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Wedding Speech Tips: How to Express a Memorable Wedding Speech for the Newlyweds
The wedding speech can be a cocktail of emotions—a shot of nerves mixed with a splash of excitement. I remember my first wedding speech; I could feel my heartbeat in my throat. But here’s the secret: a great wedding speech is less about the words and more about the love you share with the couple. Think of it as a chance to create a memory, not a performance. f you are getting ready to give a speech for a wedding soon, there is a lot you can do to prepare in advance. In this post, as part of our wedding planning advice section, we’ll learn what exactly is a wedding speech, how to start a wedding speech and a few useful tips for making it perfect.
To start – watch this killer best brother speech that already got over 27 million views!
What is a Wedding Speech, Really?
At its core, a wedding speech is a tribute. It’s a mix of gratitude, well-wishes, and a sprinkling of stories that celebrate the couple. Whether it’s the best man cracking jokes or the father of the bride tearing up, each speech is a window into the love and joy surrounding the day. I’ve seen speeches that were like poetry—short, sweet, and full of heart. I’ve also sat through ones that felt like they’d never end, making the cake-cutting seem like a distant dream. Want to see some examples? Check this page.
Photo from Mario Schafer on Pexels.com
Who Takes the Mic?
Traditionally, the lineup looks like this:
- Best Man speech: The comedic relief. His speech is often a highlight, packed with funny anecdotes. I recall one wedding where the best man shared a story about the groom’s infamous karaoke night—hilarious, yet heartwarming.
- The Newlyweds speech: Yes, they give speeches too! A short thank-you is enough to make guests feel appreciated. I’ve found that these speeches, no matter how simple, are often the most touching. After all, it’s their big day, and hearing them share their joy is magic.
- Maid of Honour speech: Usually a blend of heartfelt memories and light-hearted stories. I’ve been to weddings where the Maid of Honour had the entire room laughing one minute and reaching for tissues the next. Here are some specific tips for the maid of honour speech.
- Parents speech: The father of the bride typically kicks things off, but all parents might have their say. Their words are often filled with pride and emotion—no matter how many times I hear them, they always hit me right in the feels.
Watch this video for some more tips on how to write a parents wedding speech:
How to Start a Wedding Speech
Getting started is often the hardest part. Your opening sets the tone, so you want to kick things off in a way that grabs everyone’s attention. Here’s a tip: imagine your speech as a story you’re telling a friend over coffee. Begin with a warm introduction, a bit of humor, or a heartfelt quote to draw people in.
- Introduce Yourself: This might seem obvious, but nerves can make us forget the basics. Start with a simple introduction: “Hi everyone, for those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [your relationship to the couple].” It’s a great way to ease into your speech and gives context to why you’re up there.
- Break the Ice with Humor: A light joke can work wonders. Something like, “I was told I’d have to give a speech, but I wasn’t informed I’d have to follow the best man—tough act!” sets a relaxed and friendly tone. Just be mindful of your audience; keep it fun but respectful. This post has some good ice-breaking tips.
- Open with a Story: If humor isn’t your thing, start with a touching story about the couple. Think of the first time you met them or a moment that encapsulates their relationship. A line like, “I knew they were perfect for each other when…” creates instant interest and connects everyone to the couple’s journey.
- Use a Quote or Poem: A classic approach is starting with a quote. Something like, “They say love is friendship set on fire,” can set a warm, romantic mood. Just make sure it resonates with the couple’s relationship—no pressure to get too Shakespearean!
- Thank the Guests: This is a lovely way to start if you’re the newlywed or a close family member. A simple, “Thank you all for being here to celebrate this special day,” can serve as both an introduction and a welcome, putting everyone in a positive frame of mind.
However you choose to start, make it personal and sincere. The first few seconds are your chance to set the tone and invite everyone into the moment you’re about to share.
Want to make everyone cry? Watch this maid of honor speech:
Tips for Nailing Your Speech
1. Avoid TMI Moments
Funny stories? Yes. Embarrassing, cringe-worthy tales? No. Trust me, I’ve seen speeches that veered into uncomfortable territory, and it’s like watching a slow-motion train wreck. Keep it light and family-friendly.
2. Know Your Role
Your speech should reflect your relationship with the couple. If you’re the best friend, share stories that highlight their bond. If you’re the sibling, talk about how you’ve seen them grow. Personalise it, and your words will resonate more.
3. Less is More
Shorter speeches usually pack a punch. Aiming for 3-5 minutes is perfect. You don’t want to overshadow the event; you want to be part of the celebration. Besides, let’s be honest, everyone’s eyeing the dessert table! This article gives you some insights about shortening a speech.
4. Mix Tenderness with Humourman speech
A wedding speech without a touch of humour is like a cake without frosting—still good, but missing something. Share one or two sweet or funny moments. But remember, this isn’t a roast; it’s a celebration.
5. Practice, But Keep It Natural
You don’t need to memorise every word. I’ve seen some of the best speeches delivered from the heart with just a few notes to guide the speaker. Practicing helps, but don’t lose the natural flow of conversation. A bit of stumbling is fine; it’s part of being real.
6. End with a Toast
No need for grand words. A simple “Here’s to a lifetime of love and laughter” does the trick. It leaves everyone with a smile and a clink of glasses, wrapping up your moment on a high note.
In the end, a wedding speech is your gift to the couple. Speak from the heart, share a laugh, and let the love in the room guide you. After all, it’s those genuine, unexpected moments that make a wedding truly unforgettable.
