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

Bride giving speech during wedding reception.

  • 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.

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."

Collage of top 2024 wedding trends

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."

bride and groom standing under an umbrella

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

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

Check out their best examples and advice to learn how to knock it out of the park.

what to put in a wedding speech bride

Photo by Kurt Boomer

In This Article

Most people would agree that public speaking isn't easy, and this is especially true when you're feeling the added pressure that comes along with giving a speech at a loved one's wedding. Not only do you have the attention of dozens (if not hundreds!) of guests you probably don't know, but you're also trying to appeal to a group of people in a wide range of ages from all different phases of the couple's lives. What's more, you want your speech to delight the couple of the hour and be as appealing to your group of friends as it to the newlyweds' grandparents. All in all, it's a tough task.

Before you panic, know that we're here to help. Ahead, we're sharing a comprehensive guide on what you should include in your speech , how to nail your delivery, and questions to consider to get the brainstorming process started—all from noteworthy speakers, well-established speechwriters, and wedding planners (who have seen it all).

Wedding Speech Template

Every great wedding speech has one thing in common: the right flow. Factor in these guidelines to help you find your own organic rhythm.

Open With a Statement or Question

Don't lead with a joke or a reference to how nervous you are. "The goal is to engage your audience, not make it a boring one-way message," says award-winning motivational speaker Jaime Pfeffer . "You'll lose them if you do this."

Introduce Yourself

After your opener, introduce yourself, says Fallon Carter , a wedding planner, even designer, and professional speaker. "A lot of times, people don't know who is speaking, and they don't know their relationship to the bride or the groom," she says. "It's really important to identify yourself, so make sure you've prepared something."

Address Your Audience

As speaker and life strategy coach Mark Black, CSP , points out, focusing on yourself only enhances nerves. "Instead, concentrate on your audience and how you want them to feel. This will help you to speak from the heart, allowing your speech to do what it's supposed to do: Make the couple feel special while also engaging the audience."

Focus on a Few Points

Seasoned speaker Susan Bender Phelps, CEO of Odyssey Mentoring & Leadership , says her top guideline is to select one to three aspects of the newlyweds that you love and appreciate, along with no more than three short stories to illustrate each of these points (or that one point). "The simple, succinct story or stories where the bride and groom are the hero will work best." This is an excellent way to structure your speech and keep your message focused.

How Long Wedding Speeches Should Be

The ideal length for a speech is three to five minutes, with five minutes being the absolute maximum you should speak for. That's it. "I’ve never been to a wedding where anyone said, 'That was a great wedding, but the best man speech was just too short and that  ruined  it,'" says David Litt , the speechwriter for former President Barack Obama and author of Thanks, Obama .

Carter agrees: "I always say anywhere between two and five minutes—and no more than five minutes," she says. "You want to keep things short and sweet." It's just as important to keep in mind when the speech will take place when determining length, since toasts are often timed with meal courses: "Be mindful of how long a course generally takes or how long it takes people to eat," Carter adds, noting that most courses last between 15 and 20 minutes and that several speeches have to fit inside each window. "If there are other people speaking, you want to be mindful and give them space."

Wedding Speech Tips

Now that you've established the right framework for your words, take note of these essential tips for acing the delivery from a few speaking pros.

Rehearse Regularly

The better prepared you are, the more confident you'll be and the better your speech will be, says author and professional speaker Barry Maher . A good rule of thumb is to practice the speech enough that you can remember the points you want to make and the order in which you want to make them. That way, you can look out to the crowd and make eye contact every so often.

Record Yourself Practicing

Use your phone to take a video of yourself practicing, suggests Kate Kenfield , speaker and sex educator. "It can be a little uncomfortable to watch yourself, but you'll be able to identify distracting mannerisms, such as the verbal pauses 'um,' 'uh,' and 'like'." It's also a good idea to practice your speech in front of someone else. "A second opinion can help you craft your piece and make it that much stronger," she says.

Don't forget body language! Rehearse the speech in front of a mirror and notice things like your facial expression, eye contact, and hand position.

Avoid Alcohol

Although it may be tempting to look for some liquid courage, alcohol definitely won't do you any favors, warns keynote speaker Amy Morin , author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do . "It may cause you to slur your speech and forget your lines, so wait until after your toast to celebrate," she advises. If you need a drink to loosen up the nerves or can't refrain from participating in a toast without being rude, stick to one glass of Champagne before you address the crowd.

Use Nerves to Your Advantage

A little nervousness can actually liven up your speech. "I get worried if I'm not a little nervous," says Maher. "I'll actually try to make myself a little tense to get my energy level up." The key is to harness that energy and communicate it in a positive, genuine way; tensing up to the point that you forget your words or panic won't make for a great presentation.

Be Yourself

Keep in mind that you're not putting on a show, only sharing your personal perspective. Trying too hard to force the funny can yield the opposite of the desired effect, cautions Matt Dalley, co-founder of Simply Eloped . "I've noticed that keeping it short and sweet, heartfelt and warm, and coming across as authentic and focused on the couple is something we are all capable of and generates some very wonderful moments," he says.

Never Embarrass the Newlyweds

It's a wedding toast, not a roast. While this should go without saying, keep the bachelor or bachelorette party jokes out of it, and remember that grandma and possibly a few colleagues are in the audience, notes Laurie Battaglia , a keynote speaker and workplace strategist. "It's okay to look back at childhood and refer to something funny, but ask yourself if you'd like 200-plus of your closest friends knowing that story about you."

Use Your Notes

Reading your speech straight from a piece of paper is a big no-no. However, having a couple of note cards handy is encouraged. "You're likely to be nervous, excited, and exhausted, which can make you forget your lines," explains Morin. "The audience won't care if you glance at your notes. In fact, there's a good chance they won't even notice."

Wedding Speech Brainstorm Ideas

Need some inspiration? Ask yourself these questions to get the brainstorming process going.

  • Who will speak before you? After you? How will this affect the content of your toast? (Perhaps you want to include a reference to their speech, thank them for an introduction, or introduce the next speaker).
  • Is there someone you should thank for making the event possible and inviting you to speak?
  • What would you want to hear in this speech if you were in the audience?
  • Is there a favorite story or memory that the couple would want you to share with their friends and family?

Wedding Speech Examples to Make Your Own

So, what does it look like when all these elements come together? Wedding vow and speechwriter Katelyn Peterson , owner and creator of Wedding Words , offered us three examples of successful toasts to inspire your own.

Maid of Honor Wedding Speech Example

"Hi, I’m Maya, the bride’s older sister . With Lucy being three years younger, we fell right into our respective roles as sister-rivals growing up. We constantly fought over stolen clothes, monopolizing the phone back when landlines were a thing, and what boy band to blare from the car speakers. I’m still Team Backstreet Boys while Lucy is forever indebted to NSYNC.

Looking back on those memories, I should have stepped up and granted Lucy permission to wear my favorite sweater for picture day, to hand her the phone once in a while, and to let her play, 'Bye Bye Bye.' Even I can admit that’s a good one. But despite Lucy being the younger sister, she has always been more patient, more accommodating, and more thoughtful than me. And that’s because when it comes to the people she loves, she’s all in.

She’s the one to prioritize their desires. She’s the one to compromise first. And, she’s the one to support their dreams as if they were her own. 

This is why it makes me so happy to know that Lucy has found a home in David. He matches her in compassion, thoughtfulness, and warmth. And I know he’ll spend his life prioritizing her desires, being ready to compromise, and supporting her dreams as his own.

Cheers to Lucy and David! May you always feel loved because you always put each other first."

Best Man Wedding Speech Example

"Hello, everyone. My name is Luke and I’m the best man . I met Robert eight years ago when I became his neighbor. His reputation preceded him as I had heard about the 'Block Party King' before my closing papers were inked. 

Rob has never been the guy to wear fancy clothes. In fact, I’m still in shock seeing him in that tux tonight. And he’s never been the guy to show off even though the work he’s put into his vintage Mustang could make Henry Ford himself envious.

But when it comes to cooking, he should receive an award. His pulled pork is a staple at our summer block parties and his homemade barbeque sauce has remained our neighborhood’s best-kept secret. But the most satisfying part about his delicious dishes is that there’s always plenty to go around. And Rob makes sure your plate is never empty. I have no idea how he pulls it off, but Rob has a covert ability to scoop seconds onto your plate without you ever seeing him do it. I hope you all came hungry tonight, folks. You’ve been warned! 

The first time I met Jasmine I could immediately tell she was an amazing person. She laughed at his jokes which I never thought anyone would get. She supported his career and the nonstop travel involved. But most importantly, whenever we’re all hanging out, Jasmine is the one always topping off Rob’s plate with more pasta, more chicken, more of everything. When she’s around, it’s never empty. 

And that’s when I saw what a perfect match they were for each other. I know they will always put each other first, make sure their needs are met, and will never allow the other to go hungry.

So let’s raise our glasses to toast the newlyweds! As you begin this next chapter together, may your plates and your hearts always remain full."

Father of the Bride Wedding Speech Example

"Good evening, family, and friends. I’m Daniel Lee, the father of the bride. I’d like to welcome you to this special occasion where we get to celebrate the love between my daughter Allison and her new wife, Kristin. 

Standing up here today, I’m reminded of all the moments that led to this significant one. The dance recitals that ended with standing ovations and the soccer games that concluded with winning scoreboards. 

But, while those were fun and rewarding times, those aren’t the moments I cherish most with Allison. The memories that make me smile the brightest are those in-between the big stuff moments. It’s the makeshift magic shows in our living room using a bedsheet that Allison confiscated from our linen closet to convert into a curtain. It’s the countless tea parties she hosted with exclusive invitations just for me and her beloved stuffed bear, Buttons. And it’s the way she’d beg to stay up for just five more minutes but was asleep on the couch by minute number two.

Those everyday, blink-and-you’ll-miss-them moments with Allison are the ones that gave color to my life and filled my heart with a happiness I never knew could exist.

So, my beautiful daughter, as you begin your life with Kristin today, I have one wish for you: May your warmest memories come from the ordinary moments throughout your marriage, and may those moments give you a reason to smile brighter every day. Cheers! I love you both." —Daniel

What Not to Say in a Wedding Speech

Your job when delivering a wedding speech is to keep things light—tell an anecdote, make an emotional connection, then wish the couple well before you close out. Anything that doesn't feel definitively positive should be avoided. "I would advocate against bringing up negative details, specifically past relationships or past spouses," says Carter. "Skip anything that you wouldn't want to be physically recorded and played over and over again—this is a rule of thumb."

Keep it light, delicate, and present- and future-focused, Carter adds. "If you're going to go into the past, make those stories really intentional," she says. "Bring those stories back to who they are now. Your mission is to create a great environment and vibe and to potentially give some information about one of the newlyweds, so that it's enlightening for all guests."

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

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Bride’s Speech Examples

March 5, 2017 By Kate

bride's speech examples

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.

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

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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

Jennings Trace

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Perfect Short Wedding Speech Examples To Guide You

Natalia Bayeva

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Wedding speeches are a long-time tradition of weddings. And, if you have an important role at a wedding, such as best man, father of the bride or maid of honor, you would be expected to give a speech. While the thought of giving a speech might be nerve-wracking, it might comfort you to know that the best speeches are short and sweet. So, don’t feel any stress or pressure, because short wedding speeches are not only the best, they are easy to deliver.

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For your inspiration, we’ve put together a guide as well as some short wedding speeches examples to help you on your way to give the best wedding speech.

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Short Wedding Speeches Examples

Bride’s wedding speech.

“ Hello, everyone! Thanks for sharing this special day with us. A big shoutout to my amazing parents for making my dream wedding a reality. To my incredible groom (name), your joy fills my heart every day. I’m beyond grateful to have you as my husband, and today marks the start of countless joyous celebrations together. Cheers to love and a lifetime of happiness!”

Groom’s Wedding Speech

There are many ways to give groom short wedding speeches. Use this example as a guide to inspire you when writing your own.

“Hello, everyone! Thank you for celebrating this special day with us. A big thanks to our parents for making today possible. Today is beyond special, and we’re overflowing with gratitude. To my love, you’ve been my rock and best friend. Thank you for accepting me, flaws and all. I promise to be there for you always and to love you forever. Cheers to a lifetime of love and joy together!”

Father’s of the Bride Wedding Speech

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us on this special day. As (bride’s name)’s father, I’m overjoyed and grateful. Today, we gain a son and a supportive family. Thanks for making our dreams come true. I’m confident that (name of groom) will bring endless happiness to my daughter. Here’s to love, security, and many more joyous days ahead! Cheers!”

Father’s of the Groom Wedding Speech

“Thank you all for being here to celebrate with us. I am the happiest man today welcoming a new daughter into my family. Also, I am grateful to her family as well for being the best in-laws ever and supporting us in putting all of this together. I could not have asked for a better day for them, and all I can say is that I wish them the best. To you both, may this day be the beginning of a long and fruitful journey together. My wife and I love you both. Once again, thank you all. Cheers.

Wedding speech for mother of the bride

“Hello everyone. Thank you all for being here. My heart is full today, as you all must know. Watching my daughter take this important step in her life has made me very happy. We are all so happy to support them both in starting this new chapter in their lives. I have dreamed of this day so much; I am grateful to finally be able to see it. (Groom’s name) has been an excellent son-in-law and I am beyond happy to welcome him into our family. I am extremely proud of my daughter and happy to give her to someone who loves her just as much as we do. As we celebrate with you two today, may the sounds of celebration never leave you. All our love.”

Wedding speech for the mother of the groom

Another one of our short simple wedding speeches examples for the mother of the groom.

“Warm greetings to you all. I appreciate the time that you have taken to join us in celebrating (bride and groom). From the day my son introduced me to (name of bride), I have grown to love her as my own daughter, and it has been a joy to watch them grow in love with each other. I used to have a lot of anxiety about my son’s relationships in the past, but when I met (bride), I knew that he had met his match. I am happy to celebrate you both today in not just your union, but the union of our families too. Much love to you both. Cheers everyone!”

Best Man Speech

“Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please. Today, I stand beside an extraordinary couple, [Couple’s Names], on their special day. To [Bride’s Name], you look absolutely stunning, and [Groom’s Name], well, you clean up pretty well too! Here’s to a lifetime of laughter, love, and countless adventures. May your journey together be as incredible as this celebration. Cheers!”

Maid Of Honor Speech

Ladies and gents, let’s talk about the dazzling duo we’re celebrating today, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. To my gorgeous bestie, you’ve found your lobster! And to the lucky guy who snagged her, good luck – you’re stuck with us now! Here’s to a love that’s as endless as the dance floor tonight. Cheers to the newlyweds!

One-Line Wedding Speech Examples

Crafting the perfect wedding speech is an art. Here are five examples that blend sentiment, humor, and celebration for your inspiration.

Today, we not only witness the union of [Couple’s Names] but also the merging of two hearts that beat as one. Here’s to a love story that transcends time and space.
As I stand before this extraordinary couple, I can’t help but marvel at the love between [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. Today, we celebrate not just a wedding but a promise of forever.
In the grand storybook of love, [Couple’s Names] have written a chapter filled with laughter, tears, and endless love. Here’s to turning the page to a beautiful new beginning.
To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], may your marriage be the masterpiece of a lifetime, painted with strokes of joy, understanding, and boundless love.
As witnesses to the love between [Couple’s Names], let us raise our glasses to a journey that begins today and unfolds into a lifetime of shared dreams and cherished moments.

A toast to love and laughter—here are five heartfelt expressions for raising your glass to the happy couple.

To the couple, may your love be as timeless as the vows you share today and as joyous as the celebration we’re all a part of!
Here’s to love, laughter, and a happily ever after for [Couple’s Names]. May every day be an adventure filled with shared dreams and endless love!
To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], may your journey together be as sweet as the cake we’re about to devour! Cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness!
Let’s raise our glasses to [Couple’s Names], whose love story is as enchanting as today’s setting sun. May your love glow brighter with each passing day!
A toast to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], may your marriage be as perfect as today’s weather, and your happiness as everlasting as the memories we’re creating!

How To Write a Short Wedding Speech

With this guide, you can create short and sweet wedding speeches that will just flow organically. Write a killer speech that would be easy to read and will convey your love for the couple perfectly.

  • Remember who is in the audience: Whether you are giving short wedding speeches as the best man or groom, it is important to keep your audience in mind. Introduce yourself and acknowledge them. Focusing on the audience and engaging them will help you speak from the heart.
  • Avoid alcohol: While getting some liquid courage can be tempting, it is best to lay off the alcohol until after your speech. Alcohol could turn short funny wedding speeches into something long and nonsensical. This is because you might slur or forget your words under the influence, and this is something you absolutely do not want.
  • Use note cards: Although you are not encouraged to read out your short wedding rehearsal dinner speech completely, note cards are encouraged. With these cues, you can glance at your notes from time to time to help you remember your lines and keep you on track. The audience might not even notice, and your speech would be better for it.
  • Structure your story: Structure your speech in a way that focuses on the bride and groom. Fine one, two or three points about them that you can elaborate upon and stories in which they are the hero. This will keep your message in the right direction, and you can be sure to end on a positive note.

In the next part, we have a list of some of the best short wedding speeches that can help inspire you to write your own.

Example of a Short Wedding Toast

“Cheers to [Couple’s Names]! May your days be filled with love, laughter, and countless joyous moments. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness together!”

How to Make a Short and Sweet Wedding Speech

Focus on key points like expressing happiness for the couple, sharing a brief anecdote, and offering a toast. Keep it concise, heartfelt, and light-hearted for impact.

Is a 1 Minute Wedding Speech Too Short?

No, a 1-minute wedding speech can be perfect. A concise speech ensures guests stay engaged and leaves a lasting impression. Focus on the essentials – expressing joy, sharing a quick story, and toasting the couple.

Not many people are trained public speakers, but it is hard to go wrong with short wedding speeches. Allow these tips and examples to guide you in making the best wedding speeches ever.

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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 jokes

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 ).

wedding speech mature bride advice

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

wedding speeches bride help write my speech

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’.

wedding speech father of the bride

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. 

wedding speech groom speech gifts

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. 

wedidng speech dearly departed

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.  

Wedding speech ideas song lyrics

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.

eulogy writing service dearly departed

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. 

bride quotes

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.’ 

bride speech

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

wedding speeches edit speech writing uk

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 

wedding speeches groom ideas speech writer

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.

Wedding Toast Happy Hitched Help

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?

wedding speech laughter

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.

wedding speech modern couples guide

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.

mother of the bride toast wedding speech

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 .

wedding speeches funny hire speechwriter

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?

Wedding speech laughter

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. 

wedding speech props

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.

Best man wedding speech

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 .

wedding speeches speech writing

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

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How to Write a Wedding Speech

Last Updated: January 4, 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 599,808 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

what to put in a wedding speech bride

Writing a Meaningful Speech

Step 1 Introduce yourself to the crowd.

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

Step 2 Open with a joke.

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

Step 3 Share memories of the bride and groom.

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

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

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

Step 5 Thank everyone in attendance.

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

Making Sure You're Prepared

Step 1 Write the speech well in advance.

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

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

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

Step 3 Practice, practice, practice.

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

Step 4 Bring your notes with you.

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

Giving the Speech

Step 1 Maintain your composure.

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

Step 2 Keep it short and sweet.

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

Step 3 Be sincere.

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

Step 4 Finish with a toast.

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

Expert Q&A

Jenny Yi

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

what to put in a wedding speech bride

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

You Might Also Like

Write a Speech Introducing Yourself

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

About This Article

Jenny Yi

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

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AMERICAN WEDDINGS BLOG

Stay up to date with the latest wedding ceremony trends, script writing inspiration, tips and advice for first-time officiants, and news that matters to couples and wedding ministers.

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The secret to a perfect wedding officiant speech (with examples)

Published Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2022

Written by Jessica Levey

Find the perfect wording for your wedding officiant speech or wedding ceremony script by thinking of a wedding ceremony as a theater play, with you and your couple performing unique roles. Use this simple advice for first-time officiants to write an original wedding script, using examples of the invocation, vows and rings exchange, pronouncement, and more, from some of AMM's most popular ceremony scripts and outlines.

A bride holding a large bouquet of flowers holds hands with her new husband in front of the wedding arch and wedding officiant in the moments following their marriage ceremony. The newlyweds are smiling at each other. They are outdoors, in front of a large leafy green hedge on a sunny day.

Write a memorable wedding officiant speech or wedding ceremony script with this simple advice from the pros. 

A sked to officiate a close friend or relative’s wedding ceremony, but have no idea what to say (or do) during your speech? 

First off, congratulations on being asked to officiate! It’s a huge honor to be chosen to conduct a wedding or vow renewal ceremony. As you’ve probably guessed, couples generally ask someone special to officiate, someone who’s been an important part of their journey toward marriage. 

So before you get too stressed out about what you’re going to say on the big day, take a moment to appreciate being asked. And remember: They chose you because they know you’ll do a wonderful job. 

  • Don’t forget to order your AMM Minister Credentials and supplies to prepare. 

Now, about that speech… 

It might come as a surprise to learn that a wedding officiant does not need to deliver a wedding ‘speech’ at all, at least not in the traditional sense. Take a look at the typical outline of a wedding ceremony included below, and you’ll see what we mean.

Instead of delivering a single speech, the wedding officiant speaks at several important moments throughout the wedding ceremony. You’ll also instruct the couple on when to exchange wedding vows and rings, and guide them from each part of the ceremony to the next. 

Related: The Parts of a Wedding Ceremony

The secret? 

It helps to think of a wedding ceremony as a theater play.  .

It helps to think of a wedding ceremony as a theater play, instead of as delivering a speech. Although you will need to do some talking, you can keep things conversational and collaborative. 

Like a play, each person on stage has a unique role, and everyone will take turns delivering their lines from a script. (Professionals call this a wedding ceremony script. ) Most importantly, the officiant will act as the stage director of a ceremony, rather than just another actor. 

The officiant’s longest speaking part is usually the ‘invocation.’ This is when you’ll welcome guests, talk about the meaning of the day, and share a few details about the couple’s love story. This is often the part of the wedding ceremony people are thinking about when they refer to an ‘officiant’s speech.’

The ceremony outline below includes examples from several sample wedding ceremony scripts.

This outline can help you better understand what to say on the big day, and the officiant’s important role as a ‘director’ in guiding the wedding ceremony. 

A wedding ceremony in progress, taken from the end of the wedding aisle. Friends and family look on and take photos while a minister marries a groom and bride.

It's helpful to think of the wedding ceremony as a theater play,

with the officiant serving as an on-stage director. 

Photo: Unsplash / Natasha Dale

Outline of a Wedding Ceremony  with sample scripts

Part One: The wedding ceremony begins. The wedding officiant welcomes guests, introduces the couple, and talks about the meaning of the day and the couple’s relationship. This part of the ceremony is probably the most similar to a traditional speech or toast.

Officiant to Guests: 

"Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]. In the years that they have been together, their love for each other has grown, turning them into the couple you see before you. Now, they are ready to spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife."

Officiant to the Couple: 

"A true marriage begins well before the wedding day, and the efforts of marriage continue well beyond the ceremony. A brief moment in time and the stroke of the pen are all that is required to create the legal bond of marriage, but it takes a lifetime of love, commitment, and compromise to make marriage durable and everlasting."

Today you declare your commitment to each other before family and friends."

( Taken from the full sample wedding script: Short Non Religious Wedding Ceremony With Heartfelt Invocation ) 

Declaration of Intent

Part Two: The couple publicly declares their intent to marry, guided by the officiant. 

Officiant to the Couple:

"With this wisdom – and your love - in mind, I now ask you:"

Officiant to Partner A:

"(Partner A), do you welcome (Partner B) to be your (wife/ husband/ spouse), and your cherished best friend?"

( Partner A responds ‘I do.’ )

Officiant to Partner B:

"(Partner B), do you welcome (Partner A) to be your (husband/ wife/ spouse), and your cherished best friend?"

( Partner B responds ‘I do.’ )

( Taken from the full sample wedding script: Lighthearted Wedding Ceremony Script with Funny Reading on Marriage )

Vows Exchange

Part Three : The couple exchange their wedding vows, either by repeating after the officiant or by reading personal vows written before the ceremony.

"Your wedding vows are an outward sign of your love and commitment. While there is a legal aspect of this wedding, a signed document does not create a marriage. What creates a marriage is the promises made and kept in your hearts.

As you look lovingly at each other, you’ll speak the promises that you’re pledging for a lifetime."

"(Partner A), please repeat after me:   Today, I give you my heart to hold and my life to keep I take you as my partner in life and with this promise: I will support you and encourage you, during the good times, and the trying times. I will laugh with you, and cry with you,  And love you faithfully, for all the days and sea sons ahead of us both."

(This section is repeated for Partner B )

( From the full sample wedding script: Fall Wedding Ceremony Script with Reading From "Harvest Moon" ) 

Rings Exchange

Part Four: The couple exchanges their wedding rings, sometimes this is combined with the vows. 

"The wedding ring serves as a reminder of the promises you make today to each other. 

The circle is a symbol of an eternal bond -- there is no beginning and no end. That means you two are stuck with each other!"

"(Partner A), place this ring on (Partner B)’s finger and repeat after me."

"I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment and devotion. I choose you to share in my life’s journeys.  I give you this ring as a pledge to love you,  today, tomorrow, always, and forever. With no take-backs.

( Partner A repeats each of these lines in turn)

( From the full sample wedding script: Funny Wedding Ceremony Script with Simple Unity Ritual )

Pronouncement

Part Five: The wedding officiant says a few closing words on the importance of marriage and love, offers any final blessings, and pronounces the couple officially married.  

"Now that you have joined yourselves in matrimony, may you strive all your lives to meet this commitment with the same love and devotion that you now possess.

By virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of (Name of State) and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you husband and wife (or "spouses for life," or whatever descriptors the couple prefers)"

( From the full sample wedding script: Quick & Simple Civil Wedding Ceremony Script )

A groom smiles as the bride is escorted by two elders during an outdoor wedding ceremony

The couple should be the focus of the wedding day, not the officiant. 

Photo by Leonardo Miranda

Bringing it all together

As you can see, there’s no need for you to stress out about writing a complicated speech! 

The purpose of the wedding ceremony is to keep the focus on the couple, not the wedding officiant. You will need to do some talking, but you can keep things collaborative and conversational. You do not need to deliver a monologue, or a speech in the traditional sense.

Your role as officiant is to lovingly guide and direct the couple through each part of the wedding ceremony, while sharing details of their love story with their guests. 

Congratulations on being asked to officiate, and don’t forget to have fun! 

Get ordained online for free with american marriage ministries and start officiating weddings right away.   .

Asked to give a wedding speech or toast? 

Here are some examples of what NOT to do! 

Avoiding a Terrible Wedding Toast -- What *Not* To Do  

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Asked to Officiate

Your step-by-step guide to the perfect wedding ceremony

Asked to Officiate is the most comprehensive and easy-to-use guide ever written for wedding officiants, designed to help new and first-time officiants to write and conduct an original wedding ceremony. 

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ORDER NOW 

This 'how to' guide contains detailed advice on how to write personalized wedding vows, a heartwarming invocation, and everything that goes into officiating a successful ceremony. Written by wedding professionals, this book is like having an experienced wedding officiant looking over your shoulder every step of the way!

You might also like: 

  • Are there legal wording requirements in a wedding ceremony?  
  • Write a Wedding Ceremony Using a Classic Story Arc
  • Everything You Need to Know About California’s Confidential Marriage Licenses  
  • Can you get married without a marriage license? What if you lost it? Or forgot it?

Outdoor photo, husband and wife signing their marriage license with the wedding officiant

What should you do if you lose your marriage license, forget to bring it to the wedding ceremony, forget to mail it after it's signed, or never even apply for one? Read the full article here. 

Jessica Levey

Lead Staff Writer & Illustrator

Jessica loves exploring the history and magic of ritual, the connections between people and places, and sharing true stories about love and commitment. She's an advocate for marriage equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and individuality, and is an ordained Minister with AMM. When she’s not writing or illustrating for AMM, she enjoys city hikes, fantasy novels, comics, and traveling.

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what to put in a wedding speech bride

How to Begin a Wedding Speech: Our Favourite Opening Lines

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

what to put in a wedding speech bride

If you've read our feature on how to make a great wedding speech , you'll know that it's really important to start strong! Well, today, we're showing you how to do exactly that, with a list of the best wedding speech opening lines . The beauty of this list is that it works for any kind of wedding speech, whether you're the bride, groom, best man, bridesmaid, father-of-the-bride, or even the flower girl or the groom's granny! We've made sure to include lots of different options so there's something to suit every style of speech, whether you want to keep it super simple, bring the audience to tears, or wow them with a joke ! Some of our wedding speech opening lines can be customised, too, to help you make your speech even more personal. So, let's dive in!

what to put in a wedding speech bride

Our Favourite Wedding Speech Opening Lines

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

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

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Simple and Sincere Opening Lines

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

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

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

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

what to put in a wedding speech bride

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

what to put in a wedding speech bride

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

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

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

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

what to put in a wedding speech bride

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

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

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

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

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

what to put in a wedding speech bride

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Beginning with a Quote

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

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

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

what to put in a wedding speech bride

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

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

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

You've found your opening line - now what? Click over to this feature  for a handy checklist of people to thank in your wedding speech.

Image credits

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

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How to Write A Killer Bride or Groom Wedding Speech

Young, Hip & Married

Writing a wedding speech can be a daunting task, especially if you’re nervous about speaking in front of a group. But it’s an awesome opportunity to let your nearest and dearest know how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them celebrating the start of your marriage with you.

Traditionally, brides don’t give speeches. They sit quietly and listen while their dad, the best man and the groom give speeches. Brides were to be seen and not heard. But we’ve had enough of that. If you’re a bride who wants to speak at your own wedding – more power to you! We 100% support a bride being heard on her own wedding day.

Getting ready to write your bride or groom wedding speech? Awesome! We’ve got all the steps you need to write a killer wedding speech that will leave the room laughing, crying and applauding wildly by the time you drop the mic.

Decide on the logistics

Before you get to the nitty-gritty of speech writing, figure out some of the big picture issues. Who is going to be giving the speech? Are you speaking together or separately? If you’re giving two separate speeches, who is going first? When in the night are you giving the speech? How long will the speech be? What’s the tone going to be?

Start your wedding speech with some thank yous

This one is easy! You start your speech by giving a round of thank yous. Thank all of your guests for coming, thank your wedding party for supporting you, thank out-of-towners for making the trek, thank your parents for all their love, thank your new spouse’s parents for welcoming you into the family, thank special people who made the day possible, thank vendors, THANK THEM ALL! Or, y’know, thank who you want to thank.

giving a wedding speech at their wedding reception

Mention those who couldn’t be there

This step is optional, but if you’d like, it’s a great time to pay tribute to people who couldn’t be at your wedding. This could be important people who couldn’t physically make it, maybe they are unable to travel or sick. Or this could be people who have passed on that you want to honour on your special day.

Add a short & sweet anecdote to your wedding speech

Here’s the fun part: now you get to gush about your boo! Include a short story about how you met, when you knew you were in love or a funny tidbit from wedding planning. The idea here is that you want to share a cute story, nothing embarrassing. And you’ll want to keep it short, especially if you and your spouse are both sharing little stories. You’ll also want to double check with anyone else giving speeches that you’re not all re-telling the same story.

bride and groom wedding thank you speech at their wedding reception

End with your partner

You made it! You’re at the end of your speech. Now all you have to do is address your partner and cue the waterworks. This is where you let your brand new husband or wife know how happy you are to be married to them, how much today has meant to you or anything you weren’t able to fit into your vows.

Practice makes perfect

Especially if you’re nervous, rehearse your speech. Stand in front of the mirror, ask someone in your wedding party to lend an ear or recite your speech to your dog. And if you’re planning on doing the speech together and splitting up the different sections, you’ll definitely want to practice with your partner. If there are parts of the speech you want to keep as a surprise for the big day, that’s totally fine. Just rehearse the rest together so you know who says what when.

bride and groom wedding speech at their wedding reception, tips for writing your wedding speech

You know what we say – your wedding, your way! So if you’re really nervous about giving your speech in front of so many people, maybe you can give a speech at your rehearsal dinner in front of a smaller audience instead. If you’re scared you’ll be all teary by the end of the speeches, forget the tradition of the couple speaking last and do your speech first. And if the idea of a speech totally terrifies you, skip it all together! You can give out cards to your loved ones or talk to them one on one and let them know how much you appreciate them making your wedding day magical.

Last minute dos & don’ts for writing the best wedding speech ever!

  • DO: write it down and don’t try to wing it. Have a paper copy so you’re not frantically trying to find your phone only for it to die when you’re halfway done your speech.
  • DON’T: wait until you’re too drunk to give your speech. If you think you’ll be sloshed by 8:00pm, give your speech by 7:00pm.
  • DO: feel free to respond to other speeches. If you go last, you can totally improvise a bit and thank you dad for his sweet words or try to defend yourself in the story your best man just told.
  • DON’T: hog the mic. If you and your partner are giving the speech together, divide it up so you can both speak equally.
  • DO: be courteous of your guests’ time. Especially if you have a lot of speeches planned, try to keep yours short and to the point.
  • DON’T: share anything too embarrassing, too intimate or too inside joke-y. Trust us, you’ll regret it when your nana comes up to you later and asks you to explain that story from the time you had a pregnancy scare in Vegas.

Are you planning to give a speech at your wedding?  For more wedding planning advice, visit our blog . And to learn more about our team of wedding officiants and book an officiant for your wedding, get in touch! 

written by Riana Ang-Canning

Riana Ang-Canning (headshot)

Riana Ang-Canning

Riana Ang-Canning has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!

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The Ultimate Guide to Giving a Bride Speech

If you're thinking of giving a bride speech on your big day but you're not sure where to start, don't worry. We've spoken to an expert for a few top tips!

We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.

hitched.co.uk

Many people will tell you that they’re favourite part of a wedding has to be the  wedding speeches , in particular the words of thanks from the groom and the highly anticipated best man speech .

However, this male dominated wedding tradition is going through a (long-overdue) shakeup, as proven in our recent statistics that show over one fifth of brides are also planning to make a speech of their own.

‘For too long the female voice has been missing from the wedding party,’ says Lawrence Bernstein, CEO of Great Speech Writing . ‘Bring your wedding into the 21st Century and get your voice heard by giving a bride speech at your reception.’

Inspired to make a bride speech but not sure where to start? Read on for our experts tips on how to nail the perfect wedding speech and watch our video from speech guru Heidi Ellert of Speechy .

View this post on Instagram Now’s the perfect time to get writing your bride speech! Not sure where to start? The talented team at @speechyspeeches have shared their top tips for a bride speech that’s romantic, funny and will have everyone cheering! Don’t let the guys have all the fun now! @speechyspeeches are wedding speech gurus who’ve helped write for TV shows and celebs, so they know what they’re talking about. Listen to Heidi share her top 9 tips and use this weekend to start planning yours. It’s a seriously fun #wedminfromhome project, we promise, and you’ll remember giving your speech forever. #weddingplanning #wedding #weddingspeech #weddingspeechwriting #weddings #bride #groom #speech #bridespeech Photo: @markbrownfilms A post shared by Hitched (@hitcheduk) on Apr 9, 2020 at 9:38am PDT

Why Should I Give a Bride Speech?

According to a Hitched survey, more than one in five brides surveyed (22.7%) said that they plan to give a speech at their wedding – therefore challenging the stale tradition that the wedding speeches are only made by the male members of the wedding party!

‘It makes sense in this day and age that more brides are willing to make a wedding speech,’ says Caroline Bradley, director of Sorella and Co. ‘The bride may want to thank her partner’s family for welcoming her, and she is able to thank her own bridesmaids, friends and family for their support.

‘As the groom’s speech traditionally compliments the bride, it’s really only fair the bride can say lovely things about her new spouse in front of everyone too.’

As a professional speech writer, Lawrence completely agrees with this point of view and believes that giving a bride speech gives the proceedings a more balanced feel.

‘Typically, 80% of the speeches given at weddings are from the male point of view,’ he explains. ‘If the bride stands up and speaks then this gives the guests a female prospective on everything already covered by the men, plus it allows her to say her own ‘thank you’s to people who may have been missed out.’

What Angle Should I Go For?

A key speech writing tip that Lawrence offers to everyone is to first put yourself in your guests’ shoes and think about what they want to hear. Try to find an angle that hasn’t been covered in the other speeches and always keep it relevant.

‘There’s a risk that you could end up repeating what’s already been said in the previous speeches so originality can be an issue,’ warns Lawrence. ‘I recommend contacting the best man, the father of the bride and your partner to get an idea of what (and who) they’ll be talking about in their speech.

‘Find your angle and keep it light-hearted and to the point. Humour is great but keep it observational – you’re not there to be a stand-up comic! Perhaps you could say a thank you to people who haven’t already been thanked, or talk about how far people have travelled to be there or if you have any stories from your wedding planning experience.’

Groom speeches are most likely to overlap with the bride speech, so if you’re speaking after him perhaps you could consider following on from what he said and give your point of view about the relationship and how happy he makes you.

There’s no need to worry about the facts, just give your angle and remember to keep it light hearted!

Has there been any interesting holidays or memorable day trips you’ve taken together? What about an anecdote associated with when you first met or shared your first date? There’s lots of things you can talk about but just remember to remain concise.

Another good talking point is to give a big shout out to your bridesmaids, as after all, they’ve been there with you right from the beginning of the planning. Male members of the wedding party usually give a mention to the bridesmaids, but they are unlikely to have the bond that you have with them so there’s certainly room to expand on this.

Dos and Don’ts of Giving a Bride Speech

Do remember that brevity is important so keep your speech brief and to the point. ’10 minutes is probably too long when there around 30 minutes worth of other speeches,’ suggests Lawrence. ‘I’d say keep it to five minutes – you don’t want to bore your guests.’

Don’t fill your speech with too many cliquey ‘in jokes’ if you mention your bridesmaids. ‘Always remember your guests!’ says Lawrence.

Don’t make too many rehearsed jokes as this could sound forced and akward. Keep reminding yourself of your intended angle whilst you write the speech.

Do write for the way that you speak. ‘Forget punctuation, grammar and long sentences,’ says Lawrence. ‘Write in sound bites which are sentences of around six or seven words and then add pauses. Underline any key descriptive words.’

Do be wary of bringing up embarrassing stories in your speech, as this has the potential to make the reception awkward if it goes down like a lead balloon!

Do speak from the heart and really put your own personal stamp on the speech, as opposed to simply just reading out a list of last minute ‘thank you’s.

Don’t forget to make eye contact with everyone in the room and breathe slowly to calm yourself and collect your thoughts.

When Do I Give the Bride Speech?

‘There’s no hard and fast rule about the order of the speeches so perhaps the bride could even go first,’ suggests Lawrence. ‘It’s important that the bride speech isn’t just an accessory to the speeches or thoughtlessly tacked on at the end.’

You could even choose to go in the middle if you’re nervous about going first! As long as you communicate with the other speech makers about when everybody will say their piece.

The bride should be able to take on some of the important ‘thank you’s in her speech, so if there’s particular people you want to give a special mention to then consider whether going first, last or in the middle of the speeches would be better for you.

If you’re not sure how to fill your speech but you have bridesmaid gifts that you want to present to your best girls, then you could incorporate this into your five minutes. This is also a lovely thing to do at the end of the speeches.

How Can I Make My Speech Bride Speech Different?

‘A great speech can really bring the wedding to life,’ explains Lawrence. ‘Reciting a rhyme or a poem is a great way to make it unique and grab your guests’ attention.

‘Again, remember that relevance is key. Think – is there a particular song or a poem that has a significant meaning to you and your partner? Perhaps there is one that represents a milestone in your relationship.’

Another great way to personalise your wedding and make the speech memorable is to incorporate your own words into a meaningful song or poem. You don’t have to break into a song and dance – just a simple reading of the key lyrics can have a big impact.

Whether you choose to go for the humorous or heartfelt angle, this is sure to be something that your guests will remember and your partner will love the effort you’ve put in!

Can I Ask for Help With My Bride Speech?

Absolutely! There’s no harm in a bit of pre wedding communication with some of your guests (preferably close pals who you know will be honest with you) to get an idea of what they want to hear in a speech.

We also have a huge wedding speeches section here on Hitched that is filled with tips and examples of past bride speeches to inspire you in your writing. There’s also joke ideas, famous quotes, poems and toasts to ensure that every kind of speech is covered.

Finally, if you’ve poured your heart and soul into writing your speech but aren’t sure if the finished thing is suitable, you could send it to Lawrence and his team at Great Speech Writing to get a professional opinion.

‘Planning the reception takes ages but remember that the speeches take up quite a lot of time during it, so it’s worth putting the time in to make sure that yours is up to scratch,’ says Lawrence. ‘Many clients send us their draft through to check for them. Others choose to meet us, brief us on how they want the speech and then we write it for them.’

We hope you’re feeling really inspired after reading our guide to giving a bride speech! It’s normal to have a few butterflies in your stomach in the run up to the wedding, however if you feel overcome with worry about your speech or any other aspect of the planning then you need our top tips on banishing wedding day nerves .

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Singaporebrides | Weddings 101

How to write an amazing wedding speech in 6 steps.

By Tansey Tang

what to put in a wedding speech bride

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.

what to put in a wedding speech bride

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!”

what to put in a wedding speech bride

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!”

what to put in a wedding speech bride

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.

what to put in a wedding speech bride

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.

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Published on: 26 April 2021

Category: Weddings 101

Tagged in: Wedding Speeches

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

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

groom kissing the bride on her forehead

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!

wedding bride speech

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!

bride wedding speech

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.

bride wedding speech

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!

bride and groom dinner cheers

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!

newlyweds first dance celebration

“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

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Bride Goes Viral After Maid of Honor Misses Wedding to Give Birth, Delivers Epic Speech Over FaceTime

The maid of honor joked that “a little bit of childbirth" wasn't going to keep her from "giving the maid of honor speech at my best friend’s wedding"

what to put in a wedding speech bride

Woodell Productions

A maid of honor found a way to support her best friend on her wedding day, despite not being able to attend.

In a viral TikTok video shared by the wedding videographer, a bride name Michelle breaks down in tears during an emotional moment at her Atlanta nuptials. Michelle's maid of honour, named Ally, couldn't be at her longtime friend's wedding because she'd just given birth, but that didn't stop her from making the ultimate maid of honor speech.

“You didn’t think a little bit of childbirth was going to keep me from me giving the maid of honor speech at my best friend’s wedding, did you?” Ally began her speech, which was delivered over FaceTime, as Michelle immediately became tearful.

"I've written about five openers for this speech and well, I've decided I'd let you in on one of my most favorite memories with the bride," Ally continued. "There were endless memories to choose from. We would be here all night if I wrote about them all. Although — and I know how this sounds — but honestly it would make for a great podcast if Michelle and I sat down and talked about the things we've experienced together. Seriously, you would laugh. And cry. And then probably laugh until you cried."

Ally recalled a day the friends shared together in Italy and honored a moment they had shared there: "Like the culmination of a lifetime of friendship had brought us to this one special place in time, 5,000 miles from where we grew up. Everything we've been through together — all those dead salamanders, the house fire, the boyfriends, the breakups, just growing up."

As she continued to share memories of their time as friends, she revealed another memory from their time in Italy.

"I remember being so truly grateful for your friendship," Ally said as a tearful Michelle held a napkin to her face, while being held by her new husband. "It was a rare moment of clarity for me at the time — how lucky I was to know a girl so appreciative of art and beauty that you thought to share that magic with me."

"Sister. The word hit me like a ton of bricks. This was our sisterhood. In fact, I believe it was in this moment that we decided we needed to become sister wives," Ally also said, adding a joke in for the groom.

"I'm pretty sure this means we all have to live together now. I'll be bringing a baby, so I hope that's okay," she said, prompting laughter from the bride and groom.

Ally closed out the remarkable speech as she said it's been "a gift living this life with Michelle" and toasted the bride and groom, saying she had "never known two people more perfect for each other."

In the post's caption, the videographer wrote, "Ally couldn't be at her best friend's wedding because she just gave birth, so instead she dropped the greatest toast ever and made everyone sob over FaceTime."

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

Viewers in the comments were loving the speech as much as the bride did — and many commended how beautifully written the speech was.

"Is this MOH a writer? If not, she should be! Not only is the sentiment sweet and kind, but this is WRITTEN BEEAAAUUTIFULLY!" one person wrote.

"The way she still showed up for her friend😭," another commented. "So special."

Real brides anonymously share their wedding day regrets

Take note of the regrets of these brides if you are planning your big day.

Shot of a newlywed couple standing close together after the wedding

Your wedding day is thought of by many as the happiest day of your life. The day is not only an expression of love between yourself and your partner but an opportunity to celebrate that love with your nearest and dearest. 

Some would say that after an intimate ceremony, your wedding reception is the greatest party of your life. Being able to hand-pick the venue, guest list, and musical accompaniment to an evening yourself has to be a recipe for success. 

Cropped shot of a happy newlywed couple dancing together after their outdoor wedding

But with the pressure and expectation of the big day, there can be hiccups along the way or things that brides wish they had done differently after the event. Bridal trends change and that can get you rethinking your special day, no matter how timeless your endeavours. 

couple celebrating their marriage in front of their friends.

We spoke to a host of real brides to hear about their wedding day regrets.  If you are planning your own do, listen up, these tips could save you from wincing over your wedding video when you recall the happy day. 

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I regret my rustic venue.

"I regret going for a very rustic, more DIY venue," says one bride. "While it looked charming and I can't imagine having got married anywhere else, I should have known it wasn't the slickest of operations from their style of comms and website."

Rustic wedding ceremony venue

This bride tells us that the more casual approach of her venue caused unnecessary stress on her big day. "The worst example was driving around the countryside 24 hours before the wedding, trying to find a cable long enough for the guitarist to be heard on the top lawn (after being promised it wouldn't be an issue)," she recalls.

rural wedding reception in the forest

I regret that my bridal suite was not hairstylist-friendly

A bride getting ready before her wedding ceremony

A bride tells us that she regrets "having a bridal cottage with no hairdryers or toiletries." There is nothing worse than getting to the room you are getting ready in and realising you don't have the access to styling tools that you had anticipated - being in a flap over your or your bridesmaids' hair is a sure way to ruin a calm pre-ceremony atmosphere.

I regret the music that was played

Wide shot of smiling bride and groom dancing and celebrating with friends on rooftop deck at sunset after wedding at tropical resort

Crucial to a great party atmosphere in the evening of your wedding is a playlist of songs that represent you throughout the day but that also get everyone on the dance floor. One bride tells HELLO! that she regrets "the playlist we had spent hours curating not being audible during the meal", saying, "I wish they had been more upfront about the limitations of their tech and the venue."  

I regret my communication style with the venue hosts

So many women fear speaking out about what they want on their big day for fear of being dubbed 'bridezilla'. But it is a day for you and your partner so you want to be happy with every detail that you plan, not to mention those that you spend lots of money on.

women on laptop talking on phone

A bride reflects on how she dealt with her venue: "I wish I had pushed harder to get answers to my questions in the run-up to the big day." You are investing time, money, and expectation into your wedding venue so don't feel bad for clarifying that everything is prepped and ready for you when you walk down the aisle.

I regret the dress I chose

Arguably the part of the wedding that women pain over the most is picking a dress they feel confident in and will want to remember. "Probably not the case for most brides, but I would 100%  change my dress if I could go back in time," says one bride.

Designer making adjustment to bridal gown

"I must have tried on about 30 but didn't really like any, so the one I went for I very much just settled on and saw it as the best of a bad bunch. I think there's so much pressure to look perfect on your day and if I were choosing now, I would definitely go for a different style, because personal style and trends do change over the years." 

I regret how quickly I chose my dress

Dress fittings, as much as they are portrayed in rom-coms as a lovely happy-tear-jerking occasion, can be stressful if you can't quite find a style you love. "I felt pressured to choose something quickly as I left myself six months to order one, which apparently isn't very long in bridal terms!," recalls a bride. "It didn't stop me from having the best day though. My priorities when planning had always been the venue, food, booze, and entertainment for the guests, and those bits definitely ticked the boxes."

mother and daughter wedding dress shopping

I regret my hair and makeup

Second to the dress in importance when it comes to the bridal look is the right hair and makeup that makes you feel like you, but maybe a more dressed up version of yourself.  I would have changed my hair and makeup because my style has also since changed," remembers one bride. "I definitely felt like I was wearing too much makeup but that was recommended for the photos."

bride looks down while make up artist puts the lipstick on her

I regret my choice of second shoe 

Partying the night away calls for one thing and one thing only – comfortable shoes. Though we tend to think of wedding shoes with a style over comfort mentality, one bride says she wishes she had put more thought into her second shoe choice. 

The maid of honor helps the bride to put on her shoes before the wedding ceremony

"I figured I'd be taking off my heels at some point and just shoved some normal brown sandals in my bag to wear instead of the flip flops I'd gotten for guests," she explains. "I changed into them SO early and there's a glimpse of them in so many pics! If I could do it again, I definitely would have bought some white Converse or cute white flats!".

I regret my photographer 

On the subject of photos, it is so important to find a photographer that captures the essence of your day and helps this part of the occasion to run smoothly. Another bride tells us: "If I were planning my wedding again, I would have picked a different photographer. I initially did like her style of photos on her website, but actually felt like my photos were over-edited in the end, to the point that the bridesmaid dresses didn't look like the original colour."

Bride and groom working with camera operator at outdoor wedding

She adds: "There was also a bit of a language barrier and a personality clash on the day between the photographer and the venue owner, so in hindsight, I definitely would have gone with someone more amenable. I did, however, absolutely adore my wedding video so had no regrets that I also paid for a videographer. I appreciated it even more after having seen my photos."

newlywed couple standing with their parents and guests and posing in front of a camera

I regret not having a first-look moment with my husband

For many, wedding photos can feel like a chore when all you want to do is spend time with your guests. "My only regret is not having chosen to do a first look photography session with my husband before the ceremony," says a bride. "I don't like having my photo taken and I prefer candid moments, and also I would have preferred to have spent that time with the guests during the cocktail hour instead of wasting the time having pictures taken. (They did turn out great, but I was a bit miserable!)."

back view of bride and groom kissing. wedding ceremony outdoor

She also points out that a first look makes the moment more private and thus even more special.

I regret not taking more time to speak to my guests

With the wedding day being such a busy occasion with all your nearest and dearest around you it can feel like a whirlwind. "My wedding day regret probably would be not creating more time on the day to go around and speak to everyone," a bride explains. "I feel like once you’re ready, had 100 photos taken, sat down for speeches, food, first dance, cake, then everyone is dancing, drinking and before you know it, the day is almost done! 

Newlywed  couple being congratulated by wedding guest.

DISCOVER:  Exclusive: Sophie Habboo's 'emotional' Spanish wedding provides summer brides with endless inspiration 

"With hindsight, I’d have probably tried to find a window of time whether that be before the food, or straight after we got married to go around and actually speak with everyone more. I feel like there were some people I didn’t even get to properly say hello to which is sad as guests make so much effort to be there. I think most brides and grooms feel the same as the day does tends to just run away with itself."

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what to put in a wedding speech bride

Bride’s twin is labeled a ‘jealous witch’ for ‘awful’ speech she gave at wedding & reading very personal note from groom

  • Roisin Chapman
  • Published : 17:53, 23 Feb 2024

THE sister of a bride came under fire after managing to make the big day all about herself.

Her main character moment backfired after she was labeled a "jealous witch" for bringing up an awkward memory with the groom during her wedding toast.

Reddit users said the twin sister of a bride came across as 'jealous' and 'pathetic' in her wedding speech

In a Reddit post , a guest at the wedding recounted the self-centered speech that their friend's twin gave.

First, the original poster offered a bit of background to the newlyweds and how they met.

"The bride and her sister are fraternal twins and growing up, the sister was always more popular and considered to be prettier," they explained.

When the groom was in eighth grade, he developed a crush on the bride's sister and wrote her a letter declaring his feelings.

"She wasn't interested and embarrassed him by reading the letter out loud during lunch," the Reddit user wrote.

"Everyone laughed at him, he cried, it must have been awful."

Feeling sorry for him, the bride consoled him and they eventually became best friends and started dating.

"They lived together all through college and got married after nearly fifteen years together," the wedding guest said.

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On their big day, the bride's sister made a speech in front of all their guests and referenced how the happy couple met.

"She did leave out the bit about what she did, it was just 'Groom had a little crush on me in school,'" the guest explained

"She took out the actual letter he'd written her when he was 13 confessing his feelings since she's always saved 'love letters' from guys even if she never dated them."

The bridesmaid read the letter to the audience, including "the part where he wrote she was the most beautiful girl in the class" which the bride had also been in.

As a final blow to her sister and new brother-in-law, the woman attempted to joke about the situation.

"Then she finished by saying that it was a good thing, that her standards hadn't been lower back then, or this wedding could never have happened," the poster explained.

Reddit users shared their thoughts on the speech in the comments section.

"What a jealous witch," wrote one unimpressed reader.

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"That’s pretty awful. I hope the bride and groom can put this behind them and go on to have a successful marriage and a great life, without this sister anywhere near them," said another Redditor.

"So she's read that letter out in public twice now? Once was bad enough, twice is just pathetic," commented a third person.

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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

father of the bride speech

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  2. Calaméo

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  3. 23 Bride's Speech Examples: Ultimate Guide for Perfect Speech

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  5. Calaméo

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COMMENTS

  1. The Bride Speech: What to Write, Say & Do

    Planning Advice The Bride Speech: Here's What to Write, Say & Do For a Memorable Toast There won't be a dry eye in the house. Jeremy Chou Photography by Jessica Estrada Updated Jul 25, 2021 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.

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

    "Instead, concentrate on your audience and how you want them to feel. This will help you to speak from the heart, allowing your speech to do what it's supposed to do: Make the couple feel special...

  3. Top 10 Bride Speech Examples

    What should you include in the bride's speech? Photo © Memories & Milestones Photography | See their Bridebook profile When writing your bride's speech, you might want to consider including the following key elements: Acknowledge your partner. This is the perfect opportunity to address your new spouse.

  4. 23 Bride's Speech Examples: Ultimate Guide for Perfect Speech

    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.

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

    For those of you who don't know me, my name is Sarah, and I'm the ___ I've known the bride, Emily, since we were little girls, and we've been best friends ever since. I remember the first time she told me about Alex, and how excited she was to go on a date with him. From that moment on, I knew he was something special.

  6. How To Write A Wedding Speech: The Ultimate Guide For Do's, Don'ts, and

    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.

  7. Short Wedding Speeches: Tips and Examples That Will Inspire You

    "Hello, everyone! Thank you for celebrating this special day with us. A big thanks to our parents for making today possible. Today is beyond special, and we're overflowing with gratitude. To my love, you've been my rock and best friend. Thank you for accepting me, flaws and all.

  8. Bride Speech Examples

    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. All 2746 Best Man Speech Examples 1737 Bride Speech Examples 42

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

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

  11. How To Write Your Wedding Speech (Brides' Edition)

    Your speech outline should include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. In the introduction, you can welcome your guests and introduce yourself. In the body, you can express your love and gratitude to your spouse, your family, and your friends. You can also share your story and your journey together.

  12. 10 Steps to Writing the Perfect Wedding Speech

    1. Start Planning Early We all know the old saying 'failing to prepare is preparing to fail' and that is certainly the case when it comes to your speech. As soon as you know you're going to be giving a speech, start writing a few notes every time you think of something interesting.

  13. The secret to a perfect wedding officiant speech (with examples)

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  14. Wedding Speech Examples

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

  15. How to Begin a Wedding Speech: Our Favourite Opening Lines

    Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Simple and Sincere Opening Lines. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you (name) for the kind introduction." "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As (name's friend/relative), I'm delighted to welcome you all here tonight." "Thank you so much, (name), for such a wonderful introduction.

  16. How to Write A Killer Bride or Groom Wedding Speech

    Thank all of your guests for coming, thank your wedding party for supporting you, thank out-of-towners for making the trek, thank your parents for all their love, thank your new spouse's parents for welcoming you into the family, thank special people who made the day possible, thank vendors, THANK THEM ALL! Or, y'know, thank who you want to thank.

  17. Guide to Giving a Bride Speech

    Planning Essentials The Ultimate Guide to Giving a Bride Speech If you're thinking of giving a bride speech on your big day but you're not sure where to start, don't worry. We've spoken to an expert for a few top tips! We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life's biggest moments.

  18. How to Write an Amazing Wedding Speech in 6 Steps

    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.

  19. Bride Speech: What, When and Examples

    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?

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    After a bride's maid of honor went into labor and was forced to miss the wedding, she called into the nuptials and delivered an emotional speech via FaceTime.

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    Real brides anonymously share their wedding day regrets - take note ahead of your big day to avoid any hiccups ... one bride says she wishes she had put more thought into her second shoe choice ...

  23. Top 10 Father of the Bride Speech Examples

    Typically the father of the bride speech welcomes your new son-or daughter-in-law to the family, is an opportunity for a father to reflect on his relationship with his daughter, and offers some words of wisdom to the happy couple as they start this new journey together. What should you include in a father of the bride speech?

  24. Bride's twin is labeled a 'jealous witch' for 'awful' speech she gave

    Reddit users said the twin sister of a bride came across as 'jealous' and 'pathetic' in her wedding speech Credit: Getty. In a Reddit post, a guest at the wedding recounted the self-centered ...

  25. Scripted Weddings on Instagram: "Life's most special moments deserve

    3 likes, 2 comments - scriptedweddings on July 17, 2023: "Life's most special moments deserve the best - so why leave your wedding speech to chance? It ..." Scripted Weddings on Instagram: "Life's most special moments deserve the best - so why leave your wedding speech to chance?

  26. Wedding Vow + Speech Coach

    speechesbylindsay on February 10, 2024: "WEDDING SPEECH RESOURCES FOR MAIDS OF HONOR AND BEST MEN. I'm a wedding vow and such coach, wh..." Wedding Vow + Speech Coach | Lindsay on Instagram: "WEDDING SPEECH RESOURCES FOR MAIDS OF HONOR AND BEST MEN.

  27. Craft a Memorable Father of the Bride Speech with Our Guide

    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 ...