A wedding speech or toast is an incredible opportunity to share heartfelt words, stories, and advice with the couple and the guests on their special day. Crafting a wedding speech that strikes the right balance between humor, sentimentality, and sincerity can seem daunting, but by following a simple structure, you can deliver a speech that will leave a lasting impression.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you write a wedding speech that flows naturally and connects with your audience.

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1. Welcome & Introduction

Start by welcoming everyone and introducing yourself. This sets the tone and helps the audience understand your connection to the couple. Keep it short and light, but engaging.

Example: “Good evening, everyone! I’m [your name], [your relationship to the couple]. It’s such an honor to be standing here today to celebrate this beautiful couple.”

This part is your chance to get everyone’s attention, so speak clearly, smile, and set the stage for the heartfelt words to come. I highly recommend avoiding the phrase “for those of you who don’t know me.” There’s a pretty good chance at least half of the guests don’t know you. This phrase is used at almost every wedding I’ve photographed. If you want to use this phrase, maybe make a joke. “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m sorry you’re missing out. For those of you who do know me, can you believe the bride and groom trusted me with the microphone.”

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2. The History

Share a little background about your relationship with the couple or the bride/groom specifically. This could be how you met them or a defining moment in your friendship. It helps personalize your speech and gives the audience some context.

Example: “I’ve known [the bride/groom] for [number of years], and from the moment we met, I knew we’d be lifelong friends. We’ve shared so many incredible memories, like [mention a memorable experience].”

This is also a great spot to mention the first time you heard about their partner. Talk about how they described them, and hint at the love story that was just beginning.

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3. Funny or Sweet Story

At this point, you can bring in a funny or sweet story about the couple. Keep it light and appropriate for a mixed audience of family and friends. This is your chance to make everyone smile or laugh. A little embarrassing is okay, but remember the bride and groom’s grandparents are listening so don’t abuse the power of the microphone.

Example: “I remember when [the bride/groom] first told me about [spouse’s name]. I wasn’t sure how serious it was at first, but [he/she] kept mentioning [spouse’s name]. My favorite story of them together has to be the time [insert funny or heartwarming anecdote].”

The key here is to choose a story that reflects their personality or relationship dynamic. It could be something quirky, a charming inside joke, or a moment that reveals how perfect they are for each other. If you don’t have as many memories with the couple together, share a story about the bride or groom that highlights why they are such an important part of your life.

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4. The Spouse

Now, shift your focus to the spouse and say something lovely about them. This can be about how they complement your friend/family member or a trait you admire in them. Remember we are celebrating the bride and the groom and even if you don’t know the spouse that well, there’s something you can mention about them!

Example: “[Spouse’s name], I’ve watched you and [bride/groom] grow together, and it’s clear how deeply you care for each other. Your [mention specific qualities, like kindness or sense of humor] is exactly what [bride/groom] needed.”

Acknowledging the spouse’s positive traits shows your approval and support, making the moment more touching.

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5. Advice or Best Wishes

This is the moment where you offer advice, a piece of wisdom, or simply your best wishes for the couple’s future. Make it personal and heartfelt.

Example: “As someone who knows both of you, my advice is to always make time for each other, even when life gets busy. Never stop laughing together and always remember what brought you together in the first place.”

If you prefer, you can skip the advice and go straight to offering best wishes:
“I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, adventure, and love as strong as the day you said ‘I do.'”

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6. Conclusion

To wrap things up, bring the speech to a close with a simple yet powerful sentiment. End with a toast to the couple, inviting everyone to raise their glasses.

Example: “So, here’s to [bride] and [groom]! May your love continue to grow, may your adventures be endless, and may you always find joy in each other’s company. Cheers!”

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Final Tips:

• Keep your speech around 5 minutes or less.
• Practice ahead of time to make sure you’re comfortable with the flow.
• Stay genuine, speak from the heart, and enjoy the moment!
• PRINT YOUR SPEECH OUT. Don’t hold your iPhone! Trust me on this one.

With this structure in hand, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a wedding speech that the couple and their guests will remember for years to come!

Check out more wedding planning tips from Annika! Annika is a wedding photographer based in Madison, Wisconsin. Contact Annika to capture your wedding day celebrations.