Wedding Speeches: How to Write and Deliver a Memorable Toast

Wedding speeches are an important tradition that adds a personal touch to the wedding celebration. They allow loved ones to share their feelings and memories, express gratitude, and wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness. In this article, we will discuss how to write a wedding speech for both for in-person and virtual weddings.

Who gives speeches at a wedding?

At a traditional wedding, special guests are expected to give speeches. These people include the father of the bride, the best man, and the maid of honor. 

• Father of the Bride: This speech is typically the first one given, and it sets the tone for the rest of the speeches. The father of the bride welcomes the guests, thanks them for coming, and talks about his daughter and his relationship with her. He will usually end the speech by toasting the newlyweds.
• Groom: The groom will usually give a speech after the father of the bride. He thanks everyone for coming, talks about his bride and their relationship, and thanks her parents for their support. He will usually end the speech by toasting his bride.
• Best Man: The best man is responsible for giving the final speech of the night. He will typically start by thanking the groom for choosing him as his best man. He will then share stories about the groom, including some embarrassing ones, and end by toasting the newlyweds.
• Maid of Honor: The maid of honor will typically give a speech after the groom. She will thank the bride for choosing her as her maid of honor, share stories about the bride, and offer advice for a happy marriage. She will also usually end by toasting the newlyweds.

However, more modern variations have emerged over the years, and other people may give speeches at a wedding as well. These could include the mother of the bride, the bride herself, the groom's parents, or close friends of the couple. It's important to keep in mind the wishes of the couple and to ensure that all speeches are appropriate and in good taste.

Tips for Writing a Great Wedding Speech

Here are some tips to help you write a great wedding speech:

• Prepare and Practice: Don't wait until the last minute to start writing your speech. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and practice. Write down your thoughts and ideas, and then organize them into a logical structure. Practice delivering your speech several times, either by yourself or in front of a trusted friend or family member.
• Structure Your Speech: A great wedding speech typically follows a basic structure. Start with an attention-grabbing opening that will capture the audience's attention. Then, move on to the body of your speech, where you will share your thoughts, stories, and advice. Finally, end with a memorable conclusion and a toast to the newlyweds.
• Keep it Positive: A wedding is a joyous occasion, so keep your speech positive and uplifting. Share stories that celebrate the love and happiness of the couple, and offer words of encouragement and support.
• Use Humor Wisely: Humor can be a great way to connect with the audience and lighten the mood, but be careful not to go overboard. Avoid jokes that are inappropriate or offensive, and keep in mind that what may be funny to you may not be funny to everyone.
• Share Personal Stories: Personal stories make your speech more relatable. They connect you with the couple and the audience. Share stories that showcase the couple's strengths, unique traits, and their love and support for each other.
• Avoid Sensitive Topics: Avoid topics that may be sensitive or controversial. Politics, religion, or past relationships may alienate guests at the wedding. Stick to positive and uplifting messages that celebrate the love and happiness of the couple.

What makes wedding speeches effective is their clear structure. They have an opening that grabs the audience's attention. The body tells personal stories or shares heartfelt sentiments. The conclusion offers words of wisdom or congratulations to the happy couple.

For more inspiration, many online resources offer great wedding speech examples. Check sites like Hitched, Wedding Forward, and LoveToKnow Weddings. 

Tips for Delivering a Great Wedding Speech

Here are some tips to help you deliver a memorable speech with confidence:

• Manage Your Nerves: It's normal to feel nervous before giving a speech, but there are techniques you can use to manage your nerves. Take some deep breaths, visualize a positive outcome, and remind yourself that the audience is there to support you.
• Project Your Voice: Make sure you speak clearly and project your voice so that everyone in the audience can hear you. Take your time, speak at a moderate pace, and avoid rushing through your speech.
• Maintain Eye Contact: Maintain eye contact with the audience to help build a connection with them. Look around the room and make eye contact with different people, but avoid staring at one person for too long.
• Use Pauses: Using pauses can help you emphasize key points and give the audience time to digest what you're saying. Don't be afraid to take a moment to gather your thoughts and take a breath before continuing.
• Vary Your Tone: Varying your tone can help you keep the audience engaged and prevent your speech from sounding monotonous. Use inflection to emphasize key points, and adjust your tone to match the mood of the moment.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice your speech, the more confident you'll feel on the day of the wedding. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself or give your speech to a trusted friend or family member for feedback.

Final Thoughts

Wedding speeches are key at weddings. They let loved ones show support for the couple. Whether you're the father of the bride, the maid of honor, or another speaker, you can craft a memorable speech with some tips.

A good speech leaves a lasting impact on the couple and guests. It creates cherished memories. So, if there's a wedding soon, start early. Use our tips and resources to make a meaningful tribute to the couple.

Common Questions

What is the best time during the wedding for speeches?

Traditionally, hosts give speeches after the meal and before cutting the cake. This lets everyone enjoy their food and drinks before the speeches. It also ensures the speeches don't run too late into the night. Some couples may prefer to have speeches earlier in the evening or at the reception.

How long should a wedding speech be?

The length of a wedding speech can vary, but generally, it should be no longer than 5 to 7 minutes. It allows time to deliver a heartfelt message or share a few funny stories. This won't lose the audience's attention.

Is it okay to use humor in a wedding speech?

Using humor in a wedding speech is acceptable if it's respectful and playful. But it's important to balance humor with sincerity. Too much humor may make the speech too lighthearted or frivolous.

What should I do if I forget my speech during the delivery?

If you forget your speech during delivery, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. You can take a moment to gather your thoughts. You can look at your notes, if you have them. Or you can ask someone to prompt you with a question. When all options are exhausted, convey emotions with genuine, personal language.

How can I involve the audience in my speech?

To engage your audience, ask a question or invite them to join a quick activity. For instance, you might ask them to raise their glasses for a toast, or have them shout a response at certain points.

How do I end a wedding speech?

A good way to end a wedding speech is to offer a message of congratulations or well wishes to the happy couple. Also, thank them for the chance to speak. Express your gratitude to those who made the wedding special. Finally, you can invite everyone to join you in raising a glass for a final toast to the newlyweds.