how to write the groom speech

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The ultimate groom speech guide

The most important speech you’ll ever make.

The Groom Speech is a really busy speech. There are a lot of bases to hit – you’ve got all the acknowledgements, thanks and tributes, and if you’re not careful it can easily unravel into one long procession of thanking people, and several hours of your life you’ll never get back. So, things to remember;

It’s an amazing opportunity to say lovely things about people who are, or have been, important in your life, and you really need to make the most of it, because whilst it’s 10 minutes or so on the day, it’s something that will stick with you for the rest of your days, and so getting it right is very important.

You need to make all those thanks, acknowledgements and welcomes, in the most creative and entertaining way possible, and the magic ingredient is humour. If you can make people laugh in an original and personal way, they will love you for it and listen to everything you’ve got to say, and it acts as a perfect balance for some of the more profound things you might like to say.

On this page I’ve written out pretty much every idea, hints and tips that you’re ever going to need to write a really great groom speech.

Quick Links

Opening lines.

• Special Thanks

Absent Friends

Groom's parents.

• Bride's Parents
• Bridesmaids

Closing Lines

• Divorce Parents
• Marrying Across Nations

The devil is in the details

• Lead the Way
• Stag Weekend

Some really bad ideas

How to write a great groom speech.

Here’s a short video with all my hints and tips for writing a great groom speech. I’ve expanded on those thoughts and ideas on this page to give you the complete guide to writing your own.

This is very straightforward. I am not a fan of clichés in wedding speeches and avoid them as much as possible, with one notable exception, and that’s the opening lines of the groom speech. There really is no better way to kick off the speech and to get people cheering from the beginning, than to welcome everyone on behalf of ‘my wife and I’. It works every single time, and anyone looking to better it, really is trying too hard to be different, sometimes, and only very rarely, the dusty old wedding clichés get it spot on.

“Good afternoon everyone…on behalf of my wife and I…thanks you all so much for being here with us, and making to day today even more special….even the best man Dave”

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, it is so wonderful to have you all here with us today, it really does mean a great deal to us both…I’m just glad that the best man Dave made it here in one piece…because the last thing I heard his full time carers weren’t going to release him”

The structure of a groom speech is really important, because without a clear framework, it can all too soon become a rambling mess. Where people usually go wrong is to keep flitting back and forwards with the same ideas – once you’ve mentioned someone, then you should really keep moving on to different areas. Don’t forget, you’ve only got limited time up there before you out stay your welcome.

  The structure can be very basic. The beginning of the speech should of course, be the welcome, and then you can include thanks to anyone that’s really helped out. Avoid going straight into talking about your bride, as in my opinion and experience, the speech should always build towards her part in the latter stages. Once you’ve got the ‘admin’ bits of the speech covered, you can then include a toast to those no longer with us.

That brings us to the next part of the structure which is all about the important people. This should include:

• both sets of parents.
• Bridesmaids.  

Things to remember:

• You need to keep this fairly punchy and resist going into too much detail, so make every sentence count. Yes, it would be great to talk about the ushers in detail, but you simply haven’t got the time.
• You need to come up with a way of summarising their impact on your life in a really creative, efficient, and preferably funny way.  
• This is also true of the best man. Many grooms write as much about their best man as they do their brand new wife, so check your world count and adjust accordingly.  
• There is usually an expectation from the bride to lay out in detail her various relationships with the bridesmaids. Just keep in mind that when it comes to a groom speech, less is always more.
• The final part of the structure is all about the bride, and what you simply have to focus on here, is avoiding the trap of saying the same thing in about 3 different ways. This should include how you met, first dates, and how your relationship developed, and what she means to you.

Special thanks

I like to include any thanking that needs to be done at the top of the speech and to get it out of the way as early as possible.  

• These thanks should only ever be reserved for friends and family that have really helped you out with the wedding plans and/or on the day.
• If possible group them together so you’re not reading out a list of individual thanks. If you do attempt to do this it’s going to be very tedious to listen to, lose all impact and really start to rack up the word count.  
• Whatever you do don’t be tempted to start thanking the venue, the caterers, photographer etc. They are all being paid handsomely, and really, they should be thanking you!

“I would like to thank Uncle Dave for coming all the way from Australia to the UK…which, let’s face it, is just like Australia but with slightly more swimming gold medals and slightly fewer blokes with non ironic mullets”

“I would really like to thank Mary for all her hard work making our cake, and for Cassie for making all the beautiful bridesmaids dresses, thanks to them you haven’t had to look at, or eat anything or look at anything that I’ve been responsible for which can only be a good thing. I have on the other hand been responsible for the free bar which I’m not saying is as good as a dress…but it’s a pretty close second.”

Some people go to extraordinary efforts and expense to be make it to weddings on the other side of the world, and quite rightly that should be publicly recognised in the groom speech. You should try to group these together as much as possible, so if you’ve got several different guests coming all the way from New York, put them under one umbrella and avoid thanking them individually. It’s also an opportunity to have some fun with where they’ve come from and where the wedding is, so a comparison between Los Angeles and Stevenage is ripe for the picking. Maybe as a pay off you could offer some way in which all that effort is going to be worthwhile such as the free bar/meal/watching you dance.

‘Don’t worry uncle Dave your carbon footprint all becomes worthwhile when you see me dancing later on”

“I would like to thank Dave for coming all the way from New York, not saying that Dave’s usually late but to get him here on time we actually told him the wedding was last week.”

There should only be one absent friends toast in the series of wedding speeches, and that’s usually taken care of by the groom. I like to put the absent friend’s toast towards the start of the speech because you want to end on a positive, celebratory note and not to bring things down.

It all depends on how close your relationship was with friends and family that have passed away, but obviously the closer you were, the more detail you’re going to put into this section. Parents who have died, obviously deserve a really special mention, and as difficult as it may be, you’re still going to have to treat this as an overview, and don’t be tempted to go into too much detail. The day is about one person: the bride, and you need to keep the spotlight on her – in other words don’t write a mini eulogy.

“Unfortunately, my father cannot be with us today. He was a much loved family man, son, uncle and friend to many, and he is missed greatly every day.”

This is pretty much the only time in your life that you’re going to stand up and tell a room full of people what amazing parents you have, and what a great job they’ve done, so don’t blow it.  

• You need to say as succinctly as possible how much you love and respect them for the years of sacrifice, hard work and generally putting up with you. Hopefully, you’re only going to get one stab at this, so chose your words carefully.
• Again, recounting specific stories here really eats into the words, and I would only ever use one if it had a killer punchline, and keep the whole thing down to a couple of punchy sentences.
• Talking about your parents is always fertile ground for having some fun, and will balance out the more heartfelt things you might like to say, so what is it that you have, or haven’t, inherited from your parents, and how can you make that funny?

“Dad, I would like to thank you for passing on your brains…well, I say thank you but as they only led me to becoming an estate agent, the juries out as to exactly how useful they really have been.”

“Dad, thanks for the hair genetics, you really shouldn’t have. I mean you REALLY shouldn’t have.”

The Bride's Parents

What you’re looking to do here is achieve roughly the same world count for both sets of parents. Focussing on one set of parents is the kind of thing that really sticks out in a speech, and usually grooms are guilty of giving their new in laws the big up, and skimping on their own mum and dad, so make sure it’s even.  

• Here you talk about how they’ve welcomed you into their family, and what it is about them that you love so much.  
• Try to draw parallels between the people they are, the way they raised their daughter and the person she is today.
• If there are specific times you’ve shared together that really mean something, then here’s where to add them in.
• If there’s any conflict between you and either your parents and/or the bride’s, then just glide over it. Don’t use the speech as attempt to point score, as it will only backfire.

The Best Man

I much prefer to handle the best man in the middle of the speech and avoid any clumsy handover at the end, because I believe the conclusion of your speech should be all about the bride. You need to say what a great friend/brother he has been and how much better your life has been for having him in it. This isn’t to be taken lightly, best men are appointed because of their close connection, and it’s the only time you’re ever going to get to let everyone know what he means to you, so make the most of it. Then you need to find a way of having some fun with his character and exploiting some of his weaknesses etc. that might suggest why his judgment could be poor.

“Jake is an estate agent, he’s paid to tell lies, so prepare yourself for some of his most creative work yet!”

“It should be noted that Dave is a Sunderland fan and so has never been amongst a crowd of happy people before and will probably react by creating controversy just s he can feel comfortable again.”

It’s groomsmen in the US and Australia, and ushers in Europe, but they all do the same job: support the groom in the run up to the wedding and ion the big day itself. When you’re thanking ushers keep it general, light and funny, and please don’t find things to say about each and every one, otherwise we’re going to be here all day. This should be fun as well, so if there’s a way of collectively having a laugh with them, exploit it. If you are going to mention the stag weekend or bachelor party, and it’s not something I’d recommend, then do it here, and go light on detail.

The Bridesmaids

It’s your job to talk about and toast the bridesmaids, not the best man. You need to mention them by name, and say what a great group of friends/sisters they have been and how great it is that you’ve got them in your life as well. You could thank them for organising the hen weekend, and say what a culturally enriching experience that was for all concerned. If this involves sisters you should say how amazing it is to now be related…even if you don’t mean it! The toast at the end is the only toast that the groom has to make.

‘Sarah, you are an amazing sister to Jane, and I am so happy that we are now officially family…you don’t have to agree but at least I come with access to free plant machinery hire”

“ladies you all look absolutely amazing, the facts that there are seven of you, and one looks quite grumpy is in no way going to lead me make any Disney comparisons”

This is the conclusion of the speech and in reality, should make up about 30% of the total word count. In these words, you need to describe how you met, what an incredible positive impact she’s had on your life, what her character is like, what she means to you and how you proposed.  

There is a lot to fit in there, and these words will stay with you for life, so make what you say really count. On the other hand, you can’t be too gushy, because that can come across as a little clumsy too. Think about what makes her character unique in your eyes; what is it about your wife that makes her the person you want to share your life with? In these words you could include some short anecdotes of the times you’ve shared so far that highlight her character, passions and unique sense of humour.  

This cannot be one huge chunk of emotion, there needs to be light and shade, funny ideas and observations about your new wife always go down well, and you should sprinkle these throughout. A common mistake is to repeat what you’ve already said but in a slightly different way. So, if you’ve said how much you love her in one way, then that’s enough.

The Final Toast – You’re looking to finish the speech in the most succinct way possible so don’t drag it out too long. I always avoid toasting the bride in isolation, it’s never felt right and I think in the celebration of marriage only toasting one half is a little weird. Instead, just make it a general health/happiness toast and you’re done.

The closing lines in a groom speech are a contentious issue, and I’ve always diverted from tradition. The usual status quo when it comes to the closing lines in a groom speech, is to then hand over to your best man, and this for me, is getting it completely wrong.

The best man should have already been mentioned, the last sentiment and words you should say has to be all about your bride, so why make the best man the final part? Forget handing over to him, and leave at a toast to the future. Everyone knows he’s on next, and many weddings have an MC to remind them.

Other things to consider

Delivering the speech, divorced parents.

This is a really common tricky area, and on that needs to be handled very carefully especially if new partners are involved. Take them one at a time and make sure you give each parent an equal measure. If their new partners have been around for a long time and have had a big impact on your life, then this needs to be recognised.

I usually start with the father, but with Jewish weddings you should probably start with the mother. What you’re looking to do is not give any opportunity for inequality, so don’t wax lyrical about your dad’s new partner and go light on your mum – the ramifications of this speech will last for many years. If either parent has a very new partner on the scene, then it’s best to just omit them altogether.

This is a hugely important ingredient to any really great groom speech. If you make people laugh, they’ll love you for it and listen to everything you’ve got to say, and it acts as the perfect balance to some of the more profound things you might like to say. This should be an entertaining speech with some pretty big messages wrapped up in it – the entertainment factor keeps people interested because there’s only so much emotion people can take.  

However, when it comes to jokes and comedy, I’m not talking about the scripted gags you’ll find on the internet, this is about working out how to make situations and events in your life funny when you’re introducing people and thanking them. Work out what it is that’s funny about your new father in law and have some fun with it. What is it that your new wife doesn’t like about you? How can you exploit your best man’s character flaws? There’s comedy gold out there, you just have to look for it!

Many grooms see the speech as an opportunity to dish out a little treat to people that have helped and who also mean a lot to them, unfortunately it’s one of the most counterproductive things you can do in a speech. Making the whole room twiddle their thumbs whilst various people make their way up to the top table to collect tankards etc. not only makes the speech unbearably long, but also it stops it dead in its tracks.

Forward momentum is the key to a great speech and the last thing you want to do is have to get everyone back on board again. I always recommend handing out the gifts in a private moment on the morning of the wedding.

Marrying across nations

So many weddings involve the coming together of different nationalities and cultures, which adds extra fun and excitement to an already amazing day, but it can also provide a few challenges when it comes language barriers. I have written for countless grooms in this position, and here’s what I recommend:

• Don’t attempt a dual translation of the speech in real time. It will unravel into a 40 minute marathon, and be extremely tedious for everyone.
• Make the majority of the speech in your native language, but have two well crafted pieces you say in your wife’s language to top and tail the speech.
• Many cultures do not embrace wedding speeches and whilst they’re happily curious, keep things on the shorter side – listening to something they don’t understand, their patience isn’t limitless.
• Make sure the other speakers have thought about the cultural divide. Help them avoid lengthy/inappropriate speeches.

The groom’s speech is the one that can run away with you and take on epic proportions if you’re not careful. The main problem is that most grooms want to include far too many people in the speech, and talk about them in far too much detail, and there simply isn’t time to do that.

You should really aim for a total word count of 1400 words, which on the day, when read at a steady pace, will come in at around the 10 minute mark, maybe a touch longer with stoppages. Speeches always take longer on the day than they do when you’re practicing at home, but if you’re looking at anything over 1500 words then it really is time to snip a few words here and there.

You’ve also got to bear in mind that if the Father of the bride has spoken for a while and you’re up for half an hour, guests will have sat through an hour of speeches before they get to the best man, and that’s way too long.

It may sound counterintuitive, but detail really kills a speech. That doesn’t mean your speech should be a bland overview, but rather save the detail for where it really matters.

• We really don’t need a full run down on the history and provenance of the venue.
• When talking about your parents boil down the childhood memories to the most efficient minimum.
• A groom talking about his new in-laws can often be swamped with detail, in a bid to underline his love and respect for them. Less is more.
• When mentioning the best man, remember this is not a history of your days together in real time.
• You can talk about each usher in detail, but if you do, be prepared to be already single by the time you’ve finished.
• Be efficient with how you include the bridesmaids – a powerful summary is worth much more than a series of stories.
• War and Peace as to how you met, the dating days and the proposal should be avoided.

Lead the way

Most grooms don’t make the most of their position, and that’s a shame because as the guy in charge you can do your bit to ensure that the speeches are a huge hit, and not several hours of your life you’ll never get back.

• The first thing to do is make all the other speakers agree to a maximum word count, the more speakers there are, the less each individual word count should be. With 3 speakers it should be 1400 each, and then with 4 speakers 1200 each, and so on.
• You should also make sure that you’re not doubling up on any content, so ensure that each of the toasts are given only once, and then if you’ve mentioned a close relative who has passed away the best man isn’t also planning some kind of tribute. Avoiding repetition is the aim of the game.

The maximum number of toasts I would have is 4. You need a general toast at the end, a toast to the bridesmaids, a toast to the parents, and also a toast to those no longer with us.

Of course, this is completely optional but ending your speech without a toast would be odd and also tradition states that you should toast the bridesmaids, so if you’re going to drop any of them it should be the parents and those departed. I would resist the urge to make more than four toasts, so forget the best man, ushers, helpers etc.

One of the pitfalls of a groom speech is having no balance to it because you’re far too keen to talk about your bride. Diving straight in to the subject of the bride might seem like a great idea, but the latter end of the speech and conclusion should all be about her, and so there’s no point in beginning the speech talking about her and then ending it talking about her. I have seen many groom speeches which are only made up of talking about the bride and how amazing she is. You can try it, but it won’t work.

Stag weekend

Ok, it was a great few days away in Magaluf, Berlin or Ljubljana, but those things are best shared with all the survivors at the pub rather than in the groom speech.

Of course, you can thank the best man for organising a great stag weekend, but don’t isolate the rest of the room by recounting stories that make 6 people laugh and the rest of the room scratching their heads. All too often it comes across as boorish and a little conceited, and so far, has never made it into any groom speech that I’ve ever written.

One of the most entertaining areas of wedding speeches is reading what other so-called experts suggest adding to, or indeed making, your speech. You may not have the greatest speech in the world, but as long as you avoid these appalling pieces of advice, seen elsewhere, you’ll at least scrape through with your dignity intact. So, never ever …

• Rap your speech…unless you want to live with permanent PTSD.
• Start your groom speech with the words ‘Once upon a time’. Yuk.
• Perform a ‘musical mash up’…this is a groom speech, not the Edinburgh Fringe.
• ‘Get other people to do it for you’ i.e. a video montage of friends saying their bit. It’s a groom speech. If you can’t be bothered to say it, call it off.
• ‘Turn your speech into an audience quiz’. Toe curling, and about as meaningful as Blankety Blank.
• Sing the speech…even if you’re that guy from One Direction, listening to an 8 minute song about parents, absent friends, best man, bridesmaids and bride…would be a legal form of torture.

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How to Write the Perfect Groom Speech

All you need is 15 minutes to prepare, according to an expert.

Photo by Sarah Folsom Photography

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. That being said, grooms shouldn't shy away from saying a few words during the reception if they feel called to do so. It's a wonderful chance to thank guests for their attendance, family members for their f inancial and emotional support , and wedding vendors for bringing the day to life. Most importantly, it gives you a public platform to thank your partner for making you the happiest person in the room.

"The groom's speech is an opportunity for the groom to express deep gratitude, share personal reflections on the journey to marriage, and set the tone for the celebration ahead," explains Steven Greitzer, CEO and founder of Provenance. These remarks are also special because they allow the groom to have a brief moment to shine—especially for those who have an outgoing and charismatic personality. If you're feeling nervous about the idea of giving a toast , however, here's the good news: Preparing for your speech is surprisingly simple and only requires you to follow a few simple steps.

Meet the Expert

Steven Greitzer is the founder and CEO of  Provenance , an online company that specializes in helping couples (and guests!) write wedding vows and toasts.

Here, we break down Greitzer's top tips for writing and delivering an amazing wedding speech as the groom, including exactly what to say to get everyone clapping, what to avoid, and a few sample speeches to inspire your own.

The Average Length of a Groom Speech

As with all wedding speeches, it's best to keep your remarks short and sweet, only touching upon the main points you want to get across. "A groom's speech should be impactful, but still concise, ideally lasting around three minutes max," explains Greitzer. "This ensures that it complements rather than dominates the flow of the reception, allowing guests to enjoy the other toasts from the night while also saving ample time for eating and dancing."

The ideal time to give the groom speech is right before or right after dinner is served. Be sure to coordinate with your wedding planner to ensure time is allocated for your remarks.

Photo by Getty Images / Design by Brides

The Ultimate Groom Speech Template

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. In fact, it should only take less than 15 minutes to prepare, which is less than the time it takes to watch a rerun of your favorite television show. As for how to write your remarks? Greitzer provides the ultimate template to follow, below.

Start with a warm opening and express gratitude.

In today's modern world, most of your wedding guests are traveling to be part of the big day, so acknowledging their efforts and expressing your gratitude is the best way to open up your speech. "Welcoming your guests warmly sets the tone for the celebration. Start by expressing your heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has come to share this special day with you," says Greitzer. "A simple 'thank you' can create a sense of community and warmth." 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 your speech is the perfect opportunity to thank everyone for coming.

You can even use this portion of the speech to highlight specific individuals, "like a grandparent, or a friend who has traveled a great distance," explains Greitzer. "This is also the time to thank your parents, your in-laws, and publicly shout out your vendors—a small thank you goes a long way," he adds.

Take a moment to appreciate your partner.

Your wedding day is about you and your partner coming together, so you'd be remiss not to say something sweet about the person you just married. "Even though you've exchanged vows, this moment allows for a more informal and spontaneous expression of your love for your partner. It's a chance to share in real time what you're feeling and to express your gratitude and love in a relaxed and genuine way," shares Greitzer.

Recall one to two memories.

Your groom speech is the perfect opportunity to share a sweet memory from your relationship and give guests a glimpse into the world you and your partner have built together. It also gives you the chance to share any childhood anecdotes that involve close friends and family. However, since you only have three minutes to deliver your toast, stick to one to two core memories that mean the most to you—and don't share anything your partner would object to you saying.

Share any announcements (if applicable).

Whether it’s about the dinner being currently served, the signature cocktail available at the bar, the DJ/band, the schedule for buses, or the overall atmosphere in the reception space, pull out one comment to share aloud related to the evening’s experience, explains Greitzer. This allows everyone to stay informed and "helps the event run smoothly and keeps everyone on the same page," he adds.

End on a fun note and give thanks again.

"Wrapping up your welcome speech with a touch of fun sets a great tone for the rest of the evening. Consider sharing a lighthearted anecdote from your relationship or a funny story from your wedding planning journey ," says Greitzer. "This not only leaves your guests smiling but also creates a smooth transition into the celebration, helping everyone get into the festive spirit."

Then, before officially concluding your speech, give one more round of thanks to everyone involved. Anyone you missed on the first pass—your families, any special friends, and especially your wedding vendors—should be noted here. Finally, 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.  

What to Avoid When Writing a Groom Speech

While you should feel empowered to write a speech that's personal to you, there are a few things you shouldn't do when penning your toast. Ahead, Greitzer highlights what to avoid when putting together your groom speech.

• Avoid inappropriate humor.  "Steer clear of jokes that might be considered offensive or inappropriate. Humor is a great way to lighten the mood, but it’s not worth offending your new mother-in-law."
• Avoid overly personal or inside jokes. "Inside jokes that only a few people understand can alienate the rest of your audience. Ensure your speech is inclusive and resonates with everyone."
• Steer clear of exes. "This  should  go without saying, but avoid mentioning past relationships or ex-partners. This would likely be awkward and uncomfortable for everyone, including your partner."

"It’s wise to limit your alcohol intake before giving your speech. We’ve all seen what happens when a speech-giver is too tipsy or drunk, and it’s not pretty," advises Greitzer.

Sample Groom Speeches to Inspire Your Own

Stuck on what to say? Here are two sample speeches Greitzer generated with Provenance.

I promise to make this quick! Thank you all so much for being here to celebrate with us. For those who traveled across the world, or across the 405, we are eternally grateful. Seriously, looking out and seeing all your amazing faces fills me with so much happiness. To our vendors who brought our vision to life, you all are wizards. Appreciate you all so much.

To our families, thank you for all your love and support. You've taught us what it means to be patient, helpful, and resilient. We're so grateful for everything you've done for us, including putting up with our irrational, late-night panicked wedding planning emergency calls.

To our friends, thank you for being our chosen family. Whether it was decorating our apartment with engagement decorations before we got back from vacation, or entertaining our weird game night ideas, we can't wait for more fun times and great memories together.

And most importantly, to [partner’s name]… holy sh*t we’re finally married?! I can’t believe how lucky I am that you answered my double text. While I think you’re beautiful in your messy bun and retainer, you look unbelievable tonight.

To anyone I missed, thank you for making this day so special.

So, let's raise our glasses and toast to love, friendship, and the fun times ahead.

Good evening, everyone.

First of all, thank you all for being here tonight. It's truly amazing to look around and see so many of our friends and family gathered together. Your presence means the world to us, and we're grateful for each and every one of you.

I want to start by thanking my parents. Mom and Dad, your support and love have shaped me into the person I am today. You've always been there for me, guiding me with your wisdom and setting an example of what a loving marriage looks like. I can only hope to follow in your footsteps.

To my new in-laws, thank you for welcoming me into your family with open arms. Your kindness and generosity have made me feel like I've been part of your family for years. I'm excited to create many more memories together.

To my groomsmen, thank you for standing by my side today and throughout my life. Each of you has played a significant role in my journey, and I'm honored to have you here. Your friendship has been a constant source of strength and laughter.

And now, to my beautiful wife/husband/partner. [Name], I feel like the luckiest man in the world to be standing here with you. From the moment we met in that little coffee shop on Valencia Street, I knew there was something special about you. Your kindness, intelligence, and passion for life inspire me every day. You make me a better person, and I am so grateful for your love and partnership. I promise to support you, laugh with you, and love you unconditionally for the rest of our lives.

[Wedding location] has always been a special place for us, filled with memories of our adventures together. From exploring [Golden Gate Park] to sunset walks along [Ocean Beach], this city has been the backdrop of our love story. And today, surrounded by the people we care about most, we're beginning a new chapter in our favorite city.

So, here's to love, laughter, and a lifetime of happiness. Thank you all for sharing this special day with us. Let's raise a glass to new beginnings and the beautiful journey ahead.

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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 and your crew. We can guarantee if you hit all the points on the list below, then you will have covered all your bases. Hopefully it comes in handy for 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
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• 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:.

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How to Write a Groom Speech

Introduction

As the groom, one of the most significant moments of your wedding day is delivering a speech to your guests. This is your opportunity to express your gratitude, share your love story, and thank everyone for their support. However, writing a groom’s speech can be nerve-wracking, and it can be challenging to know where to start. In this article, I’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write a groom’s speech that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.

There are some Groom Speech Templates at the bottom of this page. Feel free to copy and amend them to suit your needs.

Also, check my tips on How to Write a Best Man Speech and How to Write a Father of the Bride Speech .

Brainstorm and Outline

Before you start writing, take some time to brainstorm and jot down your key ideas and points. Think about what you want to say and how you want to say it. An outline will help you organise your thoughts and ensure your speech flows logically. Your outline will also help you stay on track and avoid going off-topic. Don’t worry if your outline seems rough or incomplete at first – the important thing is to get your ideas down on paper so you can start writing your speech.

Structure Your Speech

A well-structured speech will help you convey your message effectively. Start with an attention-grabbing opening line or joke, then follow a logical sequence of events, building up to the climax, which should be a toast to the future. Ensure your speech flows smoothly from one point to the next, and avoid jumping around or going off-topic. It’s also important to keep your speech short and sweet – aim for about three to five minutes. By structuring your speech effectively, you’ll be able to deliver a memorable and impactful message that your guests will cherish for years to come.

Start with a Hook

Starting your groom’s speech with a hook is a great way to grab your guests’ attention and set the tone for the rest of your speech. A hook can be a joke, a funny anecdote, or a personal story relevant to your message. It’s important to keep your hook appropriate for your audience and avoid anything offensive or controversial. By starting your speech with a hook, you’ll capture your guests’ interest and make them eager to hear the rest of your message. So take some time to think about your opening line and ensure it’s attention-grabbing and sets the tone for your speech.

Express Gratitude and Acknowledge Guests

Your guests have taken the time and effort to celebrate your special day with you, and it’s nice to thank them for their presence, support, and love. Consider acknowledging guests who travelled from far away or made a significant effort to attend your wedding. This will make them feel appreciated and valued. Make sure to express your gratitude from the heart and keep it authentic. Acknowledging your guests in your speech will make them feel special and create a positive and memorable atmosphere for everyone.

Share Your Love Story

Sharing your love story is an excellent way to connect with your guests and make your groom’s speech more personal and memorable. Tell them how you and your partner met, what you love about each other, and how you knew she was the one. Share your favourite memories or moments together and why they’re so unique to you. You can add humour or personal touches to make your love story unique and engaging. By sharing your love story, you’ll show your guests the depth of your love and commitment to your partner and make them feel part of your journey.

Acknowledge Your Bride

Acknowledging your new bride is a must in any groom’s speech. Your bride is the star of the day, and it’s essential to express your love and appreciation for her in your speech. Tell her how much you love her, why you’re grateful to have her in your life, and how much she means to you. You can also share personal anecdotes or moments illustrating your love and connection. Keep it heartfelt and genuine, and avoid anything embarrassing or inappropriate. By acknowledging the bride in your speech, you’ll show her how much she’s loved and appreciated and create a touching and memorable moment for everyone.

Thank the Parents and Wedding Party

Thanking your parents and wedding party is vital to any groom’s speech. Your parents have likely played a significant role in planning your wedding , and your wedding party has put in a lot of time and effort to make your day memorable. Express gratitude for their love, support, and hard work, and make them feel appreciated and valued. You can also share some personal anecdotes or moments that illustrate the significance of their contributions. However, make sure to keep it authentic and from the heart. By thanking your parents and wedding party in your speech, you’ll create a positive and memorable atmosphere and show them how much they mean to you.

Toast to the Future

Toasting to the future is the perfect way to end your groom’s speech positively and optimistically. Raise a glass to your partner, your guests, and your future together. Express your hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the life you will share as a married couple. Share your excitement for the adventures and challenges ahead and your commitment to facing them together. Keep it upbeat, and avoid anything too sentimental or emotional. By toasting to the future in your speech, you’ll create a meaningful and memorable moment for everyone and set the stage for a beautiful wedding celebration.

Keep It Short and Sweet

Aim for three to five minutes, and avoid rambling or going off-topic. Stay focused on your key points and your message, and avoid anything too long-winded or complicated. Remember that your guests are there to celebrate with you, and they want to hear from you, but they also want to enjoy the rest of the wedding celebration. Keeping your speech short and sweet will create a positive and engaging atmosphere for everyone and ensure your message is heard and appreciated.

Practice Makes Perfect

Practising your groom’s speech is crucial to delivering a confident and compelling message. Take time to rehearse your speech in front of a mirror or with a close friend or family member. This will help you become more comfortable with your material and confident in your delivery. Pay attention to your tone, pace, and body language, and adjust as needed. Rehearsing will also help you anticipate any nervousness or jitters you may feel on the big day and give you the tools to manage them. Remember that practice makes perfect, and the more you rehearse your speech, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel when it’s time to deliver it.

Be Authentic and Yourself

Your guests want to hear from you rather than a rehearsed version of yourself. So speak from the heart and let your personality shine through. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions, whether tears of joy or laughter. Remember that your guests are there to celebrate with you, and they want to feel a connection with you and your partner. By being authentic and yourself, you’ll create a personal and engaging atmosphere that your guests will appreciate and cherish. So take a deep breath, relax, and let your true self shine through in your speech.

In conclusion, delivering a groom’s speech can be a nerve-wracking experience. Still, you can deliver a heartfelt and memorable message with preparation and practice. Remember to consider your audience, structure your speech, express gratitude, share your love story, acknowledge the bride, thank your parents and wedding party, offer advice, toast to the future, keep it short and sweet, practice, and be authentic and yourself. Your speech should come from the heart and reflect your love and commitment to your partner. By following these tips, you can deliver a groom’s speech that will leave a lasting impression on your guests and create a beautiful and meaningful moment in your wedding celebration.

Groom Speech Templates

If you need help writing your Groom’s speech, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find some Groom speech templates that you can use as a starting point for your speech. Feel free to amend the text as required and add your own anecdotes and stories to make your speech unique and personal. These templates are designed to give you some ideas and inspiration, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make the speech your own. Remember, speaking from the heart and celebrating the love between you and your new bride is the most important thing. So take a deep breath, relax, and let’s get started!

Groom Speech Template 1

Ladies and gentlemen, and especially my lovely bride, I can’t believe this day is finally here. I never thought I’d be the one standing here, with the love of my life by my side and our friends and family gathered here to celebrate with us.

Firstly, thank all of you for making the effort to be here today. Seeing so many familiar faces is genuinely humbling, and I’m grateful for your presence and love.

And to my beautiful bride, words can’t describe how much you mean to me. You are my best friend, my confidant, and my soulmate. I promise to love and cherish you for the rest of my life and to always put you first.

[Share an anecdote or story that is special to both of you.]

I also want to thank our parents and wedding party for their support and love throughout our journey. You have all played a significant role in making this day possible. We’re so grateful for everything you’ve done for us.

So let’s raise a glass to the future, to love, and to happiness. Cheers to our journey together and to many more happy memories to come.

Groom Speech Template 2

Dear friends and family, and my beautiful wife, I stand before you today, humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude. I never thought I’d be this lucky to find someone who completes me and makes me a better man.

To my wife, you are my life’s love, rock, and soulmate. I cherish every moment we spend together and am grateful for your unwavering support and love. You are the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me, and I’m blessed to call you my wife.

I want to express my gratitude to our parents and our wedding party. You have been there for us through thick and thin, and we couldn’t have done this without your love and support.

So let’s raise a glass to the future, to love, and to all of the beautiful memories we will create together. Thank you all for being here to celebrate with us, and here’s to a lifetime of happiness and love.

Groom Speech Template 3

Good evening everyone, and thank you for joining us on this special day. I want to start by expressing my gratitude to my beautiful bride, who has made me the happiest man in the world. You have brought so much love and joy into my life, and I’m excited to spend the rest of my life with you.

I also want to thank our parents and wedding party for their love and support. You have all played an important role in our journey, and we’re grateful for everything you’ve done for us.

As we start our journey as husband and wife, I want to make some commitments to you. First and foremost, I will always be your biggest cheerleader. I will encourage and be there for you through the highs and lows. I’ll always continue learning and growing, strengthening us as a couple. And lastly, I promise to keep the love and laughter alive. Life is too short not to have fun together.

So let’s raise a glass to the future, to all the wonderful things yet to come. I’m excited about all the adventures and challenges ahead and grateful to have my best friend by my side. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and endless possibilities.

People Also Ask

When should a groom write his speech.

A groom should write his speech well in advance of the wedding day to allow enough time for brainstorming, outlining, and practice. Ideally, he should draft his speech a few weeks before the wedding day to ensure a polished and effective delivery.

How do you start a wedding speech for the groom?

To start a wedding speech for the groom, consider using a hook to grab your guests’ attention and set the tone for the rest of your speech. For example, a joke, a funny anecdote, or a personal story relevant to your message can all make for great opening lines.

How long should a groom’s speech be?

A groom’s speech should be around three to five minutes long. This will give you enough time to express your gratitude, share your love story, acknowledge the bride, and toast to the future without losing your guests’ attention.

Do I have to be funny in my speech?

No, you don’t have to be funny in your speech – leave that to your best man. If humour is not your forte, it’s okay to skip it and focus on expressing gratitude and love. The most important thing is to be genuine and authentic in your message.

Can I read my speech off a piece of paper?

While it’s ideal to deliver your speech without reading from a piece of paper, if you’re nervous, it’s okay to use notes or cue cards to help you stay on track. Just practice your speech beforehand so that you’re not reading it word for word and can maintain eye contact with your guests.

Should I include embarrassing stories in my speech?

While including embarrassing stories is tempting, it’s best to avoid them. Instead, your speech should be positive and focused on expressing gratitude and love. Stick to heartwarming and positive stories that will create a memorable and meaningful moment for everyone.

• About the Author
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I am Dale Turner, a professional wedding photographer with over 15 years of experience capturing beautiful and timeless moments on camera. Serving Hull and East Yorkshire . I am passionate about what I do and take pride in delivering high-quality photography that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come.

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• How to Write A Killer Bride or Groom Wedding Speech

Writing a wedding speech can be a daunting task, especially if you’re nervous about speaking in front of a group. But it’s an awesome opportunity to let your nearest and dearest know how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them celebrating the start of your marriage with you.

Traditionally, brides don’t give speeches. They sit quietly and listen while their dad, the best man and the groom give speeches. Brides were to be seen and not heard. But we’ve had enough of that. If you’re a bride who wants to speak at your own wedding – more power to you! We 100% support a bride being heard on her own wedding day.

Getting ready to write your bride or groom wedding speech? Awesome! We’ve got all the steps you need to write a killer wedding speech that will leave the room laughing, crying and applauding wildly by the time you drop the mic.

Decide on the logistics

Before you get to the nitty-gritty of speech writing, figure out some of the big picture issues. Who is going to be giving the speech? Are you speaking together or separately? If you’re giving two separate speeches, who is going first? When in the night are you giving the speech? How long will the speech be? What’s the tone going to be?

Start your wedding speech with some thank yous

This one is easy! You start your speech by giving a round of thank yous. Thank all of your guests for coming, thank your wedding party for supporting you, thank out-of-towners for making the trek, thank your parents for all their love, thank your new spouse’s parents for welcoming you into the family, thank special people who made the day possible, thank vendors, THANK THEM ALL! Or, y’know, thank who you want to thank.

Mention those who couldn’t be there

This step is optional, but if you’d like, it’s a great time to pay tribute to people who couldn’t be at your wedding. This could be important people who couldn’t physically make it, maybe they are unable to travel or sick. Or this could be people who have passed on that you want to honour on your special day.

Add a short & sweet anecdote to your wedding speech

Here’s the fun part: now you get to gush about your boo! Include a short story about how you met, when you knew you were in love or a funny tidbit from wedding planning. The idea here is that you want to share a cute story, nothing embarrassing. And you’ll want to keep it short, especially if you and your spouse are both sharing little stories. You’ll also want to double check with anyone else giving speeches that you’re not all re-telling the same story.

End with your partner

You made it! You’re at the end of your speech. Now all you have to do is address your partner and cue the waterworks. This is where you let your brand new husband or wife know how happy you are to be married to them, how much today has meant to you or anything you weren’t able to fit into your vows.

Practice makes perfect

Especially if you’re nervous, rehearse your speech. Stand in front of the mirror, ask someone in your wedding party to lend an ear or recite your speech to your dog. And if you’re planning on doing the speech together and splitting up the different sections, you’ll definitely want to practice with your partner. If there are parts of the speech you want to keep as a surprise for the big day, that’s totally fine. Just rehearse the rest together so you know who says what when.

You know what we say – your wedding, your way! So if you’re really nervous about giving your speech in front of so many people, maybe you can give a speech at your rehearsal dinner in front of a smaller audience instead. If you’re scared you’ll be all teary by the end of the speeches, forget the tradition of the couple speaking last and do your speech first. And if the idea of a speech totally terrifies you, skip it all together! You can give out cards to your loved ones or talk to them one on one and let them know how much you appreciate them making your wedding day magical.

Last minute dos & don’ts for writing the best wedding speech ever!

• DO: write it down and don’t try to wing it. Have a paper copy so you’re not frantically trying to find your phone only for it to die when you’re halfway done your speech.
• DON’T: wait until you’re too drunk to give your speech. If you think you’ll be sloshed by 8:00pm, give your speech by 7:00pm.
• DO: feel free to respond to other speeches. If you go last, you can totally improvise a bit and thank you dad for his sweet words or try to defend yourself in the story your best man just told.
• DON’T: hog the mic. If you and your partner are giving the speech together, divide it up so you can both speak equally.
• DO: be courteous of your guests’ time. Especially if you have a lot of speeches planned, try to keep yours short and to the point.
• DON’T: share anything too embarrassing, too intimate or too inside joke-y. Trust us, you’ll regret it when your nana comes up to you later and asks you to explain that story from the time you had a pregnancy scare in Vegas.

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Groom Speech: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

You’re getting married! And that means giving a Groom Speech.

It’s only natural to wonder what to include in your speech and how to make sure everything goes to plan.

This definitive guide answers all the common questions tells you what you need to know to ace it on the day.

The Essentials

We’ll start by covering a few of the essentials before going into more details on important topics.

🏹 Main Purpose of the Speech

The main purpose of the Groom Speech is to thank key people and give guests an insight into the couple and their relationship.

The speech is also an opportunity for the Groom to express his love for his new Bride.

🕐 Timing of the Speech

The Groom usually speaks second, after the Father of the Bride but before the Best Man.

📋 Duties to be Covered

In his speech, the Groom will traditionally:

• thank the Father of the Bride for his speech and his toast to the Bride and Groom
• raise his own toast to the Bridesmaids

He will usually also:

• hand out any presents to the wedding party on behalf of him and his new wife
• say a few words about his Best Man

🏛️ Simple Speech Structure

1. acknowledge the father of the bride.

Accept his toast and thank him for his speech

2. Express your gratitude

Thank key people by name and give out any presents

3. Tell the story of your relationship

Say how you met and share some important memories

4. Pay tribute to the Bride

Say why you love her and share hopes for the future

5. Raise a Toast!

Invite guests to raise their glasses and toast the Bridesmaids.

🎵 Recommended Tone

The Groom Speech should be:

• warm and generous
• happy and romantic

Also remember:

• humour can be very effective – particularly if it’s self-deprecating
• sensitive topics (such as temporary break-ups or past relationships) should be avoided or handled with great delicacy

🎤 Tips for Delivery

When delivering your speech:

• aim to speak for no longer than 5 - 10 minutes
• keep it conversational – i.e. try to speak as you would normally speak
• take your time – pause between each of your main points
• use small cue cards to prompt you (don’t try to do it all from memory or read from a script)
• And make sure you practice before the big day!

🚫 Pitfalls to Avoid

The Groom should try to avoid:

• thanking too many people by name
• alluding to any family disagreements
• making ‘in’ references not everyone will get
• using all-too-familiar ‘jokes’ and clichés
• drinking too much before the speeches!

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Groom Speech Structure: Write The Perfect Speech

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(*Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out all the different ways the Speechy team can help you write & deliver a great speech. Or check out our new AI-powered team member, SpeechyAI .)

Never mind ‘how’ you’ll write your speech, worry about ‘when’.

Start soon , ideally two months before the wedding. Do not be tempted to put off writing until you’re hit by divine inspiration (it rarely strikes) and do not get side-tracked by table plans or biscuits.

Don’t underestimate how long it can take to be witty, meaningful, and memorable. Yes, you know your subject rather well (we’re hoping) but even professional comedians can take months to write five minutes of content.

So, lock yourself in a room, turn off your notifications, and get STARTED.

2. The Basic Speech Structure

A speech is not about handing out gifts and it’s not (just) about thanking people. It’s about reminding everyone why they should be celebrating the newlyweds getting hitched. It’s explaining why two sane people have just promised to tolerate each other’s crazy habits and personality quirks for the rest of their lives.

So, forget the old-fashioned etiquette books, the basic structure for a modern groom’s speech is relatively simple…

• Hello, welcome & thank everyone
• Relationship stories and insights to make your guests smile & laugh
• A meaningful tribute to your partner (poignant & unique, not cheesy or cliched!)
• The thank yous (we’ll get to those next)
• Possibly a tribute to the dearly departed 
• A toast that leaves everyone smiling (not bored by how predictable it is)

And that’s it really.

3. Know Your Speech Etiquette

There are plenty of good etiquette guides online but sound the klaxon, they come with a warning. Etiquette guides can seriously damage your speech. They can make you think your groom’s speech has to include a long list of thank-yous and old-fashioned clichés. Resist the urge.

Here’s our no-nonsense guide to speech etiquette –

• Be yourself – just because you’re wearing fancy clothes doesn’t mean you need to use formalities like ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’. Your friends and family want to hear the real you.
• Thank the important people –  Sure, thank everyone for coming but don’t namecheck half the guestlist.
• Remember those actors who win an Oscar and thank their parents, the director, the lighting guy, and their dog? Boring isn’t it? Especially when you don’t get a mention.
• Simply thank both sets of parents, anyone who’s contributed financially (though don’t be explicit about that), the people who have gone beyond the call of duty to help, and any children you may have.
• Don’t thank people like the caterers or anyone who you have paid.
• Don’t give thank-you gifts – Well, feel free to but don’t include the gift-giving as part of the speech. It will put you off your flow and it’s awkward to sit through. Give any gifts earlier or later in the day.
• Be clever – Make the thanks yous feel part of the story you’re telling. If you’re having a festival themed wedding then thank the backstage support and the incredible roadies who have helped.
• Your toast – Don’t feel pressured into toasting the bridesmaids. Certainly, thank them and say how stunning they look (they took three hours getting ready after all!) but these days you can toast anything you want and we encourage you to be personal.
• Why not propose a tequila toast ? Something inclusive, something about love, and something that gets people in the mood to party.

4. Wedding Speech Material

So, other than the speech ‘to dos’ what makes up the bulk of your speech? Well, stories of course…

STORY-HUNTING – Imagine you’re one of those detectives you see on TV (only without the Swedish accent or psychological problems). You have a theory, maybe that you’re marrying someone kind of special. It’s now up to you to prove it.

Retrace your romantic steps (metaphorically not literally, that could take some time) and work out the key bits of evidence.

What moments have been meaningful, funny, or illustrate a point? If you want to reference the fact your partner is a bit ditsy, remember the time they reported her car stolen only to discover they’d parked it round the corner.

GET INSIGHTFUL – Hunt down the things that make you and your partner unique. This is what adds depth, meaning, and humour to your speech. It also stops you from sounding like a generic cliche of a groom.

So, how does your partner put up with you? Are you the husband who can’t open jars? Do you eat your burgers with a knife and fork? It’s time to confess.

And what unique traits does your partner have? The ability to respond to Whatapp messages before they’re actually sent? An encyclopedic knowledge of The Great British Bake Off and its soggy bottoms? A ridiculously long tongue? Whatever it is, make sure you pay tribute to their individual quirks. It says much more than just saying how awesome they look (though it’s essential you say that too!).

5. Find a Theme

Right, this is the important bit.

Your speech is made up of lots of different elements but your job is to bind them all so your speech needs to sound like a story rather than a list of unconnected thoughts.

You need to hook people in from the beginning, establish a theme, and carry that through to an almighty climax.

There are infinite theme ideas but here are a few classics you could consider…

THEME IDEAS BASED ON YOUR RELATIONSHIP

• Love Lessons. What you’ve learnt from each other over the years; the good, the bad and the plain ugly. A theme like this is great for starting with comedic examples and moving on to more profound ones.
• The power of serendipity. This works if luck has played a part in your relationship (even if it was simply that your partner lived within a 20km radius of your online dating search).
• How love changes with time. This is a good concept if you’re getting married at a later stage in life. It can include comedic insights (‘Less podium dancing, more pension haggling’) but conclude with more a meaningful sentiment (‘When you get to your sixties, you know what’s important to you and you can promise things that you only now truly understand.’)
• The international language of love. A great theme if you have an international guest list. Use proverbs and words from their countries of origin to punctuate your speech. Say it in your guest’s native language and then translate. It makes everyone feel included in the speech and also brings something new to the table. There are some great proverbs out there, from Ethiopia’s ‘ Coffee and love taste better when they’re hot’ to India’s ‘It is love that makes the impossible, possible’.

You get the idea.

6. Be Funny

Even if the crux of your speech is emotional and romantic it’s still good to have some humour in there too.

Nobody is expecting you to be a stand-up comedian but try to find the comedy in your reality. Are you and your partner really alike or really different? Do you share a guilty pleasure? Do you have a distinctive style of arguing? These sorts of areas make great speech material.

Whatever you do, resist the Googled gags or cheesy wedding jokes. Instead, check out our how to be funny guide.

7. Be Sweet (Not Sickly)

Firstly, be honest. There’s no point making declarations of love if people don’t recognise the person you’re talking about.

Don’t pretend that your partner is perfect or that you don’t argue over control of the TV remote control. Love them for the crazy nut-job they really are.

Secondly, don’t go OTT. You have to get the balance right between sweet and just showing off. Leave the pet names at home and keep anything overly gushing for the bedroom.

A good trick is simply writing a list of all the little, quirky things you like about your partner a la When Harry Met Sally .

8. Be Different

Try to avoid cliches like ‘ special’ or ‘ the one’ and create new ways of describing love.

One groom said he was attracted to his wife because she looked like ‘ Bridget Bardot dressed up for a night at The Hog’s Head disco’ .

Another groom said his first date with his wife had left him with ‘ the feeling you get after the three course special at The Raj; very happy, completely satisfied but slightly nervous about what’s to come’.

If you’re really stuck, replace a generic cliche with a good, solid quote. Whilst plagiarism and being boring are never acceptable, using quotes is seen as positively inspired.

Check out our favourite Groom Speech Quotes.

9. Keep It Short

Aim for somewhere between seven and nine minutes. And that includes the pauses you leave for the laughter. Jokes are funnier when they’re short and punchy, and senitment is more powerful when it’s succinct.

You may feel you have SOOOOOO much you want to say but the real test is saying it in the least amount of words. It’s kind of like a perverse game of Scrabble.

10. Test it Out

Firstly on yourself. Read the speech out loud and if you find yourself stumbling on the same bit every time, change it.

Then get an audience. It needs to be someone whose advice you value, so don’t ask your mum if you’re going to ignore her.

Deliver it as you would on the wedding day. Leave pauses for the laughter (ironically speakers often talk over the laughter they’ve worked so hard to achieve). Remember to smile. Look at your audience.

And then – be receptive to criticism. 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. The point of testing your speech is you still have time to change it.

The Speechwriting Experts

The Speechy team  are TV-trained scriptwriters/comedians by trade & we’ve helped 1,000s of speakers around the world deliver their dream speech.

Our advice has been quoted everywhere from  The New York Times  to  Grazia  and from Forbes to The Observer . Our founder has also featured on the  BBC Sounds’ Best Men podcast with Jason Manford and written ‘ The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’ , published by Little, Brown.

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How To Write The Perfect Groom Speech

Trying to write the perfect groom speech for your upcoming wedding? You're not alone. Lots of grooms-to-be have said they worry about their speech, what to include, what NOT to include, and in what order. Wedding speeches, as well as the  order they go in , are a tradition with plenty of longevity. This can be a little daunting... That's why we thought we'd help out. We're going to go over the structure and some writing tips for your groom speech. So buckle up, and grab a pen!

An important thing to remember before we dive in is that what you decide to include is up to you. If there are elements of the more traditional wedding speech that you don't want to do - don't! We're giving you some inspiration in the form of an outline, but what you put in it is entirely up to you. Your guests will love and appreciate the fact you've put work in regardless. Also, whilst we have referred to mothers, fathers, and best men, we are sympathetic to everyone's family dynamics. To those that have strained relationships, have lost parents, or have elected a best woman. Everyone's situation is different and we fully embrace diversity. It's your day, your way. Always.

Got writer's block? Let's go over how to write a groom speech together.

What actually is a groom speech.

The answer to the above is fairly self-explanatory. But for those of you who are new to the wedding scene, a groom speech is a speech...given by the groom (who saw that coming?). Traditionally, a groom speech comes after the father of the bride. The speech usually consists of thanks, love, and jokes. A wonderful trifecta, if you ask me. In terms of duration, anywhere between 6-10 minutes is ideal. It's long enough to get the sentiment across without dragging on for too long. Guests tend to prefer speeches that take place after the wedding breakfast rather than before. This is because, after a meal, your guests won't be hungry, and they'll probably have had a couple of glasses/pints. They won't be starving, nor will they be willing you to rush through so they can finally eat. Whereas you, the speech giver, might prefer to share your speech before the meal, so once you've said a few words you can truly relax and enjoy the meal, and not worry about enjoying one to many glasses of Prosecco and stumbling your words.

Step 1: Welcome

As we said, the father of the bride will have likely just finished. So start your groom speech off by thanking him for his. You can then welcome your guests and thank them for coming. Feel free to make some jokes about your upcoming speech to ease both you and them into it. Don't go overboard, though. 

Step 2: Thanks(giving) 

Now is the time for some thanks. Thank the bridesmaids and the groomsmen for being there and helping out. Then go on to thank the mums, giving flowers if you have chosen to do so. Show appreciation for the people who have come to celebrate your love with you - it's a truly beautiful thing. 

Step 3: Family Time

This is where it might start to get a bit emotional. Traditionally, this is where we thank our parents. Whatever your family dynamics, and whoever your support system is, I'm sure you'll have people you want to thank. Now that you've thanked everyone and your speech is well on its way, it's time to bring family into the mix. If it wasn't for them, you probably wouldn't be where you are now. So thank them for what they've done, and if they have helped out with the wedding or wedding planning, make sure to thank them for that too. This is a monumental moment not just for you, but for them, as well. Honouring your family and/or parents in your groom speech is a beautiful way to say thanks for everything. 

Step 4: Best Man

If you do decide to go down the traditional route, bear in mind that the best man speech will follow yours. Normally, the best man tends to throw some comedy fireballs at you in the form of embarrassing stories from school. So you could always choose to pre-empt these and throw some jokes of your own. Thanking him is never a bad idea either, for being a good friend - a rock to lean on. Think about why he's your best man, and then make some jokes out of it. Simple! 

Step 5: Spouse Time

This is the part of your speech that the sentimentalists amongst the crowd have been waiting for. The reason you are all together: your partner. This is your chance to publicly tell them how much they mean to you, how happy you are, and how glad this wedding occurred. Feel free to throw in some inside jokes, or jokes that the whole room can appreciate. Just ensure your love and happiness are being well construed. That's what we're all after, anyways. 

Step 6: Round off your groom speech with some toasts 

Traditionally, the groom speech is finished off with toasts. Toast to everyone in the room - paying special attention to your partner and the bridesmaids/squad. Order is fairly flexible here - the main idea is that you thank those around you for making your day so special. 

Finally, you can relax. Your groom speech is done, and everyone is either laughing, crying, or both. A happy ending indeed. You now have the rest of the evening to do as you wish - so have a drink on us! 

Some tips for when you're writing 

As we've mentioned above, what goes into your speech is up to you. If you want to focus on comedy, go for it. If you prefer to shed light on the sentimental, please do. But here are a few general tips to take into account when writing. 

• You don't need to be too formal. Your guests want to hear you speak as you usually do. There is no need for formalities - relax, be friendly and open, and smile! This isn't a court hearing. 
• Don't forget what your groom speech is actually about It's easy to get swept up in your speech - but remember who this is for, at the end of the day. The main focus should really be on your partner - a few romantic sentiments dedicated to the person you've just had the pleasure of marrying. 
• Timing, timing, timing! Don't go under or overboard. As mentioned, the best groom speeches are typically 6-10 minutes long - so make sure you're sticking to that timeframe. Written down, that's roughly 1000-1400 words. 
• If you're going funny - make it the best man and the thank yous The thank yous can typically drag on a bit, and hearing the word "thank you" over and over can get a bit tiresome. So why not spruce up this section and try to inject some comedy into it? It'll make your thanks seem more thought out, rather than the bog-standard "thank you Dad for ...". 
• Test-run it! It's highly advised to test out your groom speech before you give it. Ensuring the jokes land the way you want them to and your sentimental moments don't come across the wrong way is vital. Choose someone you trust and ask them to give you constructive criticism. 
• Opening line Ever heard of the phrase "start as you mean to go on"? This applies here, too. If your opening line is golden, that gets everyone involved and listening keenly, chances are the rest of your speech will go pretty great, too. Focusing on the start gets guests smiling from the get go.

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of how to get cracking on your groom speech!

Whether you're angling for the comedic approach or opting for sentimentalism, your groom's speech will be great. One of the biggest factors when it comes to speech-giving is confidence - go into it knowing you've done a good job, and your guests will think so, too. It's your day, your speech. Be true to yourself! Following this guide is definitely a great place to start. We've got an article all about  brides' speeches , to ensure fantastic speeches on both ends. We've got a  podcast episode  on the same topic, as well - for when you're on the move. Finally, if you're sticking to the side of comedy, then we've got a great list of  funny readings  to ensure your guests are giggling away until the early hours of the morning. 

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How to Write the Perfect Groom Speech

It’s the day you’ve been waiting for all your life. You’ve married your beautiful bride, tucked into the delicious food, and now all that is left to do is relax before the evening reception. Wait, don’t forget about your speech!

For many of us, speaking in front of a room full of people is probably pretty nerve wracking. After the act of actually getting married, giving the Groom speech is probably the second most nerve-wracking thing every man has to face on his wedding day, and it’s easy to see why.

To help you out, we’ve talked to some industry professionals to get their expert advice. Below, we have outlined everything you need to mention in order to make your speech a hit.

The Structure

Thank your guests.

Coming to a wedding is a big expense for everyone involved. Your guests pay for a good amount of petrol (or even flights), a hotel room, and your gift. Therefore, it is important you make sure they know they’re appreciated.

The first way you can do this in your speech is by thanking them. On the other hand, if you make your whole speech relatively short, they can get on with drinking and dancing. Trust me, everyone will appreciate this!

Toast absent friends

Toast to those who couldn’t make it, as well as those who are no longer alive. All guests should be thanked, even ones who are not there. Don’t be afraid to show your sensitive side here. It’s a nice touch and it will definitely be appreciated.

Big up your best man and your ushers

Your best man has been with you every step of the way with this wedding, so thank him for this. Don’t forget your ushers, either. Your boys have done you a big favour by playing a part in your wedding day (even if all they did was roll out of bed and put on a nice suit), so don’t be afraid inject a little bromance in your speech.

And, of course, make some jokes at their expense. After mentioning deceased friends and relatives, this is a good time to lighten the mood. Furthermore, your best man probably mentioned some embarrassing anecdotes about you in his speech, so get him back!

Just remember this speech isn’t all about you and your mates

“But please do this briefly,” says Seb of  Great Speech Writing . “One regular complaint from wedding guests is that they came to listen to stories about the bride and groom, not the groom and his best man. Don’t forget who you are marrying and why you have asked people to come and celebrate.”

Don’t forget everyone else. Tradition dictates you mention the bridesmaids and flower girls as well. They played a massive role in the day and have likely also acted as important support for your new wife. Especially if your wife isn’t speaking, make sure they know they are appreciated.

Others who have lent a helping hand

This is not school speech day; however, you should still acknowledge those who’ve made your day the wonderful occasion it’s been. For example, consider the person who set you up with your spouse, or the venue manager. If you haven’t given them a nod yet, do so here.

Be careful of rattling off a list like an Oscars speech, though. “It is important to thank those people who have helped you on the way to this special day but there is always a risk of simply standing there and reading a list of people to whom you wish to show your appreciation,” says Kevin of  Speeches For You .

Seb of Great Speech Writing agrees. “You don’t want you speech to become a long list of thank yous,” he points out. So just keep it to the really vital people. Everyone else can get a thank you note.

Your new in-laws and your own parents

This is your moment to gain some serious credit with your new wife’s parents, so don’t throw it away. Thank them for all they’ve done. If they paid for the wedding, sing their praises to the rafters. Thank them for raising the woman of your dreams and for accepting you into the family. And, even if they haven’t quite accepted you yet, that doesn’t matter right now! Get your now legally-binding relationship with them off to the right start nevertheless and make them feel appreciated.

When it comes to your mum and dad, only you know what to say. They raised you and, hopefully, have supported you through good times and bad, so make sure they feel the love.

Last, but absolutely never least, your new wife is the star of the show on your wedding day. Therefore, make sure the longest and most heartfelt part of your speech is all about her. It’s cliché, yes, but if you don’t mention how beautiful she is, how lucky you are, and how you’re punching well above your weight with her, you won’t have done your job with your speech.

Then, talk about your relationship in as genuine and real a way as you can muster. If you both have a good sense of humour and you like joking around, let that come through here. But, nothing is worse than a groom who spends his speech reciting bad one-liners he found on the internet.

If you do tell some jokes or a funny story about your new wife, think hard about what tales to go for. Some jokes are best left just between you two. That being said, a couple of funny and endearing stories can go a long way.

Make your speech memorable for all the right reasons  

It’s up to you to break the ice, but keep it simple.

“Weddings always have a large mix of people and not many know one another,” Kevin of Speeches for You says. “You and your wife will probably be the only people who know everyone in the room. Including some shared memories will have guests talking to each other after the meal and will make for a much more pleasant atmosphere in the evening.”

Maybe you’re the type of guy who doesn’t really wear his heart on his sleeve, and for whom saying a lot of cheesy, lovey things during your speech would feel alien. In that case, don’t force it. It’ll feel and look awkward and disingenuous.

Bear in mind that the most important thing during this part of your speech is to stay true to yourself and to represent your relationship honestly and with love, and no one can dictate to you how to do that.

Other things to bear in mind

This part of your day doesn’t have to be scary if you don’t let it be. As long as you’ve written a speech that is authentic to you and your relationship, you really can’t go wrong. Be as funny or as serious as you typically are in your everyday life; forcing either one will make for a boring or robotic speech that will be forgettable or even embarrassing.

Timing is key

When it comes to timing, try to keep it to 5-10 minutes. According to Seb, as much as your guests love that you’re happy and in love, they’re mainly there to party. And, before you think that’s untrue or harsh, remember the last time you sat through speeches at a wedding. As for the toasts, keep it down to two; one to the bridesmaids and one to your new wife. Any more than that and your speech could turn into a drinking game.

And if you are left totally blank? “Just remember to thank the parents, the best man for his help, and the guests for coming, and say how beautiful your wife is,” Seb says. That’ll guarantee you say what needs to be said with as little drama as possible!

So, go ahead and write an amazing speech (or ask for help from Seb or Kevin). Wow your guests and, more importantly, your new spouse. We also have speech writing advice for the Father of the Bride and the Best Man . Good luck.

2 thoughts on “ How to Write the Perfect Groom Speech ”

Crucially – don’t get too tied down by ‘the speech rules’ or traditional etiquette. Other than keeping the speech no longer than ten minutes and thanking the important people – the speech is yours to have fun with.

Gray is a well known colour for the grooms. So, this colour is elegant. I love that style thanks.

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How to Write a Memorable Mother of the Groom Speech

• Intro • First subsection

As the mother of the groom, you have a unique opportunity to share your love and pride for your son on his wedding day. Delivering a speech may feel a bit nerve-wracking, but with the right approach, you can create a heartfelt and memorable tribute that resonates with everyone in attendance. Here’s how to craft a Mother of the Groom speech that will leave a lasting impression.

1. Start with a Warm Welcome

Begin your speech by welcoming the guests and expressing your gratitude for their presence. A warm, inclusive opening sets the tone for your message. For example: "Good evening, everyone. I’m [Your Name], [Groom’s Name]’s mother. I want to thank each of you for being here today to celebrate this joyous occasion with us."

2. Share Personal Stories

Reflect on your son’s life and share a few meaningful anecdotes that showcase his character and the journey he’s taken to reach this moment. Whether it’s a funny childhood memory, a proud achievement, or a touching moment between you two, this is your chance to give guests a glimpse into your special bond. Keep it light-hearted and endearing: "I still remember when [Groom’s Name] was just a little boy, full of curiosity and always ready for an adventure. Watching him grow into the wonderful man he is today has been one of the greatest joys of my life."

3. Welcome the New Addition to the Family

After reminiscing about your son, turn your attention to the person he’s chosen to spend his life with. Share your first impressions of your new daughter-in-law (or son-in-law) and express your happiness in welcoming them into your family. Highlight what makes their relationship special and how they complement each other. "When [Groom’s Name] introduced us to [Partner’s Name], it was clear from the start that they were meant to be together. [Partner’s Name], you bring out the best in [Groom’s Name], and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have you as part of our family."

4. Offer Words of Wisdom

As the mother of the groom, you may want to share some advice or a few words of wisdom for the newlyweds as they embark on this new chapter of their lives. Whether your advice is based on personal experience or shared as a light-hearted reminder, keep it sincere and thoughtful. "Marriage is a journey filled with both beautiful moments and challenges. My advice to you both is to always communicate openly, cherish the little things, and never stop laughing together."

5. Conclude with a Heartfelt Toast

End your speech by raising a toast to the happy couple. This is your moment to wish them a lifetime of love, happiness, and shared dreams. Keep it short, sweet, and to the point: "Let’s all raise our glasses to [Groom’s Name] and [Partner’s Name]. May your lives together be filled with love, laughter, and endless joy. Cheers!"

Mother of the Groom Speech Tips

• Keep It Personal: The most memorable speeches are those that are personal and heartfelt. Don’t be afraid to show your emotions—they’re what make your speech truly special.
• Practice Ahead of Time: Practicing your speech several times before the big day will help you feel more comfortable and confident when it’s time to deliver it.
• Stay Positive: Focus on the joy and celebration of the day. Avoid mentioning any sensitive topics or past hardships.
• Keep It Concise: Aim for a speech that’s about three to five minutes long. This is enough time to say what you want without losing the audience’s attention.

Final Thoughts

Giving a Mother of the Groom speech is a wonderful opportunity to express your love and pride for your son while welcoming his new spouse into the family. By following these steps and speaking from the heart, you’ll deliver a speech that’s both meaningful and memorable.

More about this topic

Words at Ease

6 Speech Examples for Mother of the Groom

As the mother of the groom, your wedding speech is a wonderful chance to express your love, wisdom, and good wishes to the happy couple on their special day.

Your heartfelt words will be a treasured memory for many years ahead.

Speech Examples for Mother of the Groom

To assist you in writing a speech that perfectly reflects your feelings, we’ve compiled six examples of mother-of-the-groom speeches in different lengths and styles.

Whether you prefer a brief and touching toast or a more detailed expression of your love, you’ll discover inspiration in these sample speeches.

[Son’s name], from the instant you were born, I knew you were meant for wonderful things. Seeing you develop into the incredible man you are today has been the delight of my life. Your kindness, integrity, and steadfast love for [bride’s name] are an inspiration to us all.

[Bride’s name], you have brought so much joy into [son’s name]’s life and our family. Your grace, intelligence, and warmth brighten every room you enter. We couldn’t have hoped for a more wonderful daughter-in-law.

As you start this new chapter together, know that you have our unconditional love and support. May your marriage be filled with laughter, adventure, and endless love. Cheers to the happy couple!

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This short and sweet speech is ideal for a mother who wants to succinctly express her love and pride. It’s suitable for more casual weddings or as a warm introduction before the Father of the Bride speech.

[Son’s name], I still recall the day you were born like it was yesterday. From your first steps to your first day of school, I’ve watched in awe as you’ve grown into the remarkable man you are today. Your determination, compassion, and sense of humor are just a few of the many qualities that make you so special.

[Bride’s name], from the moment [son’s name] introduced you to us, we knew you were the one. Your kindness, intelligence, and ability to make [son’s name] smile even on his toughest days have been such a gift to our family. We are so grateful to have you as our daughter-in-law.

As you start this new adventure together, keep in mind that marriage is a journey filled with ups and downs. Cherish the good times, support each other during the challenges, and never stop making each other laugh. May your love for each other grow stronger with each passing year.

[Son’s name] and [bride’s name], we wish you a lifetime of happiness, love, and laughter. Always remember that you have a family who loves you and will always be here to support you. Congratulations and cheers to the newlyweds!

Commentary: This medium-length speech allows the mother of the groom to share a few cherished memories while imparting some words of wisdom to the newlyweds. It’s appropriate for most traditional wedding receptions.

[Son’s name], my dear boy, I’ve been looking forward to this day since the moment you came into this world. Watching you grow from a curious little boy into the incredible man you’ve become has been the privilege of my life. Your kindness, integrity, and dedication to those you love are just a few of the many reasons why we’re all so proud of you.

[Bride’s name], you have been such a blessing to our family. Your compassion, intelligence, and unwavering love for [son’s name] have brought so much joy into our lives. From the moment we met you, we knew that you were the perfect match for our son. Your strength, grace, and infectious smile brighten every room you enter, and we feel so lucky to have you as our daughter-in-law.

As you embark on this new chapter together, keep in mind that marriage is a partnership built on love, trust, and commitment. There will be moments of great joy and moments of challenge, but through it all, remember to always be there for each other. Listen with an open heart, communicate with honesty, and never stop making each other laugh.

[Son’s name], as your mother, I have watched you face life’s challenges with courage and determination. I know that with [bride’s name] by your side, you can overcome anything that comes your way. Cherish each other, support each other’s dreams, and always remember the love that brought you together on this special day.

[Bride’s name], thank you for loving our son and for being such an important part of our family. We couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful daughter-in-law, and we are so excited to watch your love story unfold.

To the happy couple, may your marriage be filled with adventure, laughter, and endless love. Always remember that you have a family who loves you and will always be here to support you. Congratulations, and cheers to a lifetime of happiness together!

Commentary: This longer speech allows the mother of the groom to share more personal stories and heartfelt advice. It’s perfect for a more formal wedding reception where longer speeches are expected.

[Son’s name], my firstborn, my pride and joy. From the moment I held you in my arms, I knew that you were destined for great things. Watching you grow into the incredible man you are today has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Your kindness, humor, and unwavering dedication to those you love are just a few of the many reasons why we’re all so proud of you.

I still remember the day you came home from your first date with [bride’s name]. The smile on your face and the sparkle in your eyes told me everything I needed to know. You had found someone truly special, someone who brought out the best in you and made you happier than I’d ever seen you before.

[Bride’s name], from the moment we met you, we knew that you were the perfect match for our son. Your compassion, intelligence, and infectious laughter have brought so much joy into our lives. You have a heart of gold and a strength of spirit that inspires us all. We are so grateful to have you as our daughter-in-law and as a part of our family.

As you stand here today, ready to begin your lives together as husband and wife, I want to share a few pieces of advice that I’ve learned throughout my marriage:

First, always make time for each other. In the busyness of life, it’s easy to get caught up in work, responsibilities, and the day-to-day routine. But never forget to carve out moments just for the two of you. Whether it’s a weekly date night, a surprise love note, or a simple “I love you” before bed, these small gestures will keep your love strong and your connection unbreakable.

Second, communicate openly and honestly with each other. Marriage is a partnership built on trust and understanding. Share your hopes, your dreams, your fears, and your challenges with each other. Listen with an open heart and an open mind. And never be afraid to ask for help or support when you need it.

Finally, choose love every single day. There will be times when life gets tough, when you may not see eye to eye, or when the world seems to be testing your strength. In those moments, remember the love that brought you together. Choose to be kind, be patient, forgive, and always put your love first.

[Son’s name] and [bride’s name], as you embark on this incredible journey together, know that you have a family who loves you and will always be here to support you. We are so proud of the individuals you’ve become and the couple you are together. May your marriage be filled with laughter, adventure, and a love that grows stronger with each passing year.

Congratulations, and cheers to the happy couple!

Commentary: This heartfelt speech allows the mother of the groom to share personal stories and impart wisdom gained from her marriage. It’s suitable for a more formal wedding reception where longer, more sentimental speeches are appreciated.

[Son’s name], my darling boy. I’ve been dreaming of this day since the moment you were born. Watching you grow from a curious, adventurous little boy into the remarkable man you are today has been the greatest joy of my life. Your compassion, integrity, and infectious sense of humor are just a few of the many reasons why we are all so proud to call you our son, brother, and friend.

I still recall the day you told me about [bride’s name]. The way your eyes lit up and the smile that spread across your face told me everything I needed to know. You had found your soulmate, your life partner, and your forever love.

[Bride’s name], from the moment we met you, we knew that you were the one for our [son’s name]. Your kindness, intelligence, and unwavering love for our son have been a constant source of joy and comfort for our entire family. You have brought so much laughter, light, and happiness into our lives, and we are so grateful to have you as our daughter-in-law.

First, always remember to be each other’s best friend. Life will bring its share of ups and downs, but having your best friend by your side will make every moment worth it. Laugh together, cry together, and never stop enjoying each other’s company.

Second, always make time for the little things. In the busyness of life, it’s easy to get caught up in the big moments – the promotions, the milestones, the achievements. But it’s the little moments that truly make a marriage special. The inside jokes, the late-night conversations, the lazy Sunday mornings – these are the moments that will fill your hearts with love and your lives with joy.

Third, never stop growing together. As individuals and as a couple, you will continue to learn, change, and evolve throughout your lives. Embrace these changes and use them as opportunities to deepen your love and strengthen your bond. Encourage each other’s dreams, support each other’s goals, and always be willing to try new things together.

Finally, always choose love. There will be times when you may not see eye to eye, when the stresses of life may weigh heavy on your heart. In those moments, remember the love that brought you together. Choose to be patient, to be kind, to forgive, and always put your love first.

[Son’s name] and [bride’s name], as you embark on this incredible adventure together, know that you have a family who loves you unconditionally and will always be here to support you. We are so proud of the individuals you have become and the beautiful couple you make together.

May your marriage be blessed with love, laughter, and endless joy. May you always find strength in each other, comfort in your love, and happiness in your life together.

Congratulations, my darlings. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness together. Cheers!

Commentary: This lengthy speech is filled with personal anecdotes, heartfelt advice, and an outpouring of love from the mother of the groom. It’s perfect for a more formal, traditional wedding reception where longer, sentimental speeches are part of the celebration. The speech touches on the couple’s love story, the joy they’ve brought to the family, and the mother’s hopes for their future together.

[Son’s name], my firstborn, my pride and joy. From the moment I held you in my arms, I knew that you were destined for great things. Your kindness, compassion, and unwavering love for those around you have been a constant source of inspiration for our entire family.

I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. Your father and I were overjoyed to welcome you into the world, and we knew from that very first moment that our lives would never be the same. We watched in awe as you took your first steps, spoke your first words, and embarked on your first adventures. Every milestone, every achievement, every moment of laughter and love – we cherished them all.

As you grew older, your determination, intelligence, and strong sense of self continued to amaze us. You faced life’s challenges with courage and grace, always staying true to yourself and your values. And when you met [bride’s name], we saw a side of you that we had never seen before. The love, the happiness, and the pure joy that radiated from you whenever you were together – it was truly a sight to behold.

[Bride’s name], from the moment we met you, we knew that you were the perfect match for our [son’s name]. Your kindness, your intelligence, and your infectious laughter have brought so much light into our lives. You have a heart of gold and a strength of spirit that inspires us all. We are so grateful to have you as our daughter-in-law and as a part of our family.

First, always remember that love is a choice. It’s not just a feeling or a fleeting emotion – it’s a decision that you make every single day. Choose to love each other, even on difficult days. Choose to be patient, to be kind, to forgive, and always put your love first.

Second, never stop making each other laugh. Life can be stressful, and there will be times when the world feels heavy on your shoulders. But laughter has a way of lightening even the darkest of days. Find joy in the little moments, the inside jokes, and the silly memories that only the two of you share. And never be afraid to be silly, to dance in the kitchen, or to have an impromptu karaoke session in the living room.

Third, always be each other’s biggest supporters. Marriage is a partnership, and you are each other’s teammates in life. Celebrate each other’s victories, both big and small. Encourage each other’s dreams and aspirations. And when the road gets tough, be there to lift each other and remind each other of your strength.

Finally, never forget the love that brought you together. The love that you share is a rare and precious gift. Cherish it, nurture it, and never take it for granted. Always make time for each other, even in the busyness of life. Always communicate openly and honestly with each other. And always, always choose love.

[Son’s name] and [bride’s name], as you embark on this incredible journey together, know that you have a family who loves you unconditionally and will always be here to support you. We are so proud of the individuals you have become and the beautiful couple you make together.

May your marriage be blessed with love, laughter, and endless joy. May you always find strength in each other, comfort in your love, and happiness in your life together. May your love story inspire others and stands the test of time.

Congratulations, my darlings. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happily ever after. Cheers!

Commentary: This lengthy, heartfelt speech is filled with personal stories, words of wisdom, and an outpouring of love from the mother of the groom. It’s perfect for a formal, traditional wedding reception where longer, sentimental speeches are part of the celebration. The speech touches on the groom’s journey from childhood to adulthood, the love he’s found with his bride, and the mother’s hopes and dreams for their future together. It’s a beautiful tribute to the couple and a reminder of the enduring power of love.

As the mother of the groom, your speech is a wonderful opportunity to express your love, wisdom, and good wishes to the newlyweds.

Whether you choose a brief and touching toast or a longer, more sentimental speech, the most crucial thing is that your words come from the heart.

Keep in mind, that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to writing the perfect speech.

Draw inspiration from the examples we’ve shared, but don’t be afraid to make it your own. Share personal stories, impart heartfelt advice, and let your love for the couple shine through in every word.

Most importantly, enjoy this special moment.

Your speech is a gift to the newlyweds, a memory they’ll treasure for years to come.

So take a deep breath, raise your glass, and speak from the heart.

Your love and support will be felt by all who have the privilege of hearing your words.

Congratulations to the happy couple, and cheers to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happily ever after!

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Groom's Parents Want His Fiancée to Wear Same Wedding Dress that His Dad's Late First Wife Wore: ‘Gloomy and Weird’

A groom-to-be is fighting with his mom and dad after they suggested his fiancé wear the wedding dress worn by his father's first wife who died over 30 years ago

A groom-to-be is fighting with his mom and dad after they suggested his fiancé wear the wedding dress worn by his father's first wife, who died more than 30 years ago.

In a now-viral post shared to Reddit , the groom-to-be says that his father lost his first wife (whom he refers to as "Mia" in the anonymous post) over three decades ago.

"It is a very long and complicated situation but to summarize it: my mother is the second on his heart because he's always said that the love of his life is Mia and he always made it clear," the man writes in the post.

The man's father even "still wears his wedding ring with Mia in one hand," he writes, adding that Mia is such a part of the family that his mom "bakes a cake for her birthday."

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"I've been raised that way, kind of having two mothers... Even if it wasn't like that. It was not a healthy childhood but luckily I have gone to therapy to work on all the issues that this caused," the man adds.

Now that he's getting married, the man writes that his fiancé has inquired about wearing the dress worn by his mother.

When he broached the subject with his mom, she was initially "very excited," even allowing his fiancé to try on her dress.

But a month later, his mom had another idea: that his fiancé wear Mia's wedding dress, instead.

"My fiancée told her no, she feels a connection with my mother and not with Mia, she doesn't even know Mia," the man writes.

Now, his mother is "trying to convince" his fiancé to wear Mia's dress "to commemorate her and for her to be present too because she was someone really special."

"Again; I never met [Mia], I don't know who she was. My fiancée told me that Mia is a total stranger to her," the man writes.

He adds that he told his mother that his fiancé won't be wearing Mia's dress — "it even seems gloomy and weird to me but I have been raised around Mia's memory that sometimes I don't even understand if I am exaggerating or not."

"Being raised in this kind of way sometimes makes me feel confused about what is normal and not in a family, it would be normal to ask my fiancée to wear Mia's dress in my family dynamic, but I don't know what someone who was raised normally would do and if I am a bad person for not wanting to have done it," the man adds in his post.

Many commenters on Reddit agree that the request to wear Mia's dress is "creepy," with one writing, "Why would your fiancee want to wear the dress of woman neither you or she has a connection? No offense to your parents but it's a weird and creepy request and your father wanting you to have some sort of in memoriam at your wedding to his deceased wife is odd."

Others have argued that the behavior from the poster's parents is "toxic and delusional."

"I’m sure your mom is not happy, but the more her kids stand up against having to hear about 'dad’s first love' (which is just inappropriate to talk about SO often that the kids all know about this) the more your mom might realize how much she’s always been a stand in to the life your dad wanted to have," wrote another commenter.

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