Crafting The Perfect Wedding Speech: A Guide For The Happy Couple

Writing a wedding speech can be a daunting task, especially if you're nervous about speaking in front of a group. But it's a great opportunity to express your feelings and gratitude to your nearest and dearest.

Traditionally, brides don't give speeches, but this is becoming less common. If you're writing a bride or groom speech, you'll want to start by figuring out the logistics: who is giving the speech, when, and how long it will be. Then, you can begin crafting your speech. A good wedding speech typically includes thanking your guests, mentioning those who couldn't be there, sharing a short anecdote, and ending with a tribute to your partner. It's also important to practice your speech beforehand and be mindful of your guests' time.

Thank your guests

Thanking your guests is an important part of your wedding speech. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you craft a meaningful and heartfelt message of gratitude.

Start with a Greeting

Begin your speech by welcoming your guests and expressing your happiness at their presence. You can say something like:

"We are so glad that you could be here with us today. It means a lot to us that you took the time to celebrate this special occasion."

Let your guests know that their presence made your wedding day more joyful and memorable. You can say:

"Thank you for sharing our special day with us. Your presence and support mean the world to us. We are so grateful to have you here."

Acknowledge Their Efforts

If your guests have travelled far or made a special effort to attend your wedding, be sure to acknowledge their dedication. You could say:

"We are especially thankful to those of you who travelled from near and far to be with us today. Your willingness to go the extra mile to share in our celebration humbles us."

Thank Guests for Their Gifts

Whether you received physical gifts, monetary contributions, or well-wishes, express your appreciation for your guests' generosity. You might say:

"Thank you for your thoughtful gift. We are grateful for your generosity and will cherish it always."

If you received monetary gifts or gift cards, you can mention how you plan to use them. For example:

"We are so thankful for your generous gift. We plan to use it for our upcoming honeymoon, creating memories that will last a lifetime."

Personalise Your Message

Add a personal touch to your speech by sharing a memory or special moment involving your guests. This will show that you value their presence and that they contributed to your special day. For instance:

"We will always remember the fun and laughter we shared on the dance floor. Your presence and joy added so much to our wedding day."

Look to the Future

Express your excitement for the future and the prospect of creating new memories with your guests. You could say:

"We look forward to seeing you again soon and sharing more happy moments together. Thank you for being a part of our lives and our special day."

Share a story about your partner

Sharing a story about your partner is a great way to make your wedding speech memorable and heartfelt. Here are some ideas to help you craft a meaningful narrative about your spouse:

The First Meeting:

Recount the moment you first laid eyes on your partner and the impact it had on you. Describe the setting, your initial impressions, and any funny or endearing anecdotes from that encounter.

The Moment You Knew:

Take your guests back to the moment when you realized your partner was "the one." It could be a particular date, a grand romantic gesture, or a quiet, intimate moment that made you sure about spending your life with them.

Navigating Challenges:

Share a story about a difficult time you and your partner faced together, such as a long-distance phase, financial struggles, or personal challenges. Explain how you supported each other and how the experience strengthened your bond.

A Funny Misadventure:

Wedding speeches are a great opportunity to inject some humor. Recall a lighthearted, humorous incident involving your partner. It could be a vacation mishap, a cooking disaster, or a time when they did something endearingly awkward.

A Grand Romantic Gesture:

Did your partner plan an elaborate surprise, like a scavenger hunt or a flash mob? Did they write you a heartfelt letter or create a special gift? Sharing this story will showcase their thoughtful and romantic side.

Everyday Moments:

Sometimes, it's the little things that show the depth of your love. Talk about the everyday moments that make your relationship special, like cooking dinners together, exchanging good morning texts, or enjoying quiet evenings at home.

Remember to keep your story concise, focusing on one key event or theme. This will ensure your speech is engaging and doesn't lose the attention of your guests.

Connect the story to your wedding day

The wedding speech is a great opportunity to connect your story to your wedding day. This is where you can share a personal story or memory about the couple and talk about your relationship with them. It is also a chance to highlight their qualities and what makes them a great match. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft this section of your speech:

• Share a short and sweet anecdote about the couple: Include a cute story about how they met, when they knew they were in love, or a funny moment from their wedding planning journey. Keep it brief, especially if both of you are sharing stories. Ensure that you are not re-telling the same story as other speakers.
• Highlight their wonderful qualities: Talk about the bride or groom's loyalty, adventurous spirit, generosity, kindness, or any other positive traits that make them who they are. You can also share a touching story that showcases these qualities.
• Compliment them as a couple: Express how well-matched they are and how their relationship has blossomed. You can also share your observations about their love and the impact it has had on their lives.
• Keep it light and positive: Avoid sharing anything that could be deemed negative or embarrassing. Opt for stories and memories that are heartwarming and celebrate the couple's journey.
• Make it personal: Speak from the heart and let your love for the couple shine through. Share your genuine thoughts, wishes, and congratulations for their future together.

Examples:

"I've known the bride, Emily, since we were little girls, and we've been best friends ever since. I remember the first time she told me about Alex, and the excitement in her voice was undeniable. Seeing their relationship blossom over the years has brought so much joy, and I am thrilled to celebrate their love today. Emily, your kindness and generosity know no bounds, and Alex, you are her perfect match. I know that they will continue to be each other's confidant and partner in all life's adventures. Cheers to the happy couple!"

"For those who don't know me, I'm Sarah, the bride's older sister. Growing up, Lucy and I were constant rivals, fighting over clothes, the phone, and our favourite boy bands. But despite our differences, Lucy has always been more patient, accommodating, and thoughtful. She always puts the people she loves first, and I am overjoyed that she has found that same compassion and warmth in her partner, David. I know they will prioritise each other's desires, compromise, and support each other's dreams. Cheers to Lucy and David! May your love and compassion for each other only grow stronger."

"As the father of the bride, I am reminded today of all the moments that led to this special day. From dance recitals to soccer games, there are so many wonderful memories. But the moments I cherish most are the everyday, blink-and-you'll-miss-them moments. The magic shows in our living room, the tea parties with exclusive invitations, and the countless bedtime negotiations. These ordinary moments with Allison are what filled my heart with a happiness I never knew existed. So, my beautiful daughter, as you begin your married life, I wish for you to find warmth and joy in the simple moments of your marriage. Cheers to you both!"

End with your partner

Now, it's time to address your partner and let them know how happy you are to be married to them. This is your chance to express your feelings, share what today has meant to you, and say anything you weren't able to fit into your vows.

"I feel so lucky to be standing here with you today. From the moment I met you, 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."

"You are my best friend, my soulmate, and my partner in life. I am so grateful to have you by my side, and I am excited to face life's adventures with you. Your generosity, sense of humour, and loving nature bring me so much joy. Today has been so special, and I am so happy to be starting this new chapter of our lives together.

"Today, I am the luckiest person in the world to be married to my best friend. I feel incredibly blessed to have found someone who understands and supports me. Your love has brought me so much happiness, and I am excited to spend the rest of our lives creating new memories together. Here's to a lifetime of love, laughter, and shared adventures.

Remember, this is your opportunity to speak directly to your partner and let them know how much they mean to you. Be authentic and speak from the heart.

Practice

Now that you've written your speech, it's time to practice! Here are some tips to help you deliver a confident and engaging speech:

• Start practising early: Don't leave it until the last minute. The more you practise, the more confident you'll feel.
• Record yourself: Use your phone to record a video of yourself practising. This will help you identify any distracting mannerisms or verbal pauses like "um", "uh", and "like".
• Get feedback: Practise your speech in front of someone else and ask for their feedback. A fresh pair of eyes and ears can help refine your delivery and content.
• Body language: Don't forget to pay attention to your body language. Practise your speech in front of a mirror, noticing your facial expressions, eye contact, and hand movements.
• Manage your nerves: It's natural to feel nervous, but try to use those nerves to your advantage. They can add energy and authenticity to your speech. Focus on your audience and how you want them to feel.
• Avoid alcohol: As tempting as it may be, avoid drinking alcohol before your speech. It may cause you to slur your words or forget your lines. Wait until after your speech to celebrate.
• Know your speech: Practise enough so that you know the key points and the order in which you want to make them. This will allow you to make eye contact with your audience and connect with them.
• Be mindful of time: Keep your speech concise and within the allotted time. A good rule of thumb is to keep it between 2 and 5 minutes.
• Don't memorise: Avoid memorising your speech word for word. Instead, create an outline and bring note cards with key points to guide you. This will make your speech sound more natural and authentic.
• Be yourself: Speak from the heart and be genuine. Your audience wants to hear your unique perspective and celebrate the couple with you.

Frequently asked questions