how to write a good grooms speech

• Bridal Shower
• Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties
• Engagement Party
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Wedding Checklists
• Wedding Hairstyle Ideas
• Wedding Vows Readings
• Wedding Music

In This Article

• Speech Examples
• Speech Template
• Speech Tips
• What to Avoid
• Toast Ideas
• Wedding Party & Reception

Groom at Wedding Speech Templates And Ideas

phuket_wedding_planner via Instagram

Everyone wants to hear the groom say something at the wedding because he’s the man of the hour. For this reason, you must make the opportunity count. While it’s easy to celebrate the good fortune of finding your beloved, giving a speech is a different matter.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ironically, brides are always prepared, but grooms often leave the speech at the last minute, probably from panic. So whether you’re shy, confused about what to do, or don’t have the time to whip up something, we’ve got you covered. See our Post for the best groom wedding speeches tips and ideas ever.

Quick Navigation

Groom Speech Examples

As against the best man speech which focuses more on the groom, the speech of the groom is for everyone, his bride inclusive. As a result, a groom’s speech is either light-hearted, funny, or witty. It has no blueprint or strict rules but two elements are ever-present regardless of what kind of speech it is – emotion and sincerity!

It is a special day and a lot of people made the day possible. In his speech, he will thank everyone and even those absent. He will salute his new father-in-law, the bridesmaids, the maid of honor, and even the bride’s mother.

He will thank his groomsmen and especially his best man for holding him up all the way. The highlight of this speech is when he would make a wedding toast to his beloved, with so much love in his eyes thanking her for coming into his life. He’d tell his love story and show his optimism and willingness to be her husband.

My speech today will be like a mini-skirt. Long enough to cover the essentials and short enough to hold your attention. Apparently, it’s my job to do all the thank you’s, so on behalf of my lovely new wife and I, the biggest thank-you goes to all of you for coming. The day would not have been the same without you and neither would my bank balance! But on a serious note, it is lovely to see so many of you here. Particularly those of you who have had to travel many miles. Amy and I would like to thank our parents for all the love and support both emotional and financial they have given us. And a special thank-you to Vanessa who is responsible for making our fantastic wedding cake. Sharon, Sue, Vanessa, Ray, Steve We’d also like to thank Darren for his services as the best man today and of course our ushers. You’ve all done a grand job. Darren, Mark, Jon, Jim, Adam That brings me onto our bridesmaids. Thank you all for your help and for being there for Amy through the ups and downs of wedding planning! I’m sure everyone will agree that you all look stunning today. Nina, Laura, Charlotte, Kirsty, Fiona, Lillie, Jordan, and Emily. Finally, I would personally like to thank my lovely wife, Amy, for having me as her husband! I read somewhere that “You don’t marry the person you can live with, you marry the person you cannot live without”. Well, we’ve lived together for five years and I know I’ve married the right person. I’m so glad I can at last call you my wife. Now all that remains is for me to say please enjoy the rest of the day…… and mine’s a foster!

………..Good evening ladies, gentlemen, family, and friends. First of all, I must say a big “thank you” to Colin for his kind words. His speech was so good, he’s going to do mine for me too. As many of you will know, I am of the shy retiring type that likes to keep quiet and keep my opinions to myself, therefore you can understand my nervousness at standing up here in front of all of you making a speech. And as many of you will also know, I’m also a compulsive liar, but I am still nervous, that bit is true. I have been fearful of this bit for weeks, and as you can imagine, this isn’t the first time today I have arisen from a warm seat with a piece of paper in my hand. I read while researching wedding speeches that a good speech has a good beginning and a good ending. But the best speech of all is one that keeps these close together. So I will try and keep this as short as possible and will try my best not to do a “Gwinny” with my list of thanks. Firstly I would like to thank any Rangers fans for still being here and not walking out at 4.30 as usual. Pause for cheers But then again, I don’t think we’re friends with any of them anyway. I would like to thank my parents, Ian and Margaret for all the help they have given me over the years, if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be here now. So, Helen, if it doesn’t work out you know who to blame. I would also like to thank Helen’s parents, Colin and Sandra, for making me feel like the son they never wanted, sorry the son they never had, right from day 2. Day 1 was a bit rough, but hey, they’re over it now……….

……….You are all aware of our problems over the last few years and one of my biggest worries, especially when I was “down South”, so to speak, was that my two children, Michelle and Nick would go off the rails. I’m pleased to say that they didn’t and they’ve both made us so proud of their achievements so I’d like to propose my toast to them….Michelle and Nick. Very few of you will know, but I am an erstwhile poet when the mood takes me. Anita has always complained that I have never written a poem for her, so I will today amend that omission. It’s called Wedding Day…………

………..On behalf of Julia and myself, or should I say on behalf of my wife and me, we would like to thank everyone for coming today. Everyone has traveled in some way to be here and share this special day with us and we’re delighted to see you all. A special thank-you goes out to those of you who have traveled a greater number of miles to be here today. It’s quite humbling to realize that you’re friends and family that care so much and are willing to travel all that way to share in your special day. Thank you for your cards, kind thoughts and of course all your wedding gifts. They’re all greatly appreciated. Unfortunately, there are two people who can’t be here today, my Dad and my granddad so, it would mean a lot to me if you would all stand for a toast in their memory – To Billy McCleery and James Harrison Snr…………

………….On a serious note, I’d firstly like to say a big thank you to my new Dad Dave. I’m proud to be his son-in-law and hope I can live up to his expectations, which should be easy, compared to his other son Mick! But let us not take this Father, Son thing too seriously, as I’m not into 10-mile runs before breakfast like you were in the Paras. Both Sharon and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for coming here today and sharing this special occasion with us. Especially those who brought expensive presents. Its much appreciated! Thank you to Edwin and Elsa, Margaret and Linda and many others who have traveled a long way to be here. It’s certainly a long way from Brighouse! We hope you all enjoy the day, have fun, relax and be merry…………….

Groom Rehearsal Dinner Speech

Congratulations on your upcoming rehearsal dinner speech! Here are three tips to help you write a memorable and meaningful speech:

• Keep it concise: Your speech should be short and sweet. Aim for no more than five minutes. Remember, this is just a rehearsal dinner, not the main event. You want to keep your guests engaged and entertained, but you don’t want to bore them with a long-winded speech.
• Personalize it: Share stories and anecdotes that are personal to you and your fiance. Talk about how you met, what you love about your fiancé, and what makes your relationship special. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions – this is a special occasion, after all.
• Thank your guests: Your rehearsal dinner is a time to thank the people who have supported you throughout your wedding planning process. Take a moment to express your gratitude and thank your guests for being a part of your special day.

Here’s an example of a groom rehearsal dinner speech that incorporates these three tips:

Good evening everyone, and thank you for joining us on this special night. I want to start by thanking our parents, who have been there for us every step of the way. Your love and support mean the world to us. I also want to thank our friends and family who have traveled from near and far to be here with us. We feel incredibly blessed to have you in our lives. As we sit here tonight, I can’t help but reflect on how lucky I am to have found my soulmate in [bride’s name]. I knew from the moment I met her that she was the one for me. Her kindness, intelligence, and beauty continue to amaze me every day. [Optional: insert a personal anecdote here] [Optional: insert a joke or humorous story here] As we prepare to start this new chapter of our lives together, I am filled with gratitude and joy. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

The Great Groom Speech Template

Here’s a groom speech at wedding template that will help you create a winning speech with ease.

• Thank the guests Say a heartfelt thanks to the guests for leaving their busy schedules to honor you on your big day. Many of them sacrificed time, money, work, and even their safety to come all the way because they love you. Say thank you, mean it, and crack a joke. This is also the time to distribute little gifts or wedding favors to the guests.
• Say some words about the bride Gush about the woman of the moment. Let the guests feel your joy at getting married to the love of your life. Talk about what attracted you to her, what she means to you, and reiterate your vows. You may also seal this part of your speech with a kiss and watch her blush.
• Share a memorable story Getting to your wedding day was a long journey and there are stories that bind you. Let the guests know the beautiful way you met, and share sweet memories, funny ones, and romantic events. If both of you have a favorite song, pick a line from it and incorporate it into your speech. Avoid near break-up situations, forgiveness for some errors, or unpleasant situations that happened in your relationship.
• Share your impressions about the day Recount something beautiful about your wedding day. Maybe talk about how the sun shined bright because it knows an angel got married today. Talk about the beautiful reception, cake, or decor. Just incorporate something from the present.
• Say some words about the best man Your best man is arguably one of your strongest support systems throughout wedding planning. Give him some accolades in your speech. Talk about how you met and him being your main man through life. Appreciate him sincerely and even take a friendly jab at him.
• Thank your parents There is no better time to tell everyone how awesome your parents are. Talk about the bride’s parents too because you’re family now. Thank both families for being in your corner and promise to always behave. That will get in a few laughs.
• Close with a toast Finish your speech with a toast to your wife, parents, guests, love, and happiness.

Groom Speech Tips

A lot of grooms always get confused when trying to write a speech for their wedding. Days before the wedding, they go into a fit of panic because they know absolutely nothing to write. While writing such speech, you are conscious about the introduction, body, and conclusion. You want to catch the guests at the beginning of your speech, keep them interested and close off to a magnetic finishing.

The speech tips below are simple, concise and will give answers to all your questions.

• Prepare your mind and calm your nerves for the speech.
• Run speech by your best man to sieve out off liners.
• Make eye contact with everyone.
• Address the audience as a couple. Include your wife.
• Do away with vulgar words or jokes.
• Include the decent but minimal amount of humor.
• Don’t forget to thank your parents and in-laws
• Always throw some compliments the way of your wife and make the core of your speech.
• Dedicate some part of your speech to your wife. She is the main focus.
• Make the last toast go to your wife.
• Make your speech heartfelt and let your personality shine through.

What Not to Say in the Groom Speech

kreativwedding via Instagram

A perfect speech will give you unending applause from everyone. But a bad speech? The disasters are too much to mention. You will have in-laws getting pissed at you, the bridesmaids coming for your head. Your best man gunning to have you quartered and your wife preparing to give you hell.

To avoid the later and all other unforeseen ills that could happen with a badly given speech, here are some don’ts to the rescue.

Don’ts

• Don’t build your speech around anyone else but your wife.
• Don’t include vulgar words or insensitive jokes.
• Don’t take too much time making your speech. 5-10 minutes is enough.
• Don’t forget to introduce your best man and compliments the bridesmaids.
• Don’t forget to make your last toast to the bride.

Groom Wedding Toast Ideas

The groom’s wedding toast is quite numerous, most of which he will give as he makes his speech. For every stage he concludes in his speech, there is a toast. A toast to the father-in-law, to his best man, to the bridesmaids, to the guests present, and many more. The most important toast is to his wife and both of them as a couple.

To the father of the bride

“Let us toast to my father in law for raising and giving me this beautiful woman. For being a wonderful father to her, although I’m taking over. For accepting me as a son……. “

To the best man

“To my right-hand man for being there all the way. For taking time off work to make all things ready for my big day. For all the sacrifices you made from way back until now. For being my best friend in the real sense and too many more years as friends…..a toast to my best man (insert name)”

Toast To the guests

“A toast to you wonderful people. You are all amazing. Thanks for being here today and sharing in our joy. To many more years of celebration and happiness………. “

To the bride

“Whoever thought this angelic beauty seated here will be mine? Let’s all make a toast to my heartthrob, whose smile lightens my world. A toast to you baby, for all you are, for all you’ll be. To us, to life, to our love, to your happiness, too many blissful years with me, to our future, to forever…………”

Frequently Asked Questions

What should the groom say in his speech.

The groom’s speech typically includes gratitude, compliments to the bride, thanks to guests, and a toast.

What should the groom say at the rehearsal dinner?

The groom at the rehearsal dinner can express appreciation to those involved, share anecdotes, and convey excitement for the upcoming wedding.

How Long Should A Groom’s Speech Be?

A groom’s speech typically lasts around 5 to 10 minutes. It should be long enough to express gratitude, share anecdotes, and convey heartfelt sentiments, but short enough to maintain guests’ interest and keep the overall flow of the wedding reception.

Thank you all again for being here tonight. Let’s raise a glass to love, laughter, and happily ever after! The groom’s speech is one of the most anticipated speeches at a wedding. It doesn’t need such long preparation but could flop if you don’t get the hang of it. Give the best groom speech at wedding ever with the tips, ideas, and templates we’ve curated in this post. Speak from the heart, let your love shine, add some humor and you’re home free.

Stories You Might Like

100+ Best Father-Daughter Dance Songs Of...

Most Pinned Wedding Backdrop Ideas 2024

Funny Wedding Ceremony Script Samples...

Average Price Of A Wedding Band: An...

Wedding Trivia: Unique and Entertaining...

Colored Wedding Cakes Guide for 2024

29 Amazing Ring Exchange Wording...

Breathtaking Wedding Kiss Photos:...

Creative Daughter Of The Bride Speech...

Most-Banned Wedding Songs List In 2024

33 Timeless Wedding Altar Decoration...

Wedding Greenery Decoration 35+ Best...

25 Free Wedding Planning Checklists

Fill in all required * fields below to receive the checklists bundle.

By submitting this form you agree to receive promotional emails from Wedding Forward about other checklists, wedding planning articles, products, and other wedding related topics. You may unsubscribe at any time. Check out our Privacy Policy for more information.

90 years of expert advice and inspiration, for every couple.

• Engagement Rings
• Wedding Bands
• Celebrity Weddings & News
• Wedding Planning
• Destination Wedding
• Invitations & Stationery
• Wedding Décor
• Flowers & Bouquets
• Food & Drink
• Wedding Cakes
• Photography
• Wedding Dresses
• Bridesmaid Dresses
• Makeup & Hair
• Accessories
• Groom Style
• Wedding Party Attire
• Wedding Guest Attire
• Bridal Fashion Week
• Skincare & Wellness
• Engagement Party
• Bridal Shower
• Bachelorette Party
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Registry Tips
• Anniversary Gifts
• Wedding Favors
• Friends & Family
• Marriage Proposal Ideas
• Married Life
• Love & Dating
• The Brides Team
• Editorial Guidelines
• Editorial Policy
• Terms of Use and Policies
• Privacy Policy
• Wedding Ideas & Advice
• Wedding Reception Ideas

Everything to Know About Your Groom Speech: Tips, Advice, and Examples

Our expert says all you need is 15 minutes to prepare.

Photo by Chi-Chi Ari

In This Article

When it comes to wedding speeches , there's no rule that says the groom has to give one; generally speaking, the father of the bride, the best man, and the maid of honor are the only people required to grab the microphone, but there's even some flexibility here. As the groom, if you feel inclined to say a few words during the party, you absolutely should. This is a great chance for you to say thanks: You can thank your guests for being there, thank your family members for their financial and emotional support, thank your wedding vendors for bringing the day to life, and thank your partner for making you the happiest man in the room.

If you're feeling nervous about the idea of giving a speech, here's the good news: According to Pete Honsberger , the author of Wedding Toasts 101: The Guide to the Perfect Wedding Speech , preparing for your moment in the spotlight is surprisingly simple. What's more, he says, this is an opportunity you won't want to pass up.

Meet the Expert

Pete Honsberger is the author of Wedding Toasts 101: The Guide to the Perfect Wedding Speech , He has been a serial groomsman, speaker, and wedding toast advisor for most of his adult life. When it comes to wedding toasts, he's seen just about everything.

Here, Honsberger's top tips for writing and delivering an amazing wedding speech as the groom, including exactly what to say to get everyone clapping.

Groom's Wedding Speech Tips

If you're feeling like you can't possibly add another task to your pre-wedding to-do list, remember that writing your speech shouldn't take long at all. "You only need a few minutes to prepare and about two minutes to deliver your speech ," Honsberger says. "This is your chance to recognize the hard work that others (and you) have put into this amazing day, to thank everyone for giving you the gifts of their time (and money, haha!), and to add another twinkle in your love’s eyes. "

His best advice? Keep it brief, but make it count. "From my experience [giving a speech at my own wedding] and those that I’ve witnessed, it’s so worth it," says Honsberger.

How to Prepare for a Wedding Speech as the Groom

Honsberger says that preparing for your speech should take less than 15 minutes. That's right: In less than the time it takes to watch a rerun of your favorite television show, you'll be able to pen a thoughtful message for the big day. "Just be sure to have a tidbit for each and you’ll look like a pro. Most importantly, you’ll show the crowd, your family, and your partner that you genuinely appreciate them," he adds.

When should you give your speech? Honsberger says either right before or right after dinner is served. "You'll want to speak to your planner in advance about fitting your toast into the reception timeline , but once it's go-time, simply gesture for a microphone and ask for the guests’ attention," he explains.

Groom Speech Template

To begin, simply prepare these five steps.

Step 1: Give Thanks 

In today's modern world, most of your wedding guests are traveling to be part of the big day. "And regardless of wedding size, you’ve had people traveling distances and giving their time to be in attendance," says Honsberger. "Most (and hopefully all) have brought you gifts , many of the pieces of green paper that will serve you very well as you start your new life. And even more than that, they deemed you important enough to spend a day of their lives participating in your celebration." That's why it's so important to take a moment and thank your guests. After all, regardless of how big or small your wedding is, there's a good chance you won't be able to spend quality time with each guest, which means you likely won't be able to thank everyone for being there.

At a loss for what to say? Honsberger suggests: "The only thing I want to say is wow. People have told me this would be the best day of my life, and I can honestly say it’s true, because of all of you (pointing at the crowd), and especially you (pointing at your partner). I cannot thank you all enough for being here."

Step 2: Give One Compliment to Your Partner

Your wedding day is about the two of you coming together, so you'd be remiss not to say something sweet about the person who just married you. "Cue up a classy and perhaps playful compliment about their dress or tux, the work they did to make the day possible, their patience in dealing with you, their resilience in wedding planning while you were out of town on a business trip, or simply their unwavering love throughout a challenging process," says Honsberger. "Tell them this publicly. You only need one or two lines to share your appreciation and to make their eyes sparkle and their face blush with slightly embarrassed happiness. "

An option he likes? “[Name of your partner], I’ll never forget seeing you walk down the aisle today. You are beautiful in more ways than I can count.” As a funny alternative, he also suggests: “[Name of your partner], you must be a parking ticket because you have fine written all over you right now!” 

Step 3: Recall One Memory 

"You don’t have a lot of time for this, so pick out one noteworthy anecdote or short memory from your relationship, from the wedding planning process , or from your interactions with their family and friends," says Honsberger. "Share your most compelling and enthusiastic version of that story and you’ll delight the whole crowd." A good option, according to the pro, would be something like: “When [name of partner] and I first met, we talked for hours until our friends all wanted to leave. I started to panic since I didn’t want to stop getting to know them. So I suggested we keep the party going by getting some pizza while everyone else went home. We’re only here tonight because my [husband or wife] likes pizza!”

Step 4: Share One Reception Comment 

Whether it’s about the dinner being currently served, the signature cocktail available at the bar, the DJ/band, or the overall atmosphere in the reception space, pull out one comment to share aloud related to the evening’s experience. "The purpose of this is to connect the whole room with your vision for the night," says Honsberger. "If you want the dance floor absolutely packed, speak it into existence. If you have a specially requested song you want to tease, mention it here."

Step 5: Give Thanks Again

Before concluding your speech, give one more round of thanks for everyone involved. Anyone you missed on the first pass—your families, any special friends, and especially your wedding vendors—should be noted here. Then, ask everyone to raise a toast to your partner, your families, the friends in attendance, and the hardworking staff working to bring the day to life.  

Related Stories

How to Write the Perfect Best Man Speech

Public Speaking Experts Share Their Top Tips for Giving an Amazing Wedding Speech

How to Write a Father-of-the-Groom Speech

How to Write a Sister-of-the-Groom Speech

How to Write a Father of the Bride Speech

Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Examples and Writing Tips

How to Write a Wedding Toast: Examples, Tips, and Advice

36 Funny Wedding Toasts and Speeches That'll Get the Whole Room Laughing

How to Write a Rehearsal Dinner Toast

6 Simple Tips for Delivering an Amazing Best Man Speech

How to Write an Unforgettable Newlywed Reception Toast

How to Write a Maid of Honor Speech

40 Mistakes All Grooms Should Avoid Making

5 Crazy-Easy Steps to Creating Your Wedding Budget

The 10 Biggest Wedding Etiquette Mistakes Couples Should Avoid Making

How to Write Your Own Wedding Vows, Including 17 Vow Examples

How to Write The Perfect Groom’s Speech: Top Tips and Examples

How to write a groom’s speech – the perfect groom’s speech is an essential part of any wedding celebration. It is an opportunity for the groom to express his gratitude, share heartfelt memories, and celebrate the love he shares with his new spouse. Crafting a thoughtful and meaningful speech can seem daunting, but with a little guidance, any groom can successfully navigate this essential task.

Understanding the purpose of the groom ‘s speech is the first step in its creation. The speech should be engaging and strike a balance between humour and sentimentality, all while properly acknowledging the important people involved in the couple’s journey. With a clear structure, careful planning, and a few helpful tips, your speech will become a cherished memory shared with your beloved on your special day.

• The groom’s speech expresses gratitude, memorable moments, and celebrates the new union
• Striking a balance between humour and sentimentality makes for a captivating speech
• A clear structure and planning are crucial for crafting a meaningful groom’s speech

Understanding the Purpose of a Groom’s Speech

The groom’s speech is an essential part of the wedding reception, serving as an opportunity for the groom to express his gratitude and share his thoughts with the attendees of this momentous occasion. It is important to bear in mind the overall purpose of the speech when crafting it.

Role of the Groom in the Reception

The groom’s primary responsibility at the wedding reception is to make the guests feel welcome and appreciated. He should extend his warmest greetings to everyone in the audience, acknowledging their presence and expressing his gratitude for their participation in the celebrations. This is particularly important in situations where the groom is meeting some guests for the first time.

A well-crafted speech should strike the right balance between entertaining the audience and conveying heartfelt emotions. Sharing funny anecdotes and light-hearted stories about the couple’s journey together can set a jovial tone, while heartfelt moments will make the speech memorable and touching.

As the groom, one should also take the opportunity to praise and express gratitude towards both families, and in particular, the bride. Complimenting her appearance and acknowledging her efforts in organising the wedding would be well-received by the audience.

In summary, the groom’s speech should be engaging, heartfelt and express gratitude to guests and family members alike during the wedding reception. This speech is a key element of the wedding celebrations that can create long-lasting memories for everyone present.

Planning Your Speech

Choosing a theme.

When planning the perfect groom’s speech, it is essential to select an appropriate theme. A suitable theme will give your speech structure and make it more engaging. Consider choosing a theme based on your relationship with your partner, shared experiences, or future aspirations. Remember that the theme should be personal and meaningful but also resonate with the audience.

Determining the Style and Tone

The style and tone of your speech play a significant role in delivering your message effectively. Consider whether you would like the speech to be humorous, sincere, or a combination of both. If you decide to use humour, be mindful not to offend anyone in the audience.

When planning your speech, make a list of key points you would like to address, keeping in mind the chosen style and tone. By outlining the structure of your speech, it will be easier to keep the audience engaged and maintain a coherent narrative.

Considering Public Speaking Techniques

To make your speech stand out, consider incorporating public speaking techniques. These can add polish to your delivery, ensuring that your speech is not only well-prepared but also engaging and memorable. Here are a few techniques to consider:

• Eye contact: Maintain eye contact with your audience to create a connection and build trust.
• Body language: Use appropriate gestures to emphasise your points and maintain an open posture to appear confident and approachable.
• Vocal variety: Vary your tone and pace to maintain interest and ensure your speech does not become monotonous.
• Pauses: Allow brief pauses for emphasis or to allow the audience time to react or reflect on what you have said.
• Anecdotal storytelling: Share brief, relevant stories to illustrate your points and make your speech more engaging.

By incorporating a well-chosen theme, a suitable style and tone, and effective public speaking techniques, you’ll be well on your way to delivering the perfect groom’s speech. Remember that planning is key, and practice will help you feel more confident when the time comes to deliver your heartwarming speech.

The Structure of the Perfect Groom’s Speech

Introduction.

The introduction sets the tone for the speech, welcoming the guests and expressing gratitude for their presence. Defining how the wedding day has been so far may be included here. It is crucial to begin with a brief, engaging, and memorable opening, setting the stage for the content to follow.

The body of the speech is where the groom should demonstrate gratitude, particularly towards the parents and guests who have made the day possible. Key points to address in the body include:

• Expressing gratitude : Thank the parents of both the bride and groom for their support, guidance, and love throughout the journey. It is essential to acknowledge their role in making the event successful.
• Compliments and anecdotes : Compliment the bride, expressing one’s admiration and love. Share a light-hearted or meaningful anecdote to characterise the relationship and invoke genuine emotions from the attendees.
• Acknowledging the wedding party : Show appreciation for the best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and anyone else who played a crucial role in planning and organising the wedding.

In conclusion, the groom will wrap up his speech by toasting the bride. This gesture signifies the start of the couple’s life together and the bright future that lies ahead. The groom should express his happiness to have his bride by his side and emphasise how she completes him. End with a heartfelt toast to the bride, summarising the groom’s sentiments in a sentence or two.

Content Recommendations for the Speech

Showing appreciation.

It’s important to begin the groom’s speech by showing appreciation to those who have made the day special. Mention the parents, the wedding party, and any special guests or contributors who have helped make the event possible. Express gratitude to everyone for their support and involvement in the couple’s journey.

Expressing Love for Your Partner

The speech should express the groom’s deep love and admiration for the bride. Speak from the heart and be sincere in conveying the emotions that the wedding day has brought. Mention the qualities about the partner that make them unique and special, while also providing examples of how they bring happiness and support into the groom’s life.

Incorporating Humour and Inside Jokes

A good groom’s speech balances heartfelt sentiment with a dash of humour. Incorporate inside jokes and funny anecdotes that will make the partner smile, and engage the audience in shared laughter. Be mindful of the tone, making sure the humour is appropriate and never offensive or inappropriate.

Sharing Personal Anecdotes

Share personal anecdotes that illustrate the growth of the couple’s relationship or highlight memorable moments spent together. These stories can be both touching and entertaining, offering insights into the unique bond that the couple shares. By making the speech personal, the groom creates a lasting memory for the pair to cherish in the years to come.

Remember to be confident, clear, and stay in the third person perspective when sharing the anecdotes. This helps convey the story better and ensures that the audience remains engaged.

Tips on Delivering Your Groom’s Speech

When it comes to delivering the perfect groom’s speech, being confident and knowledgeable is key. Make sure you know your audience and tailor your speech accordingly. Here are a few tips to help you deliver an exceptional groom’s speech:

• Prepare beforehand : Take the time to write and revise your speech, addressing any weaknesses in content or organisation. Make sure you know your material well, as it will help you feel more confident and come across as knowledgeable during your presentation.
• Practice makes perfect : Rehearsing your speech multiple times will help you become more comfortable with it. This allows you to focus on speaking clearly and confidently when the big moment comes.
• Keep it natural : Speak conversationally and use your natural tone of voice. Your audience will appreciate a genuine and heartfelt speech, rather than one that feels overly rehearsed or too formal.
• Engage your audience : Make eye contact with your guests, smile, and be personable. This will help create a connection between you and your listeners.
• Don’t be afraid to use humour : A well-placed joke or funny anecdote can set the tone for your speech and keep your audience entertained.
• Remember to thank important people : Acknowledge those who have contributed to the wedding and your relationship. This could include your parents, in-laws, and the bridal party.
• Raise a toast : At the end of your speech, raise your glass and offer a toast to your spouse and any relevant parties. This is a classic way to conclude a groom’s speech and show gratitude to those involved.

Follow these tips to deliver a groom’s speech that is heartfelt, engaging, and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Acknowledgement and Gratitude

Showing gratitude to the parents.

In a groom’s speech, it is essential to show gratitude to both sets of parents. Begin by acknowledging the bride’s parents and expressing appreciation for their love, support, and the welcoming embrace to the new family. Next, show gratitude to one’s own parents, thanking them for their guidance and unconditional love throughout the years. Demonstrating sincere gratitude will make a lasting impression on the families involved.

Thanking the Bridal Party

The bridal party plays a crucial role in the wedding celebrations. It is important to extend heartfelt thanks to the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and ushers for their teamwork, dedication, and friendship. Recognising each individual’s contribution can be achieved by highlighting personal anecdotes or funny memories, making it a memorable and engaging part of the speech.

Example: “As I look around this room, I see the smiling faces of our wonderful bridal party. Each of you has played an irreplaceable role in our lives, and we’re truly honoured to share this special day with you. To our bridesmaids, your unwavering support and keen eye for detail have made today even more magical. And to our groomsmen and ushers, your camaraderie and light-hearted jokes have made the journey to this day an incredible experience. Thank you all so much.”

Recognising the Efforts of the Staff

Last but not least, it is essential to recognise and applaud the efforts of the hotel, catering, and event staff. Their tireless work behind the scenes ensures the wedding day runs smoothly, allowing the bride, groom, and guests to focus on enjoying the celebrations. A few kind words of acknowledgement can go a long way in showing appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

Example: “We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff here at [venue]. From the beginning of the planning process, their professionalism and attention to detail have been nothing short of exceptional. To the catering team, your culinary talents have resulted in a splendid meal that we will not soon forget. And to the event staff, your commitment to making today perfect has not gone unnoticed. Thank you for helping to turn our dreams into reality.”

Groom Speech Templates and Examples

Groom speech template.

How to write a groom’s speech template can certainly help simplify the process of crafting the perfect address. Here is a basic outline to follow:

• Introduction : Begin by thanking the guests for attending, acknowledging the wedding party, and expressing gratitude to both sets of parents.
• Bride’s Praise : Share personal anecdotes about your bride and describe what drew you to her. Compliment her appearance and express your love and commitment.
• Humorous Story : Recall a funny or memorable event from your relationship to lighten the mood and engage the audience.
• Appreciation for Others : Give special mention to those who helped make the wedding possible, e.g., planners, friends, and other individuals who lent a hand.
• Toast : Conclude the speech by raising a toast to your new spouse, your family, and everyone who has gathered to celebrate your special day.

Remember to personalise and tailor the template to suit your relationship and audience.

How To Write A Groom’s Speech

Best groom speech examples.

Here are some examples of memorable groom speeches:

Example 1 :

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here on this important day. I want to express my gratitude to my in-laws for raising such a wonderful daughter, and to my parents for their unwavering support.

When I first met [Bride’s Name], I was struck by her beauty, charm, and intelligence. We quickly became inseparable, and I knew that she was the woman I wanted to spend my life with. I consider myself immeasurably fortunate to be married to her and I vow to cherish her love, friendship, and support for a lifetime.

Have you ever wondered how two lovers who’ve just had a tiff can find themselves in each other’s arms again within the hour? That’s us – somehow, despite our differences, we keep finding our way back to love and laughter, which serves as the glue in our relationship.

We are eternally grateful to everyone who travelled from near and far to celebrate with us today. Your presence has made the event even more special and will always be cherished.

Please, join me in raising a toast to our future, full of love, laughter and happiness. Cheers!

Example 2 :

Dear friends and family, thank you for joining us on this truly special occasion. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our parents for their love and support, as well as to the wedding party for their help in organising this fabulous day.

From the very beginning, I was drawn to [Bride’s Name]’s infectious laugh, caring nature and ability to brighten any room simply by entering it. She has a unique gift of making everyone feel welcome and is truly the love of my life.

A funny story that comes to mind is our first holiday together; we got lost and ended up spending the night in a tiny village. It could have turned sour, but we made the best of it and forged memories that’ll last us a lifetime.

To our wonderful friends, families, and those who travelled far and wide to be with us, thank you for your love and encouragement throughout our journey.

Now, let’s raise our glasses and toast to a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure. Cheers!

In the final stage of wedding planning, the groom’s speech is a key moment to express heartfelt emotions and gratitude. When crafting the perfect speech, it is important to consider the order of speeches, ensuring that the groom’s words create a lasting impact.

To make the speech truly memorable, it is essential to speak from the heart and share stories about the love of your life, highlighting the unique bond that the two of you share. While it’s vital to balance humour and sincerity, remembering the significance of the moment is crucial for the speech’s success.

Proper preparation is paramount, including making note cards to streamline the delivery process and practising beforehand to increase confidence on the big day. By investing time and effort into crafting a carefully structured speech, the groom can ensure that his words resonate with everyone in the room.

In conclusion, the perfect groom’s speech combines emotion, gratitude, and wit, leaving a lasting impression on the bride, friends, and family. By adopting a confident, knowledgeable, and clear tone, the groom can truly celebrate the special bond he shares with his partner, making it a moment to be cherished for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some tips for creating the perfect groom’s speech.

To create the perfect groom’s speech, start by writing an outline to organise your thoughts. Focus on expressing gratitude, sharing anecdotes, and speaking from the heart. Additionally, practice your speech often to perfect your delivery and feel more comfortable on your wedding day.

How can I incorporate humour into my groom’s speech?

Incorporating humour into the groom’s speech can lighten the atmosphere and engage the audience. Begin by sharing a funny story or a light-hearted joke about your relationship with your partner. Make sure the humour is appropriate for the audience and avoid inside jokes that only a few people would understand.

What are some examples of emotional moments to include in a groom’s speech?

Emotional moments in a groom’s speech can include expressing gratitude for the love and support from both families, acknowledging the journey that led to your wedding, or even sharing memorable moments from your relationship, like the proposal or recounting your first meeting.

How should a groom thank the important people in his speech?

To thank important people in your speech, mention them by name, briefly share the significance of their role and express your gratitude. Be sure to thank your partner, both sets of parents, the best man, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and anyone else who played a key role in your wedding planning.

What’s a good structure for a groom’s speech?

A good structure for a groom’s speech could consist of an introduction, a section to express gratitude, sharing stories or anecdotes, and a heartfelt conclusion. Start by introducing yourself and setting the tone, express gratitude to the families and wedding party, share humorous or emotional stories, and finish with a loving message to your partner.

How can I personalise my groom’s speech with unique anecdotes or stories?

To personalise your groom’s speech with unique anecdotes or stories, think about the meaningful experiences that you and your partner have shared together. This could be a memorable travel experience, the story of how you met, or even a simple moment that captures the essence of your relationship. Make sure the anecdotes are authentic and relatable to your audience.

Similar Posts

Wedding Wishing Well Quotes To Write In A Card

A wedding wishing well quote is a delightful way for guests to impart not only their gifts of money but also heartfelt wishes to the newlyweds as they embark on their journey together. More than just a monetary contribution, a wishing well provides a way to share a special wish or piece of advice that…

Top Grooms Wedding Speech Checklist (With Useful Examples)

Giving the grooms wedding speech is one task that can make even the most confident groom nervous. This is where a groom’s wedding speech checklist comes in handy. The day is all about celebrating your love. As the groom, your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. You have found…

10 Top Wedding Civil Ceremony Readings For Your Big Day

Wedding ceremony readings add a touch of personalisation, showcasing the couple’s beliefs, values, and emotions to create that once-in-a-lifetime moment. Wedding ceremonies are a celebration of love, and a critical component of making this special day memorable is selecting the perfect readings that resonate with the couple. From literary masterpieces to heart warming poems, romantic…

Best Drones for Wedding Photography: Top 7 Picks 2024

What are the best drones for wedding photography? Capturing the magic of a wedding day is an important aspect of creating lasting memories. Among the many tools available for wedding photographers, drones have emerged as a popular and innovative option. Drones provide a unique perspective, enabling the photographer to capture stunning aerial shots and dramatic…

100 Hilarious And Quirky Mr & Mrs Quiz Questions

Embarking on the journey of marriage is an exhilarating time for any couple. What better way to celebrate than by getting to know each other even better with a Mr and Mrs Quiz? These quizzes have become a staple at hen dos, providing a delightful blend of humour and a peek into the couple’s dynamic….

Father Of The Bride Speech | What To Say (With Examples)

The father of the bride speech is an essential part of any wedding ceremony, allowing the bride’s father to express his love, pride, and support for his daughter as she embarks on a new journey with her partner. This speech serves as an opportunity to welcome guests and share heartfelt memories, wisdom, and blessings to…

4.9 Google review rating  ⭐️ No upfront deposit  🤘 Free to check availability  🎉 Dedicated stag do specialist  🤓 1000s of unique activities  🏎️ Everyone pays individually  💳 Build your own package  📦 Book a single activity  🔫 We take the stress away  😅 Save time and money  👍 Have an epic stag  🍻

• 🇮🇪  (01) 524 1101
• 🇬🇧  (020) 3808 9546
• Call us today
• 🔥  Get Your FREE Best Man Speech Guide  🔥

Your cart is empty

From  € 0

Please select all times before proceeding

How To Write The Ultimate Groom’s Speech

• 28th Apr, 2020

Jump to the good bits

Congrats on making it this close to your big day! Now all you have to do is write the perfect groom’s speech. Simple, right? When it comes to wedding speeches, we’re pretty sure the biggest thing giving you sleepless nights is what the best man is going to say! Definitely have a word with him but don’t forget to work on your own speech well before the day. With a few choice words and the right planning, you might just finally win the mother-in-law over!

We’ve compiled the comprehensive guide with a list of do’s and don’ts to deliver the ultimate groom’s speech.

Do Keep It Short

Wedding Days can be long and let’s be honest, as important as your words are, the groom’s speech tends not to be the speech that people are looking forward to most. 10 minutes maximum should be enough of a speech duration. Anything longer than that and you’re just going to start losing people’s attention. By keeping all of the ultimate groom’s speech do’s and don’ts in mind, you’ll easily be able to keep your speech duration short and hopefully, memorable.

Do Include A Bit Of Humour

Odds on, a good chunk of the wedding party are going to be a bit tipsy at this stage so getting a few laughs won’t be a problem. Nobody wants to hear a long drawn out serious speech. You have their attention and if you can put a smile on their face, it will set them up nicely to enjoy the remainder of the day.

Harmless jokes about how your best man and groomsmen are looking are good but just remember you’re the groom and not a stand-up comedian so don’t go overboard!

Do Thank Everybody

This is possibly the most important point of the groom’s speech. This is your time to (in no particular order) thank the venue, thank the celebrant, thank the bridal party, thank your groomsmen and best man, thank the in-laws, thank your family and thank everybody for coming. Now is the opportunity to thank your parents / family for bringing you into this world and to express your gratitude for all they have done for you.

For extra brownie points a bouquet of flowers for your mother and mother-in-law will go down a treat 🙂

Do Remember Your New Wife

Obviously, the whole point of the big day is to sign your life away to celebrate your marriage to your beautiful wife. If you forget to mention this, it might be a very short married life! Include a bit of cheese, tell everyone how you met, how much she means to you and how happy she has made you. People love hearing a good love story and no doubt there’ll be people at the wedding itching to get the kleenex out, so keep this in mind when you go to write the ultimate groom’s speech.

Do Practice

We all know the saying, practice makes perfect. It’s no harm to run through your speech the night before or even in the morning if you have time. Try it in front of the mirror or try it in front of your best man or one of the groomsmen. This will make you feel much more comfortable when delivering the speech and as you practice, you also might decide to add/remove parts. This will go a long way when delivering the ultimate groom’s speech on the big day!

Don’t Hurry

Relax. This is not an Oscar acceptance speech. You’re talking to friends and family who know you so take your time. If you start rushing through the speech, you’ll probably forget something and nobody will have a clue what you’re talking about.

This is the bride and groom’s day and remember that you are the main man. People want to hear the groom’s speech and see how happy you are. If you are feeling a bit nervous beforehand, just a try a few deep breaths in and out – it’ll work a treat.

Don’t Picture Everybody Naked

You’re guaranteed the best man or groomsmen will throw this “helpful” nugget of information out when it comes to making your speech. Don’t go there. This will just make you feel uncomfortable especially when you turn to acknowledge your new mother-in-law!

Imagine looking at the bridal party and how beautiful they are then all of a sudden they’re stark naked… this might just prompt you to say/do something completely ridiculous or worse still, lose your concentration and make a complete tit of yourself!!

Don’t Drink Too Much

This will not help the groom’s speech and on a related note, it will also not help things in the bridal suite later on. It should be a given, especially considering it’s probably the most important day of your life. You might think it’s a good idea to get a bit of dutch courage but before you know it, you’ll be forgetting people’s names. If you are having a drink, leave it until after your speech is done and you’ll appreciate it more.

Don’t Outshine The Best Man

While it’s your day and you want to write the ultimate groom’s speech, a lot of people will also be looking forward to what the best man has to say. He might be a pain at times and has probably gotten you into a whole world of trouble with the Mrs but let’s allow him to have the spotlight for a moment. He’s probably worked really hard on his speech.

If you found writing the grooms speech tough, just think about how the best man has probably struggled with his speech. This will put you much more at ease. Best man speeches are a whole different minefield. While you should include some humour, leave the comedy and stories to him. Don’t be too worried, wifey probably has him under strict instructions to keep everything PC.

Don’t Go Overboard On The Bridal Party

It’s important to remember the bridal party and to comment on how beautiful they look. But just do that only. Don’t try and be funny by saying ‘if I wasn’t a married man…’ or ‘one time I got the sisters mixed up…’. A good idea is to look at everyone else while mentioning this topic and asking your audience to agree with you. Then move on. You do NOT want to upset your new wife. She takes priority when it comes to who’s looking beautiful.

We hope that will help you write the ultimate groom’s speech!

If you need a hand getting the stag organised, get in touch and we can help you organise the ultimate stag party too!

For advice for the bride-to-be, check out our sister site, The Foxy Hen .

Image credit: Alvin Mahmudov, by Unsplash

Need help with your Stag Party?

If you’re in stag research mode, check out all of our stag party destinations and stag do ideas .

For help booking your stag weekend or to discuss your ideas, chat with us live during office hours, submit a quick enquiry or contact us for any other queries.

Article author

Related articles, 21 top ideas for best man gifts to the groom, packing list: groom emergency kit bag, the ultimate best man duties list, stag party supplier of the year 2023, essential resources.

Stag party planning guide

• The Best Man guide
• Free printable stag party dare cards
• All stag party destinations

Get expert advice

• Submit a quick enquiry

Recent posts

• Company Reg. No. 528595
• VAT No. 3286308IH
• [email protected]
• Ireland: (01) 524 1101
• UK: (020) 3808 9546
• Mon-Thurs: 9am-5pm, Fri: 9am-4pm
• Dogpatch Labs, Chq Building, Dublin 1, D01 Y6H7

Stag party planning

• Stag planning guide
• Stag party ideas
• The prank playbook
• Same-sex & hag do ideas
• The Stag's Balls Blog

Stag destinations & deals

• Irish destinations
• UK destinations
• European destinations

All destinations

• Stag party deals

Help and support

• How to book with us
• Why book with us
• Terms and conditions
• Reviews & testimonials
• Press and media
• Become a supplier
• Competitions
• Privacy policy
• The Foxy Hen
• Book The Wild Atlantic Way

Speak with our Stag Party Specialists

• 🇮🇪   Ireland: (01) 524 1101
• 🇬🇧   UK: (020) 3808 9546

Destinations

United kingdom, stag party ideas.

All stag party ideas

The big stag do ideas list

Stag party pranks

• Quick enquiry

Carlingford

Carrick-on-Shannon

Castlegregory

Come To You

Stag Party Houses

Bournemouth

• CLAIM WITHIN:

Free Quick Best Man Speech Guide Giveaway 😎

Claim yours today – rrp £/€16.

We use cookies to provide a better website experience. More details in our privacy policy .

Where, what and when? Simple.

Or submit a quick enquiry if you want to discuss options.

You have javascript switched off. This site works better with javascript switched on.

How to Write a Short and Simple Groom Speech

The Groom Speech is one of the most important pieces of the wedding ‘jigsaw’.

Get it right and you’ll be a hero in the eyes of your new Bride and leave your guests with big smiles on their faces.

Get it wrong and there could be a big, embarrassing hole in the middle of an otherwise perfect day.

So the pressure’s on and while the Groom speech is not a hard one to pull off, it’s also an easy one to screw up.

But there’s no need to panic! Take a deep breath, think calming thoughts and read my Stress-Free Guide to Writing a Short and Simple Groom Speech .

An Effective Groom Speech is as Simple as ABC

Some Groom speeches are masterpieces of speechwriting - full of touching stories, memorable details and clever jokes.

But the truth is that as long as you include just three essential elements you can deliver a rock-solid Groom speech that ticks all the right boxes.

So here’s my ABC for an effective Groom speech, which tells you exactly what to say, and when to say it…

A is for… Acknowledgements

This is non-negotiable - acknowledging the important people in your life, particularly those who’ve helped with the arrangements for the big day.

Forget to say “thank you” and you’ll not only look ungrateful but your speech could leave a bad taste in the mouth of anyone who felt they deserved a quick mention.

And remember, even if you’ve thanked someone in person - or plan to - nothing can quite replace giving them public recognition in front of the other guests.

”Thank You” Checklist

Here’s a checklist of people you might want to thank:

• The Father of the Bride for his toast to you and the Bride
• Your parents for their support over the years
• The Bride’s parents for:a) bringing up your wonderful wife, andb) for welcoming you into their family
• Your Groomsmen for their help on and before the big day
• The Bridesmaids for the help they’ve given the Bride

”Thank You” Gifts

If you intend to hand out any gifts you can do this as part of the acknowledgements.

Absent Family and Friends

It’s also customary to acknowledge absent family and friends.

This can be a poignant moment so make sure there’s a brief pause to remember important people, before diving into…

B is for… Bride

Once you’ve shown your gratitude by acknowledging all the key wedding players, it’s time to get to the main topic of your speech, which is of course - the Bride!

Yes, the thank you’s are absolutely essential, but they’re really just a polite preamble. It’s the bit where you start to talk fondly about your new wife that your guests are really looking forward to hearing.

Even if you’re the strong, silent type, your wedding day is the one occasion where you get to show your softer side and let a few honest feelings show through.

But don’t worry, it’s dead easy to write a crowd-pleasing Groom speech. Because although the Best Man’s speech, for example, is expected to be funny, all that the Groom’s speech really needs to be is sincere - and a little romantic.

In the spirit of minimalism, here’s a simple template to use if you’re lost for words when it comes to talking about your beautiful Bride:

• Tell the story of how you first met
• Say what you love about her - illustrated with a quick anecdote
• Tell us something about your hopes and plans for your future together

Do this right and you’ll score some serious points with your new wife and have all the guests (well the women at least!) thinking you’re the ultimate romantic hero!

C is for… Cheers!

So you’ve thanked everyone who needs thanking and you’ve made your new Bride swoon with some well-chosen words straight from the heart.

Job done, right? Time to sit down.

Well, not quite.

Wrap it up and end on a high

All good speeches have a clear beginning, middle and an end, and the Groom speech is no exception. You’ve just nailed the beginning and the middle, so let’s wrap things up neatly and end on a high.

Nothing gets a more enthusiastic response than an invitation to drink, and it’s traditional for the Groom’s speech to end with a toast to the Bridesmaids.

In an ultra-minimal Groom speech you could simply thank everyone for listening and immediately propose the toast.

However, it’s nice to acknowledge the next speaker - usually the Best Man - before you sit back down (and hopefully receive a big kiss from your wife).

A simple template for the perfect ending

So, with that in mind, here’s a quick guide to the perfect ending:

• Thank everyone for listening and say it’ll soon be time for the Best Man to speak
• Say a few short words about the Best Man and how much you’re looking forward to his speech
• Raise a toast to the Bridesmaids and hand straight over to the Best Man (or the MC)

So that’s it! You’ve reached the end of my Minimalist Guide.

Hopefully the prospect of writing your Groom speech is now about as stressful as gently raking the sand in your Zen garden whilst listening to an iPod full of whale song.

Now take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, then slowly exhale any remaining worries and fears about your speech.

Just pick up a notepad and your favourite pen, and get writing.

Read More Like This

Boring! 5 Groom Speech Clichés That Make You Seem Dull and Unoriginal

Groom Speech: Common Questions

Funny Groom Speech Example

Nailing Your Groom Speech

When it comes to writing a groom speech, most blokes panic and dive headfirst into googling speech etiquette and wedding gags.

This result is the usual fodder; a speech that’s clichéd, boring, and just a bit blah. 

You can do better. And, we’re here to help with our groom speech advice. 

The Speechy team are TV scriptwriters by trade and our advice has featured everywhere from The New York Times  to  The Times . And, as the authors of ‘ The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’ and the only speech experts invited on to BBC Sounds ‘Best Men’ podcast with Jason Manford we have all the advice to deliver a great speech on the big day. 

* Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out our  groom template ,  speech edit, or  bespoke service . Or, work with our new AI-powered team member – SpeechyAI!

Groom Speech Etiquette

The first rule of groom speech etiquette is – don’t get tied down with it. A lot of it’s outdated, blooming dull, and completely unnecessary. 

There’s no need to address your friends and family as ‘ladies and gentlemen’ (chances are they’re not), and you don’t need to toast the bridesmaids (though it is essential you say they’re gorgeous even if they’re already on their second bottle of Pinot).

Modern speech etiquette just comes down to common sense.

Don’t get so worried about thanking folk, that you forget what you’re actually meant to be doing. The bulk of your speech should not be thanking people but paying a once-in-a-lifetime tribute to your new wife! 

(And if you’re marrying a bloke, check out our gay groom etiquette guide ).

1. So, who does the groom thank?

The thank yous are, of course, important. Your marriage is frankly doomed if you forget to thank your mother-in-law.

The groom traditionally thanks;

• everyone for coming
• his in-laws
• his parents
• his best man & ushers
• the maid of honour & bridesmaids

As well the the obvious thank yous, there may be others you want to mention (children from previous relationships?) but resist the urge to read out half the guest list. Nothing kills off a groom speech quicker than a tedious thank you list.

Old school etiquette guides (like  Debretts ) suggest a groom’s first duty should be to thank the father of the bride (or equivalent) for his speech. Feel free to pay an ad hoc, ad-libbed thank you but make this a natural response as opposed to scripting a generic thanks. Ideally, pick up on something he’s said and have fun with it. 

Keep each individual thanks to less than 50 words and include a sense of fun throughout. Make the thank yous specific and personal – so rather than thanking your in-laws for bringing up such a wonderful daughter, thank them for sharing their wine collection with you. Getting personal not only makes the thank yous more meaningful, but entertaining too. 

Finally, don’t bother thanking anyone you’ve paid. No matter how lovely the venue staff or how much the wedding planner may have done, you shouldn’t waste your wordcount on people you’ve paid. 

2. How does a groom pay tribute to absent friends & the dearly departed? 

No need to mention any of your friends or family who haven’t been able to make it (unless they’re watching online). 

When it comes to the ‘dearly departed’ , this depends on how raw the emotions are. 

If it’s a parent or someone very close to you has recently died, we advise paying a meaningful tribute to them in the week leading up to the wedding. This is so the disappointment of them not being there on the big day, has already been acknowledged. Even if it’s just a casual dinner with family or a walk to one of their favourite spots with your partner, let the tears flow before you’re standing up, delivering your speech in front of everyone. 

On the day, be careful not to turn your speech into a eulogy. Instead, pay a tribute to your loved one by putting a smile on everyone’s face. 

Could the guests join you in a toast to your father by drinking his favourite malt whisky? Or could you point out the bride’s bouquet was made from her gran’s favourite flowers?

Our advice is keep it short, sweet and script it towards the end of your speech. So many grooms make the mistake of starting their speech when a toast to the ‘dearly departed’ but that’s often hard to recover from. 

3. Does the groom toast the bridesmaids? 

In the bad, old days, the groom was expected to conclude his speech with a toast to the bridesmaids. These days, that seems an odd idea. The groom certainly needs to thank the bride’s wedding-sidekicks (unless she’s giving a speech and thanking them herself), but that doesn’t need to be the climax of your speech.

At Speechy, we normally include a tribute to the bridesmaids just before the ushers’ & best man’s. Like all thank yous, try to say more than the usual wedding-platitudes and instead, give a sense of their individual or tribal character.  Once you’ve thanked the bride-squad, you don’t need to ask people to raise a glass or join you in an official ‘toast’.

Really, the only times you should ask people to raise a glass is at the end of your speech ( your final toast ) and in tribute to the dearly departed.  The stand-up, sit-down routine of including too many toasts can feel a bit ridiculous.

Your final toast should be directed towards your wife and your future life together. Read on to see how you can make that truly personal. 

4. Should the groom hand out gifts? 

Sure, the mums love a nice bouquet of flowers but let’s not make a big deal about it. And, certainly don’t deliver them during your speech!

We recommend giving any gifts earlier in the day (it’s more intimate and meaningful). Or, simply say in the speech that you’ll be ‘personally handing the gifts out later’ . This ensures the gift-giving doesn’t disrupt the flow of your speech and the guests don’t get distracted. 

5. How does the groom thank divorced parents? 

Tactfully. 

This will depend on, not just on your relationship with your parents (and, potentially, their other halves), but also their relationship with each other. 

Is there any chance your mum will start heckling if you wax too lyrical about your dad? 

Hopefully, any bad feeling can be put aside for the day but be sure to thank parents equally. If their new partners have been in your life for some time, don’t feel shy of mentioning them too. Divorced parents aren’t anything unusual. 

6. How does a groom address an international guestlist? 

Weddings with an international guestlist, where English isn’t everyone’s first language, are becoming more common. 

Some couples opt to recruit an interpreter to ensure no one misses out, but in our experience, this makes the speeches overly long and loses a speech’s natural charm and humour. 

What we suggest is having a few well-rehearsed lines where you attempt to address your international guests in their native tongue. It’s a chance to establish a connection, and also add a bit more humour to your speech. 

Make Your Groom Speech Funny

All speeches should be funny. No one’s expecting a stand-up routine but try to get everyone chuckling within the first 20 secs. It relaxes everyone, including you.

As you’ll see, being funny isn’t about finding jokes on the internet – it’s about making witty observations about your partner, yourself and your relationship.

Whatever you do – avoid Groom Speech ‘Jokes’ . You want to make your guests laugh, not groan. 

• ‘Without all of you here today, it wouldn’t have been the same… but it would have been cheaper.’
• ‘Let me tell you that is not the first time today I have risen from a warm seat with a bit of paper in my hand.’ And so on . . .

Basically, if the joke could be used in someone else’s wedding speech, it probably shouldn’t be in yours.

It might seem obvious that your wedding speech needs a good story in it but a lot of wedding speeches don’t .

They should.

Neuroscientists have discovered that our brains light up when we hear stories. It seems humans are programmed to be empathic; we’re literally designed to be curious about other people.

Finding cracking anecdotes (short stories) is a crucial part of creating a great speech. A story doesn’t need to be long. It doesn’t need to be extraordinary. It just has to reveal something about you as a couple and make folk laugh.

The cornerstones of any relationship are likely to be interesting and here’s a list of the classic ‘love stories’ to consider…  

• How you met
• The first date
• Meeting the parents
• Moving in together
• When you discovered they weren’t actually perfect
• Any embarrassing anecdotes
• Any challenges you’ve overcome together 
• Any classic stories that you’ve enjoyed telling friends and that still make you laugh

Sometimes you need a few prompts to get that brain working, like their online profile that claimed a passion for history but didn’t quite reveal this ‘interest’ would involve you having to visit military museums in every town and country you go to with them.

See if you can hunt down…

• Your online dating profiles (if you met there).
• If you met at work, do you still have your contract or job description? It could it be used for comedy purposes.
• If you’re childhood sweethearts, hunt out the school reports.
• And, obviously, look back at your photos through the years. This will inevitably trigger memories but don’t consider using them as part of your speech.

Speechy’s favourite brand of comedy is based on observation. It’s also the easiest to master.

Comedians have a skilled eye when it comes to noticing the strange things in life that we take for granted but it’s often just about taking the time to look.

Everyone in this world is weird in their very own way, so get a mirror and hold it up to your relationship. Question your behaviour, habits and unwritten rules. Look at the everyday frustrations and recurring issues.

We can all relate to other people’s relationships, and people appreciate it if you talk honestly about yours. Okay, not everyone’s partners put sweet chilli sauce on their toast for breakfast but everyone can appreciate having a partner with weird habits.

To make observational humour work, the trick is to be as specific as possible. Even positive qualities can be humorous if you dissect them.

The callback is where you plant a story or a piece of info at the start of the speech, possibly as a throwaway line, and then reference it later on. 

Watch professional comedians on stage and you’ll see nearly all of them deploy the technique. It’s not only funny, it’s a technique that makes you look smart. Win-win. 

For example, share that story where you accidentally stapled your shoe to the floor when you renovated your first house together. Later, conclude your speech by saying ‘…I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, even if I do have to staple your shoes to the floor to make sure you’re by my side forever more.’

The callback is basically establishing an inside joke that everyone is part of.

To make it work

• Plant something funny, and crucially, memorable in the first third of your speech.
• Then simple refer to it towards the end of your speech.

Voila. You’ve become a comedy pro.

Check out some  groom speech videos  we’ve collated, or have a read of  Boris Johnson’s wedding speech  as imagined by the Speechy Team. It will give you an idea of how professional comedy writers craft humorous lines.

Read our example groom speeches and a groom speech written by SpeechyAI . 

Of course, if all this advice has done nothing but convince you, you need help – then jump straight to  all the different ways the Speechy team can help you , including  SpeechyAI ; a genius tool we’ve built that’s guaranteed to help you develop unique and hilarious lines. Honestly, it’s bloody good. 

How to Write & Deliver Your Groom Speech

Here are the basic rules.

If you’re reading this, probably now. 

Don’t wait for divine inspiration to strike. It rarely does. 

We advise sitting down at least two months before the big day and committing pen to paper (or at least, turn off your notifications and type a few hundreds words). 

Once you start, it gets easier. Even when you’re not sitting in front of the laptop, once you’ve genuinely engaged your brain in the process of speechwriting, it will work on a subconscious level for you. You’ll find when you get back to the screen, you’ll have plenty more ideas. 

And, of course, it’s always easier improving a speech than it is starting one. 

Speechy generally advise…

• Hello, welcome & a laugh
• The Speech-Meat – Where you tell a few great stories that give an insight into your relationship and why you love your new spouse as much as you do. 
• Acknowledgement of the dearly departed (if necessary)
• A final more romantic tribute to your wife
• A toast to your wife / your future life together 

This structure may be different to most speeches you’ve heard. Many speakers automatically start with the thank yous but, as important as they may be, they are not what really interests your guests.

Get to the thank yous once you’ve already hooked everyone in. 

Don’t script a thank you to the previous speaker as the opening to your speech. Make this thank you a spontaneous ad lib before you obviously start delivering your speech. This makes the thank you sound like a genuine, heartfelt reaction rather than a ‘tick-box’ courtesy.

We see lots of grooms fill the first 30 seconds of their speech with absolute nonsense. Talking about guests traveling far. What a special occasion it is. Pure cut-and-paste jobs.

Start by trying to get a laugh early 

“Greetings, party people! They told me marriage is all about compromise. Well, I’ve already compromised my ability to choose what I wear for the rest of my life.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the [your last name] Comedy Club! I’ll be your stand-up comedian for the evening, and [spouse’s name] is my favorite heckler.”

• “Hello, world-changers! Today, [spouse’s name] and I embark on a journey filled with love, laughter, and a joint bank account. Pray for us.”
• “Good evening, everybody! Today, I’ve officially joined the ‘Happily Ever After’ club. Membership fee: my independence. Benefits: endless love and an occasional ‘Yes, dear.'”

Every word should count, so you could consider forgetting the ‘hellos’ altogether. The trick is to make the opening personal. 

ALTERNATIVE OPENINGS

• Jump right in. ‘So we’ve finally done it. Sophie has agreed to put up with mefor the rest of her life and I’ve got that in writing.’
• Short and snappy.   ‘Well, let’s start with the elephant in the room. Why has the gorgeous bride just married a bright orange lad from Croydon who can’t spell?’
• Start with a story. ‘Let me tell you a story… when I first saw Lucy, sitting in the bar, reading a book in the middle of the Saturday night chaos, I knew I had to speak to her. Only she was too absorbed in his John Grisham to notice me.’

A speech theme is your narrative hook. 

Rather than just a list of anecdotes and thanks yous, your speech should tell a story.

Yes, it’s made up of lots of different elements but it needs to hook people in from the beginning, establish a theme and carry that through to an almighty climax.

One basic example might be a teacher who talks about the lessons his wife has taught – the good, the bad and the ability to now name the Kardashians.

Another theme might be the groom’s interpretation of his marriage vows (e.g. man flu does indeed count as ‘sickness’).

Turning your speech into a story makes it easy to follow and entertaining. Find out #whatsyourstory

A heart-warming tribute to your partner should be the focus of your speech but every groom thinks his spouse is gorgeous, kind and generally amaaaaazing.

The only way for this to sound genuine is – prove, don’t tell. Resist too many adjectives and recount the anecdotes that show your partner’s qualities in action.

Cut the clichés and concentrate on what makes your loved one unique. Avoid words like ‘soulmate’ or ‘beautiful’, anything that’s overused.

Are they a library-lover, a technology fiend, a devoted foodie? Nailing their individual and quirky characteristics shows you ‘get them’ and her friends and family will love you for it.

ROMANCE DON’Ts

• Be generic – If your romantic lines could be substituted into a stranger’s wedding speech, well, you’re doing something wrong. Romance demands that you get personal.
• Be smug – Being married for a few hours does not grant you the right to be a smug-married yet. Remember there’s likely to be single people out there so resist the urge to suggest finding a life-partner is the only reason for living. You don’t want the bridesmaids crying before 5pm!
• Use meaningless clichés and platitudes – Seriously, ‘soulmate’ is a waste of your word count. What about ‘partner-in-crime’ instead?
• Overuse adjectives – Avoid using too many adjectives and prove , don’t tell. Use evidence to back up your claims.

ROMANCE DOs

Make sure you…

• Remember romance doesn’t need to be serious – You can deliver the sweetest lines with a smile on your face.
• Concentrate on what makes your partner unique – The most powerful way to be romantic is finding the qualities and quirks that make your partner truly unique.
• If you’re struggling for a killer line, get inspired by our Groom Speech Quotes . While plagiarism is never cool, quoting people who are cleverer & wittier than you, is legit. 

A good toast summarises the point of your speech.  It provides great storytelling symmetry and is a call to action for everyone present.

The toast itself needs to be succinct enough to propose it and people to second it. It’s essentially a contract, so be concise.

Examples of great groom toasts…  

“To my incredible bride, my partner in crime, and the one who manages to tolerate my terrible dance moves. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and pretending not to notice when I sneak in extra snacks. Cheers!”

“As we dive into this marriage adventure, let’s raise our glasses to surviving my occasional snoring and her knack for finding the TV remote in the most mysterious places. May our love be as unbreakable as her ability to beat me at board games. Cheers!”

“To the love of my life, thank you for saying ‘I do’ despite witnessing my questionable fashion choices and the fact that I can never find matching socks. May our marriage be as enduring as my video game sessions and as exciting as finding pizza in the fridge when we thought it was all gone. Here’s to us!”

“In the spirit of wedded bliss, let’s toast to a lifetime of love, compromise, and navigating the dangerous territory of choosing the right side of the bed. May our marriage be as smooth as my hair never is and as full of surprises as her unexpected dance parties in the living room. Cheers to us!”

“To my beautiful bride, thank you for being the ‘better’ half, the one who always knows where we parked, and the expert in finding lost items, including my car keys. May our marriage be as rock-solid as your morning coffee routine and as fun as our impromptu karaoke nights. Here’s to love, laughter, and a lifetime of hilarious memories!”

A maximum of ten mins allowing for laughter and ad-libs. You might feel you have plenty to say but be strict with yourself.

Once you write your first draft, edit it down to half the length. We promise it will make it twice as good. No one ever watched a wedding speech and thought ‘if only it were longer’. It’s the same with jokes; they’re better if they’re punchy.

Ernest Hemingway said ‘The first draft of anything is shit’. This is both true and reassuring.

The edit-process might mean cutting some of your favourite bits but you need to wipe out the waffle and cut out the cliches. Lots of sites offer quick estimates of your speech duration based on your wordcount.

And, if you’re still struggling to make the brutal cuts necessary, remember to check out our Edit Service. We’re not shy about getting tucked in! 

A confident delivery is half the battle. Check the acoustics of the venue & get a mic if necessary (so many speeches are ruined simply because the guests can’t hear them).

Try to memorise the speech but don’t be afraid to use notes on the day (your brain will be scrambled).

Talk slower than feel natural (makes you sound more confident) & leave pauses for laughter (sometimes people need a moment to ‘get it’).

Keep your posture relaxed and remember everyone wants you to do well so make sure you smile. It’s scientifically proven to be infectious and scientists know stuff.

Read our Delivery Guide for more tips.

PRE-DELIVERY CHECKLIST

• Have a snack – An empty stomach isn’t good for nerves. It may be the last thing you fancy but stuff a handful of canapes down or have a Mars bar on hand.
• Don’t drink alcohol – Studies have shown even one glass of alcohol can reduce your public speaking skills. 
• Drink water – A glass of water a few minutes prior to speaking will ensure you don’t dry up.
• Look for friendly faces in the audience – And at different points of the room.

ON THE MIC CHECKLIST

• Stand up, breathe deep and smile.
• Remember your presenting principles.
• Laugh along – Sometimes people need the visual cue that what you’ve said is funny. (I know, people are idiots). And, as we know, laughter is infectious so make sure you exploit it!
• If you’re being filmed – see the camera as an extra friend. It works really well when you come to watch it back.
• Be prepared for audience interaction. It’s unlikely you’ll get hecklers but some people like to ‘get involved’. It’s good to have a few witty responses in your back pocket. For example…
• (If it’s a free bar) ‘And that’s why the free bar ends after the first drink…’
• (If it’s not a free bar) ‘And that’s why you don’t get a free bar…’
• ‘There are some RSVPs you read with tears in your eyes.’

Speech Do's

Check with your partner.

If they aren’t giving a speech then you’re speaking on behalf of them too. If nothing else, make sure they’re happy with your thank you list.

Make the thanks yous meaningful

Don’t just talk about what people have contributed to the wedding, thank them for what they’ve contributed to your life (even if it is just an appreciation on malt whiskeys).

Make your toast unique

Drink to ‘a lifetime of dancing on tables’ or consider a #Tequilatoast

Practise your speech and film it on your phone

Watch it back, promise yourself you’ll do something about your gut and spot where your speech can be improved.

Feel free to use clever quotes

But make sure you credit the author or someone else will! Check out our Groom Quote Inspiration guide.

Speech Don'ts

Don't thank the caterers, the venue, people who have travelled far etc..

It’s unnecessary.

Don't ignore the feedback of friends

It’s always worth testing your speech on a mate, but this means you have to listen to them. If someone doesn’t get a joke, don’t waste your time explaining it as you won’t be able to do that on the day.

Don't talk over laughter

You’ve worked hard for those laughs – don’t rush them. Always wait until your guests have settled down before continuing with your speech.

Don't get overly soppy

Get the balance right between sweet and just showing off. Leave the pet names at home and keep anything overly gushing for the bedroom. Remember, sometimes a couple of lines expressing your love, can be just as powerful as 20. 

Groom - Let us help you!

If you want to deliver a legendary speech, work with us.

We’re rated  ‘excellent’ on Trustpilot and that’s why we offer a DELIGHT GUARANTEE  on all our bespoke services.

And, of course, in the world of Zoom, Whatsapp and Death Wish Coffee, we work with grooms around the world.

Groom Speech Template

Speech edit service, £ 245, bespoke speech writing service, £ 495, choose a speech service, choose a speech template, not sure where to start, products & services, speechy help, let's help you get started..., delivery coaching, £ 150, discover our services, speech templates, not sure let's find the right service for you..., we use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. if you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it., yes, i'm cool with this, privacy policy.

The Ultimate Groom's Wedding Speech Checklist

Don't leave anyone or anything important off your list of thank yous.

The groom's wedding speech is often about covering all bases. It doesn't have the bravado and general LOLs of a best man speech , the gushing and poignant words of a bridesmaid speech, or all the nostalgia and tear-jerking words of a father of the bride or groom speech. Instead, a groom's speech is half admin, half emotion; kind of like an Oscar acceptance! A chance to shout out the wedding party, thank the ushers, and tell your new in-laws how chuffed you are to be part of the family. To help you write your speech - and to make sure you don't leave anyone out - we've put together a handy groom's wedding speech checklist . You'll thank us later!

A groom doing a speech solo is more common, but we've also seen lots of couples do their thank you speech together , as well as brides making speeches too ( more ladies on the mic please !). Our list covers all bases and standard family structures, but tweak it as is appropriate for you. Hopefully it comes in handy whatever kind of wedding thank you speech you're making.

Groom's Wedding Speech Checklist

(In no particular order, but this order makes for a nice crescendo!)

• Thank the guests for coming - give a special shout out to anyone who's come a long way
• Thank any staff or suppliers who worked on the day - only those present
• Thank the celebrant - if present
• Thank anyone who helped in the lead up to the day (outside of the wedding party and immediate family) - any one who gave lifts, stitched bunting, glued centrepieces, etc.
• Thank anyone who took part in the day itself - ceremony readings , music, wedding cake baker, etc
• Mention your new parents in law and siblings - this is a good time to tell them how happy you are to join the family, how welcome/terrified they made you feel, how you promise to be there for their son or daughter/brother or sister.
• Mention your siblings  - be specific about things they helped you with or special memories. This is also a good time to mention any other special family members, grandparents, step-parents, etc.
• Mention your parents - if both your parents are present, thank them both individually, usually an anecdote about the kind of person they've taught you to be goes down well.
• Thank your wedding party - make sure both sides get a mention, though it's fine to gush a bit harder about your best man!
• Thank your other half - for marrying you, for looking fabulous, for being wonderful, and all the other good things you can think of. Remember to tell them all about why you love them and why you can't wait to get started with married life!

Need more help with your wedding speeches - we've got you covered!

• 30 Funny Opening Lines for Wedding Speeches
• How to Begin a Wedding Speech: Great Opening Lines
• The Correct Order of Speeches at a Wedding?
• 9 Ways to Shake Up Your Wedding Speeches
• How to Give a Flawless Best Man Speech
• Everything You Need To Play Wedding Speech Bingo

Listen & Subscribe to The One Fab Day Wedding Podcast

Episode 22: wedding speeches 101.

You can listen to the One Fab Day Wedding Podcast wherever you get your podcasts , and search them on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Image credits

Tomasz kornas photography, via one fab day, see more in:.

You might also like...

• Find a Couple
• Travel & Experiences
• Inspiration
• Collections
• Manage Your List
• Guest Pledges
• Place Order
• Account Balance
• Thank You Manager
• Track Orders
• Accounts Settings

Wedding Planning

Mastering the Groom's Speech: Crafting a Memorable and Heartfelt Toast

Nervous about your groom's speech? Don't fret! We've got you covered. Let us guide you, from page one to a confident delivery. Craft a memorable groom speech to be proud of.

So, you're ready to write your groom's speech. But where do you start!? Finding the right words can be a little daunting. That's why we've put together our best tips to help you get started. Goodbye, writer's block! Here's how you can write a speech to have your guests laughing, cheering and crying (the good kind)...

Our top tip? Be yourself, celebrate your love, and have fun! Even if nerves kick in, remember that your audience will be the most supportive and caring group of individuals you could ever hope for. You've got this!

The Evolution of the Groom's Speech

Let's start at the very beginning. The history of the groom’s speech is steeped in tradition. During medieval and renaissance periods, the groom’s speech was an essential part of the wedding feast, used to publicly thank the bride's family for their daughter's hand in marriage. This practice helped establish ties between families and communities.

Fast forward a couple thousand years and the groom’s speech looks and sounds a little different. Today, the groom’s speech has evolved from a formal expression of gratitude and alliance to a more heartfelt and emotional moment (tissues are a must) reflecting the changing attitudes towards love, marriage, and individuality in different cultures and periods. It's not uncommon to see both partners give speeches either - sometimes even combining them in a joint speech. Today, the groom's speech is filled with genuine emotions, adding a personal and sentimental touch to the celebration.

How To Prepare For Your Groom Speech

The key to preparing any speech is to start early, i.e. no later than a month before your wedding day . Doing this will give you plenty of time to practice so you feel confident when the big day arrives. 

Remember that practice makes perfect! You could try rehearsing in front of a mirror or with a friend you trust. If you're feeling brave, recording yourself can be a great way to see your body language. But most importantly, don't take your wedding speech too seriously. Have fun writing it! You'll be speaking to your nearest and dearest - they're all there for you! Be yourself, and you can't go wrong.

Top Tips Before You Start Writing

• Keep It Short and Sweet Time is of the essence! While your speech should be heartfelt and meaningful, it's essential to keep it concise. Aim for around five minutes to keep your guests engaged and prevent restless glances at the clock.
• Mix Humour With Heartfelt Emotion Infuse your speech with a healthy dose of humour and sincerity. Share anecdotes about your journey as a couple, but balance them with sentiments that showcase your love and appreciation.
• Tell Your Love Story Share the funny stories, the romantic moments, and the little things that made you fall in love. This is your chance to celebrate your relationshpi with those who love you most. So don't be afraid to get personal!
• Toast to the Future Raise your glass high and toast to the exciting adventures ahead! Express your commitment to your partner and share your hopes and dreams for your future together.

Structure And Template For Writing A Memorable Groom's Speech

• Introduction Take a moment to recognise the contributions of the wedding party, parents, and all those who have made your special day possible. Share your appreciation for friends and family who have travelled near and far to be part of your celebration. Personalised shout-outs go a long way in making guests feel cherished.
• Compliment Your Partner Take a moment to express your love and admiration for your partner. Share a heartfelt and genuine compliment about your partner's qualities or the effort they put into making the day special.
• Share A Memory Choose a memorable and light-hearted story from your relationship or wedding planning journey to share with the guests. Keep it short and sweet, and make sure it hasn't already been mentioned in other toasts.
• Acknowledging the Reception ⁠Make a comment about the atmosphere, the food, the band, or any special moments happening during the reception. Connect with your guests and make them feel included in the celebration.
• Thank Everyone Again for Their Presence and Support Mention specific individuals or groups that you may have forgotten to thank earlier, such as the officiant, staff, or specific family members. Raise a glass to toast your partner, family, and friends.

Groom Speech Example

Using the above structure, here is an example of a groom's speech. Remember, this is just a template to guide you. Feel free to personalise it and add your own anecdotes and emotions. The goal is to speak from the heart and create a memorable speech that celebrates the love and joy of your special day.

"Good evening, everyone! Thank you all for being here. It means the world to us.

I would like to start by thanking my best man and groomsmen for all their support and entertainment leading up to today. You guys have been there for me through thick and thin, and I don't know what I would have done without you. And to Mum and Dad, thank you for everything. Especially for helping me choose my tie. I quite literally don't think I could have done it without you.

I would now like to talk a little bit about Ellie. She is the most amazing woman I know. Ellie, your infectious laughter and kindness never fail to fill any room with joy. You make everyone feel welcome and loved, and I am so lucky to have you in my life.

If you know Ellie, you'll know she's a sucker for romance. I'm not entirely sure how I won her over, but I'm glad I did. We first met in a greasy kebab shop at 2 am. I tried to woo her with one of my favourite Flight of the Conchords quotes. I looked into her eyes and said, "I can't believe I'm sharing a kebab with the most beautiful girl I have ever seen...with a kebab." Luckily, Ellie has a great sense of humour.

For Ellie's 30th, she asked for a surprise meal. I had to choose the place. So, obviously, I pre-ordered a kebab, picked Ellie up and surprised her with the greasiest treat, for old time's sake. (I must say, it doesn't taste as good when you're sober). We headed for the park, where I had done my best to lay out a 'pretty' picnic, kitted out with wine, a gigantic bag of monster munch and her favourite chocolates. Thirty minutes later, the heavens opened. We were drenched head to toe.

I'd like you all to remember that good old saying, "It's the thought that counts." Ellie, I'm sure there are many times when you've been thinking, "What was he thinking!?". But I can promise you one thing - I will never stop thinking about ways to make you happy. I know I'm a little goofy, and sometimes I get it terribly wrong, but we always have the best times together. Even when we're both drenched, holding a soggy grease-ridden kebab.

Now, everyone, you'll be glad to know the food options tonight are a little more appetising. And I'm sure you're all eager for me to get on with it so you can try them.

But I wanted to quickly take another moment to thank all our incredible vendors and all the individuals who have helped organise this day. Who knew weddings require so much planning!? I will remember this day forever, but I'll also be very glad to never think about a seating plan again. And yes, Harry, we put you on the table with the kids on purpose.

I'd love you all to join me in toasting Ellie. I love you. Thank you for doing life with me. And to all our family and friends, thanks again for being here. I'm looking forward to seeing many of you on the dancefloor later!

Cheers!"

When Should the Groom Give a Speech?

There are two schools of thought on when to give a groom's speech. Some people believe that it is better to give a speech before the wedding breakfast, so that you can relax and enjoy the meal afterwards. If you're sticking to tradition, the groom usually gives their speech after the meal has been served. It's really up to personal preference and what works best for you and your guests!

Here is the traditional order of speeches at a wedding reception:

• Father of the Bride The father of the bride usually gives the first speech, welcoming the guests and expressing his joy and blessings for the newlyweds.
• Best Man The best man's speech usually follows the father of the bride's speech. He often shares stories and anecdotes about the groom and offers humorous and heartfelt words about the couple.
• Groom After the best man's speech, it's the groom's turn. The groom's speech is a chance for him to thank the guests for attending, express his love and appreciation for his bride, and often, he also acknowledges both sets of parents for their support.
• Partner In some weddings, the bride or partner might also choose to say a few words.

Top Tips For Tackling Nerves

It's normal to feel nervous before giving a speech but don't let your nerves get the best of you. Take a few deep breaths before you start speaking, and focus on your audience. Remember, they are there to support you and to celebrate your marriage.

• Smile and Breathe Taking a deep breath and putting on a smile might seem simple, but they are surprisingly effective in reducing stress and anxiety! When you take a deep breath, it signals your body that everything is okay, leading to a slower heart rate and relaxed muscles. Smiling, on the other hand, has multiple benefits. It triggers the release of endorphins, which naturally boost your mood.
• Visualise Yourself Giving a Successful Speech Imagine yourself delivering your speech smoothly and confidently. This will help to boost your confidence and to reduce your anxiety.
• Avoid Alcohol Alcohol may seem like a good way to calm your nerves, but it can actually make your anxiety worse. Instead, drink plenty of water and eat healthy foods to keep your energy levels up.
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep Being well-rested will help you to feel more alert and confident on the day of the wedding.
• Take Breaks If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a few minutes to step away and collect yourself. This will help you to relax and to regain your focus.

Remember, the groom's speech is your opportunity to celebrate your love and should be as unique as your relationship. If you're yourself, you won't go wrong! Even if nerves kick in, remember that your audience comprises the most supportive and caring group of individuals you could ever hope for—they're there to cheer you on every step of the way. Don't fret if you stumble! Laugh it off! Have fun with it. You've got this!

Ready To Plan Your Wedding?

Plan your big day with ease with our complete wedding planning guides, expert advice and inspiration from the latest trends.

Wedding Gift List Wording: Top Tips & Examples

How do you graciously ask for wedding gifts? Let us help.

Wedding Inspiration

Romantic Wedding Inspiration From Wedding Shop Couple Aoidín & Christopher

Get inspired by Aoidín & Christopher's incredibly romantic wedding in Ireland.

Best Wedding Gifts: 35 Ideas To Delight Every Couple

This year's most popular wedding gifts, curated by The Wedding Shop.

What Is A Black-Tie Wedding? Inspiration From A Real Hollywood Glam Couple

Jess and Tom answer all your black-tie wedding questions.

Wedding Registry: When Should You Start?

Discover the best time to start building your dream wedding registry.

Why Guests Love It When Couples Have A Wedding Gift List

Why do guests love wedding gift lists? Let five wedding guests tell you why!

Groom Speech Examples

The groom often gets a good roasting from the best man, so the groom’s speech is a chance to get in a few jokes of his own! As well as thanking the wedding party and both sets of parents, what all the guests are waiting for are some romantic and heartfelt words about his new spouse. You’ll find plenty of example groom speeches to help inspire you when the time comes to write yours, plus jokes and delivery tips.

Recently added to Hitched

Laybuy and Afterpay available

• $ 0.00 0

Baby Books & Childhood Journals

Writing the Groom’s Speech: The Ultimate Guide to Your Wedding Toast

• Wedding Planning

Unless you’re a fan of public speaking, you’ve probably found your way here wondering how on earth you’re meant to begin writing the speech for your wedding day…

Well, as a groom, you’re in luck, the Groom’s Wedding Speech is actually a very simple, straightforward one to write, and with a couple of read-throughs, you’ll nail it (even if you are reading this the night before.

In what order should the Groom’s speech be?

A Groom’s Wedding Speech is one of the four traditional wedding speeches. Typically, the Groom’s wedding speech follows the speeches of the Father of the Bride and the Best Man, and is followed by the Maid of Honour (historically, a Bride would not make a speech). Of course, it will be completely up to you as a couple to decide who will be speaking, and what order that should be in (though someone may just surprise you and wish to speak on the day!), and of course, if this is a same-sex wedding, there may be two Grooms making speeches.  See all the different ways  same-sex couples can reinvent the speech section of their wedding.

Why the Groom’s Speech is the Easiest Wedding Speech to Write

It’s often said that the groom’s speech is the easiest speech to write because it has a simple structure and purpose. Here are some reasons why:

• Shorter length: The groom’s speech is usually shorter than other speeches, such as the Father of the Bride or Best Man’s toast. This means that there is less pressure to come up with a lot of content, be particularly funny or entertaining, or even share personal stories – leave that up to the others if you wish.
• Simple structure: The Groom’s speech typically follows a very simple structure, starting with an opening thank you and acknowledgment of the Bride, followed by a brief anecdote or two, possibly about wedding planning (and how much or little you’ve had to do with it), and ending with a toast to the future. This structure makes it easy to plan and write the speech.
• Personal experience: The Groom’s speech is often based on personal experience, making it easier to write from the heart. The Groom can share stories about how he met his Bride, how he fell in love, or when he knew he wanted to marry her, which can easily make for a heartfelt and meaningful speech. Trust us, all anybody really wants to hear is how stunning you think your new wife is, and what a phenomenal job she has done planning the day (even if you think you took on a fair share of it!)

How to Write the Groom’s Wedding Speech

• Start with a plan

Before you begin writing your speech, it’s important to have a plan in place. Think about the key points you want to make and how you can weave them together into a cohesive message, possibly incorporating a point into both the introduction and conclusion.

• Begin with a strong opening

To captivate your audience from the start, consider beginning with a strong opening. This could be a heartfelt quote or a humorous story that sets the tone for the rest of your speech. The goal is to grab the attention of your audience and set the tone for the rest of your speech.

• Speak from the heart

The best wedding speeches are those that come from the heart. While it can be tempting to focus on jokes or generic sentiments, take the time to speak honestly about your feelings. Share what you love about your new spouse and what makes your relationship special. Speak from the heart, and your words will be sure to resonate with your audience.

• Keep it concise

While you may have a lot to say, it’s important to keep your speech concise. Aim for a speech that lasts around five minutes, as anything longer can cause your audience to lose interest. Stick to the key points you want to make and be mindful of your audience’s attention span.

• Include humor

Wedding speeches don’t have to be serious all the time. In fact, including humor can be a great way to engage your audience and lighten the mood. Consider adding a funny story or anecdote to your speech to break up the more serious moments., practice, practice.

• Practice Reading Your Speech

Once you’ve written your speech, it’s time to practice. Read it out loud several times to get a feel for how it sounds and to make sure it flows well. Consider practicing in front of a mirror or in front of a friend to get feedback. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel delivering your speech on the big day.

Making the Groom’s Speech Funny

If humour comes naturally to you, your speech is likely to be funny too, and your guests are the ones who know and love you best (so they’ll definitely laugh along with you). If you struggle to tell personal anecdotes, consider including some funny quotes or sweet sayings:

• “The secret to a good marriage is to be a little deaf.”  —  Ruth Bader Ginsburg 
• “If at first you don’t succeed…try doing it the way your wife told you.”  —  Unknown
• “The secret to a happy marriage remains a secret.”  —  Henny Youngman
• “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times—always with the same person.”  —  Mignon McLaughlin (this one’s in our ‘ I still do ‘ anniversary journal)
• “To keep your marriage brimming with love in the loving cup, whenever you’re wrong, admit it; whenever you’re right, shut up.”  —  Ogden Nash

What should the Groom actually say in his wedding speech?

Of course, the groom’s wedding speech is also an opportunity to express his love and appreciation for his partner in front of friends and family. It’s a chance to share heartfelt words that capture the essence of their relationship and the depth of his feelings. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a groom’s speech, the following tips can help create a personal and loving tribute:

• Start with gratitude: Begin by thanking everyone for being there to celebrate this special day. Express your gratitude for their love and support, and how much it means to have them all there with you.
• Acknowledge your partner: Take a moment to acknowledge your partner and how much they mean to you. Share a personal story about how you met or something that has strengthened your relationship over time. Speak from the heart and let your emotions guide you. Thank them, if they have worked really hard to plan the wedding , as it has probably been a huge emotional undertaking for them too.
• Speak to their qualities: Talk about the qualities you admire in your partner, such as their kindness, compassion, sense of humor, or intelligence. Share specific examples that demonstrate these traits and how they have impacted your life.
• Express your love: This is the perfect opportunity to express your love and affection for your partner. Use language that is personal and meaningful to you, whether it’s through poetry, song lyrics, or your own heartfelt words.
• Make promises: A wedding is a celebration of a lifelong commitment, so take this opportunity to make promises to your partner about the future you will build together. Reinforce the vows you wrote to each other . You might promise to support them through thick and thin, to always be their partner in life, or to continue growing and learning together.
• Thank the families: Thank both families for their love and support, and for coming together to celebrate this special day. Acknowledge any special people in your partner’s life, such as parents or grandparents, and express your gratitude for their presence.
• End with a toast: Raise a glass to your partner, your families, and your future together. Invite everyone to join you in celebrating this joyous occasion and toast to the happiness and love that lies ahead.

Is there anything the Groom shouldn’t say in his speech?

Ah, yes, we’re so glad you asked, there are a few things never to include in a wedding speech .

• No matter how funny the anecdote sounds to you on paper, ex-girlfriends or past relationships for either party are off the table . It’s best to avoid this topic entirely.
• Controversial or sensitive topics: Weddings are a time to celebrate love and happiness, so it’s best to avoid controversial or sensitive topics that could potentially upset or offend guests. This could include politics, religion, or other divisive issues.
• Inside jokes or stories that are inappropriate: While inside jokes and stories can be entertaining, it’s important to consider whether they are appropriate for a wider audience. If a story or joke could potentially embarrass or offend someone, it’s best to avoid it.
• Negative comments about anyone (ANYONE): A wedding is a time to celebrate and show love, so it’s important to avoid negative comments or criticism of anyone. This includes family members, friends, vendors, or even the bride or groom themselves. Don’t resort to self-deprecating humour, this just isn’t the time. See etiquette guide to wedding speeches .

Remember, the most important thing is to speak from the heart and be true to yourself. While it can be tempting to focus on jokes or generic sentiments, take the time to speak honestly about your feelings. Share what you love about your new spouse and what makes your relationship special. Speak from the heart, and your words will be sure to resonate with your audience. Don’t worry too much about getting the words perfect – the emotion behind them is what really counts. With these tips in mind, you can create a personal and loving tribute to yo.ur partner that will be remembered for years to come.

Finally, the best, most entertaining and engaging speeches are ones which are to the point and concise. Aim for a speech that lasts around five minutes, as anything longer can cause your audience to lose interest. Stick to the key points you want to make and be mindful of your audience’s attention span.

shop our best selling

Wedding planner book.

“Undoubtedly the best wedding planner book!” 

Frequently voted the best wedding planner book and featured in international magazines and publications (Cosmopolitan, Glamour UK & CNN to name a few), the little white book is a the ultimate wedding planner, 12 month journal, diary and keepsake.

Related Posts

Is the Average Cost of a NZ Wedding $30,000 in 2024?

The Perfect Polaroid Guest Book for Weddings

Writing the Bride’s Speech: The Ultimate Guide to Your Wedding Toast

How to Write a Wedding Speech to Your Wife

Making Barbie Wedding Dresses | Bridal Shower or Hens Party Activity

How to Celebrate your Wedding Anniversary

Forget me not.

Forget Me Not Journals © 2022 

FORGET ME NOT   | formerly ‘ SHE SAID YES’

HOW TO WRITE A MEMORABLE GROOM SPEECH

Traditionally, the wedding reception is home to several speeches from the wedding party and the bride and groom’s parents. It’s a time to celebrate the new marriage and share stories of fond memories of the couple. Your groom speech is a chance to share how much you love your bride, but writing the groom’s speech can be daunting for those who haven’t attended several weddings this year to see them in action. Here’s an easy format you can follow to write the perfect groom’s speech for your big day.

WELCOME YOUR GUESTS

Start off your speech by welcoming those who have come to help you celebrate your marriage. Thank them for coming to share this special day with you and your new wife. You can give specific welcomes, but try to stick to the basic categories: friends and family.  Sometimes is may be ideal to start out with a joke to break the ice, have a look at some of our funny examples .

THANK THOSE WHO HELPED

In this section, you’ll want to thank those who have had a significant role in making your wedding a reality. This includes those who funded the wedding (though this doesn’t need to be stated aloud during the speech), parents, supporters, the Best Man, and the Maid of Honor . You can also thank anyone in your life who had a large role in supporting your relationship before your engagement. Is there someone who introduced the two of you? A married couple that mentored you during your relationship? A community that you both belong to that supported your relationship? These people helped make your wedding happen, so take a moment to thank them publicly.

• The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Speeches & Toasts . Our go-to guide.
• Groom’s Speech.  Deliver an amazing Groom wedding speech. Groom speech examples .
• Best Man Speech.  Create an awesome best man speech. Example best man speeches .
• Father of the Bride Speech .  A heartfelt father of bride speech. Example father speeches .
• Sample Toasts & Speech Quotes . One liners, funny quotes, love parables and much more.
• Recent Wedding Speech Posts . Latest blog posts about wedding speeches and toasts.

ADDRESS YOUR WEDDING PARTY

Take a brief moment to thank and acknowledge each groomsman and bridesmaid. Even just calling each one by name and thanking them for helping your big day run smoothly is enough. Everyone likes to be recognized.

FAWN OVER YOUR LADY

At this time, you can look your bride in the eyes and share how much she means to you. This part of the speech can be made very personal, and is intended to make your bride feel loved and adored in front of all of your guests. Remember to include aspects of her physical beauty as well as her character and what makes you love her. You can be sappy or you can remain more formal, but remember not to lean too far in one direction. Too formal, and it won’t feel natural and true. Too sappy, and everyone will be rolling their eyes by the end of it, including your bride.

INTRODUCE YOURSELVES AS A MARRIED COUPLE

After you’ve talked about how great your blushing bride is, you have the chance to tell everyone present what you are as a couple. You can share a meaningful or funny story, describe how you met, and talk about how she has changed your life since meeting her. You can talk about how you look forward to growing with her over the years, or share a value the two of you intend to base your lives on. If you share a religious affiliation, this is a good time to bring that up if you intend to make it the basis of your shared life. This is the first time you get to introduce yourselves as a married couple, so think about how you want to represent your new marriage to your guests.

FAWN OVER YOUR LADY…AGAIN

You’ll want to end your speech by talking once more about how much you love your bride. This is the day to celebrate how much you love her, so take every opportunity to do that! You don’t need to drag the speech on, but make sure the last thing you say is about how much you love your wife.

WHAT NOT TO SAY

Almost as important as what you do include in your speech is what you choose to leave out. Obviously, you’ll want to leave out any profanity, but make sure these don’t make it into your final speech either:

Delivery Tips

• Over-used cliches. Unless it’s one that really speaks to your relationship, try to keep it original.
• Excessive thank-yous. Thank the important figures in your relationship, but it’s not necessary to thank every person who helped with the wedding in a small way.
• Innuendos or sexual remarks. This should go without saying, but keep it PG for the sake of your bride’s conservative grandmother.

Even the most experienced public speaker can get flustered at the thought of speaking at his own wedding, so it’s normal to feel nervous about the speech. Keep these points in mind to make sure your speech is well-received and natural:

• Practice, practice, practice. The more you go over your speech beforehand, the more comfortable it will be to give it. You don’t need to feel pressured to memorize it, but make sure you can give the whole speech without reading straight from your notes
• Look your bride in the eye. Don’t stare her down the whole time you speak, but you should make intentional eye contact while you’re talking about how much you love her.
• Use tasteful humor to keep a lighter mood. Sharing a funny story or telling a short joke can put your guests at ease and make the whole speech feel more conversational.
• Keep it brief. Choose your words carefully and intentionally to avoid dragging on your speech. A short but meaningful speech is easier to deliver than a long speech that is full of verbal fluff.

Most importantly, remember that the speech you give at your wedding won’t be the only thing people remember. As long as your bride can tell that you love her from your speech, nothing else matters.

How To Write a Great Groom’s Speech

Welcome back to Groom's Week on Bridal Musings.

This week we're giving brides a few days off and letting the guys take over!

We've been talking Groom's Attire 101 , how to be the best, best man ever , and schooling you in traditions of the Groom's Cake .

And now it's time to discuss perhaps the most daunting prospect of your wedding day, The Groom's Speech.

Photo by  Lucida Photography  via Style Me Pretty

Making a speech or a toast on your wedding day is a bit of a juggling act.

The Best Man gets to bring the joke book and the father of the bride (hopefully) welcomes you to the family, and gushes about his little girl. But for your speech, you need to do all of the above, as well as thanking your guests and sharing your love story.

No big deal.

Photo by  McKinley Rodgers Photography  via Bridal Musings

Remembering all you've got to say, and delivering it with panache is a tough job, but luckily, we've enlisted one of the most debonair gents in the wedding industry to help.

Bruce Russell is a luxury wedding planner (who has shared his insightful tips before, on the blog ). Along with creating beautiful and sensational events , he has also launched The Bridal Room , a go-to inspiration site for discerning brides and grooms.

As part of The Bridal Room experience, Bruce often takes grooms out for the day, coaching them in the ways of fine tailoring, wine tasting, and speech making.

So, who better to help you (or your other half) prepare the perfect speech? Take it away Mr Russell…

10 Expert Tips For Writing a Great Groom's Speech

Photo by  Brandon Kidd Photography  via Style Me Pretty

It’s no secret that the key to a successful speech is in the preparation.

While the bride may have planned her part of the big day down to the very last detail, I am afraid, ladies, the groom’s speech is one thing that has to be left to the chaps.

For most grooms, this may well be their first experience of public speaking and being faced with a sea of familiar faces can actually make the task all-the-more daunting.

Try to be as supportive as you can – they’ll doubtless be fretting so if in doubt and if you’re keen to offer some counsel, why not wave these top tips under their nose…

Photo by  Anne-Marie Bouchard  via Style Me Pretty

1. Manners Maketh The Man

Always begin by thanking those who have spoken before you.

Your Father-in-Law is a must (forget him and there may well be dire consequences!) and your Best Man, too. Don’t forget to also thank your beautiful bride and her family and yours too for that matter – all of these people will have offered invaluable and well-meaning support in the run-up to the day.

And where possible, look to mention specific names as it makes for a far more personal and heart-felt speech.

Photo by  DeFiore Photography  via Style Me Pretty

2. Mum’s the Word

Please don’t forget the mothers – they are a cornerstone to the planning process and it’s important to show your gratitude.

On this point, in particular, remember that in your capacity as groom, you are actually speaking for both your new wife and you, so make sure you refer to ‘we’ not ‘I’.

Photo by  Peachey Photography  via Bridal Musings

3. Short and Sweet

The best speeches are simple, short and pithy – ideally under 10 minutes.

Your guests have a fair few speeches to sit through and no one wants to be nursing a glass of warm, flat champagne late into the night!

4. Lighten Up

While a groom’s speech most certainly shouldn’t be treated as a stand- up comedy routine, weddings are jovial affairs and adding some gentle humor and the odd witty comment will certainly make for a good speech.

Plus, once you’ve roused a ripple of laughter or two, you’ll relax a little.

That said, do try to remember this is not the time for ‘inside jokes’, ritual humiliation or laddish humor – it’s a family affair, after all!

Photo by  Connie Miller Of Studio Atticus  via Style Me Pretty

5. Be Sincere

It may not come naturally in front of a room of assembled friends and family, but try to speak from the heart.

This is probably the most important speech you will ever give so please do justice to the gravitas of this big day and remember to tell your bride how much you love her.

Photos by  Ellie Gillard Photography   via Bridal Musings

6. Put the We in Wedding

Don’t forget where you are – this is your wedding day and you are sat alongside your new wife.

Your life together should be the essence of your speech, not sordid tales from your Stag Do or a list of your own life achievements.

Use your speech to recall some of the really special moments of your relationship – the milestones – how you met, as well as some of the little endearing details that spring to mind.

Avoid any content that might embarrass your already blushing bride, though!

7. Presenting the Wedding Party

Don’t forget the gift-giving – flowers for the mothers and, if you haven’t already given gifts, then you’ll need something to thank your Bridesmaids, Ushers and Best Man.

Photo by Rebecca Hoyt Photography via Style Me Pretty

8. Gracious Gracias

When wrapping up your speech revert back to the thank yous – this time to all the family and friends who have assisted throughout the planning process, and your best man for his suppor t.

9. Raise a Glass

And lastly, the toasts – to your bridesmaids and, of course, your new bride.

Photo by  Jez Dickson Photography  via Bridal Musings

10. A Final Note

And if you forget absolutely everything on the day itself – including your notes – just remember to be genuine, honest and cheery.

You are not pitching to the Dragon’s Den, you’re giving thanks to your bride, family and friends for all their help and for sharing such a momentous and happy occasion with you. If you get a laugh, a cry and a cheer then all the better but don’t get too worried about it, gents.

It’s only 10 minutes and then you can let your hair down!

Photo by  Elle&R  via Style Me Pretty

Such wonderful tips, my favourite is “Put the WE in Wedding” – so many grooms turn their toast into another best man speech, so this is a key one to remember.

Thanks so much to Bruce Russell for sharing his insights, visit The Bridal Room for more information on his Groom's Speech Experience .

Have you any more advice for speech giving? Don't forget to leave it in the comments below!

See the rest of our Grooms’ Week Musings here. 

• Bruce Russell
• groom's speech
• grooms week
• wedding speech

Bridal Musings Holiday Gift Guide: Cool Gifts For Grooms

Vote for the first couple of 2016 (and win a luxury getaway in cancun), the ultimate guide to wedding vow writing, our faves from the bm wedding shop.

The Best Online Wedding Tools & Resources

The best places to buy your wedding dress online, the best wedding registries for gifts, cash, honeymoons & charity, the best places to buy engagement rings online, the 20 best places to buy wedding flowers online, the 18 best places to buy wedding rings online, what are you looking for.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Pinterest

How to Write the Best Father of the Groom Speech

• Christin specializes in writing gift guides and shoppable articles for The Knot.
• Christin is a freelance writer, also covering lifestyle, health, and parenting.
• She has written for such publications as The Bump, Parents, VeryWell, Parade and LittleThings.

If you're the father of the groom, you've likely been there for everything from your son's first diaper change and scraped knee to the blossoming relationship he's built with his partner. Now, they've decided to tie the knot, and he's asked you to give a father of the groom speech.

This is a great honor, and a good opportunity for you to share your innermost feelings with the couple about their future together. You're a big part of their wedding day, so guests will want to hear what's on your mind.

If the wedding will follow a traditional format , you'll probably give your speech at the rehearsal dinner, since the groom's family traditionally hosts that event . You might also give your speech at the wedding reception, likely before the best man speech .

How Long Should a Father of the Groom Speech Be?

In order to keep guests engaged during your wedding speech, brevity is key. Aim to speak for no more than 4 to 6 minutes, or less if possible. Expect that there will be some overlap between speeches (like thanking guests for coming). Use funny or touching stories about your son's childhood in order to make your speech stand out.

How to Write a Father of the Groom Speech

Your son's wedding day is a very personal day for your family—you'll share lots of tender moments together as you look back over your son's life before he met and chose to marry his partner. So the best advice when it comes to how to write a father of the groom speech is simply to write from your heart. You know your son better than just about anyone, so there's no need to worry about saying the wrong thing. Even if you and your son have had a rocky relationship in the past, remember that he's still asked you to share in his big day, so he wants to hear what you have to say.

A Father of the Groom Speech Template

Looking for some father of the groom speech examples? We've got a few that just might give you the inspiration you need in order to finish writing your wedding toast for the happy couple .

Traditional: Welcome! My name is [name] and I'm [son's name]'s father. I'd like to start by welcoming each and every one of you, and to say thank you for sharing in this most special day. From the first time I saw my son with [partner's name], I knew they shared something very special.

I know that because [reason]. I'm reminded of all the times my son [did this or that] as a child, and how much I hoped he would grow up to find the perfect partner. And in [partner's name], I see that perfect partner.

So today, I'm welcoming [partner] into our family with open arms. I'm truly excited for what the future holds for you, son, and for your [lovely wife/handsome husband/wonderful spouse]. I know you two will share a happy life together.

Brief: Thank you everyone for coming today. [Son], I love you with all of my heart, and always will. You've turned into a fine young man, and seeing you so happy with [partner's name] makes this day perfect. I wish you many happy days ahead, no matter where life takes you. Sentimental: Hello, and thank you for coming. It means so much that each and every one of you has come to share in [son's] special day today, and I only wish that [relative who died] could be here as well. [Son], seeing you with your [new wife/husband/spouse] is nothing short of heartwarming. I wish you both the best of everything in your new life together.

Find your kind of venue

Who does the father of the groom thank in his speech.

When it comes to doling out your appreciation to different people in your father of the groom toast, it's customary to thank your son's new spouse's parents and family members, especially if they've traveled a long way to attend the celebration. Then, thank your new daughter or son for making your child so very happy. After that, it's really up to you who you'd like to thank.

How to Give a Father of the Groom Speech

Public speaking isn't typically a favorite pastime, so don't feel like you're alone if it isn't yours. But it's an honor to be part of this special moment, so if you're asked to share some words of wisdom for your son and your future son-in-law or daughter-in-law, of course you want to crush it.

Below, we've included some guidance in the form of some father of the groom speech examples, as well as some clever jokes you can incorporate into your toast.

Father of the Groom Speech Examples

It's finally time for your important speech. Just relax, take a deep breath and talk about some of the memorable moments you've shared with your son. Then, welcome your new daughter or son and close your speech with some meaningful words of wisdom or advice for the new couple.

[Couple's names], while you have loved and cared for one another for a long time, today makes it official: You are now a married couple. I give you all of my congratulations and I hope you feel the outpouring of love and support for the both of you that is in this room today.

[Couple's names], separately you are two wonderful people, but together, you are even better. You finish each other's sentences and can communicate without saying a word. You know how to make each other laugh and smile, and you know how to comfort each other as well. You are two peas in a pod—there is no question at all that you were always meant to be together. I have so much love and respect for the two of you, for the lengths that you would go to in order to make each other happy. Never lose what you two have, because it's priceless. Let us all raise a glass to the wonderful couple, my son [groom] and his spouse [spouse's name].

It's official, [couple's names] are now newlyweds. What does this mean, exactly? Well for starters, you are family now. You have your parents, siblings and friends, but at the end of the day, you must come first for each other. From this point forward, you will be inseparable. You are not just living side by side—now you will be living as one team, a unit that will make important decisions and meaningful memories together. Remember to be kind to each other. Be patient and understanding. Don't forget to communicate, to laugh and to love each other. Do these things and you will have a great recipe for a happy, long and successful marriage .

As [groom's] father, I have always made it a point to let him know how loved and appreciated he is. He knows how much he means to me and how important he is in my life. So I thought that I would take this opportunity to instead sing my praises for my newly coined [daughter-in-law or son-in-law]. [Son's spouse's name], you are such a wonderful person, and I'm so glad my son found a partner in you. As of today, you are officially my [daughter or son].

Father of the Groom Speech Jokes

"The couple has requested that I don't share any embarrassing stories... so that's it from me. Thanks for listening!"

"[Son's name], I love you so much, and I really hope you'll feel the same about me after you hear my speech."

"I was trying to figure out the perfect wedding gift for you, and it's this speech."

"Gosh, what an emotional day it's been. Even the cake is in tiers."

"The couple actually had a bit of trouble finding someone to make a speech today. They started by asking their funniest friend, and they said no. Then they asked their most charming friend, and they said no. After that, they asked their best-looking friend and, again, they said no. Then they asked me, and after already turning them down three times, I decided I couldn't refuse again."

"I think we can all agree that it's been a fantastic day. But unfortunately that ends right here with my speech."

"Loyal. Kind. Honest. Generous... That's enough about me, I'm here to talk about [son's name]."

What NOT to Say in a Father of the Groom Speech

Although you can craft your father of the groom speech any way you'd like, there are some things you should avoid saying: Don't tell embarrassing or hurtful stories about your son.

Don't make negative or cynical comments about your new daughter or son; Focus only on the positive.

Don't over-imbibe before delivering your toast. This could derail your speech and cause you to say things you didn't intend to say.

Don't make inappropriate or off-color jokes. You don't want to offend anyone during your speech.

How to End the Father of the Groom Speech

It's up to you how you'd like to end your speech. You can share advice, speak loving words or end with a joke. As you wrap up your speech in front of the microphone, a brief and meaningful introduction to the next speaker in line (if there is one) is always appropriate.

Good luck, pops! You got this.