what to write for a wedding speech

How To Write A Wedding Speech: The Ultimate Guide For Do’s, Don’ts, and Delivery PART 1/3: Do’s

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How To Write A Wedding Speech: The Ultimate Guide For Do’s, Don’ts, and Delivery PART 2/3: Don’ts

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Someone you love is getting married, and you’ve just been asked to give a speech at the wedding. What an honor! But also, if you’re not used to giving speeches, what a nightmare! Public speaking can be scary , which is why many people prefer to avoid it. But when your bestie asks you to make a speech at his or her wedding, it’s time to rally. But now you’re wondering if you even know how to write a wedding speech! What makes some wedding speeches fun and memorable, and what makes others cringy and fall flat? We’ve got you. We’ve put together the ultimate guide for how to write a wedding speech, focusing on things you definitely should do, things you definitely should NOT do, and then how to deliver your killer wedding speech like a pro.

If you’re wondering how to write a wedding speech, here are a few “Do’s” to keep in mind.

Start planning early
Introduce yourself and how you know the bride and groom
Thanks to hosts, guests, and wedding party; congratulate the couple
Make it personal
Think of 3 traits with 3 stories
Talk about the couple
Have a beginning, middle, and end
Consider your audience
Keep it short and sweet
It’s okay to be simple and meaningful

1. Start planning early

If you don’t know how to write a wedding speech but the bride just asked you to give one, this is not a time to procrastinate. Public speaking is one of the number one fears many people have, so it’s likely you’ve avoided giving too many public speeches before this. And unless you’re a performer or a veteran improv comedian, you might not do too well winging this one. If you get nervous in front of an audience (as most of us do), the best defense against freezing up when you take the mic is being prepared.

As soon as you know you’ve been asked to give a speech at the wedding, begin jotting down notes immediately. Whenever you’re inspired by a thought of the couple or remember an anecdote that might be worth retelling, make note of it. This will help to give you a pool of ideas to draw from when you start writing down the speech.

Begin gathering ideas and writing the speech a couple of weeks to a month before the wedding. You’ll need time to edit, fine-tune it, and make it concise. And as wedding showers, bachelorette parties, and other wedding festivities begin, you might find there are entertaining stories from these events you want to add as well. If you want to write it all at once, you can do that too. However, make sure to sleep on it and come back with fresh eyes. You don’t want just “okay,” you want your speech to be heartfelt and meaningful.

You will also want to begin early to give yourself time to practice and rehearse your speech plenty of times.

2. Introduce yourself and how you know the bride and groom

No matter how large or small the wedding is, it’s likely you will not be familiar with many of the guests on one or both sides. And they won’t be familiar with you either. So don’t leave them guessing!

Make sure when you start to write a wedding speech to introduce yourself and mention how you know the couple. This will help them understand the context of your speech, which will also help it to be more well-received.

3. Thank hosts, guests, and wedding party; congratulate the couple

It’s also courteous to take this time to thank the hosts and other members of the wedding party for all the hard work that went into the event, and to thank guests for being there to support the newlyweds, especially those who had to travel far.

It’s also a good time to officially congratulate the newlyweds and offer them your personal well-wishes for their future. It is imperative that you don’t forget this part, because they are the whole reason you’re there and giving a speech!

4. Make it personal

Whether you are the maid of honor, the best man, father of the bride, or just a friend, you were asked to give a speech because of your close connection and relationship with either the bride or groom (or both).

And since you know your friend as well as you do, you probably have plenty of stories to share; so the next tip for how to write a wedding speech is don’t hesitate to make it personal and share those stories! This will also help guests get to know the other half of the couple they might not know as well or are just meeting for the first time. And those guests who do know them will love hearing some entertaining stories they might not have heard yet.

5. Think of 3 traits with 3 stories

If you’re finding it difficult to come up with anything, a useful approach for how to write a wedding speech is to think of 3 positive defining traits or qualities of the bride or groom and recount three stories or examples that illuminate a time they exhibited these traits. These stories could be comedic, heartwarming, or both. Just make sure they are relevant and entertaining!

6. Talk about the couple

If you’re the maid of honor and have been chatting up the bride for the whole speech, part of how to write a wedding speech is to make sure at some point it circles around to the groom, too, and to the two of them as a couple.

Recount the time you met him, or how you remember talking about him with the bride in the beginning stages of their relationship. If you don’t know the groom all that well, talk about how good they are as a couple and about how happy he makes her.

And If you’re not a fan of the groom, this is not the time to air your grievances. Always keep it positive.

7. Have a beginning, middle, and end

All good speeches have a good flow and take the audience along with it.

Don’t let your speech fall flat or jumble together in a haphazard confusion of disconnected anecdotes. Give it the structure of an overarching theme, with a beginning, a middle, and an end.

We are not talking about a novel here, just make sure there is a direction to where the speech is going, and that the destination, end, or sentiment is achieved. It doesn’t need to be Charlie Chaplin in The Great Dictator, but a three-act structure does help keep you grounded. Most people also follow a story easier when there is a clear direction for a story or speech.

8. Consider your audience

The next thing to keep in mind when considering how to write a wedding speech is to make sure you consider who your audience is.

This is not the bachelor or bachelorette party. There will be a wide range of people present from children to the elderly, and from close friends of the bride and groom to casual acquaintances and coworkers. Make sure your speech is free of any crudeness that might not be fit for such a varied audience. Also, this isn’t the time to take a shot at any of the religious cermonies.

Be considerate and keep it positive and use language everyone can relate to.

9. Keep it short and sweet

You want your speech to be meaningful and memorable; but the wedding is not about you, and yours is not the only speech.

No one ever complains about a speech being too short, but they do begin to grumble if it runs on too long. A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when figuring out how to write a wedding speech is to keep your speech between 2-5 minutes long. Any longer than 5 minutes and you’ll lose everyone to thoughts of cake and whether or not to Cupid Shuffle later.

10. Add humor

Don’t be afraid to be funny! Another tip for how to write a wedding speech is that if you’ve got a lighthearted, creative, joking side, use it and add humor to your speech! Everyone likes to be entertained.

This doesn’t mean you should scour the internet for generic wedding-themed jokes, but if you’ve got some good original material to use that helps relate a story about the bride or groom in a comedic way, do it. As long as you’re not making fun of the couple but having fun with them, jokes are great. Or you can even poke fun at yourself to illuminate a higher quality in your bestie. It’s all about making the newlyweds shine.

If you’re creative and have other talents, use them! If you are musical, bust out your instrument and/or vocal cords and make the speech in the form of a song! Use props, and get the other guests involved! The newlyweds will feel special because you created something for them, and the guests will love joining in the fun.

11. It’s okay to be simple and meaningful

If entertaining isn’t your thing, that’s okay! Don’t force it – just be yourself. It’s okay to be simple and meaningful with your speech. Always keep in mind when you go to write a wedding speech that what’s important is that you are genuine and speak from the heart.

Hopefully, you found these tips for how to write a wedding speech helpful, and can start writing today! And stay tuned to our blog for the next part in this ultimate guide for how to write a wedding speech where we highlight a few things you should definitely avoid.

Love this content and want more? Read more about weddings on our blog ! Involved in the wedding planning process and the bride is still looking for a venue ? Give us a call today and we’ll help you find the perfect place!

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How to Write a Wedding Toast: Examples, Tips, and Advice

Make sure your moment in the spotlight is memorable—in a good way!

Jaimie Mackey was the real weddings editor at Brides from 2013 to 2015. She also worked as a luxury wedding planner and produced over 100 high-end weddings and events in Colorado

Photo by Olivia & Dan Photography

In This Article

Figuring out how to write a wedding toast can be an incredibly intimidating and nerve-inducing task. Wedding toasts can go one of two ways: They’re either hilarious, memorable, and totally sweet, or a train wreck waiting to happen. Every couple hopes the speeches at the reception fall into the first category, but there’s no guarantee—until now.

To combat those awful speeches, Marisa Polansky and Kristine Keller founded Speech Tank , offering completely custom, one-of-a-kind toasts for any occasion. And what better reason to turn to the experts than for your best friend’s wedding? We sat down with Polansky and Keller to get the inside scoop on writing a totally killer speech . With their help, your audience will be begging for an encore!

Meet the Expert

Marisa Polansky is a book editor, author, and co-founder of Speech Tank, a collaborative speech-writing service for any occasion.
Kristine Keller is a writer and the co-founder of Speech Tank.

Wedding Toast Template

Your wedding toast should be meaningful, but not drawn out. Make sure to have a beginning, middle, and end.

While everyone's speech will be unique to them and their relationship with the couple, we put together a general outline to help you get started.

Congratulate the couple. Express how happy you are that the two of them are getting married and what it means to you to witness it.
Introduce yourself. Not everyone will know you met the bride or groom at the fourth-grade space camp, so be sure to let guests know about your relationship with the couple before you dive into your speech.
Tell a (curated) story. When you’re writing your speech, “Choose anecdotes that all fit a theme and support your argument,” Keller says. The theme will help tie it together, making your toast feel intentional instead of random.
Address both partners. You may not know them both well, but you shouldn’t focus all of your attention on your friend and ignore their new spouse. “Even if you’ve only met your friend’s partner once or twice before, find a way to include him or her in your toast,” Polansky says. “Tell the story of their engagement or share something your friend told you about them that proves what a great partner he or she is.”
Go for the crowd-pleasers. “Anything that’s an inside joke may have been funny at the time, but no one else will understand what you’re talking about,” Keller says. “Run your stories and jokes by a neutral audience to see if they are as funny as you think.” And remember, a little humor is fine, but this is a toast, not a roast!
Raise your glass for a toast. To wrap up your speech, invite everyone to raise their glass to the couple, or to love, etc., then cheers glasses together and take a sip.

Don’t count on your phone, which may lock or turn off mid-speech. Instead, print out your toast or put it on note cards for reference. “It’s your moment to have the floor, so don’t risk forgetting your point!” Keller says.

Wedding Toast Tips

Here are Polansky and Keller's best tips for writing and delivering your wedding toast.

Just get started. It’s your big moment, but figuring out where to start can be tough. “When we work with our clients, we always start with a stream of consciousness,” Keller says. “We ask them to just start telling us stories. You might not think every anecdote is important, but all of a sudden you’ll land on a real gem.”
Start writing things down. When you’re doing this at home on your own, Polansky says to just start writing stuff down. “Put it all down on paper. Don’t worry about editing as you’re writing, just get it out and then go back and pick and choose details when you’re done.” This will help you identify a theme, which is what you’ll need to make your toast really memorable.
Use examples. “If you’re trying to make a point about the bride or groom's personality—say, that she or he's particularly loyal—don’t just say that and move on. Pick a specific moment that proves your point. Have something to back it up!” Polansky says. Including some proof will make sure your listeners really buy what you’re saying about the couple.
Make it quick. “The best length for a toast is about three minutes,” Polansky says. “It’s enough time to say what you need to say, but short enough that you’ll still have everyone’s attention when you ask them to raise their glasses to toast the happy couple.”
Practice. Think you know what three minutes feels like? Think again. “Practice reading your speech out loud (not in your head!) and time yourself,” Polansky says. “Don’t wing it, especially if you’re nervous,” Polansky continues. “Give yourself time to prepare. Practice with an audience to check your timing, and give yourself time to make edits.”
Don't overstuff your speech. “If you’re a fast talker, try to slow yourself down so everyone will understand you,” Polansky says. Better to cut a few lines than to try to fit a 10-minute toast into a three-minute time frame!
Keep it clean-ish. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to know your audience. “Cursing and stories about exes are totally off-limits,” Keller says.
Don't embarrass the couple. “Ask yourself how each story will present the couple. If it sheds any negative light on either person, avoid it.” Continues Polansky, “Think about how close you are with the family as well as who you know will be there. Will it make the bride or groom's great aunt uncomfortable?”

Every time you feel nervous, tell yourself you're excited instead.

Get Brainstorming!

Now that you know the basics, here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you get started writing that killer wedding toast.

What is your first memory of the bride/groom?
What is your favorite memory of the bride/groom?
What did they say when they first told you about their partner?
How did you know they were meant to be?
What has the bride/groom or the couple as a whole taught you?
What qualities do you admire in them?
When are times that they displayed these qualities?

7 Wedding Toast Examples to Help You Write a Pitch-Perfect Speech

The Speaker Lab
June 14, 2024

Raising a glass to the newlyweds is a cherished tradition at weddings. But when it’s your turn to deliver a toast, finding the right words can be daunting. Whether you’re the best man, maid of honor, or a proud parent, crafting a memorable speech takes some thought and preparation. That’s where wedding toast examples come in handy.

In this article, we’ve pulled together several toast examples to spark your own toast-making magic. Dive into our collection of emotional stories and fun jests if you want unique ways to say “I love you” and “We’ve got your back!” to the happy couple. Let’s get started!

Wedding Toast Examples for the Best Man

If you’ve been tasked with giving a best man speech , you know it’s a big responsibility. You want to honor your friend, make the bride feel welcome, and maybe even get a few laughs. But where do you start?

The key to a great best man toast is to speak from the heart. Share a funny story or two about your friendship with the groom. Talk about how you’ve seen him grow and change for the better since meeting his new spouse. And don’t be afraid to get a little sentimental—this is a day for celebrating love, after all.

Wedding Toast About Shared Memories or Funny Stories

One of the best ways to personalize your best man toast is to share a funny story about the groom. Maybe it’s a tale of a crazy adventure you had together, or a time when he did something so ridiculous you couldn’t help but laugh. Just make sure it’s a story that paints him in a positive light and shows off his best qualities.

For example, you could say something like:

“I’ll never forget the time John and I went camping and he insisted on bringing his entire collection of Star Wars action figures. He spent hours setting up elaborate battle scenes and making sound effects. It was like watching a kid in a candy store—except instead of candy, it was Ewoks and Stormtroopers.”

A story like this shows off the groom’s playful side and lets the audience see him through your eyes. It’s a great way to make your toast more engaging and memorable.

Quotes to Use

Including a quote in your best man toast can be a great way to sum up your feelings or add a touch of humor. Here are a few examples:

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin
“I love being married. It’s so great to find one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner
“Marriage is not just spiritual communion, it is also remembering to take out the trash.” – Joyce Brothers

When choosing a quote for your best man speech , look for something that reflects the couple’s relationship or your own views on love and marriage.

At the end of the day, though, the most important thing is to speak from the heart. Share your love for the couple, your hopes for their future together, and your joy at being a part of their special day. With a little humor, a lot of heart, and maybe a quote or two, you’ll give a best man toast they’ll never forget.

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Maid of Honor Wedding Toast Examples

As the maid of honor, you’ve been by the bride’s side through thick and thin. You’ve seen her at her best and her worst, and you know just how amazing she is. So when it comes time to give your maid of honor toast , you want to do her justice.

The key is to focus on the bride’s best qualities and the love she shares with her new spouse. Share stories that highlight her kindness, her humor, her intelligence, and her beauty—inside and out. And don’t forget to welcome the groom to the family and let him know how lucky he is to be marrying your best friend.

Highlighting the Bride’s Best Qualities

One of the best ways to make your maid of honor toast memorable is to highlight the bride’s best qualities. Think about what makes her special and what you admire most about her. Is she always there for you when you need her? Does she have a wicked sense of humor? Is she the most loyal friend you’ve ever had?

“Sarah has been my best friend since we were five years old. Even then, I knew she was someone special. She’s always been the first to lend a helping hand, the last to judge, and the best shoulder to cry on. She’s the kind of person who lights up a room just by walking into it, and I feel so lucky to have her in my life.”

A toast like this not only shows off the bride’s best qualities, but it also lets the audience see her through your eyes. It’s a great way to make your toast more personal and heartfelt.

Welcoming the Groom to the Family

As the maid of honor, you’re not just there to celebrate the bride. You’re also there to welcome the groom into your family. Take a moment in your toast to acknowledge him and the love he shares with your best friend.

You could say something like:

“John, I’ve watched you and Sarah fall in love over the past few years, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen two people more perfect for each other. You bring out the best in each other, and I know you’ll continue to do so for the rest of your lives. Welcome to the family—we’re so lucky to have you.”

A toast like this shows that you support the couple’s relationship and that you’re excited to have the groom as part of your family. It’s a great way to make him feel included and appreciated on his special day.

Remember, the most important thing is to speak from the heart. Share your love for the bride, your excitement for her future with the groom, and your joy at being a part of their special day. With a focus on her best qualities and a warm welcome for her new spouse, you’ll give a maid of honor toast that she’ll cherish forever.

Wedding Toast Examples From the Parents

For many parents, watching their child get married is a moment filled with love, pride, and a touch of bittersweet emotion. As they reflect on watching them grow up, it’s natural to want to express their love and wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness together. If you’re a parent tasked with giving a wedding toast, these examples can help you find the right words to capture your feelings and share your hopes for the couple’s future.

Reflecting on Watching Them Grow up

One of the most heartfelt themes in a parent’s wedding toast is reminiscing about watching their child grow up. You might share a funny or touching story from their childhood that highlights their personality or values. For example, you could say something like:

“From the moment Sarah learned to walk, she was always on the move, eager to explore the world around her. That curiosity and zest for life has never left her, and it’s one of the things I admire most about the woman she’s become.”

These anecdotes give guests a glimpse into your unique relationship with your child. Additionally, they help everyone feel more connected to the couple’s journey.

Wishing Them a Lifetime of Love

Of course, a parent’s wedding toast should also acknowledge and celebrate the couple’s love for each other. You might share your hopes and wishes for their marriage, such as:

“May your love for each other continue to grow deeper with each passing year. May you always be each other’s best friend, strongest supporter, and most loving partner. And may your marriage be filled with laughter, adventure, and endless joy.”

By focusing on the couple’s future together, you’re setting a positive tone and reminding everyone of the reason for the celebration.

Wedding Toast Examples for the Newlyweds

While the majority of wedding toasts are given by family and friends, many couples also choose to give a toast themselves. This is a wonderful opportunity to thank your guests for their support, express your love for each other, and share your excitement for the future. If you’re a newlywed looking for inspiration, these examples can help you craft the perfect wedding toast.

Thanking Guests for Their Support

One of the main purposes of a couple’s wedding toast is to thank their guests for being there to celebrate with them. You might say something like:

“We are so incredibly grateful to have all of you here with us today. Your love, support, and friendship mean the world to us, and we feel so lucky to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people as we start this new chapter in our lives.”

Acknowledging your guests’ presence shows them how much you value their role in your lives and your special day.

Expressing Gratitude for Help with the Wedding

In addition to thanking guests for their attendance, you should also give special recognition to those who helped make your wedding day possible. This could include your parents, wedding party, or anyone else who went above and beyond. For example:

“We also want to say a huge thank you to our incredible parents, who have been there for us every step of the way. From helping us plan this amazing celebration to offering endless love and guidance, we couldn’t have done it without you. We are so grateful for everything you’ve done for us.”

By specifically acknowledging those who contributed to your wedding, you’re showing your appreciation and letting them know how much their efforts mean to you.

As you craft your wedding toast, remember to speak from the heart and let your unique personality and love story shine through. Whether you’re a parent reflecting on precious memories or a newlywed couple expressing gratitude, a sincere and heartfelt toast will be cherished by all who hear it.

Tips for Delivering a Great Wedding Toast

Giving a wedding toast can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little preparation and our wedding toast examples, you can deliver a memorable toast that will have the happy couple and their guests smiling from ear to ear.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when giving a wedding toast is to keep it short and sweet. The best wedding toasts are concise, typically around 2-3 minutes. A shorter toast is more likely to hold the audience’s attention and leave a lasting impact.

Keeping It Short and Sweet

So, how do you keep your toast short and sweet? Start by focusing on one or two key points you want to make about the couple. Maybe it’s a funny story about how they met or a heartfelt memory that showcases their love for each other. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that will resonate with the audience and the couple.

Another tip for keeping your toast concise is to practice, practice, practice. The more you rehearse your toast, the more comfortable you’ll feel delivering it on the big day. And don’t be afraid to use notes. It’s better to glance down at your notes than to ramble on and lose your place.

Speaking from the Heart

While it’s important to keep your toast short, it’s equally important to speak from the heart. The more authentic you are, the more meaningful the toast. So don’t be afraid to get a little emotional. Share a story that showcases the couple’s love for each other or express how much they mean to you. Just remember to keep it appropriate for the occasion and the audience.

Raising a Glass to the Happy Couple

Finally, don’t forget to actually raise a glass to the happy couple. This traditional gesture serves as a celebratory exclamation point to the speech and signals the end of your toast. So, as you wrap up your toast, invite everyone to join you in raising a glass to the happy couple. You can even use a classic toast like “To love, laughter, and happily ever after.” Alternatively, come up with your own unique phrase that captures the essence of the couple’s love story.

By following these wedding toast tips, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a toast that will be remembered for years to come. Just remember to keep it short, speak from the heart, and raise a glass to the happy couple. Cheers!

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Wedding Toast Quotes to Include

When it comes to giving a wedding toast, sometimes the hardest part is finding the right words to express your feelings about the happy couple. That’s where wedding toast quotes come in handy. By incorporating a few well-chosen quotes into your toast, you can add a touch of humor, romance, or wisdom to your words. Let’s look at a few examples you might want to include in your own wedding toast.

Romantic Quotes About Love

If you’re looking to add a touch of romance to your toast, consider using a quote about love. One classic option is from the beloved children’s book author Dr. Seuss: “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” This quote perfectly captures the excitement and joy of falling in love.

Another romantic quote comes from the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning: “I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.” This quote speaks to the transformative power of love and how it can bring out the best in us.

Humorous Quotes to Lighten the Mood

If you want to keep things light and fun, consider using a humorous quote in your toast. One option is from the comedian Rita Rudner: “I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” This quote is sure to get a laugh from the audience while also acknowledging the ups and downs of married life.

Another funny quote comes from the actress Audrey Hepburn: “If I get married, I want to be very married.” This quote is a playful way to express the commitment and dedication that comes with marriage.

Classic Quotes for a Traditional Toast

If you’re looking for a more traditional quote to use in your toast, consider one from the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche: “It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.” This quote emphasizes the importance of friendship and companionship in a successful marriage.

Another classic quote comes from the author Mark Twain: “To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.” This quote speaks to the idea that happiness is meant to be shared with the one you love.

No matter which wedding toast quotes you choose to include in your speech, make sure they reflect the couple’s unique love story and personality. By incorporating a mix of romantic, humorous, and classic quotes, you’ll be sure to deliver a toast that is both meaningful and memorable.

FAQs on Wedding Toast Examples

What do you say in a wedding toast.

Kick off with how you know the couple. Share a short, sweet story or compliment. Wrap up by wishing them joy and love.

What is the best short wedding toast?

“To love, laughter, and happily ever after.” It’s quick, classic, and covers all bases for celebrating the couple’s future.

What are some examples of toasts?

Toasts can range from “Here’s to new beginnings.” to “May your love be modern enough to survive the times but old-fashioned enough to last forever.”

What is the best opening line for a wedding speech?

“I’m here today not just as [relation], but as someone who has seen their love grow firsthand.”

Wedding toast examples offer a wealth of inspiration for crafting your own unforgettable speech. By blending heartfelt sentiments with a dash of humor, you can create a toast that perfectly captures your unique relationship with the newlyweds.

Remember, the key is to speak from the heart and let your genuine emotions shine through. Whether you share a funny story, express your admiration, or offer words of wisdom, your toast will be a cherished part of the couple’s special day.

So raise your glass, take a deep breath, and deliver a wedding toast that will have everyone laughing, crying, and celebrating the incredible love story unfolding before them.

Last Updated: June 12, 2024

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How to Write—And Deliver—The Perfect Wedding Speech

By Shelby Wax

If one of your nearest and dearest is tying the knot, it’s possible you may be asked to give a speech during the wedding festivities. And while having an opportunity to share your love and memories at a major milestone event is an honor, there’s no denying that it’s a big ask—especially if public speaking isn’t your forté. A wedding speech presents a unique challenge: There’s no set formula for how the speech should play out, but it often requires sentimentality, a touch of humor, and the good sense to know when to wrap it up.

Are you a member of the wedding party that wants to (or has been asked to) give a toast at an upcoming celebration? Read ahead to learn how to write and prepare for your big moment.

Who Gives a Wedding Speech?

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First off, it’s important to make sure that the couple definitely wants you to give a toast at their celebrations. Traditionally, the maid of honor, best man, and parents of the couple will give a speech at the wedding. However, the couple should explicitly ask these guests well in advance to give a speech so they have plenty of time to prepare. They may also choose additional wedding party members to give toasts at the reception or pre-wedding parties; but if the couple has not asked you to give a speech, do not prepare one. Speeches are carefully placed into a wedding timeline so the day will stay on schedule, and an additional five minutes could cut into strategically timed moments of the celebration.

The to-be-weds also have the right to curate the day as they wish, and occasionally at a rehearsal dinner or welcome party, the couple may open the floor to additional toasts. But if this doesn’t happen, grabbing the mic unexpectedly for an off-the-cuff speech (especially after a few glasses of wine) will not be appreciated.

How to Write a Wedding Speech

If you are asked to give a toast, it’s important that you don’t just wing it. “First, recognize that speechwriting is a creative process,” shares Allison Shapira, founder and CEO of Global Public Speaking . “Give yourself plenty of time to be creative (i.e. not the night before, when you already have so much to stress about). Wait for your most creative time of the day, and turn off any distractions. Spend some unrushed time thinking about your relationship to the couple, and what you’d like to say.”

While there’s no exact template to follow, there is a good basic formula to adhere to. “The framework I recommend for a wedding speech is: story, message, blessing,” she shares. “Tell a heartwarming story, share the message or value behind that story, and then offer a blessing or wish for the couple based on that message.”

“Typically, we advise our speakers to try to bring the audience on a journey where you initially try to make them laugh, then get to the real depth of the speech and earn some tears, then bring the whole speech full circle with a deep insight or story about the couple that ends with a funny final punch,” shares Steven Greitzer, CEO and founder of Provenance , an AI company that specializes in helping write personalized wedding vows, ceremonies, and toasts. “It’s important to have a good balance of humor and sentimentality because, if it’s a full roast, it can feel like you’re just doing a standup comedy show for your own benefit and it could lack substance. Or, if it’s too overly emotional, it can get heavy and perhaps a bit too somber for a wedding celebration.”

When choosing a story, Shapira recommends reading the room. “It should obviously be good-natured, without making anyone look bad. And, it all depends on the family dynamics,” she says. “What one family considers good-natured, another family could consider scathing. Choose someone in the audience whom you think could give you some helpful feedback, and practice the speech with them in advance.”

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Greitzer adds that it's important that both members of the couple are highlighted in the speech. “Great anecdotes showcase who each person was before meeting, their synergy together, and their individual and collective growth,” he shares. If you don’t know one member of the couple very well, don’t be afraid to get creative. “One of the best speeches I’ve seen was from a bridesmaid who hadn’t really been able to spend too much time with her best friend’s fiance because of the pandemic,” Greitzer shares. “She creatively read texts she found in her phone that gave her a hilarious timeline of her friend falling in love.”

If you’re still not sure where to begin, consider giving an AI platform a try to help you form your toast. “The Provenance tools guide speakers to create unique, and personal ceremonies, vows, and toasts without the stress. It’s a partner in your brainstorming process; a way to help you verbalize what you were trying to say—but faster,” explains Greitzer. “Instead of being some outdated, mad-libs-style template, the expert-curated prompts inspire special stories and insights, ultimately weaving your responses together into a custom, editable first draft.”

A final writing tip from Shapira? “I definitely recommend creating an outline but do not recommend writing the speech out word for word. When we script the entire speech, it sounds too formal,” says the public speaking expert. “I recommend first brainstorming the content, rearranging it into a logical structure, then drafting a general outline which you can bring with you to the event. While it may look better to simply give the speech ‘from the heart,’ the stress involved in trying to memorize your speech is simply not worth it.”

How to Deliver a Wedding Speech

Writing a wedding speech is half the battle—next comes your performance. It’s important that your toast has a good flow, feels natural, and doesn’t drag on. Here’s where the idiom “practice makes perfect” rings true. Shapira advises giving yourself a few weeks of rehearsal to make your speech feel authentic and fluid. Her recommendations? “Read your speech out loud and make sure it stays within the time you have allotted. Read it to someone else and get their feedback. Record it and watch it back. We use a tool called AMPLIFY to get AI-based feedback.” She adds, “Don’t memorize the speech, but do read it out loud and make sure it sounds like your voice.”

The ideal length of a toast is between two to four minutes, which translates to around 500 to 1000 words on a page. Still, Greitzer notes, “The perfect length for the wedding toast complies with whatever length the couple wants it to be. Many guests don’t realize that long speeches can impact the whole evening’s timeline and affect the caterer, DJ, and so much more.”

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While it’s now common to see toasts being read off a phone, both experts agree that it’s much better to print out your speech. “Reading off of a phone comes with the risk of distractions from notifications, a weird backlight that can affect the color of your face in photos, finicky technical difficulties, and having that annoying sound interference with the mic,” says Greitzer. (You also should make sure your speech is legible with a large font and wide spacing so you can easily find your place.)

The final hurdle of giving a wedding toast is getting over your nerves. “Find a quiet place right beforehand to center yourself (perhaps the bathroom or a corner of the room), pause and breathe, and remind yourself why you care about the couple,” recommends Shapira. She also adds—perhaps unsurprisingly—that it’s best to hold back on alcohol consumption ahead of the toast. “No one expects a perfect or professional speech; they want a unique, authentic message. The speech isn’t about you—it’s about the couple. Once you reframe the fact that the center of attention isn’t on you, you can relax.”

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Wedding Speeches: How to Write and Deliver a Memorable Toast

Wedding speeches are an important tradition that adds a personal touch to the wedding celebration. They allow loved ones to share their feelings and memories, express gratitude, and wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness. However, with the rising trend of online marriages due to the ongoing pandemic, wedding speeches have taken on a new form. Online marriages refer to weddings that take place virtually, with the couple and their guests participating from different locations through video conferencing platforms.

In this post, we will discuss how to write and deliver a memorable toast, both for in-person and virtual weddings.

Who gives speeches at a wedding?

At a traditional wedding, certain people are expected to give speeches. These people include the father of the bride, the best man, and the maid of honor.

Here is a breakdown of the traditional roles of speech givers at a wedding:

Father of the Bride: This speech is typically the first one given, and it sets the tone for the rest of the speeches. The father of the bride welcomes the guests, thanks them for coming, and talks about his daughter and his relationship with her. He will usually end the speech by toasting the newlyweds.
Groom: The groom will usually give a speech after the father of the bride. He thanks everyone for coming, talks about his bride and their relationship, and thanks her parents for their support. He will usually end the speech by toasting his bride.
Best Man: The best man is responsible for giving the final speech of the night. He will typically start by thanking the groom for choosing him as his best man. He will then share stories about the groom, including some embarrassing ones, and end by toasting the newlyweds.
Maid of Honor: The maid of honor will typically give a speech after the groom. She will thank the bride for choosing her as her maid of honor, share stories about the bride, and offer advice for a happy marriage. She will also usually end by toasting the newlyweds.

However, more modern variations have emerged over the years, and other people may give speeches at a wedding as well. These could include the mother of the bride, the bride herself, the groom's parents, or close friends of the couple. It's important to keep in mind the wishes of the couple and to ensure that all speeches are appropriate and in good taste.

Tips for Writing a great wedding speech

Here are some tips to help you write a great wedding speech:

Prepare and Practice: Don't wait until the last minute to start writing your speech. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and practice. Write down your thoughts and ideas, and then organize them into a logical structure. Practice delivering your speech several times, either by yourself or in front of a trusted friend or family member.
Structure Your Speech: A great wedding speech typically follows a basic structure. Start with an attention-grabbing opening that will capture the audience's attention. Then, move on to the body of your speech, where you will share your thoughts, stories, and advice. Finally, end with a memorable conclusion and a toast to the newlyweds.
Keep it Positive: A wedding is a joyous occasion, so keep your speech positive and uplifting. Share stories that celebrate the love and happiness of the couple, and offer words of encouragement and support.
Use Humor Wisely: Humor can be a great way to connect with the audience and lighten the mood, but be careful not to go overboard. Avoid jokes that are inappropriate or offensive, and keep in mind that what may be funny to you may not be funny to everyone.
Share Personal Anecdotes: Personal anecdotes are a great way to personalize your speech and connect with the couple and the audience. Share stories that highlight the couple's strengths and unique qualities, and that demonstrate the love and support they have for each other.
Avoid Sensitive Topics: Avoid topics that may be sensitive or controversial, such as politics, religion, or past relationships. Stick to positive and uplifting messages that celebrate the love and happiness of the couple.

Tips for delivering a great wedding speech

Here are some tips to help you deliver a memorable speech with confidence:

Manage Your Nerves: It's normal to feel nervous before giving a speech, but there are techniques you can use to manage your nerves. Take some deep breaths, visualize a positive outcome, and remind yourself that the audience is there to support you.
Project Your Voice: Make sure you speak clearly and project your voice so that everyone in the audience can hear you. Take your time, speak at a moderate pace, and avoid rushing through your speech.
Maintain Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with the audience to help build a connection with them. Look around the room and make eye contact with different people, but avoid staring at one person for too long.
Use Pauses: Using pauses can help you emphasize key points and give the audience time to digest what you're saying. Don't be afraid to take a moment to gather your thoughts and take a breath before continuing.
Vary Your Tone: Varying your tone can help you keep the audience engaged and prevent your speech from sounding monotonous. Use inflection to emphasize key points, and adjust your tone to match the mood of the moment.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice your speech, the more confident you'll feel on the day of the wedding. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself or give your speech to a trusted friend or family member for feedback.

Examples of great wedding speeches

Here are some examples of great wedding speeches to inspire you:

Father of the Bride Speech: This father of the bride speech is both touching and humorous. He speaks from the heart and uses personal anecdotes to illustrate his love for his daughter and his joy at seeing her marry the man she loves.
Best Man Speech: This best man speech is funny, charming, and heartfelt. He tells stories about the groom that show both his good qualities and his quirks, and he ends with a touching message of support for the newlyweds.
Maid of Honor Speech: This maid of honor speech is both heartfelt and inspiring. She talks about the bride's strengths and qualities and offers a message of love and support to the happy couple.
Bride's Speech: This bride's speech is touching and emotional. She speaks about her love for her new husband and her gratitude for the support of her family and friends.

What makes these speeches effective is that they all have a clear structure, with an opening that captures the audience's attention, a body that tells personal stories or expresses heartfelt sentiments, and a conclusion that offers words of wisdom or congratulations to the happy couple.

For more inspiration, there are many online resources that offer examples of great wedding speeches, including Hitched , Wedding Forward , and LoveToKnow Weddings .

Additionally, In the spirit of embracing new experiences, you may want to craft a heartfelt and personalized wedding speech by using Provenance , which has a number of modern online tools, including a Ceremony Builder, Vow Builder, and Toast Builder, as well as more in-depth services like professional speechwriting and public speaking services.

Wedding speeches are an important part of any wedding ceremony, as they provide an opportunity for loved ones to express their feelings and support for the happy couple. Whether you are the father of the bride, the maid of honor, or any other speech giver, there are certain tips and techniques you can use to write and deliver a great wedding speech that will be remembered for years to come.

Remember, a great wedding speech can have a profound impact on the newlyweds and their guests, and can create cherished memories that last a lifetime. So, if you have a wedding coming up, start preparing your speech early, and use the tips and resources we've discussed to create a memorable and meaningful tribute to the happy couple.

Common questions

What is the best time during the wedding for speeches?

Traditionally, speeches are given after the meal and before the cutting of the cake. This allows everyone to enjoy their food and drinks before the speeches begin and also ensures that the speeches do not run too late into the night. However, some couples may choose to have speeches earlier in the evening or during the reception, depending on their personal preference.

How long should a wedding speech be?

The length of a wedding speech can vary, but generally, it should be no longer than 5-7 minutes. This allows enough time to deliver a heartfelt message or share a few humorous anecdotes without losing the attention of the audience.

Is it okay to use humor in a wedding speech?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to use humor in a wedding speech, as long as it is appropriate and not at the expense of anyone present. However, it's important to balance humor with sincere sentiments, so that the speech doesn't become too light-hearted or frivolous.

What should I do if I forget my speech during delivery?

If you forget your speech during delivery, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. You can take a moment to gather your thoughts, look down at your notes (if you have them), or ask someone to prompt you with a question. If all else fails, you can simply speak from the heart and express your feelings in your own words.

How can I involve the audience in my speech?

One way to involve the audience in your speech is to ask them a question or invite them to participate in a brief activity. For example, you could ask them to raise their glasses for a toast or have them shout out a particular phrase or response at certain points in your speech.

How do I end a wedding speech?

A good way to end a wedding speech is to offer a message of congratulations or well wishes to the happy couple. You can also thank them for the opportunity to speak and express your gratitude to those who helped make the wedding day special. Finally, you can invite everyone to join you in raising a glass for a final toast to the newlyweds.

Online Marriage with Courtly

In recent years, online marriage has emerged as a popular alternative to traditional in-person weddings. Online marriage allows couples to legally tie the knot without the need for physical presence in a courthouse or a place of worship. One platform that has garnered a lot of attention for its online marriage services is Courtly. We offer customizable ceremonies, licensed officiants, and a virtual marriage license, making the entire process streamlined and efficient.

Couples can choose from a range of ceremony options, including secular, religious, and interfaith ceremonies. Furthermore, we offer additional services such as wedding planning, premarital counseling, and online resources to help couples prepare for their big day.

One of the key benefits of online marriage with Courtly is convenience. Couples can get married from the comfort of their own home, without the need for travel or extensive planning. This can be particularly appealing for those who have busy schedules, are unable to travel, or simply prefer a more intimate ceremony. Additionally, the online marriage option may be more affordable than a traditional wedding, as it eliminates many of the expenses associated with a physical ceremony.

However, it is important to note that online marriage is not without its drawbacks. Some may argue that an online ceremony lacks the personal touch and emotional impact of a physical wedding. Some countries may not recognize online marriage as a legally valid option, which can be a barrier for couples looking to obtain legal recognition of their union. It is important to do thorough research and ensure that online marriage is a legally valid option in your location before making any decisions.

Let us handle the paperwork.

Getting married is complicated. Courtly simplifies the process and provides everything necessary to get married online, including providing a licensed officiant who can perform a remote ceremony.

Get married online.

Getting married is complicated. Courtly simplifies the process and provides everything necessary to get married online.

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Writing a Wedding Speech: Do's, Don'ts & Tips

Writing a wedding speech shouldn't feel like a daunting task; it's an incredible opportunity to celebrate the happy couple and share cherished memories with their loved ones. Being asked to write a speech is a profound honor, as the soon-to-be newlyweds want you to play a special role in their big day. While crafting a speech may seem tricky, we've put together the do's and don'ts to make the process smoother and more enjoyable for those tasked with this meaningful responsibility.

CHOOSING SPEECHMAKERS

Traditionally, the parents, maid of honor, and best man deliver speeches at the reception. However, you can select whomever you'd like to speak at your wedding. If your best man is terrified of public speaking, you don't need to put that pressure on him. Instead, consider a groomsman or a close friend, or opt to skip that role entirely. Considering your inner circle's personalities is essential; you never want to make someone uncomfortable by asking them to write a speech. Standing in front of a crowd is intimidating, and public speaking is only for some. We all have that one friend who loves the limelight; they could be an excellent choice if your closest friends prefer to avoid taking on that task.

SPEECH WRITING DO'S

Getting started early is a good idea once you are asked to write a speech. Procrastinating can lead to unnecessary stress when this should be a fun task. There are different ways to begin - you could open with a lighthearted joke or simply introduce yourself. If you're going the humor route, make sure to still make your introduction. While most guests may know you, don't assume they all do. Remember to thank the hosts and congratulate the newlyweds. See, it's easier than you thought! Personalize the speech, whether you are close with one or both of the couple, and share a beloved story about them. A good guideline is to share three traits and three anecdotes about the couple. Ensure you cover the newlywed you're closest with, but talk about them as a couple, too.

Think simple and heartfelt, short and sweet. Keep it concise, add some jokes, and follow the classic structure with a beginning, middle, and end. Two to five minutes is ideal for a wedding speech, with five minutes being the absolute max. It isn't easy to keep people's attention for any longer than five minutes, even if it is the best speech you've ever written. There are probably other people speaking, so you also want to be mindful of their time.

FOB Speech at Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings

SPEECH WRITING DON'TS

When crafting a wedding speech, focusing on the couple's love story and the joyous occasion is essential. Avoid topics that might dampen the celebratory mood or offend any of the guests. For example, avoid bringing up sensitive subjects like politics, making fun of the couple, or dwelling on past challenges in their relationship. Keep your stories and humor lighthearted, tasteful, and appropriate for all ages, as grandparents and children will likely be in attendance. Refrain from using inside jokes or references that might exclude certain guests, as a wedding speech should be inclusive and relatable to everyone present. The goal is to create a warm, uplifting atmosphere reflecting the newlyweds' love and happiness.

Now that you know what to do and what not to do when writing your speech, here are a few tips for when it is time to give the speech.

Practice makes perfect

Practicing your speech will boost your confidence and readiness. Stand in front of a mirror and deliver it aloud to spot any errors and refine your delivery. During the actual speech, avoid reading directly from your phone or notes. While you don't need to memorize every word, familiarize yourself with the key points. This approach allows you to connect with the audience and maintain eye contact effectively.

Limit Alcohol

Speeches usually occur after meal service and before the dancing starts. Limit yourself to a drink or two, avoiding excessive indulgence. Delivering a speech is an esteemed honor; being intoxicated risks slurred speech, impaired performance, or forgetting your lines, which could embarrass both yourself and the newlyweds who entrusted you with this important role. Once your speech is done, take a deep breath, celebrate with a drink, and let the party begin!

Be Yourself

Remember that crafting your speech about the newlyweds is about sharing your genuine perspective, not putting on a show. Avoid the temptation to overload with jokes. Authenticity and a sincere focus on the couple will enhance your speech to its best form.

Father of the Bride Speech at Hacienda De La Flores by Wedgewood Weddings

Writing a wedding speech is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the love and happiness of the newlywed couple. Following these do's, don'ts, and tips, you can craft a heartfelt and memorable speech that honors the couple's journey while entertaining their guests. Remember to personalize your speech with cherished anecdotes, keep it concise and meaningful, and deliver it with poise and authenticity. Embrace this chance to uniquely commemorate the couple's joyous new chapter as partners for life.

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How to Write a Wedding Speech

Last Updated: March 19, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jenny Yi . Jenny Yi is the Founder of Chloe+Mint, an award-winning full service event planning company that specializes in wedding planning, design and floral design. Jenny has been in the industry for over 5 years, and also works closely with notable brands and celebrities on branding and events. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 605,328 times.

For most people, their wedding day will be among the most important days of their lives. As such, it is customary for a close friend or loved one to deliver a speech congratulating the newlyweds on their union. This can be a nerve-wracking prospect if you’re the one called upon to give a speech in front of a big, expectant crowd. As the speechwriter, it will pay off to make sure that you’re organized, keep it concise and practice extensively beforehand.

Things You Should Know

Professional wedding planner Jenny Yi says the wedding speech should be “impactful, short, and sweet.” Explain how you know the bride and groom, share a quick backstory on how they met, then wish them well as a couple.

Sample Speeches

Writing a Meaningful Speech

The best man and maid of honor are usually each asked to make a short speech on behalf of the wedding party. After that, the microphone is sometimes turned over to whoever would like to say a few words.
Saying your name and briefly summarizing your history with the bride or groom will be enough. Don’t talk about yourself too much. Remember, the focus of your speech is the married couple.

Use jokes judiciously to break the initial tension and keep the crowd relaxed. Try not to let your speech turn into a stand up comedy routine.
Keep your humorous stories and remarks appropriate. There will be people of all ages in your audience, including children.
Funny stories might include a funny story about the bride and groom's meeting, or an anecdote about one of them as a child.

Step 3 Share memories of the bride and groom.

Sharing unique memories or stories is much more effective than simply complimenting the bride or groom because it is a more personal touch.

Step 4 Offer advice or well-wishes for the future.

If you decide to use a quote for this segment of the speech, make sure it is short, relevant and not a cliche.

Acknowledging the people who helped make the wedding festivities possible will make you appear humble, as well as making them feel appreciated.
Express your gratitude in a couple sentences. There’s no need to go on and on thanking every person individually by name.

Making Sure You're Prepared

Step 1 Write the speech well in advance.

Treat your speech like you would a school assignment. Compose several drafts, check it for errors and have a friend proofread it to make sure it sounds good.

Step 2 Know when you’re expect to deliver the speech.

Familiarize yourself with the order of presentation if multiple speeches are to be given.
Don’t spend the entire ceremony fretting over your speech. If you’re sufficiently prepared, you won’t need to give it a second thought until it’s time for you to deliver it.

Know your speech word for word, but try not to sound like you’re simply reciting it from memory. Pace yourself and give every passage emphasis, emotion and clarity.

Put your entire speech on a couple note cards rather than a several large sheets of paper. Not only will this look better, it will help you keep your speech at the appropriate length.
Only look at your notes if you draw a blank or forget the next part. This will allow you to keep your eyes up and engage your audience. Even the most riveting speech will be a bore if the person giving it is reading off a note card the whole time.

Giving the Speech

Take a few slow, deep breaths. Think about what you’re saying and shut out all other distractions. Imagine that you’re giving your speech to one person instead of a room full of people.
Have a drink or two if it helps your nerves. Just don’t have too many—you want to be focused and clear-headed when it’s time for you to take the floor.

It’s perfectly okay to give a short speech. Simply say a few kind words, raise a toast and hand back the microphone.
Speak slowly and deliberately. It’s easy to start chattering too fast when you’re nervous. By talking slower than you feel like you need to, you’ll probably be going at just the right speed.
People who are underprepared or extremely anxious tend to talk aimlessly. Avoid this by sticking to what you’ve written and look to the crowd for cues about when their attention is evaporating.

Take a moment to speak to the bride and/or groom directly.
It’s normal to get a little choked up! As long as you can finish your speech, there’s no need to worry. It may even be flattering, as it will show the people you’re talking about how much you truly care.

It’s customary for the best man or groomsmen to toast the bride, and the maid of honor to toast the groom.

Expert Q&A

Keep quotes to a minimum, as other people's words can distract from what you're trying to say yourself. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
If you're stumped on how your speech should flow, approach it the way you would a story: give it a beginning, middle and end. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Ask an honest, objective friend to give you feedback on your speech after you've finished writing it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Never use a premade template you find on the internet to write a wedding speech. Your speech should be a product of your own unique thoughts, feelings and experiences. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
Don't drink too much before delivering your speech. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
Leave out especially embarrassing or offensive anecdotes. These are usually considered bad form. You're supposed to be honoring the married couple, not getting a laugh at their expense. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 3

↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2110745/Lost-words-Top-tips-write-winning-wedding-speech-deliver-like-pro.html
↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-toasting-tips-for-the-maid-of-honor
↑ https://www.presentationmagazine.com/the-structure-and-etiquette-of-wedding-speeches-1041.htm
↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/07/22/how-to-write-deliver-good-best-man-speech/
↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-toasting-tips-for-the-maid-of-honor/
↑ https://finley-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/f/finley-h/localcontent/how_to_write_a_speech.pdf
↑ https://mediacenter.toastmasters.org/2014-07-01-10-Tips-for-the-Perfect-Wedding-Toast

About This Article

To write a wedding speech, start by introducing yourself and explaining how you know the bride and groom. Then, share some fond memories, like stories from when you were kids or how you met. Next, offer well-wishes to the bride and groom, such as wishing them health, happiness, and prosperity. Alternatively, try opening with a joke or funny anecdote, but make sure that your remarks are appropriate for everyone in attendance. Finally, briefly thank everyone for coming and for making the celebration possible. For tips on how to memorize your speech so that it doesn’t sound rehearsed, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Struggling to Write a Wedding Speech? It’s All in the Details.

If you’ve been charged with saying a few words about the newlyweds, here are some tips to help ease your anxiety and inspire you to speak from the heart.

By Dina Gachman

Massive parties with 10-piece bands and champagne fountains gave way to backyard microweddings and Zoom celebrations during the pandemic. But one tradition has stayed strong, and even thrived, over the last year: the wedding speech.

Love them or hate them, “a speech gives people something to talk about, and it’s an amazing bonding juice,” says Heidi Ellert-McDermott, the founder of Speechy , a British company that creates bespoke speeches for weddings around the world. “It can really kick-start a party.”

Public speaking, whether it’s in front of 10 people or 100, can be intimidating, and if you’ve ever sat through a lengthy, cliché-riddled wedding speech, you know it’s not so easy to pull off a memorable toast.

“We’re all so acutely aware that no one has any idea what tomorrow will bring,” said Marisa Polansky, a founder of the Brooklyn-based speech writing service Speech Tank with Kristine Keller. “The fact that two people want to tackle that tomorrow together feels especially noteworthy. As such, there’s more pressure on speeches to bring a weightiness or gravitas to the event, I think. But it’s an opportunity, too.”

If you’ve been charged with saying a few words about the couple, there are a few things to remember that will help you ease your anxiety and inspire you to speak from the heart.

Ask Yourself ‘Why Me?’

If you’re staring at a blank page, take a step back and think about your relationship to the couple. “Start by asking yourself why you’re giving the speech,” said Tess Barker , 38, a Los Angeles-based comedian who has a “deep résumé as a bridesmaid.” Thinking about your relationship to the couple can help you focus on memories you share, and remind you that you’re not giving a State of the Union address — you’re simply speaking to someone you care about.

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How to Write a Wedding Speech (with Examples)

by Ryan Hart | Updated on September 22, 2023 | Post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Writing a wedding speech can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you’ve never given one before. You want to make sure you honor the couple, entertain the guests, and avoid any embarrassing mishaps.

But don’t worry, with a little guidance , you can write a memorable wedding speech that will leave everyone feeling touched and inspired.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write a wedding speech, along with examples to help you get started.

Whether you’re the best man, maid of honor, or a close friend or family member, we’ve got you covered. We’ll cover everything from how to structure your speech, to what to include, and even tips on how to deliver it with confidence.

What is a Wedding Speech?

A wedding speech is a way for family members and friends to honor the newly married couple, share their thoughts and memories, and wish them a happy future together.

It is a chance to express your gratitude for being part of their special day and to thank them for inviting you to share in their joy.

Wedding speeches are typically given at the rehearsal dinner , the day before the wedding, and toward the end of the reception dinner on the wedding day.

The best wedding speeches are heartfelt, sincere, and personal. They should reflect your relationship with the couple and your feelings towards them. A good wedding speech should be short, sweet, and to the point. It should not be too long, as it may become boring and lose the attention of the audience.

Knowing Your Role

When it comes to writing a wedding speech, it’s important to know your role in the wedding party. Here are some tips on how to approach writing your speech depending on your role:

Father of the Bride’s Speech

As the father of the bride , your speech should be heartfelt and emotional. Share stories about your daughter and the joy she has brought into your life. Welcome the groom into your family and express your love and support for the newlyweds.

Maid of Honor’s Speech

As the maid of honor, your speech should focus on the bride and your relationship with her. Share some funny stories or heartfelt moments that highlight her best qualities. Be sure to also thank the groom and his family for welcoming you into their lives.

Best Man’s Speech

As the best man, your speech should focus on the groom and your relationship with him. Share some funny anecdotes or stories that highlight his best qualities. Be sure to also thank the bride and her family for welcoming you into their lives.

Mother of the Bride’s Speech

As the mother of the bride, your speech should be heartfelt and emotional. Share stories about your daughter and the joy she has brought into your life. Welcome the groom into your family and express your love and support for the newlyweds.

Father of the Groom’s Speech

As the father of the groom, your speech should focus on the groom and your relationship with him. Share some funny anecdotes or stories that highlight his best qualities. Be sure to also thank the bride and her family for welcoming you into their lives.

Mother of the Groom’s Speech

As the mother of the groom, your speech should be heartfelt and emotional. Share stories about your son and the joy he has brought into your life. Welcome the bride into your family and express your love and support for the newlyweds.

Structuring Your Speech

When it comes to giving a wedding speech, structuring it properly is key. This will help you stay on track and deliver a memorable speech that hits all the right notes. Here are some tips on how to structure your wedding speech:


Opening	Introduce yourself, your relationship to the couple, and thank them for inviting you.
Body	Share a story or anecdote about the couple, offer words of wisdom or advice, and give a toast.
Closing	End with a final thought or sentiment about the couple and thank them for including you in their special day.

The opening of your speech is crucial as it sets the tone for the rest of your speech. Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the couple. You can also thank the couple for inviting you to be a part of their special day.

If you’re nervous, it’s okay to start with a joke or a light-hearted anecdote to break the ice. Just make sure it’s appropriate for the occasion and doesn’t offend anyone.

The body of your speech is where you can share your thoughts and feelings about the couple. This is where you can tell a story or anecdote about the couple that highlights their love for each other.

You can also offer some words of wisdom or advice for the couple as they embark on this new journey together. This can be a great opportunity to share a quote or a poem that resonates with you.

The closing of your speech should be short and sweet. You can end with a final thought or sentiment about the couple and their future together. You can also thank the couple and their families for including you in their special day.

If you’re giving a toast , make sure to raise your glass and offer a heartfelt congratulations to the couple.

Example Wedding Speeches

Maid of honor speech example:.

Hello, everyone! I’m beyond thrilled to be here today as the Maid of Honor for these two incredible people. You know, when [Bride’s Name] asked me to be her Maid of Honor, my first thought was, ‘Does she really know me? Is she sure about this?’ But here I am, and I couldn’t be happier!

[Bride’s Name] and I have shared so many laughs, tears, and unforgettable moments over the years. We’ve been through thick and thin together. And when she introduced us to [Groom’s Name], it was like the missing piece of the puzzle just clicked into place.

Now, [Groom’s Name], I have to say, you’ve really brought out the best in [Bride’s Name]. You’ve filled her life with so much love, laughter, and joy. And I can’t thank you enough for that.

To the newlyweds, may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. May your journey together be filled with adventure, kindness, and endless inside jokes that only you two understand. And may your love story be as beautiful and inspiring as the two of you are.

So let’s raise our glasses to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], to love, laughter, and a lifetime of happiness! Cheers!"

Best Man Speech Example:

Hey, everyone, I’m honored to be up here as the Best Man for this fantastic couple. Now, when [Groom’s Name] asked me to be his Best Man, I was like, ‘Really? Me?’ But then I remembered all the adventures, mishaps, and laughter we’ve shared over the years, and I thought, ‘Yep, I’m the guy for this job!’

[Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], you two are a perfect match. I’ve watched your love story unfold, and it’s been a privilege to witness the love and respect you have for each other.

[Groom’s Name], you’ve always been there for me through thick and thin, and I have no doubt you’ll be there for [Bride’s Name] in the same way. And [Bride’s Name], you’re not just gaining a husband today, you’re gaining the best partner in crime you could ever ask for.

So, here’s to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], to a lifetime of adventure, love, and laughter. May your journey together be filled with joy, shared secrets, and lots and lots of dancing. Cheers!"

Best Friend Speech Example:

“Hello, everyone! Wow, what a beautiful day to celebrate the love between [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. I’m not the Maid of Honor or the Best Man, but I am a close friend, and I’ve been lucky enough to witness the magic of their love story from the beginning.

[Bride’s Name], we’ve been through so much together – from school crushes to college shenanigans. And when you introduced me to [Groom’s Name], I knew he was something special. He brings out the best in you, and together, you make an incredible team.

[Groom’s Name], you’re not just gaining a wife today; you’re gaining an amazing friend and confidant in [Bride’s Name]. You two complement each other in the most beautiful ways.

So, here’s to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], to a love that’s as strong as it is genuine. May your journey together be filled with laughter, support, and all the adventures you can dream of. Cheers!”

Family Member Speech Example:

Good evening, everyone! My name is [Your Name], and I am [Your relation to the bride and groom]. I’m thrilled to be here tonight to celebrate the love and commitment of [Couple’s names].

When they asked me to give a speech tonight, I was a little nervous. I mean, what do you say about two people who are so perfect for each other? But then I remembered something that [Bride’s name] once told me: “ Love isn’t about being perfect , it’s about being perfectly imperfect together.”

And that’s exactly what these two are. They’re imperfect in all the right ways, and that’s what makes them so perfect for each other. So here’s to [Couple’s names], two imperfect people who are perfect for each other. Congratulations, you two!

Close Friend Speech Example:

Hello, everyone! My name is [Your Name], and I am [Your relation to the bride and groom]. I’m honored to be here tonight to celebrate the wedding of [Couple’s names].

When I first met [Bride’s name], I knew she was something special. And when she introduced me to [groom’s name], I knew he was the one for her. These two have been through thick and thin together, and they’ve always come out stronger on the other side.

And that’s what love is all about, isn’t it? It’s about being there for each other through the good times and the bad. So here’s to [Couple’s names], a couple who knows that love isn’t just a feeling, it’s a commitment.

Incorporating Personal Touches

When it comes to giving a wedding speech, it’s important to make it personal and meaningful. After all, you’re speaking in front of the couple’s nearest and dearest, and you want to make sure that your words come straight from the heart.

One way to do this is to incorporate personal touches into your speech. This can be anything from a funny story about the couple to a heartfelt message about your own relationship with them.

When choosing what to include in your speech, think about what makes the couple special. What are their unique qualities and what do you love about them? What are some of the key moments in their relationship that have brought them to this point?

Once you have some ideas, consider how you can weave them into your speech in a way that feels natural and authentic. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Keep it short and sweet: While it can be tempting to go on and on about how much you love the couple, it’s important to keep your speech concise. Aim for around 3-5 minutes, and focus on the most meaningful moments and messages.
Use specific examples: Instead of making general statements about the couple, try to use specific examples that illustrate their qualities and personalities. This will make your speech more engaging and memorable.
Get personal: Don’t be afraid to share your own experiences and feelings about the couple. Whether it’s a funny story about how you first met or a heartfelt message about what they mean to you, your personal touch will make your speech more meaningful.
Practice, practice, practice: Finally, make sure to practice your speech ahead of time. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable on the day, and ensure that your words come across as genuine and heartfelt.

Addressing the Audience

When it comes to giving a wedding speech, one of the most important things to keep in mind is your audience. After all, you are speaking to a room full of people who are there to celebrate the happy couple, so it’s important to make sure your speech is engaging, entertaining, and appropriate for the occasion.

First and foremost, you want to make sure your speech is inclusive of everyone in the audience.

While you may have a close relationship with the bride or groom, it’s important to remember that there are likely guests in attendance who may not know you or the couple as well. Make sure to introduce yourself and provide some context for your relationship with the couple.

It’s also important to consider the tone of your speech. While it’s okay to inject some humor and lightheartedness into your speech, you want to make sure it’s appropriate for the occasion.

Avoid making any jokes or comments that could be perceived as offensive or inappropriate.

If you’re addressing parents or family members in your speech, make sure to acknowledge their role in the couple’s lives and express your gratitude for their support.

Similarly, if you’re speaking as the best friend of the bride or groom, take some time to reflect on your friendship and share some heartfelt memories or anecdotes.

Keep in mind that you’re speaking to a room full of people who are there to celebrate the happy couple, so make sure your speech is a reflection of that joy and excitement.

Delivering the Speech

Now that you’ve written your wedding speech, it’s time to deliver it. Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but with a little preparation, you’ll be able to deliver your speech with confidence. Here are some tips to help you deliver your speech like a pro:

Practice, practice, practice. Rehearsing your speech will help you feel more comfortable with the material and reduce your nervousness. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend to get feedback on your delivery.
Take deep breaths. If you feel nervous before your speech, take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves. This will help you relax and deliver your speech more effectively.
Speak slowly and clearly. When you’re nervous, it’s easy to speak too quickly or mumble your words. Make a conscious effort to speak slowly and clearly so that everyone can hear you.
Make eye contact. Look at your audience as you deliver your speech. This will help you connect with them and keep their attention.
Use body language. Gesturing and moving around can help you convey your message more effectively. Just be sure to avoid any distracting movements.
Don’t be afraid to pause. If you need a moment to collect your thoughts or take a breath, don’t be afraid to pause. This will help you deliver your speech more effectively and give your audience time to absorb your message.

With a little preparation and practice, you’ll be able to deliver a wedding speech that will be remembered for years to come.

Dealing with Nervousness

It’s completely normal to experience nervousness when giving a wedding speech. After all, you want to do your best and make a positive impact on the happy couple and their guests. Here are a few tips to help you manage your nerves and deliver a memorable speech:

Practice, practice, practice : The more you practice your speech, the more comfortable you’ll feel delivering it. Practice in front of a mirror, with friends or family, or even record yourself and listen back to it.
Focus on the positive : Instead of dwelling on your nerves, focus on the positive aspects of the experience. You have the opportunity to share your love and well-wishes with the couple, and that’s something to be proud of.
Breathe deeply : Deep breathing can help calm your nerves and give you the energy you need to deliver your speech. Take a few deep breaths before you begin, and continue to breathe deeply throughout your speech.
Visualize success : Visualize yourself delivering a successful speech. Imagine the audience laughing at your jokes, nodding in agreement with your sentiments, and giving you a standing ovation at the end.
Project confidence : Even if you don’t feel confident, projecting confidence through your body language can help you appear more confident to your audience. Stand up straight, make eye contact, and speak clearly and slowly.

By following these tips, you can overcome your nervousness and deliver a wedding speech that you and the happy couple will remember for years to come.

Tips for a Memorable Speech

Writing a wedding speech can be intimidating, but with the right tips and tricks, you can deliver a memorable speech that will leave a lasting impression on the newlyweds and guests. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Tell the Couple’s Story

The most memorable speeches are the ones that tell a story. Start by brainstorming some memories or anecdotes about the couple that you can weave into your speech.

Think about the moments that defined their relationship, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the things that make them unique. By sharing these details with the audience, you’ll create a speech that feels personal and heartfelt.

Keep it Short and Sweet

While it’s tempting to share every detail about the couple, it’s important to keep your speech short and sweet. Aim for a speech that’s no longer than five minutes. This will give you enough time to share your message without losing the audience’s attention.

Practice Makes Perfect

The key to delivering a great speech is practice. Start by writing down your speech and then practice delivering it in front of a mirror or with a friend. This will help you get comfortable with the material and ensure that you’re able to deliver it confidently on the big day.

Focus on Friendship and Happiness

Weddings are all about celebrating love, friendship, and happiness. Make sure your speech reflects these themes by focusing on the positive aspects of the couple’s relationship.

Share stories that highlight their love for each other, their friendship, and the happiness they bring to each other’s lives.

Use Humor Wisely

Humor can be a great way to lighten the mood and engage the audience, but use it wisely. Make sure your jokes are appropriate for the occasion and that they don’t overshadow the message of your speech. Remember, the goal is to celebrate the couple and their love, not to steal the show.

Now that you’ve learned the basics of writing a wedding speech, it’s a good idea to read some real speeches to see how it all comes together.

Look for examples of speeches online or in books. Watching or reading other people’s speeches can give you inspiration and a better understanding of how to make your speech unique and special.

You might also want to check out books or articles about public speaking and storytelling, as they can help you improve your delivery and engagement skills.

And remember, it’s always a good idea to review some tips on wedding etiquette to make sure your speech is respectful and fitting for the occasion.

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Free Wedding Speech Examples to Celebrate the Big Day

These wedding speech examples will help your write a memorable wedding toast for the big day.

If someone has asked you to make a speech at a wedding, then you probably know the wedding couple pretty well. And since you know and love them, you'll want to make that speech personal, meaningful, engaging, and maybe even a little charming. Don't worry - we've got your back with free wedding speech examples you can use as guides. Use any of these sample wedding speeches as a jumping off point to help you speak from the heart. You've got this.

Best Man's Wedding Speech

The best man's speech is usually upbeat and lighthearted. He may tell some stories about the couple, and if he has known one or both of them since childhood, he may add a few tales from that period, too.

Maid of Honor Speech Examples for the Sister of the Bride
Free Short Best Man Speech Examples That'll Capture Hearts
Say 'I Do' to Free Samples of Wedding Announcement Wording

Lighthearted & Amusing Best Man Speech Example

(Name) has asked me to talk today about what a great guy he is, and so I can honestly say that he's handsome, brilliant, funny and perrr.... (TURN TO GROOM) ... (Groom's name), I can't read your writing. What's this last word? Since we met, I have seen his transformation from an awkward youth to a slightly less awkward adult, and it is my great pleasure to speak on this important occasion.

Of course, we wouldn't be here today without (partner's name) and his/her/their ability to get shy old (groom's name) to propose. (Partner's name), I'm sure it was worth the wait. I often think that (partner's name) makes (groom's name) look good. Mainly by standing next to him. He/she/they is/are full of warmth, humor, and initiative.

Marriage is a serious matter which shouldn't be entered into without careful consideration and since (groom's name) took his sweet time proposing, I think it's safe to say he's thought about this for a long time. (Add humorous story about his commitment issues here).

In conclusion, these two married today for better and for worse. (Groom's name) couldn't have done better and (partner's name) couldn't have done….. (look down at notes and pause) better either. I'd like to thank the attendants on behalf of the couple. They all look wonderful, and I'm sure you'll all agree they have performed their role splendidly. And finally, on behalf of everyone here, I can truly say we wish nothing but the best for your future. You are a unique and perfectly matched couple, and we hope that all your dreams come true, and you have a magical life together. Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in a toast............. To (couple's names).

Toasts for a Best Man to Give

Groom's Wedding Speech

The groom's speech should be one that primarily expresses his appreciation for the love and support of his friends and family. He should also express his devotion to his new spouse.

Heartfelt Groom's Speech Example

I would just like to thank everybody for coming today, especially those that have traveled quite a ways to celebrate this day with us. Ever since I first started dating (spouse's name), his/her/their family has made me feel welcome and, well, like a member of the family. Now, I am officially part of that wonderful family, and I'm very grateful.

I would like to thank both sets of parents since neither (spouse's name) nor I would be here today if it weren't for them. I would also like to thank you for all your love and support over the years, and for all the advice you have given us. If we can raise a family half as wonderful, then we will be very happy.

I must also thank my new in-laws for bringing up such a compassionate and intelligent son/daughter/child. And, to my husband/wife/partner, you look absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for everything you've done. You know everything about me and love me just the same. I have my faults, yet you still agreed to marry me. I am extremely lucky today to be the one to marry you, and I know this is the start of many happy years together. I would like to thank (best man's name) for agreeing to be my best man and all the attendants for their help and support. Here's a toast to you all.

Bride's Wedding Speech

The bride's speech is very similar to the groom's speech. She should also express her appreciation to her family and friends and express her love for her new spouse.

Elegant Bride Speech Example

(Spouse's name) and I feel privileged to be sharing our day with all our friends and family who have been so important to us throughout our lives. Many of you traveled for quite a long distance. Thanks to all of you for the efforts and sacrifices you have made to be with us today.

I also want to thank the most wonderful parents a child could ever have. Not only for the love, support and guidance over the years, but also for everything you've done to help make this day perfect. We would have never managed without you both, and today would not have been possible or so special. Thank you to both sets of our parents from the bottom of our hearts.

Now it's time to thank my beautiful bridesmaids for everything they've done and for being the greatest friends ever. To my maid of honor, (maid of honor's name), you have been a lifesaver. You truly are the definition of a best friend and sister. Thank you for always being there for me.

(Spouse's name), I want to thank you for making my life complete. I am so lucky to be your wife, and I look forward to our life together. Finally, we would like to thank each one of you for being here with us on this special day.

Groom's or Bride's Father Speech

The groom's or bride's father should give a speech that welcomes the bride or groom into the family. He should also mention the joining of the two families and express well wishes and thoughts of happiness for the newly married couple's future.

Thoughtful Welcome Speech Example

Good afternoon everyone. First of all, on behalf of my wife and I, I would like to welcome (groom's or bride's parents) into the family. I'd also like to welcome relatives and friends of both families and thank you all for being here, especially those of you who have traveled a long way to make this special occasion so memorable. (Bride and groom's names) have obviously worked really hard on this beautiful wedding, and I'm sure everyone here agrees that the ceremony was wonderful.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone else involved in making the day so special. At this point, I would like to formally welcome (bride or groom) into the family, even though you have been part of it for a good while now. Without sounding too corny, (bride or groom's name), you are a great person who clearly loves our (son/daughter/child) and obviously makes him/her/them very happy. I think you have been with (groom or bride's name) long enough now to know what you are getting yourself into by joining our family, so, to be honest, I don't have any sympathy for you. Seriously though (groom or bride's name), we are glad that you are part of our family, and I am proud to have you as a (son-in-law or daughter-in-law).

Sticking with tradition, I'd like to leave the new couple with some words of advice as they enter into this next stage of their lives together. As a great philosopher once said, a man who gives in when he is wrong is a wise man. Whilst a man who gives in when he is right is married. All that remains is for me to ask that you all join me in a toast to the happy couple. May you both live as long as you like and have all that you need for as long as you live. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you (bride and groom's names).

Maid of Honor's Speech

The maid of honor's speech might give thanks to the bride for being chosen as the honored attendant. She might also give a little history as to how the bride and groom met, as well as when she first noticed that they had fallen in love. The bride's maid of honor could also relate some humorous, though not embarrassing, stories about the bride or the newly married couple.

Free Maid of Honor Speeches

Gracious Maid of Honor Speech Example

When (bride's name) asked me to be her maid of honor, I started wondering where the custom of having a bridesmaid originated from. My research led me to the interesting origins of many of our wedding customs, and everything is done to protect the bride from misfortune on her wedding day.

In the old days, sometimes marriage was by capture, and a maiden was guarded by her family to prevent seizure. The bridesmaids would often act as decoys by wearing dresses similar to the bride's to confuse the kidnappers and to keep evil spirits away. Today, I have done my best to keep the evil spirits away, but at least the family wasn't a problem!

Both of you have found your other half. Thank you (bride's name) for being such a wonderful best friend. I'm glad you have found (spouse's name), and I know that he/she/they will always love you. Always love and respect each other. Remember that a married couple are indeed best friends, and good friendships are built not with time, but with trust! May you grow old together on one pillow, and may your life be filled with happiness and joy! My love to the both of you!

Craft Your Perfect Wedding Speech

Giving a wedding toast or speech doesn't have to be complicated or difficult. Base your speech ideas on your history with the couple, your friendship, and their love. With these examples to follow, you can craft a wedding speech that honors the newlywed couple and expresses your gratitude for being a part of their special day. Remember, the most important part of your wedding day speech is to speak from the heart.

How to Write a Great Wedding Speech

Being asked to deliver a wedding speech can feel equal parts humbling and terrifying! Not only is there the daunting thought of speaking in front of a crowd, there’s also the overwhelming task of writing a memorable speech that ticks all the right boxes, from humorous to heartfelt. No pressure, right?!

If you’re currently trying to prepare for your wedding speech duties but feeling stuck with writer’s block, we’re here to help. From etiquette tips to wording examples, keep reading for our top tips on writing an epic wedding speech that leaves a lasting impression.

How to Write a Great Wedding Speech: Etiquette Tips

Before you sit down to craft your speech, take a moment to think first about the bigger picture. Whether you’re a bridesmaid, best man or sibling, there are a few etiquette guidelines you should keep in mind to ensure your speech is memorable for all the right reasons. We’ve rounded up the most important “unspoken rules” for a wedding toast below:

A great wedding speech strikes the perfect balance between sentimental and light-hearted. If your speech is overly sentimental and gushy, it might feel uncomfortable amongst a large crowd. On the flipside, if it’s too light-hearted and silly, it might come across as disrespectful or insincere. A 50:50 ratio will ensure your speech hits the mark!
The sweet spot for any wedding speech is generally between 2-5 minutes. This is the perfect amount of time to deliver a meaningful speech without losing the interest of guests or impacting the reception timeline.
While funny anecdotes are a great way to personalise your speech, steer clear of any embarrassing stories (or mentions of ex-partners!) that could make anyone feel uncomfortable. Keep it clean!
On that note – some gentle teasing is completely fine if that suits your relationship with the couple, but don’t paint anyone in an unflattering light. Playful humour should only be used if you’re 150% sure it will be well-received!
Don’t copy a speech you found online word-for-word. Templates are a helpful starting point for ideas and inspiration, but the best wedding speeches are always personalised to reflect your relationship with the couple.
Make sure your speech is directed at both of the newlyweds. Even though you’ll probably have a closer relationship with one half of the couple, it’s important to address both parties instead of delivering a one-sided speech. This is their big day, after all!

Gather Your Material

Now that the etiquette guidelines have been set, it’s time to start crafting your speech! Staring at a blank page can be seriously intimidating, so we recommend taking the pressure off and using a brainstorming session to get those creative juices flowing instead.

Grab a notebook and pen and take a trip down memory lane with these helpful prompts below:

What are your favourite qualities and personality traits of the bride/groom?
What are some examples of those traits in action?
How did you meet both halves of the couple?
What was your first impression of them, and how has this evolved?
What are your favourite memories and experiences together?
What do you admire about their relationship?
What makes them such a great match?
What do you hope for them in the future?

You might find it helpful to look back on old photos or even chat amongst other close friends and family members for further inspiration. Brainstorming your way through these prompts will give you the bones of a memorable, fun and personal speech, with plenty of material to work with.

Structuring Your Speech

Now for the fun part – pulling your speech together! A great wedding speech will usually include the following key elements. You can use these elements as a simple outline to build your speech around:

Introduction

Words of thanks

Personal anecdotes

Praise for the relationship

Introduction:

Open your speech by introducing yourself and your relationship to the couple. Your opening line could be as simple as:

“Hi everybody! For those who don’t know me, I’m (name), and I’m (bride/groom name)’s (sister/best man/maid of honour/etc).”

If you’re going for a more humorous approach, you could follow your introduction by cracking a joke to break the ice, such as:

“Just a couple of rules before we begin. If you have a mobile phone – that’s fine, leave it switched on, entertain yourselves. And if anyone texts you any good jokes, could you send them my way?”

“When I first sat down and started reflecting on what I wanted to say here tonight, I kept thinking to myself, ‘I can’t believe (name) is getting married in less than an hour.”

Welcoming guests and sharing some words of appreciation is always a nice touch, especially if the couple isn’t planning on making their own speech. You might want to include a special thanks to guests who have travelled, or for those who have helped with the wedding planning. For example:

“I’d like to thank you all for being here today to celebrate the marriage of (name) to (name), especially for those who have travelled far and wide. I’d also like to thank everyone who has helped in the lead up to the wedding in whatever way possible, big or small – you’ve all played a part to make the day special.”

This is the heart and soul of your speech! Look back on your brainstorming session and pick out some of your favourite memories as you begin to address the couple more personally. You might want to kick things off by talking about your relationship with the person you’re closest to, before sharing a fun anecdote or highlighting their best qualities. For example:

“I’ve known (name) all my life – we’ve laughed together, cried together, and watched way too many episodes of Friends together. I’ll never forget the time we (insert a funny anecdote or favourite memory)”

“I’ve had the privilege of growing up with (name), and so I couldn’t go past this opportunity to share some of my favourite memories of them. We’ve certainly shared some interesting moments – from the time we (insert a funny anecdote), to the time we (insert a favourite memory)”

“For those who know (name) well, I think we can all agree that one of her best qualities is her spontaneous nature. This was definitely highlighted when we (insert a funny anecdote or two).”

Next, you’ll want to expand on your relationship with their partner. For example:

“When (name) introduced me to (name), I had a good feeling about him immediately. I couldn’t think of anyone better suited for my (sister/friend/etc) – he’s funny, kind, intelligent, and most importantly – shares our family’s love for bad jokes and boardgames”

“I remember when (name) returned from his first date with (name). I’m not joking when I say he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face for the next 3 days! And when I met (name) a few weeks later, it all made sense. (Name), you’re an absolute catch, and one of the sweetest people I know. Thank you for being such an amazing partner to my best mate”

“I’ve known (name) for a long time, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen him as happy as he’s been since knowing (name). (Name), you have such a big heart and you truly light up a room. You’ve fit so perfectly into our family and we couldn’t imagine our lives without you in it!”

Next, share some praise for the couple and what you admire about their relationship. This is where you’ll want to bring it back to what this day is all about! For example:

“I think everyone here will agree that you two are a perfect match. From the way (name) supports (name)’s online shopping addiction, to your shared love of dogs and the crazy adventures you take together, I’m so happy that you’ve each found your soulmate and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes you.”

“I’ve been lucky enough to watch your relationship grow from the very beginning, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen two people so in love. The way you support each other and experience life together is beautiful to witness, and I just know that your marriage will be filled with passion, happiness and adventure”

End your speech by asking guests to raise their glasses for a toast. This is a great time to include a meaningful quote, words of marriage advice, or wishes for the future. For example:

“So with that being said, I’d like to invite everyone to raise their glasses and toast the newlyweds as they embark on this exciting journey together. Here’s to the happy couple – we love you guys!”

“If everyone could please raise their glasses for the newlyweds – I’d like to wish you both a lifetime of love, happiness, romance and adventure together. Cheers!”

“As you embark on this new chapter together, I wanted to leave you with a quote: A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Ladies and gents, please raise your glasses and join me in toasting the newlyweds – cheers!”

Nailing Your Wedding Speech

Once you’ve crafted your wedding speech, remember: practice makes perfect, so alleviate those public speaking nerves by rehearsing your speech until you feel confident and comfortable with the material. Notecards are a great resource to keep you on track, but try not to rely on them – it’s okay not to follow your script word for word. Instead, allow yourself to be swept up in the moment and enjoy the experience!

While it might seem scary, being asked to deliver a wedding speech is actually an honour and shows just how much the newlyweds value your relationship. Simply follow our pointers above, and you’ll be sure to bring down the house with a memorable speech written from the heart.

Looking for more wedding guest tips? Check out our guide on exactly what to write in a wedding card here !

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In This Article

3 Ways How To Start A Speech
Tips On How To Start A Speech
Things to Avoid

Important Questions To Answer Before You Start

Examples To Find Inspiration
Wedding Party & Reception

How to Start a Wedding Speech: Captivating Openings

nagi.graphy via Instagram

If you’re not used to public speaking it would be easy to get stuck on how to start a wedding speech. However, the good thing is once you start, once you get out that door, you are on a roll. So, as long as you can get that part out of the way, you can be sure to hit your home run.

Giving wedding speeches can be nerve-wracking sometimes, and if you find yourself fussed about your opening or closing lines. Or even a tad worried about the speech, we’re here to guide you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What goes first in a wedding speech.

The common opening line for wedding speeches is a greeting and introduction. So, something like, “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I’m (name) and delighted to welcome you all here tonight.”

Who speaks first in wedding speeches?

In the traditional wedding speech order, the father of the bride speaks first, followed by the groom, and then the best man before others.

3 Ways How To Start A Speech For A Wedding

If you are thinking about how to start a speech for a wedding, well, it’s important to keep the type of event in mind. There are several factors that can determine the way you start your speech, the type of speech that you give, and how you close it. This would include:

The general mood of the event (formal, informal, relaxed, etc).
The time of the wedding event.
The location.
And, your part in the wedding.

Start With An Introduction Of Yourself In A Usual Manner

Although how to start a wedding speech for father of the bride would be different from if you’re the best man. It is always great to start with an introduction. And so, no matter your part in the wedding, introducing yourself would be the polite way to start.

Smile as you do it and make a bit of a joke if you feel tense, or reference how important the day is if you don’t feel like joking.

Start With A Joke

Start with a quote.

Whether you’re thinking about how to start a wedding speech for a sister or a friend, you cannot go wrong with a good quote. If you have a sentimental quote about love, or a favorite quote you both share, this will always be a good idea. And whether you choose to give a quote or a joke, always remember to smile.

Tips On How To Start A Speech At A Wedding

With the right tips on hand, you wouldn’t need to worry much about how to start a speech at a wedding. Use this guide to get your nerves in check. Start strong, and finish well. With the right guidance you’ll do well whether you’re making a speech for a friend, your child or the love of your life.

Get ready beforehand: If you are worried about how to start a wedding speech as a maid of honor or best man, the last thing you want to do is wing it. To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail, so be sure to get ready well ahead of time.
Don’t think you need to know your whole speech off by heart: While you might have a good memory, do not rely completely on it. Prepare your speech and write it out in handy notes. You don’t need to write all of it, you could just make cue cards to help with each point.
Practice in advance including reading aloud: Whether you’re figuring out how to start a speech of best man at wedding or a bridesmaid, you need to rehearse. Practice as much as you can in advance.
Record yourself to listen how you sound: Recording yourself in audio or videotape will help as well. While it might be a tad uncomfortable, you will get a better idea of any improvements you’d need to make as you practice more.
When giving your speech – always make eye contact: When you’re wondering how to start a wedding speech for a brother or friend, remember about eye contact. Eye contact connects you to the audience.
Be yourself: Try to relax, don’t fret and share your perspective on the couple. Just be yourself and the message will be passed across easily. If you are anxious, the guests will feel it too.
Emotions are ok: It is okay to tell a story that means something to you, and if it does, it is also okay to show emotion. Be it tears or laughter, emotions add feeling to your words.
Tears are ok: A wedding is a celebration of love, and happy tears are always welcome. So, don’t feel the need to hide those emotions if they rise to the surface.
Improvisation is ok: You might consider improvising if your nerves threaten to get the best of you. In the end there is no hard and fast rule for giving your speech.

Things to Avoid When Starting Your Wedding Speech

how to start a wedding speech guests table setting

tweedcoastweddings via Instagram

Rambling or Going Off on Tangents: It’s important to stay focused and concise when delivering your wedding speech. Avoid rambling or going off on unrelated tangents that could lose the attention of your audience.
Prolonged Stories or Anecdotes: While sharing a brief and meaningful story can enhance your speech, be cautious not to go into excessive detail or share prolonged anecdotes. Keep your speech engaging and to the point, ensuring that it doesn’t drag on for too long.
Mentioning Past Relationships or Exes: It’s best to avoid bringing up past relationships or mentioning exes in your wedding speech. Focus on celebrating the love and joy of the couple’s present relationship, rather than delving into the past.
Overindulging in Alcohol before the Speech: It’s essential to maintain a clear and coherent delivery during your wedding speech. Avoid overindulging in alcohol before your speech to ensure that you speak confidently and coherently.
Insults or Negative Remarks: Steer clear of making any negative or insulting remarks during your wedding speech. It’s a time to celebrate and uplift the couple, so focus on expressing your love, support, and well wishes for their future.

Remember, a well-crafted and heartfelt wedding speech will be appreciated by the couple and their guests, so it’s important to avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a memorable and positive experience for everyone involved.

sirpillasoirees via Instagram

Knowing the answers to a few questions can be helpful if you’re struggling with how to start a wedding speech for a groom or bride. The answers to these simple questions could as well help you create your speech. For instance:

Who will speak before you? This could influence the content of your speech or toast. You might want to pick up where they left off, say a few words about them, or thank them for introducing you.
When will you speak? The timing of your speech could also decide the type of speech that you give. If it’s early in the day, you might consider something more formal and quick. If it’s late in the day during dinner, a more relaxed, fun and cheerful speech would be nice.
Is there a memory the couple would want to share? If there is anything specific the couple would like you to mention, it would be a good idea to find that out beforehand and include it in your speech.
How much time do you have? Most speeches don’t go above 5 mins. Being aware of how much time you have to speak, will also help you in drafting your speech and deciding what should be said and what should be left out.

How To Start A Wedding Speech: Examples To Find Inspiration

How to start a wedding speech for mother.

There are several ways to start your wedding speech as the mother of the bride or groom. If you are worried about how to start a wedding speech for your daughter or son, the examples below can inspire you.

Hi everybody! I am the mother of our wonderful bride. I am very happy that so many people joined the celebration of our special day today!

Good evening! Who does not know me yet, I am the mother of the bride, _. It’s hard for me to hide my emotions on this wonderful day and I would like to thank all our guests for being with us today!

My name is _. Who does not know – I am the mother of the groom. I am glad to welcome you all here tonight.

How To Start A Wedding Speech For Father Of The Bride

A wedding celebration is not just about the couple, but also about their loved ones. As father of the bride or groom, you would be feeling a lot of emotions on such a big day. You can start your wedding speech by introducing yourself, expressing those emotions, and telling everyone how much this day means to you.

You should probably all know who I am, and if you don’t – I _, the bride’s dad. Welcome to our celebration!

The highest happiness on earth is the happiness of marriage. And today we are all here to congratulate our beautiful newlyweds.

Wedding is the most important day in every girl’s life, welcome to my beautiful daughter’s wedding. If someone does not know me, I am the father of the bride, _.

How To Start A Wedding Speech Maid Of Honor

As maid of honor you would have lots of material for a wedding speech. Just deciding how to start your wedding speech and how to organize all of the words can get you on your way.

Hi all! I am _, a bridesmaid. I am so happy that _ got married today. It is such a joyous event for all of us.

You probably know me as a bridesmaid, _. But today you will also recognize me as the queen of the dance floor, because the bride warned that there would be dancing until the morning! Jo, I’m just kidding!

Today is a special day and we are here to celebrate with our newlyweds! We have been preparing for a long year and now this day has come!

How To Start A Speech Of Best Man At Wedding

Whether you have a joke, a quote, or a story to share, as the best man everyone would be interested in what you have to say. So, try to be yourself and read out the words as you have planned and rehearsed.

My dear, _! I’m so happy that you found the girl of your dreams and today is your wedding, but I’m so sad that now you will stop hanging out with me like we did at the university. Okay, I’m kidding! I’m still very happy!

Hi everybody! I’m best man, my name is _, and who doesn’t know I’m a single – this is information for the table where the bridesmaids are. I would like to congratulate our dear newlyweds on this wonderful day!

Good evening everyone! When I was preparing this speech, I was thinking how I can fit my attitude towards _ and our 20 years of friendship into 7 minutes. But, I found a way out – we have the whole night ahead!

How To Start A Wedding Speech For Sister

As the sister of the groom or bride, you won’t need to worry about how to start a bride’s wedding speech. There are many paths to follow. After introducing yourself you could tell a joke about your sibling, tell a story about the couple, or talk about your joy at seeing them hitched finally.

My dear sister! You are so beautiful today! I am so glad that there are so many people here today, and we all gathered to congratulate you and _ on such a special day!

Hi everybody! I am the groom’s sister, _. I would like to say a few words about my brother and welcome his new wife to our family.

I’m _, the groom’s younger sister! All my life I wanted to have not only a brother, but also a sister. How happy I am that now my dreams have come true! _, welcome to our family.

How To Start A Wedding Speech For Brother

Sometimes you feel as if you cannot find the right words, or your nerves get the best of you. However, with preparation, there are more than enough words to express your joy for your brother on his wedding day.

As the brother of the groom, I would like to say a few words about him. I remember when I was 9 and he was 7, we promised each other never to mess with girls. And today we are at his wedding!

Today our family has become bigger! And I’m incredibly happy for these two so happy! I have always been protective of my little sister and only wanted her to date a nice guy. And it happened just like that!

Hello everyone, I’m _. According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. And I totally agree. So sorry, but I’ll be brief.

How to Start a Wedding Speech for a Best Friend

Starting a wedding speech for your best friend requires a heartfelt and personal approach. Here’s an example of how you could begin:

Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, my name is [Your Name], and I have the incredible honor and privilege of standing here today as [Best Friend’s Name]’s best friend. First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to [Couple’s Names] for allowing me to share in this joyous celebration of their love. Today is not only a celebration of their union but also a testament to the unbreakable bond of friendship that [Best Friend’s Name] and I have shared throughout the years.

How To Start A Bride’s Wedding Speech

As a bride, you wouldn’t need to start your wedding speech with an introduction since everyone attending would no doubt know who you are. Your speech would mostly be one of thanks to your guests, love for your partner a story or two if you like, and an overall expression of joy for such a special day.

I’m so happy to welcome all of you here today to celebrate our wedding and thank you for choosing to spend the day with us!

I want to thank everyone who is with us today – thanks to you this day has become even more special. It will be such a pleasure to see all the photos and videos from our holiday as soon as possible, I’m sure they will be amazing!

I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston created just the best song. And I will always love you too, my dear husband.

How To Start A Wedding Speech For Groom

Just like the bride, the groom would not need any introduction. The groom’s speech could begin with supporting the words of the bride or be totally different.

I would like to join all the words of my wife! Thank you for being with us today on this special day.

If someone does not know me, I _, groom. Or already a husband. Haha, I’m kidding. Today was just the best day, I did not even imagine that everything would be like this.

Hi all! I‘d like to add a few words to my wife’s speech. Like most men, I don’t like attention, photo shooting, etc. But today it wasn’t stressful, it was so relaxed and easy-going thanks to everyone who was with us!

It’s quite common to fret about how to start a wedding speech. However, with some inspirational examples, banging tips and a strong start, you can tackle any wedding speech successfully whether you are the best man, groom, or even mother of the bride.

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How to Begin a Wedding Speech: Great Opening Lines

Handy one-liners to get your speech off to an amazing start.

If you've read our post on how to make a great wedding speech , you'll know that it's really important to start strong! Well, here we're showing you how to do exactly that, with a list of the best wedding speech opening lines . The beauty of this list is that it works for any kind of wedding speech, whether you're the bride, groom, best man, bridesmaid, father-of-the-bride, or even the flower girl or the groom's granny!

We've made sure to include lots of different options so there's something to suit every style of speech, whether you want to keep it simple, bring the audience to tears, or give them a giggle with a joke . Some of our wedding speech opening lines can be customised, too, to help you make your speech even more personal. So, let's dive in!

Our Favourite Wedding Speech Opening Lines

To help you find what you're looking for, we've split our sample opening lines into three categories; simple and sincere opening lines, funny opening lines and opening lines with quotes from famous people.

Note: (name) can indicate yourself, the bride/groom, the couple as a whole, or another member of the wedding party.

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Simple and Sincere Opening Lines

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you (name) for the kind introduction."

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As (name's friend/relative), I'm delighted to welcome you all here tonight."

"Thank you so much, (name), for such a wonderful introduction. I only hope I can live up to your kind words!"

"Hello everyone. I hope you're all having a great night so far."

"Hello, I'm (name) and, for those of you who don't already know me, I'm (relation to couple)."

"Hi everybody, I'm (name), and I'm here to talk a little bit about my good friend (name)."

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and I'm going to talk a little bit about (name). When I was writing this speech, I asked myself how I could sum up (X) years of friendship, laughter and adventures in one speech, and I decided that I can't. We'd be here all night."

"Hello everybody and welcome. I think we can all agree that it's been a wonderful day so far. (Couple names), you should be really proud of the amazing day you've put together. We're all very lucky to be a part of it."

"Hello everyone. I hope you're all having a great night so far. My life changed completely on (date, year), when (name) came into my life, and it changes again today, as they embark on their latest adventure with (name)."

"Hi everybody. Thank you for the warm welcome. Mark Twain once said that 'there are only two types of speakers in the world. 1. The nervous and 2. Liars.' I'm definitely in the former category, so I hope you'll forgive me if I'm a little bit shaky this evening."

wedding speech opening lines funny opening lines sincere opening lines (9)

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Funny Opening Lines to Make Guests LOL

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and before any of you ask, yes I am single."

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and I'll be your speaker for the next 95 minutes."

"Hi everybody. If you don't know who I am... well, you're probably at the wrong wedding! But stick around, we need extra people for the conga line."

"Hi everyone. You're probably wondering why I gathered you here today. I've got a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity that I know you're going to - sorry, wrong speech!"

"Hello everyone! Thank you all for being here on such an exciting night. Yes, the rumours are true, I will be debuting some new choreography on the dance floor this evening. But in the mean time, I suppose I should talk a little bit about (couple names)."

"Hello, and welcome. You may know me as (name's friend/relative), but tonight, I go by the title, (name), Lord of the Dance."

"Hi everyone. Just in case you don't already know, I'm (name) and I'm the best man. There are some really successful, good-looking, charming men in the room tonight, but now that it's written on the ceremony program in black and white, it's official - I am the best."

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from the great Seamus Heaney/Maya Angelou/Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr./Mother Teresa... but unfortunately I left my speech in my other jacket. So you'll have to make do with me!"

“Hi everyone. If I could just say a few words … I’d be a better public speaker! That gag was actually stolen from Homer Simpson, which should give you an idea of the caliber of speech you can expect from me tonight.”

"Hi everyone, and welcome. Webster's dictionary describes a wedding as, 'The process of removing weeds from one's garden'. That's a Homer Simpson quote, which should give you an idea of the caliber of speech you can expect from me tonight.”

"Hello everyone, I'm (name.) According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right?"

"Hi everyone. When I was preparing this speech, (name) gave me a list of topics that were strictly off-limits, so I'd like to start with those."

"Hi everyone. I'm (name). Anyone who knows me knows that I'm (name)'s biggest fan. So much so, that I was actually quite hurt when I learned that I wasn't going to be involved in the first dance!"

"Hi everyone. I just want to take a few minutes to talk about my good friend (name). I first met (name) when we were 13, and since then, I've always looked up to him. He was, after all, the only 6ft 2' student at (school name)!"

"Good evening everyone. To our English speakers, I'd like to say welcome, we're delighted that you could be with us today to celebrate the marriage of (couple names). To our (other language) speakers, I'd like to say (use Google Translate or ask a native speaker to translate, 'My llama is very handsome. I hope my translation is correct.')"

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Beginning with a Quote

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from Dr. James Dobson, who said, 'Don't marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can't live without.' "

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from Franz Schubert, who said, 'Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife.' "

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, 'There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.' "

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from Franklin P. Jones, who said, 'Love doesn't make the world go 'round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.' "

"Hi everyone, I'm (name.) I hope you're all having a wonderful day so far. When I got married to my partner (name), somebody told me, 'Don't just be husband and wife, be president of each other's fan clubs,' and I'd like to pass on that same advice to (couple)."

"Hello everyone. I'd like to begin with a quote from Mignon McLaughlin, who said, 'A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.' Over the past (x) years, I've had the pleasure of watching (name) fall in love with (name) over and over again."

Click herefor a handy checklist of people to thank in your wedding speech , plus how to keep the speeches from being too long !

Image credits

Adam and grace, via one fab day, see more in:.

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200 Beautiful Wedding Wishes and Messages to Write in Their Card

For family, friends or colleagues — honor their day with these congratulatory words.

wedding wishes what to write in a wedding card

Funny Wedding Wishes

Wedding wishes based on bible verses, wedding wishes for a colleague, meaningful wedding wishes, wishes for a new family member, wedding wishes for a son or daughter.

That’s right, figuring out what to write inside a wedding card is an important part of gift-giving that should be taken seriously. After all, marriage is a major step in a person’s life and a commitment intended to last a lifetime — so crafting a special message for the loving pair will go a long way.

Stumped on what to write? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the best wedding messages and wishes to write inside a card . Whether you’re attending the wedding of your child, family member, close friend or co-worker, we have just the right words to help you wish them well. Keep in mind that tailoring your message to suit the relationship is key. For example, what you write for your favorite cousin may not resonate with a professional acquaintance or colleague. And remember, what you write in a bridal shower card should be different than what you pen in a wdding card! So, we’ve put the messages into simple categories to help you strike the right tone and find the one that will work the best for you.

From light-hearted and funny to formal and sentimental this round-up of wedding messages and wishes are sure to brighten the couple’s big day. Plus, if you’re unable to send a card or attend the wedding, you can always share them as Instagram captions to commemorate the couple’s official union.

So, now that you’ve nailed down what you plan to write, you can focus on other important details like finding the perfect dress to wear and purchasing a unique wedding present from their gift registry . Regardless of what you wear, buy, or write inside the wedding card, all that matters is that you send the newlyweds good vibes as they embark on this blissful new journey.

Formal Wedding Wishes

Wishing you a lifetime of wedded bliss.
May your special union bring unbelievable joy to your life.
May the years ahead be filled with lasting love and happiness.
May today be the beginning of a new tomorrow that you will cherish forever.
Wishing you nothing but a lifetime of love.
May this day be the start of forever for you two.
May your love burn brighter every day as you grow in love.
Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness.
Always remember this special day and why you’re saying, “I do.”
Wishing you joy, love and happiness on your wedding day and as you begin your new life together.
Together, may you experience joy beyond your imaginations.
May this day mark the beginning of a lifetime together.
Wishing you both a happy and prosperous future.
As you grow older together, may your love for one another grow stronger.
Congratulations on your marriage and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling future.
Congratulations on your marriage. May it be fulfilling and everlasting.
Wishing you a beautiful wedding day and an enduring love.
With every hug and kiss, may your bond grow stronger.
Thanks for allowing me to be a part of your special day and witness your undying love.
Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness together.
Cheers to the happy couple. Congratulations!
May your love continue to thrive to infinity and beyond.
Wishing you nothing but endless love.
It’s a joy to watch your love blossom. Here’s to you!
There’s nothing like the celebration of true love!
Today is the beginning of forever. Happy wedding day!
May today be the start of a love that will never end.
Blessings on your nuptials.
Here’s to a joyous life together as you embark upon this love-filled journey.
May the two of you continue to love unconditionally. Congratulations!
Wishing you love, joy and happiness today and always!
Keep love in your heart and every day will feel like today. Happy wedding day!
Today is just the beginning of a lifetime of fun, love-filled adventures. Cheers!
So honored to witness your special day. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.
Your love is so bright that it radiates the room. Congratulations!
May your years ahead be filled with nothing but hugs and kisses.

Congratulations! You’re finally getting hitched!
Thanks for inviting me to the best party ever! Oops, I meant your wedding. Congratulations!
Remember, in order to have a successful marriage, you must fall in love many times and always with the same person.
Enjoy your special day because tomorrow the real hard work starts!
Your free booze was greatly appreciated. Wishing you a lifetime of wedded bliss!
Here’s the secret to a successful marriage…oh wait, no one has figured that out yet. Good luck!
Congratulations on signing away your freedom and privacy!
Never forget that this might be the happiest day of your life. It’s all downhill from here! Best wishes.
Best of luck to your new spouse. They don’t know what they’re getting into. Thankfully, they love you unconditionally!
Now you’ll both have someone to laugh at your corny jokes!
It’s good that you two found each other. You’re practically the same person in different bodies!
Eat, drink and be married!
Congratulations! Here’s a piece of advice: don’t build furniture together if you want it to last!
You two have just started your lives together, but you’re already starting to look alike!
Marriage is a bond between a person who never remembers anniversaries and another who never forgets them.
Don't mess this up! But in case you do, just know that you can keep my gift... Congrats!
Congratulations on your wedding, may you always be able to put up with each other!
It's a true blessing to know that, for the rest of your life, there's only one special person you want to annoy. Congratulations!
Marriage: Where “Yes Dear” are the magic words.
Getting married is like being in drama school. You get to practice everything from comedy to melodrama to tragedy. Congratulations.
Congratulations and best of luck on continuing to ignore the little annoying things.
And now you two have officially become one: one bed, one remote, one bathroom!
Congratulations! Thanks for officially taking [insert name] off my hands.
I just have one thing to say: finally!
“Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” –Ephesians 4:32
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." –1 Corinthians 13:13
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” –1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Let all that you do be done in love.” –1 Corinthians 16:14
“I have found the one whom my soul loves.” –Song of Solomon 3:4
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” –Romans 12:10
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” –Mark 10:9
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” –Proverbs 3:3
"Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins." –1 Peter 4:8
"Serve one another through love." –Galatians 5:13
"I have found the one whom my soul loves." –Song of Solomon 3:4
"No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us." –1 John 4:12
"So, they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate." —Matthew 19:6
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." —Ephesians 4:2-3
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." —1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
"Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other." —Psalm 85:10
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." —1 Peter 4:8
"Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned." —Song of Solomon 8:7
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for you I entrust my life." —Psalm 143:8
"He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord." —Proverbs 18:22
“The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." —Jeremiah 3:13
"But Ruth replied, 'Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.’” —Ruth 1 16-17
"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law." —Romans 13:8

Congratulations on finding your soulmate!
Wishing you an everlasting union.
May your love burn brightly forever.
Best wishes!
Here's to many happy years together!
Congratulations on your nuptials.
All the best to you today and always.
Seeing you two together brings me so much joy. Best wishes!
Tons of love for you today and always.
Wishing you a long and healthy marriage.
It is a privilege to witness such pure love. Congratulations!
Following your heart always leads to a lifetime of love.
Here's to an exciting and loving future together.
I’m so glad to share this special day with you two!
Congratulations on your marriage. I wish you both the best.
Best wishes for today and beyond.
We are honored to celebrate your love and special day.
A lifetime of love begins today. Enjoy every minute!
I'm so honored to share this special day with you.
Well wishes!
I wish you both a long and happy marriage!
Well wishes to you and your partner!
If you’re as good of a partner as you are a co-worker, I know that your spouse is one lucky person!
I’m so happy for you. Congratulations!
Blessings on your union.
Tons of love for you today.
It’s such a joy to see you so happy. Continued blessings!
Your future as a bride/groom is exceptionally bright. Congratulations on finding your special someone.
Today is just the beginning of endless fun, laughter and of course, love!
Here’s to a lifetime of happiness.
It’s a blessing to find your soul mate. I’m so glad you found yours!
Married life is going to look so good on you!

As the days go by, hold onto the burning love that ignited your journey.
Don't let anything stand in the way of your love.
As you take this big step, know that you have my love and support today and always.
Be sure to always lean on your unconditional love even when things aren't easy.
As a couple, you are living proof that following your heart will always lead to true love.
Never forget what brought you two together. Stay focused on your love and you’ll never go wrong.
Keep your love close to your heart, it can conquer anything.
Respect your union and each other and the rest will always fall into place.
All that matters is your love for one another. Congratulations on making the commitment.
The connection you share is unbreakable. Cherish and honor your love.
Don't lose sight of your love, it can overcome anything.
Honor your spouse and you will be prepared for anything that comes your way.
Keep humor at the forefront of your marriage and you’ll have a lifetime of laughs.
Congratulations on your marriage. We want you to know that you can always call and count on us for anything.
Put your marriage first and watch it flourish.
Always remember to make time for each other no matter the circumstance.
Your sweetest dream has come true. Never forget what this feels like. Best wishes!
May this day stay in your heart forever.
True love trumps all. As you embark on this new journey, make it your guiding light.
Prioritize spending time together and you will have a long-lasting love.
Keeping your heart in the right place will always lead to true love, as you have shown with your union.
When things get tough, always remember what brought you two together: love.
Cherish every moment together because you guys were made for each other.
Never lose sight of what’s important. Keep the flame going by respecting and loving each other unconditionally.
Prayer will keep your marriage strong. Never hesitate to seek guidance. Congratulations!
There may be ups and downs down the road, but stay the course because love always prevails.
Marriage takes work, but if there’s anyone who can handle the challenges and keep the love flowing, it’s you. Here’s to a lifetime of wedded bliss!
You two are a prime example of what following your heart can bring: pure happiness!
Marriage is a commitment that comes with immeasurable benefits. Congratulations on taking this journey.
You two epitomize the meaning of soul mates. It’s an honor to witness your love.
You’re an inspiration for couples who want to take the next step. Thank you for leading with love.
Witnessing the love between you two is nothing short of amazing. Cheers to a lifetime together!
Lead with love and everything will always fall into place. Never lose sight of what sparked your union.
Keep each other first in your lives and watch how your marriage thrives.
Respect is paramount in successful marriages. Remember this and you’ll have a lifetime of happiness.
Keep all lines of communication open and your marriage will flourish until the end of time.
Remember to laugh a lot and never go to bed angry. These simple rules are cheat codes for a successful and happy marriage.
Joy is what I feel when I see your union. You’re an example of what true love looks like.
Keep love in your heart and every day will be blissful.
Surround yourself with people who respect your marriage. Never let outside forces cause chaos in your home. Congratulations on your nuptials!

Best wishes. Welcome to the family!
I am so blessed to have gained another loving family member.
Our family has gained a wonderful new member. We’re so happy to share in your love and special day.
I’m so happy to call you family. Here’s to a lifetime of making precious memories together.
Today we added another member to our family tree, and we are overjoyed. Here’s to more family gatherings.
We love you both so much. Thank you for inviting us to celebrate your union.
Nothing warms my heart more than seeing you two together. Welcome to our family.
You fit right into our family. We’re welcoming you with open arms. Congratulations.
Our family just got better because you joined it. Cheers!
This special day will go down as one of our family’s finest moments. We’re so happy to have you in our lives.
Since our first encounter, I knew you were destined to be in our family. Congratulations!
You bring such a joyful presence to our brood. Welcome to our big, wacky family.
You’ve always exuded such a calm and peaceful vibe that blends in perfectly with our family. I can’t wait to spend more time with you. Wishing you a lifetime of love.
We fell in love with you too! Thank you for loving him/her the way you do. Looking forward to more holidays together.
Your connection isn’t just with your spouse, you’re part of our family for life.
Congratulations! May your union be blessed, family.
I’ve never seen anyone bring so much joy to our family. Thank you for being you and welcome to the family.
It’s crystal clear that you two were made for each other. Continue to walk in that light and the rest of your years together will be blissful.
You two are one of my favorite couples. I’m so happy it’s official because now you’re family. Congratulations!
You are the yin to her/his yang. Keep bringing out the best in each other. You two are a match made in heaven. Welcome to the family!
I pray that God continues to bless your union. We’re so grateful to welcome you into the fold.
You’re now a treasured branch on our beloved family tree and we’re forever grateful. Congratulations on your nuptials.
Family is everything and we’re so proud to have you in ours. We love you! Welcome to the family!

I couldn’t be prouder of the beautiful/handsome young man/woman you’ve become. Congratulations on stepping into this new chapter.
As your mom, witnessing your union makes my heart sing. I am overjoyed to watch your love grow.
I’ve watched you blossom into a wonderful young woman/man. Always know that I’m here for you no matter what. Congratulations!
Although you will always be my baby, you’re now entering a new role in your life. Wishing you nothing but best wishes and everlasting love.
It makes me so happy to see you marrying the love of your life. I always knew you’d find someone who cherishes you as much as I do. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness.
May you bring each other as much happiness as you’ve brought into my life. Best wishes for a long and healthy marriage.
I always knew you were special, and it warms my heart to see someone else love and appreciate you as much as I do. Congratulations on your special day!
From the moment you were born, I knew that you would grow up to become an exceptional individual. Now that you’re getting married, never lose sight of your values and principles that have taken you this far in life.
I’m so happy to be part of your special day, daughter. As always, I’m wishing you the best in everything that you do.
To my beautiful/handsome daughter/son, it’s such a lovely feeling to witness your union. May your marriage be filled with joy and happiness on this special occasion.
It’s one of my greatest joys to see you find your special someone. Wishing you a lifetime of love.
It’s been an honor to raise you. You’ve grown into a warm, compassionate and loving human being and I couldn’t be prouder. May your union be blessed for an eternity.
You’re truly blessed to have found your soulmate. Always stay true to yourself and don’t let outsiders interfere with your unique love.
It’s been a pleasure to see you in love. Getting a front row seat in your life has been one of my greatest blessings. Wishing you infinite love today and always.
I’ve never known a love that shines as bright as yours. Continue to spread your unconditional love and your union will forever flourish.
From the first day I laid eyes on you, I knew that you were special. It’s always been my hope that you’d find someone who loves you the way you deserve to be loved. That day has come, and I’m overjoyed.
You’re the most beautiful/handsome bride/groom that I’ve ever seen. May you continue to glow in your light as you enter this new chapter.
You’ve always been a loving child. Now you’ve grown into an even more loving young man/woman. It’s such a privilege to witness your love evolve. Eternal blessings to you and your partner.
Even though you’re married now, you’ll always be my baby. Happy wedding day to my beloved baby girl/boy!
Besides your original birthday, this is probably one of the happiest days of my life. Wishing you nothing but matrimonial bliss.
It brings me the greatest joy to see you embarking on this new journey. I know that you will be an amazing husband/wife. Congratulations!I’ve been there with you since day one, so watching you take this step into holy matrimony is a blessing that I’ll forever cherish. I love you so much!

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The Ending of Bridgerton Season Three, Explained

What’s next for Lady Whistledown? Do Colin and Penelope make up? And who in the world is Michaela Stirling?

bridgerton nicola coughlan as penelope featherington in episode 308 of bridgerton cr liam danielnetflix © 2024

Warning: Major spoilers for Bridgerton season three lie ahead.

The last episode takes place a day after Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington’s wedding . Instead of post-nuptial bliss, tension fills the newlyweds’ home as the two contend with the Lady Whistledown–size elephant in the room. Elsewhere in the Bridgerton family, Francesca is ready to embark on her own life as a newlywed after marrying John Stirling —but an unforeseen complication is thrown her way. As for single Bridgertons Eloise and Benedict, we can expect both siblings to begin new journeys down paths of self-discovery.

Ahead, gentle reader, we’ve rounded up all the answers to your most burning questions about the season three finale.

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bridgerton l to r daniel francis as lord anderson, simone ashley as kate sharma, jonathan bailey as anthony bridgerton, luke thompson as benedict bridgerton in episode 307 of bridgerton cr liam danielnetflix © 2024

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How do colin and penelope reconcile and what happens to lady whistledown.

Colin’s discovery that Penelope is Lady Whistledown in episode six spells trouble for their romance. He decides to commit to marrying Penelope, though, despite feeling betrayed and Pen offering him a way out of their engagement. But although the two share a tender moment dancing together during their wedding breakfast, Colin reverts back to being cold and guarded by the next day.

Still, there’s nothing like a crisis to bring a couple together. Cressida Cowper uncovers Whistledown’s true identity and then insists Pen pay her, threatening to reveal the truth to the entire ton otherwise. Faced with this blackmail scheme, Colin goes into emergency mode. First, he beseeches Cressida to show mercy—though that quickly backfires when she instead doubles the amount she’s asking for. Later, Colin tells Penelope that he intends to ask Benedict to lend him the money to pay off Cressida. Penelope refuses this gesture. She does not want Colin to rescue her, she tells him, but simply desires his love. To this, he replies, “As long as you live with this secret, there will always be something between us.” Pen responds, “I know. Perhaps that is the key.”

Penelope writes a letter to Queen Charlotte, unmasking herself once and for all. She also uses all the money she made selling Lady Whistledown columns to fund her sisters’ spectacular vision for a joint ball. It is at this ball that Penelope comes into the light at last, revealing her alter ego before an audience that includes the queen, the Bridgertons, the Featheringtons, and the rest of the ton. The queen allows Penelope to state her case.

“I wrote about all of you because I was captivated by you, living your lives so out in the open,” Penelope says. “And in writing about all of you, I suddenly felt as if I had a life. I had power. And for anyone in this room who has ever had a taste of that, they should know it can be intoxicating.” She admits to being “careless with that power” and vows to courageously “live a life out in the open” and to “honor one’s weaknesses publicly.” Graciously, the queen grants Pen permission to continue writing as Lady Whistledown “more responsibly.”

Afterward, Colin reconciles Penelope’s voice with Lady Whistledown’s. “In truth, I have been envious of you—of your success, of your bravery,” he tells his new wife. “And now I simply cannot believe that a woman with such bravery loves me. How lucky I am to stand by your side and soak up even a little bit of your light.” Swoon!

Fast-forward a year later, and the two—along with Penelope’s sisters—are reveling in their happily ever after and welcoming their first child. Although Prudence and Philippa presumably had their daughters first, Penelope’s child is the only son—making him the Featherington heir.

What’s the deal with Francesca and Michaela?

Penelope and Colin aren’t the only newlyweds in season three. In the finale, Francesca Bridgerton ties the knot with John Stirling, a union that will take her out of Mayfair and to the Kilmartin family seat in the Scottish Highlands.

Joining them on their journey to Scotland is John’s cousin, Michaela Stirling. Upon meeting her, Francesca looks awestricken and momentarily forgets her own name—a callback to a conversation she had with Violet, who said, “When I first met your father, I could barely speak my own name. I was so taken by him. I stumbled over words most familiar.”

For those who haven’t read the original Julia Quinn novels, the introduction of Michaela’s character is our first look into what to expect from Francesca’s season . In the sixth Bridgerton book, When He Was Wicked , Francesca originally falls in love with John’s cousin Michael after John dies unexpectedly, two years into their marriage. It seems the creative team behind the Netflix series has decided to take a gender-bent approach to Francesca’s story.

It’s currently uncertain how the change in gender will affect Francesca’s storyline. Showrunner Jess Brownell told Netflix’s Tudum , “Part of Francesca’s exploration going forward will be about whether or not there is in fact something missing [in her marriage] … You’ll just have to wait to see, going forward, what we do with the addition of Michaela.”

Where are Kate and Anthony?

Sorry, Kanthony shippers, but it seems we’ll be bidding farewell to our season-two leads for quite some time.

Kate and Anthony actually didn’t appear in episode eight of the third season. At Colin and Penelope’s wedding in the previous episode, the couple decided to temporarily relocate to India, where they plan to welcome their first child. But don’t lose hope for Kanthony cameos in future seasons, as Anthony promises Kate in episode seven: “We will return.”

What’s next for Benedict and Eloise?

The remaining single Bridgerton siblings (besides Hyacinth and Gregory, who are children and, respectfully, should stay unmarried for quite some time) are heading on their own journeys of self-discovery by the end of season season.

After spending the entirety of the season engaging in an affair with the widowed Lady Tilley, Benedict embraces the fluidity of sexuality by having a threesome with her and her friend Paul. The throuple situation works out great for everyone—until it doesn’t. It turns out Tilley is ready to take her relationship with Benedict to the next level, while Benedict only wants to further expand his previously limited conceptions of love and lust. As he tells Tilley, “You’ve opened my world, and I’m not ready to close it again just now.” Ultimately, the two end things on relatively amicable terms.

As for Eloise, she finally mends her friendship with her best friend and now sister-in-law, Penelope. Still, she finds herself restless. “I’ve spent nearly all of my life in either Mayfair or at Aubrey Hall,” she laments during a late-night vent session with Benedict. “If I’m going to attempt to make change in the world, certainly I shall need to see some of it first.” Her solution? Joining newlyweds Francesca and John at their estate in Scotland, where she expects to live “outside our tiny bubble” and “have some adventures.” Cheers to new frontiers!

As an associate editor at HarpersBAZAAR.com, Chelsey keeps a finger on the pulse on all things celeb news. She also writes on social movements, connecting with activists leading the fight on workers' rights, climate justice, and more. Offline, she’s probably spending too much time on TikTok, rewatching Emma (the 2020 version, of course), or buying yet another corset.

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IMAGES

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Write motivational speech, graduation and commencement speech, wedding
Write informative, persuasive speech, wedding speech, funeral or
How To Write A Best Man Speech
Write a memorable wedding speech with help from AI

VIDEO

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COMMENTS

How to Write a Wedding Speech: Your Easy Step-by-Step Guide
End with a toast. Cap off your speech on a fun and sentimental note by ending with an actual toast. Dalo recommends this foolproof example: "Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple. Cheers to X and Y, and best wishes for a lifetime of laughter!" Afterward, go in for a hug with the couple, making for the perfect photo op!
How to Write a Wedding Speech: Examples, Tips, and Advice
On the roster to give a wedding speech? Public speaking experts provide tips on how to give the best toast at any wedding event. 90 years of expert advice and inspiration, for every couple.
How to Write Your Bride Speech With Examples & Tips
Follow these steps to write a wedding speech from the bride that'll cover all your bases, from the sentimental, to the silly, to the sweet. Plus, the outline—designed by Katelyn Peterson, a wedding vow and speech writer, will help you break up the task into manageable sections and fend off wedding writer's block. 1. Thank Your Guests
How To Write A Wedding Speech: The Ultimate Guide For Do's, Don'ts, and
What makes some wedding speeches fun and memorable, and what makes others cringy and fall flat? We've got you. We've put together the ultimate guide for how to write a wedding speech, focusing on things you definitely should do, things you definitely should NOT do, and then how to deliver your killer wedding speech like a pro.
Wedding Speeches: How To Write, Free Samples + Etiquette Tips
Writing a funny wedding speech can entertain guests and create lasting memories. Keep it appropriate, short, know your audience, and practice for a smooth delivery. ADVERTISEMENT. 10 /14. Short Wedding Speech Ideas "Groom, thank you for being an anchor, a friend, and brother. And I can't be more proud that you married an amazing bride.
Our Favorite Wedding Speech Ideas of All Time
Speak From the Heart @daniel_k._films You have about 5 seconds to grab a box of tissues… #weddingtiktok #wedding #speech #fypシ #maidofhonor ♬ original sound - Daniel_K._Films. The wedding speech is supposed to be thoughtfully written—and while some wedding party members will want to crack jokes and lighten the mood, others might want to write something serious and touching.
How to Write a Wedding Toast: Examples, Tips, and Advice
Your wedding toast should be meaningful, but not drawn out. Make sure to have a beginning, middle, and end. While everyone's speech will be unique to them and their relationship with the couple ...
7 Wedding Toast Examples to Help You Write a Pitch-Perfect Speech
With a little preparation and our wedding toast examples, you can deliver a memorable toast that will have the happy couple and their guests smiling from ear to ear. One of the most important things to keep in mind when giving a wedding toast is to keep it short and sweet. The best wedding toasts are concise, typically around 2-3 minutes.
How to Write a Perfect Wedding Speech
She adds, "Don't memorize the speech, but do read it out loud and make sure it sounds like your voice.". The ideal length of a toast is between two to four minutes, which translates to ...
The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Speeches and Toasts
Steps For Writing Killer Wedding Speeches and Toasts. The hardest part of writing a speech is knowing where to start. If you're drawing a blank or having difficulty narrowing down the stories you want to tell, start by making a list of your favorite qualities about the newlyweds. Chances are there are many amazing qualities about them, so ...
Wedding Speeches: How to Write and Deliver a Memorable Toast
Start with an attention-grabbing opening that will capture the audience's attention. Then, move on to the body of your speech, where you will share your thoughts, stories, and advice. Finally, end with a memorable conclusion and a toast to the newlyweds. Keep it Positive: A wedding is a joyous occasion, so keep your speech positive and uplifting.
Writing a Wedding Speech: Do's, Don'ts & Tips
Writing a wedding speech is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the love and happiness of the newlywed couple. Following these do's, don'ts, and tips, you can craft a heartfelt and memorable speech that honors the couple's journey while entertaining their guests. Remember to personalize your speech with cherished anecdotes, keep it concise and ...
How to Write a Wedding Speech: 13 Steps (with Pictures)
Remember, the focus of your speech is the married couple. 2. Open with a joke. Start by telling a joke or recalling a humorous anecdote to loosen up the crowd (and yourself. Humor is very disarming, so getting everyone laughing right off the bat can help dispel some of the nerves of giving a speech.
Short Wedding Speeches: Tips and Examples That Will Inspire You
There are many ways to give groom short wedding speeches. Use this example as a guide to inspire you when writing your own. "Hello, everyone! Thank you for celebrating this special day with us. A big thanks to our parents for making today possible. Today is beyond special, and we're overflowing with gratitude.
10 Steps to Writing the Perfect Wedding Speech
Split each area of the speech into sections and brainstorm each part. For example, if a father of the bride wants to describe an endearing feature of his daughter, start with the feature and think of everything you can say about it and jot it down.". 2. Introduce Yourself.
Your Complete Guide for How to Write a Wedding Speech
Tip #2: Brainstorm Ideas for Your Speech. Next, complete the "pen to paper" exercise. Keep your pen to paper for 20-minutes while you brainstorm ideas for the speech. Write down any memory or feeling you have about the bride, groom, and upcoming wedding. This is not the time to self-critique, over-analyze, or edit.
Struggling to Write a Wedding Speech? It's All in the Details
Keep It Short, and Speak Up. Longer doesn't equal better. Most speech-writing experts suggest three to five minutes, tops. "No one ever gets upset if a speech is too short," Ms. Keller said ...
Wedding Speech Order & How to Write a Toast
Reception Wedding Speech Order. 1. The best man. You might think that being best man is all about planning a raucous bachelor party and not much else, but this job does have a few best man duties to prepare for, most important being the best man speech. And when it comes to the wedding speech order, the best man usually goes first.
What to Say in a Wedding Speech & What NOT to Say
For example, " the father or mother of the bride or groom may start by thanking everyone for attending, since they may be the host of the occasion." If you're giving a maid of honor speech or best man speech, you may want to start by introducing yourself, Chertoff explains. This introduction may include how you know the bride or groom — and ...
How to Write a Wedding Speech (with Examples)
Tips for a Memorable Speech. Writing a wedding speech can be intimidating, but with the right tips and tricks, you can deliver a memorable speech that will leave a lasting impression on the newlyweds and guests. Here are some tips to help you get started: Tell the Couple's Story. The most memorable speeches are the ones that tell a story.
Free Wedding Speech Examples to Celebrate the Big Day
These wedding speech examples will help your write a memorable wedding toast for the big day. By Sydney Stephens. Updated May 31, 2023 . Copied! If someone has asked you to make a speech at a wedding, then you probably know the wedding couple pretty well. And since you know and love them, you'll want to make that speech personal, meaningful ...
How to Write a Great Wedding Speech
Structuring Your Speech. Now for the fun part - pulling your speech together! A great wedding speech will usually include the following key elements. You can use these elements as a simple outline to build your speech around: Introduction. Words of thanks. Personal anecdotes. Praise for the relationship. Toast.
How to Start a Wedding Speech: Tips for Memorable Beginnings
When giving your speech - always make eye contact: When you're wondering how to start a wedding speech for a brother or friend, remember about eye contact. Eye contact connects you to the audience. Be yourself: Try to relax, don't fret and share your perspective on the couple.
How to Begin a Wedding Speech: The Best Opening Lines
Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Simple and Sincere Opening Lines. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you (name) for the kind introduction." "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As (name's friend/relative), I'm delighted to welcome you all here tonight." "Thank you so much, (name), for such a wonderful introduction.
200 Best Wedding Wishes
200 Beautiful Wedding Wishes and Messages to Write in Their Card For family, friends or colleagues — honor their day with these congratulatory words. By Karla Pope Updated: Feb 27, 2024
Craft a Memorable Father of the Bride Speech with Our Guide
The Father of the Bride Speech: What to Write, Say & Do We've got you covered, whether you're a pro or feeling the jitters. Stick to our tips and give a father's wedding speech that will make ...
The Groom Speech: What to Write, Say & Do
Writing and delivering a memorable wedding speech is no easy feat, though, especially if it's your first time. It requires preparation, creativity, and a hefty dose of confidence. To help ensure you give a great groom speech on your wedding day, we chatted with wedding vow and speech writer Alexis Dent of XO Juliet. Ahead, learn how to write a ...
The Ending of "Bridgerton" Season Three, Explained
Graciously, the queen grants Pen permission to continue writing as Lady Whistledown "more responsibly." Afterward, Colin reconciles Penelope's voice with Lady Whistledown's.

How To Write A Wedding Speech: The Ultimate Guide For Do’s, Don’ts, and Delivery PART 1/3: Do’s

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How To Write A Wedding Speech: The Ultimate Guide For Do’s, Don’ts, and Delivery PART 2/3: Don’ts

1. Start planning early

2. Introduce yourself and how you know the bride and groom

3. Thank hosts, guests, and wedding party; congratulate the couple

4. Make it personal

5. Think of 3 traits with 3 stories

6. Talk about the couple

7. Have a beginning, middle, and end

8. Consider your audience

9. Keep it short and sweet

10. Add humor

11. It’s okay to be simple and meaningful

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How to Write a Wedding Toast: Examples, Tips, and Advice

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7 Wedding Toast Examples to Help You Write a Pitch-Perfect Speech

Table of Contents

Wedding Toast Examples for the Best Man

Wedding Toast About Shared Memories or Funny Stories

Quotes to Use

Maid of Honor Wedding Toast Examples

Highlighting the Bride’s Best Qualities

Welcoming the Groom to the Family

Wedding Toast Examples From the Parents

Reflecting on Watching Them Grow up

Wishing Them a Lifetime of Love

Wedding Toast Examples for the Newlyweds

Thanking Guests for Their Support

Expressing Gratitude for Help with the Wedding

Tips for Delivering a Great Wedding Toast

Keeping It Short and Sweet

Speaking from the Heart

Raising a Glass to the Happy Couple

Wedding Toast Quotes to Include

Romantic Quotes About Love

Humorous Quotes to Lighten the Mood

Classic Quotes for a Traditional Toast

FAQs on Wedding Toast Examples

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What are some examples of toasts?

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Writing a Wedding Speech: Do's, Don'ts & Tips

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SPEECH WRITING DO'S

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Practice makes perfect

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