If you think public speaking is tough, you’re definitely not alone! Many people find it incredibly stressful, especially when delivering a wedding speech in front of a large and emotional crowd.
Whether you’re the best man, maid of honour, a parent of the bride or groom, or a close friend, giving a wedding toast can feel like a lot of pressure.
You want to connect with the couple, honour your relationship, and make a genuine impression on guests from different generations. That’s not easy! But don’t worry! We’ve got your back.
In this guide, you’ll find practical tips for writing and giving a wedding speech that’s heartfelt, memorable, and appropriate for everyone attending.
Tips for Giving a Memorable Wedding Speech
Talking in front of wedding guests can be overwhelming. However, preparation can make everything easier. Having the right guidelines will help you stay on the right track when writing your wedding speech. So, when the time comes, you will be ready to give a toast that everyone will remember and cherish!
1. Start Preparing Your Wedding Speech Early
One of the most important things to do is to start writing your speech early. Unless you’re a natural public speaker or improv genius, avoid winging it!
Showing up with only a vague idea of what you want to say will likely lead to a forgettable, rambling toast. Or worse – one filled with awkward silences.
Take time to brainstorm, write, and rehearse. Don’t be afraid to edit and get feedback from someone you trust.
And, ask the couple if there are any topics they’d rather you avoid, and make sure you’re sharing stories they’re comfortable hearing in front of a big crowd.
Tip: Keep both people in the couple in mind, not just your friend. The speech should honour their shared love story.
2. Introduce Yourself to the Wedding Guests
Always begin your speech by introducing yourself. This may seem simple, but at weddings- especially large ones – many guests may not know who you are or how you’re connected to the couple.
Try saying something like:
“Good evening, everyone! My name is [Name], and I’ve had the honour of knowing [Bride/Groom] since we met in college over a decade ago.”
This short moment of context helps everyone tune in and connect emotionally with what you’re about to say.
3. Use Your Own Voice
When writing your wedding speech, use your own words and be authentic. Avoid stiff language or trying too hard to be poetic. If a phrase doesn’t sound like something you’d say in real life, rephrase it.
Many people fall into the trap of borrowing heavily from movie quotes, song lyrics, or literary references.
While a quote or two is fine, don’t make your speech a compilation of clichés. You want it to feel personal and original, not like a Google search result.
Tip: Read your speech out loud as you edit. You’ll quickly spot phrases that sound awkward or unnatural.
4. Keep It Short and Sweet
One of the most effective wedding speech tips is to keep your toast between 2 and 5 minutes long. This gives you enough time to be meaningful without losing your audience’s attention.
Remember that weddings are long events filled with dinner, dancing, photos, and emotional moments. No one wants to sit through a 15-minute speech, even if it’s well written.
However, don’t rush. Practice delivering your speech slowly, with pauses for laughter, emotion, or applause.
If you start to tear up, take a breath – it’s okay! A genuine emotional moment is often what people remember most.
5. Stay Respectful and Avoid Inappropriate Jokes
It can be tempting to make a few inside jokes or share a hilarious story about the couple. But keep in mind your audience is a mix of friends, family members, children, and grandparents.
What feels funny in private might come across as uncomfortable or even offensive in a public setting.
Avoid:
- Jokes about the bachelor’s/ bachelorette’s party
- Embarrassing stories from college
- Any teasing that might hurt feelings
- Instead, focus on uplifting stories, positive memories, and light humour that everyone can enjoy.
6. Use Notes (But Don’t Read Word-for-Word)
Many people get nervous and forget their lines, even after rehearsing. That’s why it’s smart to bring a small card with bullet points or your key lines written down.
What you want to avoid is reading a long speech word-for-word off your phone or paper. This breaks eye contact with the audience and can feel impersonal.
Instead, keep your notes handy for reference and speak naturally. Your audience will appreciate your authenticity much more than a perfect performance.
7. Share a Story That Is Relevant
One of the best ways to engage your audience is to tell a short personal story that shows why the couple is so special.
This could be how they met, a funny moment they shared, or a time you saw their love in action. Make sure it’s relevant, touching, and suitable for a wide audience.
Then, tie that story into a bigger theme – like how their love inspires you, how it reminds you of lasting commitment, or how you’ve seen them grow as partners.
This storytelling format gives your speech a beginning, middle, and end, and helps it stay memorable.
8. End With a Meaningful Toast
Don’t forget to actually propose a toast at the end! This is often where nervous speakers trail off or forget the final line.
Wrap it up by raising your glass and saying something like:
“To a lifetime of laughter, love, and happiness—congratulations to [Bride] and [Groom]!”
Or:
“May your love be modern enough to survive the times, but old-fashioned enough to last forever. Cheers!”
Ending strong will leave a lasting impression and signal to the audience that it’s time to clink glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I handle interruptions or distractions during my speech?
If you encounter interruptions or distractions, stay calm and composed. You can acknowledge the disruption with a light-hearted remark or a smile and then continue with your speech. Your ability to stay relaxed will endear you to the audience.
2. What should I do if I forgot a part of my speech?
If you forget part of your speech, don’t panic. Take a moment to collect your thoughts and move to the next point. It’s likely that the audience won’t notice, and maintaining a confident demeanour will help keep the flow going.
Public speaking might not be your favourite thing, but writing and delivering a wedding speech is one of the greatest gifts you can give the couple. It’s a moment of connection, reflection, and celebration that they’ll remember forever.
By preparing early, keeping things short and sweet, avoiding inappropriate content, and using your authentic voice, you’ll create a wedding toast that resonates with everyone in the room.
Planning a Wedding? Capture Every Moment.
If you’re planning a countryside wedding, a multicultural celebration, or a big city soirée, Big Day Productions offers professional wedding photography across the UK. We’re here to help you tell your love story through beautiful, timeless images.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our wedding photography services. Let’s make your big day unforgettable!
