Whether it’s a wedding speech for the Best Man, Maid of Honor, Bride or Groom, writing a wedding speech can feel pretty overwhelming. You might be feeling pressure to be funny, romantic and entertaining in a very short space of time. Add to that the pressure of honouring a couple that you care deeply about and the writer’s block can really start to creep in.
If you’re drawing a blank or having a hard time narrowing down the stories you want to tell, just follow our simple speech outlines below.
Guidelines for a Best Man or Maid of Honor Speech
1. Start with an Introduction
Tell everyone your name and a bit about yourself and how you met the bride or groom. Offering a little context can help everyone connect with your words.
2. Share a Story
You were picked for this role for a reason and must have a treasure trove of memorable moments. Chose one that showcases the qualities you admire most in the bride or groom. Make it relatable, heartwarming, and (most importantly) suitable for the occasion. Make sure your story has a point that seamlessly ties into your speech’s conclusion.
3. Recount the Day You Met Their Partner
The guests have witnessed different aspects of the couple’s love story, recount the day you first met their significant other. Describe that exact moment you realised that this person was destined to be a significant part of their life. There won’t be a dry eye in the room.
4. Tell the Guests, and the Couple, Your Hopes for Their Future
If you’re married, impart your most valuable advice for a thriving marriage. If you’re not married, offer your sincere wishes for their enduring happiness together. Make it personal and unique to their relationship. Close with a positive, optimistic, and heartfelt vision of their future.
5. End with a Toast
Concluding a speech can be as challenging as starting it, which is why we recommend wrapping up with a toast. Invite everyone to raise their glasses and join you in toasting the extraordinary couple — and, in your own mind, to the exceptional speech you’ve just delivered!
Writing the Bride or Groom’s Speech
1. Express Gratitude
Begin by extending heartfelt gratitude to your parents and your spouse’s parents. Next, acknowledge the wedding party, everyone who contributed to the wedding’s success, and your cherished guests. This is the moment to open up and let your loved ones know just how much they mean to you.
2. Focus on Your Spouse
After your gratitude, shift the spotlight to your beloved spouse. Express your deep affection and share the profound significance of this day in your life. Get personal, describing specific attributes and qualities that make them so special to you.
3. Revisit Memorable Relationship Moments
Share anecdotes from your journey together, such as the night you first met, the story of your love’s blossoming, your engagement tale, or any other pivotal moments that led you to this beautiful juncture.
4. Raise a Toast to Loved Ones and Your Future
By this point, tears may have welled up in the eyes of many. Conclude with a touching toast to the dear ones surrounding you and to your spouse. Lift your glasses in tribute to the love and support of everyone present, and toast to the dreams and aspirations you hold for your shared future.
A wedding speech is not just a normal speech; it is an opportunity to bless and raise a toast to every loved ones at the wedding. Writing a memorable and great wedding speech will make everyone feel smile and enjoy their time at the event — Happy wedding speech writing!