How to : Wedding Speech
You’ve upgraded from boyfriend or girlfriend; you’ve gotten engaged, let flatulence go in front of each other, there’s no going back - it’s day one of being married. You’re in front of your guests and they’re excited for you. Make the most of this moment with preparation, personalisation and gratitude.
This guide can help compose your wedding speech. Use it to outline key moments in your relationship and thank your friends and family who have supported you. Quick advice before talking about the structure.
Be comfortable & loose. These aren’t your vows! We know you love each other, so tell us about your journey together and what you look forward to.
Don’t worry about entertaining the crowd. That will come naturally. Simply address the people who you need to and try thinking about talking to them directly 1-on-1. This will make it more genuine.
P A R T 1 : T H A N K E V E R Y O N E
Thank your Family, the In-Laws, Bridal party, your Maid of Honour & Best man. Be mindful, that your partners family is now your family. So thank everyone, but remember not to forget anyone as they may feel left out.
When thanking people (or groups of people) tell a story where possible, try to keep it brief as the main focus is your marriage, not your mates.
But don’t hold back, give honour and thanks to where it’s needed. If you’re having trouble phrasing something, simply forget about this being a speech. Imagine you’re talking directly to them, without anyone listening. This will make everything much more genuine.
“… To my Oldest Sister, I love you and I can’t thank you enough. As all siblings did, we would always argue. You rarely shared your Barbies and you picked on me when I was little; but you were always first to stick up for me in school…”
“Dad, I don’t say this much, but I love you. Thank you for letting me borrow the car so many years ago so I could take Mary out on our first date … and then paying for the car repairs so we could go on our second date…”
P A R T 2 : T H E F R I E N D S H I P
Reflect on your relationship with your now husband or wife, of course focusing only on the positive. Share a story about your honeymoon-dating phase, a holiday you enjoyed or a new experience. Tell a story that will always bring a smile to your face.
“I recall the times before formally asking you out on a date. I would drive you home from practice, but I’d always take the long way home so I could spend more time with you. Only to sit awkwardly in silence, because I didn’t have anything to say… how lame”
My own wedding Antonette & I. 16 Nov 2018
P A R T 3 : C L O S E O U T & T H E F U T U R E
Every lasting relationship starts with friendship, blossoms with time, strengthens through love and finally transcends. Talk about the future! Here’s a specific guide to close out your speech. Talk about these three things:
How happy you are. I’m so happy to be here with you, I couldn’t ask for anything more in a woman, in my wife and in my future.
What you look forward to. I’ll look forward to the bad days at work, because I know I’ll come home and you’ll always make me feel better.
Future and Forever. I’ve grown up with the best family, shared the best memories. Now that we’re married, I can’t wait for our future, our forever and the new memories we’ll share as our family.
Honestly, keep it simple. Try this formula and you should have a nice, personal, sentimental conclusion to your speech.
Lastly, feel free to have a toast and cheers. It’s not necessary, but you can ask everyone to raise their glasses. Generally people will just clap with your final remarks.
“To my beautiful bride, to the love of my life the best has yet to come. Bada-bing-bada-boom, says me, the groom.”
