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How to Write a Funny Wedding Speech

Funny speeches writing tips.

  • Best Man Funny Wedding Speeches
  • Maid Of Honor Wedding Speeches
  • Funny Groom Wedding Speeches
  • Funny Bride Wedding Speeches
  • Funny Wedding Speeches For All Guests
  • Wedding Party & Reception

Best Funny Wedding Speeches Examples You Can Use

Natalia Bayeva

videostudiorobertomarchionne via Instagram

Funny wedding speeches – are the best way to keep the guests engaged and everyone relaxed and happy. “While you might face some challenges in writing the perfect variant, they are always worth it in the end. First, a funny wedding speech seems shorter than it actually is. Time flies by when the audience is having fun. Second, it’s more memorable. Think of the wedding speeches you can remember and it’s most likely going to be the one that had everyone laughing (or theone that lasted what seemed like for ever with no jokes).” , – Marc Blakewill , an experienced speech writer.

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Give your listeners a laugh or two with these hilarious and witty wedding speech samples, and the tips you need to make your own.

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It can seem daunting, but it’s worth spending the time and effort to make your wedding speech both heartfelt and funny. With the professional guidance of Marc Blakewill , an expert in crafting wedding speeches, you can navigate this with ease. Follow Marc’s detailed instructions, and you’ll confidently deliver a speech that resonates with sincerity and humor.

So, how best to write a funny wedding speech?

Tone and style

  • Mix the heartfelt and comedic – even if you want a speech that is funny from top to bottom, do include the sincere and heartfelt. Think of it like setting off the colour of a precious stone in a ring. With a bit of sentiment, you get more comedic dazzle.
  • Match it to your personality – if you’re not a natural joke-teller, don’t feel the need to have lots of one-liners in your speech. Focus more on light-hearted stories. Something that sounds like you will be more memorable and valued by the guests. It’s also easier to be “you”!
  • Keep it as original as you can – avoid the temptation to use old jokes from the internet. They tend to stick out like sore thumbs. If you’re not confident in writing one of your own, using one near the top as an icebreaker is fine. Any more than that and you’re in danger of becoming a cliché-delivery system.

It’s time to treat the blank screen or piece of paper as your friend. It’s your speech and you have the freedom to craft it how you want. How wonderful is that! So, here are some pointers on how to generate funny wedding speech ideas.

  • The location or venue – is there a joke about how far people have had to travel or how much difficulty they had finding the venue? Is the venue so posh and glamourous you thought you’d be refused entry?
  • Topical – has there just been a national celebration or sporting triumph that this wedding totally eclipses? Even if it’s a small gathering, don’t be afraid to praise the occasion to the skies. Everyone loves to feel part of something special.
  • How you met – was it at work, at college, in a bar? Bring this to life. What were your first impressions and have they been confirmed? If you’re Father of the Bride, you could talk about the day of your daughter’s birth. How you bravely dealt with all the pain and stress!
  • How long have you known each other – if it’s a long time, why not draw a parallel with something historical? Has your friendship or relationship outlasted the terms of several presidents?
  • Link the past to the present – did the bride or groom do something as a child or teenager that might explain their current career or lifestyle? Did the accident-prone kid become a nurse or doctor? Did the wannabe popstar end up as an accountant?
  • Everyday things – does the groom or bride have any weird hobbies you could mention? Or maybe a funny turn-of-phrase? Do they insist on checking the front door is locked three.times before leaving their home? You don’t need outlandish stories. Their everyday life and everyday behaviour can be a great source of humour.
  • Spoof marriage advice – if you’re the Best Man or Father of the Bride, you could give a few pieces of quick, silly advice. Personalise it to the couple and you’ll get instant recognition and laughs. Fun areas could include: too much time on the golf course; shopping like there’s no tomorrow and there’s no credit card bill; forgiving each other’s faults – the ones they can reveal now they’re married!
  • The simpler the better – your speech really can be as simple as beginning, middle and end. Warm everyone up with some opening fun remarks or jokes, make a few thanks and welcomes (not needed if you’re the Best Man), tell your main stories then finish with some more sentimental moments and a toast.
  • Link your stories – a speech that flows is more likely to get laughs. So, ensure your stories come in a natural order. This could be in time order or linked by theme e.g. group the groom’s silly little ways together, the bride’s changing childhood ambitions, etc.

Polishing it

  • Writing is rewriting – the illusion of a great speech is that it came fully formed from the writer’s head. It didn’t. It was written then re-written. So, put your first draft away and come back to it at least one or two more times. You’ll spot the stuff that doesn’t work in a heartbeat.
  • If you’re not sure of a line, lose it – be strict here. if you’re doubtful when reading it in the comfort of your living room, imagine how you’ll feel in front of an audience. The best speeches are the ones that have had dodgy lines surgically removed.
  • Read it out loud – this is the best way to find out how your speech flows. Did it feel awkward jumping from one section to another? Tweak it. Did a line leave your breathless as you struggled to the end? Shorten it. Did a joke make your smile as you read it? Keep it! Your voice is a free resource, so use it.

What To Joke About In Wedding Speech?

funny wedding speech ideas

cassievalentephoto via Instagram

It can be quite tricky giving your wedding speech and knowing what to say and when. With funny wedding speeches, it is also important to know where to draw the line with jokes. Below you will find a few helpful tips.

  • Select your target and build your premise around them. Funny wedding speeches may center on the strict dad, sweet daughter or straight-faced groom. The point is to keep the humor affectionate and leave heartwarming tributes towards the end.
  • Put down everything that comes to mind when you think about your target in writing. It may be their taste in music, best foods, stand out qualities, weird dress sense or obsession.
  • Turn these qualities into comedic characters. Is the groom obsessed with keeping tidy while the bride can’t account for one leg of her shoes? Will the groom do a double-take to the prices at flea markets while the bride spends like a Kardashian? Work with their contrasts.
  • Tell the guests something they don’t already know about the couple. Did the groom win a ballet competition as a teenager? Did the bride do street rap in college? Genuinely amazing yet unlikely skills for such a sophisticated couple to make funny jokes.
  • Exaggerate these happenings a little. If the couple is great or bad at a thing, then exaggerate a bit. For instance, if the groom is great at soccer, say something like, “his left leg has more coordination than New York’s traffic.”
  • Involve the guests. You could start with a comical question that includes them or mention something funny about the bride or groom.
  • Don’t forget the toast. You could insert a funny wedding quote here, would be all the better.

funny wedding speeches brides laughing

marcossanchez_

If your role involves you giving a speech at a wedding, use these tips as a general guideline.

  • Acknowledge the crowd: It is important to recognize your audience, make them a part of your speech.
  • Backstories: While introducing yourself, you could chip in how you know the couple, if there’s a comical story there, you could add that too.
  • Get the guests involved: Whether you’re giving funny wedding speeches as the best man or maid of honor, involving the guests is always a good idea. You could ask them a funny question that loosens them up.
  • Take a walk down memory lane: Say something about the groom or even the couple. It might have been a double date or your first meeting, but anecdotes make the best jokes when they are pulled from the truth.
  • Make fun of yourself: Be self-deprecating. If you are able to laugh at yourself, others will too.
  • Poke fun at the couple: Tease the couple, but lightly. Be careful not to cross any lines, such as talking about any of their exes or anything that could be embarrassing.
  • Make it quick: Try to keep your speech under seven minutes. Short is best, but not too short that you barely say a thing.
  • End on a high note: Get the audience on their feet as you raise a toast to the couple.

Best Man Funny Wedding Speeches Examples

If you are the best man, chances are that you share a stronger bond with the husband than the wife. Hence, the funny wedding speeches best man gives are what we call the “guys talk”, which is more concentrated on the groom. He surely has more to say about the groom than the bride, but a good speech creates a balance. He must take notice and acknowledge the bride, letting her know how sweet her groom is.

“Afford me the grace to welcome everyone here today for coming all the way to celebrate Emerald and James. It’s an honor to stand in for my brother today as his best man, and my name is Joshua. My dad is quite fascinated with the letter “J”. Our other two brothers are Julius and Jefferson (shakes head). Before I start, I want to acknowledge that my brother can be quite a stunner when he cleans up. Just.look.at.him… And the bride? Who has seen a vision more beautiful? Okay, I have a bragging right, and that’s the fact that I brought this couple together. I think I deserve an extra flute of wine. It happened on one of our many adventures at fishing, we met this beauty, my new sister. My brother was so shy he pushed me to talk to her. I think he was fascinated that a lady fishes with such expertise. Well, we chatted, and I pulled my brother into the chat. We realized that she’s blunt, sweet, smart, and funny. For a laid-back brother, I knew she is the one that can bring him out of his shell. I told him there and then to go see her father. But I think I lost my brother in the process. He never called me to fish anymore, he went with her instead (sad face). Yet, I’m the happiest today (grins). She brings out the light in his eyes. From fishing to grape picking, and many months later, you’re permanently locked together. My brother, the calm level headed genius, selfless and serious, sweet and generous, finds a wife. Who would have thought? James never had time for these things, but see! I’d die a happy man. Both of you are meant for each other, and I pray the love that binds you never breaks. Be each other’s solace always, and no mountain will be too high. I love you, brother, and I adore you, my sister. Happy married life!”

Funny Quotes For Wedding Speeches From Maid Of Honor

The maid of honor and the bride share a great relationship that’s why she snagged the MOH spot. So, we are in for one of the most hilarious wedding speeches because there’s a lot to tell. From growing up to going through life and all the escapades, the maid of honor speech is a funny yet emotional one.

The maid of honor uses every information and public worthy stories at her disposal to pay tribute to the bride. She also goes ahead to mention the groom to understand his luck, even as she makes the guests laugh. See the perfect example below.

“It’s my sincere pleasure to welcome everyone here today. In case you don’t know me, I’m Mackenzie, the maid of honor and bride’s best friend. But I know practically everyone here today. So, I and my friend, the bride (Emerald) made a pact many years ago that we’d be each other’s maid of honor. She said even if we were pregnant and ready to pop, we’d still fill that slot for each other (smiles). Well, here I am today, after many years fulfilling that duty, because that sweet man swept her off her feet. In truth, I don’t know how I and Emerald remain, friends since we met in college. Our meeting is a story for another day. On many occasions, she has left me at the market to go back home, because she simply hates the market. Then I get back home stressed after doing a good deed of handling both our shopping. But she burns my hands with a spoon because I want to pick one slice of beef as she cooks… So much for appreciation. Well, she’s the cook between the two of us anyway. But she compensates with some sweetness. She doesn’t ever want to see me sad, she’d give me a million slices of beef instead. All the fun times we’ve shared as we comfort each other by visiting our favorite snack spot. Times we’ve shared heartfelt talks amidst laughter while munching chips as we watch that your program into the night. I don’t know how I survived to watch that stuff. Yet, you’re everything Emerald, everything and more. Like your name, you’re loyal, peaceful, faithful, balance and love unconditionally. That I am resilient, selfless, upright and emphatic is because of you. I hope you take these qualities even as you forge on in life. I’m sure that you’ll have a successful love life and domestic bliss like your name symbolizes. I love you bestie, you don’t know how much. James (groom), you’ve found a treasure in her, I tell you. Kindly make sure you wipe the kitchen work table clean after use because if she sees it dirty, you don’t want to find out… Remember, for better or worse doesn’t mean you should hurt each other. It means you’ll hold on to each other no matter what life throws at you. Hold steadfast unto each other. Today, I wish you life’s best, and I send you forth with all my Love.”

Funny Grooms Wedding Speeches

Pass around the tissue box guys, because a well thought out groom speech will get you teary. How so? A lot of men don’t do the emotional thing, because they come across as hardcore. But watching a man look at his bride with so much love in his eyes, saying such sweet things about them… Ah!

He talks about his search, possibly many disappointments, love at first sight, or unlikely circumstances to meeting her. Then he injects humor in his speech. Maybe their first date, things they do together, etc. Everyone smiles through their tears. See an amazing template example.

“Let me start by welcoming everyone to this blissful occasion of my wedding. If you’re wondering why I’m nervous… Well, I’m the groom, and the bills for one makes me nervous. We just love you all so much and wish you shared in our day, that we made a long guest list. That’s some bill we raked. Again, Emerald says I don’t listen, so I’m being very careful with what I say right now. I don’t want to spend my first day of married life in the dog house. But you see, I have a beautiful bride, so it’s enough to calm me. Talking about beauty, Emerald is beautiful, both in and out. And I’d say I’m the luckiest and most blessed man on the planet. I mean, who’d spill his drink on a siren, without getting a slap? I did as I was busy looking at this vision in red on the 15th of November 2010. She just smiled and said she gets that all the time, and that’s how we met. She’s also very smart, I can’t get one over her. Her brain has a timer or something because she never forgets. If I tell her to wake me in 20 minutes, I get woken at exactly that time, even if she also went to sleep. Those are the times I want to cry because can’t she just forget?! Yet, that’s one quality that makes her a force to reckon. She pushes me to be better, obsessed with time management that my life has seen a drastic change. My friends are even shocked that I made it early to my wedding — the emerald effect. How I love this woman, she complements me perfectly. I want to thank her for bringing more light into my life. I also want to thank my parent’s in-law for breeding such queen. Yes, she’s regal. They did perfect! And my parents, thank you for helping me spot gold and treasuring it. You remain idols. To everyone else, thank you for making today great and unforgettable.”

Funny Wedding Speeches From The Bride

We are halfway through the tissue box at this time because the bride is all blush and giggles — with starry eyes as she gives her speech. As a bride, your speech will be an emotional one, so a lot of humor is quite needed for a perfect balance.

You’ll talk about you and your journey to being Mrs. You’d touch on what makes you tick and the qualities that make your groom the perfect one. From these qualities, you’d make funny wedding speeches that will get your guests laughing. For some help with bride speech, we’ve given an example below.

“It is common knowledge that I find it hard to keep quiet. Well, today is my day and it won’t be an exception. So, first, let me welcome everyone that has come to share in I and James’s special day. I hope you feel as much love as I’m feeling now. Also, I would have treasured the presence of my grandma today, but I know she’s proud of me. Gran, I know you can see me from up there, I’m a big girl now (teary smile). So, permit me, but can you see my man? Call me conceited, but he’s such a hunk! I’ve had the blessing of being with this man for 5 years, and today I can call him husband (blushes). I want to thank him for being who he is. Sweet, loving, smart, meticulous and selfless. James loves me right and honors me always, except when he’s getting orange seedlings stuck in the blender. And pray to tell why he’d always fall asleep when we are watching my favorite show? But you see, that’s one of the things I love about him. Talk about support, even when it’s inconvenient for him. Babe, you challenge me and push me to be better with your lifestyle. I love you anyhow, warts and all. James has made my life fun and meaningful. I also want to thank persons who have made today a success. From my parent’s in-law that raised such fine young man, to my parents, the dream of all children. I also want to appreciate everyone that helped put today together. May you experience love so true and so pure. I love you all.”

Funny Wedding Speeches Examples For All Guests

It is within etiquette that a wedding speech must focus on the couple while talking great about them. Funny wedding speeches even do much better, because infusing jokes in your speech gets more attention. Weddings are already emotional as it is, so we’d consider these kinds of speeches as the icebreakers.

The jokes you throw on the couple depends on the relationship you share. It also depends on how much you know them, and what they can take. Great funny wedding speech brings on laughter without it going south. If you need inspiration, see some funny wedding speeches examples below.

By Chris Haywood

“Can I start my speech by welcoming the guests? Today, we are quite surrounded by most of the friends and family that have been important to us during our lives. Some have traveled thousands of miles, just to be here today. On behalf of Owen, Patrick and Bonney, Hazel and I – We welcome you all and thank you sincerely for sharing this special day with us. As about half of you will know, this is my second father-of-the-bride speech in less than a year. To misquote Oscar Wilde from “The Importance of Being Ernest” – to lose one daughter may be well considered unlucky. To lose two is careless! Well, I guess that’s OK – because my being careless is how they came to be here in the first place. Making the father of the bride’s speech, I feel a bit like a Sheik walking into his harem for the first time. I know what I’ve got to do, I just don’t know where to start. You will all be quite pleased to learn that my speech will be every bit as good as last time. In fact, my side of the family will probably remember great chunks of it! Not really, although I am following the same format. This means it will probably start badly, sag in the middle with long silences, and then trail off into a lot of incoherent rambling. To be honest, I did try to memorize this speech – but forgive me if I resort to my notes every 5 seconds. I asked for an autocue to be set up in front of me. Apparently, the wedding budget doesn’t stretch that far… and neither does my eyesight. Patrick, we are quite delighted to welcome you into the family. By now, you must be wondering what on earth you have let yourself in for. I want you to know that Hazel and I took it to you instantly. You are a kind and considerate man who deserves a good wife. Thank goodness you married Bonney before you found one! I am only kidding, of course. There is nothing in the world to match the thrill of seeing your first child born. Bonney was a beautiful baby. She still is beautiful – in every sense of the word – and she has continued to fill our lives with happiness and pride. Everyone knows that Bon is a rolling stone – and couldn’t wait to leave home and find new adventures at University. Since then she has made many firm friends, some of whom are decidedly odd – but I’ll say no more about that because most of the odd ones seem to be here today. Now, where was I? Patrick… I expect you may have noticed Pat’s getting on a bit – a few grey hairs already – so it’s taken him some time to find his Miss Right. In fact, his best man tells me he once sent his picture off to a Lonely Hearts Club. They sent it back, with a note saying they weren’t that lonely! Patrick is a rugby player – or so I am told. I took the time to ask some of his mates how good he was, where his best position was. To cut a long story short, he seems to be terrible in every position! I’m sure there’s a joke there somewhere… but never mind. I have to say that Bonney and Patrick are extremely well suited, aren’t they? They’re happy and they love each other. That should be enough to see them through life together. It has been well said that marriage is a 50/50 partnership. Whoever said that knows nothing about women and even less about fractions. I asked Pat recently what he was looking for in marriage. He said love, happiness and eventually a family. I asked Bon the same question. She replied “A coffee percolator.” She said a “perky copulator” but I knew what she meant… As you all know, fathers of the bride get to make the first speech. To be honest with you, it’s a bit like being invited to sleep with the Queen Mother. It’s a great honor – but you don’t want to do it! And what about the bridesmaids? Didn’t they look lovely, in the church? Having seen all the Ushers, I thought for a minute I’d accidentally wandered onto the set of “Seven Brides for seven brothers”. I started planning this speech a month ago. And you must feel like I’ve been delivering it equally as long. And I haven’t quite finished yet. Because my next toast is to the bride and groom. This reminds me of the wedding I once went to where the two of the guests were a minister and a priest. When the priest was offered a drink for the toast he said: “I’ll have a large whiskey please”. When the minister was also offered the same, he said “No thanks. I’d rather go with a scarlet woman than touch the demon alcohol”. The priest promptly put his whiskey back on the tray and said: “I didn’t know there was a choice!” Now I don’t want to offend anybody, so if there’s a priest or a minister present, I apologize. And if there’s a scarlet woman here, I’ll meet you in the bar in 10 minutes! Thank you for your indulgence. Without further delay, I’ll ask you to join me in a toast to my beautiful daughter, the bride, and her handsome husband, the groom.”

By John Gallagher

“Good evening everyone, for those of you that don’t know me, my name is John and I’m Katie’s dad. I am delighted to welcome you here tonight to celebrate the Marriage of Katie and Simon. I know that many of you have traveled many thousands of Kilometers to be here in Umea Umio, Sweden, with us today. On behalf of Pippa, Inga, Borje, and myself; I would like to welcome you all here today to help celebrate the marriage of Katie and Simon. I apologize if the accent is difficult for any of you but translators throughout the audience will help and the speech will be posted at the rear of the room later with copies on the internet tomorrow!! Also, I would like to thank the Priest, Inga, for the lovely service in the most beautiful church. Thank you to her boss for the good weather! I’d like to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who have worked so hard and long to help put this day together, a day which, I am sure, Katie and Simon will cherish for the remainder of their lives together. Standing here tonight reminded me of a joke. Two TV aerials met on a roof, they fell in love and eventually married. The wedding was pretty average but the reception was brilliant. OK, no more jokes!! Katie this is that point in time that every daughter fears…..what is Daddy going to talk about….is he going to tell about the time when…??!! I’m not going to tell of any of those times, but rather, I’m going to say & quote, thank you & quote! You see the one thought I’ve always been able to picture was that of today when you and I shared our little glance at one another as we were ready to start our walk down the aisle. As it was with my daughter Lucy and as it will be with my daughter Gemma, it has always been with me and always will be. I feel extremely lucky and humble in being able to say I have five great children and one special grandchild and to have them all here together gives me a sense of pride. Simon, I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome you into the family, but I’m sure you know that you have been welcome since that first day I met you at my house. Every Father hopes his daughter will find a smart, reliable, sensible, and considerate young man so I have to say, I’m a contented father, as I am delighted to see my daughter looking so happy and well today. It is a real pleasure Simon, to welcome you into our family. Many things go into making a marriage happy: Love, fidelity, trust, someone who will listen, persistence and patience, tolerance and forbearance, tenacity and stamina, forgiveness or failing that, a defective memory. It also helps if the husband is always prepared to take the blame! I’d just like to offer a few words of advice: Katie – If you want something from Simon, just ask for it. Don’t forget he’s a man and hints don’t work. Lastly, always remember, as a great philosopher once said, a man who gives in when he is wrong is wise. Whilst a man who gives in when he is right is married.”

Don’t hesitate to write the funny wedding speeches you need for that special day. Your nerves won’t get the best of you if you know what to say. Follow this well prepared guideline and are sure to be in comical wedding speech heaven in no time.

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Write A Funny Wedding Speech

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Home » Write A Funny Wedding Speech

(*Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out all the different ways the Speechy team can help you write & deliver a great speech. Or check out our new AI-powered team member, SpeechyAI .)

wedding speech laughter

The definition of a joke is ‘ a thing that someone says to cause amusement or laughter. ’

This means your jokes shouldn’t make your guests groan. Guests don’t want to hear internet gags and the newly hitched deserve more than wedding clichés.

Avoid anything like … ‘ Wales is an unusual honeymoon destination but (groom) insisted he was going to Bangor for a fortnight’.

Cringe. 1994 wants its jokes back. Check out   Hitched’s ‘Tried & Test Jokes for Best Men’   for more lines to avoid.  Generic wedding fodder shows you’re desperate.

A rule we stick to is, if you can cut and paste a joke into a speech about someone else, then you’ve got it wrong.

Humour should be unique, honest and insightful, not just some wedding-related pun. At no point hold up a slice of toast.

The Golden Rule of Comedy

“It’s funny because it’s true”, so said Homer Simpson and probably some clever people we’re less familiar with.

Creating a memorable speech means thinking about the ready-made characters at the Top Table. People will laugh if you identify something that they’ve noticed (even subliminally) but never thought to articulate …The groom’s oddly disproportionate T-rex arms, the bride’s continuing devotion to UGGs, the newlywed’s mutual mannerisms (they both say OMG without any shame).

Pinpointing what makes the newlyweds unique (i.e. slightly odd) is key to making your wedding speech a proper tribute to them.  It shows you actually care if you focus your humour on their true personalities (and not just caricatures of a bride or groom).

Do not make the mistake of talking about how much the bride loves shopping (unless she genuinely out-spends the Kardashians) or how terrible the groom is at opening his wallet  (unless he actually comes out without one). This is clichéd-comedy at its worst. It’s not funny and it’s not fit for a modern wedding speech.

These rules apply whatever your role – best man to bride.

Step By Step Guide

Groom speech delivery

Step 1. Find A Focus

Whatever role you have – groom, father of the bride, best mate – you have to find a comedy focus.

The groom’s target could be himself, his bride or he could set up the notion of a traditional double act (straight bride vs foolish husband).

A father of the bride might choose his ‘drama queen daughter’, the ‘hard-done father’ or the ‘dubious groom’ as the focus of his humour. You get the idea.

Some people reckon the bride should never be the comedic focus. They seem to think that as soon as a woman puts on a white dress she can only be told she’s beautiful & wonderful; a Beyonce / Mother Teresa hybrid.

We don’t agree. Just because a woman’s wearing her best knickers and has a ring on her finger doesn’t mean she’s lost her sense of humour.

The key is to keep the humour affectionate and loving. Of course, you should have a proper heartfelt tribute towards the end of your speech but feel free to have a laugh along the way.

how to write funny wedding speech

Step 2. Ask Lots of Questions

The first thing we do when working with clients is ask them lots of questions. We ask the obvious ones (who’s marrying who and why) but we also ask some random ones too.

With grooms, we might ask ‘What annoys you most about your bride-to-be’. It doesn’t sound like appropriate material to put in a wedding speech but actually, it’s those sorts of questions that often lead to great nuggets of content for us.

So, grab a bottle of (insert alcoholic beverage of choice) and have a brainstorm. Write down everything that comes to mind when you think about the person you’re going to be talking about. The food they love. The tunes they like. Their claims to fame. Their questionable dress sense…  Think about their standout qualities & the characteristics that define them. Is it their obsession with the gym, their bossiness, or their lack of hair?

Step 3. Get help if you need

Ask mates round. Ask relatives. Ask the bride if you’re the best man and she’s not giving a speech herself.

You need to load up your arsenal of humour before you can hope to fire out any cracking gags. There are loads of ways of finding a laugh, here’s some techniques to test out…

  • Turn your target into a comedy character –  Think about the classic sitcom characters – Basil Fawlty (the hotel owner who didn’t like tourists), Doc Martin (the doctor who was scared of blood), Del Boy (the hapless businessman). Exaggerate your target’s qualities and push their weaknesses to the extreme.
  • Play with contrasts – is the bride obsessively tidy while the groom can’t change the hoover bag? Does the bride balk at Primark prices and the groom spends like a Kardashian? Couple contrasts always generates good material.
  • Tell us something we don’t know – Do you know a secret about the bride or the groom? Nothing downright embarrassing but if the bride used to fancy Ed Milliband or the groom won a Butlins Talent Contest as a teenager (his twerking  was genuinely amazing) then now might be the time to mention it.
  • Exaggerate – if the bride or groom have a reputation for something, then have a laugh with it. Is the groom pretty rubbish at golf? Fair to say then that ‘the only hole in one he’ll get is in his Primark boxers’ . If the bride loves her spinning class you could say ‘her legs have done more rotations than the best man’s head when the bridesmaids walked in’ . You get the idea.
  • Be the butt of the joke – Yes even if you have another comedy target, make sure you laugh at yourself too. People like you more if you do.

wedding speeches expert help advice

Step 4. Grab Your Quote Love, You’ve Pulled

Plagiarism isn’t allowed but quoting witty people is. Not only are you legitimately allowed to steal their laughs, but you also end up looking rather well read.

We’ve curated the best wedding quotes to use (i.e. the ones that aren’t too obviously ‘wedding-y’) so tuck in for inspiration…

  • Groom speech  
  • Best man speech  
  • Father of the bride speech 
  • Bride speech 
  • Mother of the bride speech  
  • Maid of honour speech 

Don’t say we’re not blooming good to you.

wedding speeches photographer

Step 5. Pace Your Laughs

People relax once you’ve made them laugh so try to script a funny line within the first 20 seconds.

A good opener is something like ‘ Can you believe it? (The Bride) has finally given up holding out for Ryan Gosling and decided a kebab-munching, golf-obsessed Project Manager from Basingstoke is a better option instead .’ Simple, but bespoke.

Of course, the opening is just the first hurdle. Your speech needs to be peppered with humour throughout. Even the ‘thank yous’ should raise a smile so make sure you script more than just the usual platitudes about your in-laws ‘passing down such wonderful traits to their daughter’. Yawn.

Keep your content pacey and your jokes short. If it’s impossible to sub down a lengthy anecdote then leave it for the bar later.

how to write funny wedding speech

Funny Wedding Speech Do’s & Don’ts

  • Ask friends and family for stories – It’s not cheating, it’s research  
  • Start writing early – ideas will keep popping in your head once you get going
  • Cut your first draft in half – having three average jokes does not add up to one big laugh
  • Read it out loud – you’ll work out your pacing and hear what works and what doesn’t
  • Get advice – Read it to a trusted mate. If you have to explain a joke it ain’t working
  • Use a Speechy Template   – Unlike other speech templates on the market, this ones helps you create original humour based on the people you know! Specific templates for dads, brides, grooms, besties – whoever wants to grab that mic!

DON’T

  • Feel you need to include every random funny anecdote in the speech – some just won’t add to the overall story you’re telling
  • Resort to Googling jokes   – if you found that quip then others will have seen it too
  • Be rude, overly embarrassing or go further than innuendo – never appropriate even if you know the ‘rugby boys’ would love it
  • Include ‘in jokes’ – your humour needs to be inclusive
  • Forget to leave room for the laughs on the day – don’t spend months worrying about the speech and then swallow up the laughter by delivering your speech too quickly
  • Drink too much before you deliver your speech – sadly ‘Dutch courage’ is a myth. Alcohol increases nerves so don’t go overboard too early.

The Speechwriting Experts

The Speechy team  are TV-trained scriptwriters/comedians by trade & we’ve helped 1,000s of speakers around the world deliver their dream speech.

Our advice has been quoted everywhere from  The New York Times  to  Grazia  and from Forbes to The Observer . Our founder has also featured on the  BBC Sounds’ Best Men podcast with Jason Manford and written ‘ The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’ , published by Little, Brown.

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how to write funny wedding speech

Funny Wedding Speech Examples

Are you getting ready to give the best man or maid of honor speech at your best friend’s wedding reception? Bravo to you! Humor is frequently a fabulous addition to any toast, and we’d go as far as saying that funny wedding toasts, when done right, can put everybody in a great mood. The key is to remember to choose something relevant to your audience, reasonably age-appropriate, and not too abstract or otherwise over-the-top.

Everyone loves a hilarious wedding toast , and the goal is to engage the audience and to honor the couple. It is not the time to do your stand-up routine or embarrass the newlyweds! You want to make everyone chuckle, not wonder who Captain Inappropriate is.

That’s why we’ve pulled together wedding toast quotes we thought achieved both objectives perfectly.

Check out a few wedding toast quotes and speeches to inspire you and help make your toast memorable below!

Bride and Groom kissing surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen

FUNNY WEDDING TOAST QUOTES

  • “Here’s to the bride – may she share everything with her husband…and that includes the housework.”
  • “May you live each day like your last, and live each night like your first.”
  • “To the groom: Early in your marriage, you will find it difficult to get the last word in any discussion. With time, though, you will learn how to always get the last two words in every discussion — just make sure the words are ‘Yes dear.’”
  • “I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner.
  • “By all means, marry; if you get a good wife, you’ll be happy. If you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.”—Socrates.
  • “Nobody will ever win the battle of the sexes. There’s too much fraternizing with the enemy.”–Henry Kissinger.
  • “The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret.”–Henry Youngman.
  • “I’m so glad we all had a night to rehearse getting drunk for the wedding reception.”
  • “I hope you get so many wedding gifts that you don’t realize none are from me.”
  • “Always get married early in the morning. That way, if it doesn’t work out, you haven’t wasted a whole day.”
  • “Two bits of advice to the new bride: One, tell your new husband that you have to have one night a week out with the girls, and, two, don’t waste that night with the girls.”
  • “As you slide down the banister of life, may all the marital splinters be pointed in the right direction.”

FUNNY WEDDING SPEECH EXAMPLES

“For those that don’t know me, [Groom] and I go back all the way to middle school. This means we go back to a time when [Groom} looked more like Chunk from The Goonies and less like the suave man sitting before us tricking [Bride] into thinking that watching him do the Truffle Shuffle in the mirror isn’t in her near future.

[Groom] really is the best friend I could have ever asked for. Growing up, we lived across the street from each other, so he was always really more convenient than anything else. The fact that there was an inground pool in his backyard didn’t hurt the relationship either.

But now we sit here [x] years later, [Groom] has grown into a wonderful man, and he’s sure to be a wonderful husband to you [Bride]. As long as you can get past his infatuation with Teletubbies and the fact that he went as Tinky Wink for Halloween in the fourth grade, I think you’ll make it through anything!”

Bottle of champagne with champagne flutes and glitter covered bottles

MAID OF HONOR

“Good evening, everyone! My name is [Maid of Honor]. For those that don’t know me, the bride and I go way back. In fact, we literally go all the way back to the sandbox. We met at the park one afternoon. She was drawn to my homemade mullet. I was drawn to the giant chocolate stain on her shirt. “That’s my kind of lady,” I thought. We’ve been best friends ever since.

[Bride] is the absolute best friend I could have ever asked for. She’s also quite the one-a-kind woman. She can burn a bowl of cereal, and she refuses to use a turn signal. She thought tuna was chicken until second grade because that’s what her mom kept telling her, so she’d eat a tuna salad sandwich on a snowflake roll with the family. I watched her debate it with our teacher. We had a lesson on the ocean and the kinds of fish and mammals that live there.  I’m still impressed to this day because eventually, Mr. Marshall threw up his white flag.

But look at her now. Besides the fact that she had the “Chicken of the Sea” debate far before Jessica Simpson, she’s grown into such a stunning, intelligent, and successful woman. [Groom], you’re a lucky, lucky fellow. She will devote the same love and commitment that I’ve felt from her over the years to you, and that is priceless.

Congratulations [Bride] & [Groom], I wish you infinite years of happiness.”

FUNNIEST SISTER OF THE BRIDE SPEECH EXAMPLE – RAP STYLE

This sister of the bride speech is so clever, funny, inspirational and full of love. It’s a sister of the bride speech rapped to Eminem’s song. You have to watch this hilarious sister of the bride toast.

FATHER OF THE BRIDE GIVES FUNNY SPEECH

The father of the bride speech typically makes wedding guests shed a few tears. But this father presented a toast that was heartfelt and funny. If you are looking for father of the bride speeches check this one out!

A FEW KEY WEDDING TOAST TIPS

  • When preparing your wedding toast, think about your relationship with the bride or groom. Find a quiet place to write down your history: how you met, favorite memories, what you’ve been through. You’re pretty much guaranteed to find something sweet or funny to talk about.
  • Remember to consider the bride and groom’s actual relationship. While your speech is going to mainly be about one of them, it’s still essential to talk about the new spouse.
  • Humor is always a good thing. Making people laugh helps them relax, listen to what you’re saying, and like you! If you can, begin your speech with a funny story or joke, just remember to keep it PG!
  • Be sincere! As maid of honor or best man, it can be tempting to “dig” at the happy couple, but keep in mind that this is an extraordinary day for them. While humor is important, it shouldn’t override making the couple feel special. Keep this in mind when choosing stories!
  • Preparation is just as necessary as inspiration. Write down the entire thing or make notes, but no matter what, don’t wing the darn thing! That only works in movies–in real life, it can lead to disaster.
  • Keep it short and sweet. Three minutes is generally ideal, and definitely don’t go longer than five!
  • Say thanks. Thank whoever is hosting the occasion, whether it’s the parents, the couple, or someone else

Most of all, remember to relax and have a great time!

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  • Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception? How to Write a Wedding Toast Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech How to Write a Best Man Toast Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech What to Know About a Newlywed Toast Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips 60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

Public Speaking Experts Share Their Top Tips for Giving an Amazing Wedding Speech

Check out their best examples and advice to learn how to knock it out of the park.

how to write funny wedding speech

Photo by Kurt Boomer

In This Article

Most people would agree that public speaking isn't easy, and this is especially true when you're feeling the added pressure that comes along with giving a speech at a loved one's wedding. Not only do you have the attention of dozens (if not hundreds!) of guests you probably don't know, but you're also trying to appeal to a group of people in a wide range of ages from all different phases of the couple's lives. What's more, you want your speech to delight the couple of the hour and be as appealing to your group of friends as it to the newlyweds' grandparents. All in all, it's a tough task.

Before you panic, know that we're here to help. Ahead, we're sharing a comprehensive guide on what you should include in your speech , how to nail your delivery, and questions to consider to get the brainstorming process started—all from noteworthy speakers, well-established speechwriters, and wedding planners (who have seen it all).

Wedding Speech Template

Every great wedding speech has one thing in common: the right flow. Factor in these guidelines to help you find your own organic rhythm.

Open With a Statement or Question

Don't lead with a joke or a reference to how nervous you are. "The goal is to engage your audience, not make it a boring one-way message," says award-winning motivational speaker Jaime Pfeffer . "You'll lose them if you do this."

Introduce Yourself

After your opener, introduce yourself, says Fallon Carter , a wedding planner, even designer, and professional speaker. "A lot of times, people don't know who is speaking, and they don't know their relationship to the bride or the groom," she says. "It's really important to identify yourself, so make sure you've prepared something."

Address Your Audience

As speaker and life strategy coach Mark Black, CSP , points out, focusing on yourself only enhances nerves. "Instead, concentrate on your audience and how you want them to feel. This will help you to speak from the heart, allowing your speech to do what it's supposed to do: Make the couple feel special while also engaging the audience."

Focus on a Few Points

Seasoned speaker Susan Bender Phelps, CEO of Odyssey Mentoring & Leadership , says her top guideline is to select one to three aspects of the newlyweds that you love and appreciate, along with no more than three short stories to illustrate each of these points (or that one point). "The simple, succinct story or stories where the bride and groom are the hero will work best." This is an excellent way to structure your speech and keep your message focused.

How Long Wedding Speeches Should Be

The ideal length for a speech is three to five minutes, with five minutes being the absolute maximum you should speak for. That's it. "I’ve never been to a wedding where anyone said, 'That was a great wedding, but the best man speech was just too short and that  ruined  it,'" says David Litt , the speechwriter for former President Barack Obama and author of Thanks, Obama .

Carter agrees: "I always say anywhere between two and five minutes—and no more than five minutes," she says. "You want to keep things short and sweet." It's just as important to keep in mind when the speech will take place when determining length, since toasts are often timed with meal courses: "Be mindful of how long a course generally takes or how long it takes people to eat," Carter adds, noting that most courses last between 15 and 20 minutes and that several speeches have to fit inside each window. "If there are other people speaking, you want to be mindful and give them space."

Wedding Speech Tips

Now that you've established the right framework for your words, take note of these essential tips for acing the delivery from a few speaking pros.

Rehearse Regularly

The better prepared you are, the more confident you'll be and the better your speech will be, says author and professional speaker Barry Maher . A good rule of thumb is to practice the speech enough that you can remember the points you want to make and the order in which you want to make them. That way, you can look out to the crowd and make eye contact every so often.

Record Yourself Practicing

Use your phone to take a video of yourself practicing, suggests Kate Kenfield , speaker and sex educator. "It can be a little uncomfortable to watch yourself, but you'll be able to identify distracting mannerisms, such as the verbal pauses 'um,' 'uh,' and 'like'." It's also a good idea to practice your speech in front of someone else. "A second opinion can help you craft your piece and make it that much stronger," she says.

Don't forget body language! Rehearse the speech in front of a mirror and notice things like your facial expression, eye contact, and hand position.

Avoid Alcohol

Although it may be tempting to look for some liquid courage, alcohol definitely won't do you any favors, warns keynote speaker Amy Morin , author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do . "It may cause you to slur your speech and forget your lines, so wait until after your toast to celebrate," she advises. If you need a drink to loosen up the nerves or can't refrain from participating in a toast without being rude, stick to one glass of Champagne before you address the crowd.

Use Nerves to Your Advantage

A little nervousness can actually liven up your speech. "I get worried if I'm not a little nervous," says Maher. "I'll actually try to make myself a little tense to get my energy level up." The key is to harness that energy and communicate it in a positive, genuine way; tensing up to the point that you forget your words or panic won't make for a great presentation.

Be Yourself

Keep in mind that you're not putting on a show, only sharing your personal perspective. Trying too hard to force the funny can yield the opposite of the desired effect, cautions Matt Dalley, co-founder of Simply Eloped . "I've noticed that keeping it short and sweet, heartfelt and warm, and coming across as authentic and focused on the couple is something we are all capable of and generates some very wonderful moments," he says.

Never Embarrass the Newlyweds

It's a wedding toast, not a roast. While this should go without saying, keep the bachelor or bachelorette party jokes out of it, and remember that grandma and possibly a few colleagues are in the audience, notes Laurie Battaglia , a keynote speaker and workplace strategist. "It's okay to look back at childhood and refer to something funny, but ask yourself if you'd like 200-plus of your closest friends knowing that story about you."

Use Your Notes

Reading your speech straight from a piece of paper is a big no-no. However, having a couple of note cards handy is encouraged. "You're likely to be nervous, excited, and exhausted, which can make you forget your lines," explains Morin. "The audience won't care if you glance at your notes. In fact, there's a good chance they won't even notice."

Wedding Speech Brainstorm Ideas

Need some inspiration? Ask yourself these questions to get the brainstorming process going.

  • Who will speak before you? After you? How will this affect the content of your toast? (Perhaps you want to include a reference to their speech, thank them for an introduction, or introduce the next speaker).
  • Is there someone you should thank for making the event possible and inviting you to speak?
  • What would you want to hear in this speech if you were in the audience?
  • Is there a favorite story or memory that the couple would want you to share with their friends and family?

Wedding Speech Examples to Make Your Own

So, what does it look like when all these elements come together? Wedding vow and speechwriter Katelyn Peterson , owner and creator of Wedding Words , offered us three examples of successful toasts to inspire your own.

Maid of Honor Wedding Speech Example

"Hi, I’m Maya, the bride’s older sister . With Lucy being three years younger, we fell right into our respective roles as sister-rivals growing up. We constantly fought over stolen clothes, monopolizing the phone back when landlines were a thing, and what boy band to blare from the car speakers. I’m still Team Backstreet Boys while Lucy is forever indebted to NSYNC.

Looking back on those memories, I should have stepped up and granted Lucy permission to wear my favorite sweater for picture day, to hand her the phone once in a while, and to let her play, 'Bye Bye Bye.' Even I can admit that’s a good one. But despite Lucy being the younger sister, she has always been more patient, more accommodating, and more thoughtful than me. And that’s because when it comes to the people she loves, she’s all in.

She’s the one to prioritize their desires. She’s the one to compromise first. And, she’s the one to support their dreams as if they were her own. 

This is why it makes me so happy to know that Lucy has found a home in David. He matches her in compassion, thoughtfulness, and warmth. And I know he’ll spend his life prioritizing her desires, being ready to compromise, and supporting her dreams as his own.

Cheers to Lucy and David! May you always feel loved because you always put each other first."

Best Man Wedding Speech Example

"Hello, everyone. My name is Luke and I’m the best man . I met Robert eight years ago when I became his neighbor. His reputation preceded him as I had heard about the 'Block Party King' before my closing papers were inked. 

Rob has never been the guy to wear fancy clothes. In fact, I’m still in shock seeing him in that tux tonight. And he’s never been the guy to show off even though the work he’s put into his vintage Mustang could make Henry Ford himself envious.

But when it comes to cooking, he should receive an award. His pulled pork is a staple at our summer block parties and his homemade barbeque sauce has remained our neighborhood’s best-kept secret. But the most satisfying part about his delicious dishes is that there’s always plenty to go around. And Rob makes sure your plate is never empty. I have no idea how he pulls it off, but Rob has a covert ability to scoop seconds onto your plate without you ever seeing him do it. I hope you all came hungry tonight, folks. You’ve been warned! 

The first time I met Jasmine I could immediately tell she was an amazing person. She laughed at his jokes which I never thought anyone would get. She supported his career and the nonstop travel involved. But most importantly, whenever we’re all hanging out, Jasmine is the one always topping off Rob’s plate with more pasta, more chicken, more of everything. When she’s around, it’s never empty. 

And that’s when I saw what a perfect match they were for each other. I know they will always put each other first, make sure their needs are met, and will never allow the other to go hungry.

So let’s raise our glasses to toast the newlyweds! As you begin this next chapter together, may your plates and your hearts always remain full."

Father of the Bride Wedding Speech Example

"Good evening, family, and friends. I’m Daniel Lee, the father of the bride. I’d like to welcome you to this special occasion where we get to celebrate the love between my daughter Allison and her new wife, Kristin. 

Standing up here today, I’m reminded of all the moments that led to this significant one. The dance recitals that ended with standing ovations and the soccer games that concluded with winning scoreboards. 

But, while those were fun and rewarding times, those aren’t the moments I cherish most with Allison. The memories that make me smile the brightest are those in-between the big stuff moments. It’s the makeshift magic shows in our living room using a bedsheet that Allison confiscated from our linen closet to convert into a curtain. It’s the countless tea parties she hosted with exclusive invitations just for me and her beloved stuffed bear, Buttons. And it’s the way she’d beg to stay up for just five more minutes but was asleep on the couch by minute number two.

Those everyday, blink-and-you’ll-miss-them moments with Allison are the ones that gave color to my life and filled my heart with a happiness I never knew could exist.

So, my beautiful daughter, as you begin your life with Kristin today, I have one wish for you: May your warmest memories come from the ordinary moments throughout your marriage, and may those moments give you a reason to smile brighter every day. Cheers! I love you both." —Daniel

What Not to Say in a Wedding Speech

Your job when delivering a wedding speech is to keep things light—tell an anecdote, make an emotional connection, then wish the couple well before you close out. Anything that doesn't feel definitively positive should be avoided. "I would advocate against bringing up negative details, specifically past relationships or past spouses," says Carter. "Skip anything that you wouldn't want to be physically recorded and played over and over again—this is a rule of thumb."

Keep it light, delicate, and present- and future-focused, Carter adds. "If you're going to go into the past, make those stories really intentional," she says. "Bring those stories back to who they are now. Your mission is to create a great environment and vibe and to potentially give some information about one of the newlyweds, so that it's enlightening for all guests."

A Guide to Wedding Reception Toasts

Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception?

How to Write a Wedding Toast

Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech

How to Write a Best Man Toast

Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech

What to Know About a Newlywed Toast

Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips

60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

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How To Write A Wedding Speech - With Examples!

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How To Make Your Wedding Speech Funny

Making a wedding speech can be daunting; you want it to hit all the right spots including being funny. Especially the best men and women out there. Today we are joined by Heidi Ellert from the speech writing experts, Speechy , who is sharing her advice on how to make your wedding speech hilarious without resorting to googled gags !

How To Make Your Wedding Speech Funny

DITCH THE CHEESY GAGS

Heidi says to stay clear of the internet gags. 

‘ When it comes to adding humour to your speech, rather than look online, look at the reality of your relationship’, says Heidi. ‘Sure, you’ll find loads of icebreakers if you google them but they’ll generally result in a groan rather than a goggle.’ 

‘There’s never an excuse to use a joke about even the wedding cake being in tears, or any of the lines you see on the Wedding Joke blogs. They’re cheesy, they’re old and they add nothing to your speech. I f a gag could be delivered by another bride or groom, then I suggest it shouldn’t be in yours!’ 

KEEP IT REAL

Every relationship has its quirks – so play with them! The secret to good comedy is observation; highlighting behaviour that people recognise as true. 

Heidi advises, taking the time to look at your relationship dynamic. ‘Is one of you the boss? Does one of you still fail to load the dishwasher properly? Or does one of you have a special baby voice you use when speaking to your dog? Hunt out your individual quirks and eccentricities. Use self-deprecating humour and affectionately tease your partner.’

How To Make Your Wedding Speech Funny

PACEY AND PUNCHY

Start early with the humour. 

‘As soon as you make your guests laugh, they’ll feel in safe hands’, says Heidi. ‘Try to get some humour into your first few opening lines of your speech and you’ll be able to relax into the rest of the speech quicker’.  

Make sure you punctuate the rest of your speech with comedic lines too.  ‘ A newlywed speech doesn’t need to be packed with belly-laughs but it should be making people smile throughout’ , says Heidi. ‘ Ideally, you want a bit of a punchline every 30 seconds – that’s a giggle scripted into every 75 words.’  

Even the thank yous should contain a bit of humour. 

As Heidi states, ‘Make sure your thank yous are more than just the usual cliches. Share the fact you’ve bonded with your father-in-law over a mutual appreciation of malt whisky and dubious football teams rather than just thanking him for welcoming you to the family.’   

Another crucial speechwriting tip is keeping the humour pacey. ‘ You might have a cracking anecdote but if you can’t tell it within a few lines, it’s probably too lengthy to include. Keep it fast paced and don’t keep your audience waiting too long for the punchline’.  

SHARE A STORY

‘Describing your partner using adjectives alone is rarely effective’, says Heidi. ‘Bring their characteristics to life by telling stories that bring those qualities to life and illustrate them in action’. 

If you want to describe your partner as forgetful or overly energetic – prove it. Share the evidence.    ‘Stories add weight to both comedy and profound observations’. 

AVOID IN-JOKES OR ANYTHING EDGY

Remember, your wedding speech is not a stand-up routine. Avoid anything crude or rude, and make sure all your humour is inclusive of everyone in the room. 

how to write funny wedding speech

USE YOUR BODY AND PREPARE TO PAUSE

Humour isn’t just in the writing, it’s in the delivery too. 

A well-timed eyebrow raise can illicit just as much laughter as a great punchline. So, get expressive. Use your body to make a point. 

A smile has been proven to be literally infectious so make sure you reflect the funny lines that you’re delivering! 

Don’t be afraid to pause where you expect laughter. Sometimes humour is a bit slow to land so give your guests a moment to ‘get it’. 

Of course, if there is audible laughter, don’t rush to get on with your speech. Relish the giggles and let the room go quiet before you continue. 

MORE ADVICE 

Heidi has written ‘The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’ where she shares more advice on how to nail your wedding speech. Lots of speech examples written by the Speechy team to inspire you too! 

  • Speechy website
  • ‘The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’ Book
  • Instagram 

How To Make Your Wedding Speech Funny

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how to write funny wedding speech

30 Funny Opening Lines for Wedding Speeches

Handy one-liners to make the guests lol.

how to write funny wedding speech

If you've read our post on how to make a great best man speech , you'll know that we recommend starting with a joke, and here, we're sharing 30 foolproof examples! The beauty of this list is that it works for any wedding speech, whether you're a groom, bride, best man, bridesmaid, groomsman, bridesman, groomsmaid, father of the bride, father of the groom, mother of the bride, mother of the groom, granny or grandad, or just a close pal with a knack for public speaking! Boasting everything from eye roll-worthy classics to offbeat gags, our round-up of funny opening lines for wedding speeches is sure to have something to suit your personal style, and many of them can be customised to pack an even bigger punch on the day. Kick off with one of these gems, and you'll not only put the audience at ease, you'll set yourself up for a terrific wedding speech!

how to write funny wedding speech

25 Funny Opening Lines for Wedding Speeches

Note: [Name] can indicate yourself, the bride/groom, the couple as a whole, or another member of the bridal party!

1. “Gosh, what an emotional day it’s been. Even the cake is in tiers!”

2. “Hi everyone! I’m [Name] and it’s time for me to give the speech I frantically scribbled down 15 minutes ago!”

3. "The couple have requested that I don't share any embarrassing stories... so that's it from me! Thanks for listening!"

4. "[Name], I love you so much, and I really hope you'll feel the same about me after you hear my speech."

bride giving a speech

5. "I just want to start by congratulating [previous speaker's Name] on their wonderful speech. I always knew it would be hard to follow and I was right, I couldn't follow a word of it."

6. "The couple actually had a bit of trouble finding someone to make a speech today. They started by asking their funniest friend, and they said no. Then they asked their most charming friend, and they said no. After that, they asked their best-looking friend and, again, they said no. Then they asked me, and, after already turning them down three times, I couldn't refuse again."

Bride gives speech Olga Hogan Photography: Hannah & Eoghan

7. "Ladies and gentlemen, today we witnessed a unique event in history - it's the first and presumably last time anyone has trusted me to give a speech!"

8. "[Name] and I share the same sense of humour, so if you don't like my jokes, you can blame them!"

9. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate something truly magical. Something so rare and fortuitous and wonderful that it simply must be celebrated. I am, of course, talking about the open bar/donut wall/photo booth/[Name] wearing a tie ."

how to write funny wedding speech

10. "Where do I start with [Name]? They're kind, intelligent, gorgeous, charming... [directed at them] sorry, I'm having trouble reading your writing, you'll have to tell me the rest later."

11. "I think we can all agree that it's been a fantastic day. But unfortunately that ends right here with my speech."

12. "Loyal. Kind. Honest. Generous... That's enough about me, I'm here to talk about [Name]!"

how to write funny wedding speech

13. "I'd like to begin my speech by giving the happy couple some relationship advice, but unfortunately I'm single and spend most of my time trying to coax my cat into little outfits/browsing Doctor Who fan sites/playing Rock Paper Scissors with Alexa."

14. "A few months ago, [Name] called me up and asked, 'What are your feelings on marriage?' I had to tell them that, while I was very flattered, I wasn't ready to settle down just yet."

15. "Can everyone hear me OK? If you can't hear me in the back, the silence from the people at the front should reassure you that you're not missing anything."

how to write funny wedding speech

16. "Hello everyone! I'm [Name]. I'm sure you all know me as (Name's best friend/sister/mum/dad), but if you don't, well done on sneaking into the wedding unnoticed!"

17. "Before I begin, I must explain that, this morning, [Name] asked me to remove anything resembling innuendo from my speech. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to go through it again, but if I come across anything risqué, I'll whip it out immediately."

18. "[Name] knows that I'm a bit nervous about this speech, and they gave me some great advice. They said 'Don't try to be too charming, witty or intellectual... just be yourself!'"

how to write funny wedding speech

19. "All of us gathered together in this room, we've got something really important in common - none of us have got a clue what I'm going to say next!"

20. "I was told that the secret to a good speech is to start with something that's relevant to everyone in the audience. So here it goes - all of your cars have been stolen."

21. "I want to start by saying that, of all the weddings I've attended over the years, this one is, by far, the most recent."

how to write funny wedding speech

22. "I'd like to start by congratulating [Name] on their excellent taste... in speakers."

23. "Before we start, can everybody do me a favour and get up off their seats? Now can everyone take one step backward, please? Now can everyone move one step to the right? And now can everyone move one step left? Thank you. Someone told me that the key to giving a good speech was to move people, but I think they must have been having me on, because this is going terribly!"

wedding speech opening lines funny opening lines sincere opening lines (9)

24. "I'm so happy to be overseeing the only five minutes of today that [bride or groom's Name] didn't plan. Only joking, they went over my speech with me at the bar half an hour ago. [Pulls extra page out of pocket] But I did manage to hide one page!"

25. Guys, before I start, just some housekeeping notes, the venue has asked that you don't stand on any of the chairs and tables for my standing ovation."

26 . I sincerely hope that each day of [Insert names] marriage is better than the the one before, the only thing is that also means they'll look back on today, their wedding day, and say that it was the worst day of their lives.

27. I’ve been worried about giving this speech for a while now. You'll be glad to hear, that last night I slept like a baby. I woke up every two hours, bawling my eyes out.

how to write funny wedding speech

28. Please keep clapping and cheering to a minimum. I’m terribly hungover. I know, you shouldn’t drink the night before a wedding, but I couldn’t very well let the groom/bride drink alone, could I?

29. Just some last messages here to read out: one from [NAME’S] football team for [PARTNER] " Apologies we couldn’t all be there today, good luck with [NAME], we found him/her to be useless in most positions, but wishing you all the best for tonight ."

30. Before I start ladies and gentlemen, let us observe a few moments of silence in memory of the 3,000 prawns, 250 chickens, and the many, many carnations, roses and wedding coordinators who selflessly gave their lives to make this wedding celebration possible.

Found your opening line for your wedding speech? We also have a handy checklist of people you need to remember to thank !

Image credits

Marc lawson photography, via one fab day, see more in:.

how to write funny wedding speech

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  • How to write a funny wedding speech
  • Wedding Advice & Ideas

A funny wedding speech is undoubtedly one of the best parts of the wedding reception. Whether it's given by the best man, the father of the bride, the groom or the bride herself, a hilarious wedding speech instantly lifts the room and makes for a memorable wedding breakfast. However, as a result, there can be a lot of pressure on the wedding party to write the perfect wedding speech. We interviewed professional speaker Peter Edge to get his top tips on crafting a funny wedding speech...

Image credit:  Martin Vaughan Photography

Your nickname is 'The Laughter of Ceremonies' - how important do you think it is for wedding speeches to be funny?

It's not absolutely essential for a good wedding speech to be funny, but it can really help. Weddings tend to be joyous occasions anyway, so most people are already predisposed to a bit of fun. A good speech, especially if it's funny, allows that sense of fun to escape. Saying that, I've seen and heard some beautiful wedding speeches which haven't been 'funny' at all. Sincerity and authenticity count for a lot.

What kind of jokes work best in your experience? Are there any jokes that should always be avoided at weddings?

The key here is how well you know your audience. As the best man, for instance, you may be speaking to up to five generations of two families, who you may or may not know particularly well. What the bride's 85-year-old grandmother finds funny, might not be quite the same as what her 18-year-old cousin does! So the kind of jokes that work best tend to be 'safe' jokes, and only those with a good knowledge of those present know what 'safe' is.

Image credit:  Dave Perry Photography

Jokes about immediate family usually work well, especially if it's about a characteristic that everyone knows about, something like being late, falling asleep, being an angry driver. Self-deprecating jokes work well to get the room on your side.

Jokes about former relationships can be really dangerous ground, as can anything which is going to cause embarrassment. You need to find a well-informed confidant who you can run your speech past without giving it away. As a rule I'd say try and avoid jokes that are too personal and instead try and focus on jokes aimed at something everyone can relate to - like the weather, or the cost of petrol. Some comedians call this 'punching up' rather than 'punching down'.

What are your thoughts on including pre-written jokes from the internet?

I'm not a huge fan, but if they can inspire someone writing a speech to adapt them and make them their own then that's great. I wouldn't want people relying on them, but as a starting point they've certainly got some value, especially if any of the principal characters at the wedding 'fit' into them (or can be made to fit!).

Image credit:  Murray Clarke Photography

What should best men do if they're not natural comedians but feel under pressure to write a funny wedding speech?

Get help! Very few people are natural comedians and not that many people are comfortable with standing up and speaking in front of an audience. So the advice would be start early, set yourself a time limit (five minutes is plenty long enough for any of the traditional wedding speeches) and decide on a few relevant 'themes'. Write them down and then think those themes through and try and find some humour in them - believe me it will be there! And if you're still struggling, ask someone to help - someone who's done it before, or even someone who does it for a living!

What are your tips for brides or maids of honour speeches? 

I love it when I see tradition turned on its head, and some of the funniest speeches I've seen have been delivered by brides and maids of honour. The advice is pretty much the same as for a best man. Start early, limit your time, search for the humour (which of course can be from a totally different perspective), and practice! Find a confidant who will give you honest feedback, and keep refining your speech until it's slick and funny. Again, don't be afraid to ask for help - there's plenty out there!

Image credit:  Nigel Chapman Photography

What are your top three tips for wedding speeches in general?

  • Keep it short, but don't waste any words.
  • Start by 'building a bridge' with your audience. Establish some common ground and get them on your side.
  • Practice, practice and then practice some more!

Thank you to Peter Edge for his fantastic wedding speech advice. Find out more or hire Peter as a speaker or consultant here .

Read About Wedding Party Advice

About the author

Alison Hargreaves

Alison has been advising brides, grooms and bridesmaids for more than 25 years. She has an unrivalled knowledge of the British wedding industry and frequently appears on podcasts and expert panels. She regularly attends international wedding conferences to keep the UK at the forefront of wedding planning trends.

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How to Write a Wedding Speech

Last Updated: March 19, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jenny Yi . Jenny Yi is the Founder of Chloe+Mint, an award-winning full service event planning company that specializes in wedding planning, design and floral design. Jenny has been in the industry for over 5 years, and also works closely with notable brands and celebrities on branding and events. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 604,789 times.

For most people, their wedding day will be among the most important days of their lives. As such, it is customary for a close friend or loved one to deliver a speech congratulating the newlyweds on their union. This can be a nerve-wracking prospect if you’re the one called upon to give a speech in front of a big, expectant crowd. As the speechwriter, it will pay off to make sure that you’re organized, keep it concise and practice extensively beforehand.

Things You Should Know

Professional wedding planner Jenny Yi says the wedding speech should be “impactful, short, and sweet.” Explain how you know the bride and groom, share a quick backstory on how they met, then wish them well as a couple.

Sample Speeches

how to write funny wedding speech

Writing a Meaningful Speech

Step 1 Introduce yourself to the crowd.

  • The best man and maid of honor are usually each asked to make a short speech on behalf of the wedding party. After that, the microphone is sometimes turned over to whoever would like to say a few words.
  • Saying your name and briefly summarizing your history with the bride or groom will be enough. Don’t talk about yourself too much. Remember, the focus of your speech is the married couple.

Step 2 Open with a joke.

  • Use jokes judiciously to break the initial tension and keep the crowd relaxed. Try not to let your speech turn into a stand up comedy routine.
  • Keep your humorous stories and remarks appropriate. There will be people of all ages in your audience, including children.
  • Funny stories might include a funny story about the bride and groom's meeting, or an anecdote about one of them as a child.

Step 3 Share memories of the bride and groom.

  • Sharing unique memories or stories is much more effective than simply complimenting the bride or groom because it is a more personal touch.

Step 4 Offer advice or well-wishes for the future.

  • If you decide to use a quote for this segment of the speech, make sure it is short, relevant and not a cliche.

Step 5 Thank everyone in attendance.

  • Acknowledging the people who helped make the wedding festivities possible will make you appear humble, as well as making them feel appreciated.
  • Express your gratitude in a couple sentences. There’s no need to go on and on thanking every person individually by name.

Making Sure You're Prepared

Step 1 Write the speech well in advance.

  • Treat your speech like you would a school assignment. Compose several drafts, check it for errors and have a friend proofread it to make sure it sounds good.

Step 2 Know when you’re expect to deliver the speech.

  • Familiarize yourself with the order of presentation if multiple speeches are to be given.
  • Don’t spend the entire ceremony fretting over your speech. If you’re sufficiently prepared, you won’t need to give it a second thought until it’s time for you to deliver it.

Step 3 Practice, practice, practice.

  • Know your speech word for word, but try not to sound like you’re simply reciting it from memory. Pace yourself and give every passage emphasis, emotion and clarity.

Step 4 Bring your notes with you.

  • Put your entire speech on a couple note cards rather than a several large sheets of paper. Not only will this look better, it will help you keep your speech at the appropriate length.
  • Only look at your notes if you draw a blank or forget the next part. This will allow you to keep your eyes up and engage your audience. Even the most riveting speech will be a bore if the person giving it is reading off a note card the whole time.

Giving the Speech

Step 1 Maintain your composure.

  • Take a few slow, deep breaths. Think about what you’re saying and shut out all other distractions. Imagine that you’re giving your speech to one person instead of a room full of people.
  • Have a drink or two if it helps your nerves. Just don’t have too many—you want to be focused and clear-headed when it’s time for you to take the floor.

Step 2 Keep it short and sweet.

  • It’s perfectly okay to give a short speech. Simply say a few kind words, raise a toast and hand back the microphone.
  • Speak slowly and deliberately. It’s easy to start chattering too fast when you’re nervous. By talking slower than you feel like you need to, you’ll probably be going at just the right speed.
  • People who are underprepared or extremely anxious tend to talk aimlessly. Avoid this by sticking to what you’ve written and look to the crowd for cues about when their attention is evaporating.

Step 3 Be sincere.

  • Take a moment to speak to the bride and/or groom directly.
  • It’s normal to get a little choked up! As long as you can finish your speech, there’s no need to worry. It may even be flattering, as it will show the people you’re talking about how much you truly care.

Step 4 Finish with a toast.

  • It’s customary for the best man or groomsmen to toast the bride, and the maid of honor to toast the groom.

Expert Q&A

Jenny Yi

  • Keep quotes to a minimum, as other people's words can distract from what you're trying to say yourself. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
  • If you're stumped on how your speech should flow, approach it the way you would a story: give it a beginning, middle and end. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
  • Ask an honest, objective friend to give you feedback on your speech after you've finished writing it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

how to write funny wedding speech

  • Never use a premade template you find on the internet to write a wedding speech. Your speech should be a product of your own unique thoughts, feelings and experiences. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1
  • Don't drink too much before delivering your speech. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
  • Leave out especially embarrassing or offensive anecdotes. These are usually considered bad form. You're supposed to be honoring the married couple, not getting a laugh at their expense. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 3

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Write a Speech Introducing Yourself

  • ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2110745/Lost-words-Top-tips-write-winning-wedding-speech-deliver-like-pro.html
  • ↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-toasting-tips-for-the-maid-of-honor
  • ↑ https://www.presentationmagazine.com/the-structure-and-etiquette-of-wedding-speeches-1041.htm
  • ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/07/22/how-to-write-deliver-good-best-man-speech/
  • ↑ https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-toasting-tips-for-the-maid-of-honor/
  • ↑ https://finley-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/f/finley-h/localcontent/how_to_write_a_speech.pdf
  • ↑ https://mediacenter.toastmasters.org/2014-07-01-10-Tips-for-the-Perfect-Wedding-Toast

About This Article

Jenny Yi

To write a wedding speech, start by introducing yourself and explaining how you know the bride and groom. Then, share some fond memories, like stories from when you were kids or how you met. Next, offer well-wishes to the bride and groom, such as wishing them health, happiness, and prosperity. Alternatively, try opening with a joke or funny anecdote, but make sure that your remarks are appropriate for everyone in attendance. Finally, briefly thank everyone for coming and for making the celebration possible. For tips on how to memorize your speech so that it doesn’t sound rehearsed, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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25 funny opening lines for wedding speeches.

how to write funny wedding speech

W edd ing speeches are an important part of any wedding celebration . They provide an opportunity for the couple to thank their family and friends and express their love for one another . But , it can be difficult to come up with the perfect opening line for your speech .

Never fear ! We ’ ve compiled a list of 25 funny opening lines for wedding speeches that are sure to get your guests laughing . From classic one - liners to pun s and jokes , these lines will give you the perfect start to your speech .

1 . “ Good evening everyone , I have a few words to say , so I ’ m going to make like a tree and leave . ”

2 . “ I wanted to start my speech with a joke , but I couldn ’ t find one that was appropriate for a wedding . So , I ’ ll just say congratulations ! ”

3 . “ If I had a dollar for every time I ’ ve heard a wedding speech , I ’ d be rich . ”

4 . “ I ’ ve been told I have to give a speech , so here goes nothing . ”

#5 . “ I ’ m not here to give a speech , I ’ m here to give a toast ! ”

6 . “ I ’ m not sure what I ’ m supposed to say , but I ’ m sure it ’ ll come to me eventually . ”

7 . “ I ’ m not sure how to start this speech , so I ’ ll just say congratulations to the happy couple ! ”

8 . “ I was going to start my speech with a joke , but then I remembered that I ’ m not a comedian . So , congratulations ! ”

9 . “ I ’ ve been asked to give a speech and I have no idea what to say , so I ’ m just going to wing it . ”

10 . “ I was about to give a speech , but then I remembered I don ’ t actually have anything to say . So , here ’ s to the happy couple ! ”

11 . “ I ’ m not sure what I ’ m supposed to say , but I ’ m sure it ’ ll come to me in a moment . So , in the meantime , here ’ s to the happy couple ! ”

12 . “ I ’ m not sure what I ’ m supposed to say , so I ’ m just going to start off by saying congratulations ! ”

13 . “ I didn ’ t plan on giving a speech , but here I am . So , here ’ s to the happy couple ! ”

14 . “ I ’ m not sure what to say , but I ’ m sure it ’ ll come to me … eventually . ”

15 . “ I don ’ t know what to say , so I ’ m just going to say “ che ers ” to the happy couple ! ”

16 . “ I ’ m not sure what to say , so I ’ m just going to say “ cong ratulations ” to the happy couple ! ”

17 . “ I was trying to think of something to say , but then I realized that I don ’ t have to say anything . So , cheers to the happy couple ! ”

18 . “ I was going to say something funny , but then I realized that this is a wedding and not a comedy show . So , congratulations ! ”

19 . “ I was going to start my speech with a joke , but then I realized that I don ’ t actually know any jokes . So , here ’ s to the happy couple ! ”

20 . “ I was going to start my speech with a joke , but then I remembered that this is a wedding and not a comedy club . So , congratulations ! ”

21 . “ I was going to start my speech with a joke , but then I remembered this isn ’ t a roast . So , here ’ s to the happy couple ! ”

22 . “ I was going to start my speech with a joke , but then I realized I don ’ t actually know any jokes . So , here ’ s to the happy couple ! ”

23 . “ I was going to start my speech with a joke , but then I remembered that this is a wedding and not a stand - up comedy show . So , congratulations ! ”

24 . need 24 and 25 24 . “ I was going to start my speech with a joke , but then I realized I don ’ t have any jokes that are appropriate for a wedding . So , here ’ s to the happy couple ! ”

25 . “ I was looking for the perfect joke to start my speech with , but then I realized that nothing I could say could measure up to the happiness of this day . So , congratulations ! ”

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Our Kind of Crazy

100 Funny Maid Of Honor Speech Examples To Steal- {Bridesmaids Too!}

Share with your friends!

Freaking out about having to write a Funny Maid of Honor Speech ? Fear not, we have brought in a stand up comic who is sharing her best examples of quotes to add in to your speech.

pin reads "funny maid of honor speech ideas" with picture of bridesmaids and bride laughing.

It is a great honor to be chosen as the maid of honor for your best friend’s wedding day. You’ve known each other for years, and it makes sense that you would want to stand with her on her big day. But now the pressure is on! It’s up to you to write a speech that will get everyone laughing, crying and celebrating!

You may not know what story or words you might want to say just yet, but don’t worry! We’re here to help.

Our advice? Be yourself, share your memories, and most importantly: don’t screw up!

Tips For Writing Winning Bridesmaid Speeches

The maid of honor speech is an important part of any wedding because it’s a time for the maid of honor to tell a few jokes and share some light-hearted memories about how she feels about the bride.

A maid of honor speech can be great if you’re funny, but it can also turn out less than desired if you’re really not that comical…be sure to know your audience, and don’t force anything so its not awkward.

● Choose your humor style wisely : Be careful to choose something that matches your personality. If you are not that funny, don’t attempt some sort of stand up comedy routine on stage when all eyes are on you. You’ll only end up making everyone else uncomfortable and embarrassed for you.

● Keep it short : This is not a time to tell old stories about how you two met 10 years ago. This is a time to tell the bride and groom how much they mean to you, why they should marry each other (if for no other reason than love) and how happy you are for the both of them.

● Don’t be afraid to get personal : While people will expect light-hearted jokes and funny stories, they’ll also want to hear about the person standing up there and not just some comedian pretending to be funny. Tell the bride how close you are, tell her why you feel she deserves someone like him that will love her as much as he does, and try not to cry while saying all of this.

● Don’t make it about you : You’re not the star of this show so try not to talk too much about yourself and your own feelings for the bride. This is a time for her, make sure she hears how happy you are for her no matter what happens in the future with her and her new husband.

● Don’t be offensive : If you have any jokes that you think may be a little on the edgy side, make sure they are appropriate for your audience. Don’t tell any jokes about race or sexual orientation at a wedding and if you do have to go there, remember who is likely going to laugh; you.

● Practice : Make sure you practice your maid of honor speech in front of someone you trust because you’ll want to see how others will react to your humor. If it’s not funny, scrap it and be prepared to tell the bride how much she means to you in a different way.

● Be comfortable : When it comes time for the maid of honor speech, be sure that you are in a place where you feel completely comfortable like at home or some place in your home town where you’re comfortable and not nervous because everyone around you knows how funny you are. If that’s not the case, then make sure to get there early with a glass of water or a calming beverage so you can be ready by the time it is your turn.

● Memorize it : If you feel comfortable doing so, try memorizing your maid of honor speech. This will also help you get rid of any jitters that you may be feeling as well!

● Give it a rest : If this is your first time speaking in front of people, don’t go overboard. Limit yourself to just one or two maid of honor jokes and then save the rest for a time when you’re more comfortable being the center of attention.

● Talk loud enough : No matter what size crowd or how big the room is, try to make sure that they can all hear you with ease. This means speaking up loud and clear so everyone’s attention isn’t on your voice but your actual words.

● Don’t forget about the groom : While it may be easy to just focus on the bride, don’t forget that there is a groom there that you may have to talk about as well. Make sure that he hears how great of a guy he is and all the things that you know he’ll be good at in the future.

● Don’t be nervous : While it’s great that you care about giving a good maid of honor speech, don’t let it get to you too much because if you are really nervous then your speech will reflect that as well.

● Don’t be a downer : If you know something about the bride and groom, keep it to yourself. Nobody wants to hear anything bad about their newlywed friends so try your best not to say something that’s going to make people feel sad or even worse; upset with you! Just give all the positives and leave it at that.

● Be yourself : If you are a funny maid of honor, then be funny! If you’re not, then just go with what feels natural to you because if the bride and groom love you for who you are, everyone else will too.

● Don’t take it so seriously : This is your friend’s big day but don’t worry about it too much because if you do, you may end up putting too much pressure on yourself and then your maid of honor speech will suffer because of it.

● Don’t overdo the brag : If the bride is your best friend, then she already knows all the amazing things that you have done and how proud you are of her. When it comes to the maid of honor speech, save your bragging for other times when it will be appropriate and not in this case when the bride has just gotten married!

● Skip the drama : It’s not a big deal if you accidentally forget someone’s name or get nervous when you’re up on stage giving your speech. The bride and groom will not only understand but they’ll also love you a lot more for it because everyone gets nervous, especially on the big day!

● Don’t talk badly about others : Nope, you don’t want to do this because nobody likes that type of person. Even if someone in the bridal party or even the bride and groom aren’t your favorite people, just skip their names in your speech.

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three women laughing and toasting wine glasses.

Funny Maid of Honor Speech Examples From A Stand Up Comic

**Warning…Kerry is a stand up comic, so some of these we probably wouldn’t say out loud, but take these examples and make them your own…maybe a little more appropriate for the big day! ha!

Without further ado, here is our stand up comic friend Kerry, to help you out!

I remember hearing about someone’s maid of honor speech and how funny it was. I think it had to do with not being at all surprised that the bride picked her best friend! It wasn’t exactly what most people would say, but it had all of us in stitches.

I’m sure you want your maid of honor speech to be perfect, so take a few moments to jot down some ideas on paper first. That way you can revise the speech until you are completely satisfied! Just remember – there is no right way to be funny. There is only your own way, which might not even involve a pun or punchline.

Funny Maid of Honor Quotes

  • I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who helped out with planning the Bachelorette Party. And I extra want to thank everyone who lied and told the groom we were scrapbooking.
  • I still remember when the bride would throw on makeup and fix here hair before going out in public with the groom. He must be thrilled that she is now comfortable wearing jammies and a pony tail on their date nights.
  • When the bride and groom first met, she asked if I thought he was too good looking for her. Silly, right? He’s not even good looking.
  • I know the groom loves the bride for being so laid back and accommodating. He has no idea that she’s going to toss out his childhood action figures by this time next week.
  • I am thrilled that my dear friend chose such an amazing man. You should’ve seen the cast of characters that came before him!
  • The bride once told me that she loved how the groom was confident and didn’t let her boss him around. Don’t worry, groom, she’ll get there.
  • I knew he was the one for her when she told me he was a school teacher. He must be pretty amazing for her to marry a man with that salary.
  • It seems like only yesterday that the bride was out partying and dancing with a man in a fireman’s uniform. Wait, that was yesterday. That whole Bachelorette party is already a blur. 
  • May the bride have a long happy marriage where she never wears any of the lingerie she received at her shower.
  • I would love to be the first person to ask when you’ll be having a baby, but I’m pretty sure at least two people did so when the bride was still walking down the aisle.
  • I have never known the bride to love anyone as much as she loves the groom. OK, maybe she has, but those guys thought she was bonkers. 
  • From this day forward, you will never have to get another bikini wax. 
  • The dear bride has a wonderful sense of humor. She said the funniest thing recently. What was it? Oh yeah, “You’ll wear that dress again one day.”
  • I know the bride will love the groom in sickness and in health. Even if health means he becomes obsessed with CrossFit.
  • It has been my honor to carry Kleenex, lip gloss, and an extra tampon for you today as you join your life with the man you love.
  • The bride is the type of woman who’d drop everything to bail someone out of jail. You should all have her on speed dial. But not tonight. She’s busy.
  • I know the bride loves you to the moon and back, but when you become parents, she’s gonna love that kid all the way to Mars.
  • These two are so in love that they didn’t even consider a prenuptial agreement. But what would be the point anyway with all their student loan debt.
  • I’m not saying that the bride changes her mind a lot, but I am going to hang on to the receipt for their wedding gift. 
  • They like to tell people they met at work, but really they met on Farmers Only. Turns out the groom was entirely misinformed on what he thought a “backhoe” was.

bride laughing with her bridesmaids.

  • I am a tad nervous to speak in front of a crowd, so I’m picturing everyone in their underpants. On that note, check out the groom! Hubba hubba!
  • The bride has always been like a sister to me. Look out, groom, she’s going to borrow all of your nicest heels.
  • When these two first met on Tinder, she didn’t even mean to swipe right. She accidently sneezed when browsing the app. I, for one, am so happy she ordered extra black pepper on her lunch that day.
  • I would do anything for the bride. I’m just glad that she now has a husband who can do most of it, though, so I can sleep in on weekends.
  • I wanted to share the story about how much nicer the groom is than her last fiancé, but this morning she told me the groom didn’t know about him.
  • I have seen this gal do a keg stand at a frat party and talk back to a cop. Congratulations, groom, on choosing her to be the mother of your children.
  • It’s not that you’ll never be right again, groom, it’s that you’ll never be able to admit it.
  • I have seen the bride at her worst, and I love her anyway. I can teach you how to do that too, groom, because it’s a comin’.
  • This woman has always been my partner in crime. I’d love to share more stories but can’t on the advice of counsel.
  • I will always be a sister to you. Unlike your actual sister who is already vomiting in the ladies’ room.
  • I am beyond thrilled to be the one you chose to lift your dress so you can pee.
  • When she first asked me to be her maid of honor, I said no. I didn’t think they were a good fit. So, um, yeah. Cheers.
  • It is a rare occurrence that someone’s one night stand turns into a happy marriage. Hopefully not too rare.
  • They say not to bring up exes in a maid of honor speech, but how else can I tell the groom what a vast improvement he is over those losers?
  • For those who may not know me, no, I am not the bride’s good-looking sister. I’m her super good-looking best friend.
  • The two of us have stuck together through thick and thin. After today, she has the groom to stick with her through thick.
  • The groom is so wonderful that I didn’t even have to threaten him by saying, “If you hurt her, you’ll have me to deal with!”. I mean, yeah, I did threaten him. I just didn’t have to.
  • I want to thank the bride for including me today. And for inviting her hot cousin who’s on leave from the Marine Corps. Save me a dance, sergeant?
  • When she asked me to be her maid of honor, how could I say no? I mean, there’s an open bar. 
  • Thank you for allowing me to say a few words. Most weddings don’t have a maid of honor speech, so that’s a little preview to who is in charge around here.

hands raised in the air toasting glasses at a wedding.

  • The bride once said she wanted 5 kids. Not sure how many the groom wants. If 10 years from now they have 5 kids, we’ll know who wears the pants in this marriage: No one. 
  • I know the two of you will never have to worry about finances because she’s never going to let you drop $500 on a PS5.
  • The bride is strong-willed and won’t take flak from anyone. After all, I’m the one who told her not to marry this clown, yet here we are today.
  • It’s odd to see the bride sipping water instead of her usual red wine. If you guys want to think it’s because she doesn’t want to stain her dress, then I won’t elaborate.
  • There really is someone out there for everyone. I mean, if this guy can land a hottie like the bride, then there’s hope for the rest of you uggos.
  • I’m so sorry for getting a little choked up. I always get this way after doing body shots out of a groomsmen’s navel.
  • I’ve been given a long list of things that I am not to bring up during this toast. On that note, cheers.
  • This has been such an amazing reception even though I didn’t get any of the bacon-wrapped shrimp.
  • A word of advice: You never need to go to bed angry. Especially in this day and age when you can legally purchase edibles in most states.
  • I promise I will make this short and sweet. I can tell the groom is looking for a good excuse to empty another glass.
  • Some men find it important to marry a woman who takes good care of the home and does the cooking. Some men.
  • I love the bride because she doesn’t care what anyone thinks as evidenced by her wearing white today.
  • I knew the bride was really into this guy when she stopped taking her birth control by the second date.
  • The bride is an amazing woman. When you drink yourself sick, she’ll make sure you’ve had some Gatorade before she laughs at you.
  • At first, I thought the bride just wanted to throw a wedding. Then when I learned that the groom was unemployed, I knew she was doing this for love.
  • It’s sweet to hear everyone wish you happiness today as if you won’t both be at each other’s throats once you have kids.
  • The two of us have so many fond memories together. I’m so happy that she found the person who will hold her hair back after a night of partying for the rest of her life.
  • I lived with the bride back in college. That’s how I know she’ll be a great wife. She won’t get on your case for not cleaning because she is an absolute slob.
  • It is my duty as the maid of honor to ask that gal in the back who wore a white dress, “Who the heck do you think you are?”

bridesmaids kissing brides cheek while holding wine glasses.

  • From this day on, the bride will never have to hide her feelings about how much time the groom spends playing Call of Duty.
  • These two agree on so many things. If they can just figure out whose method of loading dishes is correct, then there’s nothing they can’t achieve.
  • Before we toast, I want to remind everyone who hasn’t gotten them a gift yet that these two were too polite to ask for cash. But I’m not. So yeah, get them cash.
  • The bride has never been one to back away from a challenge. That’s why she married a guy who needs so much work.
  • Your wedding day may seem like the end of a journey, but the truth is your journey is just beginning. Planning the wedding was the easy part.
  • I tried to talk them into running away to marry in Vegas, but these two really wanted to waste a ton of money on overcooked pork medallions. 
  • Today marks the day that the both of you realize all those little annoying quirks you each have are here to stay.
  • From now on, the bride will never have to laugh at the groom’s lame dad jokes. She can roll her eyes with the rest of the world.
  • I pray that years from now, the two of you have a good laugh when you look at the China you never used and remember the argument you had when choosing it.
  • Your marriage marks the day when you finally understand why couples get so excited about weekend trips to Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
  • It takes some nerve for a bride to choose an old college roommate as her maid of honor.
  • I appreciate the couple’s desire to keep costs down, but an outdoor wedding in Phoenix in June is pushing it. 
  • This wedding is a long time coming. They had hoped to marry during the peak of Covid so that they could keep the headcount low.
  • I know the bride just adores the groom. She is marrying him even after meeting his crazy mother.
  • I was a tad nervous to give this toast today, but when I saw that the groom’s dad brought his new 25-year-old girlfriend as his date, I figures there’s nothing I could do to make this more awkward.
  • I want to start by saying that the bride will not be doing a bouquet toss today. She doesn’t want any of you to have to plan a wedding during an international pandemic.
  • The bride looks like an absolute princess today. I sure hope she doesn’t bail by midnight and leave behind one of her expensive shoes.
  • Sorry for the late start today. The bride was not feeling well. She totally wasn’t in the restroom saying “I can’t go through with this” while her mother cried.
  • As most of you know, it is my duty as maid of honor to collect money for those making bets against how long it’ll be before they’re sleeping in separate beds. Over/under is 6 months. 
  • I always knew these two would end up taking that walk down the aisle. Most people thought he’d never propose to the woman who drank herself sick on their first date.

champagne being poured into 3 glasses.

  • The bride and groom are such a great fit. As you can tell by the decorations today, these two are both very, very frugal.
  • Just remember, groom, that you think her little quirks are adorable. You forfeit the right to complain about them when they inevitably get on your nerves.
  • I’m delighted to be here today as the maid of honor. After all, I’m the one who convinced her to go out with the groom in the first place. 
  • I knew it was true love when she learned he was a Steelers fan and wanted to marry him anyway.
  • Irregardless of what the bride told you, me has always been a good public talker.
  • I never thought I’d be here celebrating this marriage. After all, the night they first met, she’d been eyeballing his roommate.
  • When the bride told me she was getting married, I assumed it was because she wanted to throw a party using all those great tips from Pinterest. After meeting the groom, I think I’m right.
  • I am so happy that these two married for love because considering how much time they spend in the sun, their looks will not last.
  • Before we raise our glasses, I promised the groom’s Aunt Pat that I’d announce that she didn’t get any of the sausage-stuffed dates.
  • I want to make sure that everyone has a drink in their hand before I get started. Because if you guys aren’t drunk, then I won’t seem very funny.
  • I know the groom dearly loves the bride because he saw those pictures of her before she lost the weight, and it didn’t scare him off.
  • Most women say they’d love their husbands even if he was chubby and balding. I know that’s true for the bride because he already is.
  • I can’t wait to call you two up in 78 days to tell you that your marriage has outlasted most of the Kardashians’. 
  • When these two first got together, they bought the most adorable dog. I hope I’m on the short list to take him in when they have kids and can’t stand him any longer. 
  • I don’t know the groom that well, but based on his taste in women, he must enjoy Harry Potter and stories about what her cat did this weekend.
  • I’d like all the groom’s friends to know how much the bride enjoys spending time with you. Remember that when he flakes on plans and blames her.
  • I have so enjoyed celebrating with these two today, but I would like to announce that I am busy on whichever weekend you choose to have a gender reveal party.
  • I just know that the groom will make a wonderful father. He already has a terrible sense of humor. 
  • What a lucky man the groom is! He leaves here today with my fantastic friend as his wife. She leaves here today with some flowers that will be dead by morning.
  • These two are such a progressive couple who don’t believe in gender roles. That’s why he does all the cooking and not because she doesn’t even know how to turn on the stove.

No matter what, remember to never embarrass the bride or groom, and keep it about them. Know your audience, so you aren’t left with awkward silences and feeling stupid. The Maid of Honor speech is an honor to give, just make sure the humor matches the tone of the wedding and the audience.

how to write funny wedding speech

Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.

Examples

Wedding Speech

Wedding speech generator.

how to write funny wedding speech

What Is a Wedding Speech?

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Wedding Speech Format

Introduction.

a. Greeting and Welcome: Start by greeting the audience and introducing yourself. Example: “Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Bride’s Name]’s [relation] / [Groom’s Name]’s [relation].” b. Relationship to the Couple: Briefly explain your relationship to the bride and groom. Example: “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing [Bride’s Name] since we were kids, and it’s an honor to stand here today.” c. Expressing Gratitude: Thank the hosts, guests, and anyone who contributed to the wedding. Example: “Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so special, and to all of you for being here to celebrate this joyous occasion.”
a. Sharing Memories: Include personal anecdotes or stories that highlight the character and journey of the bride and groom. Example: “I remember the time when [Bride’s Name] and I… [insert a funny or heartwarming anecdote].” b. Highlighting Qualities: Talk about the qualities that make the bride and groom special individually and as a couple. Example: “What I admire most about [Groom’s Name] is his unwavering loyalty and kind heart. Together, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] are an incredible team.” c. Mutual Love and Respect: Emphasize their love story, how they met, and their journey to this day. Example: “From the moment they met, it was clear that [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] were meant to be. Their journey has been filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.” d. Offering Advice or Wishes: Share some wisdom or advice for a happy marriage, if appropriate. Example: “Remember to always communicate openly, support each other through life’s challenges, and keep laughter at the heart of your relationship.”
a. Summarizing Key Points: Recap the main sentiments and highlights of your speech. Example: “To sum up, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], your love and commitment to each other are truly inspiring.” b. Raising a Toast: Invite everyone to join you in raising a glass to the couple. Example: “Now, if everyone could please raise their glasses… Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and endless adventures together. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]!”

Wedding Speech Example

Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Bride’s Name]’s [relation, e.g., best friend, brother, sister, etc.]. It is an absolute honor to stand before you today on this wonderful occasion. I’d like to start by thanking all of you for being here to celebrate the marriage of [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. Whether you’ve traveled from near or far, your presence means the world to them.” Body: Sharing Memories: “I’ve known [Bride’s Name] for as long as I can remember. From our childhood adventures to late-night talks about our dreams, she has always been an incredibly important part of my life. One of my favorite memories is when we were [insert a funny or heartwarming anecdote, e.g., ‘when we were ten, we decided to bake a cake for our parents. It was a disaster, but we laughed so hard, and it’s a memory I cherish to this day.’]” Highlighting Qualities: “[Bride’s Name] is not only my best friend but also one of the most compassionate, thoughtful, and resilient people I know. She has always had a heart of gold, and she lights up any room she walks into. [Groom’s Name], from the moment I met you, I knew you were the perfect match for [Bride’s Name]. Your kindness, patience, and unwavering support have been evident from the start. Together, you bring out the best in each other, and it’s clear that your love is something truly special.” Mutual Love and Respect: “Their journey together began [insert how many years ago or how they met, e.g., ‘five years ago when they met at a mutual friend’s party’]. From that moment, it was clear that they were meant to be. Their relationship has been filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. Watching your love story unfold has been a privilege, and I know that your future together will be just as beautiful.” Offering Advice or Wishes: “As you embark on this new chapter together, I want to share a few words of wisdom: Always communicate openly and honestly with each other. Be each other’s biggest supporters and celebrate each other’s victories. Keep laughter at the heart of your relationship, and never take each other for granted. Love is a living thing that grows and flourishes with care.” Conclusion: Summarizing Key Points: “To sum up, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], your love and commitment to each other are truly inspiring. Today is a celebration of your journey so far and the beautiful future that lies ahead.” Raising a Toast: “Now, if everyone could please raise their glasses… Here’s to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. May your marriage be filled with endless love, joy, and laughter. May you continue to grow together, building a life rich with beautiful memories and happiness. Here’s to a lifetime of love, companionship, and incredible adventures. Cheers!” Closing: “Thank you all for being here tonight, and let’s continue to celebrate this wonderful couple!”

Short Wedding Speech Example

Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Bride’s Name]’s [relation, e.g., friend, brother, sister]. It’s an honor to stand here today and celebrate the love between [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name].” Body: Sharing Memories: “I’ve known [Bride’s Name] for many years, and one of my favorite memories is [insert a short anecdote, e.g., ‘when we went on a road trip together and ended up getting lost but had the best time laughing and exploring new places.’]” Highlighting Qualities: “[Bride’s Name], you are one of the most kind-hearted and joyful people I know. And [Groom’s Name], from the moment I met you, I could see how perfect you are for [Bride’s Name]. Together, you make an incredible team.” Offering Advice or Wishes: “As you embark on this new journey together, my advice is simple: keep communicating, keep laughing, and never stop supporting each other.” Conclusion: Summarizing Key Points: “Your love for each other is truly inspiring, and I know you have a bright and beautiful future ahead.” Raising a Toast: “Now, if everyone could please raise their glasses… Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and wonderful adventures together. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]! Cheers!” Closing: “Thank you all for being here to celebrate this special day!” This concise speech covers all the essential elements: introduction, personal anecdotes, compliments to the couple, advice, and a toast, making it heartfelt and memorable without taking up too much time.

Additional Tips for a Wedding Speech

  • Speak from the heart and be authentic in your words and emotions.
  • Aim for a speech that is between 5-7 minutes long to maintain the audience’s attention.
  • Mix heartfelt sentiments with light-hearted humor for an engaging and memorable speech.
  • Rehearse your speech multiple times to become comfortable with the content and delivery.
  • Focus on positive, celebratory aspects and avoid controversial topics or negative comments.

More Wedding Speech Examples and Samples

  • Best man speech
  • Father of the Bride Speech
  • Groom wedding speech
  • The Toast Speech on Wedding
  • Traditional wedding toasts
  • Bride to the bridesmaids toast
  • Maid of honour speech
  • Childhood stories Speech for Wedding
  • Mother of the bride Speech
  • Parents of the groom Speech
  • Tell anecdotes about the groom
  • Thank you for supporting our dreams Speech
  • The newlyweds toast Speech
  • Wedding Speech for Best Friend
  • Wedding Speech for Sister
  • Wedding Speech for Brother
  • Father of the Groom Speech
  • Mother of the Groom Speech
  • Bride’s Speech
  • Groom’s Speech
  • Groomsman Speech
  • Wedding Toast Speech
  • Sibling Speech for Wedding
  • Friend of the Couple Speech
  • Grandparent Speech for Wedding
  • Wedding Reception Speech
  • Emcee Speech
  • Thank You for coming Speech for Wedding
  • Wedding Welcome Speech
  • Vows Speech for Wedding
  • Pre-Wedding Dinner Speech
  • Wedding Planner Speech
  • Religious Leader Speech for Wedding
  • Cultural Ceremony Speech for Wedding
  • Destination Wedding Speech
  • Elopement Announcement Speech for Wedding
  • Wedding After-Party Speech
  • Engagement Party Speech
  • Renewal of Vows Speech for Wedding
  • Civil Ceremony Speech for Wedding

Wedding Welcome

Wedding Welcome2

Wedding Anniversary

Wedding Anniversary

Sample Wedding Speech

Sample Wedding Speech

Groom Wedding Speech Guide (PDF)

Groom Wedding Speech1

Short Wedding Speech Guidelines

Short Wedding Speech

How to Write a Wedding Speech

Step 1: let the crowd know you, step 2: plan in advance, step 3: give thanks to everyone, step 4: practice your speech, tips for wedding speech.

Tips for Wedding Speech

1. Know Your Audience

  • Gauge the Mood: Understand the overall vibe of the wedding. Is it formal or casual? Tailor your speech to fit the atmosphere.
  • Consider Relationships: Acknowledge both sides of the family and mutual friends. Make sure to include remarks that will resonate with everyone present.

2. Start with a Strong Opening

  • Introduce Yourself: Briefly introduce yourself and explain your relationship to the couple.
  • Grab Attention: Use a captivating opening line, a heartfelt quote, or a light-hearted joke to draw in your audience.

3. Keep It Personal and Heartfelt

  • Share Memories: Include personal anecdotes that highlight your relationship with the couple. Make sure they are meaningful and appropriate.
  • Express Emotion: Be sincere in your words. Express your genuine feelings about the couple and their union.

4. Include Humor (But Keep It Tasteful)

  • Lighten the Mood: Incorporate some light-hearted jokes or funny stories. Ensure that the humor is appropriate for all ages and doesn’t offend anyone.
  • Balance is Key: Mix humor with heartfelt moments to keep the speech engaging.

5. Focus on the Couple

  • Highlight Their Qualities: Talk about the bride and groom’s best qualities and how they complement each other.
  • Their Journey: Mention significant milestones in their relationship and how they’ve grown together.

6. Offer Good Wishes

  • Future Wishes: Share your hopes and dreams for their future together. This can include advice, blessings, or simply well-wishes for their new journey.

7. Practice Your Delivery

  • Rehearse: Practice your speech several times before the wedding. This helps you become comfortable with the content and delivery.
  • Timing: Aim for a speech that is between 5-7 minutes long. This keeps it concise and avoids losing the audience’s attention.

8. Stay Calm and Confident

  • Breathe: Take deep breaths to calm your nerves before speaking.
  • Pace Yourself: Speak slowly and clearly. Pause for effect and to let your words sink in.
  • Eye Contact: Make eye contact with the audience to engage them and appear confident.

9. End with a Toast

  • Raise a Glass: Conclude your speech by inviting everyone to join you in a toast.
  • Simple and Sincere: Keep the toast short and sincere, wishing the couple happiness, love, and a bright future together.

10. Be Yourself

  • Authenticity: Speak from the heart and be true to your personality. Authenticity resonates well with audiences and makes your speech memorable.

Additional Tips:

  • Avoid Controversial Topics: Steer clear of any potentially divisive or controversial topics.
  • Stay Positive: Keep the tone of your speech positive and celebratory.
  • Hydrate: Drink some water beforehand to keep your throat clear.
  • Notes: It’s okay to have notes, but try not to read directly from them. Use them as a guide to keep you on track.

Uses of Wedding Speech

  • Expressing Gratitude : Wedding speeches are an opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the wedding. This includes parents, family members, friends, and even vendors. Expressing gratitude helps acknowledge their efforts and support, making them feel valued.
  • Sharing Stories and Memories : Speeches at weddings allow speakers to share cherished stories and memories about the couple. These anecdotes can be humorous, touching, or inspiring, adding a personal and intimate element to the celebration.
  • Offering Blessings and Well-Wishes : Wedding speeches often include blessings and well-wishes for the couple’s future. This tradition reinforces the communal support and love surrounding the newlyweds as they embark on their life together.
  • Highlighting Relationships : Through wedding speeches, speakers can highlight the relationships they have with the couple. This could be the bond between parents and their children, the friendship shared with the best man or maid of honor, or the connection with extended family members.
  • Providing Entertainment : Wedding speeches often incorporate humor and heartfelt sentiments, providing entertainment for the guests. A well-delivered speech can evoke laughter and tears, enhancing the emotional impact of the celebration.
  • Setting the Tone for the Event : The tone of wedding speeches can influence the overall atmosphere of the wedding. Speeches that are warm, loving, and sincere can create a joyful and positive environment, contributing to the success of the event.
  • Capturing the Essence of the Couple : Wedding speeches offer a platform to celebrate the unique qualities and journey of the couple. Speakers can reflect on the couple’s story, their strengths, and what makes their relationship special, creating a lasting tribute.
  • Encouraging Social Interaction : Speeches can help break the ice and encourage social interaction among guests who may not know each other well. Personal stories and shared laughter can bring people together, fostering a sense of community.
  • Honoring Traditions : In many cultures, wedding speeches are a significant tradition that adds to the ceremonial aspect of the wedding. Participating in this tradition honors the cultural and familial heritage, adding depth to the celebration.
  • Contributing to Wedding Memories : Speeches are often remembered long after the wedding day. They become part of the couple’s cherished memories, and recordings of these speeches can be revisited in the future, preserving the sentiments expressed.

What is the purpose of a wedding speech?

A wedding speech celebrates the couple, expresses love, and shares memories, adding a personal touch to the wedding ceremony.

Who traditionally gives speeches at weddings?

Traditionally, the best man, maid of honor, bride’s father, and sometimes the couple themselves give speeches.

What is the best way to practice my wedding speech?

Practice your speech by reading it aloud multiple times, recording yourself, and rehearsing in front of friends or family.

How can I make my wedding speech memorable?

Make your speech memorable by being sincere, adding humor, and including personal stories that highlight the couple’s relationship.

What topics should I avoid in a wedding speech?

Avoid controversial topics, inappropriate jokes, ex-relationships, and anything that might embarrass the couple or guests.

How do I start a wedding speech?

Start with a greeting, introduce yourself, and mention your relationship to the couple before sharing your stories and sentiments.

What should be included in a wedding speech?

Include personal anecdotes, heartfelt wishes, gratitude, and a toast to the couple in your wedding speech.

How long should a wedding speech be?

A wedding speech should typically be 5-7 minutes long to keep the audience engaged and the event on schedule.

Can I include quotes in my wedding speech?

Yes, including meaningful quotes or poems can add depth and resonance to your wedding speech.

How can I manage my nerves during a wedding speech?

Manage nerves by practicing thoroughly, taking deep breaths, and focusing on the couple and your message.

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How to write a heartfelt Wedding Speech for a best friend

Crafting a Wedding Speech for your sibling's special day

How to Write a Best Man Speech – Full Template With Examples

groomsman hyping up the groom before giving a formal best man speech

It’s the moment you’ve always been waiting for: your best friend or brother has asked you to be his best man! But as the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. And in your case, that responsibility is writing a truly epic best man speech. To help you with this daunting task, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to give an unforgettable best man speech — plus some examples and templates to get you started!

We get it, public speaking can feel downright terrifying. But when done right, a best man speech will instantly light up a room and earn you allllll the best friend points. No pressure or anything! In this guide, we’re here to help you nail your moment in the spotlight with all the best man speech FAQs, advice, and examples you could ever need. Let’s get into it!

Table of Contents

Best man speech faqs, our best advice for writing the ultimate best man speech, the foolproof best man speech template and examples.

Green Wedding Shoe’s product selections are curated and/or tested by the editorial team and GWS community. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. Please consider shopping through our links if you would like to support GWS!

groomsman giving a best man speech at vintage-inspired summer camp wedding

If you want to write a best man speech that leaves the room in tears (of laughter or joy, take your pick!), the first step is preparation. This isn’t the type of best man duty that you can leave to the morning of the wedding — procrastinators, we’re looking at you!

So, to help you knock it out of the park, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to write an unforgettable best man speech. From the best topics to cover to the best topics to avoid , here are all of our best man speech FAQs!

P.S. This is just an overview to get you started. Keep scrolling for our complete template and examples that you can use to write your own epic best man speech!

Is the best man required to give a speech on the wedding day?

guy wearing black pants and a white button down giving a best man speech at modern industrial wedding at a brewery

As best man, you’re in charge of more than just standing next to the groom (and looking fly) on the big day — you’ve got responsibilities, my friend! And in addition to rocking a great ‘fit , keeping the other groomsmen in check, and getting everyone in the party mood, one of those responsibilities is giving a killer best man speech.

While the best man isn’t required to give a speech on the wedding day, it is a fun tradition that goes back decades. This is your chance to share your love for the newlyweds — and tell a few funny stories about your best friend while you’re at it!

Because of this, the happy couple (and the guests) will likely expect you to stand up and say a few words, but if you’re extra nervous about public speaking, feel free to talk to the love birds about skipping it. They may have another tradition or ritual that you can do instead of a best man speech.

groom surrounded by his groomsman at a desert wedding

Still searching for the perfect ‘fit for the big day? We’ve got you covered with this list of the most stylish suits for groomsmen !

At what point in the wedding day does the best man speech happen?

best man speech at tropical outdoor wedding

Traditionally, the best man speech takes place during the reception after the groom (or couple) has given their toast. This is when everyone is gathered together, the good vibes are rolling, and the drinks are flowing. It’s the perfect time to congratulate the couple and get the party started!

While this is the traditional timing for best man speeches, the couple may have different preferences based on their wedding timeline. It’s always a good idea to check with them ahead of time to ensure you’re fully prepared for your moment in the spotlight.

What kind of topics should you cover in a best man speech?

guy giving a funny best man speech at formal evening wedding

When it comes to best man speeches, there’s no one-size-fits-all formula. Every speech is different, just like every couple is different! But no matter which direction you choose, you want to focus on congratulating the newlyweds and expressing your love for the happy couple.

While you probably have endless crowd-pleasing stories about the groom, it’s also important to spotlight the couple as a whole, instead of writing your entire best man speech about your friend.

Do you have a funny story about the groom asking his S.O. out on their first date? Or a sweet anecdote from when he told you he found “the one?” This approach will help them both feel special on the big day — and earn you brownie points with both sides of the guest list!

P.S. We’ve included more specific examples to write about in your best man speech down below, plus a template to get you started!

What topics are off-limits during a best man speech?

champagne toast after the groomsman gives his best man speech at a backyard wedding

Remember: this a wedding, not a bachelor party! When writing your best man speech, the goal is to keep it classy and appropriate for all ages, while still injecting a bit of your personality into the toast. It’s a delicate balance, so here are a few topics to avoid on the mic!

  • Super personal or embarrassing stories: Sure, you might have some hilarious anecdotes about the groom, but if they might embarrass the couple or their families, then they’re better left unsaid. After all, this is a celebration of love, not a roast!
  • Controversial topics: Whenever you’re giving a speech (and especially at a wedding filled with your best friend’s loved ones), you should avoid anything that could be considered controversial or offensive. This includes jokes or comments about religion, politics, race, gender, or sexuality. Even if you think you’re being funny, you don’t want to risk offending anyone in the audience.
  • Past relationships: If there was ever a time to not talk about an ex, it’s at that person’s wedding. No matter how good the story is, bringing up the couple’s former flames during the best man speech will only ever be awkward when they’re sitting next to you in their wedding best.
  • Inside jokes: The most successful best man speeches are the ones that make the entire audience smile, laugh, or tear up. To keep your speech inclusive and engaging for everyone in the room (not just your friend group), avoid those inside jokes that you “just had to be there” to get.

How long should a best man speech be?

guy holding a margarita while giving a best man speech at romantic formal wedding

For best man speeches that make an impact, shorter is usually better. As a general rule, aim for around 3 to 5 minutes (about 750 words). This is long enough to cover the essentials and tell a few great stories, without losing the audience’s attention. Anything longer, and you might risk people getting distracted or bored — especially if the speeches are taking place later in the evening.

When writing your best man speech, always focus on the quality over the length. With such a short window, you want to make every word count. So practice your delivery, time yourself, and aim for a speech that’s heartfelt, fun, and concise.

When in doubt, aim for a best man speech that’s short and sweet, rather than super long. Attention spans at this point in the wedding day are limited!

Does your best man speech have to be funny?

couple laughing together at a funny best man speech

No, your speech doesn’t have to be funny, and jokes are by no means a requirement. It’s easy to feel pressured to turn your best man speech into a stand-up routine, but this definitely isn’t necessary. If it doesn’t feel natural, then it’s always better to stick with a heartfelt and authentic approach that reflects your unique relationship with the newlyweds.

On the other hand, if you are the class clown of the friend group, then humor is always appreciated! A crowd-pleasing joke or two during your best man speech will keep the good vibes going — just be sure to balance them with sincere and heartfelt sentiments. At the end of the day, you want to be yourself, speak from the heart, and let your personality shine.

Who does the best man thank in his speech?

teenager giving a best man speech at fun colorful wedding

Aside from the anecdotes and words of love, best man speeches should also include a few heartfelt thank you’s. It’s best practice to express your gratitude to the newlyweds, as well as the loved ones who made this day possible. This could be the couple’s parents, their (other) best friends, and anyone else who played a big part in their relationship.

And finally, get the crowd on your side by thanking all the guests for being a part of this special celebration. Without their love and support, the day wouldn’t be complete!

man raising his wine glass for a toast after his fun best man speech

So, where do you start? You don’t have to be a skilled speech writer to write a best man speech that wins over the room. That’s where we come in! We’ve seen our fair share of killer best man speeches, and we’ve made a note of all the do’s and don’ts to follow during your time at the mic.

By the end of the best man speech, the crowd should feel like they know a little bit more about the couple’s love story — and be excited to spend the rest of the night celebrating them (you’re basically their hype man!).

Keep scrolling for our top tips for writing a best man speech that checks off ALL these boxes and more. We see a standing ovation in your future!

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Need a little more confidence for your moment in the spotlight? Finish your look with one of these best cologne options for men , as rated by our GWS readers. Smell good, look good, feel good!

1. Craft an Outline for Your Best Man Speech

guy holding a microphone and looking at the couple while giving his best man speech at a modern barn wedding

One thing you shouldn’t do when giving your best man speech? Wing it. Before you step into the spotlight, spend some time crafting an outline for what you’re going to say.

I know, I know, this tip might be bringing you back to your days in English Lit class. But it’s a surefire way to ensure you cover all the essentials, without rambling on and on. Plus, it could be as simple as writing down each section of your best man speech, plus the main points you want cover in those sections — from the funny intro to your favorite anecdotes to the people you want to thank. Done!

P.S. We’ve included a template down below to make writing an outline for your best man speech a little easier!

2. Consider the Formality of the Wedding When Crafting Your Best Man Speech

best man speech example at mountain elopement ceremony

Not sure which tone to take for your best man speech? Let the formality of the wedding be your guide. For example, a laid-back beach wedding is the perfect opportunity for a funny best man speech filled with witty jokes and wild stories, while a black tie optional affair may call for something a little classier.

The formality of the wedding may also depend on who’s in attendance. A small crowd filled with the couple’s best friends and closest family members will allow for a different type of best man speech than a large guest list that includes their co-workers, neighbors, and distant relatives.

Read the room, and don’t be afraid to ask the love birds beforehand about how formal to make your best man speech.

3. Brainstorm a List of Your Favorite Moments With The Groom and the Couple

best man speech at formal outdoor wedding

How did you first meet the groom? Was there a moment or experience that bonded you together? Were you there when he first laid eyes on his other half? What are your favorite memories with the three of you together?

Do a brain dump of all these moments before writing your best man speech, then sift through them to pick out the best jokes, anecdotes, and sentimental moments to share with the crowd.

4. When Crafting Jokes, Choose Ones That Will Have Wide Appeal

couple laughing at a funny outdoor best man speech

As we mentioned before, the best examples of best man speeches bring the entire crowd in on the joke. You and the couple may have an incredible inside joke that will have you all on the floor, but if it leaves the rest of the room in crickets then this may not be the best time for it.

Instead, choose jokes that everyone will enjoy. If it will make the groom’s grandmother and the flower girl laugh, then you have yourself a winner. And if you do want to include a few inside jokes, balance them with some crowd-pleasing cracks — or give the crowd a little backstory about what makes this joke so funny to the couple.

5. Run Your Best Man Speech By Someone Else in the Wedding Party

guy giving a funny best man speech at formal reception while the couple laughs

So, how do you know if your jokes (or the rest of your best man speech, for that matter) will have widespread appeal? Recruit some test subjects first!

Ask someone that’s close to the couple to listen to your speech before you present it to a room filled with people. This could be a bridesmaid, a fellow groomsmen, or a close family member. These are the people that know the couple just as well as you do (and have some knowledge about the wedding), so they’ll have better insight about what works, and what doesn’t.

Not only will this help ensure that your jokes land, your speech flows, and your anecdotes hit home, but it will also give you a chance to practice speaking in front of other people. Which brings us to our next tip…

6. Practice Your Best Man Speech (And Aim to Put it To Memory!)

guy giving a best man speech at formal outdoor wedding

Before giving your best man speech, be sure to follow the three P’s: practice, practice, practice. Say the speech in front of the mirror, in front of a few friends, or in front of a video camera to gain confidence and get your inflections + hand gestures just right.

You can even do a mini dress rehearsal in your suit to get a feeling for the big moment. Practice your best man speech with a microphone (or a hairbrush!) and imagine you’re in the venue. When you visualize your speech going well, you’ll feel more prepared for the big moment!

We also recommend trying to memorize your best man speech. There’s nothing worse than someone reading from their phone or a stack of notecards — this can make the speech feel stiff and awkward (and doesn’t look great in photos). By memorizing it, you’ll be more present in the moment and the delivery will feel more natural.

GWS Pro Tip: If you struggle to memorize things or want to have a few notes to help with your nerves, then swap your notes app for a classy leather journal instead. This mini one is the perfect pocket size, and it’ll look great in photos!

7. Remember to Breathe and Take it Slow

child holding a microphone and giving a cute best man speech at formal wedding

When you’re nervous, you may want to rush the delivery to get the speech over with as fast as possible. But this will only make you feel more anxious, and it’ll make it harder for the audience to get the full impact of your best man speech.

Before you start talking, take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves. It also helps to focus on taking pauses throughout your best man speech — especially after a good joke. This signals to the audience that it’s time to laugh, and it gives them a moment to let your comic genius sink in.

funny formal best man speech example

Grab your pen and paper — it’s time to start writing your iconic best man speech! To help you create your plan of attack, we’ve designed a template that covers each section of your best man speech, plus specific examples to get you started.

Whether you want your best man speech to be funny, sentimental, or a mix of the two, this template will guide you in the writing and delivery process. From an opener that will get people laughing to a final toast that will inspire tears of joy, we’re covering all the bases.

So without further ado, here’s our template to help you write the best best man speech of all time!

1. Craft an Opener for Your Best Man Speech That Really Hooks Them

best man speech toast at a whimsical outdoor wedding

It’s always best to start your best man speech by introducing yourself — but that doesn’t mean your opener has to be boring! Spice it up with a funny one-liner, a heartfelt quote (this could be from a movie you and the groom love!), or a fun fact about you and the couple.

Don’t forget to keep the focus on the groom (or the couple as a whole), even as you’re introducing yourself. The crowd is here for them , so give the people what they want!

GWS Pro Tip: During this introduction, avoid talking about how nervous you are (even if you’re currently shaking in your dress shoes). Act confident, and you’ll look confident!

Best man speech example that will get everyone laughing: “There comes a time in everyone’s life when they meet their soulmate. The person who will love them and put up with them for the rest of their life. That moment came for [groom] 15 years ago when he met me.”

Best man speech template for a clever one-liner: “Good evening, everyone! I’m [name], [groom]’s best man, and I’m pretty sure I’m only up here because I know where all the embarrassing photos of him are hidden.”

Best man speech example that instantly hooks you: “As [groom’s] brother, I’m here tonight to tell you three things you never knew about [groom]. Sorry in advance mom and dad.”

2. Keep the Mood Light-Hearted With a Crowd-Pleasing Joke

groomsman giving a funny best man speech at a boho wedding

If you didn’t include a joke in your opener, now’s your chance to get the crowd on your side. Remember: your best man speech doesn’t have to be a stand-up act. If you’re not a natural comedian, don’t force it — but a little laughter will go a long way to break the ice and keep spirits high.

When in doubt, balance your joke with some heartfelt sentiments. This will come across as more authentic, especially if you’re not the jokester of the group. Here are some examples you can steal for your best man speech!

Best man speech example for super tall grooms: “I’ve always looked up to [groom]. He follows his heart, he does the right thing, and he works hard at everything he does. But mostly, he’s 6 feet tall, so I have no choice.”

Best man speech example for couples who met online: “Before I continue, I wanted to give a quick shout-out to tonight’s sponsor: Tinder. Without you, we wouldn’t all be here this evening. So cheers to Tinder, and [groom’s partner] swiping right on [groom’s] fishing picture!”

Best man speech example for grooms with a beard: “[Partner’s name], you look beautiful today. [Groom’s name], you didn’t even shave!”

3. Tell One or Two Personal Anecdotes in Your Best Man Speech

groomsman standing at the head. table giving a best man speech at a boho outdoors wedding

Next up: storytime. This is where you should give a little more backstory about how you know the groom, and share some anecdotes that will make the crowd fall even more in love with the couple.

We get it, you probably have hundreds of stories that you could tell about the groom. How will you ever narrow it down?! When choosing which stories to write about in your best man speech, it helps to stick to a theme. This will ensure you stay on track and give your speech a well-rounded feel.

Some fool-proof themes are:

  • What first bonded you together (college antics, brotherhood, coffee, you name it)
  • All the ways the two of you are opposites (this is a fun way to compliment and poke fun at the groom)
  • Funny facts the guests don’t know about the groom or the couple
  • Why the love birds are perfect for each other
  • Inspiring metaphors for marriage (ie: adventure, dreaming big, finding your other half)

Ultimately, you should tell 1 to 3 stories during your best man speech that sum up the kind of person the groom is, and why his partner is his perfect match. Here are a few examples to help you start brainstorming.

Funny best man speech example : “The groom and I have been friends for a long time, and we’ve had some pretty wild adventures together. And while I can’t share all of them here today (for legal reasons), I thought I’d tell you about one that really sticks out in my memory….”

Best man speech example about the couple’s meet-cute: “When [the couple] first met, I knew they were made for each other. It was obvious that first night when we were at a karaoke bar and they both sang Disney songs. Actually, I think the only person who didn’t know was [groom]. We suffered through months of googly eyes and hearing [partner’s name] in every sentence, just waiting for him to catch on. So when he told me that he was going to ask her out — and then, a year later, that he was going to propose — all I could say was: Finally.”

Best man speech template for brothers or childhood friends: “We’ve been through a lot together, but some of my favorite memories are of us camping every summer in Canada. Even though [groom] was always scared of a moose crashing through our tent while we slept, we still had some amazing adventures. From fishing in the lake to roasting marshmallows by the campfire, those summers were unforgettable. And now, as [groom] starts a new adventure with [his partner], I know he’s ready for anything — even a moose!”

4. Balance Your Best Man Speech With Heartfelt Sentiments

guy talking into a microphone in front of a crowd at a rustic cabin venue

Once you’ve told one or two anecdotes, it’s time to dig deep, get heartfelt, and talk about how special the groom is to your life — and how great it is to watch him find his life partner. Don’t be afraid to get a little corny!

While all templates will be different, here are a few key points to cover during this part of the best man speech:

  • Highlight what you love about the groom and admire about his love story
  • Compliment the groom’s other half
  • Express your gratitude to the couple for including you in their celebration
  • Thank anyone else who made this day so special, including the couple’s parents (especially if they’re hosting the wedding) and the other members of the wedding party. You can also shout out the guests in attendance!

Sentimental best man speech example : “[Groom] has always been my partner in crime, my camping buddy, and my best friend. He’s always been the fearless one, and now he’s found a partner who’s just as courageous. I have no doubt that they’ll continue to blaze new trails together and create unforgettable memories along the way.”

Best man speech template for thanking the couple and the guests: “I’d like to thank everyone who came today to celebrate the happy couple. It’s a true testament to [the couple] that you’ve all taken the time to come and witness their marriage. I’d also like the thank the two of you for allowing me to be part of such a special day. That’s a lot of blind faith in my public speaking skills. Especially when there’s an open bar involved.”

Best man speech template for complimenting the love birds: “[The couple] takes hashtag couple goals to a whole new level. They wake up early to go to the gym together, come home and cook healthy meals, and make financially sound decisions for every part of their life. Now that you’re married, you guys can probably stop showing off. But in all seriousness, it’s something special to find your perfect other half. And that’s worth celebrating.”

5. Congratulate the Newlyweds and Wish Them Luck for Their Future

groomsman giving a best man speech at s small outdoor wedding in the mountains while the couple and their child look on

As you wind down your best man speech, be sure to congratulate the couple on their marriage and wish them luck for all their adventures ahead. Instead of giving a quick “congrats,” we love the idea of calling back to a story or joke from earlier in the best man speech. This will tie everything together in a perfect bow!

Heartfelt best man speech congratulations example : “Congrats to the newlyweds. You’ve found someone who loves you for who you are, and that’s a beautiful thing. I know that your marriage will be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of bad dad jokes.”

Best man speech congratulations example for adventurous couples: “Congratulations on finding the person who is game for every adventure that comes your way. I wish you both a lifetime of unconditional love and unforgettable experiences.”

Best man speech congratulations example for an unforgettable quote : “In the words of Forrest Gump, ‘I may not be a smart man, but I know what love is.’ And I’m looking at it today. Congratulations to the happy couple.”

6. Close Your Best Man Speech With a Toast

best man speech toast at a formal outdoor tent wedding

This is your grand finale, so end your best man speech with some fireworks! As you write your final toast, think about what you want your main takeaway to be. Are you hoping for light-hearted laughs, tears of joy, or a resounding “Awwww “? Take some time to write a closing statement that’s short, sweet, and full of love.

GWS Pro Tip: The best toasts invite the crowd to congratulate the couple with you. Use words like “we” and “us” instead of “I” to bring everyone together for this final moment.

Best man speech example for a sweet send-off : “So let’s all raise a glass to the newlyweds. May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day, and may you never run out of things to laugh about. Cheers!”

Best man speech example for a final laugh: “So let’s all raise a glass to the most important people here. The bar staff. [Pause for laughter] For [the couple], cheers to a lifetime of love and laughter!

Best man speech example for all the happy tears: “So let’s raise a glass to [the couple’s] love. John Lennon said, ‘A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.’ Cheers to all your dreams coming true.”

Attending a Few Weddings This Season? Check Out Our Best Guides.

man holding a microphone and giving a sentimental best man speech at a wedding reception

Wedding season is upon us, and we’re here to help you get ready for all those celebrations of love in your future!

To start, show the couple some love with our list of the best wedding gifts that will wow any newlyweds — plus this round-up of epic engagement gifts for love birds who just popped the question.

And if you’re in the process of picking out the perfect ‘fit, make sure you’re sticking to the dress code with our ultimate guide to semi formal attire . We’ve also created black tie optional wedding guide for those fancier affairs!

Did this guide inspire you to create the greatest best man speech of all time? Make sure to get it on video and tag us on Instagram @greenweddingshoes with the final product!

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  1. Funny Wedding Speeches: Examples And Tips

    Funny wedding speeches - are the best way to keep the guests engaged and everyone relaxed and happy. "While you might face some challenges in writing the perfect variant, they are always worth it in the end. First, a funny wedding speech seems shorter than it actually is. Time flies by when the audience is having fun. Second, it's more ...

  2. How to Write a Funny Speech for a Wedding: Tips and Tricks

    The key is to keep the humour affectionate and loving. Of course, you should have a proper heartfelt tribute towards the end of your speech but feel free to have a laugh along the way. Step 2. Ask Lots of Questions. The first thing we do when working with clients is ask them lots of questions.

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    But if, perchance, we ever do, Then here's to me, and to hell with you." "Let's raise our glasses to the two secrets of a long-lasting marriage: a good sense of humor and a short memory." "May ...

  4. How to Write a Funny Wedding Speech

    Insulting someone who's there, even if it's all in good fun, will make people uncomfortable when they're supposed to be celebrating. End on a high note. Even if your speech is 99 percent funny, you'll want to end it on a sentimental note. Wish the couple well, express your love for them and then raise your glass.

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    Funny Wedding Toast Quotes from Famous People. Sometimes celebrities can have wise words to provide the masses. Use one of these famous quotes for your funny wedding toast. 31. "The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret." - Henny Youngman (British-American comedian) 32.

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    End with a toast. Cap off your speech on a fun and sentimental note by ending with an actual toast. Dalo recommends this foolproof example: "Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple. Cheers to X and Y, and best wishes for a lifetime of laughter!" Afterward, go in for a hug with the couple, making for the perfect photo op!

  7. How to Write a Funny Wedding Speech

    A funny wedding speech is a speech given during a wedding reception with the intention of making the guests laugh. To make your wedding speech funny, you can include jokes, anecdotes about the newlyweds, funny quotes or poems, or even use light-hearted teasing. Remember, any teasing should always be in good faith and with the express permission ...

  8. How To Write A Funny Wedding Speech Everyone Will Love

    The father of the bride's speech should be similar to the best man's speech, but it should take on something of a paternal tone. Acknowledgments are really important. Thank people by name (if, for example, some relative flew in from the ends of the Earth to attend the wedding) Acknowledge family members who passed on.

  9. Funny Wedding Speech Examples

    If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher."—Socrates. "Nobody will ever win the battle of the sexes. There's too much fraternizing with the enemy."-Henry Kissinger. "The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret."-Henry Youngman. "I'm so glad we all had a night to rehearse getting drunk for the wedding ...

  10. How to Write a Wedding Speech: Examples, Tips, and Advice

    So, my beautiful daughter, as you begin your life with Kristin today, I have one wish for you: May your warmest memories come from the ordinary moments throughout your marriage, and may those ...

  11. How to Write Your Bride Speech With Examples & Tips

    Thank Your Guests. The first step when it comes to how to write a killer bride speech: thank your favorite people! The room is filled with loved ones who put in the time, money and effort to support you on your special day, so the first words you say should be a big, heartfelt "thank you." 2. Shout-Out Your VIPs.

  12. 9 Tips for How to Write a Funny Wedding Speech

    Tip #2: Rely on Funny Stories. The best way to show humor through a wedding speech is to tell a funny story. This way you don't have to worry about quick-witted one-liners or risk sounding cheesy. Plus, truly impactful wedding speeches include great storytelling. So consider telling one to three short stories and focus on light-hearted ones.

  13. 3 Expert Tricks For Writing A FUNNY Wedding Speech!

    Three (3) comedy writing tricks that will help you write a unique, heartfelt and funny wedding speech! 📌 WATCH NEXT: Easy Outline For A PERFECT Wedding Spe...

  14. How To Write A Wedding Speech

    How To Write A Wedding Speech - With Examples! January 15, 2023 Beth Sherman. A step by step outline for what to say in your best man, maid of honor, father of the bride, father of the groom, mother of the groom, or mother of the bride speech. Use it to write a heartfelt and funny wedding speech!

  15. How To Make Your Wedding Speech Funny

    Start early with the humour. 'As soon as you make your guests laugh, they'll feel in safe hands', says Heidi. 'Try to get some humour into your first few opening lines of your speech and you'll be able to relax into the rest of the speech quicker'. Make sure you punctuate the rest of your speech with comedic lines too.

  16. 30 Best Funny Opening Lines for Wedding Speeches

    25 Funny Opening Lines for Wedding Speeches. Note: [Name] can indicate yourself, the bride/groom, the couple as a whole, or another member of the bridal party! 1. "Gosh, what an emotional day it's been. Even the cake is in tiers!" 2. "Hi everyone! I'm [Name] and it's time for me to give the speech I frantically scribbled down 15 ...

  17. How to write a funny wedding speech

    Keep it short, but don't waste any words. Start by 'building a bridge' with your audience. Establish some common ground and get them on your side. Practice, practice and then practice some more! Thank you to Peter Edge for his fantastic wedding speech advice. Find out more or hire Peter as a speaker or consultant here.

  18. How to Write a Wedding Speech: 13 Steps (with Pictures)

    Remember, the focus of your speech is the married couple. 2. Open with a joke. Start by telling a joke or recalling a humorous anecdote to loosen up the crowd (and yourself. Humor is very disarming, so getting everyone laughing right off the bat can help dispel some of the nerves of giving a speech.

  19. 25 Funny Opening Lines for Wedding Speeches

    " I wanted to start my speech with a joke, but I couldn ' t find one that was appropriate for a wedding. So, I ' ll just say congratulations! " 3. " If I had a dollar for every time I ' ve heard a wedding speech, I ' d be rich. " 4. " I ' ve been told I have to give a speech, so here goes nothing. " #5. " I ' m not ...

  20. How to Write a Funny Wedding Speech for a Sister's Wedding

    Although non-traditional, crafting a light-hearted wedding speech for your sister will be a happy and memorable part of the wedding reception, so it's important you get it right. The speech should last anywhere between 5-7 minutes and be a balance of well-meaning humour, nostalgia, and well-wishes for the health and happiness of the newlyweds.

  21. 100 Funny Maid Of Honor Speech Examples To Steal ...

    I will always be a sister to you. Unlike your actual sister who is already vomiting in the ladies' room. I am beyond thrilled to be the one you chose to lift your dress so you can pee. When she first asked me to be her maid of honor, I said no. I didn't think they were a good fit.

  22. Wedding Speech

    9. End with a Toast. Raise a Glass: Conclude your speech by inviting everyone to join you in a toast. Simple and Sincere: Keep the toast short and sincere, wishing the couple happiness, love, and a bright future together. 10. Be Yourself. Authenticity: Speak from the heart and be true to your personality.

  23. How to Write a Best Man Speech

    The bar staff. [Pause for laughter] For [the couple], cheers to a lifetime of love and laughter! Best man speech example for all the happy tears: "So let's raise a glass to [the couple's] love. John Lennon said, 'A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.'.

  24. Craft a Memorable Father of the Bride Speech with Our Guide

    The father of the bride speech is essential to any wedding, but getting it right can be daunting. You want to strike the perfect balance between humor, emotion, and sincerity while avoiding cringe ...