Writing a wedding speech is one of the most meaningful responsibilities you’ll ever take on. Whether you’re the best man, maid of honour, father of the bride, sibling, or lifelong friend, it’s a moment everyone waits for – and one that can be surprisingly nerve-wracking.
How do you find the right words? How do you balance humour, sentiment, and sincerity? And how do you make sure your wedding speech lands well with an audience of all ages?
To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve put together a set of wedding speech templates you can customise on the spot. Each template follows a different tone and structure, so you can pick the one that feels most natural to your relationship with the couple.
And because this guide is brought to you by Big Day Productions, we’ve also included tips on how to use these wedding speech examples alongside your photos and video highlights – perfect for creating speech moments that feel cohesive and deeply personal.
5 Wedding Speech Templates You Can Use Immediately
Below are five fully customisable wedding speech templates, rearranged and rewritten in a fresh order for variety and flow. Mix them, borrow from them, or use one start to finish.
1. The Modern Optimist Speech
Perfect for: upbeat personalities, contemporary weddings, couples who break the mould.
“Hello everyone! When I promised I’d keep this short and sweet, I meant it… more or less. But today is too special not to savour.
[Couple’s names] have always been two people who live with intention — whether they were [early memory] or recently [shared activity]. Their relationship is built on authenticity, humour, and a lot of heart.
To my brilliant [relationship], you’ve always had this spark. From the time you [funny or meaningful memory], I knew you’d choose someone extraordinary. And then came [partner’s name], who brings balance, warmth, and a kind of loyalty that you instantly recognise as real love.
Let’s raise a glass to a marriage built on possibility, courage, and choosing each other every day.”
2. The Nostalgic Storyteller Speech
Perfect for: siblings, childhood friends, anyone with a long history.
“Good evening, everyone. As [relationship], I’ve been rehearsing this moment since the day [memory]. But nothing prepares you for watching someone you love stand here, beginning their greatest chapter.
I remember when [couple’s early moment]. There was something so unmistakable in the way they looked at each other – a kind of quiet certainty.
[Partner’s name], from the moment you entered [other partner’s name]’s life, I saw a shift. A lightness. A confidence. And today, standing here, that feeling is stronger than ever.
Here’s to a love story rooted in memories and ready for a lifetime of new ones.”
3. The Witty Observer Speech
Perfect for: best men, close friends, those with good comic timing.
“Hello everyone — I’m [your name], and I’ve had front-row seats to the comedy show known as [couple’s names]. From their first date involving [humorous memory] to the time they nearly [funny mishap], one thing has been clear: life with them is never boring.
[Partner’s name], you passed all of our unofficial family and friend tests — especially when you survived the legendary [inside joke explained briefly]. And [other partner’s name]? Well, you’ve always been the star of this show.
Let’s toast to these two — may their marriage be filled with joy, loyalty, and only the good kind of chaos.”
4. The Heartfelt Mentor Speech
Perfect for: godparents, coaches, teachers, older relatives.
“Good evening. Standing here as [relationship], I’ve had the privilege of watching both of you grow – and, in many ways, learning from you along the way.
Your relationship has taught us about patience, kindness, and the kind of partnership that lifts two people higher than they could ever rise on their own. The way you [shared quality] and the way you [supportive behaviour] show us what love looks like in action.
To [partner’s name]: your ability to [unique quality] has always inspired me.
And to [other partner’s name]: thank you for bringing out the very best in them.
May your future be filled with purpose, laughter, and unwavering support.”
5. The Proud Traditionalist Speech
Perfect for: parents, grandparents, and elder family members.
“Distinguished guests, today is not simply a celebration — it is a continuation of family legacy and love.
As [relationship], I’ve watched [couple’s names] uphold values of [principles], even in the way they navigate challenges and chase dreams.
I knew they were meant for each other when I saw how genuinely they [shared behaviour]. There was honesty in that moment, and a sense of unity that has only deepened with time.
To [partner’s name]: your journey has been one of resilience and grace.
To [other partner’s name]: thank you for becoming part of our family with such warmth.
Let us raise our glasses to a marriage grounded in respect, tradition, and lifelong companionship.”
Tips for Making These Templates Truly Yours
To personalise your wedding speech, try adding:
- A moment only you and the couple share
- A short but meaningful memory that shows their personality
- A compliment to each partner separately
- A wish for their future that reflects who they are
- A reference to something captured in their wedding photos or video (this creates a beautiful narrative connection)
Delivery Tips to Help You Shine
A great wedding speech is 50% words and 50% delivery. Remember to:
- Speak slowly – nerves make people rush
- Pause for laughter so the moment can breathe
- Keep your hands relaxed and shoulders open
- Look at the couple often, not just the audience
- Avoid inside jokes that exclude most guests
- Stay within 5–7 minutes
- Avoid mentioning past relationships
- Keep it positive, warm, and celebratory
Our photographers at Big Day Productions are skilled at capturing all the emotion and expression during wedding speeches – the smiles, the joyful tears, the reactions that make these moments unforgettable.
Why Big Day Productions Knows a Thing or Two About Wedding Speeches
At Big Day Productions, we’ve filmed and photographed thousands of weddings across the UK, from London rooftops to Scottish estates, Oxford colleges to coastal ceremonies.
Over the years, we’ve heard all kinds of wedding speeches: heartfelt, hilarious, beautifully traditional, and sometimes wonderfully chaotic.
A few things set us apart:
- Nationwide coverage, consistent pricing: No matter where you’re getting married – London, Edinburgh, Oxford or beyond – our rates stay the same.
- A curated team of trusted photographers and videographers: Every creative we work with shares a similar style and ethos, so you know exactly what to expect when looking through our portfolio.
- The reliability of a national brand, the feel of a local specialist: Couples get the reassurance of consistent quality with the warmth of someone who understands their venue and region.
- High quality at accessible rates: Because our team receives regular bookings through our network, we’re able to keep prices lower than if you booked the same photographers or videographers independently – without compromising on quality.
Great speeches are always even better when paired with intentional photos and cinematic video, and our team captures every reaction, every cheer, every heartfelt pause.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I include jokes in my speech?
Including humour can add a light-hearted touch, but it’s important to know your audience and the couple’s preferences. Avoid potentially offensive or inside jokes that others may not understand.
2. What if I’m feeling nervous about speaking?
It’s completely normal to feel nervous! Practising your speech several times before the big day and using relaxation techniques like deep breathing can help calm your nerves. You could also consider jotting down key points instead of memorising the entire speech.
Create The Speech to Remember
A wedding speech doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be true. Speak from the heart, personalise the moments that matter, and trust that everyone in the room is rooting for you.
And when you combine a well-crafted wedding speech with beautiful photography and cinematography from Big Day Productions, the moment becomes one that the couple will treasure forever.
If you’d like help creating timeless photos and films to accompany this special moment, get in touch today.
