Wedding speeches: the bit where emotions run high, everyone suddenly stops chewing, and you are the centre of attention (no pressure). Whether you’re the best man, maid of honour, parent, or pal, writing a wedding speech that’s funny, heartfelt, and memorable can feel like trying to dance in heels on a bouncy castle.
But fear not, we’ve got your back. This guide is bursting with inspiration prompts, tips, and a fool-proof wedding speech structure that’ll have the room laughing, tearing up, and cheering “TO THE HAPPY COUPLE!” in no time.
So, who gives speeches at weddings?
Traditionally, wedding speeches are given by the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man – usually in that order. But many couples are mixing things up, with brides, maids of honour, mums, and friends all getting a turn at the mic.
Speeches typically take place before dessert and after the main course, when guests are relaxed, fed, and ready to be entertained. That said, it’s becoming increasingly popular to have them at the start of the meal, especially if any speakers are keen to enjoy their food without pre-speech nerves.
Here’s a quick look at the traditional running order:
- Father of the bride (or a parent figure)
- Groom
- Best man
- Followed by optional speakers – bride, maid of honour, or other loved ones
How to write a wedding speech that wows the room
Crafting a speech that’s equal parts charming, witty, and tear-jerking may seem impossible. But a solid wedding speech structure is your secret weapon. Here’s how to shape your speech from start to finish:
Start by knowing your role and crowd
Before you put pen to paper, think about your connection to the couple. Are you their childhood bestie, sibling, or a proud parent? Understanding your role is a key part of writing a wedding speech, as it helps shape your tone and what stories you choose to tell.
Just as important is your audience. Weddings bring together guests of all ages, from grans to uni mates, so aim for something inclusive that everyone can enjoy. The goal? A speech that feels personal and lands well with the whole room.
Introduce yourself
Start by letting everyone know who you are and how you know the couple. It helps set the scene and gives your speech a bit of personal context. No need for a full backstory – just a quick intro to show why you’ve got the mic and why this moment means something to you.
Congratulate the happy couple
Once you’ve introduced yourself, take a moment to celebrate the stars of the show. A simple “You both look incredible” or “What a perfect day” goes a long way. It sets the tone and shows your genuine joy for the couple.
Hook them in with a statement, question, or humour
It’s time to kick off the main part of your speech, and how you start really matters. A well-timed joke, heartfelt statement or thoughtful question is a great way to grab the room’s attention and set the tone. Whether it’s “Has anyone not cried already today?” or “I knew they were meant to be the moment…”, choose an opener that feels natural to you and gives the audience a reason to lean in and listen.
Tell stories in your own way
This is the heart of the speech – where your memories, messages, and personal connection come to life.
When you’re thinking about what to say in a wedding speech, take some time to think back on your experiences with them. The memories that make you smile, the qualities you admire, and the little moments that say everything. Whether it’s a funny mishap, a touching gesture, or something that perfectly sums up their relationship, choose stories that feel true to you and them. If you’re making a point about who they are as people or as a couple, bring it to life with stories that show, not just tell.
Create a clear structure around your message, with a beginning, middle, and end, so your words flow naturally from one thought to the next. Speak in a way that feels genuine to you and keep the couple and their guests in mind as you do. A thoughtful, honest tone will always land better than something overly polished or trying too hard to impress.
Celebrate their love story
Now’s your chance to really shine a light on the couple and what makes their relationship so special. Think back to the first time you met their partner – what struck you about them? What moments have stood out since? This is your take on their love story, so don’t be afraid to share the little things that show how perfectly they fit together. And if it feels right, share a heartfelt wish for their future. Something personal, hopeful, and true to them.
Hold space for those who are missed
Weddings are a time of joy, but they can also stir emotions for those who aren’t able to be there. Including a quiet moment in your speech to acknowledge loved ones who are no longer with us or couldn’t attend can add a layer of meaning and comfort. It doesn’t need to be long or heavy, even a simple mention can mean a lot to the couple and their families. It’s a gentle way to honour the people who still hold a special place in their hearts.
Add a little flair with a prop or two
Not every speech has to be words on a page. This is your moment to get creative. If it suits your style (and the couple), consider bringing in a fun prop, meaningful photo, or something visual that ties into a special memory.
Got a talent for music? A short song or instrumental moment can be a lovely, unexpected twist. If you’re not the singing type, a well-chosen gift that represents a key moment in their relationship, like a keepsake or something symbolic can be just as powerful. The idea isn’t to go over the top but to add a personal touch that makes your speech feel unique, heartfelt, and completely them.
Remember to raise a toast
Every great speech needs a great ending – and there’s no better way to wrap things up than with a heartfelt toast. After sharing your stories, sentiments, and laughs, bring it all together with a few final words that celebrate the couple and their future. Whether it’s short and sweet, funny, poetic, or a classic “to love, laughter, and happily ever after,” it should feel genuine and well-earned. If you’re wondering how to end a wedding speech, this is it: raise your glass, invite the room to join in, and toast to the happy couple.
Our top wedding speech tips
Whether you’re a confident public speaker or feeling a bit wobbly at the thought of the mic, these tips will help you feel prepared, polished, and ready to deliver a speech to remember (for all the right reasons). From getting your ideas down to delivering them with confidence, here’s everything you need to know.
Capture your first thoughts, no matter how rough
Your mind might go completely blank when trying to figure out what to say in a wedding speech, and that’s totally normal. The best way to get started is by jotting down any thoughts, memories, or moments that come to mind, there’s no need for perfect sentences just yet.
Think of it as your raw material. Once you’ve got everything out, you can go back, pick the standout details, and start to spot a theme. Even the scrappiest notes can turn into something meaningful with a little shaping.
Don’t leave it until the night before
Give yourself time to write, refine, and rehearse. A rushed speech is usually a forgettable one – and nerves love a last-minute panic.
Use your own words, not the internet’s
Online templates can give structure, but the most memorable speeches come from the heart. Your words, your voice, your stories, that’s what people came to hear.
Keep it short, sweet, and sincere
Aim for 3-5 minutes. It’s the perfect amount of time to be heartfelt, entertaining, and memorable without losing the room. Any shorter and you might miss your moment; any longer and you risk testing everyone’s attention span (and the caterer’s timing). Fast-talking? Slow it down. Rambling? Trim the waffle.
Think ‘greatest hits’, not full album tour. A few well-chosen highlights will land much better than a long-winded set list.
Practise, practise, practise
Read it aloud, record yourself, and ask for honest feedback from someone who won’t just say “it’s great!” Rehearsing multiple times helps you refine your delivery, find your rhythm, and build the kind of confidence that shows.
The more you practise, the more your key points will stick, meaning less time looking down at your notes and more time connecting with the crowd. And when you’re engaged and relaxed, your audience will be too.
Connect with the guests
Make eye contact, smile, and speak to the audience, not just at them. Use open body language, stay aware of your hand positioning (no awkward pocket shuffling), and think about how you want people to feel. Confident, calm, and connected beats stiff and scripted every time.
Speak to both partners
Don’t forget to include both newlyweds in your stories and sentiments, especially if you only know one half of the couple really well.
Keep it classy
Steer clear of crude jokes, awkward stories, or anything that might leave the couple cringing. Think: “Like the time they tried to cook a romantic meal together and set off the fire alarm… twice” – yes. “Remember that time they ended up in A&E after one too many tequilas?” – maybe not. Celebrate them, don’t mortify them. If you wouldn’t say it in front of their nan, it probably doesn’t belong in the speech.
Save the drinks till after
A little Dutch courage? Totally fine. But there’s a fine line between relaxed and slurring your speech. Stick to one or two pre-speech sips, then save the real toasting for after your mic-drop moment.
Don’t steal the spotlight
This isn’t your TED Talk debut, it’s their day. Stay focused on the couple, not your own greatest achievements.
Stay true to yourself
You don’t need to be a comedian, poet, or public speaker. Just be you. That’s who they asked to speak in the first place.
Ditch the phone if you can
Reading from your phone can feel a bit flat. If possible, print out your speech or use cards, and keep that battery anxiety at bay.
Remember to have fun with it!
This is a celebration, not a boardroom briefing. Relax, smile, and enjoy the moment. You’re helping make a memory.
Wedding speech ideas and inspiration prompts
If you’re staring at a blank page wondering how to write a wedding speech, you’re not alone. Getting started can feel like the hardest part, but once you begin, the words will start to flow. The prompts and ideas below are here to help jog your memory, shape your message, and spark inspiration about what to include. There’s no one right way to give a great speech – just your way.
- The moment you knew they were perfect for each other – A look, a laugh, a late-night takeaway, what made it click?
- How the couple balances each other out – Opposites attract? Or are they two peas in the same (very organised) pod?
- The first time you met their partner – What was your first impression? Did you just know they’d stick?
- Your favourite memory with the couple – A holiday disaster, a big life moment, or just a perfectly ordinary day made unforgettable.
- Something they’ve taught you about love or relationships – Thoughtful, funny, or deep, what have you learnt from them?
- What you admire most about each of them – Their loyalty, sense of humour, kindness, or that one trait only they could pull off.
- Their quirkiest shared habit or tradition – The in-jokes, weekend routines, or weird hobbies they’ve made their own.
- What you hope for their future – Travel adventures? A house full of dogs? Growing old together with matching mugs?
- A quote, lyric or line that reminds you of them – Just make sure it’s meaningful, and not straight from a fridge magnet.
- If their relationship were a film/book/song, what would it be? – Bonus points for good puns and heartfelt reasoning.
Need something a little more tailored to your role? Check out our best man speech ideas for extra inspiration.
Once you’ve nailed the speech, don’t forget to show some love with the perfect wedding card. Whether you’re going mushy, funny, or downright punny, our wedding card collection is packed with beautiful, bold, and brilliant options to match your message.
Writing a wedding speech might feel daunting, but with a bit of planning, a dash of creativity, and a sprinkle of heart, you’ll have a crowd-pleaser in no time. Stick to the wedding speech structure, add your personal flair, and speak from the heart, because that’s what it’s all about.
So go forth, grab the mic, and wow the crowd. And remember: when in doubt, toast it out.
Planning the rest of the big day? Head over to our essential wedding planning checklist or get inspired by our wedding vow renewal ideas.
