The great thing about the groom’s speech is that it’s generally one of the easiest to write. You don’t need to stress about making everyone laugh like the best man or worry about whether your words are heartfelt enough, like the father of the bride. Instead, the groom’s speech is a lovely thank you note to everyone who has helped you plan the wedding.
As the groom, it’s a chance for you to express your love, gratitude, and appreciation to all the amazing people who have gathered to celebrate this joyous occasion. It’s a time to honour your beautiful bride, thank your parents, and embrace the opportunity to let everyone know how grateful you are for their continued support.
In this article, we’ve captured everything you need to know about writing the best groom speech ever. We have 10 brilliant groom speech examples for inspiration, a breakdown of the structure of the speech, and a list of all the little bits and bobs you may need to consider. Let’s get going!
What is the groom’s speech?
The groom’s speech is a heartfelt speech made by the groom during a wedding reception. It should be no more than 10 minutes long and usually goes second in the order of speeches, coming after the father of the bride speech but before the best man’s speech.
Consider this your opportunity to let your friends and family know how grateful you are for their support. You can also share stories and memories and thank all those who have played a significant role in the journey leading up to the wedding day.
In fact, the groom’s speech is usually positioned as a thank-you note to everyone involved in planning your wedding. For example, your parents, the bride’s parents, ushers, bridesmaids, the best man, the maid of honour, your wedding planner, and the wedding venue staff. It’s also a great opportunity to thank anyone who has supported your relationship thus far and a chance to tell some heartwarming stories about how you and your partner met.
What should you include in the groom’s speech?
Here are some key elements you should consider including in your groom’s speech:
- Thank your family. They’ve guided you through life, helped you become who you are today, and probably contributed to the wedding somehow. It’s time to thank your parents for their support over the years. In addition, you should extend your gratitude to your new in-laws. Let them know how grateful you are to them for raising such a wonderful partner, welcoming you into their family, and for their continued guidance.
- The meet-cute. Share some sweet stories and anecdotes about how you met your partner when you knew they were the one, and any adventures you’ve shared along the way. You could also share any laughs you’ve had leading up to the wedding day and maybe sprinkle in a few inside jokes. Just remember, keep it respectful and appropriate for all guests!
- Compliment your new spouse. What better day to highlight how beautiful and special your partner bride is than on their big day? It’s time to let everyone know exactly what made you fall in love with them, their impact on your life, and the joy they bring you. Include all these topics and watch their smile light up the room.
- A toast. Bottoms up! Finish your speech by encouraging your friends and guests to join you in a toast. Here’s to love and the incredible journey that lies ahead.
Groom’s speech structure
Although the groom’s speech can follow any structure you feel is best, we recommend sticking to the following framework. This way, you can feel confident that you’ve covered all your bases and delivered a well-rounded speech.
Introduction
The introduction sets the tone for your speech, so it’s important to start with confidence. Take this time to welcome and engage your audience, as well as acknowledge everyone’s effort in attending the wedding. Express your gratitude, and let everyone know they look great. Keep it short and move on to the bulk of the speech.
Top tip: To guarantee a big cheer, start with “On behalf of me and my wife…”. It’s a winner every time!
Thank your family
Take a moment to express heartfelt appreciation to your family. Begin with your parents, thanking them for their unconditional love, guidance, and support throughout your life.
Recognise the sacrifices they have made along the way and for any help they have offered in wedding planning.
You can then move on to thanking your new in-laws. Emphasise the love and acceptance they have shown you, how they have supported your relationship, and their role in bringing you and your partner together. And, if appropriate, thank them for their child’s hand in marriage!
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen
Show appreciation for your best man, maid of honour, and the rest of the bridal party. Highlight their support, dedication, and efforts in making your wedding day special. You can also express your gratitude for their friendship, unwavering support, and their role in your special day.
Express your gratitude to the guests
Take a moment to express gratitude to all the guests for their presence and role in your lives. Highlight what their support means to you and the happiness they bring to the occasion.
Take extra time to thank anyone who has travelled long distances or made an extra effort to be there. Let them know how much you appreciate the efforts and how much it means to have them with you.
Thank the staff
Acknowledge the efforts of the staff, vendors, and wedding planners who have worked tirelessly to make your wedding day run smoothly. Show appreciation for their professionalism and attention to detail. After all, the day wouldn’t be possible without them!
Compliment your partner
Finally, express your love and admiration for your new spouse. Share heartfelt compliments that highlight their beauty, grace and the qualities that make them so special to you. Be specific and genuine in your praise. There won’t be a dry eye in the house!
Time for a toast
As you wrap up your speech, it’s time to invite your guests to raise their glasses and join you in a toast. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness. Chin chin!
Groom’s speech template
To help you navigate the complete breakdown of your speech, it can be helpful to have a visual guide to refer to. Check out our handy infographic below:
Top tips for delivering a great groom’s speech
Keep it upbeat
Although it’s an emotional day, keep the tone of your speech happy and upbeat. Save the tear-jerking stories for the father of the bride or best man speeches. Your speech should be focused on light-hearted gratitude.
Keep it clean!
Although light-hearted humour and anecdotes are appropriate in a groom’s speech, ensure your humour is tasteful and doesn’t overshadow the heartfelt moments! Remember, your new spouse is in front of all their family and friends, so they may not want to share any intimate or embarrassing stories. If you’re unsure whether your partner will be comfortable with the stories you’re sharing, consider running any stories you plan to use past them first.
Confidence is key
A few nerves are to be expected. However, this is your time to shine, and you should do it proudly. Stand tall, speak clearly, and make eye contact with the audience. Project confidence and belief in your words. Remember, the audience is filled with your family and friends who are gathered to have a good time and are all rooting for you!
Top 10 groom speech examples
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our top 10 examples of great wedding speech ideas, from the simple and sentimental to the light-hearted and humorous. And remember that these are just examples. You can use them as templates for your own speech, but it’s important to speak from the heart, and add your own personal touch and unique family anecdotes.
A lot of traditional father of the bride speeches and examples will refer to a bride and groom, but you can simply change the references to your daughter’s partner and the appropriate pronouns if you’re attending an LGBTQ+ wedding.
Speech Example 1: The Heartfelt Appreciation
Introduction: “Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends, thank you all for being here to celebrate this special day with [partner’s name] and me. Your presence means the world to us, and we are truly grateful for your love and support.”
Thank your family: “I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to my parents, [parents’ names]. Thank you for your unwavering love, guidance, and for always believing in me. You have shaped me into the man I am today, and I am forever grateful. And I extend my heartfelt thanks to my incredible new in-laws, [in-laws’ names]. Thank you for welcoming me into your family with open arms and showering us with your love and acceptance. I am truly blessed to have gained such wonderful additions to my life.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “I want to take a moment to thank my incredible best man, [best man’s name], and our wonderful groomsmen. Your friendship and support have been invaluable throughout this journey, and I am lucky to have you by my side. Thank you for standing with me today.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our family and friends, thank you for being here to celebrate our love. Your presence fills our hearts with joy, and we are grateful for the love and support you have shown us. We are honoured to share this special day with all of you.”
Thank the staff: “A special thank you goes out to the amazing staff, vendors, and wedding planners who have worked tirelessly to make this day perfect. Your attention to detail and professionalism have made our wedding day unforgettable. We are incredibly grateful for all that you’ve done.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the love of my life, [partner’s name]. Words cannot express the depth of my love for you. You are my rock, my best friend, and my partner in all of life’s adventures. Your beauty, both inside and out, continues to amaze me every day. I am the luckiest person in the world to call you my wife.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness for [partner’s name] and me. May our love continue to grow and shine brighter with each passing day. Bottoms up!”
Speech Example 2: The Light-hearted Banter
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone! I must say, standing here in front of you all, I feel a mix of excitement and nerves. But hey, that’s nothing compared to the excitement of marrying the amazing person standing beside me, [partner’s name]!”
Thank your family: “I want to start by thanking my parents, [parents’ names], for their endless love and support. You have always been there for me, guiding me through life’s ups and downs. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you. And now I will extend my sincere thanks to my incredible new family, [in-laws’ names]. Your kindness, generosity, and open hearts have made me feel like I’ve always been a part of this beautiful family. I am truly grateful for the love and support you have shown us.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “A big shout-out to my best man, [best man’s name], and our incredible groomsmen. You guys have been with me through thick and thin, and I couldn’t have asked for a better crew. Thank you for all the unforgettable memories and for keeping me sane throughout this wedding planning madness.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our friends and family gathered here today, thank you for being a part of this joyous celebration. Your presence fills our hearts with warmth and happiness. We are truly blessed to have such amazing people in our lives.”
Thank the staff: “Let’s not forget to give a round of applause to the fantastic staff who have worked their socks off to make this day possible. From the venue coordinators to the catering team, your hard work and attention to detail have exceeded our expectations. Thank you for making our dream wedding a reality.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the woman who has stolen my heart, [partner’s name]. You are a true blessing in my life. Your kindness, intelligence, and sense of humour brighten every moment we spend together. I am so grateful for the love and happiness you bring into my life.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising a glass to the incredible love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our journey together be filled with laughter, adventures, and a lifetime of shared happiness. Cheers!”
Speech Example 3: The Emotional Touch
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. Today is a day filled with immense joy and gratitude as I stand here as the luckiest man in the world, ready to embark on a new chapter of my life with the love of my life, [partner’s name].”
Thank your family: “I want to take this moment to express my deepest gratitude to my parents, [parents’ names]. Your love, support, and guidance have shaped me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful for the values you instilled in me and for the love you have shown me throughout my life. And to my incredible new in-laws, [in-laws’ names], I want to express my deepest appreciation for welcoming me into your family. Your love, warmth, and genuine care have made me feel like I’ve found a second home.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “To my best man, [best man’s name], and our incredible groomsmen, thank you for standing by my side on this special day. Your friendship and endless support mean the world to me. I am so grateful for the memories we have shared and for the bond we have formed.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our beloved friends and family gathered here today, thank you for your presence and for celebrating our love. Your love, encouragement, and support have been a constant source of strength and inspiration. We are blessed to have you in our lives.”
Thank the staff: “A special thank you goes to the dedicated staff and vendors who have worked tirelessly to make this day unforgettable. Your professionalism, attention to detail, and hard work have made our wedding dreams come true. We are forever grateful for your contributions.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the woman who has captured my heart, [partner’s name]. You are my rock, my best friend, and my biggest supporter. Your love and unwavering belief in me have brought immeasurable joy into my life. I am grateful for your beautiful soul, your compassion, and the way you make every day brighter.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising a glass to the love and happiness of [partner’s name] and me. May our love continue to grow and flourish, and may our journey together be filled with laughter, adventures, and endless love. Bottoms up!”
Speech Example 4: The Humorous Twist
Introduction: “Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends, thank you for being here today to celebrate this incredible milestone in my life. I must say, I’m feeling a mix of excitement and relief that I managed to tie my tie correctly. It’s a big day for me!”
Thank your family: “I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to my parents, [parents’ names]. Thank you for your constant support, for always believing in me even when I doubted myself, and for teaching me the importance of love and commitment. And let’s not forget a special thank you to my fantastic new in-laws, [in-laws’ names]. From the first time we met, your clever banter and quick comebacks kept me on my toes. It’s a true pleasure to be part of a family with such a sharp sense of humour. Thank you for the laughter, the wit, and the warm welcome into your incredible clan.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “A big shout-out to my incredible best man, [best man’s name], and our awesome groomsmen. You guys have been with me through all the highs and all the lows, and I can’t thank you enough for being my sidekicks in life’s adventures. I’m honoured to have you by my side.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our amazing guests, thank you for being here and sharing in the joy of this special day. Your presence makes this celebration even more memorable, and we are truly grateful for the love and support you have shown us.”
Thank the staff: “Let’s also take a moment to appreciate the hardworking staff and vendors who have made this wedding day unforgettable. From the venue team to the caterers, thank you for going above and beyond to make everything run smoothly. You’re the real MVPs!”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the person who has stolen my heart, my beautiful [partner’s name]. You are my everything. Your love, warmth, and infectious laughter bring so much happiness into my life. I’m grateful for the adventures we’ve shared and the ones that lie ahead.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast to the incredible love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our love be a never-ending source of laughter, support, and growth. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and shared dreams. Cheers!”
Speech Example 5: The Poetic Reflection
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. Today, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude and love. This is a day that marks the beginning of a beautiful journey, and I’m honoured to share it with all of you.”
Thank your family: “I want to start by thanking my parents, [parents’ names]. Your unconditional love and unwavering support have shaped me into the person I am today. Thank you for your guidance, sacrifices, and for always believing in me. My heartfelt thanks also go to my wonderful new in-laws, [in-laws’ Names]. You have welcomed me into your family with open arms and treated me as one of your own from the very beginning.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “A special shout-out to my amazing best man, [best man’s name], and our remarkable groomsmen. You guys have been there for me through thick and thin, and I’m grateful for the friendship and memories we’ve created together.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our cherished guests, thank you for gracing us with your presence on this joyous occasion. Your love and support mean the world to us, and we are beyond grateful to have you here as we celebrate our love.”
Thank the staff: “I also want to extend my gratitude to the hardworking staff and vendors who have made this day possible. Your dedication and attention to detail have transformed our vision into reality. Thank you for creating such a magical atmosphere.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to my incredible partner, [bride’s name]. Your beauty, both inside and out, continues to amaze me every day. Your love and undying belief in me have given me strength and courage. I’m blessed to have you by my side.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising a glass to the extraordinary love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our journey be filled with love, adventure, and the fulfilment of all our dreams. So let’s all raise a glass!”
Speech Example 6: The Joyful Adventure
Introduction: “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen! First and foremost, let me take a moment to express my gratitude for being here today on this wonderful day of celebration. Thank you all for joining us!”
Thank your family: “I want to start by thanking my parents, [parents’ names]. You have been my guiding lights, and my biggest cheerleaders. Thank you for your amazing love and support throughout the years. “I also want to express my deepest appreciation to my amazing new family, [in-laws’ names]. From the moment we met, you embraced me with open hearts and made me feel like a cherished member of the family. Your love, support, and guidance mean the world to me, and I am truly blessed to call you my in-laws as I embark on this new adventure with your daughter.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “To my wonderful best man, [best man’s name], and our fantastic groomsmen, thank you for being my partners in mischief and for standing by my side. Your friendship and laughter have made this journey all the more memorable.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our incredible guests, thank you for gracing us with your presence today. Your love, well wishes, and dance moves are what make this celebration truly special. Let’s continue to create unforgettable memories together.”
Thank the staff: “A special shout-out to the incredible staff who have made this wedding day a seamless experience. From the event coordinators to the DJ who knows just the right tunes to keep the party going, you have all been instrumental in creating an unforgettable night.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the love of my life, [partner’s name]. From the moment we met, you have filled my days with laughter, love, and countless adventures. Your beauty, both inside and out, leaves me in awe. I’m so lucky to call you my partner.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast to the extraordinary love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our days be filled with laughter, our hearts with love, and our lives with endless joy. Cheers!”
Speech Example 7: The Sentimental Journey
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. Today, as I stand here before all of you, I can’t help but be overwhelmed with emotions. This day represents the culmination of an incredible journey, and I’m honoured to share it with each and every one of you.”
Thank your family: “I want to start by expressing my deepest gratitude to my parents, [parents’ names]. You have given me the most incredible gift of love and support, and I will forever cherish the values you have instilled in me. And I am filled with gratitude for my exceptional new family, [In-Laws’ Names]. Your love, acceptance, and genuine kindness have made me feel like a beloved member of the family from the very beginning.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “To my phenomenal best man, [best man’s name], and our incredible groomsmen, thank you for being my pillars of strength and for standing by my side throughout this entire process. Your friendship means the world to me.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our beloved guests, thank you for gracing us with your presence on this beautiful day. Your presence and well wishes have filled our hearts with immense joy and love. We are blessed to have you in our lives.”
Thank the staff: “A heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff and vendors who have worked tirelessly to make this wedding a truly magical experience. Your attention to detail and professionalism have exceeded our expectations. We are forever grateful.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the love of my life, [partner’s name]. Your presence in my life has brought an indescribable happiness that words can’t fully capture. Your love, strength, and unconditional support have made me a better person. I’m beyond fortunate to call you mine.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising a glass to the extraordinary love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our journey be filled with endless love, cherished moments, and the realisation of all our dreams. Cheers to us!”
Speech Example 8: The Inspirational Touch
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone! Today is a day filled with love, joy, and celebration. I stand before you as a grateful man, ready to embark on this incredible journey with my soulmate by my side.”
Thank your family: “I want to start by expressing my deepest appreciation to my parents, [parents’ names]. Your unconditional love, guidance, and sacrifices have shaped me into the person I am today. I am forever grateful for the values you have instilled in me. I am truly grateful to my wonderful new family, [in-laws’ Names]. From the moment I met you, you embraced me with open arms and made me feel like part of the family. Your love, support, and acceptance have touched my heart deeply, and I am honoured to be a part of this loving family.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “To my amazing best man, [best man’s name], and our wonderful groomsmen, thank you for your constant support, laughter, and friendship. You have stood by my side through all of life’s wild adventures, and I’m honoured to have you as my chosen family.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our esteemed guests. Your presence here today is a testament to the love and support you have shown us. We are deeply touched by your presence and grateful for the memories we will create together.”
Thank the staff: “A special shout-out to the incredible staff and vendors who have worked to the bone to make this day a literal dream come true. Your attention to detail, professionalism, and dedication have made this celebration truly exceptional. Thank you for going above and beyond.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to the love of my life, [partner’s name]. You have brought light into my world, and I’m grateful for every moment we’ve shared. Your beauty, both inside and out, captivates me. I promise to cherish and protect our love for all my days.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast to the incredible love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our love be a guiding light, leading us to a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and unbreakable bonds. Cheers to us!”
Speech Example 9: The Heartfelt Tribute
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. Today is a day of immense joy and gratitude as we gather here to celebrate the union of two souls deeply in love. Thank you for joining us on this momentous occasion.”
Thank your family: “I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation to my parents, [parents’ names]. Your unconditional love, guidance, and support have been the foundation of my life. I’m forever grateful for everything you have done for me. “My heartfelt thanks go to my incredible new in-laws, [in-laws’ names]. Your love, warmth, and genuine acceptance have made me feel like I’ve always been a part of this beautiful family. I am grateful for the memories we’ve shared, and for bringing [partner’s name] into my life.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “To my brilliant best man, [best man’s name], and our outstanding groomsmen, thank you for being my brothers, confidants, and partners in crime. Your friendship has been an invaluable gift, and I’m honoured to have you by my side on this special day.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “To all our beloved guests, thank you for gracing us with your presence and for sharing in the love and joy of this moment. Your presence fills our hearts with warmth, and we are so grateful for the love and support you have shown us.”
Thank the staff: “A special thank you to the remarkable staff and vendors who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this day perfect. Your professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail have transformed our vision into reality. We are in awe of your talents.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to my beautiful soulmate, [bride’s name]. You are my rock, my inspiration, and my best friend. Your love has transformed my life in ways I never thought possible. I’m forever grateful for your unwavering support and the endless joy you bring into my world.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast to the extraordinary love and future of [bride’s name] and me. May our journey be filled with boundless love, adventure, and beautiful memories. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness. Cheers!”
Speech Example 10: The Light-hearted Celebration
Introduction: “Hello, everyone! Today is a day of celebration, laughter, and love. Thank you all for being here as we embark on this incredible journey together. Let’s make some unforgettable memories!”
Thank your family: “I want to begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, [parents’ names]. You have been my biggest cheerleaders and a constant source of love and support. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without you. To my amazing new family, [in-laws’ names], I want to express my sincere appreciation for welcoming me into your lives. Your love, kindness, and genuine hospitality have made me feel like a beloved member of the family. Thank you for letting me love your incredible daughter.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: “To my phenomenal best man, [best man’s name], and our incredible groomsmen, thank you for adding laughter, adventure, and a whole lot of fun to my life. I’m grateful for the memories we’ve created and the ones we’ll continue to make.”
Express gratitude to the guests: “Thank you to all our wonderful guests for being here and sharing in the joy of this special day. Your presence makes this celebration even more memorable, and we appreciate the love and warmth you bring to our lives.”
Thank the staff: “A special shout-out to the amazing staff and vendors who have bent over backwards to make this wedding day a fantastic experience. From the delicious food to the beautiful decorations, you have made this day truly extraordinary.”
Compliment your partner: “And now, to my incredible partner in crime, [partner’s name]. Your smile lights up my world, and your love fills my heart with happiness. I’m honoured to call you my wife and excited for all the adventures that await us.”
Time for a toast: “Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses as we toast to the love and future of [partner’s name] and me. May our lives be filled with endless laughter, joy, and shared dreams! Now let’s make this the best celebration ever!”
The bottom line on the groom’s speech
The groom’s speech is your opportunity to thank everyone around you for their involvement and support with your wedding.
Take the time to personalise your speech, infuse it with genuine compliments, and practice, practice, practice! Strike a balance between sincerity and lightheartedness, and let the love and happiness that fills your special day shine through. Remember: keep it upbeat, keep it clean, and deliver it with confidence.
If you’re still unsure where to start, sign up to Bridebook for some top tips, tricks, and inspiration for writing a brilliant groom’s speech. Best of luck!
