Every anniversary you and your partner spend together is a cause for celebration. You may have celebrated your first wedding anniversary and done something extra special – it was your first anniversary of many, after all. But, your second anniversary is just as fabulous as the two of you continue to fall deeper in love and carve out your lives together. So, we think your second anniversary should be treated with just as much prestige as other momentous anniversaries!
When it comes to celebrating your second anniversary, you might have your eye on the perfect gift to give your other half. But, there are traditional and modern gifts you might want to give that are filled with symbolism and special meaning, along with a traditional flower and gemstone. That means, if you’d love to give your love an anniversary gift that has a little history behind it, you can. Or, you can give them that one thing you already have your eye on – there’s no right or wrong option.
If you’re looking for an extra special gift to give your partner to mark your second anniversary, but you’re not quite sure what to give them, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’re going to explore the different gifts you could consider and what they represent, to take your gift-giving to the next level.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary?
The traditional and modern 2nd wedding anniversary gifts
Since the early 20th century, there have been traditional and modern gifts which many couples like to give each other to celebrate their 2nd anniversary. There’s also a traditional flower and gemstone that have wonderful meaning behind them.
Traditional 2nd anniversary gift – Cotton
Cotton is a natural fibre that grows in huge open fields. It’s a really delicate plant that can be carried away with a light breeze. But, once it’s been picked and processed this delicate plant becomes incredibly strong and durable – as strong and durable as your marriage. And it gives you a brilliant amount of creativity to come up with a unique present that your loved one will adore.
Modern 2nd anniversary gift – China
By today’s standards, china probably feels a little outdated. But, china is associated with quality and luxury. It’s also precious and fragile, so has to be looked after and maintained – a lot like a marriage. China is another gift that’s open to interpretation and gives you a chance to have fun with your gift-giving.
2nd anniversary gemstone – Garnet
Garnet is a lovely gemstone that’s frequently seen in deep shades of red, but can also come in orange, brown, green and even black. It symbolises trust and friendship, which is a beautiful way to encapsulate your relationship with your partner. Garnet isn’t always a first-choice stone for use in jewellery and accessories, but it’s very versatile, not to mention striking.
2nd anniversary flower – Lily of the valley
Lily of the valley is an incredibly dainty little flower that looks a lot like a cluster of tiny bells. They’re beautiful when grown outside, but also make for great bursts of green peppered with white as part of a bouquet. They symbolise purity and youth, which you and your other half no doubt have in spades!
It’s important to note that lily of the valley is toxic to cats and dogs, so if you have a furry friend at home then you should think of an alternative. Thankfully, we have plenty of suggestions for you below.
How do you choose a gift for a 2nd wedding anniversary?
You know your partner better than anyone, but you’ll only have one 2nd wedding anniversary, so how on earth are you supposed to choose the perfect gift? You could get them a few things, but then that’s likely to get expensive. Have a think about what your partner would really love which would stand out above other times you might give them gifts, like on their birthday or Christmas. Consider these points when choosing the ideal gift:
Should you follow anniversary traditions? The traditional and modern gifts aren’t set in stone, so make sure they fit with what you and your partner might be expecting.
Have you set your maximum budget? You might want to really spoil your partner, but you should set a budget and stick to it. This will likely influence what you can give them.
How personal do you want the gift to be? Something off-the-shelf can be fantastic, but personalisations elevate a gift and make them even more special.
What does your partner love? Cotton or china gifts might not be something your partner would appreciate, and if so is there something else they might prefer?
If you’re someone giving a 2nd anniversary gift to a friend or family member, you can also interpret these rules how you see fit. There’s nothing wrong with joining in on the traditions and giving someone something linked to cotton or china to help them celebrate their big day.
50 ideas for a 2nd wedding anniversary gift
If you want to give your partner a 2nd anniversary gift steeped in meaning, but have no idea where to start, we’ve put together a list of 50 ideas to help get you started. That way, you can find the perfect gift and show your love that you’re super romantic and thoughtful.
10 traditional gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary
The traditional 2nd anniversary gift is cotton, so to give you a bit of inspiration here are 10 cotton-themed gifts you can give to your loved one.
1. Personalised cotton bath towels
Never argue about who’s using the wrong towel again, with personalised bath towels! Good towels are hard to come by, but cotton towels with your names embroidered on them are as soft as they are thoughtful. You can pick up some lovely towels in a wide variety of colours from Not on the High Street.
2. Personalised dressing gown
Is there anything more relaxing than spending the day in your dressing gown? And relaxing is what anniversaries are all about. A personalised dressing gown is completely on-board with the cotton theme, with the added bonus of being completely unique to them. There’s a lovely selection of robes at The Fine Cotton Company which can be personalised with an embroidered name.
3. Personalised love knot cushion
Keeping the personalisation theme going, a cushion is a nice subtle way to bring a bit of you to your home furnishings. A love knot cushion from Not on the High Street can be personalised to include your names and the date you got married, and is available in different sizes and colours.
4. Bedsheets from the hotel where you spent your first night together
Contact the hotel where you and your partner spent your first night together as a married couple and ask them where they get their bedsheets from. Then, you can see if you can get hold of the exact same sheets so you can have that honeymoon feeling every time you get in bed. They’ll probably be from a wholesaler, but with a bit of charm, you might be able to place a one-off order with them if you explain what you’re hoping to do.
5. Cotton flowers
For a subtle but beautiful cotton gift, a handmade cotton floweris something your partner can always keep to remind them of your anniversary. They’re delicate but stunning and will last a lifetime.
6. A comfy pair of socks
Socks might not be glamorous, but they’re comfortable and practical. A lot of decent socks also happen to be cotton, and there are tons of options out there. Check out Nordic Socks for some of the snuggliest socks you’ve ever seen.
7. Song lyrics cotton canvas
If you and your partner are into music, you could give them a cotton record that features their favourite song lyrics, or maybe even the lyrics from your first dance. Take a look at Blim and Blum to see how unique and cool they are.
8. A cotton bracelet
Cotton isn’t usually associated with jewellery, but it actually makes for a touching accessory that your partner is bound to love. Not only is it a gift from you on your anniversary, but it also has deep and poignant meaning. There are expert craftspeople on Etsy who produce lovely cotton bracelets.
9. Egyptian cotton candle
Candles are a surefire way to help build a romantic atmosphere on your anniversary, and why not do that with an on-theme Egyptian cotton-scented candle? Not only that, but the Egyptian cotton candles by Shearer Candles have a slight aroma of carnation, which calls back to your first anniversary flower last year.
10. A nice shirt
You really can’t go wrong by getting your partner a nice shirt that they can wear, either on an average day or to crack out on special occasions. And if you give it to them early in the day then they can always wear it in the evening if you decide to go out for a romantic meal or similar. Cotton Traders has loads of high-quality cotton shirts to choose from.
10 modern gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary
If cotton’s not to your liking, the modern choice for a 2nd anniversary gift is china. Okay, perhaps china isn’t as modern as it was a hundred years ago, but it’s still a lovely gift that can be interpreted in lots of different ways. So, here are 10 china-themed gifts to give you some ideas.
1. A fancy china tea set
One of the most obvious china gifts you can give your partner is a fancy china tea set, especially if they enjoy a nice hot cuppa. There’s also a massive amount of choice available, from expensive bone china to sets that are a little (and a lot) more affordable. You can go quirky or posh or something for everyday use – the choice is yours.
2. A china rose
China is a hard gift to give someone, but you can surprise your partner with a little creative thinking. So, think outside the box and give your partner a handmade china rose, which is delicate and beautiful. And, if you get one through Not on the High Street, you can even personalise the petals with a message so your partner will always be reminded of your special day.
3. Some fine china
If your bowls and plates are in need of an upgrade, you could give your partner a lovely new set from a prestigious name, like Royal Copenhagen. China can be rather pricey, though, so it might not be a set you want to use every day – just for special occasions or whenever the mother-in-law pops around for tea.
4. A delicious Chinese meal
Remember, you’re free to interpret china however you like, so you could treat your other half to a delicious Chinese meal. Whether you spend the evening cooking a meal together, you snuggle under the duvet with a takeaway, or you get dolled up to visit a nice restaurant, just make sure you enjoy yourselves!
5. A delicate figurine
China can be used to create beautiful figurines which look amazing on a shelf or in a cabinet. These come in loads of of different styles from various artists and makers. You could choose something unique to your partner’s interests, or something that represents the love the two of you share. For example, The China Shop has a cute figurine that’s simply but appropriately named The Perfect Day.
6. Mr and Mrs mugs
You really can’t go wrong by giving your partner a mug. China mugs are delicate but feel special, and there are so many different options out there that you’ll be spoilt for choice. To keep things solely focused on you, you could even have them personalised, like a pair of espresso mugs from Susan Rose China.
7. An adorable trinket dish
Whether your partner needs somewhere to keep their keys, their rings and other jewellery, or little bits that usually go amiss right when they need them, a trinket dish is always useful to have around. And a trinket dish from Becky Broome can be personalised to make it extra special.
8. A snack box from China
Another one that stretches the rules, but it’s your anniversary so do whatever you think will make your partner happy! And we bet that a box full of tasty snacks from China will be a fun and unique way to enjoy some treats on your anniversary.
9. A tealight dome
Fill your home with a warming glow cast by a tealight dome. They make for elegant and sweet little decorative items with the bonus of looking beautiful, especially when the sun starts to go down. Check out Nantucket Gifts for a great (and affordable) selection of tealight domes.
10. A china clock
Another brilliant use for china is as the face of a clock, which is surprisingly affordable and can be decorated with simple but effective designs. Thanks to the simplicity it’ll also look good wherever you choose to hang it. Susan Rose China has plenty you can choose from.
5 affordable gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary
If you’re looking to give your partner a gift on your 2nd anniversary but only have a small budget to play with, then that doesn’t mean you can’t get them something thoughtful and on-theme. Here are five affordable gifts you can give your love to mark your 2nd anniversary.
1. Cotton candy
Why not give a gift that totally fits with the traditional second anniversary theme but at the same time is totally unexpected and affordable? Cotton candy is tasty, sweet and a cute token gift that still has a ton of meaning behind it. Sweet shops like So Sweet Shop have a bunch of different cotton candy treats to choose from.
2. Plain socks
A decent pair of cotton socks don’t need to break the bank. They’re a handy little gift that will always be put to good use. A lot of high street retailers sell multipacks of socks for next to nothing for the perfect practical present.
3. Cute mouse decoration
Not all second anniversary ornaments have to be pricey. Rather than thinking china, why not think cotton instead, with a cute mouse sat on top of a cotton reel ornament? It’s adorable and fits the traditional theme, as well as being super affordable.
4. Moisture gloves
Okay, hear us out. Cotton moisture gloves might seem like a random gift, but it’s just the prelude to a larger gift you could give to your partner, in the form of a romantic pamper evening. Use them as part of a personal pamper party by spending the evening exfoliating, moisturising and relaxing in face masks.
5. Cotton bag
If you’re really not sure what to give your partner that fits with the traditional theme, why not pick up a cotton bag and fill it with goodies, like snacks, games and other treats? That way, you’re giving your partner something you know they’ll love while still including a little touch of tradition.
5 DIY gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary
A DIY gift shows that you really care and put thought into your gift, because it takes a little more effort than popping to the shops or ordering something online (which is totally fine too!). But, you probably have a lot on so might struggle to find the time. Thankfully, not all DIY gifts have to take ages to make. So, here are five DIY 2nd anniversary gift ideas to get those creative juices flowing.
1. Grow your own cotton
You’ll have to start early for this one, but if you have a greenhouse or similar you can grow your own cotton plant here in the UK. Cotton seeds are very cheap, and given the right environment, can flourish. Then, right before your anniversary, you can pick them, arrange them in a vase and present them to your love.
2. Cotton bunting
Cotton is a brilliant material to make bunting from, whether from old t-shirts you don’t wear anymore or sheets you can pick up from a craft shop. But, the more personal you can make it the better, and it’ll look great hung up as you celebrate your big day. There are video tutorials on how to make bunting which can help you get started.
3. Cotton flowers
If you have some cotton wool, potpourri, thread and a glue gun, you have everything you need to make some super cute DIY cotton flowers! You don’t need any experience to make them, and your partner will love the effort you put into them. Check out this easy-to-follow video tutorial on how to make cotton flowers for instructions.
4. Some personalised embroidery
Embroidery is a really rewarding hobby because you can produce an unlimited number of incredible designs, so why not have a go at embroidering something that’s associated with something your partner loves? If you’re not sure where to start, you can pick up embroidery kits that include everything you need.
5. Cotton handkerchiefs
If you have some old cotton offcuts or a t-shirt you no longer wear, why not have a go at turning them into handkerchiefs? That way, your partner will have something lovingly handmade by you that’s already close to them, with the added bonus of being useful! Tiny Trash Can has simple instructions you can follow that don’t require any sewing.
5 experience or activity gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary
One of the most exciting ways to spend your anniversary is taking part in an activity or experience. But what experiences can you do that tie into your 2nd anniversary? Here are five suggestions for cotton and china-related activities.
1. World of Wedgewood factory tour
Stoke-on-Trent is famous for its history of pottery making, and there are plenty of factories in the area that still operate today. And thankfully, some of them offer factory tours so you can see how they make such beautiful pottery and china. If you’re not far from Stoke-on-Trent, why not treat your partner to a tour, like at the world-famous Wedgewood factory, where they’ll teach you all about this fascinating industry?
2. A relaxing spa day
This one slightly bends the rules but it still counts, because you’ll most likely be sitting around relaxing all day while wearing comfy cotton dressing gowns! A spa day is a wonderful way to hang out with the love of your life, enjoy some tasty food and unwind. Champneys has a selection of spa day options at their locations across the UK.
3. A Scream movie night in
For an affordable and snuggly but perhaps scary night in, why not sit down to enjoy a Scream movie marathon with a takeaway? This one’s a bit of a stretch, but one of the characters (played by Liev Schreiber) is named Cotton, so we think it totally counts!
4. Sock creature kit
Couples who craft together, stay together. That’s not an official saying, but there’s no doubt that crafting is a cute way to spend time. And to link it to your second anniversary, Not on the High Street offers make-your-own sock animal kits.
5. Pottery painting
Continuing the craft theme, why not spend an afternoon painting pottery together? Places like Social Pottery won’t let you paint fine china, but you could have a go at painting anything from a money box to a garden ornament. They then fire it for you in a kiln and you can collect your masterpiece a few days later.
10 2nd anniversary gifts that contain garnet
Garnet is a gorgeous gemstone that’s usually a deep shade of red but can also come in a range of different colours. That means it’s super versatile and fits with loads of different types of jewellery, whether it’s classic silver, gold, platinum or anything else your partner might love. Here are 10 suggestions for jewellery you can consider that’s set with garnet:
Earrings
Cufflinks
A ring
A necklace
A broach
A locket
A bracelet
An anklet
A nose stud
Belly button ring
Plenty of high street jewellers will have a selection of jewellery pieces and accessories that are set with garnet, so next time you’re in town have a browse to see what they have. You can also check out the range of wedding jewellers we work with here at Bridebook, as they have lots of beautiful options.
5 floral gifts for a 2nd wedding anniversary
The traditional 2nd anniversary flower is lily of the valley, an incredibly delicate and dainty flower that symbolises purity and youth. Here are five ideas for second anniversary floral gifts closely linked to lily of the valley.
1. A lily of the valley bouquet
Nothing’s going to be quite as stunning as a lily of the valley bouquet, a really stunning arrangement with bold greens and pops of white. Just remember to find an alternative if you have pets at home as they can be toxic to cats and dogs.
2. Lily of the valley sculpture
For something a little more pet-friendly but still just as beautiful, a lily of the valley sculpture from David Shuttle is every bit as elegant as the real thing. And the best thing is it’ll never wilt so you’ll always have something to remember your anniversary by.
3. Lily of the valley gift and soap box
Lily of the valley has a delicate sweet scent that lends itself perfectly to soap and other body and soap products. So, a lily of the valley hand and body gift box smells amazing and is also a brilliant way to treat your partner on your anniversary.
4. Lily of the valley brooch
Lily of the valley is such an eye-catching flower that it deserves to be shown off as much as possible, and a lily of the valley brooch is the perfect way to do that. It captures the elegance of this plant brilliantly!
5. Lily of the valley night light
How about a floral gift that’s three in one… a crocheted lily of the valley nightlight in a pot! It’s eye-catching, unique and full of character, making it a great gift for your big day.
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At the end of your first year as a married couple, your wedding probably feels like a really long time ago, but also like it only just happened yesterday. What an amazing and magical time as you and the love of your life took the plunge to spend eternity together.
To mark such a momentous time in your marriage, you might want to give your partner a special gift. But what should you give your partner for your first wedding anniversary? Of course, you could give them whatever you or they want – there are no set rules you have to follow. But, if you’d like to give them a gift that symbolises something, there are traditional and modern anniversary gifts that many couples like to give.
So, if you’d like to give your partner a 1st anniversary gift with meaning and history, then we have all the information you’ll need below. We’ll let you know the traditional and modern gifts for a first anniversary, as well as the traditional gemstone and flower. That way, you’ll know the meaning behind them and why they make for such a thoughtful gift. We’ll also offer you plenty of ideas that fit the theme, so you can give your partner a wonderfully memorable gift to commemorate your first wedding anniversary.
What are traditional and modern gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary?
The traditional and modern 1st wedding anniversary gifts
If you’re looking to give your partner a 1st anniversary gift with meaning or something that has special significance, you can give them a traditional or modern gift. Or, there’s always something that features the traditional gemstone or flower.
Traditional 1st anniversary gift – Paper
Paper might seem like a small and inexpensive gift (you still might be feeling the effects of paying off your wedding after all) but it symbolises new beginnings, which is just perfect. Paper can be used for such a wide variety of things and can be the start of amazing things – just like your marriage. It also offers you plenty of opportunities for creative gifts.
Modern 1st anniversary gift – Clocks
The modern gift for a first anniversary is a clock, which is something else that provides you with different possibilities, from a lovely wristwatch to a brand new smartwatch, or perhaps even an ornate grandfather clock to put in the hallway of your home. Clocks represent time and the eternal love you have for your partner.
1st anniversary gemstone – Gold
Okay, gold isn’t actually a gemstone, it’s a precious metal, but that preciousness is a status that describes your marriage to a tee. Gold is a luxurious gift, and fits with a wide range of gifts and jewellery.
1st anniversary flower – Carnation
Carnations are big, eye-catching flowers that come in an array of bright and bold colours. Carnations represent love and devotion, so could there really be a more appropriate flower for your first wedding anniversary?
How do you choose a gift for a 1st wedding anniversary?
How you choose what type of gift to give your partner for your 1st wedding anniversary depends on you, your budget and your preferences. While you might love to give your other half a gold watch, it might not be possible. And that’s perfectly okay! But bear these points in mind when thinking about what to give your partner to mark your very first wedding anniversary.
Do you follow traditions or not? They’re only there as guidelines, and both the traditional and modern gifts were created in the early 20th century, so might not fit with what you’re looking to give as a gift. Speak to your partner about your plans and expectations ahead of time.
Do you have the appropriate budget? Gold can be expensive, as can clocks and fresh flowers. A paper gift can be affordable and can be interpreted in lots of different ways.
Do you choose something personal? Personalised gifts show that a lot of thoughtfulness went into your gift.
What are their interests? Is there something your partner might like in particular and has dropped hints about or asked for?
If you’re a friend or family member, you might also like to give a traditional or modern gift – they’re not exclusive to the couple themselves. So if you want to join in with the fun and give them something papery or clocky (not their technical terms) then go ahead, they’ll definitely love the thought and symbolism behind your gift!
50 ideas for a 1st wedding anniversary gift
Looking to give your partner a thoughtful gift to mark your 1st anniversary but not sure where to start? Below, we have 50 ideas to help you think of the perfect gift for the love of your life. And if you’re someone with a loved one soon celebrating their 1st anniversary, our choices below should also give you plenty of inspiration for a thoughtful gift.
10 traditional gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary
The traditional gift to give to mark a 1st wedding anniversary is paper, so here are 10 paper gifts to consider giving your other half on this special occasion.
1. Commission an artist to draw or paint your favourite wedding photo
One of the highlights of your whole wedding was no doubt getting your photo album back so you could look through your photos and relive your big day over again. You could reignite those same feelings all over again by commissioning an artist to draw or paint one of your partner’s favourite wedding photos. Digitally produced artwork can easily be printed and framed, which fits nicely with the theme of paper.
You could hire an artist on Etsy, or otherwise speak to an artist you admire by contacting them through their website or on social media.
2. Create an anniversary-themed comic book
If you and your partner have a shared love of comic books or graphic novels, you could create a personalised comic book that features your incredible love story. There are templates you can follow, like the one on Not on the High Street, to create a comic book using photos that are automatically stylised. Or, you could ask a comic book artist to draw something truly unique to you.
3. Frame your wedding vows
Many couples love to write their own wedding vows, which is a super passionate and personal way of telling your partner how you feel in front of your friends and family during your wedding ceremony. To forever immortalise those wonderful words, you could print your vows on high-quality paper, or hire a calligrapher to pen them in handwritten ink. Websites such as Calligraphy Studio offer a bespoke service.
4. Give your partner paper jewellery
Jewellery is always a popular gift, but how can you combine that with the traditional first anniversary gift? Well, there are very talented jewellers out there who can hand-craft delicate and beautiful pieces of jewellery out of paper – everything from bracelets to necklaces. Check out Wire Moon and Li-Chu Wu who are both super-talented paper jewellery designers.
5. A print of your favourite place
After spending so much time together, you probably have a favourite place where the two of you love to hang out, whether it’s your favourite city, a romantic spot somewhere deep in the woods, or beach vista where you like to watch the sunset. Etsy has a huge selection of city art and more which would look wonderful hung up in your home.
6. Where you met heart map
Looking back, there’s nothing quite like the moment you met the person you went on to marry. It might have been a chance encounter at the pub, or you sat beside each other in a university lecture, or you went to see a film together at the cinema after meeting online. Wherever you met, you can have it framed and pinpointed on a heart-shaped map. Check out Positive Prints who can do all the work for you.
7. Printed sheet music for your first dance song
Without a doubt, you’ll always remember the song you had your first dance to for the rest of your lives. Whenever you play it on Spotify or it comes unexpectedly on the radio, you’ll look at your partner with a loving smile (and maybe dance around the lounge, why not?). You can have those wonderful notes and perfect words printed and framed so you can always be reminded of their special meaning. Blim & Blum offers lots of great customisations and styles so they’ll go in any room.
8. Personalised notebooks
If your partner studies or writes a lot of notes for work, or they’re a keen writer, they’ll probably have a lot of notebooks lying around. Combine practicality and thoughtfulness by giving them personalised notebooks, which could include some of your favourite wedding snaps. Getting Personal has a huge variety of different notebooks you can choose from to personalise in loads of different ways.
9. Mini photo book keyring
Your wedding album is possibly one of your most precious possessions, but the problem is that it’s probably quite chunky – not exactly pocket-sized. Well, why not rectify that, with a mini photobook keyring, like the one offered at Wanapix? You can put together a personalised photobook filled with your favourite photos from your wedding, which is dinky enough to attach to a pair of keys and pop right there in your pocket or bag.
10. Paper craft kit
If you and your partner love getting crafty together, you could pick up a paper craft kit, so the two of you can hang out on your anniversary and do some crafting. Makebox has a range of wonderful high-quality paper craft kits available that look great on a shelf or desk once you’re done.
10 modern gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary
If you’re not sure about a paper-themed gift to give to your partner on your anniversary, the modern choice is a clock, which initially might not feel like it opens up your selection, but it does. So, here are 10 clock-themed gifts to consider giving your partner on your first anniversary.
1. Paper clock
You could combine the meanings behind a paper gift with the meaning of a clock-themed gift, by giving your partner the best of both worlds in the form of a paper clock. A clock made from recycled paper has a brilliant meaning to it, with the added bonus of looking smart and being practical.
2. Amazon Echo Show
Smart-home tech is the future, and an Amazon Echo Show not only lets you tell the time (or ask Alexa for it if you’re busy), but is also a handy gadget for cooking, communicating, finding out the weather, setting reminders and more. Plus, it’s always fun to start the day by asking Alexa to tell you a joke (even if they can be a little bit cringe).
3. Personalised clock
A clock might not seem like a super exciting gift, but if you personalise it so that the numbers are photos of your wedding instead, it suddenly means so much more. A personalised clock is unique and thoughtful and unlike any other personalised gift you might give the love of your life.
4. A unique cuckoo clock
Is there anything more beautiful than an ornate cuckoo clock? They’re eye-catching works of art that look great in any home. And they don’t need to be the traditional Swiss cuckoo clock either – like those available at The Bradford Exchange, which are themed to Star Wars, Disney and Ghostbusters among others.
5. An engraved clock
Tell your partner how much the last year has meant to you, and how much you’re looking forward to the future, with an engraved clock. The Engraved Gifts Company has plenty of styles and designs to choose from to suit a wide range of budgets, and they allow you to personalise them with a loving message.
6. A garden sundial
Remember, clocks haven’t always ticking hands that tell the time. Before the clock was even invented, everyone had to use the sun to figure out the time of day using a sundial. Sundials have the added bonus of looking fantastic in your back garden, and come different styles, like those available at Discount Garden Statues. It’s an unexpected historical twist on this modern gift!
7. A gold watch
Not only is your first anniversary linked closely to clocks, but also to gold – so a gold watch seems like a nice meaningful gift. And the good news is, watches come in more shapes, styles and sizes than you can count, plus they can fit a budget of any size. Check out your favourite high-street jeweller as a handy starting block.
8. A projection alarm clock
An obvious choice for a clock-themed gift is an alarm clock, but how can you elevate the humble alarm clock into becoming a unique gift? Well, why not get an alarm clock that both of you can see at the same time, with one that projects the time onto the ceiling? Plus, they have customisable options so it fits with your bedroom and even doubles as a handy mirror.
9. A clock kit
Clocks are complicated to put together, but a clock-making kit means your partner can have the satisfaction of creating something with the functionality of a fabulous-looking clock. Magic Holz has a range of quirky designs, that just so happen to be wood – so they’re technically made from paper, too!
10. A personalised map clock
What could be more lovely every time you glance at the clock, than to be reminded of the place where you and your partner met, or the venue where you both said I do? A clock that features a map makes for a brilliantly unique gift, like those offered by Bombus.
5 affordable gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary
If you’d love to give the love of your life a thoughtful first anniversary gift but you don’t have a big budget (and who can blame you after paying for your wedding?), then don’t worry – there are still plenty of options available. Here are five affordable first anniversary gifts to treat your partner with.
1. A personalised line drawing
Not all personalised gifts come with a big price tag. A personalised line drawing is a simple and effective gift, and one that’s super personal and extremely affordable too. It also looks amazing when hung on the wall.
2. Anniversary toilet paper
Okay, so this one is a bit of a joke gift, but it totally fits with the paper theme of your big day! Anniversary toilet paper is cute and funny, and for a limited time, you’ll be reminded of your anniversary every time you do your business!
3. Love coupons
For something very affordable but also thoughtful and funny, love coupons give your partner the right to cash them in whenever they please. From a car wash to a snuggly movie night in, it gives you an excuse to add a little fun to doing chores and date night.
4. A tiny paper flower
Combine a floral gift with a paper gift, and don’t pay much in the process – three birds with one stone! Plus, it looks incredibly cute and is full of thought, so make that five birds with one stone. Not on the High Street has a selection of lovely paper flowers.
5. A book in their favourite genre
There’s nothing quite like escaping into a good book. If your partner loves to read, you can usually pick up a paperback from your local bookshop for around £8. If you know the sort of book they enjoy reading, read a few blurbs at your local bookshop and ask for some recommendations so you can pick them up something they might love.
5 DIY gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary
Add an extra level of personalisation to your anniversary gift by creating it yourself. Many ideas don’t need a lot of time or skill, just a little bit of creative thinking. Here are five DIY 1st anniversary gift ideas to get you started.
1. A ‘what I love about you’ journal
You no doubt have a ton of really complex feelings about your partner – it’s why you married them in the first place! A what I love about you journal gives you plenty of space to get those thoughts and feelings down on paper, which they can always look back on with love and fondness.
2. A bouquet of paper flowers
Because the traditional gift of a first anniversary is paper, you could hand-craft a bouquet of paper flowers to surprise your love. That might sound tricky, but there are plenty of paper flower video tutorials available, and you can craft them from coloured paper or something meaningful, like the pages of a book or a map of your favourite place. So if you give yourself enough time, you can create a lovely little bouquet that has extra special sentimentality.
3. Paper bunting
Bunting looks great hung up to celebrate any occasion, and homemade paper bunting that features personalised decorations is a wonderful way to tell your partner how you feel. It could feature photographs, ticket stubs, maps, memorabilia… anything you can think of. There are also paper bunting video tutorials to help get you started.
4. Dates in a jar
If you have a sheet of paper and a spare jar, you have everything you need to make a sweet and thoughtful gift. Write down a bunch of ideas for date night (watch a romantic comedy under the covers, have a pizza picnic in the park, read a book together…) and either fold them carefully or tie them up with some string. Once you have enough, you can give them to your partner and ask them to pick one at random every time it’s date night!
5. Homemade scavenger hunt
Write some clues and leave them around your house so your partner has to go on a scavenger hunt. The clues can get progressively harder, and build up to something special at the end, like tickets to a show or co-ordinates to your favourite restaurant.
5 experience or activity gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary
A great way to spend your anniversary is by giving your partner an experience that the two of you can share together. Thankfully, because tickets are often paper, it also lets you tie your gift into the traditional first anniversary theme! So, here are five experience gift ideas for you to consider.
1. Tickets to a cinema with beds
If you’re a cinephile, you might go to the cinema quite regularly, so where’s the sense of special occasion in that? Well, did you know that some cinemas now have beds in them? It’s a simple way to elevate a cinema trip to the next level. It’s true – even big cinema chains like Odeon have seats at the front that allow you to lay down and get snuggly… just no funny business, okay?
2. Theatre tickets
A trip to the theatre is always magical, so why not catch a play or a musical in London or at your local theatre? Check out sites like London Theatre Direct to get a discount on a show you and your other half would love to see.
3. Afternoon tea for two
Is there anything more quaint than afternoon tea for two? Treat your partner to cucumber sandwiches, delectable sweet treats and yummy creamy scones. And if you say ‘time for tea’ it loosely (continuing the tea humour here) connects it to clocks, too! Okay, it’s a bit of a stretch, but afternoon tea is always a winning gift. Virgin Experience Days offers plenty of choice up and down the UK.
4. A night in a nice hotel
Escaping from reality is a great way to spend your anniversary, which you can do by spending a night in a nice hotel. It could be somewhere you’ve been to a thousand times before, or somewhere completely new. Wherever you go, it’ll be lovely to spend time relaxing in each others’ company. Buyagift has some great options for overnight stays.
5. A game of giant Monopoply
Remember shuffling through piles of paper money when you land on someone’s hotel while you’re playing Monopoly? Well, you can do that on a huge scale thanks to lifesized Monopoly! The only thing we ask is that you play nice, because Monopoly is a serious (but extremely fun) game.
10 1st anniversary gifts that contain gold
The first anniversary gemstone (even though it is actually a precious metal) is gold. And of course, gold is one of the most luxurious and eye-catching precious metals there is. Gold jewellery goes with almost anything, and also suits a huge range of styles and budgets. So, you could consider the following types of jewellery that look great in gold:
Earrings
A ring
A necklace
A bracelet
A broach
A locket
A watch
An anklet
A hairpin
Cufflinks
Many high street jewellers will have different items of gold jewellery, so whatever your budget you’ll likely find something that your partner will love. Or, you could check out the range of wedding jewellers we work with, many of which also offer lots of other types of jewellery, too.
5 floral gifts for a 1st wedding anniversary
The traditional anniversary flower to give when celebrating your first anniversary is the carnation, but there are lots of variations to make it extra special. Here are just five floral gift ideas to give your partner something blooming wonderful on your first anniversary.
1. A big bunch of carnations
There’s fabulous meaning behind anniversary carnations, as they symbolise love and devotion, plus they have the added bonus of being big and colourful. They tend to last around two weeks, so they won’t go anywhere fast if you keep them watered and give them flower food.
2. A paper bouquet
Tie the themes of flowers and paper together with a bouquet of paper flowers that are guaranteed never to wilt. Paper Tree offers a lovely bouquet that’s sure to hit the spot.
3. A scented flower card
The anniversary card to top all other anniversary cards, complete with a gorgeous watercolour flower and authentic floral scent. A showstopping 3D flower card is sure to be a gift that your partner will never forget. Check them out at The Luxe Co.
4. Carnation seeds
If you have a garden and space to plant some flowers, carnations will grow quite happily in the UK. If you plant the bulbs after the last frost of winter, you should have some incredible blooms at the end of spring and into later summer. You should be able to find carnation bulbs at your local garden centre.
5. An origami flower
What’s more romantic than a single rose painstakingly crafted using ancient origami techniques from the page of a book? Absolutely nothing. Visit The Origami Boutique to choose the perfect floral gift for your partner.
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If you’re thinking of proposing, you’ve come to the right place. It’s not just a case of dropping down on one knee – there a lots of moving parts to consider. So, whether you have a proposal in mind already, or are looking for inspiration, we’ve partnered with The Proposers to answer all your questions, from deciding when to pop the question to where to celebrate afterwards. Read on to learn from how to create a once-in-a-lifetime moment that you and your partner will treasure forever.
So, you’ve decided it’s time to pop the question – huge congratulations!
This is a very exciting moment in a relationship and quite a unique one as well. Whereas in a wedding you will both be planning together, a proposal is a perfect opportunity to plan a special surprise for your partner to show them just how much you care and to perfectly reflect on what you love about them as well as your relationship story thus far.
The holiday season is a perfect time to propose and one of the most popular as well, and we totally see why – the festive ambiance is all around, loved ones gather to celebrate and as a bonus point it leaves ample time to plan a beautiful summer wedding. We think there’s no better gift to give your partner than a stunning proposal this Christmas.
Below is The Proposers’ step-by-step guide to lead you all the way to ‘yes’:
As a preliminary step, we always recommend our couples discuss their future plans together, especially what they hope for in terms of getting married. Of course, this doesn’t need to give any of the proposal away – talk about generalities so that you know you are both on the same page. You can show them a TikTok that just ‘popped up’ on your feed or mention a recent colleague’s engagement as a prompt. It’s also a great opportunity to get a bit of information about what your partner may want for the proposal itself, what ring they’re dreaming of or if they want you to ask for permission from their parents – all useful details in taking the next steps.
It’s tradition to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage from their father or from both parents depending on preference. If this is something that’s important to your partner, it’s a lovely sentiment to do so. In person is often best, we find. Soon you’ll all be family, so it’s a great opportunity to show your appreciation. Your partner’s parents will certainly value the gesture as well.
Now that you have the go-ahead, it’s time to shop for the perfect ring! Hopefully at this point you’ll have an indication of what your partner loves. Usually a diamond is preferred, and if that’s the case, consider what metal they would favour (such as platinum or gold), the shape (princess, round, pear are some options) and learn about the 4 Cs (carat, cut, clarity, colour), so that you can go into purchasing confidently. To get the sizing right when your partner isn’t watching, measure a ring they currently have that they often place on that finger. Otherwise, check out Bridebook’s guide on how to secretly measure your partner’s ring finger.
Of course, a diamond isn’t mandatory these days. If you think your partner would prefer another gemstone or even a different gift such as a watch, these are all excellent options as well, so long as it’s what you think your partner would love. Again, check out Bridebook’s top 30 unique alternatives to engagement rings for more inspiration. Some modern couples like to design the ring together, in which case you can propose with a place ring just for the photos.
The good news is, there’s no right or wrong way to propose – the perfect ‘yes’ moment is totally dependent on who you are as a couple. Even so, we recommend considering the below when deciding how to ask.
Do you want a private proposal somewhere discreet, or public with the crowds cheering? Would your partner love a grand gesture with all the trimmings or something more small-scale and sentimental? Would they like friends or families to join or have it be just the both of you? The answers to the above will lend a hand when securing the perfect venue, which is essential in creating the desired atmosphere for those four all-important words.
Through our time planning proposals, we’ve had the fortune to work in many different settings, from privatising Disneyland just for the couple, to creating a flash mob in a central train station, and even closing a Cat Café for the day for a couple who loves felines. The venue of your proposal can be totally unique (like atop an epic landmark, such as a Swiss glacier), totally romantic (like a stunning hotel room with bouquets of roses all around), or tender and sweet (like the place you first met)!
Once you know the backdrop, consider what decoration you may want to enhance the ambience with. In the age of social media, it’s quite popular to have a display with lots of flowers and candles. While some locations can’t be decorated, particularly if you’re looking to propose in public, you can still get creative with other touches (as below).
No matter the setting, the details are really what makes a proposal meaningful. These are additional touches to really show your partner how much you care.
We always ask our clients about their love story, about activities or trips they’ve enjoyed with their partner, about their partner’s favourite things (like their hobbies, music, movies, colours) and about their dreams as a couple together. These points are helpful in understanding what makes your relationship unique, and can then be incorporated in creative ways into your engagement. From having your partner’s favourite song played in the background to toasting with a wine you enjoyed together on holiday – but this time with a personalised label with your proposal date – these touches will surely wow your partner!
Consider hiring a professional photographer to shoot your proposal. This is the perfect way to ensure you have stunning images to go alongside your engagement announcement and to share with loved ones (who will want a full run-down of how it all happened). We absolutely love the candid shots a photographer captures when our clients walk in to the proposal venue and the surprise is revealed. These are priceless, and having this moment to reminisce on forevermore is truly something worthwhile.
It’s also a good idea to think about booking in a professional videographer or musician to serenade if you’re looking at creating a larger scale production. These aren’t mandatory, but a great add-on if budget allows.
Once you’ve organised the running of the day, think of the specific moment itself. It will be extremely moving for your partner if you say a few meaningful words on such a momentous occasion. We recommend writing it down and committing it to memory so that you can remember everything you want to say in the moment.
When the day arrives, and after all the groundwork has been laid out, our favourite tip is to try to relax and enjoy as much as possible. You’ve planned this special proposal for your partner, which they will surely adore, but don’t forget that this is a big milestone for you as well. The more you are in the moment and take it all in, the more you can truly have the best time and celebrate together!
If you’d like help organising your big day – we’re here to assist! The Proposers are the first ever proposal company in the world. With over 13 years of experience and 5,000 ‘yes’ moments to date, we love everything proposals. We will be delighted to hold your hand through the planning process for a hassle- free, magical “will you marry me”! Whatever vision you might have, we’ll make it a reality.
The big day has been and gone. The vows have been read, the presents were opened, and the honeymoon has come to an end. However, there’s still a little more wedding joy to spread — the thank you cards!
Thank you cards are a great way to express your heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for all the love and support you received on your special day. You can use them to thank guests for wedding gifts, for their efforts in wedding planning, or even just for being part of your special day.
In this article, we cover what to write in a wedding thank you card, examples of wedding thank you card wording, and some top tips for writing wedding thank you messages.
A wedding thank you card is a card given by the newlyweds to their wedding guests. They’re usually given a few weeks after the wedding ceremony to thank the guests for attending, for any gifts they may have received, and to thank the wedding party for their support in organising the wedding.
Wedding thank you cards are a small but significant gesture to express gratitude to your close friends and family. They usually take a few hours to write but will leave a lasting impression on your guests. You don’t have to write wedding thank you cards. However, if you have time, they’re a lovely way to round off the big day and the months leading up to it.
While you don’t have to, it’s polite to still send a wedding card to anyone who:
Couldn’t attend the wedding, but sent a gift
Couldn’t attend the wedding, but gave you money
Couldn’t attend the wedding due to ill health, but would have otherwise
Couldn’t attend the wedding due to a bereavement, but would have otherwise
Sending a wedding card to someone who couldn’t attend the wedding for these reasons is a thoughtful and considerate gesture. It shows your appreciation for their wedding wishes, support, and understanding of their circumstances.
Wedding thank you cards don’t need to be long or detailed. All that matters is that you write from the heart. We recommend including:
A friendly greeting
Start with a friendly greeting. This can be something simple like:
Dear [Names]
To [Names]
But you could also try something a little more fun and creative:
To our favourite [your relationship to the guest or guests. For example, ‘To our favourite cousins’]
Dear [your surname] wedding survivors
Your choice of greeting sets the tone for your thank you card and can reflect your personality as a couple. So, feel free to be creative or stick to the classics, as long as it feels genuine to you.
A generic thank you message
You should then move on to thanking your guests for attending your wedding and giving you a gift (if they did).
The thank you message can be generic. For example:
Thank you so much for attending our big day
Thank you for making the effort to come to the wedding, and for your thoughtful gift
It’s important to thank guests properly if they give you a gift or money. Just be careful not to accidentally thank someone for a gift if they didn’t give one!
Top tip: As you’re opening your wedding presents, keep a list of who gave you each gift or if a card contained money or vouchers. This way, you can properly thank your guests in your cards.
A specific memory or acknowledgment
The next part of your wedding card should be personalised to the recipient of your card. It could be a special moment you shared on the wedding day, a personalised thank you for the gift they gave you, or even an anecdote from before the wedding.
For example, you could try something like:
It was lovely to have you at the wedding ceremony. Thank you especially for your help when my veil got caught on the chair!
Thank you so much for your generous gift. We’re really looking forward to using the new air fryer now that we’re back from our honeymoon.
I can’t thank you enough for all your support running up to the wedding day. It was a really stressful time and you were an absolute lifesaver.
A simple sign-off
Once you’ve finished the body of your card, you should sign off with a warm closing and your and your new spouse’s name. For example:
Again, thank you so much. Love, [Your names]
We really appreciate your support. Thanks again, [Your names]
Wedding thank you card message structure
Follow this general structure when composing your thank you message
We’re so grateful you came to celebrate our special day with us. We’ve known each other since school, so it wouldn’t have been the same without you. Plus, I can’t believe you travelled all the way from Scotland for us! I hope the drive back wasn’t too tiring.
Again, thank you. We really appreciate it. Love,
[Your names]
What to write in a thank you card to family
To [Names],
Thank you so much for coming to our special day and for bringing the little cousins along. It can’t be easy to look after three kids all day, but it meant the world to us for everyone to be there.
Thank you again for your lovely gift. The towels are beautiful, and we just love the light blue colour.
From,
[Your names]
What to write in a maid of honour’s thank you card
Dear [maid of honour’s name],
You’ve been my rock throughout this process. From the minute I told you I was engaged, you were right by my side and supported all my crazy ideas. Thank you for being the guardian of my special day. Your love and support mean everything to me.
Thank you again. I couldn’t have done it without you.
Love,
[Your name]
What to write in a bridesmaid’s thank you card
Dear [bridesmaid’s name],
You stood by my side as I took the biggest step of my life, and I can’t thank you enough. Thank you for all your help running up to the big day — I honestly couldn’t have done it without you.
With all my love,
[Your name]
What to write in a best man’s thank you card
Dear [best man‘s name],
Thank you for standing by my side on the most important day of my life, and for not telling anyone how much I cried. You’re my best friend, my partner in crime, and I couldn’t have done it without you.
Thank you again for the generous gift you left in the wedding card. It’ll go a long way towards the honeymoon, so thank you!
Hoping I can return the favour one day! From,
[Your name]
What to write in a groomsman’s thank you card
Dear [groomsman’s name],
What a night! Thank you so much for ushering the guests to their seats, for keeping my crazy auntie away from my uncle, and for all the free shots! It wouldn’t have been the same without you.
Handwritten cards have a personal touch that your guests are sure to appreciate. If your handwriting is difficult to read, simply take your time and write neatly.
Be timely
Send out your thank you cards within a few weeks of the wedding to show your appreciation. If you leave it any longer than this, you may struggle to remember specific details of the wedding or who gave you which gifts!
Enlist a helper
Writing thank you cards can take a few hours. However, if you have a helper, like your new spouse, you can get done in half the time.
Make a list
Keep a list of which cards you’ve written and sent and which ones you still need to complete. This will help you stay organised and on top of the task.
Knowing what to say in wedding thank you cards can be tricky. Plus, with so many people to thank, coming up with a personalised experience for each guest can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry — we’re here to help.
The easiest thing to do when writing a wedding card is to make it easy for yourself. Enlist a helper, personalise one or two lines to the guests’ experience, and keep a list of which cards you’ve sent and which you haven’t.
If you’re a guest looking for wedding card writing tips, check out our post on what to write in a wedding card. It includes top tips and a guide on writing etiquette, along with some great wedding card message examples.
Excitement for the new year is building, drinks are flowing freely and fireworks paint the night sky. Love is in the air and you and your partner couldn’t be happier together.
Sounds like a pretty ideal time for you to get down on one knee and ask them an important and monumental four-word question, don’t you think?
Asking your other half to marry you on New Year’s Eve is wonderfully symbolic, allowing you and your new fiance to tackle the new year as partners in crime. Not only that, but you’ll also have a brilliant time planning your wedding throughout the new year!
But, with your mind made up that you’re going to pop the question on New Year’s Eve, how should you go about it? What do you need to think about and what should you do during the build-up to the big night?
In this post, we’ll explore how to propose on New Year’s Eve, including why it’s such a great idea, what you should do to prepare and how you could tackle the night itself so your proposal goes down as perfectly as you imagined.
6 reasons why New Year’s Eve is a great day for a proposal
If you’re on the fence about proposing on New Year’s Eve and need a little convincing that it’s a great choice, then these six reasons should tip you in the right direction (that direction being down on one knee).
1. It has a huge symbolic meaning
New Year, new me is a popular saying and is all about making positive changes in your life. A new beginning can be perfectly represented by starting the year as an engaged couple and embarking on your journey towards marriage.
2. You’re already suited and booted
If you’re out for the evening, either at a party, a fireworks display or you’re enjoying a romantic meal, the two of you may already be dressed up nice and feeling good. That means you won’t raise any suspicions by booking somewhere nice and suggesting you and your partner should dress up and be extra fancy for the evening.
3. There are already fireworks set up and ready to go
After you’ve proposed and received your YES! you’ll be excited to celebrate into the night with your new fiance. The best thing about midnight on New Year’s Eve is that there are already plenty of fireworks displays set up around the country, whether they’re professional or private displays. So, take advantage of the impending fireworks and use them to enhance your proposal.
4. Share the moment with loved ones
New Year’s Eve is a popular time to spend time with loved ones, whether it’s family, friends or a combination of the two. If this is you, then ask your loved ones to lend a hand with the proposal. This could include spelling WILL YOU MARRY ME? out in sparklers and a timelapse camera, or making sure everyone’s ready to capture your amazing moment on film.
5. The drinks are on standby
What better way to celebrate your engagement than with a glass of bubbly? With a New Year’s Eve proposal, there’s a good chance there are already a few chilled bottles just waiting for the corks to pop.
6. It’s not as cliché as other days
It may be popular to get engaged on New Year’s Eve, but it’s by no means a cliché. That means you can enjoy getting down on one knee on a day that you’ll never forget, without it being as clichéd as the more traditionally romantic days of the year.
Yes, to make sure your New Year’s Eve proposal is every bit as magical as you could hope for, we recommend that you take a bit of time to plan exactly how you want to do it. There are a lot of moving parts around the end of the year, and unless you plan on being impulsive and proposing when the moment feels right, you’ll need to have all your ducks in a row first.
Because you’ve decided to propose on New Year’s Eve, you might also want to make sure you use this special time of year to your advantage. There might be parties, drinks, laughter, celebrations, fireworks, friends and family all at your disposal, so think about how you might want to include them in your big moment. There’s plenty going on over New Year’s, so think carefully about how you can fit all the puzzle pieces together to make sure you propose in the most memorable and romantic way possible.
What should you consider before proposing on New Year’s Eve?
We’ve already covered how memorable a New Year’s Eve proposal can be. But, before you get down on one knee and change you and your partner’s lives forever, there are a few things to consider.
Have you found an engagement ring your partner will love? Or, if you know they don’t want a ring, have you chosen an engagement ring alternative that’s personal to them?
Are you confident that your partner would love a New Year’s Eve proposal? It’s already a special time of year, so make sure you know that your partner is happy to share such a special date.
Have you already got New Year’s Eve plans and thought about how your dream proposal fits into that? If not, how will your partner feel if you try to change your plans?
Do you want to have a private and intimate proposal with just the two of you, or are you going to include your family and friends?
The New Year can already be a hectic and stressful time, so ensure your plans include time to relax and recharge after what is sure to be an emotionally charged moment.
If you’re planning on having a snowy proposal, just bear in mind that British weather is often unpredictable (and rather drizzly). Make sure you have a plan B in place to make sure your proposal isn’t rained off.
How to propose on New Year’s Eve: our foolproof step-by-step guide
New Year’s Eve is one of the most romantic and magical times of the year to ask your partner to marry you. As the seconds get closer to midnight and everyone gets ready to sing Auld Lang Syne, your proposal plan is about to come to fruition. So, to help you plan a New Year’s Eve proposal that gets you your YES, we’ve put together this guide.
Here are 10 steps you can follow so you have your New Year’s Eve YES and start the next year as one half of an engaged couple.
Step 1: Start planning in plenty of time
To make sure you have everything in place for the moment you get down on one knee, it’s important to start planning your proposal early. So, depending on how you’d like to pop the question, we’d recommend setting the wheels in motion in early December or November. Or, if you’d like to propose while on a trip, potentially even sooner.
As part of this, if you’re going to stick to traditions then you might want to talk to your partner’s parents to ask their permission. It might be a slightly outdated tradition these days, but many parents appreciate the gesture anyway. If you have a good relationship with them you’ll more than likely get a positive response and will make sure you continue building your relationship with your future in-laws.
Step 2: Choose your engagement ring (or alternative)
One of the most exciting parts of a proposal is when you finally surprise your partner by asking them the most incredible question. But, this can only work if you’re good at keeping secrets and don’t give the game away. That includes knowing who you can trust to keep it a secret as well, so only tell who you absolutely have to. If you propose around other people, half the fun is seeing their surprise reactions as well.
Step 4: Choose the ideal time
When it comes to proposing on New Year’s Eve, one of the hardest decisions you’ll make is at what time of day you should propose. Of course, you could propose in the morning or afternoon so you can share your amazing news throughout the day. But, most people who propose on New Year’s Eve wait until the evening, with many popping the question as the clocks strike midnight and the new year arrives. Of course, this all depends on your plans and where you’ll be at certain times throughout the day.
Step 5: Make sure you include elements of New Year’s Eve
Because you’re proposing on New Year’s Eve, make sure you make the most of it and include elements synonymous with such a special day. That could include champagne, fireworks, a party or using the countdown itself.
When it comes to proposing, do what you can to make it as unique and personal to you and your partner as possible. If you take an idea for a proposal, put your own spin on it or use what you know about your partner to make it as personal to them as you can.
Part of this includes thinking about what you’ll say once the moment to ask the question arrives. You might end up being so nervous you get tongue-tied, so it’s always worth thinking about what you want to say ahead of time. You might even want to write it down to help you get your thoughts out, then semi-commit them to memory.
Step 7: Make sure you have a plan B
As much as you might have planned your proposal, even the best-laid plans can go awry. So, if something happens that means your plans can’t go ahead, make sure you have a backup plan in place. That way, your New Year’s Eve engagement can still move forward so you can start the new year with a fiance. This step is extra important if your proposal idea counts on the weather behaving itself!
Step 8: Immortalise the moment
If your proposal plans mean you’re likely to be around people, why not give one or two of them (if you trust them not to give anything away) a heads-up so they can film your proposal and snap some pictures? Then you’ll have some wonderful memories and photos you can use when you announce your amazing news.
Step 9: Tell everyone
Thankfully, many of us still have a day or two off work after New Year’s Eve, so don’t always have to rush straight back to work. That means you can visit friends and family and tell them about how you’re now a happily engaged couple.
Step 10: Take some time to enjoy your new relationship status
After the chaos of Christmas and New Year’s, it’s important to take some time for just the two of you to bask in your newly engaged status. Enjoy your time together and celebrate. If you can, take a trip. Then, you can jump into the wild world of wedding planning with energy and enthusiasm!
The above guide should put you in a good place for nailing your New Year’s Eve proposal. But, to help steady those nerves and make sure everything goes exactly as you want it to, here are eight proposal tips to bear in mind.
Don’t just wing it – make sure you have a plan.
Try to theme your New Year’s Eve proposal around the big night itself so it’s not just something that could work on any other night of the year.
Make sure you talk to your partner so you fully understand that they’re happy to get engaged on a special day in the calendar like New Year’s Eve.
If you’re proposing at a party, use those around you to act as unofficial photographers and videographers so you can hold on to that moment forever.
Use the magic of New Year’s Eve to enhance your proposal, like fireworks and your Christmas decorations and lights.
The weather is unpredictable at the best of times, but doubly so on the last day of the year, so have a contingency plan if your proposal involves being outside.
If you’re planning a trip away, book it in plenty of time because hotels can soon fill up.
Spend the rest of your time off before heading back to work enjoying your new-found engaged status. Use the last couple of days before work resumes to tell friends and family the amazing news.
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When you start the New Year with your new fiance, it’ll soon be time to start planning your dream wedding. Sign up to Bridebook and access a wonderful range of tools and resources to make your wedding planning process fun and easy.
You and your partner are at a New Year’s Eve party. You’re riding the high at the end of a fantastic festive season and as the clock nears midnight you feel in your pocket to make sure the ring’s still there. You’ve had a couple of drinks to steady your nerves as the big moment approaches.
The countdown begins… 10… 9… 8…7…
You get the ring out of your pocket.
6… 5… 4… 3…
You get down on one knee. Your partner is shocked, people around you gasp as the countdown reaches zero and everyone exclaims HAPPY NEW YEAR, but as you and your partner lock eyes, it’s like the two of you are the only ones in the room.
Will you marry me?
Then as you get your YES, incredible fireworks paint the sky with a flurry of wonderful colours and sounds.
What a stunning way to ask the love of your life to marry you and kick off the new year in the most incredible way imaginable. But, a New Year’s Eve party proposal is just one of the ways you can ask them to spend the rest of their life with you. There are plenty more memorable ways to make this New Year’s Eve one you’ll remember forever.
In this post, we’ll explore the many ways you can ask your partner to marry you on New Year’s Eve, and why the last day of the year makes for the perfect day to pop the question to your partner.
Yes, New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular days for couples to get engaged. With the start of the new year just hours away, it’s already a magical time for a celebration, with people getting together, drinks flowing and fireworks lighting up the sky. For many, it makes for the perfect backdrop to ask one of the biggest questions of all.
Our annual Wedding Report found that in the UK, more than a quarter (26%) of all proposals happen in December, and 31st December is one of the top 10 dates for someone to get down on one knee. The good news is, while it is popular, it’s not seen as a cliché like other dates, such as Valentine’s Day or 29th February. So, if you want to pop the question this New Year’s Eve, we think you should go for it!
Whether or not you should propose on New Year’s Eve is a decision only you can make. But, if you’re considering it, then there’s nothing quite like a New Year’s Eve proposal.
The start of a new year is a chance for a new beginning. If you’re keen for that new beginning to include a fiance standing at your side, then there’s no better time for it.
It’s worth making sure that your partner would be comfortable sharing such a special moment with a date that’s already significant in many peoples’ lives. If you’ve made the decision to propose, you’ve probably had conversations about a proposal with your partner, so you should have a good idea about what they’d like from one. If that includes a New Year’s Eve proposal, then great!
There’s also a potential stumbling block in the form of the cost of a proposal at that time of year. In the UK, the average cost of an engagement ring is £1,978, and with the costs of Christmas (as well as there being a long wait until January’s payday) these extra costs can be a dealbreaker. But, if you’ve saved for an engagement ring or you know your partner doesn’t want to wear one, then what’s stopping you?
For more information, read our guide to how to propose on New Year’s Eve so you can plan the most wonderful end-of-year proposal.
New Year’s Eve is a wonderful day to propose to your partner. Here are just some of the reasons why you should consider it if you’re still not quite sure it’s right for you:
New Year’s Eve is all about new beginnings, which can be beautifully realised with an engagement.
You’re likely to already be nicely dressed, which means asking your partner to get dressed up for a big night won’t be suspicious.
There will be plenty of fireworks at midnight.
It’s not a cliché like other romantic days of the year.
The drinks will be flowing.
You might be surrounded by loved ones who can share the moment with you.
Excited to pop the question to your partner and give them a New Year’s Eve the two of you will never forget? Below are 12 ideas for a magical New Year’s Eve proposal so you can get your YES and start the new year riding that engagement high.
1. Ask on a New Year’s Eve trip
While Christmas is often considered a holiday for spending time with family, New Year’s Eve can be whatever you want it to be. Just because Christmas is over it doesn’t mean you can’t have one more sneaky surprise up your sleeve in the form of a night or two away. That in itself is a wonderful way to welcome the new year, but throw in a proposal and you’ve got the makings of a night the two of you will treasure forever.
2. Use your Christmas tree
If you put up a Christmas tree and still have it up into the new year, why not include it in your proposal? After all, it’s beautiful and magical, so it would be a shame to waste it.
You could hide the engagement ring within the branches as a surprise New Year’s Eve gift, or rearrange the lights to spell out WILL YOU MARRY ME? You could even disguise the engagement ring as a Christmas decoration and have it hiding in plain sight throughout the whole festive period, right until the perfect moment in the last few hours of the year.
Or, finding one last gift below the tree is always guaranteed to shock and delight your partner.
For more Christmassy inspiration, read our post featuring 12 Christmas Day proposal ideas which share a lot of similarities with New Year’s Eve.
3. As the clock strikes midnight
A New Year’s countdown is always exciting as people eagerly await to bring in the New Year. It’s also a popular time for couples to tell each other how they feel and welcome in the new year with a kiss. Use this moment of romance to ask your partner to marry you and start the new year with the greatest feeling ever.
4. Create a photo album of the last year
Because it’s so easy to take digital photographs these days, the art of the physical photo album is fast becoming lost. But, why not put together an album featuring your memories over the past 12 months? Then, on the final page and secured there with delicate ribbon, a beautiful engagement ring.
Not only is it loving and thoughtful, but an engagement photo album is also poetic, as it means one of the first and last things you’ll do across your wedding journey is look through a photo album together.
5. Have a New Year’s Eve bash with loved ones
A New Year’s Eve party is a great way to celebrate with friends and family. Plus, if you ask your partner to marry you, it can quickly turn into an engagement party as the clock strikes midnight and you crack open a few bottles of fizz. If you give one or two party guests a heads up (just make sure they can keep a secret!) you’re also guaranteed to get the whole thing captured from multiple angles – perfect for announcing to wider family, friends and co-workers.
If you plan on proposing at a friend’s party, think about giving them a heads-up first. You don’t want to steal their thunder or interrupt something they had planned. Not that they’re likely to mind having this incredible moment at their party!
6. Recreate your first date
Since the two of you had your first date, you’ve more than likely looked back on that moment and thought about just how lucky you are to have come this far. To bookend this part of your relationship, why not recreate your very first date and retrace your steps? Then, the icing on the cake will be to get down on one knee and ask for their hand in marriage.
7. Crack out a customised bottle of champagne
There are many moments when a bottle of fizz always goes down a treat – and two of them just so happen to be during a New Year’s Eve celebration and the moment two people in love get engaged. So, why not use that to your advantage, and present your partner with a bottle of champagne that features a custom-printed label that simply says, WILL YOU MARRY ME? Then, once you’ve had your YES, crack that bad boy open and enjoy!
8. Share your New Year’s resolutions
Welcoming the new year is a time when many people make promises to themselves and others that they’ll make a change. You could find an intimate and warm setting, and ask your partner to share their resolutions with you. When it’s your turn to share your own, explain how you want to dedicate your life to making them happy – then, pop the question and wait for their response!
9. Find a rooftop location
Rooftop bars, locations and other venues offer stunning views over city skylines. This can be fabulous at any time of year, but on New Year’s Eve when the atmosphere’s electric and the sky is sprinkled with distant fireworks, it’s even better. It makes for a memorable place to pop the question.
10. Say it with snow
Okay, thanks to the unpredictability of British weather, this one might be a long shot. But, if the weather cooperates and there’s a flurry of last-minute snow, make the most of it and use it in your proposal.
There’s plenty you could do to have a wonderfully wintry proposal. You could build a snowman and hang the ring off the end of its carrot nose. You could write WILL YOU MARRY ME? in giant letters in the garden and casually ask your fiance to look out the window while you get down on one knee. Or, you could simply take a snowy walk to your favourite spot and propose surrounded by picture-perfect scenery.
11. Ask using a balloon
One thing that’s synonymous with celebrating is the good ol’ balloon, so using one to propose can make a huge statement. You might want to have a custom balloon made that asks your partner to be your partner in crime forever, or 15 balloons that feature one letter each lined up across the room to ask, WILL YOU MARRY ME? (don’t forget the question mark).
Another option is to tie the engagement ring to a piece of string hanging underneath the balloon. It’s cute and eye-catching, and the moment your partner spots the balloon they’ll know something special is about to happen.
12. Make the most of the fireworks
New Year’s Eve is a popular time for fireworks, so make the most of them by using them in your proposal. Once the clock strikes midnight, fireworks will light up the sky all around in a magical display of colour. This sounds like the perfect moment for a proposal to us.
Or, if you’re at a party and can rope in some guests to help, grab some sparklers and someone to take a timelapse photo, and spell out WILL YOU MARRY ME? Then, when your partner looks at the photo, they’ll see something that will make their jaw hit the floor.
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After you get your New Year’s Eve YES and bring in the new year with your new fiance, you might want to dive right into planning your big day. Sign up to Bridebook and get access to everything you need to plan your perfect wedding.
With lights adorning the tree, flames gently crackling in the fireplace and the smell of cinnamon and sweet treats in the air, Christmas is without doubt a magical time of year. It’s also a time for generosity and giving, which is why so many people propose to their partners on Christmas Day.
But, how should you propose on Christmas Day to make sure it’s as romantic, intimate and memorable as possible? What do you need to think about to make sure your festive proposal is as perfect as it can be?
In this post, we’ll share all the tips and considerations to think about for a Christmas Day proposal, including everything you need to prepare and what you should do on the day so it all goes to plan and you get the best gift of all this Christmas – a fiance!
In the UK, Christmas Day is by far the most popular day to get engaged. Our UK Wedding Report uncovered that a quarter (26%) of couples get engaged in December, and out of all the couples who married in 2022, the top four most popular dates they got engaged was Christmas Day.
Christmas has the romance and magic of Valentine’s Day but with less cliché. It’s a time when kindness and generosity are everywhere, and people spend a lot of time with their loved ones. Christmas also has a lot of emotional significance and traditions surrounding it, which a proposal can heighten to a whole new level.
If you love the festive season and want to create lasting memories that make it an even more special and magical time of year, a Christmas Day proposal is a wonderful way to ask your partner to spend the rest of your lives together.
Yes, just like with any proposal, you should take time to plan your Christmas Day proposal to make sure it’s extra special. Of course, you might want to be impulsive and make the call about how and when you’ll do it on the day itself, but that comes with more risk.
Think about your partner’s preferences and what they might appreciate. Because you’ve chosen to do a Christmas proposal, you should consider taking advantage of this special day to make it extra memorable, so try to incorporate Christmas additions into your plans. If your proposal would go down in exactly the same way if you did it on any other day, then why do it on Christmas? Use the festivities to your advantage to make it memorable and magical.
What to think about before proposing on Christmas Day
As highlighted above, Christmas is already a time of year that many people love for a variety of reasons. When planning your Christmas Day proposal, think about the following points to ensure everything goes down even better than you’d hope for:
Have you picked the perfect ring or engagement ring alternative if your partner isn’t into jewellery or wearing rings?
Would your partner appreciate a Christmas Day proposal and be happy to share this incredible moment in their life with a day that’s already so special?
What will be the best time of day for your proposal? Will a morning proposal work before you see wider family, or sometime in the evening when it gets all cosy and warm?
Do you want to involve family and friends in your proposal or do you want to keep things intimate between the two of you?
Christmas can be a stressful time of year, so make sure your plans include downtime before you ask the question so you and your partner can savour the moment.
Don’t rely too heavily on the weather as part of your proposal plans. As incredible as it would be to propose on a snowy hilltop, the unpredictable weather in the UK means there might be rain or heavy winds instead. Have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t play ball.
How to propose on Christmas Day: a step-by-step guide
As we’ve already covered, Christmas Day is a wonderful time to propose to your other half. But, to make sure everything goes as expected, it’s important to put a plan together. You don’t need to write things down, create a spreadsheet or sketch out a map – but you should make sure you’re on top of everything so nothing’s overlooked or forgotten.
Below are 10 steps to follow so you can have the most incredible Christmas Day engagement.
Step 1: Plan ahead
Start your Christmas Day proposal prep in plenty of time. If you decide just a few days ahead of Christmas that you want to ask your partner to marry you on Christmas morning, you might not have time to sort everything out. If possible, start to get things ready in early December, or even November if possible, just to account for any hiccups along the way.
If you’re the traditional type, you might also want to speak to your partner’s parents before you pop the question. Asking permission is an old tradition now, but one that many parents still appreciate nevertheless. You more than likely won’t get any type of resistance, but the gesture will go a long way towards solidifying your relationship with your future in-laws.
Step 2: Choose what you’re going to propose with
If you and your partner have talked about what they’d want from a proposal, they probably also told you about what they want from a ring (or even if they want a ring at all). If they want a ring, make sure you try to find out their ring size before you head to the jewellers.
Step 3: Try to keep it a surprise
You may well have had countless discussions with your partner about getting engaged, so they may have an idea about what’s to come. This will be especially true if you’ve specifically talked about getting engaged at Christmas. But, do what you can to keep everything as close to your chest as possible so your proposal can be a big, welcome surprise.
Step 4: Decide the right time to propose
Christmas is a busy time, so it’s important to nail down when you think the right time to propose would be. If you do it in the morning, you’ll then have the whole of Christmas Day as an engaged couple. If you do it at night, it’ll be cosy and romantic. You also need to think about whether or not you want a public or private proposal, and if you want friends or family to be there the moment you get down on one knee.
Step 5: Think about the location
You know your partner best; where do you think they’d love for you to pop the question? At home as you’re opening presents from beneath the tree? At the dinner table before you tuck into your delicious Christmas lunch? Or might it be outside on a wintry walk, or at a family member’s house? Because a lot of places are closed on Christmas Day you won’t have quite as much choice as the rest of the year, but try to choose somewhere that has plenty of festive charm and an emotional connection.
Step 6: Make it extra Christmassy
One of the best things about getting engaged at Christmas is how fabulous and magical everything looks, from our carefully decorated trees at home to towns and cities awash with lights and colour. Make sure you use the beauty and fun of Christmas so your proposal stands out.
You don’t want an ‘off-the-shelf’ idea when it comes to proposing. Use what you know about your soon-to-be fiance, such as what they love and want from a proposal, and use as much as you can to personalise how you ask them. For example, if they love to crochet, why not present the ring in a small, crocheted Christmas stocking? Or include your pet in the proposal by looping the ring around its collar?
Think about what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it. You might want to write down a few things you want to say and commit them to memory. Or, you could just say whatever feels right in at the moment. Whatever you do, make sure it’s personal, from the heart and true to yourself.
Step 8: Have a backup plan
As much as you’ve meticulously planned your Christmas Day proposal, there’s always the chance that something gets in the way. If that happens, make sure you have a plan B in place so you can still have your Christmas engagement. This is doubly important if you plan on proposing outside!
Step 9: Capture the moment
When the time comes for you to ask the biggest question you might ever ask someone, make sure you capture the moment so you can share it with your friends and family. Thankfully, smartphones have great cameras and microphones, so all it takes is for you to prop it somewhere discreet, hit record, and then wait for exactly the right moment to get down on one knee.
If you’re proposing in public or surrounded by loved ones, you could ask someone to record the moment or take pictures, which makes for a fantastic way to look back on your big moment.
Step 10: Share the news
One of the great things about getting engaged at Christmas is there’s a good chance that you’ve already organised to spend time with family and friends, so you have a ready-made opportunity to tell them your amazing news.
We’ve already covered how amazing it can be to get engaged at Christmas. If you’re planning to pop the question this festive season, below are 10 tips to consider so your engagement is magical and memorable.
Make sure you’re confident that your partner is happy to share their engagement day with something as widely celebrated as Christmas.
Consider a private, personal and intimate proposal to make it extra special and romantic.
Use the natural beauty of Christmas time to your advantage.
Include Christmas in your proposal somehow, such as by asking carollers to sing your partner’s favourite Christmas carol as you pop the question.
Don’t pin all your hopes on the weather behaving itself. The last time the UK had a widespread white Christmas was in 2010, so the chances of waking up to a blanket of snow are small.
Don’t propose at Christmas just because. Make sure it’s something both you and your partner want to happen.
Plan, plan, plan.
Plan a plan B.
Set your phone to record, ask a friend or family member to take photos, or even hire an official photographer to capture the moment (although this might be rather expensive, especially on Christmas Day).
Enjoy the Christmas period and bask in the feeling of having a fiance! Soon, you’ll be so deep in wedding planning that your engagement will feel like a distant memory.
Get started on your wedding planning with Bridebook
After you get your YES on Christmas Day and you’ve shared the news with your loved ones, when January arrives you’ll probably want to start planning your big day. Sign up to Bridebook and get access to everything you could need to plan your perfect wedding.
Love is in the air for your favourite co-worker, and you’ve been invited to the big day. Whether you’ve shared an office space for years or you’ve just begun to forge a professional bond, being invited to celebrate this momentous occasion cements your friendship and deepens the connection you share.
But what’s the etiquette when it comes to writing a wedding message to a colleague? Do you keep it light and fun like you would for a friend, or more formal in tone like you would for a family member? It can be tricky to strike a balance between fun and professional when writing to a work colleague.
But, don’t stress— we’re here to help! Read on to learn all about how to write a wedding card message for a colleague, including some example wedding quotes you could include, and top tips for writing wedding card wishes.
A wedding card message is a simple but effective way to convey your congratulations to the happy couple on their big day. You can also express your gratitude at having been invited, and share happy memories from the time you’ve known them.
It’s best to follow a simple format. For example, a simple introduction, a wedding congratulations message, and a polite sign-off. This way, your wedding card remains professional and respectful.
It’s best to keep it simple when writing a wedding card to a colleague. Try using the following format:
A simple greeting
Although you can end up becoming very close to your work colleagues, to avoid any awkwardness in the office, it’s best to keep wedding cards friendly but professional. As a result, a simple greeting is your best bet when writing a wedding card to a work colleague.
Try something short and sweet like:
To [COUPLE’S NAMES]
Dear [TITLES AND SURNAMES]
If you’re not sure what titles to use, we have a handy section on wedding card writing etiquette in our post on what to write in a wedding card.
Wedding wishes or congratulations
Your wedding wishes and congratulations can be a little more creative, but it’s still best to err on the side of caution and keep any messages respectful and kind. Feel free to add a personal touch to your wishes, share anecdotes, and express your genuine happiness for the couple.
If you’re stuck on what to write, try using:
What an incredible journey you’re both starting on. Thank you for inviting me to be part of your special day.
What a beautiful day you’ve both shared. I wish you a lifetime of love, health, and happiness together.
Or, if you’re feeling a little cheeky, you could try:
Thank you for the party of a lifetime. Monday is going to be such a comedown after this!
Congratulations on a beautiful day! May your love be as everlasting as the office coffee supply and your happiness as endless as a Friday afternoon.
A heartfelt sign-off
The last part of your wedding card should include a sign-off from you and your plus one (if you had one!)
As with your greeting, keep it simple. Try using the following sign-offs:
Thank you again for inviting me/us. From, [NAMES]
All the best, [NAMES]
Be mindful of tone
It’s best to keep a formal tone in a wedding card to a colleague. Even if you’re close with your colleague, you don’t want a bad joke or an informal message to offend them accidentally and make Monday awkward!
Instead, a message of sincere congratulations and best wishes is the safest and most considerate choice in a professional setting.
Wedding card message structure
Check out the infographic below to help guide your writing:
Follow this general structure when composing your message
If you’re struggling with what to say and what to write, you can’t go wrong with someone else’s words! Try using a wedding or love quote from a poem or song. The beauty of this method is that you can tailor the quote to the couple’s personal interests.
Try using the below examples to get you started:
Wedding quotes from songs
“All you need is love.” – The Beatles
“Two hearts in love need no words.” – Marceline Desbordes-Valmore
“Love and marriage, love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage.” – Frank Sinatra, “Love and Marriage”
“Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you (TWO!)” – The Beatles, “Because”
Wedding quotes from poems
“Love is an endless act of forgiveness. Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom.” – Maya Angelou
“Two souls with but a single thought; two hearts that beat as one.” – John Keats
“Love sought is good, but given unsought is better.” – William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
“Love is most nearly itself when here and now cease to matter.” – T.S. Eliot
Wedding quotes from films
“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.” – The Notebook
“What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined for life… to strengthen each other… to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories.” – The Notebook
“When you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” – When Harry Met Sally
“Love, it never dies. It never goes away, it never fades, so long as you hang on to it.” – Moulin Rouge
Wedding pop culture quotes
“To infinity and beyond!” – Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story
“We are all a little weird, and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.” – Dr. Seuss
“True love stories never have endings.” – Richard Bach
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin
It’s easy to tell when a card was written at the last minute, or worse in the car on the way there! Sit down a few days before the wedding with a cup of tea and write your wedding card.
Don’t overthink it
Remember the cup of tea we mentioned earlier? It couldn’t take longer to write your card than it takes to drink a tea. Don’t overthink what you’re writing in your card. Keep it short and speak from the heart.
Think about your relationship
Although some work colleagues start to feel like family, you may not always work together. You want to leave a positive impression on your work colleague by leaving a positive message in their wedding card. Don’t overstep the mark and try to be too friendly, or include unprofessional inside jokes. Instead, keep it simple, friendly, and chilled.
Say thank you
Congratulate your colleague on their special day and thank them for inviting you at the same time. It’s fast, efficient, and saves you from needing to send two cards!
A wedding card to a colleague is a great way to express your gratitude for having been invited, your warmth, and your best wishes for their special day. The tone should be more formal than in a card to a family member or friend. However, you could include a fun quote about love from their favourite song, film, or pop-culture moment if you’re feeling creative.
The best advice is to write the card a few days beforehand, not to overthink it, and to say thank you! However, if you’re still feeling stuck, check out our post on what to include in a wedding card. We have some handy wedding card examples and top tips on card writing.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year. It’s full of joy, generosity and love, and it’s when we come together with our families to give gifts and enjoy each other’s company.
And when you’re sat in front of a crackling fire, surrounded by hundreds of twinkling lights and all cuddled up watching Christmas movies, it’s also a super romantic time of year. That’s why it’s a hugely popular time for couples to get engaged. So, if you’re considering asking your partner to marry you this Christmas Day, go for it!
But, what’s the best way to propose on Christmas Day? How can you use the festive period to your advantage to pop the question in the most memorable and romantic way?
In this post, we’re going to give you 12 Christmas Day proposal ideas so you can ask your beloved to marry you and have a festive season you’ll never forget.
Yes, Christmas Day is an exceptionally popular month for couples to get engaged. Our annual UK Wedding Report found that in 2021, more than a quarter (26%) of all engagements took place in December. Out of all the couples who got married in 2022, the top four most popular dates those couples got engaged on was 25th December in 2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
This might sound surprising, especially when you think about how Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve have romantic and mystical connections. But, there’s just something about the magic and warmth of Christmas, as well as the feelings of love and generosity at that time of year, that draw those looking to pop the question to this one special day. As the song goes, it’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Just because Christmas Day is the most popular day for a proposal doesn’t mean it’s something to steer clear of. Clearly, there’s something special about getting engaged at Christmas that makes it so appealing.
Whether or not you choose to propose on Christmas Day depends on you, your preferences, your plans for the day and your budget. Christmas is notoriously an expensive time of year, and with the average cost of an engagement ring being £1,978, you might not have the funds to spare for a festive proposal.
Proposals are usually romantic and intimate, and the hustle and bustle of a family Christmas can sometimes get in the way of one-on-one time. If you know you’re going to have your aunt and uncle around with their six kids, a proposal might not be quite as romantic as it would be if there weren’t excitable little ones running around.
It also depends on how you and your partner feel about Christmas. If you love Christmas, you might not want to share the date you got engaged with something as widely celebrated as Christmas. Or, perhaps that’s what makes it so special for you.
Whatever you choose to do, just make sure it’s right for you and your soon-to-be fiance.
For more information, read our post on how to propose on Christmas Day so you can make sure your magical proposal goes down without a hitch.
Why is Christmas Day such a great day for a proposal?
If you’re on the fence about proposing on Christmas Day, there are a bunch of reasons why it makes for such a brilliant day to ask one of the biggest questions of your life. Just some of the reasons why Christmas Day is a great day to propose on are:
It’s a magical time of year when people get together and give each other gifts. Why not make one of those gifts a sparkly ring, and the recipient the person you want to spend the rest of your life with?
Despite being the most popular date to get engaged on, it’s often not seen as cliché like Valentine’s Day or 29th February.
A lot of people have time off around Christmas, which gives you time to make sure everything’s perfect.
You might spend a lot of time around family and friends, which gives you a great opportunity to tell everyone your amazing news in person.
Christmas is hugely romantic with plenty of cosy nights in, amazing food and a drink or two to set the scene.
Is there anything more suitable for a proposal than a wintry walk across a snowy landscape? The weather might not always do what we want it to, but just imagine the photos if it did!
12 romantic Christmas Day proposal ideas
Get inspired by our top 12 Christmas Day proposal ideas
1. Pull a one-of-a-kind cracker
A popular Christmas tradition happens around the dinner table up and down the UK, in the form of pulling crackers to reveal a cheesy joke, a paper hat and a BANG! Except, why not ensure your entire Christmas goes with a bang by concealing an engagement ring inside your partner’s cracker? A few little cuts to weaken your side of the cracker will make sure your partner wins, then when they dig their hand inside to find the toy, they’ll receive a lot more than they were expecting.
2. Customise your partner’s advent calendar
If your partner has an advent calendar and loves tucking into a chocolate or little treat every day throughout December, why not customise your advent calendar this year so the 25th door has something extra special inside, in the form of a beautiful engagement ring? You could even build up to the big reveal and hide something personal or romantic behind every door throughout the month.
3. A Christmas pudding surprise
Traditionally, a sixpence used to be hidden inside a Christmas pudding, and whoever found it would have luck and happiness for the next year. Why not put a spin on this festive tradition and, instead of a sixpence, craftily conceal an engagement ring inside your partner’s pud instead? Just make sure it’s not too well hidden, because they might crack a tooth on a diamond if they don’t realise it’s there.
If your partner isn’t a fan of Christmas puds, a ring can just as easily be hidden in a mince pie, chocolate log or sherry trifle instead! Just make sure you have a cloth so you can give the ring a bit of a wipe before they put it on, or better yet hide the ring in a small, clear bag.
4. Get down on one knee in the snow
Christmas morning is a brilliant time for a walk. You’ve opened a few gifts, the potatoes are roasting in the oven and there’s a crisp layer of frost clinging to the leaves outside. Sounds like the perfect time to head out to your favourite spot to propose.
5. Use a custom Christmas card
You and your partner might exchange cards that have soppy messages inside and lots of hearts, but why not reserve another card to give to them on Christmas Day? Imagine their shock when they open the card and on the front it says, ‘Will you marry me?’ Then, they look up at you and you’re getting down on one knee with a ring in your hands. Bliss.
6. Use mistletoe to your advantage
Using mistletoe to grab a cheeky kiss with your partner is not exactly unheard of. But, you could ramp things up and, instead of just an ordinary kiss, you could use it as an opportunity to pop the question. They’ll never see it coming!
7. Hide an engagement ring inside a bauble
When the time comes to put up your Christmas tree, why not hide your engagement ring in plain sight inside a bauble? That way, your partner will spend weeks with the ring right there, but with no clue what you’re about to do. Then, when the moment’s just right, hand it over to them and change both your lives forever.
8. A present inside a present inside a present…
This one is really annoying, but if the two of you have a playful relationship it can be a lot of fun. Wrap the ring box in boxes that get progressively bigger, so to get to the centre they have to unwrap present after present. It’s funny and frustrating, but once they get to the ring that’ll all be forgotten and it’ll definitely be worth it.
9. Ask them with Christmas lights
You could wake up early on Christmas morning and sneak downstairs in true Father Christmas style so you can make use of some spare fairy lights. If you tape or pin them carefully to the wall, you can spell out WILL YOU MARRY ME? in beautiful, twinkling lettering. Think of it a bit light Stranger Things, but a lot more romantic.
10. Get kids or pets to help
If you have kids or pets, recruit them as Santa’s little helpers and include them in your proposal. You could slip a baby grow onto a little one that says something like. ‘Mummy, will you marry Daddy?’ or loop a ring around a bow that’s tied around your beloved dog’s collar.
11. Spell it out with Christmas cookies or cake
There’s nothing quite like Christmas cake, cookies or gingerbread men at Christmas. With some extra icing and a talent for decoration, you could ask your partner to marry you spelled out on a festive treat.
12. Christmas morning breakfast in bed
A surprise breakfast in bed is a lovely way to wake up on Christmas morning, but you know what can make pastries, fresh fruit and orange juice even nicer before opening some gifts? A lovely engagement ring sitting right there on the napkins.
Alternatively, many couples gift each other a stocking at Christmas, which is a lovely way to give each other smaller presents that they may open in bed. As part of this, include the engagement ring at the bottom of your partner’s stocking to give them an unforgettable start to Christmas.
If you propose early, you can then spend the whole of Christmas day as an engaged couple!
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If you’ve recently made the decision that you’re ready to propose to your partner, there will probably be a million questions zipping around inside your mind. When is the best time to propose? How do you propose? Will you get down on one knee? What type of ring should you propose with?
Another question you’ll no doubt have is how do you find out the size of your partner’s ring finger without them figuring out that you’re going to propose? It’s unlikely that your sleight of hand skills rival that of a magician, so how are you supposed to find out the right ring size without giving the whole game away?
Well, thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can craftily and covertly discover the size of your partner’s ring finger while making sure they’re none the wiser.
In this guide, we’ll run down the ways you can use your wit and creativity to find out the right size to choose. That way, you can plan the perfect proposal without worrying about whether or not it’ll be a surprise or the ring will slip right off their finger!
Do you need to be secretive when planning a proposal?
Many people like to be as secretive as possible when planning their proposal to make sure their partner is shocked, surprised and delighted when they get down on one knee to ask them one of the biggest questions of their lives.
But, whether you choose to do this or not depends entirely on you and your future fiance. When the time comes for you to propose, you’ve probably had marriage- and proposal-related conversations, so you’ll know a thing or two about what your partner would like. If they’ve expressed how they’d like a proposal to be a surprise, then you might want to do everything you can to keep it all on the down low – and that starts by secretly finding out the size of their ring finger.
But, it may also depend on your budget and the time you have before your planned proposal. If you have time, you can afford to play the long game. If you only have a couple of weeks, you might not have the time to be as low-key as you’d like.
Is it hard to work out the size of your partner’s ring finger?
With a little patience and creativity, it’s completely possible to find out your partner’s ring finger without making them gasp with excitement every time you bend down to tie your shoe.
If you’ve talked a lot about getting engaged recently, then you’re suddenly asking them about their ring size, they might start to wonder. If time’s on your side, you can find out their ring finger and then give it a few months before proposing, which should be enough time for them to have pushed those conversations to the back of their mind.
Do you need to find out your partner’s ring size to propose?
No, if you can’t find out your partner’s exact ring size before you propose, it’s not the end of the world. But, if you can, you’ll want to do what you can to make sure it fits. After you’ve got down on one knee and your partner has said ‘Yes!’ one of the first things high on your list of things to do after your engagement is tell your friends and family. To do that, your new fiance will no doubt want to flash their new ring around like it’s going out of fashion (it won’t of course), which they can only do if it fits nicely.
But don’t worry, if it doesn’t fit perfectly you can take the ring to a jewellers to be resized. Some jewellers even include this as a perk when you buy an engagement ring from them. But, it might take a few weeks before you get it back unless you pay a premium.
Is it better to propose with a ring that’s too small or too big?
If you really are struggling to nail down your partner’s ring size, it’s best to go slightly larger than slightly smaller. Because, just imagine if you get down on one knee, ask ‘Will you marry me?’ then you slip the ring on their finger and it won’t go past their first knuckle. Devastating.
If a ring is slightly too big, it will at least go on their finger at the all-important moment. Your fiance can then wear a ring stopper or adjuster to make sure it doesn’t slip off their finger and get lost (but, it is worth insuring an engagement ring just in case).
Then, once you’ve shared the news about your engagement with your loved ones (and taken those all-important engagement photos for social media) you can have your partner’s ring finger properly sized and send the ring to be resized.
10 ways to secretly measure your partner’s ring finger
Excited to propose to your partner but want to be as secretive and low-key as possible to keep it all a surprise? Here are 10 ways to measure your partner’s ring finger while making sure you don’t spoil the surprise.
1. Have a peek at your partner’s existing rings
Dig through your partner’s jewellery box to find a ring they might usually wear. If they don’t wear a ring on the ring finger of their left hand, do they wear one on the same finger on their right hand? Both fingers will be very similar in size, if not identical. If they wear a ring on this finger, perfect! Just measure the diameter, draw around the inside of the ring on a piece of paper, or use a ring sizer (they cost about £5 on Amazon). Then all you have to do is give this information to the jeweller when browsing for rings and they’ll do the rest.
2. Take your partner’s ring to a jewellers
If you’ve found one of your partner’s rings which you think is the right size, simply take it along to your local jewellers and they can accurately measure it for you (so long as your partner won’t realise it’s missing for a day or so). It doesn’t even need to be the store you intend to buy the ring from, but they’ll have the equipment needed to accurately measure it. Then, take the ring back and leave it where you found it. The perfect crime!
3. Use a ring sizer
As mentioned above, buying a ring sizer off Amazon can be super cheap, with many decent ones costing around £5. It may be another expense (on top of the £1,978 average couples spend on engagement rings in the UK) but it can mean you avoid having to pay to have the ring resized later on.
If your partner is a heavy sleeper (or you can be really quiet) wait for them to nod off then crack out your new purchase. It might take a few goes, but you can test different ring sizes on their ring finger to find the perfect size. Then, they’ll be kept in the dark but you can choose the perfect ring in the perfect size.
4. Use string, a pen and a tape measure
If you can’t get hold of a ring sizer, you can take the same steps as above but use a piece of string, a pen and a tape measure instead.
Once your partner’s asleep, wrap some string around their finger and use a pen to put a mark on the string where it meets in the middle. Just make sure you don’t wrap it too tight or too loose. You can then measure the distance between the two pen marks, or take it to a jewellers to measure for you.
5. Ask friends or family to get involved
If you have close friends or family who you think would be willing to help you out (and you trust not to give away the secret), there are ways they can find out your partner’s ring size for you. First, you could ask them to offer your partner their ring to try on. If it first perfectly the first time, great! If it’s a little too tight or too loose, you could go up a size or two.
Another way is to ask one of their friends to arrange a shopping trip. As part of that, they could go into a jewellers for a spot of browsing, then measure their ring fingers for fun. Your partner might have a giggle about it, completely oblivious to the fact that their friend or family member is in on it.
Or, why not simply ask someone else to ask your partner what their ring size is? If they’ve spent time browsing jewellery in the past, there’s every chance they measured their ring finger just to see. Then, all they have to do is pass this information on to you. Just be aware that if they measured their finger a long time ago, there’s every chance it will have changed.
6. Just ask… but playfully
If you’re at the stage when you’re considering proposing, you and your partner have no doubt discussed getting married. Maybe it’s even something you talk about regularly. Next time it comes up, and if you think you can get away with it, why not simply ask in a matter-of-fact way? ‘Do you even know your ring size, anyway?’ They might know and decide to tell you, saving you a tricky job.
7. Say you’re buying a ring for someone else
If there’s someone in your family with a birthday on the horizon, why not suggest buying them a ring as a gift? Take your partner along with you for their advice, and ask them to model the ring to help you make your decision. If you do it right, and you’re not too obvious, it can be a subtle way to discover their ring size.
8. Play the long game with a promise ring
Before they get engaged, many couples use a promise ring to symbolise their love and commitment to each other. A promise ring is usually worn on the ring finger, which is a brilliant way you can find out their size. When you buy your promise rings, make a note of the size so you can come back to it later.
Or, why not go shopping for promise rings and measure both of your ring fingers? Make an excuse about not finding the perfect rings and you’ll try again another day. Then, go back to the jewellers and buy an engagement ring which is exactly the right size.
9. Compare with your own fingers
This one isn’t ideal, but try comparing your ring finger to your partner’s. If they’re similar in size, you might be able to get away with measuring your own at the jewellers. You could even see if any of your partner’s rings fit your own ring finger. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than simply guessing if you can’t get away with any other method.
10. Show an experienced jeweller a picture of your partner’s hand
This is another less-than-perfect way to find out your partner’s ring size, but still better than nothing. That being said, some experienced and talented jewellers can make a fairly accurate, educated guess about the size of someone’s ring finger purely by eye. Even better if you can take a photograph with something of a standard size next to their hand so they can get a good sense of scale. Just don’t expect your jeweller to get it exactly right.
Start planning your wedding with Bridebook
Once you’ve found the perfect ring that is exactly the perfect size thanks to our handy guide, you’re ready to propose. Then, once you have your YES, you and your new fiance can begin planning the most amazing wedding together right here on Bridebook.
Your engagement party is your chance to set your creativity loose and have some fun before you get stuck into the nitty gritty world of wedding planning. Couples are often a lot more relaxed when it comes to planning an engagement party as they’re often not quite as formal as the wedding itself, which means you have the opportunity to go to town and throw any type of bash you like.
As part of that, you can be as imaginative and as unique as you like with your engagement party decorations. Whether you want to go all out and immerse your guests in a different world, or keep things subtle with a few floral notes and balloons, you’re free to do whatever you want.
But where do you start? What should you think about before adding items to your online shopping basket? What decor is considered an engagement party must-have? In this post, we’ll go over everything you need to know when decorating your engagement party to make sure you have everything you need for the perfect celebration.
Whether or not you have decor at your engagement party is purely down to you, your preferences and tastes, and your budget. The engagement party is just one expense of many during the journey towards your wedding, so you might want to keep the costs related to your engagement party on the smaller side. After all, the average cost of a wedding is £19,184, which is a heck of a lot of money for most people.
But, it’s not like you’re hosting just another party. It’s your engagement party – an excuse to push the boat out a little and make it something your guests will remember.
It also depends on the theme of your party. If you’re going hard on the theme, like Mardi Gras or Casino night, you’ll need plenty of decorations to get the immersion you’re going for. If you’re going for a style or theme that’s a little more relaxed, like a garden barbecue or beach party, you can get away with using far fewer decorations – or even none at all. Do what’s best for you, your preferences and the money you have to spare – and think a little bit about the overall experience of your guests too.
What should you think about before buying your engagement party decorations?
Once you’ve decided to throw an engagement party it can be super easy to start buying everything you can think of that has Mr, Mrs, We’re engaged, or I said yes! on it. If this is you, and you’re sat waiting for the Amazon delivery driver as you read this, that’s absolutely fine. But, before you get too carried away, there are a few things you should think about first.
What’s the theme of your engagement party?
Your chosen theme will be one of the main driving factors behind the decorations you buy. For example, if you order a lovely floral welcome sign but then decide to have a Hollywood red carpet-themed party, you might start to wonder if you should have switched the floral sign for one themed to a vanity mirror.
What’s the budget for your engagement party?
With your upcoming wedding, you probably won’t want to spend too much on your engagement party – and that includes your decor. When it comes to weddings, couples spend an average of £1,000 on professionally-sourced decor, so you might not want to spend anything close to this for your engagement party. Whatever budget you set aside, make sure you know what you have before you make your first purchase.
Where are you hosting your engagement party?
The amount of decor you go for is also influenced by your chosen venue. If you’re hosting a party at home or the home of a relative, you can probably get away with having just a few simple decorations. If you have a set theme and you’ve hired a venue, you might want to dedicate a portion of your budget to decor so that the theme comes across clearly. The bigger the venue, the more you’re likely to spend on decorations.
Depending on the theme of your engagement party, there are loads of different decorations you could pick up, whether it’s something for the tables, something to hang on the walls or ceilings, or something unique and eye-catching that makes for a great photo opportunity.
But, regardless of your theme and whether or not you have a lot of budget to play with, some decorations are considered essential by many couples. Below are eight decorations that are perfect for every engagement party.
Party balloons. Nothing screams party time quite like balloons. The best part is, balloons come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours, and can feature designs personalised to you and your theme.
Welcome sign. Greet your guests to your party with a welcome sign that lets them know they’ve come to the right place.
Centrepieces and name cards. If you’re hosting a meal or have any kind of table plan, table centrepieces and name cards are a must-have. You’ll also want a chalkboard or easel so your guests know exactly where to sit.
Unique lighting. Create a warm and welcoming ambience with unique lighting, such as candles, fairy lights or lanterns.
Flowers. You might not want to fill your venue with them, but one or two flower arrangements remind your guests they’re there to celebrate your love.
Banners. Banners let everyone know you’re getting married and are fairly affordable. If banners don’t suit your theme, some lovely bunting will also do the trick.
Confetti/petals. Add a little more of a romantic feel with some confetti or petals.
Guest book. Make sure you have a guest book so your friends and family can leave you messages of congratulations.
Depending on your chosen venue, or whether or not your engagement party (either in part or completely) takes part outside, you should carefully consider what kind of lighting you want to use at your engagement party.
Rainbow lights. In the right setting, colourful lighting can work very nicely. After all, it would be weird to have an 80s disco theme and not have a thousand colours lighting up the dancefloor.
Candles/lanterns. Choose soft, warm lighting to create a warm and romantic atmosphere. Candles and lanterns will cast dancing shadows as they gently flicker, while candelabras make for great table centrepieces (and you can pick up candles to put in them for next to nothing.
A bonfire. If you’re outside and in a safe location, a bonfire will create a brilliant atmosphere with the added bonus of your guests being able to make s’mores.
Fairy lights. Fairy lights are useful for adding a touch of magic and whimsy – the great thing is, battery-powered fairy lights are also fairly inexpensive. You might also get away with busting out the Christmas lights to wrap around doorframes or the edge of a table.
Spotlights/projections. If you want to go all out, spotlights are brilliant for making a statement and will light the outside of your venue for all to see. Similarly, projections can turn the outside of your home into whatever you like – make it rain confetti, turn it into a living Van Gogh painting or simply play a movie to keep the kids entertained.
Can you make your own engagement party decorations?
Yes, making your own engagement party decorations might take a little time and effort, but it can help you save a lot of money and still give you fantastic, personalised decor. If you and your partner are crafty, it’s a great way to spend time together while you chat about your plans for the engagement party and beyond.
5 DIY engagement party decoration ideas
Here are just a few ideas for engagement party decor you can make yourself, even if you’re not particularly arty.
Banners and signage made from a chalkboard, wood or card. If you’re not comfortable using paint, stencils are cheap and offer a professional finish.
Paper flowers are dead easy and quick to make and there are plenty of video tutorials available on YouTube. Any type of origami makes for a unique decoration, and you should be able to find designs related to you and your interests.
A nest of fairy lights inside a jar or vase takes almost no effort but looks fantastic.
Dig through old photos or print off a few at home to create a collage of memories.
Table numbers made using découpage are simple and look great even if you don’t have any experience.
When you’re ready to buy and make decorations for your engagement party, make sure you think about the below tips to make the most of your budget and have a fabulously on-theme bash.
Choose your theme but don’t feel the need to stick to it too strictly. Even a loose theme can work wonders.
Set your budget and don’t be tempted to overspend. Think about the end goal: hosting an amazing wedding with everything and everyone you want.
Make what you can yourself to save even just a little bit of money.
One or two floral arrangements in a carefully selected spot can have a big impact and save you the need to spend hundreds on flowers.
Ask family and friends if they have any old decorations stored in the attic or away in a drawer somewhere that they wouldn’t mind you borrowing.
Bigger doesn’t always mean better. You might want to go big for your engagement party, but why not save it for the wedding itself?
Make sure you test any lighting you have before the night of the party. The last thing you want is duff bulbs, dead batteries or blown fuses as your guests start to arrive.
If you’ve hired a venue, ask them what kind of decor they might have that you can utilise. Consider hiring a venue with its own natural beauty to keep any decor costs to a minimum.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help – when it comes to your wedding, plenty of people can find a way to lend a hand.
Introduce personalisations in cost-effective ways, such as using decor with your initials rather than your whole name. They’ll be easier to find and likely a lot cheaper too.
Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook
After you’ve thrown the most amazing engagement party, it’s time to organise your wedding in earnest. Sign up to Bridebook today to plan your perfect big day.
From the moment you get engaged, you’ll be just about ready to burst with excitement and tell everyone you know as quickly as you can. You’ll be so excited, you may even be tempted to scream it from the rooftops (don’t worry, that’s one idea that doesn’t feature on our list).
The easiest thing to do is start calling and texting everyone – and while everyone will no doubt be excited to hear your news, there are ways you can go about it to add a little pizzazz to your major bit of news. From roping in your pet to hiring a flash mob, there are loads of unique, creative and fun ways you can tell the world about your engagement.
So, in this post, we’re going to do exactly that. We’ll cover the best time to announce your engagement and offer you plenty of ideas for how you can go about the big reveal.
Once you’re engaged, you’ll be hit with dozens of things to do as you embark on the road towards your wedding. But, the first thing you and your new fiance should talk about after getting engaged is how you might want to reveal the news to your friends and family. Once you’ve figured that out, you can work on the when.
For example, if you can’t wait any longer and you have to tell them now, then a phone call is more than okay. But, if you’re into a bit of showmanship, you can hold onto the news for a few more days and plan something a little more unique.
Whatever you plan to do, we always recommend that your closest family should be among those you tell first. Then, wider family and friends, including those you want to be part of your wedding squad.
Sure, you could just pop around to your parents’ house and flash them your brand-new ring. You could send a casual announcement via emoji in the group chat. You could give your Nan a ring and tell her the great news.
But where’s the fun in that?
Okay, so there’s no wrong or bad way to tell your loved ones that you’re engaged. But how you decide to drop the news is entirely up to you. If you want to make your announcement one that people will remember forever, there are plenty of ways you can do that too.
So, here are 20 unique ways you can announce your engagement.
Many couples love to mark their engagement by organising a photoshoot. That may not be the most creative idea ever, but it’s what you do on the shoot that you can have fun with. Why not visit a castle or a fun fair or make pottery together like in Ghost? Your engagement photos are a great way to showcase your personalities and drop some hints about the theme of your future wedding.
For many of us, our pets are a huge part of our family, so including them in your engagement announcement helps keep them part of the celebrations. Whether it’s including them in a snap you upload to social media or asking them to bring your parents a note that says, ‘Mum and Dad are getting married’, there are plenty of ways you can rope in your pet. If you have a pet snake, why not let it model your engagement ring for some truly ssspecial photographs?
Many people get tattoos to mark special memories, interests and loves. Why not get the date you got engaged as matching tattoos, then casually show friends and family your new ink? Tattoos would also look great if you decided to get engagement photos taken, with a couple of close-up shots to show them off.
Involving loved ones in your announcement can be a lot of fun. For example, why not ask your best man to come with you to tell your parents, but dressed in a smart suit so you can drop the news when someone asks why he’s overdressed? If the two of you already have kids, a t-shirt that says ‘future page boy’ or ‘future flower girl’ can be a cute way for the grandkids to reveal the news to Nan and Grandad.
5. Give family a personalised Christmas decoration
If you got engaged around Christmas, why not give close family a personalised Christmas ornament that announces your engagement? That way, it’s a gift and a lovely piece of news all in one!
If you got engaged in a public space, then chances are someone got the proposal on film. You may have even asked someone to record it ahead of time. Why not post the video to social media and watch the likes roll in?
You might even want to take some inspiration from celebrity proposals, with loads of big names sharing the moment they got down on one knee for the whole world to see.
We’ve all seen photos of hands proudly showing off a shiny new rock. Why not do the reverse of that and share a photo of your hand without the ring, with the caption ‘something is missing from this photo’. It’ll get people wondering what it is, then BOOM – post a follow-up picture saying FOUND IT, complete with the ring in full view.
If you and your family are fans of game nights, why not put together a personalised quiz? Make each of the questions about you and how you met, and have the answers spell out something like ‘WE’RE ENGAGED’ as the icing on the cake.
If you’re up for a cheesy announcement, why not get matching t-shirts or jumpers that say ‘she said yes’ and ‘I said yes’, or that simply say ‘husband’ or ‘wife’ on them? You could even get them as matching pyjamas for extra cosiness.
Instead of outright telling your loved ones you’re engaged, why not drip-feed them information and drop hints so they can work it out for themselves? Share a snap of the two of you enjoying a coffee together – is that the sparkle of a ring next to the mug? No, it can’t be… it is!
Instead of an engagement photoshoot, why not commission your favourite artist to draw or paint the two of you with the engagement ring taking centre stage? Not only can you use it as part of your announcement, but it’ll be a lovely piece you can hang up in your living room afterwards.
Engagement parties are fairly common, but they’re traditionally thrown by the bride’s family. Why not ignore tradition and throw a bash so you can tell all your family and friends the great news together? Just imagine balloons and bunting hanging from the walls revealing, ‘she said yes’, or a cake with two sugarcraft figures on top, with one getting down on one knee to propose to the other. We guarantee you won’t have to buy your own drinks all night.
If you have a smartphone, you have everything you need to create a cinematic announcement. You could piece shots together to create a trailer for a fake movie, which then ends with a wedding COMING SOON. You could even upload it to YouTube or TikTok, or if you’re feeling particularly brave, ask your local cinema to show it before a private film screening where you invite your family and friends.
There’s nothing quite as romantic as announcing you’re engaged, and what better way to deliver that message than via one of the most romantic forms of communication? A lovely handwritten note will also make for a wonderful little keepsake for your loved ones.
If you have a little budget to spare (which might not be likely with a wedding to plan) or you’re friends with some theatre types, an extravagant flash mob is a brilliant and energetic way to let people know you’re engaged.
If you consider yourself a writer, why not get a head start on your love story and write a romantic tale about two people who met, fell in love and got engaged? Sites like Amazon KDP make it easy to self-publish a book. You could even create a unique cover and have cheap copies printed to hand out to family and friends.
If you don’t think your creative writing skills can stretch to a short story, why not have a go at writing a Haiku? A Haiku is a short-form poem with just three lines, where the first and last line have five syllables and the second has seven syllables. Something like this is all it takes (feel free to use this one if you’re struggling to write your own!):
This one’s a classic, but a photo with the two of you and the ring on show will always go down well. It’s also one of the only times you can take a single photo and not have to caption it to tell a story. You can let the ring do all the talking as your friends and family go crazy the moment it hits social media or the group chat.
If you’re not one to shy away from getting yourself out there, there’s no better way to tell your family (and a large part of your local community) the news than by hiring an advertising billboard. For around £350, you could be the talk of the whole town by letting everyone know the two of you are getting married!
Start planning your wedding with Bridebook
After announcing your engagement it’s time to get started with planning your big day. Sign up to Bridebook today to use our free wedding planning tools and resources.
Your wedding day is one of the greatest moments in your life. It’s a celebration of love and commitment, and finding the perfect venue sets the tone for the entire event. While grand ballrooms and fancy destinations have their appeal, there’s something magical about choosing a smaller, more local wedding venue. In this post, we explore the benefits of choosing an intimate setting for your big day, from affordability to on-site accommodation.
One of the biggest advantages of choosing a smaller, local wedding venue is the cost. These venues often offer competitive pricing compared to larger, grander venues. With a more modest guest capacity, you can trim down your guest list to include only your closest family and friends, which can save a considerable amount on catering, decor and other expenses.
Smaller wedding venues create an intimate and cosy atmosphere that larger venues can struggle to replicate. Imagine exchanging your vows surrounded by the people who mean the most to you, without the vastness of a cavernous hall. The closeness of your loved ones creates a warm and inviting ambiance, ensuring that every moment feels personal and special.
Local venues often cater to fewer events at a time, allowing their staff to dedicate more time and attention to your big day. You’ll likely receive more personalised service and flexibility in tailoring the arrangements to suit your preferences. Smaller venues can accommodate specific requests that larger wedding venues may find more challenging to fulfil.
Many smaller, local wedding venues are nestled in picturesque settings, boasting breathtaking outdoor spaces. From charming gardens to quaint courtyards, these venues offer natural backdrops that enhance the beauty of your ceremony and wedding photos.
Opting for a smaller venue with on-site accommodation can hugely simplify your wedding day logistics. It provides a convenient solution for both you and your guests, removing the need for transportation to and from separate locations. Plus, it extends the celebration, allowing you to spend more quality time with your loved ones over the wedding weekend.
By choosing a smaller, local wedding venue, you contribute to the community and support local businesses. These venues are often family-owned or run by passionate individuals dedicated to creating a memorable experience for couples tying the knot. Your wedding becomes an opportunity to give back to the neighbourhood and make a positive impact.
Find your dream venue on Bridebook
Don’t underestimate the charm and advantages of smaller, local wedding venues. From cost savings to a more intimate and personalised experience, these venues offer unique perks that can make your special day even more memorable. Take your time to explore the options in your area, and you may just find a hidden gem that captures the spirit of your love story.
If you’re looking for some top wedding planning tips, there’s nothing like the expertise from a real wedding professional. We spoke to Yasmin Downing, the passionate florist behind Yasmin Downing Floral Design, who specialises in combining modern elements with timeless tradition to create the perfect aesthetic. In her own words: “Since opening a dried flower business during the pandemic, I found my life’s passion in floristry. Having been mentored 1:1 by Master Florists, whilst building a portfolio working on real-life weddings, photoshoots, commercial projects and television, I have brought my skills and experience to a professional level.” Yasmin has also appeared on the BBC’s Ultimate Wedding Planner as one of eight aspiring contestants.
This can avoid awkward “I forgot Uncle Pete” moments and also covers you if you have a boisterous groom who breaks his buttonhole before your photos (Yasmin has actually had this happen!).
2. Have an “emergency” kit
Your wedding emergency kit should include all the things you won’t know you’ll need until you need them (check out our bridal SOS kit post for more information). Yasmin suggests:
White cotton
Chewing gum
Needle
Toothpick
Elastic bands
Flower pins
Floss
Hairband
Bobby pin
Painkillers
Nail glue
Lash glue
Tweezers
Plasters
3. Think about your shoes
If you’re going to be wearing high heels on your wedding day, and taking them off isn’t an option for you, Yasmin recommends taking a couple of paracetamol to pre-empt the pain.
4. Cover yourself in SPF
If you’re like the majority of couples who opt for a spring or summer wedding, be sure to cover yourself in SPF 50. This will make sure you don’t end up pink by 3 PM, Yasmin explains.
5. Protect your skin from clothing marks
Remember to protect your skin from anything that might mark your skin, Yasmin suggests. This includes any socks, bra or wrist hairbands that can dig into your skin.
6. Burn your ribbon ends
If you’ve having satin ribbon on your bouquets, Yasmin recommends burning the end of the ribbon to get a nice polished edge. This will prevent it from fraying throughout the day.
7. Opt for seasonal blooms
Choose flowers that are in season to keep your budget down. Out of season florals have to be imported, Yasmin explains, which can significantly bump up the cost.
8. Consider your dressing area
Ensure that where you get ready is big enough for your whole party. Get lots of mirrors ready as there will be a few of you trying to check yourselves out. Yasmin suggests you pick somewhere with easy parking and access. You don’t want to spend the morning directing people to your location!
9. Factor in a break
Yasmin recommends that you plan in a 20-minute “break” from the day so you and your new spouse can have a moment away from everyone to simply reflect and take it in.
10. Put you and your partner first
Remember that at the end of the day the only thing that truly matters is you and your partner. In Yasmin’s own words: ‘Don’t give a sh*t about ensuring your guests are happy all day. There’s booze and food, so they’ll be fine. Just make sure the two of you are having a great time.”
Want more expert advice and inspiration like this? Then sign up to Bridebook today. When it comes to joyful and stress-free wedding planning, we’ve got you covered.
Your big day is approaching – the happiest day of your life! You’ve organised the wedding favours, your bridesmaids are suited and booted, and you’ve got your something old, new, borrowed, and blue. All the “i”s are dotted, and all the “t”s are crossed. Just one thing remains – are you going to make a speech?
While untraditional when compared to a father of the bride’s speech or the groom’s speech, the bride’s speech can be a real tear-jerker. It’s a moment of pure happiness when the bride gets to share her thoughts, gratitude, and love with everyone gathered to witness your special day.
In this post, we explore what the bride should include in their wedding speech, the structure of a great speech, and some top tips to help you nail your delivery. Listen up, future brides! This one’s for you.
The bride’s speech is a heartfelt and personal speech made by the bride during their wedding reception. It’s the perfect opportunity to thank your bridal party, parents, and guests for their support leading up to the wedding and throughout your life.
The bride’s speech is non-traditional, but future brides should seriously consider incorporating a bride’s speech into the wedding speech order. It’s a chance to not only express gratitude but also to share your own journey, hopes, and dreams with those who have gathered to celebrate your special day.
When writing your bride’s speech, you might want to consider including the following key elements:
Acknowledge your partner. This is the perfect opportunity to address your new spouse. Let them know how happy you are to have them by your side, reflect on your journey together, and express excitement for the future ahead of you.
The stresses of wedding planning. Although planning a wedding can be stressful, it’s all over now! Share a few funny anecdotes or stumbling blocks when wedding planning, or even tell the guests about any plans that went totally haywire! It all worked out in the end, so no harm done.
A recap of your vows. Although you’ve just delivered them, consider giving a recap on your vows to remind your new spouse about your promises and dedications. Share your dreams for your shared future and remind them how loved they will be every day.
Thank your guests. Express your deep gratitude to all your friends, family, and loved ones for joining you on your special day. These people have watched your love story from the very start, and this day marks an important milestone in your journey. Their presence here is a testament to the love and support that surrounds you both as you step into this new chapter of your lives.
The great thing about the bride’s speech is that it isn’t bound by tradition. There are no expectations or traditional framework, which means you can put your own special spin on the speech and create a heartfelt moment that reflects who you are as a person and as a couple.
However, following a loose structure can help you feel more confident. Try using the below speech structure to help you get started:
Introduction
The first step of a speech is to greet all your guests with a warm welcome. Thank them all for attending your special day, for listening attentively to all the speeches, and for waiting so patiently for the wedding breakfast!
Share your gratitude
Take a moment to thank everyone who played a role in your journey – your family, friends, and of course your partner and the suppliers who made your big day possible. Share why each person is important to you and how they’ve contributed to your love story as well as the wedding itself.
Stories about wedding planning
Wedding planning is challenging – there’s no doubt about it. However, now that’s firmly in the rearview mirror, it’s the perfect time to share any funny stories or anecdotes you encountered while planning the big day. Share any hiccups with a pinch of irony and a big smile and thank your bridal party for their support through every twist and turn.
Thank your bridesmaids and maid of honour
This is the perfect segue into thanking your bridesmaids and maid of honour for their unwavering support during this process. Thank them for being your pillars of strength, for keeping you smiling, and sharing a laugh with you throughout the process.
Acknowledge your work
Don’t forget to acknowledge all the hard work you’ve done, too! Planning a wedding is a huge achievement, and you should be proud of yourself for all the hard work you’ve put in. Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back, and take pride in the beautiful day you’ve created.
Toast
Finally, it’s time for a toast! Ask your guests to raise their glasses to you and your new spouse. Here’s to health, love, and happiness. Cheers!
Bride’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:
Use this bride speech template to guide your writing
Speak clearly, slowly, and confidently. Don’t rush through the speech due to nerves or skip over parts you’ve rehearsed. Instead, take a deep breath, look around the room as you speak, and give the audience time to absorb your words.
Body language
Pay attention to your body language and gestures while delivering your speech. Stand up straight with your shoulders back, maintain eye contact, smile, and use hand gestures as you talk to emphasise your points and make you appear more confident.
Practice makes perfect
Rehearse your speech multiple times. Practice with trusted friends, in front of the mirror, or even record yourself to watch back if necessary. Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback to help you improve.
As difficult as it may be to relax, remember – everyone there knows you and loves you. You’re in front of the best audience you possibly could be, so take a deep breath, savour the moment, and let your words flow naturally as you tell all your guests how much you’re enjoying your big day. You’ve got this!
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out our top 10 examples of great bridal speech ideas! 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.
Speech Example 1: Our Shared Journey
Introduction: “Hello everyone! I’m [your name], and I can’t express how grateful [partner’s name] and I are to have you all here celebrating this incredible day with us.”
Share your gratitude: “Before we dive into the fun stories, I want to thank each and every one of you. Our families, friends, and loved ones – you’ve been our pillars of strength, and your presence today means the world to us.”
Stories about wedding planning: “Now, let’s talk about wedding planning. They say it’s a rollercoaster, but I’m pretty sure rollercoasters don’t come with seating charts! I’ll never forget the day I spent hours debating between rose gold and blush napkins, only for [partner’s name] to tell me they looked the same. But hey, at least I’m now a napkin colour expert!”
Thank your bridesmaids and maid of honour: “I’m blessed to have the most incredible bridesmaids and my rockstar maid of honour, [maid of honour’s name]. From helping me pick out dresses to calming me down during those last-minute jitters, you’ve made this journey unforgettable.”
Acknowledge your work: “And speaking of journeys, planning this wedding has been a ride. I never thought I’d be a wedding-planner-in-training, but here I am, a proud graduate! And [partner’s name], thank you for being my partner through every decision, debate, and DIY disaster.”
Toast: “So, here’s to us – to the journey we’ve taken, the love we’ve built, and the adventure that lies ahead. May our laughter be never-ending, our love ever-growing, and our napkin colour choices always clear. Cheers!”
Speech Example 2: Love Beyond Borders
Introduction: “Hello, everyone! I’m [your name], and I’m overjoyed to see all your smiling faces here as we celebrate the love between [partner’s name] and me.”
Share your gratitude: “Thank you for being a part of our story, for witnessing our journey, and for surrounding us with your warmth and love.”
Stories about wedding planning: “Wedding planning brought us laughter, tears, and even a few hilarious mishaps. Who knew that choosing between wedding cake flavors could be so challenging? But, in the end, it’s been a beautiful adventure we wouldn’t trade for the world.”
Thank your bridesmaids and maid of honour: “My wonderful bridesmaids and my incredible maid of honour, [maid of honour’s name], have been my backbone throughout this journey. From dress fittings to dance rehearsals, you’ve made every moment unforgettable.”
Acknowledge your work: “Planning a wedding is like building a puzzle – every piece has its place. And [partner’s name], you’ve been my partner in every decision and late-night DIY project. You’re the reason why our wedding is not just a day, but a reflection of our love.”
Toast: “To the pieces that make up our beautiful puzzle – our families, friends, and all the memories we’ve created. Here’s to us, to love that knows no borders, and to the chapters we’re about to write together. Cheers!”
Speech Example 3: The Adventure of Us
Introduction: “Hello, everyone! I’m [your name], and it fills my heart with joy to see you all gathered here to celebrate the love story of [partner’s name] and me.”
Share your gratitude: “Thank you for being here, for supporting us, and for being a part of this incredible journey. Your presence makes our day even more special.”
Stories about wedding planning: “Wedding planning, they say, is a glimpse into married life – compromise, laughter, and a few unexpected surprises. Like the time we couldn’t agree on the playlist and had a dance-off to decide. [Partner’s name] won that one, but I’ve got the moves for our next adventure!”
Thank your bridesmaids and maid of honour: “My bridesmaids and my amazing maid of honour, [maid of honour’s name], have been my cheerleaders throughout this journey. From helping me pick the perfect dress to reminding me to breathe when things got hectic, you’ve been my unwavering support.”
Acknowledge your work: “Planning this wedding was like creating a masterpiece – every detail contributing to a bigger picture. And [partner’s name], you’ve been my partner through it all, and in building a life full of adventures.”
Toast: “Here’s to us, to the beautiful masterpiece we’ve created, and to the adventures that lie ahead. May our journey be filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Cheers!”
Speech Example 4: The Magic of Love
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone! I’m [your name], and I’m thrilled to stand before you on this magical day celebrating the love between [partner’s name] and me.”
Share your gratitude: “Thank you all for joining us, for being a part of our lives, and for your endless love and support. Your presence warms our hearts.”
Stories about wedding planning: “Wedding planning is like weaving a tapestry – a beautiful blend of colours, emotions, and a touch of chaos. Like the time [partner’s name] and I tried to create the perfect seating chart, which was like solving an elaborate puzzle with missing pieces. But in the end, our tapestry is beautifully woven.”
Thank your bridesmaids and maid of honour: “My bridesmaids and my incredible maid of honour, [maid of honour’s name], have been my guiding stars during this journey. Their laughter, advice, and late-night chats made every step of the way unforgettable.”
Acknowledge your work: “Planning this wedding was a labour of love, and it’s a reflection of the love [partner’s name] and I share. We’ve worked side by side, blending our dreams into a reality that’s even more beautiful than we imagined.”
Toast: “So here’s to us, to the magical journey we’ve embarked upon, and to the love that shines brighter than any star. May our days be filled with laughter, our nights with sweet dreams, and our hearts forever entwined. Cheers!”
Speech Example 5: Love Through the Seasons
Introduction: “Hello, everyone! I’m [your name], and it’s an honour to stand before you as we celebrate the love story between [partner’s name] and me.”
Share your gratitude: “Thank you for being here, for supporting us through the seasons of life, and for being a part of this special day that marks the start of a new chapter.”
Stories about wedding planning: “Wedding planning has been like navigating through the changing seasons – moments of excitement, challenges, and the promise of something beautiful to come. Like the time [partner’s name] and I debated whether to have an outdoor or indoor ceremony, only to choose both and experience the magic of both worlds.”
Thank your bridesmaids and maid of honour: “My bridesmaids and my amazing maid of honour, [maid of honour’s name], have been my rocks throughout this journey. They’ve weathered every planning storm with me, ensuring that every step was filled with laughter and joy.”
Acknowledge your work: “Planning this wedding was a labour of love, a reflection of the journey [partner’s name] and I have taken together. We’ve nurtured this dream side by side, building a foundation that’s as strong as our love.”
Toast: “So here’s to us, to the changing seasons of life and the love that remains constant. May our journey be filled with warmth, laughter, and the promise of beautiful days ahead. Cheers!”
Speech Example 6: Grand Adventure
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone! I’m [your name], and I’m so excited to stand before you today to celebrate the love between [partner’s name] and me.”
Share your gratitude: “Thank you all for being here, for adding your love and warmth to this day, and for being part of our grand adventure.”
Stories about wedding planning: “Wedding planning is like embarking on a grand adventure – full of excitement, surprises, and a few detours along the way. Like the time [partner’s name] and I accidentally ordered twice as many flowers as we needed and ended up with a garden in our living room. But at least it smelled amazing!”
Thank your bridesmaids and maid of honour: “My bridesmaids and my wonderful maid of honour, [maid of honour’s name], have been my partners in this adventure. They’ve navigated through dress fittings, cake tastings, and the occasional panic attack with me, making every moment unforgettable.”
Acknowledge your work: “Planning this wedding was hard work, for sure, but there was also so much joy along the way. Every decision, every detail, is a testament to our love and partnership.”
Toast: “To us, to the adventure we’re embarking upon, and to the love that’s stronger than any challenge. May our days be filled with laughter, our nights with dreams, and our hearts united as one. Cheers!”
Speech Example 7: Love’s Tapestry
Introduction: “Hello, everyone! I’m [your name], and it’s a privilege to stand here among you, celebrating the love story between [partner’s name] and me.”
Share your gratitude: “Thank you for being here, for adding your joy and love to this celebration, and for making this day even more special.”
Stories about wedding planning: “Wedding planning has been a journey of weaving together moments of joy, laughter, and a few surprises. Like the time [partner’s name] and I spent hours debating the perfect shade of blue for the decorations, only to realise there are more shades than stars in the sky.”
Thank your bridesmaids and maid of honour: “My bridesmaids and my incredible maid of honour, [maid of honour’s name], have been the threads that have woven this tapestry of love. They’ve stood by me through every decision, every challenge, making the journey unforgettable.”
Acknowledge your work: “Planning this wedding has been a labour of love, a reflection of the journey [partner’s name] and I have taken together. Together, we’ve created a masterpiece that’s a testament to our love and commitment.”
Toast: “To us, to the beautiful tapestry of love we’ve created, and to the journey that’s just beginning. May our days be filled with laughter, our hearts with love, and our lives forever intertwined. Cheers!”
Speech Example 8: Love’s Symphony
Introduction: “Hello, everyone! I’m [your name], and I’m thrilled to stand before you, sharing the incredible journey of love between [partner’s name] and me.”
Share your gratitude: “Thank you for being here, for lending your smiles and cheers to this day, and for being part of our symphony of love.”
Stories about wedding planning: “Wedding planning is like composing a symphony – each note representing a moment of joy, a challenge overcome, and a memory to cherish. Like the time [partner’s name] and I tried to pick the perfect song for our first dance, only to realise that we had more favorite songs than dance moves!”
Thank your bridesmaids and maid of honour: “My bridesmaids and my wonderful maid of honour, [maid of honour’s name], have been the harmonies in this symphony of love. They’ve sung along with me through every decision, every laugh, and every heartfelt moment.”
Acknowledge your work: “Planning this wedding was a labour of love, a reflection of the journey [partner’s name] and I have taken together. Each detail, each choice, tells the story of our love.”
Toast: “To us, to the symphony of love we’ve created, and to the melody of our lives intertwining. May our days be filled with music, our hearts with joy, and our love forever harmonious. Cheers!”
Speech Example 9: Love’s Canvas
Introduction: “Good evening, everyone! I’m [your name], and I’m honour to stand before you, sharing the canvas of love that [partner’s name] and I have painted together.”
Share your gratitude: “Thank you for being here, for contributing your love and presence to this beautiful day, and for being a part of our masterpiece.”
Stories about wedding planning: “Wedding planning is like painting a canvas – each brushstroke representing a moment of joy, a challenge, and a touch of humour. Like the time [partner’s name] and I debated between a cake with fondant or buttercream, even though we really cared more about the taste than the look!”
Thank your bridesmaids and maid of honour: “My bridesmaids and my incredible maid of honour, [maid of honour’s name], have been my paintbrushes in this masterpiece of love. They’ve added colour, vibrancy, and laughter to every step of the journey.”
Acknowledge your work: “Planning this wedding was as exciting as it was rewarding. We’ve painted every detail with the hues of our love and commitment.”
Toast: “To us, to the canvas of love we’ve created, and to the beauty that lies in our future. May our days be filled with colour, our hearts with joy, and our love forever vibrant. Cheers!”
Speech Example 10: Love’s Adventure Awaits
Introduction: “Hello, everyone! I’m [your name], and I’m excited to share the incredible adventure of love between [partner’s name] and me.”
Share your gratitude: “Thank you for gracing us with your presence, for being a part of our story, and for adding your love and joy to this special day.”
Stories about wedding planning: “Wedding planning is like embarking on an adventure – filled with twists, turns, and the promise of a beautiful destination. Like the time [partner’s name] and I tried to choose between a traditional wedding cake or a dessert bar, only to decide that dessert is dessert, and we love it all!”
Thank your bridesmaids and maid of honour: “My bridesmaids and my amazing maid of honour, [maid of honour’s name], have been my fellow adventurers in this journey. They’ve climbed every planning mountain, crossed every decision river, and made every step unforgettable.”
Acknowledge your work: “Planning this wedding has been an adventure worth undertaking. We’ve navigated through every decision, every detail, and every dream side by side.”
Toast: “To us, to the adventure of love that awaits, and to the joy that comes from sharing life’s journey. May our days be filled with laughter, our hearts with love, and our love story an inspiration to all. Cheers!”
Although unconventional, the bride’s speech can be a beautiful and tear-jerking part of your wedding day. They offer a wonderful opportunity for brides to share their thoughts, emotions, and gratitude with their loved ones.
The bride’s speech isn’t a traditional part of the order of speeches at a wedding. As a result, there are no expectations as to what you should include or the structure of your speech. It’s your time to shine and show your unique personality and beautiful love story. Whether you opt for a speech packed with jokes, sentimental stories, or a mix of both, the key is to speak from the heart and let everyone know how you feel about your new spouse.
So, take a deep breath, hold your partner’s hand, and step into the spotlight. Stand up straight, speak slowly and clearly, and practice, practice, practice, before your big day. Whether you focus on heartfelt thank-yous or personal stories, this speech will be a wonderful and memorable part of your big day. It’s a gift that will resonate long after the last toast, so make sure you give it the care and attention you’ve given every other part of your big day.
But, if you’re still feeling nervous, Bridebook can be your guide in writing a cracking bride’s speech. Ditch the stresses and embrace the excitement of crafting a speech that truly reflects your love story. You’ve got this!
Looking for some expert wedding planning advice from a real wedding professional? We spoke to Jack Quenby, a wedding DJ and host from Leicestershire, managing director of Jackstar Weddings. His team was proud to be recognised as one of the East Midlands’ best wedding DJs at the 2023 Wedding Industry Awards. Jack has also appeared on the BBC’s Ultimate Wedding Planner as one of eight aspiring contestants.
Jack’s top 5 wedding planning tips
Jack and Louise Quenby at the 2023 Wedding Industry Awards
1. Start early
Too often couples will get engaged and think there’s no rush to getting started with the planning. Even if you’re thinking about getting married in a couple of years, this isn’t very long in the wedding industry. The best suppliers and venues get booked up early and the sooner you start budgeting and putting plans in place the better chance you have of getting all the things you’re dreaming of.
2. Create a detailed timeline
Being organised ahead of the day is the best way to avoid stress and burn out. Work back from the big day and plan in when certain elements need to be finalised. When it comes to the day itself it really pays to have a strong timeline in place and to make sure your wedding team (bridesmaids and groomsmen) know who needs to do what and when. This will take some of the pressure off you on the day but will help to keep things on track if the timeline starts to slip.
3. Use the best suppliers
It goes without saying you should opt for the most experienced suppliers you can afford. Without a doubt your choice of suppliers will have the biggest impact on the day. Not only with how much you can relax, feeling confident in their abilities, but also how well your guests are looked after. If you don’t have a wedding planner the next best thing is an experienced wedding host who can help keep things on track and make sure you can enjoy every moment with your guests.
4. Think about your guests’ experience
Building on the last two points, when you’re putting together your timeline and selecting your suppliers think about the impact on the guests. I often hear from engaged couples who have been bored guests at weddings and hate the idea of that happening on their day. For each step in your timeline think about where the guests will be, what they’ll be doing and who will be there to look after them.
5. Take time for yourselves and don’t stress
So often this gets overlooked. Of course it’s your day and it’s all about you, but being the centre of attention for the whole day can be quite exhausting! It’s a great idea to plan in a few breaks where you and your partner can take five, recharge and savour those amazing feelings. If you’ve followed the previous tips hopefully you’ll be able to avoid getting too stressed on the day even if things don’t go exactly as planned. If you have everything organised and looked after by an experienced team there’s nothing you can’t overcome.
Plan your dream wedding on Bridebook
There you have the best wedding planning tips and tricks from someone who’s been there and done that. For more expert advice and inspiration, be sure to sign up to Bridebook today. We’ve got everything you need to make your wedding planning journey as joyful and stress-free as possible.
When it comes to planning a wedding, dozens of different people, places and professionals come together to create a wonderful celebration. However, with so many moving parts, there’s a risk that one or two things may not go quite as planned. Usually, these things are small and can be replaced or fixed fairly quickly – but what happens when they’re not so small?
Thankfully, wedding insurance is available to give you peace of mind and protect you should anything unforeseen happen, which means you won’t lose your money or your chance to throw your dream wedding. But how much does wedding insurance cost and is it worth it?
In this post, we’re going to explore everything to do with the cost of wedding insurance, including the average amount couples pay, what’s included with wedding insurance and when the best time to secure coverage is.
Wedding insurance is the insurance you can buy to cover your wedding. This means, in the event that something happens either before your wedding or on the day itself, you won’t lose out on your money.
So, if something is cancelled due to financial failure, damaged, lost or stolen, or you or a close family member is injured or taken ill, you won’t have to worry about losing out on potentially thousands of pounds.
As there are so many variations available, the average amount spent by couples on wedding insurance in the UK is between £150 – £180. However, there are basic policies available for as low as £27. Similarly, more expensive policies may set you back around £500 but will offer a far more comprehensive level of coverage.
The average cost of a wedding in the UK is £20,775, so if you’re interested in insurance you’ll probably want a policy that includes cancellation cover that exceeds this amount. That means your policy may cost somewhere in the region of £98 for £20,000 cover; however, this is just an approximation and depends on your chosen insurer and your individual needs.
Yes, wedding insurance is a single, one-off payment. Most policies will cover you for up to two and a half years (30 months) and aren’t long-term and renewable like you might get with other policies, such as car or home insurance.
There are plenty of insurance companies that provide wedding insurance, and we would recommend getting several quotes before choosing your policy. Thankfully, comparison websites, like Money Supermarket, offer the option to gather different quotes all in one go.
What is covered by a wedding insurance policy depends entirely on the insurer and the policy you go for. When securing quotes, make sure you know exactly what the policy will include and what is covered – the last thing you want is any unwelcome surprises in the unlikely event you need to make a claim.
Thankfully, a wedding insurance policy will cover most of the large expenses associated with your wedding, including your venue, catering and transport. However, before assuming it’s covered, we recommend you check with your chosen insurer. Your policy will likely include:
Problems with the venue, such as if they were to cancel your booking due to bankruptcy or go out of business.
Issues with a vendor you’ve made a booking with, such as a caterer or florist going out of business last minute or not showing up at all.
Having to cancel due to death, illness or an accident.
Having to cancel due to redundancy.
Having to cancel in the event that adverse weather means more than half of your guests can’t make it.
Critical items that have been lost, stolen or damaged, including your rings and dress.
Faults with the photos or video, or if the photographer doesn’t turn up on the day.
The good news is that a number of insurance providers, like Wedinsure, now offer policies that cover your wedding if it’s taking place abroad, which is peace of mind if you’ve chosen to go for a destination wedding.
Unfortunately, should either of you change your mind at the last minute (not that it will happen, of course) and cancel your wedding, your insurance won’t cover you. Other reasons for cancelling a wedding that aren’t covered include:
If an item that isn’t key to the wedding is lost, stolen or damaged (for example, table numbers).
Having to cancel your wedding because you realise you’re not able to afford it.
Having to cancel due to a preexisting medical condition.
Poor weather, such as rain.
Marquees – these require their own insurance (though most insurers will provide marquee cover).
That being said, some insurers will cover you for some of the above possibilities, though they may charge a premium. Check with your insurer before taking out a policy to make sure it covers everything you need.
If you’re getting married abroad, your travel insurance may cover you for certain items, such as your wedding attire or gifts, but you should check the single-item limit on your policy to make sure what those limits are.
Does wedding insurance cover an expensive wedding?
You can buy wedding insurance to cover any wedding, regardless of how much it might cost. However, the more money you spend on your wedding, the more you’ll have to spend on your policy.
No, unfortunately, your honeymoon isn’t covered by wedding insurance. While related to your wedding, it’s still viewed as a holiday, so you’ll need to make sure you have the appropriate travel insurance policy in place. That means another cost to bear in mind when budgeting for your wedding.
What other types of insurance do you need with your wedding?
On top of wedding insurance, there are other types of wedding-related insurance you may want to consider.
If you’re hiring a marquee for your wedding, the majority of basic wedding insurance policies don’t include cover for this. However, there will be a marquee insurance extension that you can add to your policy for an additional cost.
Another addition you might want to consider is public liability insurance. This will cover you in the event that a third party is hurt or killed and a claim against you is made. Plus, many venues require public liability cover as part of the contract. Of course, this is massively unlikely, however, just to be safe the majority of couples choose to have public liability insurance if it isn’t already covered by their wedding insurance policy. But, don’t consider this a good enough reason not to go for it, because every wedding and set of circumstances are different.
You can buy wedding insurance up to 30 months before your wedding. Whether you secure your wedding insurance a year before your wedding or a week before, the price won’t change, so it’s important to buy it as early as possible (and before it’s too late).
Wedinsure suggests that you purchase wedding insurance as soon as you have a date and before you start paying deposits. The last thing you want to do is pay out hundreds of pounds only to lose it if your chosen vendor goes out of business.
If your wedding is small and intimate (for example, you’re getting married at a registry office), then you may not need to buy wedding insurance. But, if your wedding is much larger, and therefore you’re spending a lot of money, you should absolutely make securing wedding insurance a top priority.
Not only that, but some venue and supplier contracts may have requirements or recommendations around getting insurance, which you’ll need to take into account.
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For an extra touch of personalisation, you may choose to hire a celebrant for your big day. A wedding celebrant is a professional who will officiate your wedding by getting to know you to ensure your ceremony is customised and deeply personal to you and your spouse-to-be. Many couples choose to hire a celebrant for multi-faith weddings or if they don’t have any religious beliefs at all.
If you’re excited to hire a celebrant so your wedding ceremony is unique to you, but you’re not sure your budget can stretch that far, there are ways you can hire a celebrant for less.
In this post, we’re going to explore how you can save money on a wedding celebrant and still have a fabulous and highly personalised wedding ceremony.
Your celebrant may seem only to officiate your wedding, which at the most might take 45 minutes to an hour on the day itself. But there’s so much more to the service a celebrant provides.
To achieve the level of personalisation that comes with hiring a celebrant, many hours of preparation are needed. This includes meeting with you to discuss what you’re looking for. During this time they’ll also ask you questions about your relationship with your partner and your history together. This then enables them to write a carefully written script for your big day.
On top of this, a reputable celebrant will have years of training and experience behind them. That way, you can be confident that they’ll be able to officiate your wedding and meet exactly what you’re looking for.
It’s important to remember that a celebrant and a registrar aren’t the same. A celebrant can’t legally marry you, whereas a registrar can. So, if you’re looking to hire a celebrant, you’ll also need to bear in mind the costs involved with booking a registrar to make sure everything’s legal – and this will set you back around £300.
Whether or not you hire a celebrant for your wedding is entirely up to you, your tastes and your budget. If you’re not interested in a religious or spiritual wedding, or you and your partner have different beliefs, a celebrant is a wonderful way for someone to officiate your wedding.
Or, you may simply want a professional celebrant to ensure you have a ceremony that’s completely unlike any wedding you and your guests have ever been to.
If you want to hire a celebrant to officiate your wedding, but you’re on a strict budget, there are ways you can pay less. Below are 10 ways you can save money on a wedding celebrant. For even more ways to cut costs, you can also read our ultimate guide on how to save money on your wedding.
When searching for a celebrant, make sure you meet with several so you can get a full understanding of what’s available. You might gel with the first celebrant you speak to, but meeting with a few will help you choose one that ticks all your boxes. Plus, getting a range of quotes will make it easier to find one that’s more in keeping with your budget.
Before gathering quotes, make sure you and your spouse-to-be sit down and discuss what you want to get out of hiring a celebrant. Do you want them to be funny? Mention religion? Do you want readings, or poetry, or references to your cultures and backgrounds? If you go into a meeting with a celebrant with a list of what you’re looking for, you’ll be in a better position to know whether that celebrant can provide it, which could save you money in the long run.
Ask family and friends for recommendations for any celebrants they may have hired or met at a wedding in the past. Referrals are a great way of securing a discount. Here at Bridebook, we work with a huge range of celebrants, with many offering discounts that are exclusive to us!
Wedding celebrants are in high demand, which means that during peak times they’ll often have higher rates. To keep costs down (as well as costs related to your entire wedding) consider getting married during off-peak dates.
Celebrants can be booked months, if not years, in advance, so to avoid disappointment you should book early. Plus, the later you leave it, the more you may end up paying. We’d recommend booking your celebrant as soon as you can to secure the best possible rate.
As we’ve already mentioned, you’ll meet with your celebrant – possibly two or even three times – to discuss your wedding so they can get to know you and craft your personalised ceremony. This means there are travel costs, as well as additional costs for their time.
Why not ask your celebrant if they’ll consider meeting with you virtually instead? Platforms like Zoom and Google Meet are great for chatting, so you can still build a rapport with your celebrant while avoiding time-consuming journeys.
One of the easiest ways to secure a discount is simply by asking. Many celebrants will advertise their rates and the cost for certain packages, but these amounts aren’t necessarily set in stone. Don’t expect a huge discount, but when you’re paying hundreds, a 5% or 10% discount can still make a difference.
Because celebrants only officiate your wedding, you also need a qualified registrar for your marriage to be legally binding. For that reason, you could ask a close family member or friend to officiate your wedding instead. Not only will this add yet another level of personalisation to your wedding, but it’ll also mean you don’t have to pay for their services (aside from perhaps a well-earned drink or two).
Asking a friend or loved one to officiate a wedding is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. It’s a great option for couples who want that personal touch without breaking the bank. Just make sure your friend of family member can deal with that kind of pressure on such an important occasion. Also recognise that the quality and level of service is unlikely to match that of a professional celebrant.
Why not consider hiring a wedding celebrant who doesn’t have as much experience as others? Generally, the more experience a celebrant has, the more they’re likely to charge. So, if you choose a celebrant who’s recently qualified and hasn’t officiated many weddings, they’re far more likely to offer competitive rates.
If you can look past their inexperience, you’ll still more than likely have a wonderful wedding thanks to their passion and eagerness to impress.
Planning a wedding is a long, time-consuming and expensive process. It requires hours of research, travelling to meet vendors to discuss requirements, and sometimes tricky negotiations. It’s a fun and exciting process, but it can also be difficult and stressful. That’s why many couples decide to relieve themselves of the pressure and enlist the guidance and expertise of a wedding planner.
While that’s a huge amount to pay for something that you could in theory do yourself, there are plenty of reasons why a wedding planner is a must-have for many brides- and grooms-to-be. So, if this is you, how can you save money on a wedding planner so they fit within your budget?
In this post, we’re going to explore the many ways you can save money and make the most of the skills and experience provided by a wedding planner.
With many couples paying thousands for the services of a wedding planner, you might wonder why they’re able to charge so much. Below are just some of the reasons why a wedding planner can be so expensive:
Time – If you’ve already started planning your wedding, you’ll be all too familiar with how much time it takes. A professional wedding planner pours hours and hours of their time into planning a wedding that is perfect for you.
Experience – Wedding planners who have been in the game a long time will have plenty of experience, so will know what to do, where to go and what to say.
Expertise – Along with their experience, a wedding planner will have a ton of expertise, which means nothing you throw at them will be too much.
Connections – If they’ve been in the business a while, a wedding planner will have a whole host of connections to help them get preferential deals.
Personalisation – A planner will work closely with you to make sure they know exactly what you want every step of the way. They’ll also make sure you know what’s happening and when, so you’re involved in every decision.
On top of these, wedding planners also have overheads that need to be covered, including insurance, admin costs, office space, staff costs, technology costs and more.
There are three main reasons why couples choose to hire a wedding planner, and why the seemingly lofty cost is totally worth it to them:
They don’t have the time to plan their wedding themselves
They don’t have the necessary knowledge and expertise
They want to save money
We’ve already explained how wedding planners use their time, knowledge and expertise to plan a wedding that is personal to you and in keeping with your tastes and style. However, it’s also important to highlight that hiring a wedding planner will save you money. According to qualified wedding planner and wedding expert, Hamish Shephard, you could save as much as 20% of what you might otherwise have paid. That means, while you may use 10% of your budget on a wedding planner, you’re likely to save this and more in the long run.
The cost-saving benefits of hiring a wedding planner are obvious, but if you’re on a budget it might be hard to justify spending so much on a service you could do yourself. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save money on a wedding planner, so you can pay less but still make the most of their expertise. Check out the 10 tips below and read our complete guide on how to save money on your wedding.
A wedding planner provides the most effective service if you hire them before you start planning your big day. So, if you plan on recruiting a planner, don’t jump the gun and book a venue first – in doing so you might have lost out on a discount or deal that means you’re paying more than you need to.
2. Don’t hire the first wedding planner you speak to
Though hiring your wedding planner early is important, make sure you don’t jump in too quickly. Take the time to speak to several wedding planners and weigh up your options. Some may charge you a percentage of your budget; others may ask for a flat fee; and others may charge an hourly rate. Put together a list of planners, their quotes and the service they provide so you can make an informed choice.
A full wedding planning service will be the most expensive option – and that’s because it’s the most thorough and time-consuming. But, most wedding planners will also offer a partial planning service. A partial service helps you with planning specific aspects of your wedding, such as the venue and catering. That way, you can get help with some of the more challenging and expensive parts of the planning process, then do the rest – like the flowers, decor and transport – yourself.
Or, as your big day gets ever closer and the list of jobs keeps mounting up, you could hire a planner for a partial service to help you keep on top of things. Speak to potential planners to find out what they can do for you as part of a partial planning service.
4. Ask friends for recommendations…or hire a friend
Ask your married friends and family for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals are a great way to secure a discount and find a planner who’s reliable and brilliant at their job. Even a discount of just 5% or 10% is a huge saving when you’re dealing with expensive rates.
Another great option is to hire a friend to help you plan certain aspects. Sometimes, your friends can be just as excited about your wedding as you are, and involving them in the planning process is a great way to include them. Just try not to task them with all the more difficult or time-consuming jobs, and make sure you thank them with a voucher or bunch of flowers on the big day itself.
Don’t be shy about asking a wedding planner for a discount. Once you’ve met with a planner and discussed what you’re looking for, if they like you and are excited about your vision, they may be happy to discuss lowering their rates. After all, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
While your wedding planner can take care of the difficult parts, you can make a start on other parts of wedding prep and save money in doing so. For example, you could get ahead on designing your wedding invitations or crafting paper flowers for table decorations.
While you’re hiring your wedding planner to fulfil your and your spouse-to-be’s vision for your big day, it’s important to be flexible, because flexibility is a great way to save money. For example, your planner will know that a midweek wedding is far more affordable than a weekend wedding, so being open to their suggestions will probably save you a ton of money.
The more experienced, skilled, knowledgeable and reputable a wedding planner is, the more in demand they’ll be and the more they’ll be able to charge.
That means, if you hire a wedding planner with less experience, their rates will be more competitive and more likely to be in line with your budget. The only risk is that they might not have the same expertise or connections as others who have been in the industry for longer.
If you go down this route, look out for relevant qualifications like an event planning or hospitality diploma. Though they’re not a legal requirement when it comes to wedding planning, they’ll give you more confidence that your planner knows what they’re doing, even if they have less experience.
When you hire a wedding planner, you’ll spend a lot of time with them as they get to know you and what you want to be included in your big day. Many wedding planners will want to do this in person, but this can take time, especially if there’s travel involved.
To save on travel time and costs, ask your planner if they’re happy to connect virtually instead. Using Zoom or Google Meet is a quick and convenient way to meet and still build a rapport.
To get the most out of your wedding planner, and therefore the best value for money, the most important thing you can do is trust them. Your wedding planner will have planned dozens – if not hundreds – of weddings and will know the industry through and through. The last thing you want to do is have a strained relationship with them, so trust the process and let them do what they do best. This will enable them to do a fabulous job and save you plenty of money.
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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!
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.
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:
Use this groom speech template to guide your writing
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!
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 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!
