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Groom Speech Guide

Groom Speech Guide

5 min read

Updated June 2023

Craft a memorable groom speech that expresses your gratitude and love. Our comprehensive guide provides structure, examples, and expert delivery tips.

Groom delivering a heartfelt speech at a wedding

Quick Summary

As the groom, your wedding speech is a significant moment where you publicly express gratitude to those who made your day special and, most importantly, honor your new spouse. Traditionally, the groom's speech follows the father of the bride and precedes the best man's speech. Your words should reflect your personality while addressing key elements: welcoming guests, thanking both families, celebrating your new spouse, acknowledging the wedding party, and looking forward to your future together. This guide will help you craft a speech that strikes the perfect balance between heartfelt sentiment and appropriate humor.

Key Takeaways

  • Express sincere gratitude to everyone who made the day possible
  • Speak from the heart when talking about your bride
  • Keep your speech to 5-7 minutes maximum
  • Practice several times to ensure smooth delivery
  • Balance humor with heartfelt sentiment

Introduction

Your wedding day is a momentous occasion, and as the groom, you have the privilege and responsibility of delivering one of the most anticipated speeches of the event. While this might seem daunting, especially if public speaking isn't your forte, your groom's speech is an opportunity to express gratitude and share your joy with the people who matter most in your life.

The groom's speech traditionally follows the father of the bride's speech and comes before the best man takes the microphone. This positioning is significant as it allows you to respond to any comments or anecdotes shared by your new father-in-law and set the tone before your best man potentially introduces some humor (or embarrassing stories).

Traditional Responsibilities

While wedding traditions continue to evolve, the groom's speech typically addresses several key responsibilities:

  • Thanking guests for attending and sharing in your celebration
  • Expressing gratitude to both families, especially your new in-laws
  • Acknowledging and thanking the wedding party for their support
  • Responding to the father of the bride's speech (if applicable)
  • Complimenting your new spouse and expressing your love
  • Proposing a toast to the bridesmaids/wedding party

These elements form the foundation of a traditional groom's speech, but remember that this is your moment to speak from the heart. The most memorable speeches are those that feel genuine and personal rather than rigidly adhering to convention.

Speech Structure

A well-structured groom's speech flows naturally while covering all the important elements. Here's an effective framework to help you organize your thoughts:

Introduction & Welcome

Begin by introducing yourself (though this is usually obvious), welcome the guests, and express how happy you are that everyone could join you on this special day.

Good evening everyone. For those who don't know me, I'm James, the lucky man who just married the beautiful Sarah. On behalf of my wife and I—and wow, it feels amazing to say that—we want to thank you all for being here today to celebrate with us. Seeing so many friends and family gathered in one place means the world to us...

Thank Your New In-Laws

Express gratitude to your new in-laws for welcoming you into their family and for raising your amazing bride. Thank them for their support, both emotional and possibly financial, in bringing the wedding day together.

To Robert and Mary, my wonderful new in-laws—thank you for welcoming me into your family with open arms. The warmth and love you've shown me means more than I can express. And of course, thank you for raising the incredible woman who is now my wife. I promise to cherish and care for her every day...

Talk About Your Bride

This is where you speak from the heart about your bride—how you met, why you fell in love with her, and what she means to you. Share what makes her special and how she's changed your life for the better.

Sarah, from the moment we met at John's New Year's party three years ago, I knew there was something special about you. I was drawn to your infectious laugh, your kindness toward everyone you meet, and yes, the way you confidently told me I was completely wrong about which Beatles album was the best. Your passion, intelligence, and caring nature continue to amaze me every day. You've made me a better person, and I fall more in love with you as each day passes...

Thank Your Family & Wedding Party

Acknowledge your own parents and family for their love and guidance throughout your life. Thank your best man, groomsmen, and other members of the wedding party for their support throughout the wedding planning process and on the big day.

To my parents, David and Linda—thank you for your unconditional love, for teaching me the values that have guided me through life, and for your unwavering support. I wouldn't be the man I am today without you both. To my best man, Mike, and all my groomsmen—thanks for keeping me sane during the planning process, for organizing an unforgettable bachelor party, and for standing by my side today. Your friendship means everything to me...

Closing Toast

Conclude your speech by looking to the future and inviting everyone to toast to your marriage. Express your excitement for the life you're about to build together with your bride.

Today marks the beginning of our greatest adventure together, and I couldn't ask for a better partner to share it with. Sarah, I vow to love you, support you, and be your biggest fan for all the days of our lives. Thank you for making me the happiest man alive. Everyone, please raise your glasses and join me in a toast to my beautiful wife and our future together. To Sarah, and to love that grows stronger with each passing day!

The Do's and Don'ts

Follow these guidelines to ensure your speech hits all the right notes while avoiding common pitfalls.

DO

  • Thank everyone for attending, especially those who traveled far
  • Express gratitude to both sets of parents for their support
  • Compliment your bride with sincerity and love
  • Thank your groomsmen, best man, and wedding party
  • Acknowledge vendors and wedding planners who made the day possible
  • End with a heartfelt toast to your bride and your future together

DON'T

  • Drink too much before your speech
  • Share inappropriate stories or inside jokes
  • Mention ex-partners or past relationships
  • Use generic wedding speech templates without personalization
  • Forget to thank important people who contributed to the wedding
  • Make the speech too long – aim for 5-7 minutes maximum

Finding the Right Tone

The most successful groom speeches strike a balance between heartfelt sincerity and light humor. Here's how to find the right tone for your speech:

  • Be authentic: Speak in your natural voice and style—your guests are there to hear from you, not a wedding speech template.
  • Use appropriate humor: A few gentle jokes can lighten the mood, but ensure they're tasteful and inclusive.
  • Show emotion: Don't be afraid to show how much the day means to you—genuine emotion resonates with everyone.
  • Consider your audience: Remember you're speaking to a diverse group, from grandparents to college friends, so keep your content appropriate for all.
  • Focus on gratitude: A tone of appreciation for everyone who made the day possible creates a warm atmosphere.

Remember that while humor can be wonderful, the most memorable part of your speech will likely be the heartfelt words you share about your new spouse and the journey you're beginning together.

Handling Nerves

Even the most confident speakers can feel nervous when addressing a room full of wedding guests. Here are strategies to help you manage pre-speech anxiety:

  • Prepare thoroughly: Write your speech well in advance and practice it multiple times.
  • Use notes: Having bullet points or even your full speech on hand provides security (no one will mind).
  • Practice delivery: Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself, or practice with a trusted friend.
  • Stay hydrated: Have water available, but moderate your alcohol intake before speaking.
  • Use deep breathing: Take slow, deep breaths before starting to calm your nervous system.
  • Remember your audience: These are your loved ones who are rooting for you to succeed.

If you're particularly anxious about public speaking, consider starting your speech by acknowledging it briefly—this often helps relieve pressure and connects you with your audience. Remember that a few nervous moments won't detract from the sincerity of your message.

Delivery Tips

How you deliver your speech is just as important as what you say. These tips will help ensure your message comes across clearly and memorably:

  • Speak slowly and clearly: Nerves often make us rush—consciously pace yourself.
  • Project your voice: Ensure everyone can hear you, especially in larger venues.
  • Make eye contact: Connect with different people around the room, especially your spouse.
  • Use natural pauses: Brief pauses after important points allow your words to sink in.
  • Hold the microphone properly: About 6 inches from your mouth, not too close or too far.
  • Stand tall: Good posture projects confidence and helps your voice carry.

Before you begin, make sure your glass is filled for the toast at the end. If you'll be using notes, position them so you can glance down easily without losing your place. And most importantly, remember to smile—your happiness on this special day is what everyone wants to see.

Conclusion

Your groom's speech is a wonderful opportunity to publicly express your love and gratitude on one of the most important days of your life. While the prospect might seem daunting, remember that sincerity matters more than perfection. Your guests aren't expecting a professional public speaker—they want to hear your authentic thoughts and feelings as you begin this new chapter.

By following the structure and guidelines in this guide, you'll create a speech that hits all the right notes while remaining uniquely yours. And if you're finding it challenging to put your feelings into words, our AI speech generator can help you craft a personalized speech that captures your voice and sentiments perfectly, giving you one less thing to worry about as your wedding day approaches.

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