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 12 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 12 groom speech examples
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our top 12 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.
Example 1: Heartfelt Groom Speech
Introduction: Can you believe today is already here? It only feels like yesterday that I popped the question to my beautiful bride, [Bride’s Name]. A whirlwind of planning later and we’ve made it. Just in case it wasn’t clear from the introduction, my name is [Your Name] and I’m the very lucky groom. If you didn’t know that, you probably shouldn’t be here!
Thank your family: I want to take this opportunity to say something I know I don’t say enough—thank you! Thank you to my family, first and foremost. You have been my rock from day one. Mum, Dad, you’ve always been there with advice, love, and—on occasion—subtle hints that I might need to iron my shirt before leaving the house. You’ve taught me so much, from resilience to kindness, and I’m the man I am today because of you.
To my new family—[Bride’s Name]’s parents and siblings—you’ve welcomed me with open arms, a full plate, and occasionally a raised eyebrow. I know handing over your daughter to someone like me can’t have been an easy decision, but I promise I’ll do everything I can to take care of her and make her happy.
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: To the wonderful wedding party—thank you. You’ve held everything together today. To the bridesmaids, you’ve been the dream team, supporting [Bride’s Name] every step of the way and ensuring she looked as radiant as she does right now. You’ve done an incredible job, though I must say, the bar was set pretty high because, let’s face it, she always looks amazing.
Compliment your partner: And now, the part I’ve been most excited about: my wife. (Pause for effect, because that still feels amazing to say.) [Bride’s Name], you are the kindest, most brilliant, and most beautiful person I’ve ever known. You’ve taught me what it means to love and be loved, and you make every single day better just by being in it. Marrying you is the best decision I’ve ever made, though I’m sure you’ll remind me of that the next time I suggest we order pizza three nights in a row.
You make me laugh, you make me think, and occasionally, you make me clean the oven. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I can’t promise to be perfect—because you’ve seen me try to assemble flat-pack furniture—but I can promise to love you with everything I have, to laugh with you in the good times, and to stand by you in the hard ones.
Time for a toast: To everyone here today—thank you for celebrating with us, for your love, your laughter, and for not posting embarrassing photos until tomorrow. We’re so grateful for each and every one of you. Please, eat, drink, and dance like no one’s watching… though fair warning, I probably will be, and I’m taking notes for future blackmail.
Here’s to love, laughter, and a lifetime of happiness. Cheers!
Example 2: Funny Groom Speech
Introduction: Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls—it’s time for the main event. I’m joking of course, we all know this is [Bride’s Name]’s day and I’m just the backup dancer. What is it you say, babe? You’re Beyoncé, and I’m Michelle? Harsh, but fair.
In all seriousness, thank you all for being here today. For those of you who might not know me—and if you don’t, you’ve either crashed the party or you’re here for the cake—my name is [Your Name], and I am the incredibly lucky groom.
Thank your family: I’m reminded every day of how lucky I am. Not only for my beautiful new bride, but also for the families we’re so blessed to have in our lives. To my own family—Mum, Dad, you’ve done more than I could ever thank you for. You taught me the important stuff: how to tie my shoelaces, why you should never eat yellow snow, and that “because I said so” is a perfectly valid argument.
To my new in-laws, thank you for welcoming me into your family. From the first time I met you, you made me feel like one of your own—or at least like someone you’d tolerate if I brought biscuits. You’ve raised the most amazing daughter, and I promise I’ll do my best to take care of her… even if I occasionally need somewhere to eat after one of [Bride’s Name]’s attempts at a roast.
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: To the wedding party—you’re absolute legends. You’ve kept today ticking along, even when things inevitably ran a bit behind schedule because someone (no names, but it rhymes with [something like Bride’s Name]) needed to check their lipgloss one last time. I don’t need to be there to know that this is what happened!
But seriously, you’ve been the unsung heroes of this whole operation. You’ve supported [Bride’s Name] through every decision, every moment of doubt, and every frantic text at 2 a.m. about colour schemes. You all look stunning today—second only to my beautiful wife.
To my groomsmen, well, what can I say? Thanks for showing up on time and in matching suits—it’s more than I dared to hope for. You’ve been by my side through thick and thin, and you’ve even managed to keep me calm today, which is no small feat. Special thanks to my best man for keeping your speech just the right side of embarrassing. I owe you a pint—or possibly a restraining order, depending on how the evening goes.
Express gratitude to the guests: To our wonderful guests, thank you for being here today. For travelling far and wide, and for smiling politely through the long pauses in my speech. Whether you’re here because you love us, because you love free food, or because you heard there’d be an open bar, we’re so glad you made it. Your support means everything to us.
Thank the staff: To the teams that made today possible, thank you. From the chefs to the servers to the wedding coordinator who probably deserves a medal for dealing with us, you’ve all been incredible. Everything has been seamless, beautiful, and delicious.
Compliment your partner: And now, the main event: [Bride’s Name]. My wife.
You are the most incredible person I’ve ever met. You’ve brought so much joy, laughter, and love into my life. You’ve got this incredible ability to light up every room you walk into, no matter how dark the mood is.
People often say you marry someone who makes you a better person, and I think that’s true. Since meeting you, I’ve become more thoughtful, more organised, and—according to you—slightly less hopeless at following directions.
I can’t promise I’ll be perfect, but I can promise to always try. I’ll try to make you laugh, even when it’s at my own expense. I’ll try to be the partner you deserve, even when I’m distracted by football. And I’ll definitely try not to make that face when you suggest we go furniture shopping “just for a look.”
Time for a toast: Ladies and gentlemen, I won’t take any more of your time. Please, raise your glasses to the new Mrs [Surname]. You’re the love of my life, the reason I smile, and occasionally the reason I’ve had to Google how to remove red wine stains from a white shirt. To the eternally wonderful Mrs [Surname]!
Example 3: Emotional Groom Speech
Introduction: I’m going to do my best to get through this without crying, but I can’t promise anything. You’ve already seen me cry during the ceremony, so let’s not pretend I’m a stone-cold rock of composure. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is [Your Name], and I have the incredible privilege of being [Bride’s Name]’s husband. It feels surreal to say that out loud, and it fills me with more joy than I could ever put into words.
Thank your family: I want to start by thanking the people who got me here—not just to this day, but to this moment in life. Mum and Dad, you’ve always been my foundation. Your love, your guidance, and your unwavering belief in me have shaped who I am. You taught me how to love deeply, to be kind, and to never leave a half-empty teapot on the table. Everything good in me, I owe to you.
To my new family, [Bride’s Name]’s parents, you raised an extraordinary woman, and I know that didn’t happen by accident. From the first time I met you, you welcomed me with open arms and enough food to feed a small village. You’ve trusted me with your daughter, and I promise I’ll do everything I can to honour that trust every single day.
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: To our wedding party, you’ve been more than just our backup dancers today—you’ve been our champions, our support system, and, in some cases, our personal therapists. Today wouldn’t have happened without you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Express gratitude to the guests: To our wonderful guests, whether you travelled from far or popped 10 minutes down the road, your presence means everything to us. What a day this is to have everyone we hold so dear in the same room. Genuinely, thank you.
Thank the staff: For the wonderful teams working today, thank you. People don’t say this enough, but you are as much a part of our special day as everyone else, and I can’t thank you enough for your professionalism, your kindness, and your ability to keep everything running smoothly. You’ve helped make this day unforgettable, and we’re so grateful.
Compliment your partner: And now, the person who’s the reason we’re all here—[Bride’s Name].
When I look at you, I see my entire world. You are everything to me. From the freckles on your arms to your gorgeous smile, there isn’t a part of you I don’t love. You’re the kind of person who lights up a room, who makes even the smallest moments feel special, and who loves with a warmth that changes lives. You’ve certainly changed mine.
I promise to support you in every dream you have, no matter how wild or ambitious. I promise to listen, to laugh, and to always share the last slice of cake—even if it takes every ounce of my willpower.
Time for a toast: So now, let’s raise a glass—not just to today, but to the journey ahead. To love that grows deeper with every challenge, to laughter that fills our home, and to a lifetime of adventures with the person who makes every moment worth it.
To my wife, my soulmate, and the love of my life, [Bride’s Name]. Cheers.
Example 4: Humorous Groom Speech
Introduction: Friends, family, people who’ve wandered in off the street, welcome! My name is [Your Name] and I couldn’t be prouder to be standing here today welcoming you all to mine and [Bride’s Name]’s wedding.
Thank your family: First, I want to thank my family. Mum, Dad, you’ve been my biggest cheerleaders and occasionally my biggest critics—mainly when I was eating cereal out of a saucepan as a teenager. Your love, support, and occasional eye-rolls have made me who I am today.
To my new in-laws, thank you for raising the amazing woman I now get to call my wife. You welcomed me with open arms, a cup of tea, and only slightly suspicious glances when I revealed that I don’t know the difference between a flat white and a latte. I’ll never forget your advice on how to keep [Bride’s Name] happy. What was it…? “Feed her on time, compliment her shoes, and don’t ever use her special mug.”
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: To the wedding party—I couldn’t have asked for any more. Bridesmaids, you’ve done an amazing job today, not just in making sure [Bride’s Name] looks stunning (though let’s be honest, she did most of the work there just by being herself), but in keeping her calm through the planning process. I don’t know how you’ve done it, but you deserve medals—or at least an extra slice of cake.
To my groomsmen, thank you for making me look good by comparison. I’m joking, I’m joking. Seriously, you’ve been my best mates, my moral support, and only occasionally my worst influences. We won’t mention too much about the stag, but let’s just say I’m grateful that my eyebrows have grown back!
Express gratitude to the guests: Thank you to everyone for making the effort to be here today. I know some of you have travelled great distances, taken time off work, or bravely endured the public transport system to celebrate with us. And for those of you who live locally—thank you for showing up on time. Your presence means the world to us, even if you’re just here for the cake and a nosy at who got seated next to who.
Compliment your partner: Last but not least, to my wonderful wife. [Bride’s Name], you are the light of my life and the reason I get up every day—though let’s be honest, sometimes it’s also because you’ve nudged me and said, “It’s your turn to make the tea.”
I can’t imagine my world without you in it. You make life brighter, funnier, and undeniably better organised. You have this incredible way of making everyone around you feel loved and valued, and somehow, I’m the lucky one who gets to call you my wife.
I promise to always stand by you, to celebrate your wins, and to pretend I can taste the difference between a fancy wine and the one we get on offer at the supermarket. I’ll make you laugh, I’ll listen when you’ve had a bad day, and I’ll always be here to help you pick your next nail colour—even if you never listen to my suggestions!
Time for a toast: So now, I’d like to ask you all to raise your glasses to my beautiful wife, [Bride’s Name]—the woman who makes every moment of life worth it. Here’s to laughter that never ends, love that never fades, and me learning to ask before I eat the last biscuit. To the beautiful Mrs [Surname]!
Example 5: Poetic Groom Speech
Introduction: On behalf of myself and my new wife [pause for cheers], I’d like to welcome you all to this incredible day. It’s been filled with love, laughter, and plenty of champagne, and that’s only the first half!
Thank your family: Family is where it all begins, isn’t it? Mum and Dad, you gave me a foundation built on love, resilience, and a few family sayings that only make sense to us. You taught me to see the beauty in the small things—a steaming pot of tea on a rainy day, the sound of laughter filling a room, and the comfort of a home that always welcomes you back.
To my new family, [Bride’s Name]’s parents, thank you for the gift of your daughter. It is clear to me now that her kindness, her strength, and her beautiful smile are reflections of the home you’ve created. From the moment I met you, I felt embraced—not just with words, but with warmth that spoke louder than any introduction. Thank you for everything, and for everything to come.
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: To the wedding party—what can I say? You’ve been the calm amid the chaos and the unsung heroes of today. Thank you for sorting out the missing buttonholes, for dealing with the ice bucket emergency, and for keeping us all on schedule—even when herding cats would have been easier.
Express gratitude to the guests: To everyone in the room today, thank you. Whether you travelled far, popped down the road, or simply followed the promise of cake, your presence could not be more welcomed. You have filled this room with love, laughter, and so much joy. For this, we couldn’t be more grateful.
Thank the staff: To the bar staff, waiting team, wedding planner, and everyone who made this wonderful day possible, thank you. You’ve pulled this together with the precision of a military operation and the grace of a perfectly rehearsed symphony. From keeping the glasses full to ensuring every detail is flawless, you’ve been the quiet heroes of this celebration. We are so grateful for all your hard work and dedication.
Compliment your partner: And now, to the person who has made all of this day—and my life generally—so extraordinary: my wife, [Bride’s Name].
[Bride’s Name], you are everything I could have hoped for and so much more. You have a way of making the world brighter just by being in it. Your kindness touches everyone you meet, your strength inspires me daily, and your smile—well, that’s the reason I believe in magic.
Since meeting you, life has taken on a new depth, a new richness. You’ve shown me that love is in the everyday moments—the quiet cups of tea shared on a Sunday morning, the way you instinctively reach for my hand, the way you laugh at my jokes (even the bad ones).
I promise to stand by you, through every joy and every challenge, to be your biggest supporter, and to always remember that your special mug is not interchangeable with any other mug in the cupboard. Thank you for teaching me this.
Time for a toast: So now, let us raise our glasses. To everyone who has made this day unforgettable and to the love that we are celebrating. And most importantly, to [Bride’s Name]—my wife, my heart, my home. Here’s to a lifetime of laughter, adventure, and countless moments that remind me of just how lucky I am. Cheers!
Example 6: Happy Groom Speech
Introduction: What a day this has already been. Friends, family, colleagues, welcome. Welcome to the most wonderful day of mine and [Bride’s Name]’s life. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is [Your Name], and I am the luckiest man in the world today because I somehow managed to convince [Bride’s Name] to marry me. It’s been an incredible day so far—beautiful weather (or at least acceptable British weather), amazing company, and I haven’t split anything on my suit just yet, which feels like a personal win.
Thank your family: First, a huge thank you to my family. Mum and Dad, you’ve always been my biggest supporters—and occasionally my reality checkers, like when I thought wearing socks with sandals was an acceptable fashion choice. You’ve taught me the value of love, patience, and a good cup of tea, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.
To [Bride’s Name]’s family, thank you for welcoming me into your lives with open arms and a healthy level of side-eye when I asked to marry your daughter. You’ve raised an extraordinary woman, and I promise to take care of her—even if she occasionally has to remind me where the hoover lives.
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: To the wedding party—what a crew. Bridesmaids, you’re absolute superstars and you all look fabulous. You’ve kept [Bride’s Name] calm, collected, and eternally lip-glossed.
And groomsmen, well, you’ve been the dream team. Thank you for, equally, showing up fully dressed, and for throwing me a blinder of a stag. We won’t rehash it here (mostly because I can’t remember it), but I know it was an absolute belter.
Express gratitude to the guests: To all of you, for showing up in your finery with gifts, cards, and smiling faces, thank you. Whether you travelled from afar or simply fancied an excuse to wear that outfit you’ve been saving, your presence has made this day unforgettable. You’ve turned what could have been a lovely little ceremony into an absolutely spectacular celebration.
Thank the staff: To everyone who has kept us fed, watered, and ticking along smoothly today—thank you. From the chefs who’ve outdone themselves, to the bar staff who’ve kept the glasses full, and the planners who made sure the only drama today was deciding which table got served first, you’ve all been amazing. Your hard work has made this day seamless and unforgettable, and we’re so grateful for everything you’ve done.
Compliment your partner: And now, the part I’ve been most looking forward to: talking about [Bride’s Name].
[Bride’s Name], what can I say? You are the reason this day exists, the reason my heart is so full, and—let’s be honest—the reason I look this good today (because left to my own devices, I’d probably still be Googling “how to tie a tie”).
You make my life brighter, funnier, and so much more meaningful. I always say I was blessed by a lucky star, but I genuinely believe that star led me to you, and now you’re my lucky star. My darling [Bride’s Name], I couldn’t be prouder to be standing here beside you. You are radiant, brilliant, and lovely, and I still can’t believe you agreed to marry me. No going back now!
Time for a toast: So now, let’s raise a glass—to all the laughter, love, and memories this day has brought us. To everyone who has made this celebration so special, and to the incredible journey ahead.
And most of all, to [Bride’s Name]—my beautiful wife, my lucky star, and my reason for being. I love you, always.
Example 7: Sentimental Groom Speech
Introduction: Welcome, everyone. Welcome to our big day. I know you’re about to hear a lot of speeches, so I’ll try to keep it short (although I make no promises).
Now, a lot of you know we’ve had a pretty tough year this last year. There’s been a lot of surgery, a couple of losses, and even a few moments where we didn’t quite know what the next day would bring. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: my beautiful girl, [Bride’s Name].
Compliment your partner: [Bride’s Name], you are the strongest person I know. You’ve faced every challenge this year with grace, courage, and a determination that has left me in awe. Where others might have faltered, you stood tall—not just for yourself, but for both of us.
You’ve shown me that strength isn’t about never falling; it’s about getting back up every single time. You’ve faced setbacks with a smile, carried burdens far heavier than you deserved, and somehow, even on the hardest days, found ways to laugh, to love, and to remind me what really matters.
You’ve been my rock when I needed support, my compass when I felt lost, and my light in the darkest moments. You’ve taught me that even in life’s most difficult times, love can be a source of endless strength.
Thank your family: Our wonderful family, we couldn’t have got through this without you. You’ve been our anchors, our cheerleaders, and occasionally, our shoulders to cry on. To my parents, thank you for teaching me resilience, kindness, and the importance of showing up when it matters most.
To [Bride’s Name]’s parents, thank you for welcoming me into your family with open arms and for raising the incredible woman I now get to call my wife. Your love and support have been our foundation this year, and we are forever grateful.
Express gratitude to the guests: To all of you who are here today, thank you. Your love and kindness have meant the world to us, not just today, but throughout this past year. Whether it was a message, a phone call, or just being there with a cup of tea when it was needed most, you’ve all played a part in helping us get to this moment. And having you here today, celebrating with us, is more special than I can put into words.
Time for a toast: Time to put all the nastiness to bed. Here’s to health, to happiness, and to brighter days ahead. Here’s to love that carries us through life’s storms, to the laughter that makes even the hardest days bearable, and to the friends and family who remind us that we’re never alone. Cheers, my darling. We did it, together.
Example 8: Inspirational Groom Speech
Introduction: Good afternoon, everyone. I hope you’re all having the best time—I certainly am! I’m a little nervous, so go easy on me. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is [Your Name], and today, I have the absolute honour of standing here as the luckiest man alive. Not just because I got to marry [Bride’s Name], but because I get to share this incredible day with all of you.
Thank your family: To my wonderful family, I couldn’t be prouder to be your son. You’ve been my first teachers in love and kindness, showing me the value of patience, generosity, and always leaving enough milk for someone else’s tea.
Equally, to my new family, thank you for welcoming me with open arms. You’ve shown me nothing but warmth, support, and the occasional life hack for how to keep [Bride’s Name] happy (pro tip: snacks are non-negotiable). I feel so lucky to be joining your incredible family.
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: To our incredible bridal party—what a team you’ve been. Bridesmaids, you all look stunning, that’s a given, but you’ve also been the best support system anyone could ask for. You’ve kept [Bride’s Name] calm, laughing, and looking gorgeous—not that she needs any help with that.
And to my groomsmen, thank you for making sure I got here on time, with my tie straight, and my nerves (mostly) under control. You’ve been my mates, my brothers, and occasionally my questionable decision-makers, but I wouldn’t want anyone else standing by my side.
Express gratitude to the guests: To our lovely guests, thank you for making the effort to be here today. I know some of you have travelled from afar, and others just had to hop down the road, but every single one of you has made this day even more special just by being here.
Weddings are about more than just two people—they’re about the connections we share, the memories we create, and the joy of celebrating together. Seeing all of you here, raising a glass to our happiness, is a moment we’ll treasure forever.
Thank the staff: To the brilliant team around us, thank you. It doesn’t get said enough, but today absolutely wouldn’t have happened without you. Whether you’re on a short shift or have been in it for the long haul, we couldn’t be more grateful for your work.
Compliment your partner: And now, to the heart of it all: [Bride’s Name].
[Bride’s Name], you are, without question, the most amazing person I’ve ever met. You’ve shown me what it means to love unconditionally, to dream without limits, and to live every day with joy.
You’ve taught me that love is in the details—the small gestures, the silly jokes, the way you insist on watching sunsets even when it’s cloudy. You inspire me to be better, to do better, and to treasure every moment we share.
I promise to stand by you, to lift you up, and to remind you every single day how much you mean to me. You are my best friend, my partner, and my everything. Thank you for choosing me.
Time for a toast: So now, let’s raise a glass. To [Bride’s Name], my wife, my heart, and my greatest joy. Here’s to forever.
Example 9: Thankful Groom Speech
Introduction: Friends, family… welcome. Welcome to the happiest day of mine and [Bride’s Name]’s life. After all the planning, all the stress, and all the fuss, who can believe we’re finally here? I’ll start by saying, I absolutely can’t take any of the credit. [Bride’s Name] planned the whole thing, and hasn’t she done a lovely job? [Applause]
I’m [Your Name], by the way, not that I’m important here. No, no—today is all about [Bride’s Name].
Compliment your partner: [Bride’s Name], my beautiful wife. I honestly don’t know where to start, because there’s just so much I want to say about you. You are, quite simply, the most incredible person I’ve ever met. And now, somehow, I get to call you my wife. Lucky doesn’t even begin to cover it.
You’ve worked so hard to make today perfect, and looking around this room, I think everyone would agree—you’ve absolutely nailed it. But that’s no surprise to me, because everything you do, you do with such thought, care, and love.
You’re warm, funny, kind, and so unbelievably intelligent. You see the things that no one else does—the tiny details, the little moments that make life so much richer. You’ve made me see the world in a brighter way, and every day with you feels like an adventure that I’m so lucky to be on.
Thank your family: A huge thank you to both our families. Mum and Dad, thank you for giving me everything I needed to be the man I am today. You’ve shown me love, patience, and the importance of family—and I’m so proud to carry that forward into this next chapter of our lives.
To [Bride’s Name]’s family, thank you for raising the wonderful woman I get to call my wife. From the very first moment I met you, I felt welcomed and loved. I promise to always support her and love her, just as you have done.
Thank the bridal party and groomsmen: To our wonderful wedding party, what a day it’s been. None of this would have been possible without you, so thank you so much. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your patience, your support, and your ability to keep everything running smoothly even when things got a bit chaotic.
Express gratitude to the guests: And to all of you, thank you. Whether you’ve travelled a few miles or a few thousand, it means the world to us that you’re here to celebrate with us. You’ve all played a part in our lives, and having you here today makes it all the more special.
Time for a toast: So, let’s raise a glass—to love, to laughter, and to the incredible future ahead of us.
And most importantly, to [Bride’s Name], my wife. I’m so lucky to walk through life by your side, and I can’t wait for all the adventures we’ll have.
Example 10: Light-hearted Groom Speech
Introduction: Welcome one, welcome all to the event of the year—[Bride’s Name]’s wedding, featuring me. It feels like it’s been a long time coming, and I’m sure [Bride’s Name] can attest, it took me long enough to pop the question. Although it was only 3 years, there is part of me that agrees. I should have proposed the day after our first date, because that’s when I was absolutely sold on [Bride’s Name].
Compliment your partner: But how could I not have been? From her sparkling eyes to her quick wit, [Bride’s Name] has this incredible ability to make every day feel a little brighter. She’s the kind of person who can turn a rainy day into an at-home adventure, a bad day into a hilarious story, and—somehow—an argument about directions into a charming detour.
I mean, just look at her today. She’s absolutely gorgeous, isn’t she? I think we can all agree that she’s completely stolen the show, and rightly so. Let’s be honest, I’m just here as the warm-up act; the real star is [Bride’s Name].
This day has her heart, her creativity, and her perfectionist streak written all over it—though I think we can forgive her for triple-checking the table placements.
Thank your family: And to her parents, the wonderful people who made [Bride’s Name] who she is, and now my wonderful in-laws—thank you. Thank you for raising such an incredible woman, and for welcoming me into your family. I promise to always love, cherish, and occasionally attempt to cook for your daughter, though I can’t promise the results will be edible.
To my own family, thank you for everything you’ve done to shape me into the person I am today. Your love and support have been the foundation of my life, and I wouldn’t be standing here without you—well, I’d probably be here, but I’d definitely be in a wrinkled suit with mismatched socks.
Express gratitude to the guests: To all of you who’ve come here today, thank you. You’ve travelled, dressed up, and, in some cases, probably ironed clothes for the first time in months. Your love and support mean the world to us. It’s not every day you get all your favourite people together in one room, and trust me, it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Time for a toast: Now, let’s raise a glass—to the friends and family who make life so rich, to the memories we’re making today, and to the bride who has made my life so extraordinary.
Here’s to [Bride’s Name], my wife, my best friend, and the reason I’ll never look at a colour-coded wedding spreadsheet the same way again. Cheers!
Example 11: Short Groom Speech
Introduction: On behalf of me and my new wife… [pause for applause] … I’d like to welcome you all to this happy day. Those of you who know me know how hard it is for me to stand up in front of you all like this, so I’m going to do my best to keep this short and sweet, but from the heart.
Compliment your partner: First and foremost, to you, my beautiful bride. [Bride’s Name], I still can’t believe my luck that I get to call you my wife. You’re my best friend, my biggest supporter, and the reason I get out of bed in the morning. Everything I do is for you, and I can’t imagine my life without you in it. Today, and everyday since I met you, I love you.
Thank your family: To Mum and Dad, thank you. You’ve been there for me, supported me, and believed in me when no one else did. You’ve taught me what love, commitment, and hard work look like, and I’ll carry those lessons into this new chapter with [Bride’s Name].
To [Bride’s Name]’s parents, thank you for the gift of your beautiful daughter. From the moment I met you, you made me welcome. It means so much to know I’ve got you both in my corner too.
Thank the wedding party: To our best friends, thank you. Whether you’re in the wedding party on the groom’s side or the bride’s side, you’ve been absolute stars. We couldn’t have done this without you, and we’re so lucky to have such amazing people in our lives.
Thank the guests: And to everyone here today—thank you for being part of this day and making it so special. Having our nearest and dearest together in one room is such a blessing. And thank you again for all the gifts, cards, and words of wisdom. It means the world to us.
Time for a toast: So, before I ramble on too much, let me just say this: today has been the greatest day of our lives. Let’s raise a glass to the health, wealth, and happiness of my new bride and our shared love. I can’t wait to start this new adventure together. Cheers!
Example 12: LGBTQ+ Groom Speech
Introduction: Welcome, everyone, to the wedding of the year. Who’d have thought when [Groom’s Name] and I first met that we’d be here today? Well, probably all of you, because we were inseparable from day one. But still, what a journey it’s been to get to this moment. From awkward first date nerves to standing here today as husbands, it’s been the most incredible ride, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Compliment your partner: [Groom’s Name], you are, quite simply, the love of my life. You’re kind, selfless, patient, and (most importantly) I’ve never met anyone who can tear up a dancefloor like you. You make every day better just by being yourself, and more than that, you’ve taught me to be myself. Deeply and unapologetically, I love you.
Thank your family: To our families—thank you. Thank you for your love, your support, and for always being there for us. You’ve been our cheerleaders, our advisors, and occasionally, our referees. To my family, you’ve shaped me into the person I am today, and I’m so grateful for the love and acceptance you’ve shown not just me, but [Groom’s Name] as well.
To [Groom’s Name]’s family, thank you for raising such an incredible human being. Your warmth, wisdom, and humour have made me feel like one of the family from the very beginning.
This might not have been what you expected when you thought about your son’s wedding day. But have you ever seen him happier?
Thank the wedding party: To our best friends, thank you. You’ve all been there since day dot, acting as our cheerleaders, supporters, and confidants. You’ve supported us every step of the way, and today wouldn’t have been half as magical without you by our sides. Your friendship means everything to us, and we’re so grateful for each and every one of you.
Express gratitude to the guests: To our gorgeous guests, thank you. Your love, your acceptance, and your support have been the greatest gift we could ever ask for. You’ve shown us that love isn’t just something you feel—it’s something you share, and we’re lucky to be surrounded by so much of it today.
And, as an aside, don’t you all scrub up well? Thank you for looking so fabulous. I for one am beyond excited for the photographs!
Time for a toast: One final thing from me, and then I’ll let you all get drunk: let’s take a moment to truly appreciate what today is all about. It’s about love—unapologetic, unconditional, unstoppable love. It’s about finding that one person who makes you feel at home, no matter where you are.
Today is about celebrating that love, not just between [Groom’s Name] and me, but the love we share with all of you. You’re the people who have made us laugh when we needed it most, supported us when we felt unsure, and cheered us on every step of the way. You’ve already made this day unforgettable.
So, let’s raise a glass—to friendship that lifts us up, to family that grounds us, and to love in every beautiful form it takes. Here’s to love, here’s to us, and here’s to an absolutely fabulous party. Cheers!
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 light-heartedness, 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!
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