bride,] I cannot believe how far we have come. Sometimes it still has me in shock, just thinking about how lucky I am to be able to wake up knowing that I have you in my life. Thank you for marrying me and for being my wife.

7. There are so many wonderful people in my life that have made this day special. My parents, who have raised me well and taught me the true meaning of love. My friends and family, who continue to be a remarkable support system to me and [bride,] [bride’s] parents, who raised a remarkable woman, and of course [bride] herself, who I am now lucky enough to call my wife. You all mean the world to me and I would not be up here without you.

8. I would like to take the opportunity to introduce the person who will be delivering the next speech. He is our Best Man and a good and loyal friend. He has always been my partner in crime and he is a really funny guy. Let us all welcome _____________.

9. There are many times in life when I have been uncertain. Uncertain about school, uncertain about what career I want to pursue. There are many times where I didn’t know where life should take me or where I should live. Figuring things out can be tough. But I never had to think twice about [bride.] With her, everything is so much clearer and makes so much more sense.

[Bride,] if there anything in this world that I am sure of, it is that I was meant to be with you. Today is only the beginning of the rest of our life together.

10. We spend a lot of our spare time worrying, wondering, and planning for the future. When I look at [bride,] I know that I have nothing to worry about. I know that we will build a great life together on top of the relationship that we already have.

11. When I think about now having a wife, I do not think about what she could do for me. But I ask myself, what I will do for her. As your husband, I cannot wait to fall asleep next to you, wake up by your side, share a table with you, and have many more adventures. I hope to bring you continuous laughter, joy, and comfort as we embark on our married life together.

12. Some of my friends have teased me about getting married. They joke about me being on a ball on chain and tied down. But I don’t see it that way. When you meet the right one, it does not feel like you are tied down. Instead, I have never felt more free and happier. And I have certainly never felt this kind of love before. So for me, trading the single life for the married life was a no-brainer. When you want to lock the one that you love down, then that’s when you know they are the one.

13. I have always been a bit of a shy, soft-spoken guy. I don’t like speaking in public and crowds make me nervous. But seeing [bride’s] face in the crowd helps and I just had to say this: I really hope today was not a dream. I will probably wake up tomorrow asking myself, did that all really happen? Did I really get to marry the woman I love?

How many people are that lucky to find such a special person who loves them back? Out of all the choices and paths we took in life, I truly believe that it all led us to each other, to this very moment.

14. To [bride,] my beautiful bride. There are no words, no poems that can fully describe you. I can only say that you make my heart feel full in the best way possible. Thank you for choosing me and thank you for letting me be your husband.

15. [Bride,] you look absolutely stunning today and every day. Whether you have on a dazzling dress and perfectly manicured nails and every strand of hair in place or you just have a messy ponytail and some t-shirt and sweatpants on, you look beautiful no matter what you wear.

Check out our other article on Wedding Vows for Him or Her.

16. Marriage, of course, is a big deal. It is a huge commitment. Planning a wedding is a lot of work and then of course, is the marriage itself. So why do it? For those who want to know why I asked [bride] to marry me, the simple, most obvious answer is love.

When I met [bride] and got to know her, I could hardly believe that she hadn’t already been scooped up by someone else.

17. [Bride,] you already know that as much as I love you, I am not perfect. But I will do my best to do my share in our marriage and around the house. I will try to remember to put my dirty dishes in the sink and I will do my best to separate the laundry correctly. But here is what I can promise you without a doubt. I will love you with all my heart and I will try to make you laugh and smile every day.

18. So I wrote a little something for [bride.] And you might be wondering why I am reading this in front of a room full of people then. Why not read this in a room with just the two of us? But since today is a celebration of our love, I thought what other way to celebrate this love than to talk about it in a room full of the people that we both love?

[Bride,] you look beautiful tonight. I cannot believe that I am yours and that you are mine, but I am so happy for it. Since we have been together, you have made me the happiest man on Earth, and today made me even happier. I cannot wait to embark on the rest of our life together. I love you so much.

19. When our eyes first met, I already knew

That you were my absolute dream come true.

Your very smile lights up the sky,

I am so happy to call you mine.

20. I had only ever read stories and heard tales of what true love was. It was not until you that I finally knew and understood what it all meant. To me, your name alone makes me light up. Your smile brightens my day and your eyes sparkle like the sun. But more than anything, I have met my twin soul.

21. [Bride,] I am so blessed to be able to call you my wife. You are an angel in my life. I cannot wait to share the rest of my life with you. I know that God will guide us on our path together.

22. [Bride,] you are my favorite person in the world. Today is our first day of being married and I know we will have so many other firsts. Our first house, our first child if we are lucky, and so on. I cannot wait to share all of these exciting memories with you, my lovely wife.

23. To [bride,] my beautiful bride, who I can now call my wife. While nobody in this world is 100% perfect, to me you are amazing just as you are. I love everything about you and look forward to spending my days with you as husband and wife.

24. [Bride,] I don’t know if you truly know how happy you make me. Words cannot fully or adequately express how your presence and love make me feel. I can only say that things are much better and much brighter with you by my side.

25. [Bride,] what we have is beautiful. Our relationship nourishes my soul and your company gives me so much excitement. You are fun and hilarious and beautiful and kind and smart too. There is no one out there like you and I am so lucky that you are my wife.

26. [Bride,] we have had so many blessings in our relationship together. Meeting you and becoming your friend was a blessing, and getting to marry you was an even bigger one. I know that God will guide us on the right path on our marriage and I cannot wait to see what our future has in store.

27. [Bride,] it is easy to love you. Not only on your best days, but on your worst days as well. When you are happy, I want to celebrate with you and when you are sad, I want to help comfort you and lift up your spirits. You make me so loved as well.

You may also enjoy our Father of the Bride Speech Examples.

28. [Bride,] you are many things to me. You are my best friend, my confidante, my rock, and my wife. You are my love, my partner, and my family. In short, you are everything to me. Let us toast to our future together as a married couple.

29. [Bride,] I am not the same person I was before I met you. When we first embarked on a relationship, something special started. A seed was planted and it continues to grow and flourish today. I am so excited to continue to grow with you and to see what memories our marriage will make.

30. [Bride,] thank you for marrying me today. Without a doubt, I know that we will be happy together. When we first met, I could never have predicted where we would end up today, but I am sure glad that this is where we are now. Now that I know you, I could not see myself with anyone else but you.

31. [Bride,] you are my other half, we complement each other so perfectly. You are the peanut butter to my jelly, the macaroni to my cheese, and the yin to my yang. With you, I know that anything is possible.

32. [Bride,] thank you for signing up to be my wife. I know that I am not the cleanest eater or the snappiest dresser, but I promise to make you as happy as I can. I will always try to put a smile on your face and I will always be there to hold your hand and whisper that I love you.

33. [Bride,] what we have together is love. We have no illusions of being with perfect people, but we love each other anyway. I will continue to love you, my wife, imperfections and all.

Infographics

How to Write the Best Father of the Groom Speech

• Christin specializes in writing gift guides and shoppable articles for The Knot.
• Christin is a freelance writer, also covering lifestyle, health, and parenting.
• She has written for such publications as The Bump, Parents, VeryWell, Parade and LittleThings.

If you're the father of the groom, you've likely been there for everything from your son's first diaper change and scraped knee to the blossoming relationship he's built with his partner. Now, they've decided to tie the knot, and he's asked you to give a father of the groom speech.

This is a great honor, and a good opportunity for you to share your innermost feelings with the couple about their future together. You're a big part of their wedding day, so guests will want to hear what's on your mind.

If the wedding will follow a traditional format , you'll probably give your speech at the rehearsal dinner, since the groom's family traditionally hosts that event . You might also give your speech at the wedding reception, likely before the best man speech .

How Long Should a Father of the Groom Speech Be?

In order to keep guests engaged during your wedding speech, brevity is key. Aim to speak for no more than 4 to 6 minutes, or less if possible. Expect that there will be some overlap between speeches (like thanking guests for coming). Use funny or touching stories about your son's childhood in order to make your speech stand out.

How to Write a Father of the Groom Speech

Your son's wedding day is a very personal day for your family—you'll share lots of tender moments together as you look back over your son's life before he met and chose to marry his partner. So the best advice when it comes to how to write a father of the groom speech is simply to write from your heart. You know your son better than just about anyone, so there's no need to worry about saying the wrong thing. Even if you and your son have had a rocky relationship in the past, remember that he's still asked you to share in his big day, so he wants to hear what you have to say.

A Father of the Groom Speech Template

Looking for some father of the groom speech examples? We've got a few that just might give you the inspiration you need in order to finish writing your wedding toast for the happy couple .

Traditional: Welcome! My name is [name] and I'm [son's name]'s father. I'd like to start by welcoming each and every one of you, and to say thank you for sharing in this most special day. From the first time I saw my son with [partner's name], I knew they shared something very special.

I know that because [reason]. I'm reminded of all the times my son [did this or that] as a child, and how much I hoped he would grow up to find the perfect partner. And in [partner's name], I see that perfect partner.

So today, I'm welcoming [partner] into our family with open arms. I'm truly excited for what the future holds for you, son, and for your [lovely wife/handsome husband/wonderful spouse]. I know you two will share a happy life together.

Brief: Thank you everyone for coming today. [Son], I love you with all of my heart, and always will. You've turned into a fine young man, and seeing you so happy with [partner's name] makes this day perfect. I wish you many happy days ahead, no matter where life takes you. Sentimental: Hello, and thank you for coming. It means so much that each and every one of you has come to share in [son's] special day today, and I only wish that [relative who died] could be here as well. [Son], seeing you with your [new wife/husband/spouse] is nothing short of heartwarming. I wish you both the best of everything in your new life together.

Find your kind of venue

Who does the father of the groom thank in his speech.

When it comes to doling out your appreciation to different people in your father of the groom toast, it's customary to thank your son's new spouse's parents and family members, especially if they've traveled a long way to attend the celebration. Then, thank your new daughter or son for making your child so very happy. After that, it's really up to you who you'd like to thank.

How to Give a Father of the Groom Speech

Public speaking isn't typically a favorite pastime, so don't feel like you're alone if it isn't yours. But it's an honor to be part of this special moment, so if you're asked to share some words of wisdom for your son and your future son-in-law or daughter-in-law, of course you want to crush it.

Below, we've included some guidance in the form of some father of the groom speech examples, as well as some clever jokes you can incorporate into your toast.

Father of the Groom Speech Examples

It's finally time for your important speech. Just relax, take a deep breath and talk about some of the memorable moments you've shared with your son. Then, welcome your new daughter or son and close your speech with some meaningful words of wisdom or advice for the new couple.

[Couple's names], while you have loved and cared for one another for a long time, today makes it official: You are now a married couple. I give you all of my congratulations and I hope you feel the outpouring of love and support for the both of you that is in this room today.

[Couple's names], separately you are two wonderful people, but together, you are even better. You finish each other's sentences and can communicate without saying a word. You know how to make each other laugh and smile, and you know how to comfort each other as well. You are two peas in a pod—there is no question at all that you were always meant to be together. I have so much love and respect for the two of you, for the lengths that you would go to in order to make each other happy. Never lose what you two have, because it's priceless. Let us all raise a glass to the wonderful couple, my son [groom] and his spouse [spouse's name].

It's official, [couple's names] are now newlyweds. What does this mean, exactly? Well for starters, you are family now. You have your parents, siblings and friends, but at the end of the day, you must come first for each other. From this point forward, you will be inseparable. You are not just living side by side—now you will be living as one team, a unit that will make important decisions and meaningful memories together. Remember to be kind to each other. Be patient and understanding. Don't forget to communicate, to laugh and to love each other. Do these things and you will have a great recipe for a happy, long and successful marriage .

As [groom's] father, I have always made it a point to let him know how loved and appreciated he is. He knows how much he means to me and how important he is in my life. So I thought that I would take this opportunity to instead sing my praises for my newly coined [daughter-in-law or son-in-law]. [Son's spouse's name], you are such a wonderful person, and I'm so glad my son found a partner in you. As of today, you are officially my [daughter or son].

Father of the Groom Speech Jokes

"The couple has requested that I don't share any embarrassing stories... so that's it from me. Thanks for listening!"

"[Son's name], I love you so much, and I really hope you'll feel the same about me after you hear my speech."

"I was trying to figure out the perfect wedding gift for you, and it's this speech."

"Gosh, what an emotional day it's been. Even the cake is in tiers."

"The couple actually had a bit of trouble finding someone to make a speech today. They started by asking their funniest friend, and they said no. Then they asked their most charming friend, and they said no. After that, they asked their best-looking friend and, again, they said no. Then they asked me, and after already turning them down three times, I decided I couldn't refuse again."

"I think we can all agree that it's been a fantastic day. But unfortunately that ends right here with my speech."

"Loyal. Kind. Honest. Generous... That's enough about me, I'm here to talk about [son's name]."

What NOT to Say in a Father of the Groom Speech

Although you can craft your father of the groom speech any way you'd like, there are some things you should avoid saying: Don't tell embarrassing or hurtful stories about your son.

Don't make negative or cynical comments about your new daughter or son; Focus only on the positive.

Don't over-imbibe before delivering your toast. This could derail your speech and cause you to say things you didn't intend to say.

Don't make inappropriate or off-color jokes. You don't want to offend anyone during your speech.

How to End the Father of the Groom Speech

It's up to you how you'd like to end your speech. You can share advice, speak loving words or end with a joke. As you wrap up your speech in front of the microphone, a brief and meaningful introduction to the next speaker in line (if there is one) is always appropriate.

Good luck, pops! You got this.

7 best father of the GROOM speech examples

As the father of the groom, your speech on his big day holds immense significance. It’s a moment to express your pride, love, and best wishes for the newlyweds. Crafting a heartwarming and memorable speech can be challenging. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the 7 best father of the groom speech examples that will help you create an unforgettable moment at your son’s wedding.

From sentimental and heartfelt speeches to ones filled with humor and nostalgia, these examples showcase different styles and approaches. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or looking for the perfect words to convey your emotions, these speeches will guide you in creating a speech that resonates.

With each example, we’ll provide insights into why it works, so you can tailor it to your unique relationship with your son. You’ll discover tips on adding personal anecdotes, establishing a connection with the audience, and leaving a lasting impression on this special day.

So, get ready to make your son’s wedding unforgettable with these 7 best father of the groom speech examples !

The Importance of the Father of the Groom Speech

The father of the groom speech is an integral part of any wedding celebration. It serves as an opportunity for you, as the father, to publicly express your love, pride, and well wishes for your son and his new spouse. Your words have the power to create a lasting impact on the couple and the entire audience. It’s a chance to share memorable anecdotes, impart wisdom, and leave everyone with a warm and heartfelt experience.

A well-crafted father of the groom speech can also help set the tone for the rest of the wedding festivities. It allows you to create a sense of unity and love among family and friends gathered to celebrate this joyous occasion. Your speech should not only celebrate the love between your son and his partner but also honor the joining of two families.

Remember, this is a special moment to show your son how much he means to you and how proud you are of the person he has become. It’s an opportunity to connect emotionally with the audience and leave a lasting impression on this significant day in your son’s life.

Tips for Delivering the best Father of the Groom Speech

Before we dive into the top 7 best father of the groom speech examples, let’s go over some essential tips to help you deliver a heartfelt and memorable speech:

• Prepare and Practice : Take the time to prepare your speech in advance. Jot down key points, anecdotes, and quotes you want to include. Practice delivering the speech multiple times to ensure you feel confident and comfortable on the big day.
• Keep it Personal : Tailor your speech to reflect your unique relationship with your son. Share personal stories, inside jokes, and moments that highlight your bond. This will make your speech more authentic and meaningful.
• Be Authentic : Speak from your heart and let your emotions shine through. Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability and express your love and pride for your son. Authenticity will resonate with the audience and create a more powerful impact.
• Add Humor (If Appropriate) : Injecting some humor into your speech can lighten the atmosphere and make it more engaging. However, make sure your jokes are tasteful and appropriate for the occasion. Avoid anything that may offend or embarrass your son or the guests.
• Keep it Concise : While it’s important to share heartfelt sentiments, remember to keep your speech concise and focused. Aim for a speech that is around 5-7 minutes long, as this will hold the audience’s attention and prevent it from becoming too lengthy.
• Practice Delivery : Pay attention to your tone, pace, and body language while delivering your speech. Maintain eye contact with the audience, use appropriate gestures, and vary your voice to keep the audience engaged. A well-delivered speech will have a more significant impact.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to deliver a heartfelt and memorable father-of-the-groom speech that will leave a lasting impression on your son, his partner, and all the guests.

7 Best Father of the Groom Speech Examples

Speech example 1: a sentimental and touching speech.

Good evening everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Groom’s Name]’s father. It feels like just yesterday I was teaching him how to ride a bike, and now here he is, all grown up and starting a new chapter in his life.

[Groom’s Name], from the moment you were born, you’ve brought so much joy and laughter into our lives. You were always such a curious and kind-hearted boy, always eager to explore and help others. Seeing you grow into the man you are today fills me with immense pride.

[Bride’s Name], from the first time you walked into our home, you brought a warmth and kindness that fit right in with our family. You make [Groom’s Name] so incredibly happy, and that’s all I could ever ask for in a daughter-in-law. You two complement each other perfectly, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you as a couple.

Marriage is a journey of love, laughter, and sometimes even tears. But through it all, remember to communicate openly, support each other’s dreams, and most importantly, never stop cherishing the love you share.

[Groom’s Name], [Bride’s Name], I am so incredibly happy for the both of you. May your love story continue to grow stronger with each passing year. Now, please raise your glasses with me as I propose a toast to the happy couple! Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventure together!

Speech Example 2: A Funny and Lighthearted Speech

Alright everyone, settle down! For those of you who haven’t met the slightly-less-handsome half of [Groom’s Name]’s genetic makeup, I’m [Your Name], his dad.

Now, [Groom’s Name], where do I even begin? You’ve always been quite the character, haven’t you? Remember that time you “borrowed” the car to take your friends on a joyride at 16? Or the “science experiment” that turned the living room into a volcanic disaster zone? Let’s just say you’ve kept us on our toes over the years.

But in all seriousness, [Groom’s Name], you’ve grown into a wonderful man. You’re kind, compassionate, and have a work ethic that would put anyone to shame. [Bride’s Name], you somehow managed to tame this wild beast, and for that, I am eternally grateful. You bring out the best in him, and your laughter together is a joy to hear.

Marriage is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get. But with the love and respect you clearly have for each other, I know you two will face any challenge life throws your way. Just remember, [Groom’s Name], always listen to your wife, even if it takes you a while to understand!

Now, let’s raise a glass to the happy couple! May your life together be filled with more laughter, love, and maybe a little less property damage than your teenage years, [Groom’s Name]! Cheers!

Speech Example 3: A Speech Filled with Advice and Wisdom

Good evening everyone! For those of you unfamiliar, I’m [Your Name], [Groom’s Name]’s father. Today, we celebrate not just a wedding, but the beautiful union of two remarkable souls.

[Groom’s Name], watching you grow from a curious child into the responsible young man you are today has been a privilege. You’ve always possessed a thirst for knowledge and a genuine desire to make a difference in the world.

Marriage, my son, is a partnership built on trust, respect, and unwavering support. There will be times of sunshine and storm clouds, moments of immense joy and inevitable challenges. But remember, through it all, you and [Bride’s Name] have each other.

Here’s some advice I’ve gleaned from my own journey:

• Communication is key. Always be open and honest with each other, even when it’s difficult. Learn to truly listen to each other’s thoughts and feelings.
• Nurture your individual passions. Marriage doesn’t mean losing yourself. Make time for your hobbies and dreams, and encourage your partner to do the same.
• Embrace the power of forgiveness. Nobody’s perfect. Mistakes will be made. Learn to forgive each other, move forward, and grow stronger as a couple.
• Never stop laughing together. Laughter is the best medicine. Find humor in everyday life, cherish silly moments, and keep the joy alive in your relationship.

[Bride’s Name], you’ve become a cherished member of our family. Your kindness, intelligence, and unwavering love for [Groom’s Name] are truly inspiring. Remember, a strong marriage is a two-way street. Offer unwavering support, celebrate his victories, and be his rock during difficult times.

Together, you two possess the strength, love, and resilience to build a beautiful life together. Never stop learning from each other, growing as individuals, and cherishing the incredible bond you share.

So raise your glasses with me as I toast to the happy couple! May your journey be filled with unwavering love, unwavering support, and a lifetime of happiness together! Cheers!

Speech Example 4: A Speech Honoring Family Traditions and Values

Good evening everyone! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Groom’s Name]’s father. Today, we celebrate a union that not only joins two hearts but also blends two families with rich histories and cherished traditions.

[Groom’s Name], from a young age, we instilled in you the importance of family, respect, and a strong work ethic. These values, passed down from generations before us, have shaped who you are today. It fills me with immense pride to see you carry on these traditions and create new ones with [Bride’s Name].

[Bride’s Name], from the moment you entered our family, you embraced our customs and traditions with warmth and openness. You’ve even added your own unique traditions to the mix, creating a beautiful tapestry of shared experiences.

Marriage, at its core, is about building a new family unit, but it doesn’t erase the families that came before. It’s about honoring the past while forging a new path together.

As you embark on this new adventure, [Groom’s Name], remember the lessons learned from our family traditions:

• The importance of family meals. Sharing a meal together creates a sense of connection and strengthens family bonds. Continue this tradition, even on busy days.
• The power of storytelling. Sharing stories of past generations keeps family history alive. Make time to create new stories and traditions with [Bride’s Name] and your future family.
• The value of giving back. Helping those in need is a core value in our family. Find ways to volunteer together and make a positive impact on your community.

Together, you two have the opportunity to create a legacy of your own. Combine the cherished traditions from both your families and weave them into your new life together. Remember, a strong foundation built on respect, love, and shared values will weather any storm.

[Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], I raise a glass to you! May your journey be filled with cherished traditions, unwavering love, and a lifetime of happiness together. Cheers!

Speech Example 5: A Speech Expressing Gratitude and Appreciation

Good evening everyone! For those of you who haven’t met the man responsible for most of [Groom’s Name]’s terrible jokes, I’m [Your Name], his dad. Just kidding!

Seriously though, today is a day overflowing with gratitude. First and foremost, [Groom’s Name], I’m incredibly proud of the man you’ve become. Your kindness, compassion, and unwavering determination inspire me every day.

[Bride’s Name], from the moment you entered our lives, you brought a ray of sunshine that brightened our entire family. You complement [Groom’s Name] perfectly, and your love for each other is truly heartwarming. Thank you for making him so happy.

Looking around this room, I see so many faces who have played a significant role in shaping [Groom’s Name]’s life. To all of you, my family, friends, and loved ones, thank you for your unwavering support, love, and guidance throughout the years. It takes a village to raise a child, and you all played a part in making [Groom’s Name] the wonderful man he is today.

Marriage is a beautiful journey of shared experiences, laughter, and growth. To the happy couple, I express my deepest gratitude for allowing me to witness your love story unfold. Thank you for including me and our family in this momentous occasion.

Now, as I raise my glass, I propose a toast not just to the happy couple, but to everyone here who has played a part in their lives. May your journey together be filled with love, laughter, and a lifetime of cherished memories. Cheers!

Speech Example 6: A Speech Highlighting the Groom’s Qualities and Achievements

Good evening everyone! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Groom’s Name]’s father. Today, we celebrate not just a wedding, but the union of two incredible individuals.

[Groom’s Name], from a young age, you’ve always impressed me with your [Positive Quality 1] and [Positive Quality 2]. Remember how you [Tell a short story highlighting a specific quality]? That moment truly exemplified your [Positive Quality 3].

Your dedication and hard work have never gone unnoticed. Seeing you achieve your goals in [Area of Achievement] has filled me with immense pride. You never shy away from a challenge, and your [Positive Quality 4] always helps you find a solution.

[Bride’s Name], you bring out the very best in [Groom’s Name]. Your [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality] perfectly complement his personality. Together, you are a force to be reckoned with!

Marriage is a partnership built on mutual respect and admiration. [Groom’s Name], I have no doubt that you will continue to [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality] throughout your marriage. These are the very qualities that make you such a remarkable man.

[Bride’s Name], cherish [Groom’s Name]’s [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality]. He is a kind, compassionate, and driven man, and you are incredibly lucky to have him by your side.

Together, you two have a bright future ahead. May your journey be filled with love, laughter, and countless achievements. Raise a glass with me as I toast to the happy couple! Cheers to a lifetime of happiness together!

Speech Example 7: A Speech Sharing Memorable Anecdotes and Stories

Good evening everyone! For all of you who haven’t met the chief instigator of most of [Groom’s Name]’s childhood mischief, that would be me, [Your Name], his dad.

Looking back, [Groom’s Name], there are countless memories that come flooding back. Remember that time you [Share a funny or heartwarming anecdote about the Groom’s childhood]? Or how about the [Another funny or heartwarming anecdote]? Those moments truly captured your [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality] nature.

But it wasn’t all fun and games. There were times when you [Share a story about a challenge the Groom overcame], which showcased your incredible [Positive Quality] and [Positive Quality]. Seeing you overcome that obstacle was a defining moment in your journey.

[Bride’s Name], when you entered our lives, you brought a sense of calm and maturity that [Groom’s Name] (dare I say) desperately needed! Just kidding! But seriously, you two balance each other perfectly. The way you [Share a story about the couple’s relationship] truly warms my heart.

Marriage is a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of shared experiences. [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], keep adding new and vibrant threads to your tapestry. Remember the laughter, the challenges you overcame together, and the unwavering love that binds you.

Now, as I raise a glass, here’s to the happy couple! May your journey together be filled with countless adventures, heartwarming memories, and a lifetime of love that grows stronger with each passing year. Cheers!

Conclusion: Crafting a Personalized and Memorable Father of the Groom Speech

Crafting a personalized and memorable father of the groom speech is a wonderful way to show your love, pride, and support for your son on his big day. By drawing inspiration from the top 7 heartwarming father of the groom speech examples, you can create a speech that resonates with your unique relationship and leaves a lasting impression. Remember to add your personal touch, share heartfelt anecdotes, and express your genuine emotions. Connect with the audience, deliver your speech with confidence, and let your love for your son shine through. By following the tips provided and putting in the time to prepare and practice, you’ll create a speech that will make your son’s wedding day truly unforgettable. So go ahead, embrace this special moment, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the best father of the groom speeches:

How long should a father of the groom speech be?

A father of the groom speech should ideally be around 3-5 minutes long. This ensures you hold the audience’s attention and avoids going overlong.pen_spark

What are some key elements to include in a father of the groom speech?

A good father of the groom speech should express your pride in your son, welcome your new daughter-in-law to the family, share a heartfelt anecdote or two, and offer words of wisdom or advice to the happy couple.pen_spark

Is it okay to tell funny stories in a father of the groom speech?

Absolutely! Humor can lighten the mood and make your speech more engaging. However, ensure the jokes are appropriate for the occasion and avoid anything that might embarrass your son or the bride’s family.pen_spark

What if I get emotional while delivering the speech?

It’s perfectly natural to feel emotional during your son’s wedding. Embrace your emotions and let them shine through. Authenticity resonates with the audience and creates a more powerful impact.pen_spark

Do I need to memorize the entire speech?

While memorizing the speech is ideal, it’s not essential. Prepare some notes with key points, anecdotes, and quotes you want to include. This will help you stay focused and deliver your speech confidently.pen_spark

How can I personalize the speech to reflect my relationship with my son?

Tailoring the speech to your unique bond is what makes it truly special. Share personal stories, inside jokes, or specific moments that highlight your connection with your son. This adds a layer of authenticity and meaning to your speech.

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How to Write A Heartfelt Bridesmaid Speech (With Examples)

• The Speaker Lab
• May 15, 2024

Table of Contents

Your best friend’s wedding day has arrived, and as her bridesmaid, you want to deliver a speech that truly honors the love she shares with her new spouse. Crafting the perfect bridesmaid speech can feel daunting, but with a few heartfelt examples and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a toast that celebrates their unique bond. Whether you’re looking for sentimental stories, lighthearted anecdotes, or the right words to express your love and support, these bridesmaid speech examples will inspire you to speak from the heart and raise a glass to the happy couple.

How to Structure Your Bridesmaid Speech

The key elements of a bridesmaid speech are an attention-grabbing opening, a few memorable stories, and a toast to the newlyweds. Once you have an idea of the general structure of a bridesmaid speech, you can play around with it a bit. Remember, the goal is to write something that is both authentic and heartfelt.

To help you craft your bridesmaid speech, we’ve provided an outline with examples. This outline highlights each of the key elements of a bridesmaid speech, which you can customize as needed.

Greet the Guests

Open with a warm welcome and acknowledgment of what a joyful occasion it is. For example:

“Good evening everyone. It’s so wonderful to see all the people [Bride] and [Groom] love here to celebrate their marriage.”

Introduce Yourself

Let guests know your name and connection to the bride. Keep it brief but affectionate, like:

“For those who don’t know me, I’m [Name], and I’ve had the pleasure of being [Bride’s] best friend since we were [age].”

Share Memories and Personal Stories

This is the meat of your speech. Share 2-3 brief stories, minutes long at most, that give guests a glimpse into your bond with the bride and couple. Some ideas:

• The bride’s most admirable qualities and how they shine in her relationship
• A funny or touching story from your friendship
• How you’ve seen the couple’s love grow

Stories are a great way to engage your audience while also demonstrating positive characteristics about the bride. When preparing your bridesmaid speech, feel free to tell a funny story about the bride, but avoid anything embarrassing or disrespectful. For example:

“I’ll never forget our first girls’ trip together when [Bride] got so sunburned she looked like a lobster. She was in good spirits though—we laughed about it all week.”

While some people might consider a bad sunburn embarrassing, the bride in this story found it humorous, making it safe territory for a bridesmaid speech. A story like this can draw laughs from your audience while highlighting the bride’s healthy sense of humor.

Express Love and Admiration

Here’s where you really honor the couple. Talk about the bride’s best qualities, how happy she is with her new spouse, and the amazing life they’ll build together. For instance:

“[Bride], your kindness and sense of adventure inspire me. Seeing the love between you and [Groom] gives me so much joy. You two are truly meant for each other.”

Raise a Toast

Close your groom speech by inviting everyone to toast the happy couple . Offer your love and support with wedding speech tips like:

“Join me in raising a glass to the bride and groom. May your love be a beacon through life’s storms and your greatest adventure yet. To [Bride] and [Groom].”

Remember, the goal of a bride speeches is to make the newlyweds feel loved and celebrated. Speak from the heart and let your unique personality shine. You’ll give a toast that honors their love story and your special bond.

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Dos and Don’ts of Delivering a Memorable Bridesmaid Speech

If you’ve been asked to give a bridesmaid speech, you know it’s a huge honor. However, it can also be nerve-wracking. You want to strike the perfect balance of heartfelt and humorous, while avoiding any cringe-worthy moments. To prep you for the big day, we have several examples of what you do and don’t want to include in your bridesmaid speech. Let’s take a look.

Keep It Short and Sweet

First and foremost, aim to keep your speech concise. Aim for around 3-5 minutes max. Pick a couple of your favorite memories or anecdotes and focus on those.

Practice and Prepare

The key to delivering your speech with confidence is practice, practice, practice. Write out what you want to say, then rehearse it out loud until you feel comfortable. Pro tip: record yourself on your phone so you can get a sense of your pacing and tone.

Be Authentic and Sincere

The most memorable speeches come straight from the heart, so don’t try to be someone you’re not or force a bunch of jokes if that’s not your style. Focus on expressing your g enuine love and admiration for the couple.

Avoid Embarrassing Stories

While a little gentle ribbing can be fun, steer clear of any stories that could truly embarrass the bride or groom. Keep the bachelor(ette) party antics out of it, and definitely avoid bringing up any ex-partners. This day is all about celebrating the couple’s love story.

If there’s alcohol at a wedding, it can be tempting to rely on liquid confidence for your bridesmaid speech. However, to maintain respect for the couple as well as personal dignity, save your drinks until after your speech. No one wants to hear a slurred, rambling toast, either from a bridesmaid or a groomsman.

At the end of the day, remember that your speech doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s the sentiment behind your words that the couple will cherish for years to come. So take a deep breath, speak from your heart, and enjoy this special moment.

Inspirational Quotes and Sentiments for Your Bridesmaid Speech

When it comes to crafting the perfect bridesmaid speech, sometimes a little inspiration goes a long way. Peppering in a famous quote about love or a heartfelt wish for the couple’s future can elevate your message and leave a lasting impact. Below are a few examples in might want to include in your own bridesmaid speech.

Famous Love Quotes

Incorporating a classic quote about love and marriage can lend some timeless wisdom to your speech. Take a look:

• “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” – Audrey Hepburn
• “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” – When Harry Met Sally
• “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou

Heartfelt Wishes for the Couple

Your speech is the perfect opportunity to share your hopes and dreams for the newlyweds’ future together. Speak from the heart and let them know how much their love has inspired you. A few examples:

• “May your love be modern enough to survive the times, but old-fashioned enough to last forever.”
• “May your love be a beautiful adventure that grows deeper with each passing year.”
• “May you always find comfort, joy, and strength in each other’s arms.”

Celebrating Their Unique Bond

Every love story is unique, so don’t be afraid to highlight what makes this couple’s bond so special. Maybe it’s the way they balance each other out, or how they’ve supported each other through thick and thin. Share a few words about why you believe their love is true and everlasting.

Remember, these quotes and sentiments are just a starting point. Use them as inspiration, but be sure to put your own spin on things. The most impactful words will be the ones that come straight from your heart.

Creative Ways to Add Humor and Personality to Your Speech

While heartfelt sentiments are a must in any bridesmaid speech, a little humor can go a long way in keeping your audience engaged. The key is to strike a balance—you want to be funny and relatable, without veering into cringe-worthy territory. Here are a few ideas for infusing your speech with some personality.

Playful Jokes and Puns

A well-placed pun or playful joke can be a great way to break the ice and get a few laughs. Maybe there’s a funny story about how the couple met, or a pun related to their shared hobbies. For example, if the groom is an author , you could add this line to your bridesmaid speech: “When she told us her fiancée was an author, we knew she had found Mr. Write.”

Lighthearted Teasing

If you’ve known the bride or groom for a long time, a little gentle ribbing can show the depth of your friendship. Just be sure to keep it affectionate and avoid anything too embarrassing. For example: “[Bride], remember when we were kids and you swore you’d marry a prince? Well, I think it’s safe to say you found your real-life Prince Charming.”

Sharing Embarrassing Moments

While you want to avoid any truly mortifying stories, sharing a mildly embarrassing moment can humanize your speech and make everyone chuckle. Just be sure it’s something you’d be okay with your own crazy family bringing up at your wedding. For example, maybe there’s a funny story about a memorable road trip or a disastrous double date.

At the end of the day, the goal is to make the couple laugh, smile, and feel loved. So choose humor that feels authentic to your relationship and the overall vibe of the wedding.

Bridesmaid Speech Ideas for a Sister or Best Friend

If you’re the bridesmaid for your sister or best friend’s wedding, you have a unique opportunity to share heartfelt memories and celebrate the couple’s love story. As someone who has witnessed their relationship unfold, you can offer a personal perspective.

When crafting your speech, consider including childhood memories and stories of growing up together with the bride. These anecdotes will not only showcase your close bond but also give the audience a glimpse into the bride’s early years and the experiences that shaped her into the person she is today.

Childhood Memories and Growing up Together

Take a trip down memory lane and share some of your favorite moments from your shared childhood. Perhaps you have fond memories of playing dress-up together, having sleepovers, or getting into mischief as young girls. These stories will bring a smile to everyone’s face and remind the bride of the unbreakable bond you share.

For example, in your bridesmaid speech you could say something like, “I remember when [Bride] and I were little girls, we would spend hours in our backyard, pretending to be princesses and dreaming of our future weddings. Little did I know that one day, I would have the honor of standing by her side as she marries her real-life Prince Charming.”

Witnessing Their Love Story Unfold

As the bride’s sister or best friend, you’ve likely had a front-row seat to her love story with the groom. Share how you’ve watched their relationship grow and evolve over time. Perhaps you were there for their first date, or you’ve seen them navigate challenges together with grace and strength.

You could say something like, “I’ve had the privilege of watching [Bride] and [Groom]’s love story unfold from the very beginning. From the moment they met, I could see the spark between them. Over the years, I’ve watched their love grow stronger with each passing day, and I know that they are truly meant to be together.”

Your Unbreakable Bond

Finally, take a moment to celebrate the special bond you share with the bride. Whether you’re sisters by blood or by choice, let her know how much she means to you and how grateful you are to have her in your life.

You could say, “[Bride], you’re more than just my sister/best friend. You’re my confidante and my partner-in-crime. I’m so grateful to have you in my life, and I know that [Groom] is the luckiest man in the world to have you by his side.”

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Crafting a Speech That Reflects the Couple’s Unique Relationship

Every couple’s relationship is unique, and your speech should reflect that. As you brainstorm ideas, consider the qualities that make the bride and groom’s bond so special. For example, you might list things they love to do together or explain how they complement each other in order to make your bridesmaid speech more personal.

Highlighting Their Shared Interests and Passions

One way to personalize your speech is by highlighting the couple’s shared interests and passions. Perhaps they bonded over a love of travel, music, or a particular hobby. Sharing these details will give the audience a deeper understanding of what makes their relationship so strong.

For example, you could say something like, “[Bride] and [Groom], your love for adventure and exploration has taken you to some of the most beautiful places in the world. From hiking in the mountains to diving in the ocean, you’ve faced every challenge together with courage and enthusiasm. I know that your shared passion for life will continue to guide you as you embark on this new chapter together.”

Celebrating Their Complementary Qualities

Another way to showcase the couple’s unique bond is by celebrating their complementary qualities. Perhaps the bride’s creativity and spontaneity are the perfect match for the groom’s practicality and steadiness. Or maybe the groom’s sense of humor brings out the best in the bride’s more serious nature.

You could say something like, “[Bride], your kindness and compassion are the perfect complement to [Groom]’s strength and determination. Together, you balance each other out and bring out the best in one another. Your love is a testament to the power of partnership and the beauty of finding your perfect match.”

Envisioning Their Future Together

Finally, take a moment to envision the couple’s future together. What dreams and aspirations do they share? How do you see their love growing and evolving over the years?

You could say something like, “[Bride] and [Groom], as you stand here today, surrounded by the love and support of your family and friends, I see a future filled with endless possibilities. I know that your love will be the foundation that supports you through all of life’s joys and challenges. May your marriage be a source of strength, comfort, and inspiration, not only for yourselves but for all those around you. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both, and I know that with your love to guide you, anything is possible.”

Remember, the key to a great bridesmaid speech is to speak from the heart and to share your genuine love and admiration for the couple. Whether you choose to focus on childhood memories, the couple’s unique bond, or your hopes for their future together, your words will be a cherished part of their special day.

FAQs in Relation to Bridesmaid Speech Examples

What should a bridesmaid say in her speech.

Acknowledge the couple, share heartfelt memories, sprinkle in humor, and close with sincere wishes for their future.

How long is a bridesmaid speech?

Ideally, keep it between three to five minutes. Short enough to hold attention; long enough to cover the essentials.

What to say in your best friends’ wedding speech?

Talk about shared adventures, celebrate their love journey, express gratitude for friendship, and wish them joy ahead.

Bridesmaid speech examples can be your guiding light as you honor your dear friend on her wedding day. Remember, the most memorable toasts come straight from the heart. So stay authentic as you explore the distinctive path their affection has taken, recall treasured experiences shared between them, and inject a bit of light-heartedness along the way. Your words have the power to make their special day even more unforgettable.

So take a deep breath, raise your glass, and let your love for the newlyweds shine through. A toast is in order—one that honors their beautiful relationship and cherishes the strong ties of friendship.

• Last Updated: May 7, 2024

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Couple mortified after best man delivered 'best punchline at a wedding ever' during speech

The newlywed couple were left very red faced after the nsfw anecdote.

Brenna Cooper

Creating the perfect wedding speech is one of the hardest jobs given to a best man. How funny should you be? What if your jokes aren't well received?

This headache is also shared by the bride and groom as well, who stand to see their marriage begin on awkward terms if someone decides to divulge the wrong information.

However, these fears didn't occur to one best man, who opted to make sure his brother endured the most mortifying few minutes of his life.

Check out the cringe-inducing speech in the clip below:

For Scottish best man Derek, there was no joke off limits when it came to writing a speech for his brother Gary's wedding.

Following Gary's nuptials to Kirsty at Doubletree Dunblane Hydro, Perthshire back in 2022, Derek delivered a particularly cheeky speech, which left his brother and new sister-in-law very red faced.

In the viral clip, which was originally shared by We Are One Wedding Films on TikTok , Gary recalled a particularly steamy Christmas morning Derek and Kirsty had spent together.

He began: "One Christmas morning, I got up in my mum and dad's house, buzzing I may add. Walked down the stairs to open my presents only to be greeted with a slap from my mum. 'What did I tell you about bringing folk back here?'

"[So] I say, 'What are you talking about mum, I've been in my bed the full night'.

"Obviously she's not thinking about golden child next door," he added.

Derek then went on to add that the family were opening presents together in the living room when they heard 'rustling' from the 'wee room in the auld house, as we called it', prompting Derek to go and investigate.

He continued: "At this point I go up the stairs, open Gary's room, and there you have it, Kirsty Currie, lying with her legs at ten to two.

"She certainly never came down the chimney in that position. Anyway, Merry Christmas, Kirsty."

The couple clearly weren't expecting to hear the tale shared with the entire wedding party, as they could be seen covering their faces in shame before breaking out into awkward laughter.

While Gary and Kirsty couldn't believe what they'd just heard, the couple's guests were thankfully able to see the funny side of the tale judging by their roaring laughter in the background.

Viewers of the viral video were also left in stitches, taking to the comments section to share their reactions.

"The absolute fear in the groom's eyes. That's when you know the speech is going to be good," one person wrote, while a second commented: "The Scottish have a way of telling stories that isn't matched anywhere."

"She's a good team player, love the way the bride laughed it off," a third person commented.

Topics:  TikTok , Viral , Sex and Relationships

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• Wedding Reception Ideas

The Wedding Speech Order You Should Follow at Your Reception

We outline traditional and modern approaches so you can choose the flow that works best for you.

Getty Images / KristianGjorgjiev

In This Article

When you think about it, wedding speeches are to the reception what vows are to the ceremony. They inject emotion, joy, and personality into your event—and give all guests a chance to know the couple (and the people closest to them) a bit better. Since these special toasts are arguably one of the most important parts of your party, you likely want to do all you can to ensure they go off without a hitch, from timing them right to observing the correct flow.

As with most big-day details, there is a traditional order of wedding speeches to follow. While this age-old format makes a lot of sense—it gives your wedding's biggest VIPs (your parents!) the opportunity to speak first—it isn't mandatory; in fact, there are plenty of ways to adjust the wedding speech order at your celebration so that it better reflects your family or your priorities. “Nowadays, couples have their choice of following whatever order they’d like—or doing away with speeches altogether,” says wedding planners Bianca Hall and Erica Vanco of Estera Events . “Weddings only need to follow the rules and values that are important to you as a couple.”

Meet the Expert

• Bianca Hall and Erica Vanco are the co-owners and lead planners of Estera Events , a firm based in Chicago. 
• Bree Swartz is the owner and creative director of Blossom Events , a Brooklyn-based full-service boutique design and planning company.
• Kelly McWilliams , the founder of her eponymous wedding planning business in southwest Florida, has been in the industry since 2002.
• A wedding and event planner and the founder of Rachel Behar Events , Rachel Behar is based in Brooklyn.

It's important to remember that while wedding speeches hold deep value, one size doesn't necessarily fit all. To help you navigate both the traditional and modern wedding speech order, we tapped Hall, Vanco, and a mix of other wedding planners for their best advice.

When Should Wedding Speeches Happen During the Reception?

Before we get into the order of wedding speeches, it's important to first determine when they should take place. Should the slate of toasts happen before or after the meal? According to our experts, there's a sweet spot: It's best to start speeches when food service begins. You have a few options. You can time a few speeches at the start of the meal, during the salad course, or begin during the main one, which often takes a little longer to get through. Another option is to hold off on speeches until dinner is just about finished; this allows satiated attendees to digest before getting back up for a full—and uninterrupted—night of dancing.

Wedding planner Kelly McWilliams, who has it down to a science, recommends the following reception timeline, with speeches peppered in strategically:

• Introductions
• First dance
• Parent speeches
• First course
• Best man or maid of honor speech
• Best man or maid of honor speech (the better speaker always goes last!)
• Cake cutting
• Second course
• Parent dances
• Couple speech
• Dance floor opens

The Traditional Order of Wedding Speeches

The traditional wedding speech order is a little old-school. “It originated as a way to reflect the dynamics of the families involved and symbolize them blending together on this special occasion—beginning with the bride’s parents, then the groom’s parents, followed by the groom and the best man,” say Hall and Vanco. “The curated sequence was also meant to conclude the formalities with lighthearted anecdotes and camaraderie, leading into the rest of the celebration.”

Below, you'll find the traditional order of wedding speeches, which is as follows: the father (or parents) of the bride, the father (or parents) of the groom, the groom (or couple), the maid of honor, and finally, the best man. 

1. The Father of the Bride or Parents of the Bride's Speech

Historically, the bride's father —or both of her parents—take the first speech of the night. “This is typically the way it was done because the parents of the bride would traditionally pay for the wedding, and having them kick off the toasts indicates to guests that they were the hosts,” say Hall and Vanco. 

2. The Father of the Groom or Parents of the Groom's Speech

The father or parents of the bride are usually followed by the father or parents of the groom. This formality gives a nod of respect to another essential couple of the evening. “Having the parents of the couple kick off the celebration is highly recommended. They are full of love, joy, and gratitude, and really sets the tone for the evening,” says Bree Swartz, a wedding and event planner.

3. The Groom or Couple's Speech

Tradition indicates that the groom (or both the bride and the groom!) make a brief speech next as a way of thanking everyone for gathering to celebrate. “Having the bride and groom toast next keeps the energy up—and they can express their gratitude to their parents and guests,” says Swartz. (This may be the traditional approach, but many couples give their toasts first or last—as always, do what's best for you).

4. The Best Man and Maid of Honor's Speeches

Though the traditional wedding order would jump straight to the best man's speech, these days the maid of honor typically always says a few words, too. The best man’s speech is usually saved for last.

It is typical for these wedding party VIPs to come at the end of the speech portion of the evening—and their remarks do typically follow the parents'. “Having the best man and maid of honor raise a glass towards the end of dinner helps kick off those party vibes that guests are looking for when it's time to hit the dance floor,” says Swartz. 

Getty Images / Anchiy

How to Switch Up Your Wedding Speech Order

While the traditional wedding speech order does provide a blueprint (and offers a good model for honoring your wedding's VIPs), it certainly isn’t set in stone. “The speech order may change based on various factors such as family dynamics, cultural traditions, or personal preferences,” Hall and Vanco say. And it's possible—probably, even—that you won't do all speeches at once. All of our planners champion couples to make their own decisions that align with their vision. “The only 'wrong' wedding speech order is one that doesn’t represent your style or feel right for you,” says Swartz. There are plenty of ways couples can shake up wedding speeches however they see fit.

Reduce the Number of Speakers

Many couples choose to shorten the length of their ceremony, and they can take the same approach during the speech portion of the reception to improve its overall flow. “We like keeping this to three speech-givers maximum,” says wedding planner Rachel Behar. “We’ve all seen them drag on and everyone just wants to get to dancing!” 

Space the Speeches Out

If having a full suite of speeches is important to you, but you want to keep everyone's energy up, take a brief pause; this can have the same impact as curtailing the total number of toasts. “We usually recommend a break in toasts before inviting the best man and maid of honor up. This gives guests a breather, and they are more likely to stay present when taking in two to three speeches at a time,” says Swartz. 

Stick to the Rehearsal Dinner Only

It’s quite common to hear speeches at rehearsal dinners these days. In fact, “some couples may choose to do all speeches the night before at the rehearsal dinner, rather than having any on the wedding day,” say Hall and Vanco. This will definitely encourage a simpler, tighter reception, and allow those preparing speeches to relax and enjoy the main event—but this certainly isn't for everyone.

Let the Most Nervous Person Go First

For couples unconcerned with the traditional order of wedding speeches, allowing the most anxious speaker to take the mic first is a compassionate choice. “If anyone is naturally nervous, have them go first,” affirms Behar. Remeber that “weddings need only follow the rules and values that are important to you as a couple,” Hall and Vanco say, so if ensuring that everyone stays as comfortable as possible during your party is a priority, this might be the right option for you.

Include Other Speakers

If the couple has a very important person in their life who isn’t necessarily a parent, maid of honor, or best man, there is no reason why they shouldn’t make a speech. “The only requirement is that this person be meaningful to the couple and should be a leading force in their lives, and that it feels natural and special,” says Behar. Hall and Vanco agree: “While each speaker contributes to the celebration, no one speaker is essential, allowing flexibility for couples to tailor the order as they see fit.”

Tips for Writing a Memorable Wedding Speech 

A great wedding speech is sweet, succinct, and best expressed when memorized—though Hall and Vanco say printing it off is fine. Here are some of our experts' best tips for writing a wedding speech that knocks it out of the park.

Speak from the Heart

Sure, we live in the era of AI—but your wedding toast should't be penned by a robot. "We recommend writing from the heart,” says Swartz. All of our experts agree that writing honestly about your connection to the couple and their best qualities makes for the best possible toast.

Follow an Outline 

Adhering to a loose structure, though, will help you stay on track, and there are plenty of online templates to lean on. “Go for an engaging opening, share meaningful anecdotes or memories, and offer well-wishes for their future together, while maintaining a balance of sincerity and humor throughout,” Hall and Vanco suggest as a framework. McWilliams echos the importance of nailing the opening, so be sure to focus on this part as you build out your toast: "Wedding speeches that resonate most start with a story and not an introduction," says McWilliams.

Thinking about the best way to open your toast? Skip the obvious first line, “For those who don’t know me...” and lead with a story, instead. "The truth is that nobody cares who you are until you tell a story that attaches you to the couple," advises McWilliams.

Consider the Audience 

If you’ve grown up with the bride or groom, there’s a good chance you have some colorful stories to share. However, the ability to read the room is key. “Consider the audience and tailor your content to resonate both with both the couple and their guests,” say Hall and Vanco. Save those crazy college stories for the bachelorette party. "Stories that contain anything that could embarrass the couple or anyone in the room should not be included," adds McWilliams.

Keeping your speech concise is also crucial for keeping your audience engaged. “No more than five minutes,” confirm Hall and Vanco.

Focus on the Couple

Sure, you should (at some point) introduce yourself—but remember who the speech is about. Focus on stories about the couple; you should be a secondary character, not the main one. “Give insight to the couple from when they were younger, to their school years, to now. Shine a light on who they were and who they have become,” says Behar. You can then parlay your observations. “Share the moment you knew this time was different for these two love birds or when you knew they were the one for each other,” offers Swartz. 

Offer Advice 

If you’re in a long-term, committed relationship, a wedding speech can be an ideal time to offer sage advice. “Find words of wisdom or draw from your own experience on what it takes to build a lasting partnership, and raise a glass as you share your wishes for this next step in their journey together,” says Swartz. If you don't have the personal experience to back these sentiments up, stick to warm words, instead. "I think including your personal hopes for their future is very thoughtful," says McWilliams, who suggests saying something like, "My hope for you, and I think all of us here, is that you have a lifetime of the love and happiness that you have always shown us and that you are feeling here today."

Tips for Delivering a Memorable Wedding Speech

Crafting a great speech is important, but delivery is everything. Set yourself up for success with some of these public speaking tips.

Print It Out (and Use a Large Font)

To avoid looking disengaged and oddly lit, our experts recommend not reading off your phone. Instead, print or write out your speech in a large typeface. “It is typically dark in the room and if there are lights, they are very bright,” says Behar. “The larger the font, the easier it will be for you to read.” 

Remember That Practice Makes Perfect 

Familiarizing yourself with your material is so important—we cannot overstate this. “Practice your speech beforehand to build confidence and ensure a smooth delivery,” Hall and Vanco say. If possible, read your speech out loud for another person you trust to gauge the audience’s reaction and get comfortable with flow.

Speak Slowly

Though you might be nervous, giving a speech isn’t like completing a race—faster is not better. Speak slowly and clearly while focusing on the couple. “Making eye contact with the couple can help you focus on the gift you’re giving them versus focusing on the crowd of people,” says Swartz. 

Taking space to breath will also keep your pace where it needs to be: “Embrace the moment with enthusiasm and sincerity, and remember to breathe and take pauses as needed,” Hall and Vanco suggest. If you’ve built in some laughs or tearful reactions, give them time to play out. 

Above all else, take control of the moment and stay calm. “Remember why this is meaningful to you,” says Behar. Additionally, Swartz suggests taking deep inhales and even slower exhales to help you feel grounded. “I’ve seen some ladies take off their heels before they toast so they feel extra grounded, and I’m here for it,” she says.

Ultimately, those giving speeches should practice and speak sincerely. And when it comes to the order of those speeches? Couples should do whatever they want. “This is your night to celebrate your love in your own way, and you should be nothing but excited to have your chosen loved ones raise a glass to you,” says Swartz.

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62 Thoughts I Had While Watching Netflix’s Mother of the Bride

By Emma Specter

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There’s nothing that I love more than a rom-com, particularly one that’s (gasp!) based on an original idea rather than preexisting IP. That seems to be the case with the new Netflix movie Mother of the Bride , which stars Miranda Cosgrove as a newly engaged woman, Brooke Shields as her mother, and Benjamin Bratt as the groom’s dad, who just happens to be Brooke’s ex. Honestly, at first I grimly assumed it was a Father of the Bride spinoff, but I was pleased to be proven wrong. (Plus, one of those already exists .)

Let’s dive in and see what this thing can do, shall we? Below, find every thought I had while watching Mother of the Bride :

• Aw, Miranda Cosgrove!
• She really has looked the same her entire life.
• Hey, Miranda’s movie name is Emma! One could argue that that’s also my name!
• Miranda and her BF are officially engaged, thus promoting him to her future groom, whom I will simply call Groom.
• We’re in San Francisco (gotta love that Golden Gate Bridge establishing shot), and we’re also establishing Brooke Shields as a cutting-edge research scientist studying something called “tumorigenic mechanisms,” which I refuse to google.
• Love Miranda, don’t love her tiny little shirt. (And don’t get me wrong, I’m the world’s biggest crop-top fan, but this just looks like a regular shirt that…shrunk?)
• Brooke looks good.
• Should I get Fraxel?
• Anyway, Miranda’s been in London doing some kind of internship, and now she wants to turn her lifestyle Instagram into a…business?
• Crazier things have happened , I suppose.
• Brooke wants Miranda to move in, but unfortunately Miranda is planning to live with Groom. Mom is less than thrilled.
• The wedding’s being fully paid for by the brand that Miranda is brand-ambassador-ing for, and it’s in Thailand. Chic!
• Aw, Miranda’s dad died (I think?).
• Hell yeah, bikini-montage traveling sequence.
• Hey, it’s that blonde actress I can never place, wearing a tropical-print two-piece outfit that I can’t say I’m staunchly in favor of.
• OMG, it’s Wilson Cruz, aka Rickie Vasquez from My So-Called Life !
• Brooke knows Wilson and his husband from college, and so does…Groom’s dad Benjamin Bratt, who appears to be Brooke’s ex?
• Side note: Benjamin Bratt looks good with a little gray in his beard.
• Mmm, good, some uncomfortable ethnic jokes about “Latin men,” right on schedule.
• I’m pissed off about how pretty Brooke looks with wet hair, since the same look on me is giving more “shipwreck victim.”
• Immediate adorkable run-in between Brooke and a nude Benjamin Bratt, also right on schedule.
• God, I want to swim drunk in that pool.
• Oop, looks like the college relationship between Brooke and BB (Benjamin Bratt) was more intense than Brooke was initially letting on.
• He ghosted her! Before we even had a term for it!
• Oh, wait, she ghosted him.
• Can I say something controversial? Parents simply shouldn’t give wedding toasts. One friend per partner (who mentions both newlyweds in their speech; it drives me crazy when only one person is referenced!), and that’s a wrap.
• I hate Groom’s polo shirt.
• Oh, shit, BB gives Miranda and Groom a full-on condo in Tribeca as an engagement gift.
• The world’s second hot blond guy is giving Brooke the eye.
• (If you’re curious, the world’s first hot blond guy was Mike Faist in Challengers. )
• Brooke is pissed that Miranda is basically farming out her entire wedding to some HBIC from her brand, but personally, that sounds like the dream nuptial scenario to me.
• Mixed doubles sequence! Also a great opportunity for my second Challengers reference of this recap!
• The blond guy is actually a recruiter trying to steal Brooke to come work with him (in some…branch of science?) in Los Angeles. Do it, girl! LA’s the best! I’m drinking a Kendall Jenner Erewhon smoothie as I write this!
• Obsessed with Brooke’s sister drinking a mai tai on the tennis court.
• Man, Brooke’s green mud mask is…chunky.
• Had I been the makeup supervisor, I might have chosen a mask that wasn’t so reminiscent of gazpacho, but that’s just me.
• Here is my earnest promise to my loved ones: I will never force you to “learn a dance” for my wedding.
• Brooke and BB are slow-dancing, as one does.
• Damn, I love Brooke’s hair a little curly!
• BB piano solo!
• Wow, now even Brooke and the bridesmaids have to be #brand-dressed.
• Again, this sounds fine to me (who wants to shop for a freaking bridesmaid’s dress?), but whatever.
• Oh, God, they’re live-streaming all the wedding events, which is definitely where this fictional brand would lose me were I their influencer. (I think I’ll just continue to be no one’s influencer.)
• Tipsy beach swim time! Respect.
• Okay, why the hell would this brand be doing a shoot at night ? In a pool?
• The Brooke-BB breakup is starting to freak out Miranda and Groom, but he correctly reminds her that he’s not his dad.
• Ugh, could really live without this “You’re the sun, you’re the moon, you’re the stars” speech from Groom, who sounds a little ran-through!
• The grown-ups are in trouble for skinny-dipping on what they thought was a private beach. Life’s rough.
• Brooke calls her daughter out for being too influencer-y, and they have a big fight.
• Hearing a mom yell “EMMA!” in furious tones still makes me look up in alarm at the age of 30, apparently.
• Brooke and BB get stuck at a little beach without cell reception, and they’re very late for some wedding event or other. (Listen, I have to use my “remembering what’s happening with the wedding” energy for my actual, IRL friends’ weddings this summer. Don’t ask me to keep up with what’s going on in the Brooke Shields–iverse.)
• Believe it or not, things at the secluded beach have turned sexy.
• Brooke bails on the blond guy and he politely dumps her, but sort of leaves the door open in case she breaks up with BB.
• OMG, is BB cheating with some girl named Katrina?
• Wedding-prep montage time!
• Aw, Brooke gives a sweet speech at the rehearsal dinner.
• Still, I stand by my assessment about parents not giving toasts.
• Awwww, mother-daughter sleepover that reminds me a lot of when my mom made me finally watch Casablanca before I left for college and we both fell asleep on the couch.
• Wedding accomplished, despite some huge meltdown vibes from Brooke!
• Okay, Katrina turns out to be BB’s long-suffering personal assistant.
• Brooke and BB are together, yay.
• In my opinion, though, a guy calling his assistant too much is just as much of a red flag as cheating. Whatever it is, do it yourself, dude!

By Hannah Jackson

By Philipp Wehsack

Groom uses wedding speech to expose cheating bride and best man before walking out

A betrayed groom got the ultimate revenge on his cheating partner - by brutally exposing her affair with his best man during his wedding speech. Ahead of the big day, the husband-to-be found out about the disloyal pair's illicit liaisons.

Devastated by the discovery, the man began plotting his revenge against the adulterous duo. Rather than call off the wedding, however, he kept quiet about what he knew in order to make maximum impact when he finally revealed it.

And he certainly did that, humiliating the unfaithful bride and treacherous best man in front of their friends and family - before dramatically ending their relationship and walking out of the wedding.

The jaw-dropping tale came to light after being told on The Unfiltered Bride podcast, with presenter Georgie sharing the story with her co-host Beth, Wales Online reports.

A clip was shared on the pod's TikTok account, where Georgie said: "I've got another story to tell you, I can't tell you who told me because I'm not really allowed to tell the story."

Beth jokingly butts in, shouting: "Fraud!" before Georgie gets back to the tale. She went on: "But f*** it, I'm going to tell the story anyway. So there was a wedding, and they did the wedding, the bride and groom.

"[They] got married, lovely ceremony and drinks reception - they sat down and had their food. Speeches [came] after food. Father of the bride does his thing."

All well so far for the big day... but that was all about to change. Georgie continued: "Groom stands up and says 'just before I like properly get started, there's envelopes coming round now if you could all open them up. Yeah, those are pictures of the bride f***ing the best man, so I'll be leaving now.'

"[He] drops the microphone and him and all his family knew about it, and left. Because they wanted the bride to have had to pay for the food."

Gobsmacked by the shocking story, Beth asked: "So the bride had to pay for everything?" Georgie replied: "The bride's family paid for everything. Karma is a b****." Georgie replied: "Karma is a b****, the best man as well!"

The clip racked up over 1.4million views and 120,000 likes, with TikTok users flooding it with comments. Many people were quick to praise the groom for his clever revenge.

Nick replied: "Life is all about timing !! What a legend !!" Love_from_Em added: "Imagine the other guests just sitting there like, 'so... will there still be cake or...'"

Emma typed: "my mouth actually dropped. OMG!!!" Katreena Floan admitted: "I don't blame him at all!! I'd do the same."

But one user asked: "But if they’re at the reception making speeches then they’ve already had the ceremony and he married her…" Gem responded: "Can get it annulled easily because of the proof of infidelity I’m guessing."

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How to Introduce a Guest Speaker (with Examples)

May 25, 2023

Introducing a guest speaker is an important responsibility that sets the stage for their presentation and creates an atmosphere of anticipation. A well-crafted introduction not only provides essential information about the speaker but also captivates the audience and builds excitement. In this article, we will explore the art of how to introduce a guest speaker and how to craft a brilliant script for introducing a guest speaker.

From the best way to introduce a speaker to example speeches and tips for making a memorable impact, we will equip you with the tools to deliver introductions that engage, entertain, and leave a lasting impression.

What Is the Best Way to Introduce a Speaker?

Introducing a speaker effectively requires careful planning and consideration. Here are some key elements to keep in mind for how to introduce a guest speaker successfully.

1. Research and gather information.

Before introducing the guest speaker, conduct thorough research to gather relevant information about their background, achievements, and expertise. This will help you create an introduction that is both personalized and impactful.

2. Establish credibility.

Highlight the speaker’s credentials and accomplishments to establish their credibility in the eyes of the audience. Share their relevant experience, expertise, and any notable achievements that are relevant to the topic of their presentation.

3. Create a connection.

Find a compelling way to establish a connection between both the speaker and the audience. This can be through shared interests, experiences, or values. For example, if you’re introducing a guest speaker at your university who happens to be an alumnus of your school, make sure you draw attention to that in your introduction. Creating a relatable connection helps the audience connect with the speaker right from the start.

4. Build anticipation.

Engage the audience’s curiosity by giving a glimpse of what the speaker will later cover in their presentation. Tease key points, intriguing anecdotes, or unique perspectives that the audience can look forward to during the talk. This builds anticipation and captures attention for the following presentation.

5. Keep it concise and engaging.

Aim for a concise, but also interesting, introduction. Use short, direct sentences that convey information clearly. In addition, avoid lengthy biographies or unnecessary details that may lose the audience’s interest. Finally, craft your words carefully to maintain a lively and engaging tone.

How to Use AI to Practice Introducing a Guest Speaker

When it comes time to practice your guest speaker introduction speech, Yoodli , an AI-powered communication coach, becomes your invaluable practice partner. With Yoodli’s cutting-edge technology and generative AI , you can rehearse and refine your introduction in a virtual, judgement-free environment. Its personalized feedback helps you fine-tune your tone, pacing, and overall delivery, ensuring that you make a powerful impact when introducing a guest speaker.

Furthermore, Yoodli automatically generates a transcription of your speech, analyzing it for keywords. This means you can get a sense of how your audience might interpret your speech’s overall message and main points. With Yoodli’s assistance, you can gain confidence, practice your high income skills (like your storytelling skills, for example) and create an introduction that captivates as well as energizes the audience.

Examples of How to Introduce a Guest Speaker

To illustrate the power of a great guest speaker introduction, let’s take a look at an example of how to introduce a guest speaker.

Example of a general introduction for a guest speaker

Good morning, all! Today, we have the privilege of being in the presence of a true visionary and leader in the field of environmental sustainability. Our guest speaker has dedicated her career to finding innovative solutions for a greener and more sustainable future. [Speaker’s name], the CEO of [organization/company name], has successfully spearheaded numerous initiatives that have had a profound impact on our environment. Under her leadership, the company has revolutionized the way we approach sustainability challenges, pushing boundaries and inspiring change. With over two decades of experience in environmental engineering, [Speaker’s name] has been at the forefront of designing groundbreaking technologies and implementing sustainable practices in industries ranging from renewable energy to waste management. Her expertise has earned her international recognition and multiple prestigious awards. But it’s not just her professional achievements that make her special. [Speaker’s name] is a passionate advocate for educating the next generation on the importance of environmental stewardship. Her engaging speaking style and ability to connect with audiences of all backgrounds make her an inspiration to many. Today, [Speaker’s name] will be sharing her insights on how we can create a more sustainable future through innovation and collaboration. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and empowered to take action. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to the exceptional [Speaker’s name]!

This example highlights the speaker’s credentials, builds a connection, creates anticipation, and sets the stage for an engaging and informative presentation.

Example of a personal anecdote for a guest speaker introduction

“Picture this: It was a sunny afternoon in the heart of our city, and I found myself walking through the bustling streets, surrounded by the sound of honking cars and the hum of conversation. Amidst the chaos, I stumbled upon a small park nestled between towering buildings — a hidden oasis of greenery and serenity.

As I entered the park, I noticed a group of children huddled around a captivating woman who stood in front of a majestic oak tree. It was none other than our esteemed guest speaker, [Speaker’s name]. She was engaging the children in a lively discussion about the wonders of nature and the importance of preserving our environment.

What struck me most was the way [Speaker’s name] effortlessly connected with these young minds, sparking their curiosity and inspiring them to take action. I watched as she shared stories of her own childhood adventures exploring forests, climbing trees, and discovering the beauty of our natural world.

In that moment, I realized the profound impact [Speaker’s name] had on these children: instilling a deep love and respect for the environment. Her passion was contagious, and it reminded me of the power we all possess to make a difference, no matter how small.

From that day forward, I became an avid follower of [Speaker’s name]’s work. Her commitment to environmental stewardship and her ability to connect with people from all walks of life is truly remarkable. Today, we have the incredible honor of welcoming her to this stage to share her insights and inspire us all to join the movement for a greener and more sustainable future.

Please finally join me in giving a warm welcome to the extraordinary [Speaker’s name]!”

What Do You Say First When Introducing a Guest Speaker?

The first few sentences of a guest speaker introduction are crucial in capturing the audience’s attention and setting the tone for the entire introduction. Here are some effective opening lines to consider adding to your script when introducing a guest speaking.

1. Engage listeners with a thought-provoking question.

Start with a thought-provoking question related to the speaker’s topic or expertise. This immediately grabs the audience’s attention and, what’s more, encourages them to actively participate in the introduction. For example: “Have you ever wondered how a single individual can make a significant impact on global environmental issues?”

2. Begin with a captivating anecdote or story.

Introduce the speaker by sharing a captivating anecdote or story that relates to their work or accomplishments. This narrative approach instantly draws the audience in and also builds an emotional connection.

3. Use a powerful quote.

Start with a powerful quote that encapsulates the essence of the speaker’s message or expertise. Quotes are attention-grabbing and can also convey a sense of authority and relevance. For example: “As Albert Einstein once said, ‘We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.'” You can find some powerful quotes from the best motivational speeches , too.

4. Make a bold statement.

Begin your script to introduce your guest speaker with a bold and impactful statement that immediately captures the audience’s attention. This statement should be concise yet intriguing, sparking curiosity as well as setting the stage for the speaker’s presentation. Attention getters are perfect for this. For example: “Today, you’re about to witness a groundbreaking approach to tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change.”

Remember, the opening lines of your script to introduce a guest speaker are the gateway to engaging the audience and setting the stage for a memorable presentation. Choose an approach that aligns with the speaker’s personality as well as the event’s atmosphere, and don’t be afraid to be creative and captivating.

The Main Takeaway

Giving an introduction for a guest speaker is an art that requires careful planning, research, and an understanding of the audience’s expectations. By following the principles discussed in this article and using examples as inspiration, you can deliver introductions that engage, entertain, and leave a lasting impression. Remember, the goal is to set the stage for the speaker’s presentation and create a sense of excitement and anticipation.

So, go ahead, embrace the power of a well-crafted introduction, and make every guest speaker’s presence an unforgettable experience for your audience.

Start practicing with Yoodli.

Getting better at speaking is getting easier. Record or upload a speech and let our AI Speech Coach analyze your speaking and give you feedback.