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.

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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.

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In This Article

  • Speeches Examples
  • Speeches Tips
  • Speeches Order
  • Speeches Template
  • What Not to Say
  • Wedding Party & Reception

Voices of Love: Unforgettable Wedding Speeches

Natalia Bayeva

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

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Wedding Speeches Examples

Best wedding speeches.

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

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

Groom Wedding Speech

“I would like to thank my parents for all the help they have given me over the years, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here now. I would also like to thank (my wife’s) parents for making me feel like the son they never wanted, sorry the son they never had, right from day 2. Day 1 was a bit rough, but hey, they’re over it now. I would also like to thank them for having such a beautiful, intelligent, kind, and caring daughter. I hope to do you both proud and thank you both for everything you have done today and to make today happen.”

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

Wedding Speeches for Parents

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

Wedding Speeches for Mother of the Groom

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

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

Wedding Speeches for Mother of the Bride

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

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

Wedding Speeches for Father of the Groom

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

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

Wedding Speeches for Father of the Bride

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

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

Wedding Speeches for Sister

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

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

Best Man Wedding Speech

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

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

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

100+ Best Wedding Toasts For Different Types Of Guests

100+ Best Wedding Toasts For Different Types Of Guests

Maid of honor speech.

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

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

Wedding Speeches for Best Friends

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

Wedding Welcoming Speeches

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

Funny Wedding Speeches

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

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

Short Wedding 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. Man! You’ve won a lottery! We celebrate both of you tonight, and all of the good things you are. You care for everyone and I’m sure you’ll care for her. We wish you success, laughter, and love. May your humor in bad times and appreciation in good times never leave you. May you get answers to prayers. May the friendship you share keep growing till death parts you. Cheers to you!”

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

Wedding Thank You Speeches

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

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

Wedding Officiant Speeches

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

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

Wedding Anniversary Speeches

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

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

Wedding Quotes for Speeches

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

Wedding Speeches Tips

speech on a wedding day

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

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

Wedding Speeches Order

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

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

Wedding Speeches Template

Learning how to write a wedding speech involves creating a heartfelt and memorable outline.

Introduction:

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

Personal Connection:

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

Compliments and Qualities:

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

Anecdotes and Humor:

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

Words of Wisdom:

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

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

Things You’d Better Exclude From Any Wedding Speech

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

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

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

What Not to Say in a Wedding Speech

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What do you say in a wedding speech.

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

How long should a wedding speech be?

What is an example of a short marriage speech.

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

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how to write a wedding speech dos

how to write a wedding speech dos

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—And Deliver—The Perfect Wedding Speech

How to Write a Perfect Wedding Speech

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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 fortĂ©. 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

How to Write a Perfect 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.”

How to Write a Perfect Wedding Speech

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.”

How to Write a Perfect Wedding Speech

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Wedding Speeches: How to Write and Deliver a Memorable Toast

speech on a wedding day

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. In this article, we will discuss how to write a wedding speech for both for in-person and virtual weddings .

speech on a wedding day

Who gives speeches at a wedding?

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

  • 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 Stories: Personal stories make your speech more relatable. They connect you with the couple and the audience. Share stories that showcase the couple's strengths, unique traits, and their love and support for each other.
  • Avoid Sensitive Topics: Avoid topics that may be sensitive or controversial. Politics, religion, or past relationships may alienate guests at the wedding. Stick to positive and uplifting messages that celebrate the love and happiness of the couple.

What makes wedding speeches effective is their clear structure. They have an opening that grabs the audience's attention. The body tells personal stories or shares heartfelt sentiments. The conclusion offers words of wisdom or congratulations to the happy couple.

For more inspiration, many online resources offer great wedding speech examples. Check sites like Hitched , Wedding Forward , and LoveToKnow Weddings . 

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.

Final Thoughts

Wedding speeches are key at weddings. They let loved ones show support for the couple. Whether you're the father of the bride, the maid of honor, or another speaker, you can craft a memorable speech with some tips.

A good speech leaves a lasting impact on the couple and guests. It creates cherished memories. So, if there's a wedding soon, start early. Use our tips and resources to make a meaningful tribute to the couple.

Common Questions

What is the best time during the wedding for speeches?

Traditionally, hosts give speeches after the meal and before cutting the cake. This lets everyone enjoy their food and drinks before the speeches. It also ensures the speeches don't run too late into the night. Some couples may prefer to have speeches earlier in the evening or at the reception.

How long should a wedding speech be?

The length of a wedding speech can vary, but generally, it should be no longer than 5 to 7 minutes. It allows time to deliver a heartfelt message or share a few funny stories. This won't lose the audience's attention.

Is it okay to use humor in a wedding speech?

Using humor in a wedding speech is acceptable if it's respectful and playful. But it's important to balance humor with sincerity. Too much humor may make the speech too lighthearted or frivolous.

What should I do if I forget my speech during the 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. You can look at your notes, if you have them. Or you can ask someone to prompt you with a question. When all options are exhausted, convey emotions with genuine, personal language.

How can I involve the audience in my speech?

To engage your audience, ask a question or invite them to join a quick activity. For instance, you might ask them to raise their glasses for a toast, or have them shout a response at certain points.

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. Also, thank them for the chance to speak. Express your gratitude to those who made the wedding special. Finally, you can invite everyone to join you in raising a glass for a final toast to the newlyweds.

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speech on a wedding day

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.

Person giving a wedding speech

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:

OpeningIntroduce yourself, your relationship to the couple, and thank them for inviting you.
BodyShare a story or anecdote about the couple, offer words of wisdom or advice, and give a toast.
ClosingEnd 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.

Ryan Hart

Ryan Hart is a certified relationship coach and writer. His mission is to help make connections between people better, stronger, more meaningful, and longer lasting using technology.

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How to Write Your Wedding Speech: Etiquette Tips and Wording Examples

How to write your wedding speech etiquette tips and wording examples

Writing and delivering your wedding speech can feel almost as nerve-wracking as sharing your vows! While your wedding speech is an amazing opportunity to give a special thanks to your loved ones, it can also be seriously daunting.

The good news? There are some super simple guidelines to follow when it comes to writing an engaging and memorable wedding speech, and it’s probably easier than you think. Keep reading for our top wedding speech tips, templates and wording examples to inspire you for your own big day.

how-to-write-your-wedding-speech:-etiquette-tips-and-wording-examples

Should You Give a Speech at Your Wedding?

You might be wondering if you really need to give a speech at your wedding in the first place. Isn’t that job reserved for your cheeky best man and proud parents?

With all of the craziness surrounding your wedding day, it can be tempting to leave all of the speeches up to your loved ones. But truthfully, we think a speech from the happy couple is a beautiful addition to any wedding reception.

Think about it like this. How many opportunities do you have to show your appreciation for all of your favourite people together in one place? Not to mention any guests who have made an effort to travel, help out with the wedding preparations, or simply support your relationship over the years. There’s bound to be some well-deserved words of thanks for the special people in your life, and a heartfelt toast is the perfect way to show your gratitude.

how-to-write-your-wedding-speech:-etiquette-tips-and-wording-examples

What Does a Bride or Groom’s Wedding Speech Need to Include?

There are a few essential elements to tick off throughout your wedding speech to ensure it’s a great one. Your wedding speech doesn’t have to be long (or boring!). It can be short and sweet, formal or informal, cheeky or playful. You can deliver your speech together with your partner, or say a few words individually – whatever feels right for you!

No matter which format you choose, it’s important to thank the right people, keep your guests engaged, and maybe even get them laughing. Keep the following guidelines in mind as you begin crafting your wedding speech:

  • A quick introduction. Whether it’s a formal welcome, or a funny joke to break the ice.
  • A special thank you to any guests who have travelled
  • A general thank you to everyone for attending
  • A special thank you to any loved ones who have helped you out with the wedding preparations (like your parents, bridal party or siblings)
  • How you met
  • The moment you realised they were “the one”
  • Your proposal story
  • Your funniest memory together
  • A memorable adventure shared
  • Words of affection. If you’re delivering your speeches individually, take this time to share a few heartfelt words of affection to your partner. You can talk about how much they mean to you, their best qualities, and your hopes and dreams for the future.
  • A toast. End your speech with a toast to your new partner – or if you’re delivering your speech together, a toast to all of your loved ones for being there.

how-to-write-your-wedding-speech:-etiquette-tips-and-wording-examples

Wedding Speech Wording Examples

Now that you know what needs to be included in your wedding speech, how do you pull it all together? Personally, we think the best wedding speeches are warm and light-hearted with a good dose of humour, while still being meaningful and sincere.

If you’re feeling stuck with writer’s block, draw some inspiration from our wedding speech templates below. We’ve included options that range from formal to cheeky to best suit the tone of your day!

The introduction:

“Hi everyone, and welcome to our wedding reception – it means the world to have you all here”

“Hi everyone – I guess it’s time for me to do this speech I scribbled down this morning over a glass of champagne!”

“Hi everyone. Before I go any further, I just wanted to make a quick toast to some really important people who I’m sure you’ll meet throughout the evening. Without them, honestly, none of this would be possible. Here’s to our bartenders!”

Words of appreciation:

“I want to first say a huge thank you to each and every one of you for being here. We feel incredibly grateful to have such an amazing group of friends and family, and it means the world to have all of our favourite people together in one place.

There are a few people in particular that deserve a special shout out. First, to our loved ones who have travelled interstate or overseas – [ make mention of guests who have travelled, or the different locations people have travelled from ]. We really appreciate you making the effort to join us – it wouldn’t be the same without you here!

I also wanted to say thank you to the people who have helped us plan this day, especially [ make mention of your bridal party members, parents, siblings or other helpers ]. We couldn’t have done this without your generosity and support.

And of course, to [ partner’s parents/family members ] who have always welcomed me with open arms. I feel very lucky to be joining such an amazing family today!”

how-to-write-your-wedding-speech:-etiquette-tips-and-wording-examples

Light-hearted anecdotes:

“It feels so surreal to be standing here at our wedding reception. It seems like only yesterday we [ share a funny anecdote about your first date, or the beginning of your relationship ]”

“I know that some of you might not remember how [ partner ] and I first met, and I feel like this is the perfect time to take a walk down memory lane – [ share a sweet memory or funny story about how you met ]”

When I first met [ partner ], I was instantly attracted to his rugged good looks and quiet confidence. Little did I know I was signing up to a lifetime of [ share a funny quirk, hobby or passion of your partner – for example, “failed cooking attempts and bad dad jokes”]

Where do I start with [ partner ]? They’re smart, good looking, kind, charming – sorry, [ partner ], I’m having trouble reading your handwriting. You’ll have to tell me the rest later.”

Words of affection:

“In all seriousness, I did want to say a few words to [ partner ]. You make me so happy, from the way you [ share something you love about your partner ] to the way you [ share some of your partner’s best qualities ]. Thank you for everything.”

“All jokes aside, I honestly don’t know where I would be without [ partner ]. Over the years, we’ve [ talk about your shared experiences, achievements and milestones ]. I can’t think of a better person to share the rest of my life with.”

“So with that being said, I’d like to raise a toast to the love of my life, my new [ husband/wife ]. Cheers!”

“So before we get back to the party, I want to raise a toast to my partner-in-crime, my best friend and my new [ husband/wife ]. Here’s to [ partner ]!”

“So now that the speeches are out of the way, let’s get back to the open bar! We love you all, and can’t wait to spend the rest of the night celebrating with you. We’d like to raise a toast to you guys, our favourite people on the planet. Thank you for being here!”

how-to-write-your-wedding-speech:-etiquette-tips-and-wording-examples

Wedding Speech Etiquette Tips

While the above templates and wording examples can be a great starting point, you have complete freedom to personalise your wedding speech however you like! Whether you want to keep things sweet and silly or romantic and heartfelt, your speech should reflect your personality and the relationship you share with your partner.

With that being said, there are a few etiquette tips to keep in mind for a well-received wedding speech:

  • If you and your partner are writing your speeches separately, be sure to agree on length and tone before you get started. You don’t want to plan a hilarious speech packed with jokes and funny anecdotes, only to have your partner deliver something deep and meaningful in return.
  • Don’t embarrass your partner! While playful jokes and funny stories are always a good idea, be mindful of where to draw the line.
  • Keep it short and sweet, especially if you have loved ones delivering their own speeches, too. Between 3-5 minutes is ideal, with 10 minutes being the absolute maximum.
  • You don’t need to go into specific detail when it comes to thanking your parents for any financial contributions. Talking about money during your wedding speech might feel a little awkward! Instead, make mention of their generosity and support instead.
  • Practice makes perfect! If the thought of delivering your wedding speech feels seriously daunting, be sure to practice your speech out loud before the day to boost your confidence. Try to memorise the most important elements of your speech until you feel comfortable, so you don’t have to rely solely on your notes.

Remember, it’s usually the thought of delivering your wedding speech that feels the most terrifying. Once you get started, you’ll find the nerves will quickly fade away. Simply keep these wedding speech guidelines in mind, speak from the heart, and you can’t go wrong. You’ve got this!

Need some help writing your vows, too? Check out our ultimate guide to writing your wedding vows here for some wording examples to get you started.

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26 Wedding Speech Examples

Advice & tips.

September 6, 2024

Wedding Speech Examples

  • Founder of Bridesmaid for Hire
  • Creator of the #1 Speech & Vow Writing Tools
  • Author of Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire)
  • Creator of 1-800-Bridesmaid

Hi! I'm Jen Glantz

Hi, Friend!   Jen Glantz here. I’m a bestselling author, the first ever bridesmaid for hire and have written over 1000 wedding speeches for people all around the world! Let’s dive into some wedding speech examples to get you inspired for your own!

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the perfect wedding speech! We’ve got you covered with 26 wedding speech examples that’ll have everyone raising their glasses. From heartfelt anecdotes to clever quips, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to deliver a toast that’ll be remembered long after the last dance.

Use these resources: Our #1 Wedding Speech Generator l Wedding-Speech-Guide

TL;DR: Key Takeaways for Memorable Wedding Speeches

  • Tailor your speech to the couple and the audience
  • Balance humor with sincerity
  • Keep it concise (3-5 minutes is ideal)
  • Practice your delivery
  • Include personal anecdotes and specific memories
  • Be mindful of cultural sensitivities
  • Consider incorporating multimedia elements
  • Express gratitude and well-wishes
  • Don’t be afraid to show emotion
  • End with a heartfelt toast

Table of Contents

The Importance of a Wedding speech

A wedding speech is a cherished tradition that allows loved ones to express their joy, share meaningful memories, and offer heartfelt wishes to the newlyweds, creating a lasting emotional impact on the couple and guests alike. Beyond its sentimental value, a well-crafted wedding speech has the power to set the tone for the celebration, bringing laughter, tears, and a sense of unity to the gathering, while also providing a beautiful keepsake for the couple to treasure for years to come.

Purpose and Audience

Giving a wedding speech can be scarier than walking down the aisle in six-inch heels. But here’s the secret sauce: know your purpose and your audience. Are you the best man trying to roast the groom without making his new in-laws faint? Or the maid of honor aiming to make everyone cry (in a good way, of course)? Your role sets the tone. And as for the audience, read the room! If Aunt Edna’s pearl-clutching at your mildest joke, maybe dial back the stand-up routine.

Structure and Content

Structure is your friend. Think of your speech like a sandwich: a tasty intro to grab attention, a meaty middle filled with juicy stories and heartfelt moments, and a satisfying conclusion that’ll leave everyone feeling warm and fuzzy. And please, don’t just Google “funny wedding jokes” and call it a day. Your speech should be as unique as the couple’s first dance song.

wedding speech examples

Length and Delivery

Nobody has ever complained that a wedding speech was too short. Aim for the sweet spot of 3-5 minutes. Any longer and you risk losing your audience to the siren call of the open bar. As for delivery, channel your inner Meryl Streep (or The Rock, if that’s more your style). Practice in front of a mirror, your cat, or that judgmental houseplant. And make eye contact! Nothing says “I care” like staring at your shoes for five minutes straight.

Cultural Sensitivity

If you’re at a multicultural wedding, think of yourself as a cultural diplomat in a fancy outfit. Be aware of traditions! What’s hilarious in one culture might be more offensive than pineapple on pizza in another. If you’re not sure, ask! The couple, their families, or even that know-it-all cousin who studied abroad for a semester. Better safe than sorry.

Personalization

Your speech should be as unique as the couple’s love story. Ditch the generic templates and dig deep into your memory bank.

Maid of Honor Speech Example – Sentimental

Emma, my incredible best friend and beautiful bride. When we first met in high school, bonding over our shared love of terrible rom-coms and even worse dance moves, I never imagined I’d be standing here today, watching you marry the love of your life. But here we are, and I couldn’t be happier.

Over the years, you’ve been my rock, my confidante, and my partner in crime. You’ve seen me through my best and worst moments, always with a kind word and a warm hug. And when you met Jake, I saw a light in your eyes that I’d never seen before. I knew he was the one for you.

Jake, you’re not just gaining a wife today, but a best friend, a fierce advocate, and a karaoke partner for life. Take care of our girl, and know that you’re getting one of the best people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.

Emma and Jake, may your love continue to grow, may your laughter never fade, and may your life together be as beautiful as the love you share. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and terrible dance moves. Cheers to the happy couple!

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Maid of Honor Speech Example – Humorous

Well, folks, as Emma’s maid of honor, I’m contractually obligated to embarrass her in front of all her loved ones. Don’t worry, Emma, I’ll keep it PG-13… mostly.

First off, let’s talk about Emma’s infamous “cooking” phase in college. Did you know that she once set off the fire alarm trying to boil water? Jake, I hope you’ve got the local pizza place on speed dial. And let’s not forget the time she decided to give herself a haircut the night before a big job interview. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go well, but she got the job anyway. That’s our Emma – failing upwards with style!

But for all her questionable life choices, Emma’s made one brilliant decision today – marrying Jake. Jake, you’re getting a woman who can turn any situation into an adventure, even if that adventure involves explaining to the fire department why the smoke alarm is going off… again.

Emma, you’re my best friend, my partner in crime, and now, officially, someone else’s problem. Just kidding! Jake, take care of our girl. And remember, if she ever offers to cook you a romantic dinner, I’ve left the number for poison control under your plate. To the happy couple!

sentimental maid of honor speech

Wedding Vows Example – Sentimental (Bride’s Perspective)

David, my love, my best friend, my soulmate. As I stand here before you, I am overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude for the journey that has led us to this moment.

From our first awkward date at that tiny coffee shop, to our late-night talks about our dreams and fears, to the day you proposed under a sky full of stars, every moment with you has been a gift. You’ve taught me the true meaning of partnership, of unconditional love, and of finding home in another person.

I vow to stand by your side through all of life’s adventures, to support your dreams as fiercely as you’ve supported mine, and to love you with every fiber of my being. I promise to be your biggest cheerleader, your trusted confidante, and your partner in all things.

I vow to face life’s challenges with you hand in hand, to celebrate our joys and weather our sorrows together. David, I give you my heart, my trust, and my future. I love you today, tomorrow, and always.

Customize your wedding vows now >>

Wedding Vows Example – Humorous (Groom’s Perspective)

Jessica, my darling, my better three-quarters (let’s be honest here). I stand before you today, ready to embark on the craziest adventure of our lives – marriage.

I vow to love you unconditionally, even when you insist on watching rom-coms for the millionth time, or when you “borrow” my favorite sweatshirt and it mysteriously disappears into the black hole that is your closet.

I promise to be your partner in crime, whether we’re planning our next vacation or trying to figure out how to assemble Ikea furniture without divorcing. I vow to always kill the spiders, open the tight jar lids, and pretend to remember all the names of your cousins at family reunions.

I promise to love you through bad hair days, pizza-for-breakfast days, and “I-have-nothing-to-wear” days. Jessica, I choose you to be my wife, my best friend, and the person I’ll blame when the WiFi isn’t working. Here’s to a lifetime of laughter, love, and trying to figure out what’s for dinner. I love you, even more than I love pizza – and that’s saying something!

short wedding vows example

Best Man Speech Example – Sentimental

John, my best friend, my brother in all but blood. Standing here today, watching you marry the love of your life, Sarah, fills me with an indescribable joy.

From our childhood adventures in your backyard treehouse to our college shenanigans and beyond, you’ve been a constant in my life, always there with a laugh, a helping hand, or a word of encouragement when I needed it most.

Sarah, from the moment John met you, I saw a change in him. He became happier, more driven, and even started doing his own laundry – a miracle if I’ve ever seen one. You bring out the best in him, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.

To John and Sarah, may your love story continue to unfold with the same magic that brought you together. May your home be filled with laughter, your hearts with love, and your lives with endless adventure. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for two of the most deserving people I know. Cheers!

Customize your best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example – Humorous

Ladies and gentlemen, for those who don’t know me, I’m Mike, John’s best man and long-suffering friend. I’ve known John since we were kids, and I can honestly say that Sarah is the best thing that’s ever happened to him – apart from me, of course.

John, buddy, I never thought I’d see the day when you’d willingly commit to anything other than your fantasy football league. Yet here we are, and I couldn’t be prouder. Sarah, you truly are a saint for taking on this project of a man. I hope you know what you’re getting into – his idea of cooking is microwaving leftover pizza, and he still thinks axe body spray is an acceptable substitute for a shower.

But in all seriousness, John, you’ve been my best friend through thick and thin. From covering for me when I snuck out in high school to being my wingman at bars (albeit a terrible one), you’ve always had my back. Sarah, thank you for making my best friend the happiest I’ve ever seen him. You two are perfect together, like peanut butter and jelly, or in John’s case, like pizza and more pizza.

To the happy couple! May your love be as endless as John’s appetite and as strong as Sarah’s patience. Cheers!

best man speech example

Wedding Officiant Speech Example – Sentimental

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Emily and Michael, two souls brought together by love and bound by their commitment to each other.

Emily and Michael, your journey to this moment is a testament to the power of love. From your first chance encounter at a local coffee shop, to your first date where you talked until the restaurant closed, to this very moment – your love has grown, deepened, and flourished.

Today, you stand before your friends and family, ready to declare your love and commitment to one another. Marriage is a sacred bond, a promise to love, support, and cherish each other through all of life’s joys and challenges. It is a journey you embark on together, hand in hand, heart to heart.

As you exchange your vows and rings, remember that these are symbols of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver – for each is the giver and each is the receiver.

May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day, and may your union be blessed with happiness, understanding, and compassion. Emily and Michael, it is my honor to officiate your wedding and to be the first to present you as a married couple.

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Wedding Officiant Speech Example – Humorous

Friends, family, and those who got dragged here against their will, we are gathered here today to witness the voluntary imprisonment… I mean, the joyous union of Alex and Jamie.

Now, I’ve known Alex for years, and I can confidently say that Jamie is the best decision Alex has ever made. And that’s including the time Alex decided to get that “No Ragrets” tattoo – which, ironically, they immediately regretted.

Marriage, my friends, is like a walk in the park. Jurassic Park, that is. It’s exciting, sometimes scary, and occasionally, you might need to outrun a T-Rex. But with the right partner by your side, even facing down prehistoric predators can be an adventure.

Alex and Jamie, as you embark on this wild journey called marriage, remember these words of wisdom: Always say “I love you,” never go to bed angry, and most importantly, agree on which way the toilet paper roll should go. Trust me, it’s the little things that count.

By the power vested in me by a surprisingly easy online ordination process, I now pronounce you married. You may now kiss your partner and seal your fate… I mean, your love. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the newly married couple! May your marriage be long, happy, and full of laughter – you’re going to need it!

Wedding officiant speech generator

Father of the Bride Speech Example – Sentimental

My dearest Olivia, my little girl. It seems like only yesterday I was teaching you how to ride a bike, and now here you are, radiant in white, marrying the love of your life.

As I look at you today, I’m filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and love. You’ve grown into an incredible woman – kind, intelligent, and strong. I’ve watched you overcome challenges, achieve your dreams, and now, find a love that makes your eyes light up in a way I’ve never seen before.

Daniel, from the first time Olivia brought you home, I knew you were special. The way you look at her, the way you support her dreams, and the way you’ve become a part of our family – I couldn’t have hoped for a better partner for my daughter.

Olivia and Daniel, as you start this new chapter of your lives together, remember that love is both a gift and a responsibility. Cherish each other, support each other’s dreams, and never forget to laugh together.

To my daughter and new son-in-law, may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. May your home be filled with laughter, your hearts with love, and your lives with endless joy. I love you both. Cheers to the happy couple!

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Father of the Bride Speech Example – Humorous

Ladies and gentlemen, for those who don’t know me, I’m Olivia’s dad, also known as the guy who’s about to be significantly poorer after today. But hey, who needs retirement anyway?

Olivia, my darling daughter, I’ve been dreading this day since you were born – not because I’m losing you, but because I knew I’d have to make a speech in front of all these people. You couldn’t have just eloped, could you?

I still remember the day you were born. I held you in my arms and thought, “I’m going to have to pay for a wedding someday.” Well, that day has come, and let me tell you, weddings were a lot cheaper 25 years ago.

Daniel, when Olivia first brought you home, I had my doubts. But then I saw how happy you make her, and I realized something important – I can finally cancel her phone plan and car insurance.

In all seriousness, Daniel, you’re the son I never had, mainly because your mother-in-law said one kid was enough. Welcome to the family, son. Remember, our family motto is “We put the ‘fun’ in dysfunctional.”

To Olivia and Daniel, may your love be as strong as the WiFi signal you’ll fight over, and may your marriage be longer than the line for the open bar tonight. Cheers!

Father of the Bride Speeche

Father of the Groom Speech Example – Sentimental

My son, Ethan, and my new daughter-in-law, Sophie. As I stand here today, my heart is full of joy and pride.

Ethan, from the moment you were born, you’ve been a source of endless happiness in our lives. I’ve watched you grow from a curious little boy into the remarkable man you are today. Your kindness, your integrity, and your sense of humor have always made me proud to be your father.

Sophie, from the first time Ethan brought you home, you’ve been a ray of sunshine in our family. The way you love our son, the way you’ve embraced our family as your own – we couldn’t have wished for a more wonderful addition to our family.

Ethan and Sophie, as you begin this new chapter of your lives together, remember that marriage is a partnership. It’s about supporting each other’s dreams, facing challenges together, and finding joy in the simple moments you share.

May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. May your home be filled with laughter, your hearts with love, and your lives with countless beautiful memories. We love you both dearly. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness!

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Father of the Groom Speech Example – Humorous

Ladies and gentlemen, for those who don’t know me, I’m Ethan’s dad. I’m the guy who taught him everything he knows – except for all the things his mother insisted I was doing wrong.

Ethan, son, I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. Not because I’m particularly sentimental, but because I’ve been paying for your car insurance for far too long. Sophie, he’s your responsibility now. No takebacks!

I still remember when Ethan was a little boy, he used to say he wanted to be just like me when he grew up. Well, son, you’ve succeeded – you’re also losing your hair and marrying way out of your league.

Sophie, when Ethan first told us about you, we were thrilled. Not just because you make him happy, but because we finally had hope that someone would teach him how to properly load a dishwasher.

In all seriousness, Ethan and Sophie, you two are perfect for each other. You complement each other like peanut butter and jelly, or in Ethan’s case, like pizza and more pizza. Your mother and I couldn’t be happier to welcome you into our family, Sophie.

To the happy couple! May your love be as strong as Ethan’s Wi-Fi password and may your marriage be longer than the line at the open bar tonight. Cheers!

Father of the Groom Speech

Mother of the Bride Speech Example – Sentimental

My darling Sophia, my beautiful daughter. As I look at you today, resplendent in white, my heart overflows with love and pride.

From the moment I held you in my arms, I knew you were destined for greatness. I’ve watched you grow from a curious little girl into the remarkable woman you are today. Your kindness, your determination, and your infectious laughter have been a constant joy in our lives.

Thomas, from the first time Sophia brought you home, I saw the way her eyes lit up around you. You’ve brought so much happiness into her life, and by extension, into ours. Your gentleness, your humor, and the way you support Sophia in all her endeavors make you the perfect partner for our daughter.

Sophia and Thomas, as you embark on this beautiful journey together, remember that marriage is a partnership built on love, trust, and mutual respect. Support each other’s dreams, face challenges hand in hand, and never forget to find joy in the little moments you share.

May your love continue to grow deeper and stronger with each passing day. May your home be filled with laughter, your hearts with love, and your lives with countless beautiful memories. We love you both dearly. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness!

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Mother of the Bride Speech Example – Humorous

Ladies and gentlemen, for those who don’t know me, I’m Sophia’s mom. I’m the one who taught her everything she knows – except for how to pick up her clothes from the floor. Sorry about that, Thomas.

Sophia, my darling daughter, I’ve been preparing for this day since you were born. Not because I’m particularly sentimental, but because I’ve been dreaming of the day I could finally turn your bedroom into my personal yoga studio.

I still remember when Sophia was a little girl, she used to say she wanted to be just like me when she grew up. Well, sweetheart, you’ve succeeded – you’re also marrying someone who can’t load a dishwasher properly. It must be genetic.

Thomas, when Sophia first told us about you, we were thrilled. Not just because you make her happy, but because we finally had hope that someone would teach her how to cook something other than microwaved ramen.

In all seriousness, Sophia and Thomas, you two are perfect for each other. You complement each other like wine and cheese, or in Sophia’s case, like Netflix and procrastination. Thomas, we couldn’t be happier to welcome you into our family.

To the happy couple! May your love be as endless as Sophia’s shoe collection and may your marriage be stronger than the coffee you’ll need to survive her morning crankiness. Cheers!

Mother of the Groom Speech Example – Sentimental

My dear son, Nathan, and my new daughter-in-law, Emma. Today, as I watch you join your lives together, my heart is filled with an indescribable joy.

Nathan, from the moment you were born, you’ve been the light of our lives. I’ve watched you grow from a mischievous little boy into the compassionate, intelligent, and kind-hearted man you are today. Your sense of humor, your dedication, and your ability to see the best in others have always made me proud to be your mother.

Emma, from the first time Nathan introduced you to us, I knew you were special. The way you love our son, the way you’ve embraced our family as your own – we couldn’t have wished for a more wonderful addition to our family. Your kindness, your strength, and your infectious smile have brought so much joy into Nathan’s life and ours.

Nathan and Emma, as you begin this new chapter of your lives together, remember that marriage is a beautiful journey of love, understanding, and growth. Support each other’s dreams, face life’s challenges together, and always find reasons to laugh together.

May your love continue to deepen with each passing day. May your home be filled with warmth, your hearts with love, and your lives with countless happy memories. We love you both dearly. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and love!

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Mother of the Groom Speech Example – Humorous

Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m Nathan’s mom. I’m the one who spent 18 years trying to teach him basic life skills, most of which I’m pretty sure he’s already forgotten. Emma, good luck with that.

Nathan, my darling son, I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. Not because I’m eager to see you married off, but because I’m excited to finally have someone else to call when you can’t figure out how to use the washing machine.

I still remember when Nathan was a little boy, he used to say he wanted to be a superhero when he grew up. Well, son, you’ve sort of succeeded – you’re marrying Emma, and that definitely requires super-human patience.

Emma, when Nathan first told us about you, we were overjoyed. Not just because you make him happy, but because we finally had hope that someone would teach him that vegetables are not, in fact, the enemy.

In all seriousness, Nathan and Emma, you two are perfect for each other. You complement each other like peanut butter and jelly, or in Nathan’s case, like video games and “just five more minutes, Mom!” Emma, we couldn’t be happier to welcome you into our family.

To the happy couple! May your love be as strong as Nathan’s ability to sleep through multiple alarms, and may your marriage be filled with more laughter than the time Nathan tried to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving. Cheers!

Brother of the Bride Speech Example – Sentimental

My dear sister, Olivia, and my new brother-in-law, Jack. It’s an honor to stand here today and celebrate your love.

Liv, as your big brother, I’ve had the privilege of watching you grow from an annoying little sister (sorry, but it’s true) into the amazing woman you are today. Your kindness, your determination, and your ability to light up any room have always inspired me.

I remember the day you told me about Jack. Your eyes sparkled in a way I’d never seen before, and I knew he must be someone special. Jack, from the moment you became a part of our lives, I’ve seen how happy you make my sister. Your loyalty, your sense of humor, and the way you support Olivia in all her dreams make you the perfect partner for her.

Olivia and Jack, as you start this new chapter of your lives together, remember that marriage is a partnership. It’s about supporting each other, laughing together, and facing life’s challenges hand in hand.

May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. May your home be filled with laughter, your hearts with love, and your lives with endless adventures. I love you both. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness!

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Brother of the Bride Speech Example – Humorous

Ladies and gentlemen, for those who don’t know me, I’m Olivia’s brother, also known as the guy who’s been protecting her from spiders and bad boyfriends for the past 28 years. Looks like I can retire from at least one of those jobs now, Jack.

Liv, my dear sister, I’ve been preparing for this speech since the day you were born. Not because I’m particularly eloquent, but because I’ve been gathering embarrassing stories about you for nearly three decades. Don’t worry, I’ll only share the PG-rated ones… maybe.

I still remember when Olivia was five, she declared she was going to marry her pet goldfish. Well, sis, I’m glad to see your taste in life partners has improved significantly. No offense to Bubbles the goldfish, may he rest in peace.

Jack, when Olivia first told us about you, we were thrilled. Not just because you make her happy, but because we finally had someone who could reach the top shelf in the kitchen. Welcome to the family, man. Your official duties include killing spiders, opening tight jars, and pretending to laugh at dad’s jokes.

In all seriousness, Olivia and Jack, you two are perfect for each other. You complement each other like coffee and donuts, or in Olivia’s case, like online shopping and buyer’s remorse.

To the happy couple! May your love be as strong as Olivia’s WiFi password and may your marriage be longer than the list of TV series she’s binge-watched. Cheers!

brother of the bride speech generator

Brother of the Groom Speech Example – Sentimental

My brother, Ethan, and my new sister-in-law, Madison. It’s an honor and a joy to stand here today and celebrate your love.

Ethan, as your little brother, I’ve always looked up to you. From teaching me how to ride a bike to showing me how to tie a tie, you’ve been my role model and my best friend. Your kindness, your integrity, and your ability to make everyone around you feel valued have always inspired me.

I remember the day you told me about Madison. The way your face lit up when you spoke about her, I knew she was someone special. Madison, from the moment you became a part of our lives, I’ve seen how you bring out the best in my brother. Your warmth, your intelligence, and the way you support Ethan in all his endeavors make you the perfect partner for him.

Ethan and Madison, as you embark on this new chapter of your lives together, remember that marriage is a beautiful journey of love and partnership. It’s about supporting each other’s dreams, facing challenges together, and finding joy in the simple moments you share.

May your love continue to grow deeper and stronger with each passing day. May your home be filled with laughter, your hearts with love, and your lives with countless beautiful memories. I love you both. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness!

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Brother of the Groom Speech Example – Humorous

Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m Ethan’s younger, funnier, and let’s face it, better-looking brother. I’m also the reason Ethan learned how to share his toys at an early age. You’re welcome, Madison.

Ethan, my dear brother, I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. Not because I’m particularly sentimental, but because I finally get to embarrass you in front of all your friends and family. It’s payback time for all those noogies and wedgies, bro.

I still remember when Ethan was ten, he swore he’d never get married because girls had “cooties.” Well, brother, I’m glad to see you’ve finally realized that cooties aren’t real. Or maybe Madison just has really good cootie repellent.

Madison, when Ethan first told us about you, we were thrilled. Not just because you make him happy, but because we finally had hope that someone would teach him that socks don’t belong on the living room floor. Welcome to the family! Your official duties include deciphering Ethan’s handwriting and explaining to him that “fine” never actually means fine.

In all seriousness, Ethan and Madison, you two are perfect for each other. You complement each other like peanut butter and jelly, or in Ethan’s case, like dad jokes and eye rolls.

To the happy couple! May your love be as strong as Ethan’s morning breath and may your marriage be filled with more laughter than the time Ethan tried to give himself a haircut. Cheers!

Brother of groom speech

Sister of the Bride Speech Example – Sentimental

My beloved sister, Emily, and my new brother-in-law, Alex. It’s an honor to stand here today and celebrate your love.

Em, as your big sister, I’ve had the joy of watching you grow from a feisty little girl into the incredible woman you are today. Your compassion, your strength, and your ability to find joy in the smallest things have always inspired me.

I remember the day you told me about Alex. Your eyes sparkled with a happiness I’d never seen before, and I knew he must be someone truly special. Alex, from the moment you became a part of our lives, I’ve seen how you bring out the best in my sister. Your kindness, your sense of humor, and the way you support Emily in all her dreams make you the perfect partner for her.

Emily and Alex, as you begin this new chapter of your lives together, remember that marriage is a beautiful journey of love, growth, and partnership. It’s about supporting each other, laughing together, and facing life’s adventures hand in hand.

May your love continue to deepen with each passing day. May your home be filled with warmth, your hearts with love, and your lives with endless beautiful moments. I love you both dearly. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness!

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Sister of the Bride Speech Example – Humorous

Hello everyone! For those who don’t know me, I’m Emily’s sister, also known as the one who taught her everything she knows about fashion, makeup, and how to sweet-talk dad into extending her curfew. You’re welcome, Alex.

Em, my dear sister, I’ve been preparing for this speech since the day you were born. Not because I’m a great public speaker, but because I’ve been collecting embarrassing stories about you for the past 25 years. Don’t worry, I’ll only share the ones that won’t make Grandma faint.

I still remember when Emily was seven, she announced she was going to marry her favorite boy band member. Well, sis, I’m glad to see your taste in men has improved. No offense to Justin Timberlake, but I think Alex is a much better choice.

Alex, when Emily first told us about you, we were thrilled. Not just because you make her happy, but because we finally had someone who could reach the top shelf in the kitchen without a stepladder. Welcome to the family! Your official duties include killing spiders, opening tight jars, and pretending to be interested when Emily talks about her latest Netflix obsession.

In all seriousness, Emily and Alex, you two are perfect for each other. You complement each other like wine and cheese, or in Emily’s case, like online shopping and next-day delivery.

To the happy couple! May your love be as strong as Emily’s obsession with taking selfies, and may your marriage be filled with more joy than the time Emily finally learned how to parallel park. Cheers!

sister of the bride speech example

Sister of the Groom Speech Example – Sentimental

My dear brother, Michael, and my new sister-in-law, Sarah. It’s a privilege to stand here today and celebrate your love.

Mike, as your little sister, I’ve always looked up to you. From protecting me from imaginary monsters under the bed to being my confidant during tough times, you’ve been my hero and my best friend. Your kindness, your perseverance, and your ability to make everyone around you feel valued have always inspired me.

I remember the day you told me about Sarah. The way your eyes lit up when you spoke about her, I knew she was the one. Sarah, from the moment you became a part of our lives, I’ve seen how you bring out the best in my brother. Your warmth, your intelligence, and the way you support Michael in all his endeavors make you the perfect partner for him.

Michael and Sarah, as you start this new chapter of your lives together, remember that marriage is a beautiful journey of love and partnership. It’s about supporting each other’s dreams, facing challenges together, and finding joy in the simple moments you share.

May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. May your home be filled with laughter, your hearts with love, and your lives with countless beautiful memories. I love you both. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness!

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Sister of the Groom Speech Example – Humorous

Good evening, everyone! For those who don’t know me, I’m Michael’s sister, also known as the one who taught him everything he knows about style, cooking, and how to charm his way out of trouble. You’re welcome, Sarah.

Mike, my dear brother, I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. Not because I’m particularly sentimental, but because I finally get to reveal all your secrets in front of your friends and family. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it PG… mostly.

I still remember when Michael was eight, he declared he’d never get married because it would interfere with his career as a professional video game player. Well, bro, I’m glad to see you’ve finally realized that there’s more to life than beating your high score. Although, Sarah, I should warn you – he still gets pretty excited about new game releases.

Sarah, when Michael first told us about you, we were thrilled. Not just because you make him happy, but because we finally had hope that someone would teach him that the laundry basket is not, in fact, an optional piece of furniture. Welcome to the family! Your official duties include deciphering Michael’s grocery lists and explaining to him that “I’m fine” never actually means fine.

In all seriousness, Michael and Sarah, you two are perfect for each other. You complement each other like coffee and donuts, or in Michael’s case, like dad jokes and eye rolls.

To the happy couple! May your love be as strong as Michael’s ability to fall asleep anywhere, anytime, and may your marriage be filled with more laughter than the time Michael tried to assemble IKEA furniture without reading the instructions. Cheers!

sister of the groom

Joint Wedding Speech Example – Sentimental (Best Man and Maid of Honor)

Best Man (James): Good evening, everyone. I’m James, the best man, and standing beside me is the maid of honor, Emily. We’ve known Alex and Sarah since college, and we’re honored to share this special day with them.

Maid of Honor (Emily): When James and I were asked to give a joint speech, we immediately agreed. After all, who better to talk about the bride and groom than their best friends who’ve been there through it all?

James: I’ve known Alex since our freshman year when we were roommates. From day one, I knew he was someone special – kind, loyal, and always up for an adventure.

Emily: And I met Sarah in our first psychology class. Her infectious laugh and compassionate nature made us instant friends.

James: I remember the day Alex met Sarah. He came back to our dorm with this goofy grin on his face, talking about this amazing girl he’d just met.

Emily: Sarah called me that same night, gushing about the cute guy she’d bumped into at the campus coffee shop. Little did they know that their chance encounter would lead to this beautiful day.

James: Over the years, we’ve watched Alex and Sarah’s love grow. They’ve supported each other through tough exams, celebrated each other’s victories, and built a relationship based on trust, respect, and genuine friendship.

Emily: Sarah, you’ve been my rock through so many life events. Your strength and kindness never cease to amaze me. Alex, thank you for loving our girl so completely and for being such a wonderful addition to our friend group.

James: Alex, you’ve been more than a best friend to me – you’re the brother I never had. Sarah, thank you for making my best friend happier than I’ve ever seen him.

Emily: As we stand here today, we’re not just celebrating a wedding. We’re celebrating the union of two incredible individuals who make each other better every single day.

James: To Alex and Sarah, may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing year. May your home be filled with laughter, your hearts with love, and your lives with endless adventures.

Emily: May you always find comfort in each other’s arms, strength in each other’s support, and joy in each other’s smile.

James and Emily (together): To Alex and Sarah – our dear friends, and now, husband and wife. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness. Cheers!

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Joint Wedding Speech Example – Humorous (Father of the Bride and Father of the Groom)

Father of the Bride (Tom): Good evening, everyone. I’m Tom, Jessica’s dad, and this distinguished gentleman beside me is Bob, Ryan’s father. We’ve been asked to give a joint speech tonight, which is fitting because we’ve been joining forces for years now to keep these two out of trouble.

Father of the Groom (Bob): That’s right, Tom. When our kids first started dating, we thought we’d finally get a break. Little did we know we were just trading one set of headaches for another.

Tom: I remember the day Jessica told us about Ryan. I was thrilled – not just because he made her happy, but because I finally had someone else to blame for the dents in my car.

Bob: And when Ryan introduced us to Jessica, I was ecstatic. I thought, “Finally, someone who might be able to teach my son that socks don’t belong on the coffee table.”

Tom: Over the years, we’ve watched Jessica and Ryan’s relationship grow. They’ve supported each other through thick and thin, good times and bad, and countless pizza deliveries.

Bob: Ryan has always been an, let’s say, “interesting” kid. When he was five, he wanted to be a dinosaur when he grew up. Jessica, I’m glad you’ve managed to slightly adjust his career goals.

Tom: And Jessica, well, she’s always been our little princess. Ryan, I hope you know that “princess” is just a fancy word for “someone who always gets their way.” Good luck with that, son.

Bob: But in all seriousness, we couldn’t be happier to see these two tying the knot. They complement each other perfectly, like peanut butter and jelly, or in their case, like Netflix and procrastination.

Tom: Jessica, sweetheart, you’ve made us proud in so many ways. Your kindness, your intelligence, and your ability to put up with Ryan’s jokes are truly impressive.

Bob: And Ryan, my boy, seeing the man you’ve become and the way you love Jessica fills my heart with joy. Your mother and I couldn’t be prouder.

Tom: As fathers, we’re not losing a daughter and a son today. We’re gaining…

Bob: …a whole lot of expenses. Seriously, do you two know how much grandkids cost these days?

Tom: To Jessica and Ryan, may your love be as strong as our new combined credit card debt, and may your marriage be filled with more laughter than the time Ryan tried to propose and forgot the ring.

Bob: May you always support each other’s dreams, have patience for each other’s quirks, and most importantly, may you always remember whose turn it is to do the dishes.

Tom and Bob (together): To the happy couple! May your love story be long, your arguments short, and may you always remember – we’re just a phone call away… unless you need money or babysitting. Cheers!

Final Thoughts: Toasting to Your Success

At the heart of every great wedding speech is genuine emotion and a desire to celebrate love. Whether you’re the wise-cracking best man, the sentimental maid of honor, or the parent trying not to ugly-cry through your entire speech, your sincerity will shine through. Don’t let the pressure get to you.

Even if you stumble over a few words or your voice cracks with emotion, in ten years, the only thing people will remember is how much love was in the room. Now go forth and speak your heart out! And if all else fails, just raise your glass and say, “To love, laughter, and happily ever after!” Cheers to you, cheers to the happy couple, and cheers to love in all its beautiful, messy, wonderful forms!

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How to Write a Wedding Speech

Last Updated: March 19, 2024 Approved

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. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 81% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 609,901 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

speech on a wedding day

Writing a Meaningful Speech

Step 1 Introduce yourself to the crowd.

  • 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.

Step 2 Open with a joke.

  • 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.

Step 5 Thank everyone in attendance.

  • 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.

Step 3 Practice, practice, practice.

  • 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.

Step 4 Bring your notes with you.

  • 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

Step 1 Maintain your composure.

  • 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.

Step 2 Keep it short and sweet.

  • 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.

Step 3 Be sincere.

  • 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.

Step 4 Finish with a toast.

  • 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

Jenny Yi

  • 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

speech on a wedding day

  • 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

You Might Also Like

Write a Speech Introducing Yourself

  • ↑ 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

Jenny Yi

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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speech on a wedding day

speech on a wedding day

How to Begin a Wedding Speech: Great Opening Lines

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

speech on a wedding day

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!

speech on a wedding day

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."

speech on a wedding day

"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."

speech on a wedding day

"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.”

speech on a wedding day

"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.')"

speech on a wedding day

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.' "

speech on a wedding day

"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:.

speech on a wedding day

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  • Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception? How to Write a Wedding Toast Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech How to Write a Best Man Toast Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech What to Know About a Newlywed Toast Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips 60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

60 Wedding Toast Quotes for Every Speech

Raise a glass and write these down.

Cristina Montemayor is a freelance writer and makeup artist whose work has appeared on HelloGiggles, Slate, Elite Daily, and Bustle.

speech on a wedding day

Photo by David Bastianoni

In This Article

Wedding day jitters  aren’t just for the couple. If you’ve been asked to give a  wedding toast , you may feel just as nervous on the big day as the couple getting married in anticipation of your speech. Public speaking is a nerve-wracking experience on its own, but when someone you’re extremely close to asks you to give a speech on what’s supposed to be the best day of their lives, the pressure is most certainly on. 

Unless you’re a standup comedian or an exceptionally gifted writer,  writing a wedding toast  can feel like a truly daunting task. If you can’t find the words to adequately express the emotions you felt watching these newlyweds get together, tie the knot, and eventually plan a future together, don’t sweat it—just borrow someone else’s. 

Incorporating famous  wedding toast quotes and sayings into your speech is a great trick to get the audience to laugh or tug at their heartstrings, which are both qualities of a memorable toast. Sure, you’ll also want to include a few personal anecdotes, but don’t feel the need to overdo it: The best wedding toasts are short, sweet, and make everyone in the room believe in true love.

If you’re not sure where to start with writing a wedding toast , we’re here to help. Get inspired with these 60 memorable wedding quotes for every speech. 

Classic Wedding Toast Quotes

  • "There is only one happiness in life: To love and be loved." — George Sand
  • "Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." — Antoine de Saint-Exupery
  • "The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time." — Julia Child
  • "Where there is love there is life." — Mahatma Gandhi
  • "The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now." — Rick Warren
  • "A  happy marriage  is a long conversation which always seems too short." — Andre Maurois
  • "There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage." — Martin Luther
  • "Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead." — Oscar Wilde
  • "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." — Audrey Hepburn
  • "When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too." — The Alchemist
  • "You don't marry the person you can live with—you marry the person you can't live without." — Unknown
  • "May this marriage be full of laughter, our every day in paradise." — Rumi

Funny Wedding Toast Quotes

  • "It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." — Rita Rudner
  • "Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards." — Benjamin Franklin
  • "Marry a man your own age; as your beauty fades, so will his eyesight." — Phyllis Diller
  • "May she share everything with her husband, including the housework." — Unknown Proverb
  • "The man who says his wife can't take a joke, forgets that she took him." — Oscar Wilde
  • "Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?" — Groucho Marx
  • "By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher." — Socrates
  • "Getting married is like trading the adoration of many for the sarcasm of one." — Mae West
  • "Women marry men hoping they will change. Men marry women hoping they will not. So each is inevitably disappointed." — Albert Einstein
  • "My husband and I have never considered divorce ... murder sometimes, but never divorce." — Dr. Joyce Brothers
  • "Being a good husband is like being a stand-up comic. You need 10 years before you can call yourself a beginner." — Jerry Seinfeld
  • "Marriages are made in heaven. But so again, are thunder and lightning." — Clint Eastwood

Romantic Wedding Toast Quotes

  • "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." — Mignon McLaughlin
  • "Grow old with me. The best is yet to be, the last of life for which the first was made." — Robert Browning
  • " Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get—only with what you are expecting to give—which is everything." — Katharine Hepburn
  • "In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine." — Maya Angelou
  • "Being married is like having somebody permanently in your corner. It feels limitless, not limited." — Gloria Steinem
  • "To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness." — Robert Brault
  • "Love seems the swiftest but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century." — Mark Twain
  • "My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite." — Romeo and Juliet
  • "You know you're in love when you don't want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." — Dr. Seuss

Famous Wedding Toast Quotes

  • "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." — When Harry Met Sally
  • "The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return." — Moulin Rouge
  • "To me, you are perfect." — Love Actually
  • "It’s like at that moment the whole universe existed just to bring us together." — Serendipity
  • "Choose me. Marry me. Let me make you happy." — My Best Friend’s Wedding
  • "True love is the soul's recognition of its counterpoint in another." — Wedding Crashers
  • "I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone." — The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
  • "It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other." — Good Will Hunting
  • "May you never steal, lie, or cheat. But if you must steal, then steal away my sorrows. And if you must lie, lie with me all the nights of my life. And if you must cheat, then please cheat death. Because I couldn't live a day without you." — Leap Year
  • "To love another person is to see the face of God." — Les Miserables
  • "The heart’s not like a box that gets filled up. It expands in size the more you love." — Her

Religious Wedding Toast Quotes

  • "Two are better than one." — Ecclesiastes 4:9
  • "Through love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13 
  • "I found the one whom my soul loves." — Song of Solomon 3:4
  • "Follow the way of love." — I Corinthians 14:1
  • "Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away." — Song of Solomon 8:7
  • "Deep love is stronger than life." — Jewish Proverb
  • "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." — 1 John 3:18
  • "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." — Genesis 2:24
  • "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." — Corinthians 13:4-5
  • "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." — 1 John 4:18-19
  • "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." —Corinthians 13
  • "Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs." —Proverbs 10:12
  • "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." — 1 Corinthians 13:13
  • "So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." — Matthew 19:6
  • "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." — Romans 12:9
  • "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 to you I entrust my life." —Psalm 143:8

A Guide to Wedding Reception Toasts

  • Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception?
  • How to Write a Wedding Toast
  • Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech
  • How to Write a Best Man Toast
  • Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech
  • What to Know About a Newlywed Toast
  • Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips
  • currently on 60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

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28 Best Examples of Wedding Speech for Mother of the Bride for Inspiration

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wedding speeches for mother of the bride

As the mother of the bride, giving a speech at your daughter's wedding is a cherished opportunity to share your love, joy and wisdom on this special day. It's a chance to offer heartfelt congratulations to the newlyweds and to express your own happiness and pride as a mother. Alongside the speech inspiration, we present our stunning collection of mother of the bride dresses that will complement your role and make you shine throughout the celebration.

28 Examples of Wedding Speeches for the Mother of the Bride

To inspire you to create a touching and memorable speech, here are 28 best examples of wedding speech for mother of the bride:

  • "To my dear daughter and her beloved partner, it brings me immense joy to be standing here as your mother, watching you both start a new chapter in your lives. Seeing the love and care you have for one another fills my heart with pride and happiness. I have watched you grow into a strong, independent woman, and I am so happy that you have found someone who complements you so well. [Share a personal anecdote about your daughter or the couple.]
  • "Dear family and friends, I am beyond honored to be standing here today as the mother of the bride. My daughter has always been a shining light in my life, and to see her so happy and in love warms my heart. I have watched her relationship with [partner's name] grow into something truly special, and I am grateful that they have found each other. [Share a memory or story about your daughter and her partner.]
  • "Good evening, everyone. It is a privilege to be here as the mother of the bride on this special day. Seeing my daughter so beautiful and happy fills me with pride and love. She has grown into a kind, thoughtful, and caring woman, and I am confident that she and [partner's name] will have a bright and happy future together. [Share a personal anecdote or memory about your daughter.]
  • "To my lovely daughter and her wonderful partner, it is an honor to be standing here as your mother on this special day. I have watched you both grow into loving, kind-hearted individuals, and I am grateful that you have found each other. I know that your future together will be full of love, joy, and laughter. [Share a heartfelt story or memory about your daughter and her partner.]
  • "Dear family and friends, it is with great joy that I stand here today as the mother of the bride. My daughter has always been an inspiration to me, and to see her so happy and in love brings me immense happiness. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, and express your admiration for the couple.]
  • "To my beautiful daughter and her partner, I am thrilled to be standing here today as your mother, witnessing your love and commitment to each other. I have watched you both grow into strong, independent adults, and I am proud of the people you have become. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, and express your admiration for the couple's love and commitment.]
  • "Good evening, everyone. I am the mother of the bride, and I am so grateful to be here today to witness my daughter and her partner start their lives together. Seeing them so happy and in love fills my heart with joy. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and express your admiration for the couple.]
  • "To my dear daughter and her partner, it is an honor to be standing here as your mother on this special day. I am so proud of the person you have become and the love and care you have for one another. [Share a heartfelt story or memory about your daughter and her partner, and express your admiration for their relationship.]
  • "Dear family and friends, it is a privilege to be standing here as the mother of the bride on this special day. My daughter and [partner's name] have a love that radiates throughout the room, and I am grateful to be a part of their journey. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, and express your admiration for their love and commitment.]
  • "To my lovely daughter and her partner, I am filled with joy and pride as I stand here today on your wedding day. Seeing you both so happy and in love brings warmth to my heart. [Share a personal anecdote about your daughter or the couple.] From the moment I met [partner's name], I knew that they were the perfect match for my daughter. Together, you two complement each other in a way that is truly beautiful. [Share a memory or story about the couple.] I am grateful that my daughter has found someone who loves and cares for her as much as [partner's name] does, and I know that your future together will be filled with endless love, laughter, and happiness. Congratulations to the happy couple!"
  • "To my darling daughter and her partner, it is an honor to be standing here today as your mother. When I look at you both, I see the perfect embodiment of love and commitment. You both have come so far together, and I am grateful to have witnessed your journey. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting their love and commitment.]
  • "Dear family and friends, it is a privilege to be standing here today as the mother of the bride. My daughter and her partner have a love that is truly unique and special. [Share a personal story or memory about the couple, highlighting their unique qualities that make their love special.]
  • "To my beautiful daughter and her partner, it brings me immense joy to be standing here as your mother on this special day. Seeing the two of you together reminds me of how important it is to find someone who truly complements you. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the qualities that make them perfect for each other.]
  • "Good evening, everyone. As the mother of the bride, I am proud and overjoyed to be here today witnessing my daughter and her partner start their new life together. I have seen their love grow stronger each day, and it fills me with happiness to know that they have found their soulmate. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when you saw their love grow stronger.]
  • "To my dear daughter and her beloved partner, it is an honor to be standing here as your mother on this special day. The love and respect that you have for each other is truly admirable, and I am grateful to have seen your relationship grow into something truly special. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting their mutual love and respect.]
  • "Dear family and friends, I am the mother of the bride, and I am so proud and happy to be here today celebrating my daughter and her partner's love. Watching them grow into the people they are today has been a privilege, and I know that their future together will be full of happiness and love. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when you saw them grow into the people they are today.]
  • "To my lovely daughter and her partner, I am honored to be standing here today as your mother, watching you both start your new life together. Your love is a true inspiration, and I am grateful to have witnessed your journey. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when their love inspired you.]
  • "Good evening, everyone. As the mother of the bride, I am filled with joy and happiness seeing my daughter and her partner start their new life together. You both are an amazing couple, and I am grateful to have seen your love grow and flourish. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when you saw their love grow and flourish.]
  • "To my beautiful daughter and her partner, I am thrilled to be standing here as your mother, watching you both start a new chapter in your lives. Your love is a true inspiration to us all, and I am grateful to have witnessed your journey. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when their love inspired you.]
  • "Dear family and friends, it is an honor to be standing here today as the mother of the bride, celebrating my daughter and her partner's love. I have watched them grow into the amazing couple they are today, and it fills me with joy to see them starting their new life together. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when you saw their love grow and mature.]
  • "To my dear daughter and her beloved partner, I am grateful to be standing here as your mother on this special day. Your love is a true testament to the power of commitment and trust, and I am proud to have witnessed your journey. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when their commitment and trust inspired you.]
  • "Good evening, everyone. As the mother of the bride, I am honored and overjoyed to be here today witnessing my daughter and her partner's love. They are an amazing couple who complement each other in every way, and I am grateful to have seen their love grow stronger each day. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when you saw their love grow stronger.]
  • "To my beautiful daughter and her partner, it is a privilege to be standing here as your mother, celebrating your love and commitment. You both have found something truly special in each other, and I am grateful to have witnessed your journey. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when you saw their love and commitment shine through.]
  • "Dear family and friends, I am the mother of the bride, and I am filled with pride and happiness seeing my daughter and her partner start their new life together. Their love is a true inspiration to us all, and I am grateful to have seen their relationship grow into something truly special. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when you saw their love inspire others.]
  • "To my lovely daughter and her partner, I am honored to be standing here today as your mother, watching you both start a new chapter in your lives. Your love is the perfect embodiment of strength and resilience, and I am grateful to have witnessed your journey. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when their strength and resilience inspired you.]
  • "Good evening, everyone. As the mother of the bride, I am thrilled and overjoyed to be here today celebrating my daughter and her partner's love. Their journey together has been filled with love, laughter, and joy, and I am grateful to have witnessed it all. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when you saw their love bring joy and laughter into their lives.]
  • "To my dear daughter and her beloved partner, it is an honor to be standing here today as your mother, watching you both start your new life together. Your love is a true inspiration, and I am grateful to have been a part of your journey. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when you felt privileged to be a part of their journey.]
  • "Dear family and friends, it is a privilege to be standing here today as the mother of the bride, celebrating my daughter and her partner's love. They are an amazing couple who have overcome many challenges together, and I am proud to have witnessed their journey. [Share a personal story or memory about your daughter and her partner, highlighting the moments when you saw their strength and perseverance in the face of challenges.]

In conclusion, a mother-of-the-bride speech is a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate the love and joy of your daughter's wedding day. With these 28 best examples of wedding speeches for the mother of the bride, you can find inspiration to create a speech that expresses your love, pride, and support for the newlyweds. Whether you choose a heartfelt, lighthearted, or poetic speech, the most important thing is to speak from the heart and share your genuine emotions with those you love. So take inspiration from these examples, and create a speech that will touch the hearts of everyone in attendance and leave a lasting impression on your daughter and her new spouse.

As you prepare for your role as the mother of the bride, we understand that finding the perfect dress is essential. Our collection of elegant mother of the bride dresses at Ever-Pretty is designed to enhance your elegance, confidence, and radiance on your daughter's special day. Each dress is carefully crafted with high-quality fabrics and attention to detail, ensuring both comfort and style throughout the celebration.

Ever-Pretty Mother of the Bride Dresses

Whether you prefer classic and timeless designs, modern and chic styles, or something in between, our collection offers a wide range of options to suit your personal taste and the overall wedding theme. From flattering silhouettes to intricate embellishments, our dresses are created to make you feel beautiful and special on this momentous occasion.

Don't just take our word for it—here are some testimonials from our satisfied customers who found their dream mother of the bride dress:

"I felt like a queen in my mother of the bride dress from Ever-Pretty. The attention to detail and the quality of the fabric were exceptional. I received countless compliments throughout the wedding day. Thank you for making me feel truly special." - Sarah "I was amazed by the wide range of options available in the mother of the bride dress collection at Ever-Pretty. I found a dress that perfectly matched the wedding theme and made me feel elegant and confident. The fit was impeccable, and I couldn't have been happier with my choice." - Emily

Discover the perfect mother of the bride dress to complement your role and make a lasting impression on your daughter's wedding day. Visit our website to explore our stunning collection, read more customer testimonials, and find your dream dress. Make this momentous occasion even more memorable with a dress that reflects your style and personality.

If you're in need of more examples of wedding speeches, the following content may be helpful to you.

  • 10 best examples of wedding speech for brother for inspiration
  • 17 Best Examples of Wedding Speech for Father of the Bride for Inspiration
  • 15 Best Examples of Maid of Honor Speeches for Inspiration
  • Comprehensive Resource List of Wedding Vows 2023 For Him & Her

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Bride’s Mom Gives Cringy Speech at Her Wedding: ‘You Used to Be So Bothersome’

The bride's sister said their mom gave an unexpected speech that "ruined" her sibling's special day

speech on a wedding day

One bride’s sister has recounted how their mom’s unexpected wedding speech left guests uncomfortable. 

The bride’s sister recalled the moment in a Reddit post — via the subreddit "r/weddingshaming" — titled, “Shaming my own mom (at my sister's wedding).” 

After initially declining to do put together a speech, the mother of the bride decided to jump in at the end of the sister’s speech where she criticized the bride and “ruined” her big day, according to the anonymous user.

The Redditor explained in the post that she and her sister both tied the knot last year, but their mom “didn't seem to care about my sister getting married at all. It may have been because it was a small courthouse wedding,” the user wrote, adding, “Sis' mother-in-law was super into the wedding so it made sis feel even worse about our mom's lackluster reaction.”

As the wedding day approached, the bride’s sister said she “tried so hard to make up for mom's lack of excitement” and took charge of organizing things like photos and her sister’s bachelorette.

During the celebration, the poster says she delivered a "meaningful speech" before their mom interrupted. “I mentioned growing closer with sis as we grew into adults, and how glad I was she'd found someone to share her life with, and how happy it made me to see her be this happy,” the Redditor wrote. “Then our beloved mother jumps in.”

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“She says she wants to add to the speech. Even gets up to do it. And what she says is essentially: ‘I'm glad you found someone to be with. You used be so bothersome and had so much problematic behaviour (tantrums etc) and honestly your new husband is a saint for putting up with you. I remember a time when [insert occasion of sis' bad behavior from five (5!) years ago]. You're so lucky to have found such a patient man.’ ” they added.

“I almost threw my drink at her,” the user continued. “To badtalk your own daughter! Say her husband is the lucky one!”

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The sister revealed that “everyone just awkwardly moved on” following her mom’s speech, but she has “never looked at my mom the same” since.

She was then made to feel worse when her mom “read a love poem she had specifically picked out for the occasion” at her own wedding six months later. “Literally all I could think about was how much I hated her for doing that to my sister,” the user wrote.

“I told mom off for her behavior but I don't think she internalized it. Best I can do for my sister is support her as much as our mom won't,” they added.

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Groom, Wedding Party in Tears After 8-Year-Old Makes Surprise Speech at Mom's Wedding — and His Message Goes Viral (Exclusive)

Kayla Sharp tells PEOPLE she had no idea what her son planned to say when he asked to speak at the reception

Autumn Agrella | @juniorfilms1

Kayla Sharp's 8-year-old son, Lincoln, touched the hearts of all of her wedding guests when he gave an emotional — yet humorous — speech at her wedding reception

Wedding videographer Arturo Jimenez shared footage of the speech online, and more than 12 million viewers got to share in the sweet moment as well

Sharp tells PEOPLE she and new husband Spencer had no idea what their child was going to say before he took the mic, but they were just as captivated as the rest of the partygoers

Kayla Sharp and her husband, Spencer, were treated to an emotional surprise when Sharp's 8-year-old son, Lincoln, took the mic at their wedding reception. And after moving the whole wedding party to tears, the kid brought it home with some sweet comic relief.

Wedding videographer Arturo Jimenez captured the moment and shared it in a now-viral TikTok post with 1.5 million likes and more than 12 million views on the app. The video begins with Lincoln offering some heartfelt words about his mom and stepdad.

"These two people in my life have been so good with me. They have made my life better," Lincoln says as the camera cuts to the newlyweds. Spencer drops his head into his hands while his stepson continues, "I'm just saying that without these two, my life wouldn't be my life."

Related: Boyfriend Lets Mom in on Proposal Surprise — Her Emotional Reaction Becomes a 'Priceless' Video (Exclusive)

After taking some emotional breaths, Lincoln brings the message home with crowd-pleasing bravado: "Anyway, to wrap it up, I love everyone here. Thank you all for coming," he finishes. His audience bursts into laughter, but Lincoln keeps all hearts warmed when he runs to the couple and wraps them in an embrace.

Sharp tells PEOPLE that all of her reactions were genuine; she and Spencer had no idea what Lincoln planned to say during his toast, but they trusted him with the honor of speaking last.

"Two days before the wedding, we were talking about the order that everyone was going to give their speech. Lincoln overheard us talking about it, and he's like, 'Can I give a speech?' " she recalls. "I was like, 'Yeah. Do you know what you want to say?' And he's like, 'Yeah, I think so.' "

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

Related: Man, 83, in Tears After He Surprises 22-Month-Old Neighbor for First Day of Preschool Sendoff (Exclusive)

The proud mom adds, "That was the only conversation we had about his speech. And then he went up and just gave that speech, and we were like, 'Oh my God.' "

As can be seen in the video, Sharp sat facing away from her husband and their guests, so she didn't immediately notice how much her son's speech affected everyone.

"I didn't even realize the way that Spencer was crying behind me ... I didn't even realize that he was crying that much because I was just so enveloped in Lincoln talking," the bride recalls. She says that all of her guests had kind words to say about her son after his captivating performance, including Jimenez and the wedding's photographer, Autumn Agrella .

Related: Woman Films Every Date with Future Husband, Surprises Guests with Montage of the Videos at Their Wedding (Exclusive)

"They were like, 'Kayla, this is the most emotional wedding that we've ever done,' " Sharp says of her conversation with the video and photo team. "[Autumn] was like, 'Sometimes the close family and close friends will be crying, but literally everyone was crying.' "

Millions of TikTok viewers shared in the awe too, with many voicing their appreciation for Lincoln's "old soul."

"The emotional intelligence but ALSO the public speaking skills are insane!" one user wrote in response to the 48-second clip. Another called the 8-year-old "an angel in a mullet."

Related: Whole Town Bands Together to Help Bride and Groom After Venue Burns Down Hours Before Their Wedding (Exclusive)

Lincoln's retro-style hair is indeed a testament to his character, and Sharp tells PEOPLE he's been growing it for almost two years. "He goes hard for that mullet. He wants to keep it for as long as he can," says his mom.

At one point, the impressive youngster matched his stepdad with the haircut, though Spencer cut his mullet a year earlier for a friend's wedding. The spunky 'do is just one of a few testaments to Lincoln and Spencer's special relationship. Lincoln was the ring bearer at his mother's California nuptials, but then he stood up by his stepfather with the other groomsmen.

"He was right by his side through the whole ceremony," says Sharp.

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Read the original article on People .

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COMMENTS

  1. 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.

  2. Free Wedding Speech Examples to Celebrate the Big Day

    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.

  3. Wedding Speeches: How To Write, Free Samples + Etiquette Tips

    Day 1 was a bit rough, but hey, they're over it now. I would also like to thank them for having such a beautiful, intelligent, kind, and caring daughter. I hope to do you both proud and thank you both for everything you have done today and to make today happen.". The groom's wedding speech starts at the reception.

  4. How to Write a Wedding Speech: Examples, Tips, and Advice

    Use Your Notes. Reading your speech straight from a piece of paper is a big no-no. However, having a couple of note cards handy is encouraged. "You're likely to be nervous, excited, and exhausted ...

  5. 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!

  6. How to Write Your Bride Speech With Examples & Tips

    Thank Your Guests. The first step when it comes to how to write a killer bride speech: thank your favorite people! The room is filled with loved ones who put in the time, money and effort to support you on your special day, so the first words you say should be a big, heartfelt "thank you." 2. Shout-Out Your VIPs.

  7. Wedding Speech Examples

    You are kind, caring, and loving, and I am honoured to welcome you into our family. [Bride's name], [groom's name], I wish you a lifetime of happiness, love, and adventure. To the newlyweds!". Check out our top 10 father of the bride speech examples for more inspiration.

  8. How To Write A Wedding Speech: The Ultimate Guide For ...

    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!

  9. How to Write a Perfect Wedding Speech

    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 ...

  10. A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Wedding Speech

    Writing a wedding speech can be a delightful experience, allowing you to express your love, admiration, and well-wishes for the couple on their special day. However, if you're convinced that you can deliver a speech without any writing and practice, it's crucial to be mindful and consider the potential risks.

  11. Wedding Speeches: How to Write and Deliver a Memorable Toast

    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 ...

  12. How to Write a Wedding Speech (with Examples)

    Here are some tips on how to structure your wedding speech: Section. What to Include. 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.

  13. How to Write Your Wedding Speech: Etiquette Tips and Wording Examples

    This should include: A special thank you to any guests who have travelled. A general thank you to everyone for attending. A special thank you to any loved ones who have helped you out with the wedding preparations (like your parents, bridal party or siblings) Light-hearted anecdotes.

  14. 26 Wedding Speech Examples

    And please, don't just Google "funny wedding jokes" and call it a day. Your speech should be as unique as the couple's first dance song. Length and Delivery. Nobody has ever complained that a wedding speech was too short. Aim for the sweet spot of 3-5 minutes. Any longer and you risk losing your audience to the siren call of the open bar.

  15. The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Speeches

    4. Talk about what you love about their partner. Although your main responsibility is to talk about one of the newlyweds, every speech should ultimately be about both of them. Tell their partner why they are the best choice for your friend and what qualities you love most about them. 5.

  16. 17 Unique Wedding Speech Ideas to Leave Your To-Be-Weds Amazed

    11. Write a Special Song. @wedding.inspiration4 Maid of honor speech song #weddingtiktok #wedding2024 #usađŸ‡ș🇾 #maidofhonor #usa_tiktok #foryou #fyp ♬ original sound - Wedding Inspiration. If you want to elicit lots of laughs throughout your performance, forget the wedding speech order and join forces with other wedding party members for a song. We love how this duo wrote silly lyrics to ...

  17. How to Write a Wedding Speech: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

    Sharing unique memories or stories is much more effective than simply complimenting the bride or groom because it is a more personal touch. 4. Offer advice or well-wishes for the future. Shift the focus of the speech to the newlyweds and their future together. Address the bride and groom directly.

  18. How to Begin a Wedding Speech: Great 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.

  19. The Wedding Speech Order to Follow at Your Reception

    2. The Father of the Groom or Parents of the Groom's Speech. The father or parents of the bride are usually followed by the father or parents of the groom. This formality gives a nod of respect to ...

  20. 60 Wedding Toast Quotes for Every Speech

    Funny Wedding Toast Quotes. "It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." — Rita Rudner. "Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut ...

  21. Top 10 Father of the Bride Speech Examples

    Speech Example 1: The Classic Touch. Introduction: "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I am [your name], the proud father of the bride. On behalf of my partner, [partner's name], and our entire family, I want to extend a warm welcome and express our deepest gratitude for joining us on this joyous occasion.".

  22. 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 ...

  23. 28 Best Examples of Wedding Speech for Mother of the Bride for Inspira

    In conclusion, a mother-of-the-bride speech is a beautiful and meaningful way to celebrate the love and joy of your daughter's wedding day. With these 28 best examples of wedding speeches for the mother of the bride, you can find inspiration to create a speech that expresses your love, pride, and support for the newlyweds.

  24. Bride's Mom Gives Cringy Speech at Her Wedding: 'You Used to Be So

    The bride's sister said their mom gave an unexpected speech that "ruined" her sibling's special day Kirsty Hatcher is an Associate Editor on the People.com Morning Team. She has been working at ...

  25. Groom, Wedding Party in Tears After 8-Year-Old Makes Surprise Speech at

    Kayla Sharp's 8-year-old son, Lincoln, touched the hearts of all of her wedding guests when he gave an emotional — yet humorous — speech at her wedding reception. Wedding videographer Arturo Jimenez shared footage of the speech online, and more than 12 million viewers got to share in the sweet moment as well

  26. Get an Exclusive Look at Captain Sandy Yawn and Leah Shafer's Wedding

    Season 9 Digital Series: Sandy reveals which Below Deck Mediterranean chef she enlisted for her big day.