Author: Bridebook

Everyone loves a wedding speech, but there is so much to think about if you are organising a day to be remembered, from how to write a great wedding speech to figuring out which order the wedding speeches should be in.

Before we dive into everything you need to know about writing a wedding speech, we wanted to give you an overview of what type of wedding speeches to expect at weddings in the UK.

The father of the bride speech

The father of the bride speech is an opportunity for the father to express his love for his daughter, and to welcome the groom into the family. The speech often includes some memories from the bride’s life. The father of the bride may also offer his blessing and good wishes for the couple’s future together. The speech is often emotional and sentimental and is a special moment for the bride and her father to share.

The groom’s speech

The groom’s speech is an opportunity for the groom to express his love to his new wife and his family, and to thank everyone who has played a role in the wedding planning and ceremony. The groom may also thank his parents, the parents of the bride, the bridal party, and any other important people in attendance. He will often express his feelings and thoughts about the wedding day and his future with his new wife. The groom’s speech is often a blend of sentimentality and humour.

The best man speech

The best man’s speech is an opportunity for him to give his congratulations and well wishes to the newlyweds, and to share his thoughts and memories about the groom. The best man may also include some light-hearted humour and anecdotes. He may also thank the parents of the bride and groom and the bridal party for their support, and express his appreciation for the couple’s relationship.

The maid of honour speech

The maid of honour’s speech is an opportunity for her to give congratulations and well wishes to the newlyweds, and to share her thoughts and memories about the bride. She may also include some words the bride’s personality and character. As it’s the maid of honour’s duty to help the bride during the planning process, so she may also thank the wedding planner and vendors for making the day special.

The bride’s speech

The bride’s speech is a less traditional part of a wedding ceremony, but it is becoming more common for the bride to give a speech at her wedding reception. The bride’s speech is an opportunity for her to express her love and gratitude to her new husband, family, and friends. She may also thank the wedding planner and vendors for making the day special.

The parent of the groom speech

A parents of the groom speech is less traditional, but it’s becoming increasingly common for the parents of the groom to give a speech at their son’s wedding reception. The parents of the groom speech is an opportunity for them to express their love and pride in their son, and to welcome the bride and her family into their own family.

Nowadays, wedding speeches in the UK  are a much less formal affair than in previous years, so you can take the opportunity to give your speeches in whatever order you think works for your wedding day, but the wedding speech order traditionally follows this format and begins after the wedding breakfast is finished:

• The father of the bride speech
• The groom’s speech
• The  best man speech
• The maid of honour speech (if any)
• The bride’s speech (if she wishes)
• The parent of the groom (if any)

Remember, this is the traditional order, but can vary depending on the wedding and those attending. Some weddings also have speeches from other family members such as step parents that might change the order.

Tips for Writing and Delivering a Great Speech

Researching for your wedding speech can be a fun and rewarding experience. If you are stuck on where to begin when it comes to researching your wedding speech then think about working through the following tips.

• Reflect on your relationship: Think about your relationship with the bride or groom, and any special memories or moments that you’ve shared. This can make for great content in your speech.
• Talk to the couple: Speak to the bride and groom to get a sense of what they would like to hear in your speech. Ask them about their favourite memories, what they love about each other, and what they are looking forward to in the future.
• Research online: There are many resources available online that can help you gather material for your speech. You can find speech examples, tips, and advice on how to structure your speech.
• Get inspiration from others: Speak to friends or family members who have given speeches at weddings in the past. Ask them for tips, and gather inspiration from their speeches. But remember, never copy!
• Take your time: Don’t rush to write your speech. Take your time to gather material, reflect on your relationship, and think about what you want to say. A well-prepared speech will be more meaningful and heartfelt.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice, the more confident you will be when you deliver your speech. It will also help you to time your speech and make sure it’s the right length.

Remember, the goal of your speech is to show your support for the couple, and to celebrate their marriage. With proper research, you will have no problem giving a wedding speech that is heartfelt, meaningful, and memorable.

Many people find themselves anxious at the thought of actually delivering the speech itself, even if they have spent time writing and researching a great speech. Spend some time focusing on these top tips to help your wedding speech go with a bang.

• Speak clearly and confidently: Speak in a clear, confident voice, and make sure to project your voice so that everyone can hear you.
• Make eye contact: Make eye contact with the audience, especially the bride and groom, to create a connection and show your sincerity.
• Speak at a natural pace: Speak at a natural pace, and don’t rush through your speech. Take your time and enjoy the moment.
• Use visual aids: Use visual aids such as photos, videos, or props to add some visual interest to your speech.
• Have a glass of water nearby: It’s good to have a glass of water nearby, in case you need it.
• Be yourself: The most important thing is to be yourself, don’t try to copy someone else’s speech. The couple and the guests want to hear what you have to say.

Examples of wedding speeches

Browse the examples below for inspiration and guidance on how to write and deliver a wedding speech. Whether you’re the father of the bride, the groom, the best man, or the maid of honour, they’ll help you create a speech that’s personal, meaningful and will be remembered for years to come. And for even more speech samples, check out our dedicated wedding speech examples post. 

Funny wedding speech examples

1. Use self-deprecating humour to make the audience laugh. For example, “I’m honoured to be standing here today as [couple’s name] best man/maid of honour, considering all the times I’ve been a bad influence on them.”
2. Share a funny story or anecdote about the couple. For example, “I remember the first time [couple’s name] met, they bonded over their love of [insert a shared interest] and it’s been nothing but laughs ever since.”
3. Use a pop culture reference to make your speech more relatable. For example, “I always thought [couple’s name] would end up together, it’s like a fairytale romance straight out of a Disney movie.”
4. Use a pun or play on words to add some humour to your speech. For example, “I always knew [couple’s name] were meant to be together, they’re truly a perfect pear.”
5. Use a hypothetical scenario to add humour to your wedding speech. For example, “I can’t imagine what [couple’s name] wedding would have been like if they had chosen someone else as their best man/maid of honour. It would have been a disaster!”
6. Use a silly or unexpected prop to add some humour to your wedding speech. For example, “I have a special gift for the couple, it’s a [insert a funny or unexpected prop] to symbolise their love and commitment to each other.”

It’s also worth keeping in mind that you should be careful with the use of humour in a wedding speech, as you don’t want to offend anyone or make anyone uncomfortable. Make sure you test your jokes with a few people before delivering your speech.

Romantic wedding speech examples

1. Share the story of how the couple met and fell in love. For example, “I remember the moment [couple’s name] met, it was love at first sight and it’s been nothing but romance ever since.”
2. Share your personal thoughts on the couple’s relationship and what makes it special. For example, “I’ve never seen two people more in love than [couple’s name]. Their love is truly inspiring.”
3. Share your hopes and wishes for the couple’s future together. For example, “I wish the couple a lifetime of happiness and love, may they always be each other’s best friend and partner.”
4. Use poetry or a quote to add romance to your speech. For example, “I leave you with a quote that perfectly sums up the love between [couple’s name]: ‘I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.'”
5. Use a metaphor to describe the couple’s relationship. For example, “The love between [couple’s name] is like a beautiful garden, it has grown stronger with each passing day.”
6. Share a personal memory or moment that you shared with the couple and how it made you realise the depth of their love. For example, “I remember the time when [couple’s name] did [insert a special memory], it was then when I realised that they were truly meant to be together.”
7. Share a message of love and support for the couple. For example, “I want to tell the couple that I love them and I will always be there for them, through good times and bad.”

As you’ll now know, a wedding speech is a special moment during a couple’s big day when the couple and their loved ones can celebrate their union. Writing a wedding speech, no matter your part in the day, can be a daunting task, but with a little preparation and some helpful tips, it can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone when it comes to the day itself.

You Might Also Like…

• Tips: Father of the Bride Speech
• How To Write Your Wedding Speech (Grooms’ Edition)
• Tips: Maid of Honour Speech
• How To Write Your Wedding Speech (Brides’ Edition)
• Wedding Speech Examples
• Wedding Speech Order

Happy Planning!

Speeches are a part of the wedding that everyone loves to get excited about, but what if it’s your turn to be in the hot seat? Let’s take a look at what it takes to write a great groom’s speech, whether you are looking to write something that leaves the ladies swooning or your guests crying with laughter.

What is a groom’s speech?

A groom’s speech is the speech given by the groom at the wedding reception, typically after the meal. The groom will often use this opportunity to show his love and gratitude to his partner and thank the guests for attending the wedding. It’s also a time to share some personal memories and reflect on you and your new spouse’s relationship. 

How to write a groom’s speech

Preparing a groom’s speech

Preparing for your groom’s speech is an exciting but nervewracking time. Your groom’s speech should give you an opportunity to express your love and gratitude to your partner, but it should also allow you to show your personality and make a lasting impression on your guests.

By taking the time to plan and prepare your speech, you can be confident and comfortable when it’s time to deliver it. This means that you definitely shouldnt wait until the last minute to start planning your speech, take the time to write a meaningful grooms speech that will make your partner and guests feel special. 

Tips for researching and gathering material for your groom’s speech

• Start by making a list of special memories and moments that you have shared with your partner. Think about your first date, the proposal, and any other significant events that have happened during your relationship, such as holidays or special surprises you have organised in the past.
• Ask your partner and close friends or family members if they have any anecdotes or memories that they would like to share with you. This can provide some great material for your speech and give a different perspective on your relationship.
• Look through old photographs and videos together, this can serve as a great source of inspiration and help jog your memory about certain moments in your relationship.
• Take note of any inside jokes or silly nicknames that you and your partner have for one another.
• Research and read speeches from other grooms for inspiration, but remember to not produce a carbon copy of another speech you have seen or heard. People will know.
• Consider incorporating a poem, song or a personal story that relates to your relationship.
• Remember, speak from your own experiences and emotions. This will make the speech more genuine and heartfelt.

At this point, its probably worth thinking about if you should write a funny groom’s speech, When it comes to whether or not the groom’s speech should be funny, the jury’s out. It can be difficult to ensure that any jokes you make aren’t going to fall flat but at the same time, if it suits the feel of the wedding then there is nothing stopping you from throwing a few well placed jokes into the speech.

How should I structure my groom’s speech?

It’s important to keep in mind that this structure should be adjusted to your own style, personality, and the tone of the wedding. The important thing is to keep it simple, sincere and heartfelt.

Here’s a suggested structure for the Groom’s speech:

• Opening: Welcome the guests, thank the parents of the bride, acknowledge the bridal party, and thank the bride for making you the happiest man in the world.
• Body: Share your feelings and thoughts about the couple’s relationship, express your love for the bride, and thank the guests for being a part of your special day.
• Closing: Thank everyone for being a part of the day and raise your glass to the happy couple.

Now let’s break this down into a structured speech:

1. Opening: Start with a warm welcome and thank the guests for attending the wedding.
2. Expressing gratitude: Thank the parents of the bride and groom for their support, and any other important people who have played a role in the wedding planning.
3. Love for the partner: Share your feelings for your partner and express your love for them.
4. Personal anecdotes and memories: Share personal anecdotes and memories about your relationship with your partner, these can be funny or touching.
5. Future plans: Share your future plans as a couple, and your hopes and dreams for the future.
6. Toast: Raise a glass to the couple and make a toast to the happy couple.

Groom’s speech examples

The internet is awash with examples of wedding speeches, but nothing is worse than sitting through a plagiarised speech you have heard a thousand times before. If you are looking to get your creative juices flowing, then we have included a few typical sentence ideas for a grooms speech that might help kickstart the writing process.

• “I never knew true love until I met [partner’s name].”
• “I am the luckiest man in the world to have [partner’s name] as my wife.”
• “I promise to love, cherish and support [partner’s name] in every way, every day.”
• “To my beautiful partner, I love you more than words can express.”
• “I want to thank my parents for raising me to be the man I am today and for their unwavering support in my life, and for welcoming [partner’s name] into our family.”
• “I want to thank [partner’s name]’s parents for raising such an amazing woman and for entrusting her to me.”
• “I want to thank all of our friends and family for being here to share this special day with us, it means the world to us.”
• “I want to thank my groomsmen for being my loyal friends and standing by my side today.”
• “I want to thank my beautiful partner for showing me what true love is, I am forever grateful to have you by my side.”
• “I look forward to spending the rest of my life making memories with my soulmate [partner’s name]”

Groom’s Speech Delivery

The delivery of a groom’s speech is crucial as it can make or break the impact of the speech. It can be the difference between a speech that is engaging and memorable,or one of those super uncomfortable ones we have all had to sit through.

A confident and well-delivered speech can help create a positive atmosphere on the day, making the guests feel more connected to the couple and the event. To ensure that the speech is well-received, make sure you work on controlling nerves, maintaining composure so you don’t find yourself racing through the entire speech. 

Combating nerves when delivering a speech can be challenging, but there are several techniques that can help to control them. One effective technique is to practice the speech in advance as much as possible. Visualising a positive outcome can also be helpful when it comes to delivering your speech. Another way to combat nerves is to engage with the audience, making eye contact and using natural body language. It’s also important to remember that it’s okay to make a mistake and that the audience is fully of your nearest and dearest who are there to support you.

Writing a brilliant groom’s speech is an important part of your wedding day that requires planning, preparation, and a lot of thought. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can create a heartfelt and meaningful speech that will make your partner and guests feel special. Remember to start your speech writing journey by thinking about the special memories that you have already shared with your partner, ask for input from friends and family members, and take the time to gather your material. 

Most importantly, write from the heart and be yourself. With a bit of preparation and practice, you can deliver a speech that will be remembered for years to come.

You Might Also Like…

• The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Speeches
• Father of the Bride Speech
• Wedding Speech Examples
• Wedding Speech Order

Wedding speeches are a cherished tradition at weddings, and an essential part of the wedding reception. They’re a way for the bride and groom, as well as their loved ones, to express their love and appreciation for each other on their big day, and can set the tone for a fun, emotional, and memorable evening.

But with so many speeches to include, it can be difficult to know the order to give them in. In this post, we’ll provide a guide to the traditional order of wedding speeches as well as possible adaptations, to help make your wedding day as unique as possible.

The origins of the traditional wedding speech order

The traditional order of wedding speeches has evolved over time, reflecting changing societal norms and values. Historically, the speeches have centered around the groom and the bride’s father, with the best man offering a light-hearted conclusion. As gender roles and wedding customs have evolved, the traditional order has adapted to include more diverse perspectives, with maid of honour speeches now the norm, and sometimes also bride and mother of the bride speeches too. Understanding the roots of these customs can help you appreciate the significance of each speech and the order to give them in at your wedding.

Traditional wedding speech order: cheat sheet

Before we dive into the details, take a look at the cheat sheet below to see how the different speeches at a wedding all flow and fit together. First is the father of the bride’s speech, then the groom’s speech, then the best man and maid of honour, and finally, any other speakers from the wedding party. 

1. The father of the bride’s speech

Traditionally, the father of the bride is the first to give a speech. The father of the bride’s speech is typically a touching and emotional tribute to the bride, expressing the father’s love and pride for her, and wishing her happiness in her marriage. The father of the bride will usually welcome the guests, thank the groom for loving and caring for his daughter, and make a toast to the happy couple.

Check out our top father of the bride speech examples for inspiration and a complete breakdown on how to structure your speech. 

2. The groom’s speech

The groom’s speech is next in the order and is a time for him to express his love and gratitude to his bride, as well as to thank the wedding party, guests, and parents of the bride and groom. The groom may also take this opportunity to tell a few anecdotes or share memories of his relationship with his bride. This speech is usually light-hearted and humorous, but it should also be sincere and heartfelt.

3. The best man’s speech

The best man’s speech is one of the most anticipated speeches of the wedding reception. This is the best man’s chance to share some memories of the groom and offer some humorous anecdotes about him. The best man may also offer a toast to the happy couple and offer some words of advice for their future together. This speech should be light-hearted and entertaining, but it should also be respectful and appropriate.

Check out our top best man speech examples for inspiration and a complete breakdown on how to structure your speech. 

4. The maid of honour’s speech (if applicable)

If the bride has chosen to have a maid of honour, she will typically give a speech next. The maid of honour’s speech is a time for her to express her love and appreciation for the bride, as well as to share some memories of their friendship. This speech should be heartfelt and emotional, and the maid of honor may also offer a toast to the happy couple.

5. Other speakers

If there are any other speakers at the wedding, they may give their speeches after the best man and maid of honour. This may include the mother of the groom, close friends, or other members of the wedding party. These speeches should also be heartfelt and sincere, and the speakers may offer a toast to the happy couple.

Check out our wedding speech examples for inspiration and ideas on the kind of speeches you can give, including a joint speech given by the couple. 

How to write a successful wedding speech

Regardless of the order of speeches at a wedding, there are a few essential elements that can make a wedding speech memorable and engaging:

1. Speak from the heart: Genuine emotions and heartfelt expressions resonate deeply with the audience. Be sincere in your words and share your true feelings.

2. Keep it concise: Aim for a speech length of 5-7 minutes to maintain the audience’s attention and keep the reception on schedule.

3. Balance humour and sentiment: A well-rounded speech strikes a balance between humour and heartfelt sentiment. While humour can keep the audience entertained, sharing genuine emotions and personal stories can make the speech more meaningful.

4. Practice makes perfect: Rehearse your speech multiple times before the big day to ensure a smooth delivery and to calm any nerves.

Adapting the traditional order to a modern wedding

While the traditional order of wedding speeches provides a solid foundation, many couples choose to adapt the format to suit their preferences or to include additional speakers. Modern weddings may feature speeches from the bride, the mother of the bride or groom, the maid of honour, or even close friends and family members. The key is to find a balance between tradition and personalisation, ensuring that the speeches reflect the unique character and dynamics of the couple and their loved ones.

According to our 2023 UK Wedding Report, based on data gathered from almost 4,000  couples, almost 20% of couples married in 2022 featured alternative or non-traditional elements in their wedding planning.  Here are examples of speech ideas from real Bridebook couples surveyed as part of the report. Feel free to incorporate them into your own wedding speeches to make for a more unique and personalised speech structure. 

• Joint couple speech (bride and groom)
• No speech from either the groom or the bride
• Gender-equal speeches (including bride and mother of the groom speeches)
• Mother and father of the groom speeches
• Sibling or children speeches (of both the bride and groom)
• Bridesmaid and groomsmen speeches
• A mob speech instead of the traditional father of the bride speech
• Opening up the floor to whoever wants to speak
• Alternative pre-recorded speech featuring multiple speakers
• No speeches or vows in the traditional sense (pub quiz style instead)

Top tips for customising the traditional speech order

If you choose to modify the traditional order of wedding speeches, consider the following tips:

1. Keep the flow: When rearranging the speech order, ensure there is a smooth flow between speakers, transitioning from more formal and sentimental speeches to lighter, more humorous ones.
   
   
2. Communicate with your speakers: Inform your speakers of any changes to the traditional order and provide clear guidance on their roles and expectations.
   
   
3. Consider the audience: When adding new speakers or rearranging the order, be mindful of your guests’ attention span and strive to maintain engagement throughout the speeches.
   
   
4. Embrace diversity and variety: Incorporating a variety of perspectives can enrich the wedding speeches, providing a more comprehensive reflection of the couple’s journey and relationships.

Start planning your wedding on Bridebook

For more wedding tips and tricks, sign up to Bridebook today. We’ve got a host of fantastic articles to help you with your wedding planning and celebrations. 

You Might Also Like…

• The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Speeches
• Wedding Speech Examples
• How To Deliver Your Wedding Speech Like A Pro
• How to Write Your Wedding Speech: Top Tips from You Said It Speech Writing

Happy Planning!