A Five Step Guide to Wedding Speeches

A wedding speech is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding celebration. Whether you’re the best man, maid of honor, father of the bride, or even the groom, delivering a heartfelt, engaging speech is an honor—but it can also be nerve-wracking!

This guide will help you craft and deliver a wedding speech that’s meaningful, entertaining, and unforgettable.

1. Who Typically Gives a Wedding Speech?

Wedding speeches can be given by:

The Best Man – Often humorous, lighthearted, and filled with anecdotes about the groom.
The Maid of Honor – Usually sentimental, focusing on the bride and the couple’s love story.
The Father (or Parent) of the Bride/Groom – Welcomes guests, shares heartfelt memories, and offers words of wisdom.
The Groom – Thanks guests, acknowledges the bride, and shares a romantic or meaningful message.
The Bride (optional) – Expresses gratitude and appreciation for the guests, partner, and family.
Other Close Friends or Family – Sometimes additional speeches are given by siblings, grandparents, or mentors.

2. Structure of a Great Wedding Speech

A well-organized speech makes it easier to deliver and more enjoyable for the audience. Follow this simple structure:

1. Introduction (30-60 seconds)

Introduce yourself and your connection to the couple.
Thank everyone for being there.
If you’re nervous, a light joke about it can ease the tension.

2. Personal Story or Anecdote (1-2 minutes)

Share a heartfelt or funny story about the bride, groom, or couple.
Keep it appropriate—nothing too embarrassing or controversial.
If you’re struggling for ideas, think about when you first met them or a moment that showed their love for each other.

3. The Heartfelt Message (1-2 minutes)

Express what makes their relationship special.
Compliment the couple and share your wishes for their future.
If you’re the best man or maid of honor, address how the bride/groom has changed for the better.

4. Closing & Toast (30-60 seconds)

Summarize your key message with a final heartfelt line.
Raise your glass and invite everyone to toast to the couple!

3. Tips for Writing a Memorable Wedding Speech

✅ Keep It Short & Sweet – Aim for 3-5 minutes. Anything longer can lose the audience’s attention.

✅ Make It Personal – Speak from the heart; sincerity always wins.

✅ Balance Humor & Emotion – A mix of funny and touching moments keeps the speech engaging.

✅ Avoid Inside Jokes – Make sure everyone can relate to your stories.

✅ Skip Controversial Topics – Avoid exes, embarrassing stories, or anything inappropriate.

✅ Rehearse, But Don’t Memorize – Practice enough to feel comfortable, but don’t sound robotic.

✅ Speak Slowly & Clearly – Take your time and make eye contact with the couple and guests.

4. Example Wedding Speech (Best Man)

“Good evening, everyone! For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], the best man and lucky friend of the groom. First, let’s all take a moment to appreciate how incredible [Bride’s Name] looks today… and how well [Groom’s Name] managed to clean up!”

“I’ve known [Groom’s Name] for [X years], and in that time, I’ve learned three things about him: 1) He’s loyal, 2) He’s incredibly kind, and 3) He’s… let’s just say, ‘fashionably late’ to everything. But somehow, he showed up right on time when he met [Bride’s Name].”

“Seeing you two together, it’s clear you bring out the best in each other. [Bride’s Name], thank you for making my best friend the happiest man in the world. And [Groom’s Name], congratulations on finding someone willing to put up with you forever!”

“Let’s all raise our glasses to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]—to a lifetime of love, laughter, and being only slightly late!”

5. Overcoming Wedding Speech Nerves

😬 Practice, Practice, Practice – Rehearse in front of a mirror or a trusted friend.
🎤 Use Notes, Not a Script – Bullet points help keep you on track while allowing natural flow.
🧘 Breathe & Pause – If you get nervous, take a deep breath and slow down.
👀 Engage with the Couple & Guests – Make eye contact to connect with the audience.

Final Thoughts

A great wedding speech is all about authenticity, storytelling, and heartfelt emotion. Keep it light, make it meaningful, and most importantly—enjoy the moment!