How to Give the Perfect Groom's Speech

Advice for the Groom on Delivering a Great Wedding Speech

Jan 26, 2010 Ben Wakeling

The onus is often on the best man to deliver a brilliant speech; however, a great groom's speech also sticks in the memory. Find out how to write an effective speech.

There are many differences between the groom’s speech and that of the best man or the father of the bride. Whilst the best man’s speech is traditionally more humorous, the groom’s speech has to cover a variety of topics, such as general housekeeping, thanks to various parties, and expressions of love towards his bride.

The key to a good groom’s speech lies in his ability to combine these items with enough humour to retain the interest of the audience.

Preparation for a Groom’s Speech

Here are some useful tips for grooms to write their speeches.

• Make a List of People to Thank. The majority of a groom’s speech consists of words of thanks to those involved in the wedding, as well as family and friends; and so a concise list should be made of people to thank.
• Review the List. The groom – with the bride’s input, if required – should then review the list and endeavour to remember a few anecdotes or humorous stories about family members or friends, that relate to both the bride and groom.
• Consider the Bride. There will be a portion of the speech dedicated solely to the bride. The groom should think of ways to display his love for his new wife – without prompting nausea within the audience!
• Take Your Time. A good speech requires plenty of preparation, and so work on writing it should be begun in good time.
• Write From the Heart. Whether the groom writes in prose or has a few notes, as long as what is written is sincere and heartfelt, the audience will be endeared and entertained.
• Practice. Frequent rehearsal of the speech before the occasion will instill confidence and commit parts of the speech to memory, ensuring that on the day the groom is not simply reading from a sheet of paper.

Delivering the Groom’s Speech

Before the groom starts his speech, he should also remember the following tips:

• Refrain From Alcohol. On the day, the groom should keep alcohol to a minimum, to ensure a clear head upon delivering his speech. However, a glass or two may reduce nerves and result in a more relaxed groom.
• Keep It Short. It is a common misconception that wedding speeches should last a long time; in fact, five to seven minutes is an ideal length for a groom’s speech.
• Relax. Bear in mind that all guests are having fun, and are looking forward to the speech. Nobody wants to see the groom fail, and will laugh at all jokes and support the groom throughout the speech.
• Talk Clearly. Nervousness has a tendency to cause the groom to speak very quickly, which will confuse the guests. The groom should talk clearly, and ensure eye contact with the audience is made.

The Main Components of a Groom’s Speech

What should be in the wedding speech? Here are some ideas.

• Gifts can be given throughout the speech upon mentions of thanks.
• The speech should start with a few words of thanks to the father of the bride for his speech, his kind words, and for giving his daughter’s hand in marriage.
• Next, the speech should thank the guests for sharing the special day with him and his bride, and for all gifts. It may be prudent to give special mention to those who have travelled a particularly far distance to attend.
• The groom should thank his parents for their support throughout his life, and also thank his new in-laws for providing him with such a wonderful bride.
• The next portion of the speech should be focussed on the bride. The groom should complement and praise her, thanking her for agreeing to marriage and for committing the rest of her life with him. Whilst doing this, the groom should look at his bride.
• Thank the best man for his help and his enduring friendship. Prepare the audience by telling them that any anecdotes told during his speech are probably fabricated!
• The bridesmaids should be thanked, for their help in the preparation of the wedding day.
• Finally, a toast to the bridesmaids concludes the speech, with an invitation to the audience to stand and join the groom in the toast with their glasses raised.

A wedding day is a special occasion, especially where the groom is concerned. It is at the groom’s discretion as to the amount of humour included within the speech, and the anecdotes told. Following the advice above can ensure that the speech is delivered smoothly and successfully, as the bride and groom prepare to spend the rest of their lives together.

The copyright of the article How to Give the Perfect Groom's Speech in Marriage is owned by Ben Wakeling. Permission to republish How to Give the Perfect Groom's Speech in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

A Groom's Speech is a Time to Express Love