Wedding speeches can be nerve-wracking for the bride, groom, or a family member. However, expressing gratitude, love, and joy on such a special day is an opportunity.
Writing a wedding speech doesn’t need to be overwhelming if you follow some simple steps and focus on your message.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Writing a great bride or groom wedding speech involves thoughtful planning and heartfelt delivery. Start by considering the logistics—when and where you’ll speak, length, and tone.
Begin your speech by expressing gratitude to family, friends, and those who helped plan the day. Acknowledge absent loved ones and share personal, meaningful stories about your partner.
Keep the speech clean, respectful, and brief (3-5 minutes), and end with a heartfelt toast. Practice beforehand to ease nerves and ensure smooth delivery. Stay authentic and concise, and enjoy the moment!
Deciding On The Speech Logistics
Before you begin writing, consider the logistics of your wedding speech. Knowing when and where you will deliver the speech can help you plan accordingly. Here are some key questions to consider:
- When will the speech happen? Are you speaking at the reception, rehearsal dinner, or a smaller event?
- Who is giving the speech? Are you delivering the speech solo or as a couple?
- How long will the speech be? Wedding speeches should be concise, ideally 3-5 minutes.
- What mood do you want to set? Whether you aim for heartfelt or humorous, determine the tone early on.
Once these details are sorted, you can begin to plan your speech’s structure and content.
Starting Your Wedding Speech With Gratitude
Every wedding speech should begin with gratitude. Thank everyone who made your special day possible. Expressing your appreciation to family, friends, and guests sets the right tone for the speech.
Here’s a list of people to thank:
- Your parents and partner’s parents: Acknowledge their love and support over the years.
- Your wedding party: Thank them for their help in making the day run smoothly.
- Guests who travelled from afar: Show appreciation for those who made a special effort to attend.
- Key people involved in planning: Anyone who played a major role in planning or organising the day deserves a mention.
Mention Absent Loved Ones
If loved ones couldn’t attend due to travel difficulties, health reasons, or death, this is the time to honour them. Keep this part short but sincere, and share a fond memory or a simple statement to acknowledge their absence.
Acknowledging Your New Partner
One of the most important parts of the speech is acknowledging your new spouse. While leaning on romantic movie quotes or song lyrics is tempting, keep it personal and authentic. This is your chance to express your love and appreciation in your own words.
Here are some points you can mention about your partner:
- How you met
- A funny or meaningful moment from your relationship
- What your partner means to you
- How they’ve supported you through the wedding planning
Remember, this section should be heartfelt but not overly long. You want to share enough to make it meaningful without overdoing it.
Share A Meaningful Story Or Anecdote
Sharing a short story or anecdote is a great way to connect your speech to your wedding day. This could be how you first met, a funny moment from your relationship, or when your partner surprised you with their love and support.
Keep the story brief and avoid anything overly personal or embarrassing. Ensure the story enhances the mood of the event and ties into your overall message.
Keeping Your Speech Clean And Appropriate
Weddings are family events, and while humour is welcome, it’s important to keep jokes clean and respectful.
It’s great to get some laughs, but remember that your audience includes parents, grandparents, and other family members. Avoid inside jokes, inappropriate language, or stories that may offend someone in the room.
If you need clarification on whether a joke or story is appropriate, it’s better to leave it out. You can be funny without crossing any lines.
End Your Speech With A Toast
The perfect way to end a wedding speech is with a toast. This final moment is your chance to summarise the day’s emotions and ask everyone to raise a glass to the couple (if you’re speaking as the groom or bride, you can toast to your partner).
Here’s how to close your speech:
- Summarise your feelings: Reflect on the day and your love for your partner.
- Toast to your partner: Keep this personal, sincere, and simple.
- Ask guests to raise a glass: Invite everyone to join you in celebrating.
Practice Makes Perfect
If public speaking isn’t your strong suit, practice is your best friend. Rehearse your speech in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend. If you’re nervous, try practising with your partner, especially when giving the speech together.
It’s also a good idea to keep a written copy of your speech in case nerves take over on the day. Rehearsing will help you get comfortable with the flow of your speech and ensure you don’t miss any important points.
Additional Tips For A Great Wedding Speech
- Write it down: Don’t try to wing your wedding speech. Even if you’re comfortable with public speaking, having a written version will keep you on track.
- Stay sober: While it may be tempting to have a few drinks to calm your nerves, don’t overindulge before the speech. Keep your mind clear.
- Keep it short: The best wedding speeches are brief and concise. Aim for 3-5 minutes, and avoid going over 7 minutes.
- Share the stage: If you and your partner deliver the speech together, divide it evenly. Make sure both of you have time to speak and express your thoughts.
- Be mindful of your audience: Don’t include stories or jokes that only a small group will understand. Keep your speech accessible to everyone in the room.
Last-Minute Dos And Don’ts
- DO: Prepare a hard copy of your speech, even if you plan to read it from your phone.
- DON’T: Wait until the last minute to give your speech. Avoid delivering it after you’ve had too much to drink.
- DO: Mention or comment on the speeches that came before you, especially if they were heartfelt or funny.
- DON’T: Dominate the floor. If you’re speaking with someone else, share the spotlight.
- DO: Be considerate of your guests’ time. Stick to your planned length and avoid rambling.
Conclusion
Writing a memorable bride or groom wedding speech doesn’t have to be daunting. By focusing on gratitude, personal anecdotes, and sincere feelings for your partner, you can create a heartfelt, engaging speech that leaves a lasting impression.
Remember to keep it concise, appropriate for all guests, and infused with your unique personality. With thoughtful preparation, practice, and a few nerves of excitement, your wedding speech will be a beautiful moment you and your audience will cherish.
Whether you’re giving the speech solo or as a couple, always end with a heartfelt toast and enjoy the moment—it’s one of the many highlights of your special day!
FAQs About Wedding Speech
How Long Should A Bride Or Groom Wedding Speech Be?
Keep your speech between 3 to 5 minutes. It should be long enough to convey your emotions and gratitude but short enough to keep guests engaged.
How Can I Make My Wedding Speech Personal?
Include anecdotes about your relationship, memorable moments, or what you love most about your partner. Authenticity is key to connection.
Should I Use Humour In My Wedding Speech?
Yes, light-hearted humour is great, but avoid jokes that could embarrass your partner or guests. Balance fun with sincerity.
How Do I Ensure My Speech Resonates With Everyone?
Use universal themes like love, gratitude, and family. Share relatable stories while keeping your partner as the focus.
How Do I End My Wedding Speech?
Close with a toast to your partner, your marriage, or the guests. A meaningful quote or a funny yet heartfelt statement works well, too.
