How to Write Wedding Speeches - Ideas, Examples, Inspirations

Delivering a wedding speech is a task of paramount importance since there are so many expectations to fulfill. You are to speak loud and clear, engage and entertain the audience, lighten the atmosphere, and turn feelings into words. As if that is not enough, you'd be performing in front of a packed room, with tens of people staring at you. Public speaking can be disquieting and unnerving. But worry not, we will help you to ease tension and write a winning toast. 

Before you sign up for tons of unnecessary writing courses, look at our short guide. Ultimately, the answer lies in simplicity:

1.   Know your auditorium. Undoubtedly, there'll be a mix of cultures and ages at the wedding. If you are telling a story, consider the differences in worldviews and make sure it can relate to everyone. We recommend leaving out special lexicon (like slang or jargon) and inside jokes.
2. Address your audience. Don't focus on yourself because it will only alleviate your stress level. Centre on the message you aim to convey and sustain eye contact with one person at a time. It will make your speech more intriguing and captivating.
3. Record yourself at practice, and you'll be able to pinpoint distracting mannerisms (like verbal pauses' um', 'uh').
4. Mark the body language so that you don't look frightened or reserved. Trust me - no one's going to listen to a hunched person with crossed arms.
5. Don't try to put on a show. You are not up for an Oscar, so speak from your heart, express how important the newlyweds are, and show support for their new chapter of life.
6. Get a second opinion. Hearing someone else's peace of mind can make you see a story from a different perspective. When we repeat the same passage frequently, our minds slow down. A fresh look can boost creativity and channel thoughts into the proper flow.
7. Avoid binge drinking prior to speaking. Alcohol emboldens, but it also makes you slur. If you believe in rituals and desperately need to relax, stick to one glass of sparkling champagne. 
8. It may sound trivial but keep your toasts short and sweet. The perfect length is 3 minutes, 5 minutes tops. After all, we don't want guests to fall asleep. Would you like to listen to a lengthy speech or celebrate on a dance floor if you were in the audience? 
9. Rehearse night and day until you are a natural.
10. Don't embarrass lovebirds. It's a good intention to spice things up and make your speech funny, but some affairs are best kept secret. Ask yourself: would I want to share it with this many listeners?
11. Find your source of inspiration. Ideally, you should pick three newlyweds' traits you adore and link them with short stories to illustrate each point. 

 Open with a dramatic statement or question to break the ice. 

Questions to ponder over before crafting a draft: - What is the general tone? Sentimental? Humorous?- What are your favorite recollections of the times you've spent together? - How do you envision the couple's future?- Is there any advice you'd like to give?So, to help you get the hang of the overall style. We've gathered examples of ace wedding speech ideas.

"Thank you all for coming. I'm glad you were able to join us on this festive occasion. My dream has finally come true, and for that, I'm grateful to my parents. Mother, father - I will never forget how you've shared your wisdom, taught us patience, and turned me into the man I am today. I would also like to express my appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Watson, who've raised such a bright, warm-hearted, and gentle daughter. I hope to make you both proud and thank you for everything you have done to make this wedding happen."

Best man's speech is often regarded as the most delightful. It is usually done in a witty and unique manner to depict the groom's best qualities."There comes a time in one's life when everything falls out of control. That moment hit the groom…5 years ago when he met me. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. For those who do not know me, I'm Frederick, the groom's Please-don't-embarrass-me best friend. I've been given the honour to congratulate the future husband and wife, and I'd like to start by pointing out the groom and me go way back. I was there when Michael had his first kiss stolen when he began pitching his crazy business ideas when he founded his company. Even then, I knew this man would be a hit. I knew he'd be surrounded by right people. I knew he'd be popular with girls. But I never thought a magnificent girl like Lisa would fall for him. She always had his back. There were ups and downs, but they pushed through them together. And I realized Lisa is a perfect match for him because she is also a risk-taker. Love, my dear friends, is in bravery, and our couple here isn't afraid of what the future holds for them.

"Welcome, everyone, and thank you for coming. My name is Nicole, and I'm the bride's younger sister. Miranda and I have been close since childhood. We'd have pillow fights, boy talks, popcorn movie nights. She came up with a bunch of amusing nicknames for me. Reflecting on those times, I understand how lucky I am to share this bond and be part of her bridal party. Miranda is the kind of person who never stops to surprise you, and I guess that's what Cole saw in her. After a month of their dating, I knew they'd be together. There was this glow about Cole when he was with her. Miranda accomplished something only a real woman can do. She made Cole feel like a winner. Therefore, let us drink to their common victory."

"Good evening, everyone. For those who don't know me, I'm Jake, the groom's best friend. I've known Sam my entire life, and I'm grateful he gave me the opportunity to speak on this special day. Sam has always been an easy-going guy and never had trouble drawing women's attention. However, I never thought he'd be able to get this beautiful lady here. They were from different leagues. She attended classical concerts and read foreign literature while he went to football matches and studied programming.Nonetheless, differences didn't separate them; they brought them closer. She encouraged him to try new things, and he did the same for her. So, I want everyone to toast their love that doesn't dominate but cultivates."

Father of the Groom SpeechYour son will continue the family name and family lineage. It's time to step back and hand over the reins. Share some advice in your wedding speech, get soft and tell how much you love him (it's not every day your kids get married)."Dear Erik, when you were a kid, I wanted to teach you everything: how to put a nail in the wall, how to plant a tree, how to provide for your family. But look at you- an independent, successful, and thoughtful man. It's all a father can dream of. Life works funnily; it ended up that you taught me more: how to be a better man, how to keep your mind open, how to keep up with technologies. You've introduced me to this wonderful dignified bride here. So, protect her, treat her with respect, give compliments, and don't let the chemistry between you two fade away."

"My dear son, time passes by with lightning speed. It seems as if just yesterday you were playing hide-and-seek in the background, but you are no longer a kid. You've grown into a strong and brilliant man, of whom we couldn't be prouder. Today we have to entrust the care of you to Amanda. Dear Amanda, I'm thrilled Graham has you in his life. Thank you for all the support and love you've wholeheartedly given to him. I want to welcome you to our family as a daughter and to raise glasses to your long-lasting union."

Mother of the Bride SpeechTalk about your close relationship: growing up process, bonding time, etc. Tell your daughter how proud you are, give her your blessing. You may add your first impression of the groom as well, name his strong points. Finish by affirming their unbreakable love and wishing them well."My dear Samantha, I remember when you were still a little girl running all over the place, never cutting me slack. Over the years, a lot has happened; we travelled, explored, and laughed together. But for the most part, I was a silent observer. You've grown into a sharp and free-spirited woman. I always thought of you as the life of the party. You made every celebration memorable. Now I hope you'll make James' life as exciting as ours was. Dear James, we met a while ago, but I see how generous and kind you are. You've been taking good care of my daughter, and I've never seen her as delighted as she is with you. So, Samantha and James, as you embark on this journey, I have one wish for you: stand by each other, hold your hands and look into tomorrow with confidence."

Father of the Bride Speech

"My heart is filled with happiness for you, my children. When I look at you, I realize what truly matters: to love and be loved. You remind me of your mother and me a few years ago when we, too, were standing before the altar. A bumpy road lies ahead, but you'll conquer it together, for love recognizes no barriers. Dear David, I've never had a son, but I hope to treat you like one. You can always come to me for help or just for a drink. We'll leave the porch light on. At last, I wish you to stay in the moment because every day you will discover each other anew, enjoy it at fullest, and everything else will fall in place."

Wedding officiant speech plays a vital role in modern weddings. The bride and groom proclaim their love and finally become husband and wife. Wedding officiant speeches are usually delivered by a priest, rabbi, or government officiant and carry either a formal celebratory or informal sentimental tone. Lately, more and more couples resort to alternative scenarios and ask their friends to officiate the wedding. You can see below a traditional wedding officiant speech example:"Friends and families, we have gathered here, in the presence of God, to share in the celebration of Pieter and Lily's marriage. Different road paths lead us here, but there's one thing uniting all present: a desire to affirm and support the relationship of these lovebirds. Marriage is an act of will. It is built on trust and commitment to take care of one another. It requires loyalty and compromise. One takes responsibility for the other person and ensures their needs are met.  Today, guided by God's love and wisdom, I ask you to confirm your willingness to enter the covenant of marriage and to share all the joys and sorrows of your lives and your relationship, whatever the future may hold. You came from different backgrounds, you were raised in different cultures, but your love transcended these differences. Pieter, do you take this woman to be your wife? Do you promise to love, comfort, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live? Groom: I do Lily, do you take this man to be your husband? Do you promise to love, comfort, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live? Bride: I doRepeat after me. I take you, _____, this day as my lawful wife/husband. From the earliest times, the circle has been a symbol of eternal love. It symbolizes deep commitment and serves as a reminder of your ties.Repeat after me. I, _____, give you _____, this ring as a symbol of my commitment to love, cherish, and honour you.Now that you have affirmed your love for each other before your families and friends, may God bless you and keep you. Always be there for each other and believe in each other. Pieter and Lily, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Groom, you may kiss the bride.It is my pleasure to present to you Pieter and Lily as husband and wife."