How to Give a Great Wedding Speech

It's important to keep in mind that some of the greatest speeches in history were carefully crafted, rehearsed and refined. Wedding speeches are no exception. They are not only a crucial part of the wedding day, but they also often end up being an essential component of the wedding film. A skilled wedding videographer knows how to incorporate these speeches in a way that adds to the narrative. From the father of the bride speech to the best man toast, every speech adds a unique element to the overall story. So if you're asked to give speech at a wedding, keep in mind that it will be an important part of the wedding film for newlyweds to cherish over a lifetime.

Whether you're the father of the bride, best man, maid of honor, bride, groom, or any other member of the wedding party, giving a wedding speech can be a daunting task. Here are some tips, ideas, and etiquette guidelines to help you prepare and deliver a memorable wedding speech:

key points before you start writing


  1. Know your audience: It's important to keep in mind who you'll be speaking to. Consider the age range, cultural backgrounds, and relationships of the guests and adjust your speech accordingly.
  2. Start with an attention-grabbing opening: Capture the attention of your audience right from the beginning with a funny, heartfelt or engaging opening line.
  3. Speak from the heart: While it's okay to use notes, try to speak from the heart and use your own words to express your feelings.
  4. Be positive and upbeat: Wedding speeches should be positive and uplifting. Avoid bringing up negative or controversial topics.
  5. Be respectful: Keep your speech appropriate for the occasion and avoid saying anything that could offend anyone in the audience.
  6. Use humor carefully: Humor can be a great way to lighten the mood, but it's important to use it appropriately and avoid offending anyone.
  7. Toast the newlyweds: End your speech by raising a glass and toasting the newlyweds. This is a great way to conclude your speech and bring the room together in celebration.
  8. Be gracious: Remember to thank the hosts and everyone involved in the wedding planning process for their hard work
  9. Keep it brief: Aim for a speech that's between 3-5 minutes long. This will ensure that your guests don't lose interest and will help you stay on track.
  10. Practice: Rehearse your speech several times before the big day. This will help you feel more confident and ensure that you don't forget anything important.



Here are general blueprints for different types of wedding speeches:


  • Father of the bride speech: Share your feelings about your daughter's wedding day, express your love and support for the newlyweds, and offer advice for a happy marriage.
  • Best man speech: Share humorous stories and anecdotes about the groom, congratulate the couple on their wedding day, and offer words of encouragement for their future together.
  • Maid of honor speech: Share stories and memories of your friendship with the bride, congratulate the couple, and offer words of wisdom for a happy marriage.
  • Bride speech: Share your feelings about your wedding day, thank your guests for coming, and express your love and gratitude for your new spouse.
  • Groom speech: Thank your guests for coming, express your love and appreciation for your new spouse, and offer words of gratitude and encouragement for your future together.


wedding toast Examples


  • Father of the bride speech: "Today is a bittersweet day for me as I give my daughter away to the man she loves. I am so proud of the woman she has become and the person she has chosen to spend her life with. To the newlyweds, I offer my love and support, and wish you a lifetime of happiness and joy."
  • Best man speech: "I have had the pleasure of knowing the groom for many years and I can honestly say that he has found his perfect match in the bride. You two are a perfect match and I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness together. Cheers!"
  • Maid of honor speech: "To my dearest friend, the bride, you are a beautiful, kind, and generous person, and I feel honored to stand by your side today. To the newlyweds, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and wish you a lifetime of love and laughter."
  • Bride speech: "Today is a day I will cherish forever, surrounded by the people I love most. I am so grateful to have found my soulmate in [groom's name]. You have brought so much joy and happiness into my life and I cannot wait to start this new journey together. Thank you to our families and friends for joining us on this special day, and to our videographer for capturing every moment. Cheers to a lifetime of love and adventure!"
  • Groom speech: "First and foremost, I want to express my love and gratitude to my beautiful wife [bride's name]. Today would not be possible without her and I feel incredibly lucky to have her in my life. I also want to thank everyone who has travelled from near and far to be here with us on this special day in beautiful Lake Tahoe. Your presence means the world to us and we are so grateful for your love and support. It is truly humbling to see so many familiar faces here, and we're so glad we get to share this special moment in such a stunning location. Cheers!"


If your guests need some guidance finding the right words for this beautiful occasion or just need some advice to polish it off and make it a piece of art that newlyweds will remember long time the party is over - refer them to the speech writing service, where a custom speech could be crafted just for them.

Mountain Wordsmith is a local writer who will help you find your words and put them together. You can find Courtney's website here: www.mountainwordsmith.com


Cheers to good speeches!