how to write a wedding speech for bride

The Bride Speech: Here's What to Write, Say & Do For a Memorable Toast

• Jessica contributes wedding planning, wedding etiquette and relationship content to The Knot.
• She also covers lifestyle and wellness topics for print and digital publications such Refinery29, Bustle, Well + Good, Cosmopolitan, Byrdie, The Zoe Report, The Cut and more.
• Jessica has a journalism degree from Cal State University, Northridge and is certified as a life and success coach.

One of the best things about modern weddings is the ability to throw tradition out the window and do whatever feels good for you and your fiancé. That applies to wedding speeches as well. Traditionally, weddings toasts are reserved for the father of the bride, the best man , and the maid of honor to congratulate the happy couple. But, given that this is your special day, you too can grab the mic and say a few words to your new spouse and guests during the wedding reception. Exciting! But, what exactly do you say in your bride's speech? Who do you thank? And how long should the speech be? All these bride speech questions and more are answered below. Keep reading for all the details, and because public speaking isn't easy, learn some expert speech tips on how to actually give the bride speech with confidence.

How Long Should a Bride Speech Be?

Yes, this is your big day, but let's face it, long, drawn out speeches are not a fan favorite at any celebration. And, since there will likely be other speeches for the guests to listen to in the wedding line-up (best man speech, maid of honor speech, father of the bride speech, mother of the bride speech, etc.), you don't want the speeches to cut into all the other festivities in your wedding timeline. So, for a bride speech, Katelyn Peterson , a wedding vow and speech writer, says the shorter, the better. She advises keeping the bride speech between two to five minutes, max.

How to Write a Bride Speech

Bride speech template.

Don't know how to get started writing your bride speech? Here's a bride speech template Peterson recommends that will help make the speech writing process a whole lot easier.

Welcome and thank wedding guests. Kick off your bride speech by first welcoming your guests and thanking them for showing up to celebrate your wedding day.

Thank the VIPs. After the general welcome and thanking guests, take a moment to thank the most important guests of honor, such as family members. More specifics on VIPs, below.

Share a brief story. Next, add some warmth to your bride speech by sharing a brief story or two about your relationship with your new husband or wife.

Connect the story to your wedding day. To bring it all together, find a way to connect the sweet story you just shared to your wedding day. For example, Peterson says, you can tell a story of how you and your new spouse first bonded over your mutual love of sports. Then, you can connect that theme to your wedding day by sharing how thrilled you are to be on the same team.

Close with a wedding toast. Finally, end your bride speech on a high note with a bride toast that reiterates your gratitude for your guests being there to celebrate your marriage.

Find your kind of venue

Who does the bride thank in her speech.

Although you may feel pressured to thank everyone during your bride speech, remember time is of the essence, so Peterson recommends focusing only on thanking the VIP guests such as your parents, in-laws, and grandparents. And, of course, Peterson adds, "you can also add a sweet line about how your new spouse has supported you and what you're most excited about in your future together."

Furthermore, Peterson says, it's safe to skip thanking the wedding party and your wedding vendors during the reception. Thank your groomsmen and bridesmaids during the rehearsal instead and send handwritten notes or leave a review for vendors after the wedding as a thank you.

Write your speech far in advance of the wedding day.

While you're busy wedding planning a million other details of your special day (Venue! Flowers! Dress! Cake!), it's easy to forget about writing the bride speech until the last minute. That's why Peterson recommends booking some time out for yourself to write your bride speech three months before the wedding to give yourself plenty of time and avoid unnecessary stress. She suggests booking out a few 30-minute speech writing sessions with yourself.

Focus the first session on brainstorming material for the bride's speech then dive into writing and editing the speech. Also, she notes, you don't have to write it alone! "Get your new spouse involved," Peterson says. "You're a team now so this speech does not have to just come from you."

How to Give a Bride Speech

Bride speech jokes.

Incorporating jokes into your bride speech can certainly make it more entertaining for guests to listen to and make it more personalized as well. The key with bride speech jokes, Peterson says, is sprinkling the jokes throughout in a subtle way. "This isn't a comedy act so you don't need to try too hard," she says. "Instead, add playful tones where it feels natural and where your personality can shine."

Here's an example Peterson shared of a subtle bride speech joke: "The type-A planner in me was pushed to her limits when it came to organizing our wedding but seeing all of the people that I love and appreciate most surrounding me today made every moment worth it."

Bride Speech Example

If you get stuck writing your bride speech, look to this sample speech written by Peterson.

"Good evening everyone and welcome! My new spouse and I would like to thank you all for being here today to make our day extra special. We'd especially like to thank both of our parents for their consistent support, generosity, and love, not only leading up to this day but throughout our entire lives.

Northern Michigan is a special place for Charley and me. From first dates spent on the lake to family gatherings every 4th of July weekend, this very location has been the backdrop to us falling in love.

And so it only made sense for us to get married in the same place where our love story began. It brings us so much happiness and gratitude to know that the first page of this new chapter as a married couple is being written at my parent's lake house and with all of the most important people in our lives.

Here's a toast to everyone here who has been there for us in the past, who is here for us today, and who we know will continue contributing to our love story through each new passing year of our marriage. We love you all. Cheers!"

How to End the Bride Speech

The last line of the bride's speech is important. It's the last thing your guests will hear so you want to make it strong and memorable. To achieve this, Peterson recommends including gratitude for your guests being there as well as a cute callback that ties everything together. "A callback happens when you reference something from earlier in the speech," she says. For instance, let's say you shared that you and your spouse fell in love while singing the Hall of Oates' song "You Make My Dreams Come True." Then, your last line could be: "Cheers to you all for being here and helping make our dreams come true."

What NOT to Say in a Bride Speech

There is a time and place for everything, but your wedding reception is definitely not the occasion to share embarrassing stories or edgy jokes that your guests may not get, Peterson says. You can, of course, she adds, share those during more casual celebrations such as the bachelorette party.

How to Deliver a Bride Speech

Your great speech is written and perfectly crafted with thank yous and a sweet story. The next step is actually delivering it during the wedding reception. To prepare yourself for a great delivery, here are some quick-fire public speaking tips Peterson recommends.

Don't try to memorize your speech.

On your wedding day, there's going to be so much going on and emotions will be running high in the best way. The last thing you want to do is worry about forgetting your speech. This is why Peterson recommends printing out your speech instead and bringing two extra copies on the wedding day in case one gets lost.

Use a microphone.

This ensures everyone will be able to hear you. Pro tip: Remember to move the mic when you move your head so the sound doesn't get lost or muffled.

Practice, practice, practice.

Even though you'll be reading your speech, you still want to ensure you practice reciting it at least three to six times, Peterson says, so you're able to make natural eye contact while delivering the speech. "Practice in front of someone who you can trust to provide you with constructive feedback," she says. "You can also video record yourself to catch those awkward 'ums' before it's captured by your wedding videographer."

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

Holiday Wedding Pros And Cons

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

• best man speech
• bridesmaid speech
• how to write a wedding speech
• wedding planning
• wedding speech

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!

Jennings Trace

Related posts.

Perfect Wedding Hairstyles: Up or Down?

Exit Strategy: Planning Your Wedding Send-Off

Bridesmaid Responsibilities: A Guide

I need an example of a good wedding speec for the bride.Its my first time.

[…] infusing genuine emotion into your wedding speech is essential for creating a heartfelt connection with the audience. Expressing warmth, sincerity, […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Take advantage of our special offer! $1000 off all wedding dates through 2024! Saturdays are available and openings will fill up quickly so please contact us to secure one of our available dates. * Offer valid for new bookings only.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

How to Write—And Deliver—The Perfect Wedding Speech

By Shelby Wax

We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

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

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

Who Gives a Wedding Speech?

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

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

How to Write a Wedding Speech

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

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

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

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

By Emma Specter

By Hayley Maitland

By Lorena Meouchi

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.”

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.”

More Great Living Stories From Vogue

The Best Places in the World for Solo Travel

Candice Bergen on What It Was Really Like to Attend Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball

The Curious Case of Kate Middleton’s “Disappearance”

Sofia Richie Grainge Is Pregnant! And It’s a….

Vogue Weddings

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Architectural Digest.. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game New
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Communication Skills
• Public Speaking

How to Write a Wedding Speech

Last Updated: March 19, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jenny Yi . Jenny Yi is the Founder of Chloe+Mint, an award-winning full service event planning company that specializes in wedding planning, design and floral design. Jenny has been in the industry for over 5 years, and also works closely with notable brands and celebrities on branding and events. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 601,297 times.

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

Things You Should Know

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

Sample Speeches

Writing a Meaningful Speech

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

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

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

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

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

Making Sure You're Prepared

• 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.

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

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

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

Giving the Speech

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

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

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

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

Expert Q&A

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

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

You Might Also Like

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

About This Article

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

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Brianna Carl

Feb 1, 2017

Did this article help you?

Sep 16, 2016

Mady Schlosser

Jun 22, 2017

Lindsay Hilman

Jun 10, 2017

Oct 28, 2016

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

• Find a Couple
• Travel & Experiences
• Inspiration
• Collections
• Manage Your List
• Guest Pledges
• Place Order
• Account Balance
• Thank You Manager
• Track Orders
• Accounts Settings

Wedding Planning

Bride Speech: A Guide to Planning and Delivering Your Perfect Speech

Discover how to write a heartfelt bride speech with examples and top tips. Learn when to start planning, what to include, and how to deliver a memorable wedding speech.

Brides - it's your turn to take the mic! Traditionally, wedding speeches and toasts were typically reserved for the groom, father of the bride and best man. But modern weddings have seen a welcome shift in this tradition, giving brides a well-deserved opportunity to take centre stage. This change ensures that both partners have an equal opportunity to express their own words of love.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about planning and delivering the perfect bride speech. We'll provide real examples of our favourite speeches too, and answer all the big questions.

Can Brides Give Wedding Speeches?

It may come as no surprise that the answer is a resounding YES. Brides have every right to take the spotlight to share their thoughts and emotions. After all, it's your wedding day too!

However, it's equally important to emphasise that the decision to give a speech should be entirely up to you. There should be no pressure or expectation to speak if you don't feel comfortable doing so. Your wedding day should reflect your desires and preferences as a couple.

When Is the Ideal Time for Brides To Start Planning Their Speech?

Planning a wedding speech requires a bit of preparation. The key is to start early. We recommend beginning no later than a month before your wedding day to give you time to brainstorm ideas, jot down thoughts, and carefully craft your speech. Put aside time each week to gradually work on your bride's speech instead of rushing it in one go.

A great tip is to practise your speech before bedtime - experts suggest this is the optimal time for your brain to absorb information, making memorisation easier.

Is It Recommended for the Bride’s Speech To Have a Theme?

Infusing a theme into your bride's speech can add an extra layer of entertainment! You might want to reflect on your journey as a couple, highlighting key milestones and moments that have bought you together. Some popular themes include:

• Reflecting on your journey as a couple:  This could involve highlighting key milestones and moments that have brought you together, such as your first date, your engagement, or the birth of your children.
• Embrace shared passions:  If you and your partner share a common interest, such as travel, sports, or music, you could incorporate this into your speech.
• Turn your speech into a song:  If you have a good singing voice, you could write a song about your love for your partner and perform it for your guests.
• Celebrate your differences:  Instead of focusing on the things you have in common, you could talk about the things that make you different and how these differences have enriched your relationship.
• Involve the audience in interactive elements:  This could involve asking your guests questions, playing games, or giving them a challenge.

If you're not sure where to start, you could work with your partner to create a joint speech. This is another great way to tell your unique story in an entertaining way.

At What Point During the Wedding Should the Bride Deliver Her Speech?

The best part about a bridal speech is that it's all up to you! There are no strict traditions or expectations, so you can decide when it feels right to share your thoughts. You might want to consider going early, before the other wedding toasts.

If you're feeling a little nervous, just remember you're speaking to the most supportive audience you'll ever have - they're all there for YOU! So, take a deep breath, relax, and truly enjoy the moment. It's your time to shine! You've got this.

How Long Should the Bride’s Speech Typically Be?

As the saying goes, keep it short and sweet. Our top tip is to jot down all your thoughts and then edit and trim any unnecessary bits. A perfect duration for the bride’s speech is about 6 minutes, which translates to around 900 words. That's just enough time to share your heartfelt sentiments without dragging it out. If you're unsure about any jokes, ask a friend to sense-check them.

The key is practice, practice, practice! Rehearse your speech multiple times before the big day so that you feel completely comfortable delivering it. You've got all the tools you need, and remember - you're speaking from the heart - so you can't go wrong!

What Key Elements Should a Bride Include in Her Wedding Speech?

The bride's speech is an opportunity to express your feelings. There are no strict rules or templates to follow, allowing you to make it uniquely your own! However, if you're finding it a bit difficult to begin, here's a helpful template to get you started!

• Welcome Your Guests⁠: Begin your speech by welcoming your wonderful wedding guests and thanking them for celebrating your big day with you.
• Thank the VIPs: ⁠ Let your bridal party and anyone involved in the build-up to your wedding know how much their support is appreciated. 
• Share a Unique Story: Next, share a unique story about your relationship! Be genuine and honest, avoiding cliches or generic statements. You can add humour, keep it witty, or go full-nerd. Speak from the heart and show off your personality!
• Connect the Story to Your Wedding Day: To wrap it all up, find a way to connect the story to your wedding day. For example, if you first bonded over a shared love for climbing, connect this theme to your wedding by saying how excited you are to conquer the world together.
• Close With a Toast: ⁠ Conclude your speech with a heartfelt toast to celebrate love and happiness. Raise a glass to everything that lies ahead! And not just for the two of you but for all those there to witness and support you!

What Is an Example of a Bride Speech?

So now, based on the template shared above, let's give this wedding speech thing a go!

Bride Speech Example "Hello everyone! Thank you so much for being here today. It really means the world to us both.

So, I know it's not tradition for the bride to make a speech. But I've spent the last six months planning this day, and I have a whole lot to say about it. I won't bore you with the details, but I wanted to say a MASSIVE thank you to those who've helped along the way. Everyone, please raise a glass to my bridesmaids and family for being the best crew a girl could ask for. I couldn't have done it without you.

To my partner in crime, James: I can't believe we're finally married! It feels like just yesterday we were talking on Hinge. I'm still ashamed to say I found your profile picture funny. To give you all context, it was James in a field with two calves, with the quote "I've been told I have great calves." Astonishingly bad, still to this day.

Since then, James has brought so much more to my life than Dad Jokes. James, you have supported, encouraged, and pushed me outside my comfort zone - in all the best ways. We have gone white water rafting in Mexico and wild camping in Scotland. We've also had our fair share of playing charades with locals, getting many things lost in translation - like accidentally eating fried tarantulas (I could have done without that).

Please join me in raising a glass to my husband! James, you make life everything but boring. I can't wait to see what adventures we have together in the years to come. To all our guests, thank you for coming to celebrate our special day. We know many of you have travelled far, and we're so grateful to have you here with us.

Cheers!"

Now you have all the tools you need to create a killer bride speech! Just remember, there's no one right way to write one. Keep it short and sweet, practice when you can, and most importantly, speak from your heart. Your big day is already all about love, and your speech will make it even more special.

Ready To Plan Your Wedding?

Plan your big day with ease with our complete wedding planning guides, expert advice and inspiration from the latest trends.

Wedding Gift List Wording: Top Tips & Examples

How do you graciously ask for wedding gifts? Let us help.

The Five Love Languages: Gifts That Speak to the Heart

What do the five love languages mean? Discover yours now and add gifts which

20 Meaningful Bridesmaid Gifts To The Bride

The bridesmaid gift to the bride represents the special bond you share.

Wedding Registry: When Should You Start?

Discover the best time to start building your dream wedding registry.

10 Wedding Gift List Questions Answered

If you have questions about wedding gift lists, we have the answers!

Wedding Checklist: 12 Months To Go, What To Do And Timeline

Use our 12-month wedding checklist and timeline to plan your big day with ease.

Bride Speech

The modern bride speech guide.

Like a free bar stocked with Bollinger, a bride’s speech is guaranteed to get the guests smiling.

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shout about how goddamn gorgeous your new spouse is and a chance to thank your friends and family for a lifetime of love.

The Speechy team  are TV scriptwriters by trade and after writing speeches for hundreds of amazing brides around the world, we’re rated ‘excellent’ on Trustpilot . 

And, as the authors of ‘ The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’ , we have all the advice you need to write & deliver a great bride’s speech.*

* Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out our  bride template ,  speech edit, or  bespoke service . Or, work with our new AI-powered team member – SpeechyAI!

Bride Speech Etiquette

Good news; wedding speech etiquette isn’t as regulated as it once was. 

You don’t need to go posh and formal, or address your mates as ‘ladies and gentlemen’. A simple ‘Hello, everyone’ can feel more natural and set a more conversational tone. 

Of course, you don’t want your speech to be a repeat of your other half’s. You don’t want them to stake their claim on all the good stories and leave you with the boring ‘speech to dos’.

Check out Rock My Wedding’s Etiquette Guide to get a sense of what he should be covering, so you don’t get left with the ‘speech-scraps’.  (*And if you’re marrying a woman, check out our lesbian bride etiquette guide ).

1 - What should a bride speech include?

Well, ultimately, that’s up to you but, generally, your speech should…

• make all the guests feel welcome
• give thanks to the important people
• make your man feel properly loved
• entertain everyone and get them in the mood to party

Here’s what the experts say…

• ‘Almost all other elements of the wedding have become more bespoke, with couples opting to do things ‘their way’. No wonder more brides are grabbing the wedding mic.

Your speech is a chance to celebrate the person who means the most to you in the world and a rare opportunity to tell all the people you love how cool you think they are.’ Zoe Williams, Editor at Hitched; The Knot Worldwide

• ‘The speeches make sure the couple speaks to everyone in a non-religious and genuine way. They’re crucial in making sure everyone feels connected to the newlyweds, and let’s face it, everyone wants to hear from the bride on the day.’ Claire Wetton, Speechy Wedding Speechwriter and TV scriptwriter

2 - Who should a bride thank?

One of the main reasons so many brides want to give a speech is to thank people. Great idea, but please don’t let your speech turn into a tedious thank you list. Like the groom and the best man, you want to entertain people too. 

The thank yous are important but DON’T … 

• end up thanking half your guest list
• individually thank people who have travelled far
• thank anyone you’ve paid. (Your venue and caterers would prefer a good online review, and even if your wedding planner has gone above and beyond, only pay a public thank you if you’re confident you’re going to be besties in ten years time).

The truth is, thanks yous can be boring if you’re not being personally thanked (that’s why Oscar winners only get 45 seconds to give their acceptance speech these days).

Our advice is to be concise and considered with your thanks. Give a heartfelt thank you to everyone for coming but the only consider namechecking the top tier wedding squad… 

• your parents (& step parents)
• your in-laws
• your maid of honour & bridesmaids
• (the best man & ushers, depending on whether or not the groom will be covering this)
• any children you and your groom already have

As well as keeping your thanks succinct, make sure they’re entertaining and meaningful. Resist the usual platitudes and cliches.

Rather than thanking your parents for ‘making me the woman I am today’, thank them for believing it was your brother who broke that window, and the dog who knocked over the red wine at Christmas…. ‘Thank you for being the most loving, supportive and, crucially, GULLIBLE parents imaginable’.

3 - Should a bride give thank you gifts?

If you’re planning on giving thank you gifts to any of the wedding party, we recommend saying you’ll be ‘personally handing them out later’ so it doesn’t disrupt the flow of your speech and the guests aren’t tempted to start checking their WhatsApp messages.

No matter how well you plan it, delivering gifts during anyone’s speech results in an awkward moment. 

4 - Does the bride pay tribute to absent friends & the dearly departed?

No need to mention any of your friends or family who haven’t been able to make it (unless they’re watching online). 

When it comes to the  ‘dearly departed’ , this depends on how raw the emotions are. 

If it’s a parent or someone very close to you has recently died, we advise paying a meaningful tribute to them in the week leading up to the wedding. This is so the disappointment of them not being there on the big day, has already been acknowledged. Even if it’s just a casual dinner with family or a walk to one of their favourite spots with your partner, let the tears flow before you’re standing up, delivering your speech in front of everyone. 

On the day, be careful not to turn your speech into a eulogy. Instead, pay a tribute to your loved one by putting a smile on everyone’s face. 

Could the guests join you in a toast to your father by drinking his favourite malt whisky? Or could you point out your bouquet was made from your gran’s favourite flowers?

Our advice is keep it short, sweet and script it towards the end of your speech. So many brides make the mistake of starting their speech when a toast to the ‘dearly departed’ but that’s often hard to recover from. 

5 - Who should the bride toast?

The only times you should ask people to raise a glass is at the end of your speech ( your final toast ) and in tribute to the dearly departed.  The stand-up, sit-down routine of too many toasts can feel a bit ridiculous.   

Your final toast should be directed towards your partner and your future life together. Read on to see how you can make that truly personal.  

How to Write & Deliver Your Bride Speech

Here are the basic rules.

The fact is, writing a wedding speech is HARD and speech-avoidance is a serious ailment.

But rather than trying to write an awesome, witty and original speech in one hit, we recommend segmenting the challenge into micro-tasks.

Do a mini-speech-job on your commute or when you have a spare 15 mins, then when you come to writing your speech you already have something to work with.

Start by jotting down… 1 – THE ETIQUETTE – who do you need to thank etc 2 – THE STORIES – what amusing & insightful anecdotes can you tell 3 – THE TRIBUTE TO YOUR PARTNER – how can you show you love them without resorting to cliches?

And there you have it; the building blocks of a brilliant speech.

The crucial thing is to START your speech and then you can refine it later.

Speechy generally advise…

• Hello, welcome & a laugh
• The Speech-Meat  – Where you tell a few great stories that give an insight into your relationship and why you love your new spouse as much as you do. 
• Acknowledgement of the dearly departed (if necessary)
• A final more romantic tribute to your husband
• A toast to your husband/ your future life together 

This structure may be different to most speeches you’ve heard. Many speakers automatically start with the thank yous but, as important as they may be, they are  not  what really interests your guests.

Get to the thank yous once you’ve already hooked everyone in. 

Don’t waste the first 30 seconds of your speech with the usual wedding-waffle. Instead, try to get in a laugh in early. 

Examples of bride opening lines; 

“Good evening, everyone! I was told a good speech should be like a wedding dress – long enough to cover the essentials and short enough to keep everyone’s attention. So, here’s my attempt.”

“Hello, beautiful people! They say a wedding is like a fairy tale, but I assure you, no frogs were harmed in the making of this marriage.”

“I stand before you today as a woman who’s officially off the market. If anyone has a receipt, I’m afraid it’s too late for a refund.”

Even better, make your opening lines surprising and personal… 

• Jump right in.   ‘So we’ve finally done it. Jonny has agreed to put up with me for the rest of his life and I’ve got that in writing.’
• Short and snappy.   ‘Well, I know what you’re all thinking. How did I convince Ryan to ditch his Ramones t-shirt, down the joy-con, and sign a marriage certificate today? Well, let’s face it, my oreo cheesecake is pretty awesome and he’s about to get a lifetime supply’
• Start with a story. ‘Let me tell you a story… when I first saw Theo, sitting in the bar, reading a book in the middle of the Saturday night chaos, I knew I had to speak to him. Only he was too absorbed in his battered, old Agatha Christie to notice me…ETC.’ 

Neuroscientists have discovered that our brains light up when we hear stories. It seems humans are programmed to be empathic; we’re literally designed to be curious about other people.

One of our prime instincts in life is to love and so we’re all naturally, intrinsically fascinated by love stories. Which means you’re on to a winner here.

Telling a good story helps sync your mind with your guests. When people hear an engaging story, they put themselves in your shoes and that process forms a deeper connection. Just like that.

A story doesn’t need to be long. It doesn’t need to be extraordinary. It just has to reveal something about you as a couple.

• ‘ As a guest, I want to know where the love is. I want to learn something about the couple, either individually or as a duo, and I want to be left rooting for their marriage.

Speeches have the power to surprise and delight, and a great speech creates the roadmap of the couple’s relationship for the guests. It should help us understand where they’ve come from and how it relates to where they’re going.’ Eduardo Braniff, Editor-in-Chief at Men’s Vows

‘When guests hear great stories, they feel less of a spectator at the wedding and more like they’re involved. As an Asian man, I go to loads of weddings and if you’re one of 500 guests, you might not know the couple very well. A good speech helps me connect with them.’ Speechy writer, Shai Hussain

Of course, it’s hard not to resort to the obvious clichés when you talk about love – ‘soulmate’, ‘the one’, ‘my best friend’ – yawn, you’re boring me, darling.

But you can be romantic, insightful and poignant without being boring, cheesy. It’s just about thinking differently.

In fact, think like a comedian. Because, in many ways, learning to be romantic is similar to learning to be funny. You can use many of the same techniques, including just taking the time to properly observe your life together.

Notice the beautiful everyday things that make your relationship work. What you want is that ‘on-the-sofa’ style romance. Sometimes it’s the smallest embers that build the most beautiful flames.   

Our new SpeechyAI tool is great at asking you all the right questions to help you notice what makes your relationship unique. 

‘Avoid all the traditional metaphors. Instead of saying ‘I love you from the bottom of my heart’, say ‘I love you from the bottom of my Converse’.  Make it surprising’.   Kat Williams,  Rock n Roll Bride 

A good toast summarises the point of your speech.  It provides great storytelling symmetry and is a call to action for everyone present. 

We always advise newlyweds to propose a toast to their partner and their future life together. We also like it when it contains some humour. 

Examples of a good bride toast… 

“In the spirit of marriage, let’s raise our glasses to a lifetime of love, laughter, and pretending to enjoy each other’s cooking. May our marriage be as indestructible as my stubbornness and as enduring as his ability to tolerate my shoe collection. Cheers!”

“As we embark on this marital rollercoaster, let’s toast to surviving each other’s quirks and remembering to laugh even when we can’t remember where we put the car keys. Here’s to love, laughter, and a well-stocked supply of chocolate for those ’emergency’ situations!”

“To the love of my life, my partner in crime, and the person who still claims to love me despite witnessing my morning hair. May our marriage be filled with more laughter than arguments, and may our shared jokes always be funnier than my dad’s dad jokes. Cheers to us!”

“In the grand tradition of marriage, let’s raise our glasses to love, compromise, and never having to say, ‘Where do you want to eat?’ May our journey together be filled with more joy than laundry and more laughter than bad sitcoms. Cheers to the happily-ever-after sitcom of our lives!”

“To my amazing spouse, thank you for agreeing to be the ‘better’ half in this partnership. May our marriage be as strong as your Wi-Fi signal and as full of surprises as my Pinterest wedding board. Here’s to us, to love, and to a lifetime of hilarious adventures!”

SpeechyAI is great at creating original toasts, if you want to exploit its talent.

If you and your groom are both giving speeches, you should both aim for about six or seven minutes. If you’re talking on behalf of you both, you can get away anything under ten minutes- or less than 1,300 words. 

Once you write your first draft, edit it down to half the length. We promise it will make it a hundred times stronger. No one ever watched a wedding speech and thought ‘if only it were longer’. The edit process might mean cutting some of your favourite bits but you need to wipe out the waffle and kill those cliches!

As public speaking expert, Alan Berg, points out: ‘There’s the expression, ‘If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter’. The quote is thought to have derived from the writing legend Mark Twain and it goes to show how hard the editing process can be. 

With Speechy’s Edit Service , the main thing we do is make the speech punchier. We look at the overall structure and see if all the stories and lines are actually necessary. Do they really add much?

A confident delivery is half the battle.

Check the acoustics of the venue & get a mic if necessary (so many speeches are ruined simply because the guests can’t hear them).

Try to memorise the speech but don’t be afraid to use notes on the day (your brain will be scrambled). Thick A4 paper is fine (but only print 3/4 of the way down the paper so you can maintain eye contact with your guests) or you can use a tablet (a mobile still looks overly casual).

Talk at a conversational pace and don’t lose yourself in your notes. Plenty of eye contact and remember to smile throughout. Everyone wants you to do well so make sure you smile. It’s scientifically proven to be infectious and those scientists know stuff.

More Delivery Advice on our blog.

PRE-DELIVERY CHECKLIST

• Have a snack – An empty stomach isn’t good for nerves. It may be the last thing you fancy but stuff a handful of canapes down or have a Mars bar on hand.
• Don’t drink alcohol – Dutch courage is a myth. Alcohol actually increases stress levels.
• Drink water – A glass of water a few minutes prior to speaking will ensure you don’t dry up.
• Look for friendly faces in the audience – And at different points of the room.

ON THE MIC CHECKLIST

• Stand up, breathe deep and smile.
• Remember your presenting principles.
• Laugh along – Sometimes people need the visual cue that what you’ve said is funny. (I know, people are idiots). And, as we know, laughter is infectious so make sure you exploit it!
• If you’re being filmed – see the camera as an extra friend. It works really well when you come to watch it back.

Classic Bride Speech Mistake

We cannot stress this strongly enough… A bride’s speech should not be more romantic or less humorous than the groom’s.

If you’re the naturally soppy sort, you might be hoping your bride’s speech is an opportunity to get all dewy-eyed and leave singletons weeping at the glory of the love you have found. It’s not.

OTT declarations of love can still be cringey even in a wedding context. If you can’t imagine reading your speech to your mates down the pub without them wanting to throw things at you, you’ve probably pitched it wrong.

Make Your Bride Speech Funny

The Speechy team all have a background writing comedy material, and have written for comedians, radio and TV shows. Here’s a few easy comedy-writing tips & techniques… 

Yes, the expectation may be on the best man, but all wedding speeches should make people laugh.

Of course, being funny isn’t about finding good jokes on the internet (if only it were that easy) but instead making witty observations about your relationship.

So, conduct a courtship-autopsy; what have you done together, what do you argue about, what frustrates you about each other, what seems to be a regular theme in your relationship? See what you can have fun with.

Remember the adage ‘it’s funny because it’s true’. More advice on our How To Be Funny Blog .

A heart-warming tribute to your fella should be the focus of your speech but remember every groom is handsome, kind and generally amaaazing.

Cut the cliches and concentrate on what makes your man unique .

Avoid words like ‘soulmate’ or ‘beautiful’, anything that’s overused. Nail his individual and quirky characteristics.

Is he a library-lover, a technology fiend, a total foodie or the only man to still smell lovely after four days at Glastonbury?

Sometimes you need a few prompts to get that brain working. 

See if you can hunt down…

• If you’re childhood sweethearts, hunt out the school reports.
• If you met at work, do you still have your contract or job description?
• If you met online, find those dating profiles. Could either of you be accused of ‘false marketing’?!
• And, obviously, look back at your photos through the years to help those memories come flooding back. 

The callback is where you plant a story or a piece of info at the start of the speech, possibly as a throwaway line, and then reference it later on. 

Watch professional comedians on stage and you’ll see nearly all of them deploy the technique. It’s not only funny, it’s a technique that makes you look smart. Win-win. 

For example, share that story where you accidentally stapled your shoe to the floor when you renovated your first house together. Later, conclude your speech by saying  ‘…I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, even if I do have to staple your shoes to the floor to make sure you’re by my side forever more.’

The callback is basically establishing an inside joke that everyone is part of.

To make it work

• Plant something funny, and crucially, memorable in the first third of your speech.
• Then simple refer to it towards the end of your speech.

Voila. You’ve become a comedy pro.

Check out some  bride speech videos to get a sense of what other brides are delivering. 

But, if all this advice has done nothing but convince you you need help – then jump to all the different ways the Speechy team can help you .

Speech Do's

Make the 'thank you's meaningful.

Don’t just talk about what people have contributed to the wedding, thank them for what they’ve contributed to your life (even if it is just an appreciation on malt whiskeys). Keep each thank you less than 50 words.

Funny or poignant quotes can add something extra to your speech and it’s not plagiarism if you credit the author! Take inspo from our Quotes For Bride Blog .

Toast something meaningful

Ideally something that will make your husband and guests smile – maybe ‘a lifetime of dancing on tables’. Consider a #TequilaToast

Practice and watch it back on your phone

Watch it back and spot where your speech can be improved.

Listen to feedback

It’s always worth testing your speech on a mate but this means you have to listen to them. If someone doesn’t get a joke, don’t waste your time explaining it as you won’t be able to do that on the day.

Speech Don'ts

Don't thank the caterers or the venue.

It’s unnecessary.

Don't explain why you're giving a speech

Yes, you might always have the last word but a bride speech doesn’t need any justification for giving a speech.

Don't show off

Yes, it’s your special day. But no, you’re not allowed to show off about it. Be conscious there are single girls out there. Be self-deprecating & be humble. Don’t do a Paltrow. Instead, channel Jennifer Aniston and be the rocking hot girl who everyone still likes.

Don't resort to clichés

Yes you can thank your in-laws for ‘raising such a wonderful son’ but try to make it personal too. Thank your mother in law for the extra inch added to your waistline since you first sampled her Yorkshire Puddings.

Don't talk over laughter

You’ve worked hard for those laughs – don’t rush them. Always wait until your guests have settled down before continuing with your speech.

Bride Speech - Let us help you!

Work with us and deliver a speech that will knock your groom’s socks off.

We offer a DELIGHT GUARANTEE on all our bespoke services so there’s no reason not to exploit us.

And, of course, in the world of Zoom, Whatsapp and Death Wish Coffee, we work with brides around the world.

Bride Speech Template

Speech edit service, £ 245, bespoke speech writing service, £ 495, choose a speech service, choose a speech template, not sure where to start, products & services, speechy help, let's help you get started..., delivery coaching, £ 150, discover our services, speech templates, not sure let's find the right service for you..., we use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. if you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it., yes, i'm cool with this, privacy policy.

Wedding Speeches: How to Write and Deliver a Memorable Toast

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

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

Who gives speeches at a wedding?

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

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

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

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

Tips for Writing a great wedding speech

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

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

Tips for delivering a great wedding speech

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

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

Examples of great wedding speeches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Common questions

What is the best time during the wedding for speeches?

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

How long should a wedding speech be?

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

Is it okay to use humor in a wedding speech?

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

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

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

How can I involve the audience in my speech?

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

How do I end a wedding speech?

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

Online Marriage with Courtly

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

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

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

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

Let us handle the paperwork.

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

Get married online.

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

‍Elope on a Budget: Tips for a Beautiful Wedding Without Breaking the Bank

All about apostilles: who needs them and why, is a us marriage certificate valid in other countries, 5 tips for choosing the best online wedding service, february 2024 nuptials: a guide to the best wedding dates, leap year wedding: tie the knot on a rare day in 2024, fur-real your beloved pet can be an official wedding witness in these us states, planning a spring wedding: themes, colors, and flower choices.

Bride Speech Examples

If you're keen to give a bride speech, you've come to the right place. The bride speech is the perfect moment to thank your guests for coming and to say a special thank you to your new spouse and wedding entourage. Not sure where to start? We have lots of example bride speeches, tips and advice to help inspire you here.

Recently added to Hitched

• Inspiration
• Wedding planning
• Bride Speech: What, When and Examples

Brides speech: what to say, how to say it and examples

You’re getting married! So, surely you’ve got something to say about that? Traditionally, you’d expect to hear speeches from the groom, father of the bride and the best man. But we’re totally here for the tradition breakers. It’s becoming increasingly popular for brides to make a speech at their wedding. And we’re here to answer the big questions:

• So, as a bride, should you make a speech to your bride or groom? Spoiler - HELL YEAH (but only if you actually want to of course).
• Should it include references to friends and family or just your spouse?

How long should a bride’s speech be?

• What should it say?
• Should it be long or short, light and funny or heartfelt and emotional?
• When during the wedding day should it come?

If you want to know the above and much more, well, you’ve come to the right place!

When should brides start planning their speech?

There’s no harm in starting early, just to give you plenty of time to write, edit and practise your speech. As we’ll touch upon later, practice really does make perfect so it’s important not to rush this part! Generally we would suggest you start no later than a month before the big day.

The pros suggest practising your speech before bed, apparently your brain is in the best state to absorb information at this point in the day. Nifty!

What should a bride include in her speech?

The great thing about making a bridal speech is that there are no expectations and no template, however there’s a few things you might like to include. Generally, it’s stories, humour and meaningful tributes. It’s the perfect opportunity for you to thank your bridal party and family but also drop a few love bombs. While you’re at it, throw a few compliments at your spouse, as well. They’re probably not too bad, after all.

If you’re both making a separate speech or even a joint bride and groom speech, discuss who will cover what with your spouse to be and check who will thank who so that you don’t end up covering the same ground. You may even like to chat with the best man and father of the bride too. Don’t forget to stake your claim on the best stories! And above all else, avoid the cliches. Even in your darkest writing block moments, avoid the temptation of recycling jokes from the internet. The genuine and original anecdotes are the ones that’ll have your guests roaring with laughter. If you’re not comfortable landing jokes, keep things sincere and heartfelt.

If you’re struggling to get started, a good formula to follow is:

• Welcome and thank your lovely guests
• Thank your bridal party and family
• Chuck in a hilarious anecdote or story, don’t forget to relate it to your wedding day
• Finish off with a toast

Start planning early and brainstorm ideas without pressure - think of the highpoints in your relationship, ask yourself why you think your relationship works so well, and find humour where it doesn’t!

Should you include a theme to your bridal speech?

For sure - some of the most entertaining wedding speeches are based on a theme. If you’re both in the medical profession, base it around a humorous diagnosis, if one of you is a musician, include song lyrics. If you’ve travelled together, link your stories back to places you have visited. Consider using props or even an instrument (please… no recorders, unless it’s ironic of course). If you decide to use props, practise your timing so that you nail the delivery.

When does the bride make her speech?

The great thing about a bridal speech is that there are no traditions or expectations. So, you can choose when you give your speech. You might like to get in early, before the other wedding toasts so that you can be first to thank your wedding party and your new spouse (aww). And, let’s face it, guests may be a little bored of speeches by the last one!

If you’re feeling nervous, remember that you’re about to speak to the easiest audience of your life- they’re all there for YOU and are rooting you on. So, take a deep breath and enjoy it.

Keep it punchy, after you’ve written your wedding speech, look to edit and cut back any unnecessary bits (nobody likes a waffler). An ideal length is 900 words, this is the equivalent of 6 minutes speaking time. Any jokes that you’re slightly on the fence about? Have a trustworthy friend sense check and if in doubt, leave it out. Don’t forget, practice makes perfect - run through your speech plenty of times before the big day so you’re totally familiar with it.

When it comes to delivering your speech, fake it ‘till you make it with a smile and don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s no secret that speeches delivered with a smile come across with more warmth and sincerity than a deadpan delivery!

Looking for some more inspiration? Check out some cracking bride’s speech examples.

So, I know that a bride’s speech isn’t exactly traditional… but if you know me at all, you’ll know that today of all days, I wasn’t about to let the guys have all the limelight!

First, on behalf of MY HUSBAND and myself (pause for applause) I want to say a massive thank you to all of you for being here today. We were fully ready for today to be amazing, but I don’t think anything can really prepare you for how surreal & overwhelming it is to have all your friends and family, from all the different parts of your life, together in one room. The sheer volume of love here today has blown us away & we are SO grateful.

I know that my wonderful husband (LOVE saying that!) is doing all the proper thank yous in his speech, so I’ll leave those to him. But I do just want to thank my amazing team of bridesmaids… you ladies have made this whole process so much fun – getting me hyped when I needed to be hyped & keeping me calm when I needed to be calm. The impromptu dance party this morning was EXACTLY what I needed to burn off the pre-ceremony nerves!

So, since there are no real rules for a Bride’s speech, I thought it might be nice to tell you the story of how we met. There’s an old saying that a man decides to marry when he feels it’s the right time, while a woman chooses to marry when she feels it’s the right man. Well, I’d argue that the same could be said for online dating.

I had been stuck in an endless cycle of swiping, matching, texting, meeting & (I’m ashamed to say…) ghosting a parade of Mr Wrongs… for YEARS. This guy on the other hand… decides one day to join a dating app, matches with me on his first afternoon of swiping, sets up a date for the next day, meets me. Falls head over heels & the rest is history! … I mean, what can I say… He’s a lucky guy!

Seriously though, I’m the lucky one. This man is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best person I’ve ever met. I mean, sorry guys – you’re all fantastic & I love you…. But I love him the most.

My love, I love your big laugh & your even bigger heart. I love the life we’ve built together – our beautiful home & our gorgeous fur babies. I love the way you can always make me laugh, even when I’m upset & crying… especially when I’m upset & crying! And most of all, I love that even from that very first date, being with you felt like home.

So, everyone, can I ask you please to raise a glass… to love, home & happily ever after!

Ok, so I know it’s not strictly traditional for the bride to give a speech, but I couldn’t let the guys have all the fun now, could I?!

I think between them, they’ve already taken care of all the formal thank yous and shout outs… excellent work guys – smashed it! So, I won’t bore you with more of those.

But, if you’re all sitting comfortably, I thought I’d tell you a little story.

Once upon a time, not too far from here, there was a little girl. She didn’t dream about handsome princes & big white weddings. She was too busy playing with her dinosaurs and splashing in muddy puddles to think about boys, thank you very much!

Around the same time, in a kingdom far away, across the water, there was a little boy. Playing with his dinosaurs & splashing in muddy puddles.

Over the years, these two little people grew up into slightly bigger people, but they kept their love of dinosaurs & muddy puddles. So, when the time came to choose a uni course… Earth Sciences (with a healthy dose of palaeontology) was the only option.

And so it was that come September, the girl from London & the boy from Amsterdam rocked up at Bristol University, young, fresh-faced & single… but not for long.

Their eyes met across the lecture theatre, there was a moment, a little spark. A friend request was sent (hey, it was 2008!) and the rest, as they say… is history.

I will be forever grateful that those two crazy, outdoorsy, dinosaur-loving kids, grew up & followed their dreams. Because if they hadn’t, they would never have met. Never have fallen in love. And they wouldn’t now be spending their days together, splashing in muddy puddles with their dinosaur-replacement dogs – and by the way, can I get a cheer for the world’s greatest ring bearers, Dino & T-rex!

My love, you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I love you. And I can’t wait to keep on loving you, every day for the rest of my life.

So, lovely people, will you please join me in raising a glass, to following your dreams & falling in love!

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Wise words indeed, written by a very wise woman.

But what, I wonder, about a single WOMAN, in possession of an equally respectable fortune?... It’s an entirely different kettle of fish if you ask me.

In fact, as many of you will know, If you’d have asked this particular woman about her views on marriage, not even 2 years ago… well… she’d have chewed your ear off.

“I’ll never get married. Are you joking? I love my life! I can go where I like, I’m free to travel, financially independent. I don’t need no man. I’m happy by myself!”

And I was. I really, truly was.

BUT. You never know what the universe has in store for you. And for me, it had the most amazing surprise.

Enter stage left… this guy… the actual man of my dreams.

Tall, dark & handsome, kind, funny, adventurous, spontaneous.

It takes a special kind of crazy person to agree to a tandem skydive as a 2nd date… but that just about sums it up really, doesn’t it? I’ve found my person. My adventure buddy, my partner in crime, a match for my particular kind of crazy. And I’m not gonna lie, it feels f***ing amazing.

I get to wake up next to this phenomenal human every day, for the rest of my life. And wherever in the world we are, I know I’ll be home, as long as you’re there with me.

That’s what I believe marriage is all about – and honestly, I can’t f***ing wait.

So please, join me in a toast – to getting married!

NOW LET’S GET MESSY!

Be inspired

Wedding and honeymoon inspiration for the ultimate romantic gift list.

33 Romantic wedding gift ideas for the bride to make her day

Best bride entrance songs: 33 aisle songs for every type of bride

12 cute wedding gift poems for your invitations

Wedding music: your guide from ceremony to reception

When should we start our wedding gift list?

Basket summary

Balance to pay: £0.00

Your wedding gifts for undefined

Free direct delivery to the couple

Add an extra treat

Your message

Details & payment

Get Love Tips Sent Straight To Your Inbox . Subscribe To Our Newsletter !

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Bride’s Speech Examples

March 5, 2017 By Kate

While bride speeches are not necessarily traditional at weddings, there is no reason why the star of the show cannot give her own speech in front of all the people that are near and dear to her. If you are a bride and are not shy or feel like you have something important to express, then you will want to deliver a speech that is sincere and heartfelt.

Since bride speeches are not traditional, there are many things that you can talk about. You can talk about the Groom and how you met. You might decide to thank your parents and about how their marriage inspired you.

If someone you love could not make it to your wedding, you can make them the focus of your speech. If someone close to you recently passed away, then you can talk about them as well.

More than anything, your guests will love to hear you talk about your romance. What was your first impression of the groom? How did you know that he was the one? What are your most favorite things about him?

Brides can also be stereotypically known for being Bridezillas, which is a term for brides who are way too demanding when it comes to planning their weddings. If you like, you can make it a point in your speech to thank your bridesmaids for all the help they have given you while you planned for your wedding

You can also thank your bridesmaids for their unfaltering emotional support and for any other help they may have given to you while you prepared for your big wedding day. Being a bridesmaid can be very demanding and stressful and they might appreciate the shout out and the show of appreciation.

Below are a variety of bride speech ideas that you can use for your own speech at your wedding. Whether you want to talk about your groom, feel like thanking your bridal party, or want to honor someone special, there are many ways for you to craft your wedding speech. Let the bride speech quotes below inspire you to make your own unique and touching speech for your wedding.

As the bride, all eyes will be on you and people will want to hear what you have to say. So make it entertaining, romantic, and if you want and if it is appropriate, you can even use some humor as well. And last of all, do not forget to thank all of your guests for coming to witness your wedding and support you and your husband on your big day.

1. I know that a bride giving a speech at her wedding is a little out of the box, but I have always been the type of person to march to the beat of my own drum. I want to thank my husband, my bridesmaids, and the rest of our family and friends for being so supportive of us. Thank you for showering us with your love and thank you for embracing our weirdness.

2. I will be the first person in this room to admit that I was never the type of girl to dream about her wedding day. A big, romantic wedding was just never something that I thought all that much about. I was not even sure if I would ever get married. But when you meet the right person, you just know, and I am so grateful that I met [groom] and that I get to be his wife. I could not ask for a better husband.

3. Growing up, I was always a little bit skeptical of everything. I never wanted to believe in things that were too good to be true. But sometimes good things just happen. I learned that when I met [groom.] When I met him he was a breath of fresh air and since then he has become much more than that.

What started out as a good friendship blossomed into a wonderful relationship with someone who is truly amazing. I believe in angels and miracles now, because [groom] is my angel, he is my miracle.

4. When I was just a little girl, I used to dream about my wedding day. I would think about the beautiful white dress, the gorgeous flowers, and the delicious cake. And I have to admit all of those things have been nice things about my wedding. At the same time, none of it would mean anything without my wonderful groom, our lovely friends, and our amazing families. All the material stuff is extra, but it is the people you love that make a special day like this so meaningful.

5. This wedding has been a whirlwind of love and happy moments with all of the people that I love the most. But most of all, it is the day that I got to marry the love of my life. [Groom,] thank you for being my husband. I love you with every fiber of my being. Thank you for being my husband.

6. The first day that [groom] and met, I will admit that I thought he was cute and that he was interesting. I wanted to get to know him better. But never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined what our future would hold. Every now and then I think to myself, how lucky I am that I got to meet and marry such a wonderful person.

7. [Groom,] I never knew what my wildest dreams were until I met you. You have made me feel immeasurably happy, loved, and content and I know this is only the beginning of our journey together as a married couple.

8. [Groom,] having you in my life has been an absolute blessing. First as a friend, then as boyfriend and girlfriend. Then we became engaged and decided to get married. And as of today, we are husband and wife and I could not be more excited.

9. Hi everyone. Are you all having fun or what? I sure hope you are all having a great time because I sure am. I have to say that I am having the time of my life today.

I want to thank all of you for coming here to witness [groom] and I’s special day. It goes without saying that this day is obviously about the love that [groom] and I share, but there are two other people in this room that I especially want to thank. These are two people who I would not be here without. And these special people of course, are my mom and dad.

My mom and dad did what all good parents do. They always nurtured me, protected me, and loved me. But they also loved each other and I got to witness their love for one another every day when I was growing up. Whether intentional or not, that love that the two of them shared had a deeply profound impact on me, even as a little girl. Because of my parents, I know what real love is.

And now that I’m a lot older and am married, I cannot wait to share my whole entire life with this one person who is so special and means so much to me. Thank you mom and dad, for always showering love on me. I love you both with all of my heart and thank you [groom,] for being my husband.

10. Some of you here know that we have been planning this wedding for some time now. During the whole planning process, I have learned quite a lot about weddings, but most of all, I learned a lot about [groom] and I.

We all know that planning a wedding takes a lot of work and now that the wedding day is finally today, I know that now more than ever. This day could not have been possible without so many people but I especially want to thank the love of my life [groom,] our bridal party, and our parents. You have all provided us with so much support and love throughout the whole wedding planning process and we are thrilled to be celebrating our special day with all of you by our side.

11. If I look overcome with emotion, it is because I am. I never knew life could be like this and that I could be so happy. And I have [groom] to thank for that. Thank you, [groom] for filling my days with joy and filling my heart with love. And thank you for becoming my husband today and letting me be your wife.

12. I would like to give a special and heartfelt thank you to all of my bridesmaids for helping me with this wedding. Not only did you lovely ladies help me with the planning, you sat there through some of my bridezilla moments and did not run away screaming. Thank you for being so patient with me and for being there for me especially on today, which is such an important day to [groom] and I. I love all of you so much.

13. I would first and foremost like to thank the handsome and charming [groom,] who I am now lucky enough to call my husband. Just saying that feels weird, but it also feels so right.

Thank you, [groom] for loving me for me and for standing up with me at the altar so we could exchange our vows. This is not the happy ending to our love story because this day is only just the beginning of a new and more exciting adventure that we get to experience together. We have a lifetime ahead of us and I for one cannot wait to see what lies ahead.

14. All my life, I have always been a very spiritual person and I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. So I have never thought that my meeting [groom] was ever a coincidence. I think that we were meant to be together and that God was saving you for me.

15. Thank you to everyone for coming to our wedding. [Groom] and I are truly blessed to have all of you in our lives. And I have to say that for me, [groom] has been my biggest blessing of all. To be able to find someone to share a married life with is something that I can only attribute to God’s grace and I want to thank God for everything that has been given to me and [groom.] We could not be happier.

16. In life, there are so many things for us to constantly think about. Sometimes it can be easy to feel like you can never be sure of anything. In fact, I have often found myself feeling that way. Unsure about some of the choices I have made, about the career I’ve chosen or the home I live in. And sometimes I have even been unsure about the people I surround myself with.

But over time, you learn how to tackle that uncertainty, though you will still find times where you are not always sure about everything. That is just how life is.

When I met [groom] though, I was sure. Of what I was sure of, I didn’t exactly know. But I knew that he was someone special. I was sure that I wanted to know this person and get to know everything about him. I didn’t know at the time whether that meant as a friend or something more, but all I knew was that I wanted to be in his life.

As [groom] and I got to know each other more and more, that certainty only grew stronger. And not only was I sure about him, but having him around made me more sure of other aspects of my life as well. When you are with someone that you are that sure about, you feel much more confident and more sure of things.

[Groom,] thank you for being here with me today and deciding to become my husband. I know without a doubt, that we have a very bright future ahead of us. I know not everything will be easy or perfect, but we will have each other and that is more than enough for me.

17. Most of you probably know that [groom] and I are religious. And for me, my spirituality has often been about taking a leap of faith. My faith has gotten me through so many good times and some not so good times as well. And how did I know that [groom] was the one? I didn’t know right away, it wasn’t exactly love at first sight. But when I took that leap of faith, everything clicked and I am glad we took a chance on each other. Without my faith and without [groom,] my world would not be as bright and as happy.

18. As I look at all of you in this room, I am overcome with emotions. Joy, love, and gratitude just to name a few. Thank you all so much for being here. Whether you were part of the wedding or traveled near and far to see [groom] and I get married today, it means more to me than words can adequately explain.

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

19. While this night is about me and [groom,] I just want to take a moment to thank the other two most important people in my life: my mom and dad. Mom and dad, you both have taught me so much. Dad, you are the first guy I ever loved and you have always taken care of our family. You and Mom have always made me feel so safe and so loved.

Mom, you are everything that I always wanted to be. Watching you and Dad, I always wanted to find a love that was as strong as yours. I am so happy that I found that perfect person. Thank you both for teaching me the meaning of love and for preparing me for the world.

20. What can I say about [groom?] You all know that he is smart, hardworking, and funny. And he is pretty handsome as well. But there is a lot more to him than meets the eye. Over the years, I have gotten to know the real [groom.]

[Groom] is a romantic. He has always been thoughtful from day one. And I don’t even mean the gifts. Romance is also about the little things. Saying “I love you” every morning when you wake up and every night when you go to bed.

And [groom] is also the most patient, nicest person I know. He has seen me through a lot of hard times and while he has seen me at my very best, he has also seen me at my worst.

[Groom] is fearless. And with him, I am fearless as well. I know that together, we can explore the world as husband and wife. Together, we will have many adventures together.

21. [Groom,] I just want you to know that you have my heart today and always. I cannot wait to go to bed with you next to me every night and to wake up every morning with you by my side. You are an absolute blessing in my life and I am so happy to be the new Mrs. ____________.

22. When two people decide to get married, there is a lot of talk about the wedding. The couple sits down and goes crazy trying to find a venue, set a date, get together a bridal party, and book a caterer, DJ, and florist among many other countless vendors. You also have to find the perfect dress for the bride and the right dresses for the bridesmaids. Down to every little detail, weddings are something that are discussed and planned in great detail.

But there is a lot more to a marriage, isn’t there? After the fun wedding, when the music is gone and the food and cake has been eaten, when the guests have danced their hearts out, and the newlyweds have driven off together, what is left?

After the wedding, what is left is the marriage itself. And while marriage is certainly not a big party every day, it is something that [groom] and I talked about a lot and in great detail. Who would pay the bills? Who would do the laundry, the cooking, the cleaning? Did we want kids? How many? What would our home look like?

And even then, when all of those questions have been discussed, there is still a lot more to a marriage. How much are two people willing to fight for each other and listen to each other? Will they be strong for each other? So [groom] and I sat down and we talked and talked and talked about the wedding, about what marriage meant to us, and what our future together would look like.

What we realized more and more is how right it all felt. We won’t always have the perfect answer to everything that comes our way, but what we do have is each other. We have our love, our patience, and determination and with that in mind, I am so happy to now be married to [groom.]

You may also enjoy our Groom’s Speech Examples.

23. As many of you know, my grandma and I were close. My grandma was the sweetest lady that ever existed. She was a loving, nurturing, and kind soul and she was adored by everyone who knew her. We had a lot of good memories together, both in my childhood and even as an adult. I still remember her hugs and the soothing sound of her voice. She has had a profound impression on me throughout the years.

So as I celebrate my wedding day, I cannot help but remember my dear grandma. While I would have loved for her to be here today, I know that she is smiling down on us from heaven. And I know that she would have loved [groom] and that she would be over the moon for the two of us. Grandma, I love and miss you.

Infographics

• Inspirations
• Real Weddings
• Wedding Guide

Tian Dot Com Pte Ltd © 2024 Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Singaporebrides | Weddings 101

How to write an amazing wedding speech in 6 steps.

By Tansey Tang

Writing your wedding speech can be a daunting task. We have some wedding speech examples and tips to help you bring the house down!

Y our wedding is the perfect opportunity to tell your loved ones just how much you love and appreciate them, especially as they’ve gathered to celebrate your newest milestone and shower you with their blessings. While your heart may be full of emotion and gratitude on your wedding day, it can be difficult to convey them eloquently on the fly, especially if you’re a little drunk and a lot nervous! Take some time to write your wedding speech beforehand, and practise delivering it too.

You can choose to give your wedding speech together as a couple, or thank the people in your lives individually; just be sure to figure out beforehand who’s saying what and who’s going first, so you don’t end up being repetitive.

In your wedding speech, you’ll want to thank and appreciate the most important people in your life, such as your parents, siblings, bridal party, and close friends, and also thank them for their help with the wedding. You should also thank your guests for taking the time to celebrate with you. You can share a sweet anecdote or two about your journey as a couple, and finally, end with a thank you and a toast to your new spouse.

Wedding speech examples

It can be daunting to write a wedding speech—not to mention delivering it! We break it down into manageable parts for you and offer some examples of how you might thank the people in your life.

1. Start your wedding speech with a welcome for your guests

“Good evening. Thank you for joining Jasmine and I on our very special day. Tonight, we’re very happy and honoured to have you all with us. Seeing you all here together means the world to us both.”

2. Thank your parents and your in-laws

“To Mum and Dad, thank you for your love and unconditional support my whole life. Thank you for making sure we never lacked anything growing up, including wise advice on our studies, careers, and relationships. You’ve taught me so much, and given me the freedom to grow into my own person. You’re the best parents anyone could ever have, and I love you both deeply. Your marriage is an inspiration, and you’ve shown me how marriage is about understanding, patience, love, and forgiveness. I hope that what David and I build will be just as special as your marriage.”

“To my new Ma and Pa, thank you for welcoming me into your family with such open arms. Thank you for all of the wonderful dinners you’ve invited me to, and for your patience when teaching David and me some of your delicious recipes. We also truly appreciate all of your help with the wedding. The tea ceremony you organised was so beautiful. And thank you for raising such a fine son. David’s respect for family, his hard work, his strong character—they are a credit to you. I am blessed to have him as my new husband.”

3. Shout out to your siblings

“To my big brother and partner in crime, thank you for always taking the heat when we get into trouble with Mum and Dad, for cracking me up with a lame joke even when I beg you not to tell it, and for helping me with all my un-IT-savvy questions. And of course, thank you for introducing me to David. I might still be on the shelf if it weren’t for you.”

“To my little sister, my built-in best friend, and my maid of honour, I love you. Thank you for being my support system and my listening ear. Thank you for all the frank fashion advice, and for always being my plus one to workshops and craft sessions when I ask. Thank you for all of your help planning this wedding and for staying up so many nights working on DIY projects with me; I couldn’t have done this without you!”

4. Thank your bridesmaids and groomsmen, and everyone who helped you out

“To my groomsmen, thank you for standing by my side today and braving unnameable food and undignified challenges with me this morning. I also thank you in advance for all of the alcohol you’re going to drink in my stead later.”

“To my bridesmaids, you are my oldest and dearest friends, and I’m so honoured to have you in my bridal party. Thank you for your love and support over the years, and for all of your help during the wedding. Thank you for being here for me once again on this special day. I love you all.”

“To all of our wonderful friends who helped us emcee, usher, coordinate, and decorate, thank you so much!”

5. Finally, share a little about your journey and thank your new spouse.

“Last but definitely not least, I’d like to thank my new wife. Jasmine, the day I met you, I knew my life was going to change forever, and today, you’ve made me the happiest man on earth. You are the smartest, most beautiful, and most caring woman I know. I’m so lucky you agreed to be my wife, even though you’ve seen me do the moonwalk. I can’t wait to go on new adventures with you, and I know that together, we can brave anything.”

6. End with a thank you for all of your guests

“Thank you, everyone, for joining us as we celebrate our new chapter. We hope you enjoy the rest of your evening!”

Wedding speech tips

Take note of these few extra pointers when preparing your wedding speech, and you’ll be ready to slay your audience!

1. Write it down

Unless you’re a Toastmaster with a lot of confidence and experience at public speaking, don’t try to wing your wedding speech! Start writing your wedding speech at least a few weeks before your celebration to give yourself time to polish it.

2. Avoid inside jokes

Try to keep inside jokes to a minimum as a consideration to your other wedding guests who aren’t privy to your punchline.

3. Keep it short and sweet

Time yourself giving your wedding speech and aim to keep it under five minutes, especially if there will be a number of other people giving speeches.

4. Don’t overshare

Grandma going to be at your wedding? You might want to leave out your pregnancy scare story. If your boss and colleagues will be there, you might want to edit thanking your bridesmaids for listening to your work rants.

5. Coordinate

If you’re each giving separate wedding speeches, remember to sit down and share your speech content so you don’t have too much overlap, or have very different tones with someone being very formal while the other cracks a lot of jokes. Plan your time too, and try to have both speeches roughly equal in length.

6. Practice makes perfect

Finally, practise, practise, practise! Once you’ve edited and polished your wedding speech, it’s time to stand in front of a mirror and practise delivering it. Get comfortable with the flow of phrases, and get familiar with which section comes next. With lots of practice, you’ll feel less nervous once you’re on stage.

7. Respond to other wedding speeches

While totally winging your wedding speech isn’t recommended, a little improvisation is great and adds a candid touch to your speech. For example, if your speech is after your best man, feel free to defend yourself in the story he just maligned you with. Or, you can thank your dad or your bridesmaids for their sweet words.

We hope these wedding speech examples and tips help you write a killer speech!

Credits: Feature image from Yeon Hee and Pei Qian’s Elegant Destination Wedding at Andaz Singapore by John15 Photography

All content from this article, including images, cannot be reproduced without credits or written permission from SingaporeBrides.

Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and Telegram for the latest article and promotion updates!

Share on: Facebook

Published on: 26 April 2021

Category: Weddings 101

Tagged in: Wedding Speeches

Recommended Reading

How to write a heartfelt speech for your wedding.

Picture this: You’re at your wedding banquet, and all your closest friends and family (probably a few hundred of them) are gathered to witness and celebrate your entry into marital…

How to Write Your Maid of Honour Speech

Follow this step-by-step guide to writing your maid of honour speech, or check out our sample maid of honour speech for a few ideas. Being the maid of honour or…

How to Conquer Your Wedding Speech

SingaporeBrides shares some useful tips and pointers on how to draft and deliver your wedding speech with the skill and stealth of a professional public speaker. A common tradition at…

How to Write a Wedding Speech (with Examples)

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

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

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

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

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

What is a Wedding Speech?

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

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

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

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

Knowing Your Role

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

Father of the Bride’s Speech

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

Maid of Honor’s Speech

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

Best Man’s Speech

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

Mother of the Bride’s Speech

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

Father of the Groom’s Speech

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

Mother of the Groom’s Speech

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

Structuring Your Speech

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

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.

This newsletter is not just good - it delivers the best relationship advice to your inbox every week. Join thousands of subscribers discovering how to find love and improve their relationships with ease.

Don't miss the chance to add your name to the list before the next edition goes live. If you want to take advantage of this opportunity, simply click the below to access our secure sign-up page.

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.

Want to connect with Ryan? Click here to join his FREE weekly newsletter

The best relationship advice — in your inbox — every Monday.

• Bridal Shower
• Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties
• Engagement Party
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Wedding Checklists
• Wedding Hairstyle Ideas
• Wedding Vows Readings
• Wedding Music

In This Article

• Unique Wedding Vows
• Vows For Her
• Vows For Him
• Traditional Wedding Vows

Religious Wedding Vows

• Funny Wedding Vows

Simple Wedding Vows

• Wedding Renewal Vows

Tips On Writing Wedding Vows

• Wedding Party & Reception

36 Wedding Vow Examples To Steal: The Best Quotes + Advice

Welcome to a collection of heartfelt expressions and promises—the essence of love captured in wedding vows. In this article, we present a diverse array of wedding vow examples to inspire and guide you as you embark on crafting your own declarations of love and commitment. Whether you’re seeking traditional, modern , or personalized vows, this compilation aims to provide a source of inspiration to help you articulate the profound promises that will shape your wedding day.

ADVERTISEMENT

Take motivation from the real couples who composed their own sentimental real wedding vows.

QUICK NAVIGATION

How To Write Wedding Vows

We’ve asked Laura Montorio – The Paris Officiant , to share some inside tips on writing your wedding vows:

“The most important thing you need to keep in mind when writing your wedding vows is to stay true to yourself. If you try to be extra funny, super romantic or uniquely clever, then you put yourself under immense pressure and can easily get blocked. Speak from you heart and be yourself. Your partner won’t expect you to be a poet at once, if you are usually not a person of words.

Don’t limit yourself on the length: The quality of your vows does not lay in the word count, but in what your are expressing. Some people only need a few words to say what they feel and promise. Some people prefer to add some more details and feel they could not possible say everything they want to say in three lines. Give yourselves the freedom to choose the lenght that works best for each of you – without judgement or expectations.

And last but not least: Don’t use chat GPT to write your vows! Writing vows is not simply a task that needs to be checked off a list. Instead the process of writing your wedding vows helps you reflect upon your relationship, what you appreciate in your partner and what you want and are able to promise. Your marriage will be based on these vows, so don’t skip this!”

Unique Wedding Vows Examples

Quite similar to personal wedding vows, these unique wedding vows examples are different from the norm, and most definitely the couple’s own words. These do not stick to any specific wedding ceremony script , and below are a few examples.

• “Bride/Groom, I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. And I promise to cherish you and to always hold you in the highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.”
• “I, Bride/Groom, affirm my love to you, Bride/Groom, as I invite you to share my life. You are the most beautiful, smart, and generous person I have ever known, and I promise always to respect you. With kindness, unselfishness, and trust, I will work by your side to create a wonderful life together.”
• “I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be my [husband/wife], to share the good times and hard times side by side. I humbly give you my hand and my heart as I pledge my faith and love to you. Just as this ring I give you today is a circle without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed.”
• “Bride/Groom, I promise to love you, to be your best friend, to respect and support you, to be patient with you, to work together with you to achieve our goals, to accept you unconditionally, and to share life with you throughout the years.”
• “I, Bride/Groom, pledge my undying love to you, Bride/Groom, as I invite you to share my life. I promise to be kind, unselfish, respectful, and trustworthy so that together, our dreams of a beautiful future can come true. To this end I call upon all present to witness that I take you [name] to be my [husband/wife], to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live.”

Wedding Vows for Her Examples

Romantic Vow For Her

“I promise to encourage your compassion, Because that is what makes you unique and wonderful. I promise to nurture your dreams, Because through them your soul shines. I promise to help shoulder our challenges, For there is nothing we cannot face if we stand together.

I promise to be your partner in all things, Not possessing you, but working with you as a part of the whole. Lastly, I promise you perfect love and perfect trust, For one lifetime with you could never be enough. This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things.”

Short Wedding Vow with A Touch of Humor

“I promise to love and care for you, and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love. I will always be honest with you, kind, patient and forgiving. And I promise to try to be on time. But most of all, I promise to be a true and loyal friend to you. I love you.”

Emotional Vow Example

“You know me better than anyone else in this world and somehow still you manage to love me. You are my best friend and one true love. There is still a part of me today that cannot believe that I’m the one who gets to marry you. I see these vows not as promises but as privileges: I get to laugh with you and cry with you; care for you and share with you. I get to run with you and walk with you; build with you and live with you.”

Thoughtful Wedding Vow

“I promise to be your lover, companion and friend, Your partner in parenthood, Your ally in the conflict, And your greatest fan and your toughest adversary.

Your comrade in adventure, Your student and your teacher, And your consolation in disappointment, Your accomplice in mischief. This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things. All things.”

Wedding Vows for Him Examples

Explore heartfelt and personal wedding vow examples for him, crafted to express your love and commitment in a meaningful and unforgettable way.

Sentimental Wedding Vows

“You have been my best friend, mentor, playmate, confidant, and my greatest challenge. But most importantly, you are the love of my life and you make me happier than I could ever imagine and more loved than I ever thought possible… You have made me a better person, as our love for one another is reflected in the way I live my life. So I am truly blessed to be a part of your life, which as of today becomes our life together.”

Simple Wedding Vow

“On this day, I give you my heart, My promise, That I will walk with you, Hand in hand, Wherever our journey leads us, Living, learning, loving, Together, Forever.”

Comprehensive Wedding Vow

“I believe in you, the person you will grow to be and the couple we will be together. With my whole heart, I take you as my wife/husband, acknowledging and accepting your faults and strengths, as you do mine.

I promise to be faithful and supportive and to always make our family’s love and happiness my priority. I will be yours in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, in failure and in triumph. And I will dream with you, celebrate with you, and walk beside you through whatever our lives may bring. You are my person—my love and my life, today and always.”

Heartfelt Wedding Vow

Meaningful and traditional wedding vow.

“I take you to be my partner for life, I promise above all else to live in truth with you And to communicate fully and fearlessly, I give you my hand and my heart As a sanctuary of warmth and peace And pledge my love, devotion, faith, and honor As I join my life to yours.”

Traditional Sample Wedding Vows

Traditional wedding vows are standard wedding vows; Classics, which have been passed down from generation to generation. Below are a few samples of traditional wedding vows :

• “I, Bride/Groom, commit myself to you, Bride/Groom, as wife/husband/partner, to learn and grow with, to explore and adventure with, to respect you in everything as an equal partner, in the foreknowledge of joy and pain, strength and weariness, direction and doubt, for all the risings and settings of the sun. We tie these knots to symbolize our connection to one another. They represent our trust in each other and our combined strength together.”

UNITARIAN “I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be the wife/husband/partner of my days, to be the parent of my children, to be the companion of my house. We will keep together what measure of trouble and sorrow our lives may lay upon us, and we will share together our store of goodness and plenty and love.”

Religious wedding vows are faith-based vows with wordings based on the particular faith of the couple getting married. Each with different styles of wedding vows.

Christian wedding vows examples

• ROMAN CATHOLIC “I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be my [wife/husband], I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. And I will love you and honor you all the days of my life. Bride/Groom, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
• CHURCH OF ENGLAND “I Bride/Groom, take you Bride/Groom, to be my [wife/husband], to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy law; in the presence of God, I make this vow.”
• EPISCOPAL “In the Name of God, I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be my wife/husband/partner, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.”
• FROM THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER “I, Bride/Groom, take thee, Bride/Groom, to be my wedded [Wife/Husband], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth. With this Ring, I thee wed: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
• THE PROTESTANT WEDDING SOURCEBOOK “In the presence of God and before our family and friends, I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be my [wife/husband]. All that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you. Whatever the future holds, I will love you and stand by you, as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.”

Buddhist Wedding Vows Examples

• Example 1: “I take you for the love you hold in your heart and vow to spend my life cultivating my love and care for you, for our family, and for all living things. Our relationship is my most important consideration; it gives me strength, and I vow to put every effort into strengthening it in turn through honesty, faithfulness, and patience. For all the days that we live with one another, I promise to spend each day working to become a more true version of myself, and I will do my utmost to help you do the same. In this effort, I take the Threefold Refuge vows, the Three Boundless precepts, the Ten Grave Precepts, as well as your wisdom and your council as my guides.”
• Example 2: “I, Bride/Groom take you Bride/Groom to be my husband/wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. And I will trust you and honor you I will laugh with you and cry with you. Through the best and the worst, Through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold So I give you my life to keep.”
• Example 3: “Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of growing in happiness each day. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of using whatever arises in our relationship for our own awakening and for the awakening of all beings. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of receiving everything in our relationship as teachings meant to open our hearts.Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of revealing ourselves fully in our relationship, striving toward complete vulnerability and honesty. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of listening without judgment. And knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of feeling and releasing all obstructions to being fully present in each moment.”
• Example 4: “I Bride/Groom, take thee, Bride/Groom to be my Husband/Wife- To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise My love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my Husband/Wife, for as long as we both shall live.”
• Example 5: “Do you, Bride/Groom promise to love, cherish, and work day and night to bring total happiness to Bride/Groom? Do you promise to practice generosity, morality, patience, and joy in all you do; mindfulness and wisdom to treat [Bride] and all others with loving kindness and compassion, for all the time you are together, knowing that this marriage can only be as good as the two of you make it. “I do.””

Funny Wedding Vows Examples

Some couples choose to personalize their vows and have fun doing it. This is what produces fun and comical wedding vows. Below are a few such hilarious wedding vows examples.

• Example 1: “I promise to overdraft the checking account I promise to complain about the kitty litter And I vow to encourage us to try new and strange things I vow to fill your ‘I love you’ bank every day I vow to never use a recipe when fixing dinner And I vow to be the best parts of me that fit perfectly with the best parts of you Although I will be imperfect, I pledge to be sensitive and respectful of your unique talents, abilities, and quirks I pledge to lend you strength for all of your dreams Through our union, we can accomplish more than I could alone I believe in you.”
• Example 2: “I want your worst—give me your bad hair days, your long commutes, your burnt coffee, lost keys, splashed shoes, annoying coworkers, lost receipts, broken copiers. Give me your every day and I will give you my love to make it alright.”
• Example 3: Bride/Groom : “I promise to forget to stack the dishes on the right and leave stagnant water in the sink I promise to always drive the speed limit, even on the freeway I promise to cuss loudly at video games And I vow to snuggle you as often as possible I vow to make you really really laugh out loud I vow to always try one bite of any meal you create And I vow to be the best parts of me that fit perfectly with the best parts of you Although I will be imperfect, I pledge to be sensitive and respectful of your unique talents, abilities, and quirks I pledge to lend you strength for all of your dreams Through our union, we can accomplish more than I could alone I believe in you.I promise to love and cherish you as much as I do our dog, Spot. From this day forward, I will lint roll the chairs whenever your parents visit. I will love you in sickness and in health, as long as you take care of the vet visits. I promise to cuddle with you as much as I do Spot and pick up treats for you whenever he gets some, too.”

Short and sincere, simple marriage vows capture the depth of love and commitment as couples exchange heartfelt promises, expressing their unwavering devotion and lifelong commitment to each other.

• “I, [Partner’s Name], take you, [Spouse’s Name], to be my beloved [wife/husband/partner], to love and cherish from this day forward. I promise to support you, honor you, and be there for you through all of life’s joys and challenges. With all that I am, I pledge my love and fidelity to you.”
• “I take you to be my lawfully wedded spouse, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.”
• “I choose you to be my partner in life. I promise to love you, support you, and cherish you through all the adventures we will face together.”
• “I, [Name], take you, [Partner’s Name], to be my partner in crime and my best friend. I promise to stand by you, laugh with you, and comfort you in times of sorrow. Today and always.”
• “With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow. I choose you to be my person, today and every day that follows.”

Wedding Renewal Vows Examples

Renewing your wedding vows is a beautiful way to celebrate your love and commitment to each other. Here are some examples of wedding vow renewal ceremonies that you can use as inspiration for your own:

Spouse 2: I do.”

[Spouse 2]: I, [Spouse 2], take you, [Spouse 1], to be my beloved spouse.

Officiant: To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.

[Spouse 2]: I reaffirm my love and commitment to you, [Spouse 1], today and always.”

So, never fret, just follow these simple steps.

• Reflect on Your Relationship: Take some time to reflect on your relationship, the journey you’ve shared, and what makes your love unique. Think about the qualities you admire in your partner and the moments that have shaped your bond.
• Define Your Promises: Consider the promises and commitments you want to make to your partner. Think about the values that are important to you both and the qualities you want to nurture in your marriage. Focus on expressing your love, support, and dedication.
• Find Inspiration: Read examples of wedding vows, poems, love quotes, or even passages from books or songs that resonate with you. These can help inspire your ideas and give you a sense of the tone and style you’d like to incorporate into your vows.
• Write from the Heart: Start drafting your vows, writing from the heart and in your voice. Be authentic and genuine in expressing your emotions and feelings for your partner. Use specific anecdotes, memories, or inside jokes to make your vows personal and meaningful.
• Keep It Concise: Wedding vows are typically short, capturing the essence of your love and promises. Aim for around one to two minutes when spoken aloud. Be mindful of the time and ensure your vows are balanced if you plan to exchange them with your partner.
• In order not to forget these vows, write them down.

Finding the right words to say your wedding vows can be quite challenging and confusing sometimes. So, if possible, use any of the above as a wedding vows template, to help boost your ideas while writing your beautiful vows .

Writing wedding vows can be fun, and can be interesting. You might be inclined to include a list of quotes to use in your wedding vows. Either way, be sure to use the words you believe in and go on to have the wedding of your dreams.

Check out this useful infographic with examples of how to write your wedding vows. Pin it, save it, and be inspired!

Infographic

Stories You Might Like

How To Make A Wedding Playlist: Full...

Wedding DJ – Tips On Choosing +...

Funny Wedding Toasts: Unique Examples...

Modern Wedding Decor Ideas [2024 Guide...

Unique Summer Wedding Ideas We Can’t...

Modern And Unique Wedding Guest Book...

Cool Minimalist Wedding Decor Ideas...

Average Price Of A Wedding Band: An...

Bohemian Decor Ideas: Wedding...

Enchanting Forest Wedding Theme Ideas...

Fabulous Winter Wedding Cakes We Adore

How to Write Wedding Vows (Examples And...

25 Free Wedding Planning Checklists

Fill in all required * fields below to receive the checklists bundle.

By submitting this form you agree to receive promotional emails from Wedding Forward about other checklists, wedding planning articles, products, and other wedding related topics. You may unsubscribe at any time. Check out our Privacy Policy for more information.

90 years of expert advice and inspiration, for every couple.

• Engagement Rings
• Wedding Bands
• Celebrity Weddings & News
• Wedding Planning
• Destination Wedding
• Invitations & Stationery
• Wedding Décor
• Flowers & Bouquets
• Food & Drink
• Wedding Cakes
• Photography
• Wedding Dresses
• Bridesmaid Dresses
• Makeup & Hair
• Accessories
• Groom Style
• Wedding Party Attire
• Wedding Guest Attire
• Bridal Fashion Week
• Skincare & Wellness
• Engagement Party
• Bridal Shower
• Bachelorette Party
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Registry Tips
• Anniversary Gifts
• Wedding Favors
• Friends & Family
• Marriage Proposal Ideas
• Married Life
• Love & Dating
• The Brides Team
• Editorial Guidelines
• Editorial Policy
• Terms of Use and Policies
• Privacy Policy
• Wedding Ideas & Advice
• Wedding Ceremony Ideas
• 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

How to Write a Father of the Bride Speech

You're going to want to flag this for your dad.

Photo by Tanya Menoni

In This Article

The father of the bride toast is one of the most highly anticipated speeches of any wedding reception. If you're a dad, you've likely looked forward to (or dreaded) giving this speech for a very long time. Now that the moment is growing closer, it's important to sit down and write a toast that not only you're proud of, but that your daughter will remember for a lifetime. While it might seem difficult to find the right words to express the endless love you have for your daughter, it's those very emotions that are often the star of the show. So, feel free to let those feelings flow through your speech—you'll likely see most of the guests grab their tissues.

With that said, even the most eloquent dads can struggle with getting those words down on paper. To get you started, we created an easy guide to follow when you're sitting down to frame your thoughts into a full-fledged speech. We've compiled some top-notch tips for writing that sure-to-be epic father of the bride speech, plus a list of brainstorming ideas to jump-start the creative process.

Read on for advice on how to write and deliver your father of the bride speech—the most memorable toast of the day.

Father of the Bride Speech Template

Here's a general outline for writing a father of the bride speech that’ll have everyone reaching for tissues.

Welcome the guests.

Typically, the parents of the couple are the first to speak at either the rehearsal dinner or the wedding reception. If you're the first toast-maker of the night, this would be the time to welcome all of the guests to the reception or whichever event you are delivering the speech at. You can do this welcome speech with your partner, on your own, or followed by your child's fiancé's parents. Of course, feel free to skip this step if you're not the first speech and the guests have already been welcomed.

Give thanks.

Since you have the mic, don't forget to express gratitude. Be sure to thank your friends and family for coming to the wedding, and the parents of your daughter's new spouse for anything and everything that they did.

Pepper in some fond memories.

Nothing gets the waterworks started like some heartfelt anecdotes from the bride's lifetime through the eyes of their beloved dad . Choose some especially warm memories from her childhood that always stick out in your mind or some funny (not embarrassing) trials from adolescence. If one of those special memories includes their S.O., definitely be sure to share that with the guests.

Share your pride.

As the father of the bride , you're entitled to be a very proud papa. Mention some especially big moments of pride for you and how much you cherish your daughter's achievements. Don't confuse this with an excuse to spout off their résumé, though. Only pick a couple of standout highlights that really speak to their character.

Remember that half the guests in attendance probably won't know your daughter all that well, so this is an excellent time to low-key introduce them to their best qualities and character traits.

Talk about the present.

Try not to live completely in the past, Dad! Discuss notable things that are occurring presently, on this momentous day as it's unfolding. While everyone is experiencing the events from their own perspective, your special POV provides a unique lens on the significance of the occasion.

Acknowledge your daughter's new spouse.

While you have so much to say about the bride, remember to mention and acknowledge their new spouse , too. Take this time to welcome them into your family and share what it means to you. You can also share some anecdotes of their relationship and what stood out to you most.

Tell your daughter you love them.

That's your baby right there, and this is the moment to tell them just how much they mean to you. Express how much you love and cherish your daughter. Remind them of how you've treasured your relationship together and how you think that relationship may be evolving or staying exactly the same.

Look to the future.

You've covered the past and present, now move on to the next chapter and speak about the shared future of the newlyweds. While you can always get creative with the flow of the speech, breaking things down in a classic chronological order is always easy for the guests to follow.

Add some parting wisdom.

Whether it's a piece of marriage advice or just your most heartfelt wishes for the newlyweds, include some sage wisdom for the happy couple. This is pinnacle dad-talk time, so be sure to really relish the moment. Just don't forget that there are other people present, and it's not just you and your daughter.

Father of the Bride Speech Tips

Okay, dads. Now that you have a general idea of what to include, take note of these essential tips for giving the best father of the bride speech anyone has ever heard.

Consider a theme.

Having an overarching theme from the get-go will set a tone for the speech as a whole. This should make it easier for you to succinctly organize your thoughts and choose relevant examples to showcase. Utilizing this type of framework will result in cohesive and meaningful content that will come across as inspired and have the audience hanging on every word.

Keep it short.

Though you've been waiting for this day to come for many years, try to keep your toast short and sweet. The ideal length is about five or six minutes with the three-minute mark being your lowest threshold for a proper speech. There may be a lot you want to say, and if that's the case, consider writing some of those heartfelt sentiments down beforehand and giving it to your daughter in a card to read privately the morning of the wedding.

Don't be too embarrassing.

Skip the stories that may make your daughter cringe or those memories that they wish you would just forget already. Remember, the speech is a toast and not a roast. Keep in mind that along with their newly minted spouse, a whole new family of in-laws and possibly even a few work colleagues will be present. So, if there's something you're on the fence about saying, consider if you would think the information appropriate for your in-laws and colleagues to learn about you.

Skip ex mentions.

If you have an urge to call out how terrible some ex-boyfriends or girlfriends were in the past, skip that little tidbit and keep it to yourself. There's never any good that can come from name-dropping old lovers at your daughter's wedding, no matter how much you really disliked old what's-their-name. Stick to positive anecdotes and memories that showcase your daughter's good side, not mistakes.

Don't push for laughs.

Oftentimes, you'll get laughs when you're not trying hard for them. Don't feel like you have to color your toast with joke line after joke line—it may come off as forced, especially if you're not normally the jokester in the bunch. The most important person in the room, your daughter, will definitely know if you're not being yourself, and all they really need is their dad—not a comedian.

Embrace your emotions.

It's an absolute given that this is an emotional day for you, so don't feel the need to act stoic and put up a façade. Stay genuine and admit to how difficult it is to let your child go. These admissions make for a touching moment, and we guarantee there won't be a dry eye left in the room. And we mean you, too, pops. Today is the day when it's perfectly okay to shed a tear or two.

Practice, practice, practice.

And then practice some more. It's important that you attempt to memorize your speech, and at the very least, have everything written down and a general idea of what you want to say. If memorizing the whole speech is a little too difficult to do in such a short amount of time, be sure to practice it enough beforehand so that you can make eye contact with the couple and the other guests.

Get Brainstorming!

If you're still drawing a blank, here are some questions to ask yourself to start brainstorming.

• Who is speaking directly before or after me? (You may want to introduce the next speaker or reference whoever spoke previously.)
• What emotions do I experience when I think of letting my daughter go?
• What do I wish for their marriage and life together, and how can I prepare them for that?
• Is there anything I would like to say to their in-laws or newly acquired family?
• Is there something in the order of events that the audience needs to know, prepare for, or be aware of? (Your role can also assume that of master of ceremonies, so be mindful of the flow of upcoming events and if you need to alert the guests.)

Traditionally, the father of the bride gives the first speech at a wedding. But, of course, couples can choose any order they want speeches to take place in. 

If the mother of the bride is speaking directly after the father of the bride, they may choose to stand next to their significant other during the speech. In other cases, the father will be standing alone with the bride's mother being at her seat. 

Whatever you do, don't feel stressed out by the idea of giving a speech. Keep it short, speak from the heart, and don't embarrass the couple (okay, don't embarrass them too much) and you'll be well on your way to the perfect toast.

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

60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

Related Stories

How to Write a Father-of-the-Groom Speech

Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Examples and Writing Tips

How to Write a Sister-of-the-Groom Speech

Public Speaking Experts Share Their Top Tips for Giving an Amazing Wedding Speech

How to Write a Rehearsal Dinner Toast

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

Everything to Know About Your Groom Speech: Tips, Advice, and Examples

How to Write the Perfect Best Man Speech

36 Funny Wedding Toasts and Speeches That'll Get the Whole Room Laughing

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech

The Complete Guide to Father-of-the-Bride Duties

How to Write an Unforgettable Newlywed Reception Toast

Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Champagne Toasts

A Complete Guide to Taking Family Photos at Your Wedding

How to Plan a Civil Wedding Ceremony—And Make It Feel Special

What to Do If You or an Important Wedding Party Member Breaks a Bone Ahead of the Big Day

Craft a Memorable Father of the Bride Speech with Our Guide

Introduction.

A s a father, your daughter's wedding day is one of the most significant moments in your life, something you've eagerly anticipated since the day she was born. But while you may have imagined walking her down the aisle, nothing compares to the reality of that moment. The father of the bride speech is essential to any wedding, but getting it right can be daunting. You want to strike the perfect balance between humor, emotion, and sincerity while avoiding cringe-worthy moments. 

But fear not because this article will guide you. From what to say to the dos and don'ts, and even some sample father of the bride speeches to help you get started, this article is your true friend when it comes to creating a unique and memorable father of the bride speech.

The Father of the Bride Speech : What to Write, Say & Do

We've got you covered, whether you're a pro or feeling the jitters. Stick to our tips and give a father’s wedding speech that will make your daughter beam with pride.

Father Of the Bride Speech Template

Wondering how to write the best father of the bride speech? Here's a breakdown of a simple yet impactful speech. 

1. Breaking the ice

Start your father of the bride speech with a quick introduction and a funny joke to break the ice. While everyone knows who you are, it's always better to set the tone of the speech and welcome the guests. However, don't take too much time thanking them; it's the groom's responsibility.

2. Remembering fond memories

This is your daughter's big day, so highlight her life journey. Share some endearing anecdotes from her childhood that reflect her personality today. You can be funny, but avoid any stories that could make her uncomfortable. After all, it's her special moment

3. Praising your daughter 

Use this day to show how proud you are of your daughter. Add to it the memories from her childhood - elaborate on how she has always been a source of joy and inspiration. Express your love and admiration for her without holding back.

4. Welcoming the new family member

The speech is also ideal for welcoming your son-in-law to the family. Focus on the positive aspects of his personality and how he complements your daughter. If you don't know him well yet, share your daughter's thoughts and feelings about her new spouse.

5. Humor in moderation

Share a funny story about the newlyweds that will make everyone laugh. It could be about how they met or your first impression of your daughter's spouse. Just make sure it's not too embarrassing or inappropriate for them. After all, you want to keep the mood light and enjoyable.

6. Gratitude and acknowledgement

It's important to acknowledge and thank the bride's mother and new in-laws in your speech. Thank your wife for raising an amazing daughter, and embrace your new family members with open arms. Show your appreciation for their support and participation in this special day.

7. Parting words of wisdom

As the eldest of the speakers, you can share some wisdom and advice for the newlyweds. Share your insights on maintaining a healthy and happy marriage or living a fulfilling life. Make the most of this moment, and inspire the newlyweds to create their beautiful journey together.

What Should A Father Of The Bride Speech Include? Tips and Pitfalls to Avoid.

With the father of the bride speech templates in consideration, let's discuss what to include and avoid to ensure a successful speech. Avoid the 7 common pitfalls and deliver a speech your daughter will cherish forever.

Pick a theme

Select a meaningful theme for your speech that reflects the occasion and your relationship with the couple. A well-chosen theme will make organizing your thoughts and delivering a cohesive message easier.

2. Keep it short

Aim for a five-minute speech. Stick to the main points and share heartfelt anecdotes to keep your audience engaged.

3. Stay positive

Remember that a wedding toast is not the time to bring up negative stories or air grievances. Keep your speech uplifting and focus on positive memories and wishes for the couple's future together.

4. Personalize your message

Make your speech unique and personal by sharing stories and memories that showcase the couple's love and commitment. Speak from the heart and avoid cliches or generic advice.

5. Practice makes perfect

Prepare and practice your speech well in advance to ensure you feel confident and comfortable delivering it. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend, and aim to memorize your speech if possible.

6. Be yourself

Don't try to be someone you're not in your speech. Speak authentically and from the heart, and let your personality shine through. Remember, your words should reflect your relationship with the couple.

7. End on a high note

Conclude your speech with a memorable and heartfelt message that leaves a lasting impression on the couple and guests. Wish the couple well and raise a toast to their future happiness together.

Kick Start the Brainstorming 

It's normal to feel unsure about what to say in your speech. If you're struggling, try using these questions to get your creative juices flowing.

• What's your earliest memory of your daughter? - Asking this question can bring heartwarming and nostalgic memories that you can incorporate into your speech.
• What qualities do you admire most in your daughter's partner? - Focusing on the positives of your daughter's partner can help you build a connection and show your support for their union.
• What advice would you give your daughter for a successful marriage? - Drawing from your own experiences and mistakes can provide valuable insight and guidance for the newlyweds.
• How has your relationship with your daughter changed over the years? - Reflecting on the changes and growth in your relationship with your daughter can add depth and emotion to your speech.
• What message do you want to leave with your daughter and her partner on their wedding day? - A clear message can help you stay focused and deliver a meaningful speech that will resonate with the couple and guests.

Father of the Bride Speech Examples

Get inspired by real-life father of the bride speeches, as they have been tried and tested. These excellent examples showcase what has worked for others and can help you craft your speech.

Simple father of the bride speech example

My dear daughter, today is a day I have both looked forward to and dreaded. As I stand here, watching you radiate with joy and beauty, I feel proud and nostalgic. It seems like only yesterday when I first held you in my arms, and now you are, all grown up and getting married. You have been the light of my life.

Today, I am thrilled to welcome my new son-in-law into our family. I am so glad to see that he makes you happy and loves you so much. I do not doubt that together, you will build a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Looking back, I see how much I've learned from you. Your tenacity, courage, and kind heart have taught me valuable life lessons; I am grateful for that. It is an honor to walk you down the aisle and give you away to your beloved.

Lastly, I want you to know that no matter what, I’ll always be there for you. You will forever be my little girl, and I will forever be your proud dad. Congratulations, my dear daughter, and cheers to the happy couple!

Funny father of the speech example

Hello everyone, I am thrilled to have you here today to celebrate the marriage of my beloved daughter. As a father, it's hard to let go of your little girl, but I'm happy to see her in good hands with her charming groom.

When my daughter first brought her future husband home, I was relieved that he wasn't covered in tattoos or piercings. Instead, I found a kind-hearted and successful man who loves my daughter unconditionally.

Marriage is a journey, not a destination. There will be moments when you'll want to scream and other times when you'll laugh until you cry. But always remember to be each other's biggest supporters and love each other fiercely.

As for myself, I'll be retiring as a "Dad" today and promoting myself to the "Father-in-law." But don't worry; I'll still be here to offer unsolicited advice and embarrass you in front of your friends.

Cheers to the newlyweds, and may your love be as strong and vibrant as your wedding day!

Sentimental father of the bride speech example 

Dear guests,

As I stand here before you today, watching my beautiful daughter start her journey with the love of her life, I am filled with overwhelming emotion. From the moment she was born, I knew she was destined for greatness, and seeing her marry the man of her dreams only confirms that belief.

Daughter, I'm so proud of the person you've grown up to be. You have become an independent, caring, and intelligent person, and it has been a privilege to watch you blossom over the years.

And to the groom, I want to thank you for being the perfect partner for my daughter. Seeing how you love and support her makes me grateful that she found someone like you to share her life with.

I do not doubt that the future holds wonderful things for both of you, and I am honored to have been a part of this special day. Congratulations to the happy couple, and may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day.

Short father of the bride speech example 

Ladies and gentlemen,

On this beautiful day, I feel grateful to have gained a son-in-law and a new friend. As a dad, I've watched my daughter grow into a beautiful, independent woman, and it brings me so much joy to see her this happy. It takes a special person to win over my daughter's heart, and I am glad you have done so with flying colors. To the happy couple, I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness. Cheers to a new chapter in your lives, and may your love continue to flourish and grow.

Thank you. 

As your daughter's wedding day approaches, crafting a heartfelt father of the bride speech can be overwhelming. But with the right tools and techniques, you can deliver a speech that will leave a lasting impression on your daughter, her new spouse, and guests. From templates to start with to questions for brainstorming, to tips for avoiding common pitfalls, this article has provided you with everything you need to know. And with the help of some real-life father of the bride speech examples, you can add your personal touch to create a speech that will be treasured for years to come. Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding! 

ALSO READ:   Special duties that concern the father of the bride on the wedding day