Wedding Speeches for Dummies: The Simple Guide You Need!
Posted on Wednesday, 5th March 2025 by Matt
So, you've been asked to give a wedding speech. Maybe you're the best man, the father of the bride, or even the groom himself. And right now, you're probably thinking, Where do I even start? Don't panic. Writing a wedding speech isn't as hard as you think - it's just about knowing what to say, how to say it, and what not to do.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, in the simplest way possible. No complicated advice, no pressure - just an easy, no-nonsense approach to delivering a great wedding speech.
First things first, let's talk about the most important rule: this speech isn't about you. It might sound obvious, but so many people get caught up telling their own stories and forget that the speech should centre on the couple. Whether you're talking about the groom, the bride, or both, keep the focus on them - their relationship, their journey, and why they're perfect for each other. You're there to celebrate their love, not reminisce about your university days or that one holiday where things got a bit out of hand. Keep it relevant, keep it heartfelt, and keep it entertaining.
Now, onto structure. The best wedding speeches follow a simple formula. Start strong - grab people's attention with a joke, a heartfelt line, or a lighthearted comment. Then, move into a short but engaging story about the couple. It could be how they met, how they balance each other out, or something that sums up why they're perfect together. And finally, wrap things up with a toast that makes everyone want to raise their glass and cheer. Simple, right? The key is not to overcomplicate it.
Length matters too. Nobody wants to sit through a 15-minute speech, no matter how funny or touching you think it is. Aim for around five minutes. Anything longer, and you'll see people shifting in their seats, checking their phones, or staring longingly at the bar. Keep it short, sharp, and memorable. If you're unsure, practise reading it aloud - if it drags, cut it down.
Humour is great, but don't overdo it. Some of the best wedding speeches include a bit of lighthearted fun, but there's a fine line between making people laugh and making people cringe. Avoid anything that might embarrass the couple too much - especially stories that involve exes, drunken nights, or inside jokes that no one else will understand. Instead, go for universal humour. Think of something that everyone in the room, from the couple's nan to their workmates, will find funny.
Emotion is just as important as laughter. A wedding is a day full of love, so don’t be afraid to get a bit sentimental. A well-placed heartfelt line about how much the couple mean to each other (or to you) can really elevate a speech. People expect a bit of emotion - it's what makes a speech memorable. Just don't go too deep; you don't want to be the one sobbing uncontrollably at the mic.
Rehearsing is key. Even if you think you'll just wing it on the day, don't. A great speech sounds effortless, but it only gets that way with practice. Read it out loud, record yourself, say it in front of a mirror - whatever works for you. This helps with timing, confidence, and making sure you don't stumble over your words.
And finally, delivery. Speak clearly, don't rush, and make eye contact with the audience. If you're feeling nervous, take a deep breath before you start. Everyone wants you to do well, and they'll be rooting for you. If you mess up a line, just keep going - most people won't even notice. The best speeches feel natural, so don't stress about being perfect.
If you're still feeling stuck, don’t worry - we've got you covered. At Ultimate Wedding Speech, we've put together thousands of example lines to help you craft the perfect speech. Whether you need a joke, a heartfelt moment, or just a bit of inspiration to get started, our collection has everything you need. Sign up now and make sure your wedding speech is one to remember - for all the right reasons!
Crafting the perfect wedding speech can be a challenging task. But you don't have to do it alone. Sign up to Ultimate Wedding Speech for only £4.99 and gain access to the world's largest collection of example content for wedding speeches. With our diverse and extensive library, you'll find inspiration that perfectly matches your style, sentiment, and message. From funny anecdotes to heartfelt passages, traditional toasts to modern musings, we've got it all. Don't miss out on the opportunity to move your audience and make an unforgettable impact on the special day. Join the ever growing list of satisfied speechmakers who have found their perfect words with us. Let us help you create a wedding speech that is as unique and memorable as the love story you're celebrating.
