Writing a grooms speech
Discussion
I'm getting married in August.
I need to start writing my speech, with some ideas around content bubbling away.
I've never been married before, so almost am not knowing where to start!
Can anyone please give me some pointers on the 'rules' - should any exist, along with other such things like -
How long should it be
How should I recite it, cards, script, etc
What humour is acceptable to be included, and at whom (I know to not make references to bride and our sex life, of course!)
Who needs thanking, and who doesn't - obviously accepting I can make this a choice to some extent
Any things that shouldn't be said, or which are regarded as off limits?
It sounds pathetic, but I'm bricking getting it wrong! Also, whilst I am very confident in a selling environment, face to face or on the phone, I go to mush talking to an audience.
Any pointers most welcome.
I need to start writing my speech, with some ideas around content bubbling away.
I've never been married before, so almost am not knowing where to start!
Can anyone please give me some pointers on the 'rules' - should any exist, along with other such things like -
How long should it be
How should I recite it, cards, script, etc
What humour is acceptable to be included, and at whom (I know to not make references to bride and our sex life, of course!)
Who needs thanking, and who doesn't - obviously accepting I can make this a choice to some extent
Any things that shouldn't be said, or which are regarded as off limits?
It sounds pathetic, but I'm bricking getting it wrong! Also, whilst I am very confident in a selling environment, face to face or on the phone, I go to mush talking to an audience.
Any pointers most welcome.
If your not naturally gifted, keep it short. 5 mins is plenty long enough.
Reading from cards isn't great from the audience point of view, you want to be looking and addressing them, but have the cards handy in case you get lost. Practise practise practise is the order of the day.
Loads of ideas on the web re jokes/format and stuff, do some goggling.
Reading from cards isn't great from the audience point of view, you want to be looking and addressing them, but have the cards handy in case you get lost. Practise practise practise is the order of the day.
Loads of ideas on the web re jokes/format and stuff, do some goggling.
Definitely not an expert, but a few suggestions:
- Don't write your speech but have cue cards - definitely worth practising in front of the mirror if you're not sure what you're going to say
- Remember to say the bridesmaids and your wife look lovely
- Thank the people who made the day happen (if there are lots be generic - "you know who you are" ;-))
- Keep it short and snappy (you are not as funny as you think you are
) and if you tell stories, ensure they are tasteful, succinct and have a punch line - I once sat through 15 minutes of a best man "testing" the groom on the local Chinese menu
- Don't worry, be happy
Chris
- Don't write your speech but have cue cards - definitely worth practising in front of the mirror if you're not sure what you're going to say
- Remember to say the bridesmaids and your wife look lovely
- Thank the people who made the day happen (if there are lots be generic - "you know who you are" ;-))
- Keep it short and snappy (you are not as funny as you think you are
) and if you tell stories, ensure they are tasteful, succinct and have a punch line - I once sat through 15 minutes of a best man "testing" the groom on the local Chinese menu- Don't worry, be happy
Chris
I actually got a huge b
king off S a few months ago, when the car was having it's discs done.
Her and the receptionist were chatting wedding stuff, and she asked if she'd chosen the bridesmaids outfits. S replied, I can't talk about that in front of Rob, he doesn't know the colour scheme. I replied, 'I don't care, as long as they're wearing something tight'
If they ARE wearing something tight I'll be royally fked saying the bridesmaids look nice 
king off S a few months ago, when the car was having it's discs done. Her and the receptionist were chatting wedding stuff, and she asked if she'd chosen the bridesmaids outfits. S replied, I can't talk about that in front of Rob, he doesn't know the colour scheme. I replied, 'I don't care, as long as they're wearing something tight'
If they ARE wearing something tight I'll be royally f
ked saying the bridesmaids look nice Learn what you want to say, don't read from a script. Have a single post card sized crib sheet if you need it. What looks better - someone head up just speaking, or someone head down hesitantly reading from sttily folded bit of A4.
Everyone there is on your side, so no need to be nervous. But don't drink too much before the speech.
It's not the grooms job to be funny, you're there for admin - thank people, hand out flowers etc. But you can chuck a couple of gentle things in there.
ttily folded bit of A4.Everyone there is on your side, so no need to be nervous. But don't drink too much before the speech.
It's not the grooms job to be funny, you're there for admin - thank people, hand out flowers etc. But you can chuck a couple of gentle things in there.
My advice to inexperienced speakers is simply: aim low, don't miss. Make it really easy for yourself, and dont worry about entertaining everyone. What will work is simplicity and sincerity. So:
- keep it short, as noone was ever disappointed by a short speech
- write it out in full and read it if you feel that Will help ensure you say exactly what you want to
- say thank you to all involved: parents, organisers, guests who've come a long way, caterers etc (not bridesmaids though - that's the best man's job)
- pay some sincere compliments to your wife (since that's really all people want to hear).
Plus start with the line that always get a cheer at the beginning of a Grooms speech: "Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to say a few things on behalf of myself and my wife..."
Good luck!
- keep it short, as noone was ever disappointed by a short speech
- write it out in full and read it if you feel that Will help ensure you say exactly what you want to
- say thank you to all involved: parents, organisers, guests who've come a long way, caterers etc (not bridesmaids though - that's the best man's job)
- pay some sincere compliments to your wife (since that's really all people want to hear).
Plus start with the line that always get a cheer at the beginning of a Grooms speech: "Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to say a few things on behalf of myself and my wife..."
Good luck!
Got married in March.
I'm really not one for public speaking. I was bricking it. Wrote the speech about 3 days before the wedding. There was no way I was going to remember whole sentences from cue cards so typed it all out on A4 in about 30 point font so I could read it without having it infront of my face.
Properly stting it as the Father in Law handed me the mic following his 12 min lecture. Got the fist 10 secs out the way and the weight just lifted off me and got through the rest of it with a smile on my face. All 3 mins of it 
By all accounts it was a decent speech, quite surprised a few people who know I'm not one for words. Had everyone laughing and some of the wimmins crying when I was talking about the wife. One of my groomsmen even asked me for a copy for him to work his own grooms speech from a month later.
I started off with a quick friendly joke about the Father in Law as he handed me the mic then thanked guests for coming. Quick thanks to everyone who made the day possible, singled out a couple of people who had put extra special effort in. Said Bride and bridesmaids looked good, toasted them. Then moved on to a quick paragraph about our life together. Then a bit about what I was looking for in a wife and how she was it followed by a couple of little jokes about her and finished off with a toast to bride before handing over to best man.
The only person who didnt seem to love it was my Mother who got upset that I hadnt specifically thanked her even tough she had done nothing but hinder the wedding (see my topic on here!).
Anyway good luck with it, its not as bad as you think its going to be. They are all your friends there who will laugh and cry along with you, nobody there wants you to feel crap or fail.
If you need help there are plenty of guided on google, thats how I got the structure for mine.
I'm really not one for public speaking. I was bricking it. Wrote the speech about 3 days before the wedding. There was no way I was going to remember whole sentences from cue cards so typed it all out on A4 in about 30 point font so I could read it without having it infront of my face.
Properly s
tting it as the Father in Law handed me the mic following his 12 min lecture. Got the fist 10 secs out the way and the weight just lifted off me and got through the rest of it with a smile on my face. All 3 mins of it By all accounts it was a decent speech, quite surprised a few people who know I'm not one for words. Had everyone laughing and some of the wimmins crying when I was talking about the wife. One of my groomsmen even asked me for a copy for him to work his own grooms speech from a month later.
I started off with a quick friendly joke about the Father in Law as he handed me the mic then thanked guests for coming. Quick thanks to everyone who made the day possible, singled out a couple of people who had put extra special effort in. Said Bride and bridesmaids looked good, toasted them. Then moved on to a quick paragraph about our life together. Then a bit about what I was looking for in a wife and how she was it followed by a couple of little jokes about her and finished off with a toast to bride before handing over to best man.
The only person who didnt seem to love it was my Mother who got upset that I hadnt specifically thanked her even tough she had done nothing but hinder the wedding (see my topic on here!).
Anyway good luck with it, its not as bad as you think its going to be. They are all your friends there who will laugh and cry along with you, nobody there wants you to feel crap or fail.
If you need help there are plenty of guided on google, thats how I got the structure for mine.
RB Will said:
Got married in March.
I'm really not one for public speaking. I was bricking it. Wrote the speech about 3 days before the wedding. There was no way I was going to remember whole sentences from cue cards so typed it all out on A4 in about 30 point font so I could read it without having it infront of my face.
Properly stting it as the Father in Law handed me the mic following his 12 min lecture. Got the fist 10 secs out the way and the weight just lifted off me and got through the rest of it with a smile on my face. All 3 mins of it
By all accounts it was a decent speech, quite surprised a few people who know I'm not one for words. Had everyone laughing and some of the wimmins crying when I was talking about the wife. One of my groomsmen even asked me for a copy for him to work his own grooms speech from a month later.
I started off with a quick friendly joke about the Father in Law as he handed me the mic then thanked guests for coming. Quick thanks to everyone who made the day possible, singled out a couple of people who had put extra special effort in. Said Bride and bridesmaids looked good, toasted them. Then moved on to a quick paragraph about our life together. Then a bit about what I was looking for in a wife and how she was it followed by a couple of little jokes about her and finished off with a toast to bride before handing over to best man.
The only person who didnt seem to love it was my Mother who got upset that I hadnt specifically thanked her even tough she had done nothing but hinder the wedding (see my topic on here!).
Anyway good luck with it, its not as bad as you think its going to be. They are all your friends there who will laugh and cry along with you, nobody there wants you to feel crap or fail.
If you need help there are plenty of guided on google, thats how I got the structure for mine.
Nice post, thanks. And I did follow the thread in question, what a debacle, she was lucky to attend, and I got the impression she'd never be fully happy! I'm really not one for public speaking. I was bricking it. Wrote the speech about 3 days before the wedding. There was no way I was going to remember whole sentences from cue cards so typed it all out on A4 in about 30 point font so I could read it without having it infront of my face.
Properly s
tting it as the Father in Law handed me the mic following his 12 min lecture. Got the fist 10 secs out the way and the weight just lifted off me and got through the rest of it with a smile on my face. All 3 mins of it By all accounts it was a decent speech, quite surprised a few people who know I'm not one for words. Had everyone laughing and some of the wimmins crying when I was talking about the wife. One of my groomsmen even asked me for a copy for him to work his own grooms speech from a month later.
I started off with a quick friendly joke about the Father in Law as he handed me the mic then thanked guests for coming. Quick thanks to everyone who made the day possible, singled out a couple of people who had put extra special effort in. Said Bride and bridesmaids looked good, toasted them. Then moved on to a quick paragraph about our life together. Then a bit about what I was looking for in a wife and how she was it followed by a couple of little jokes about her and finished off with a toast to bride before handing over to best man.
The only person who didnt seem to love it was my Mother who got upset that I hadnt specifically thanked her even tough she had done nothing but hinder the wedding (see my topic on here!).
Anyway good luck with it, its not as bad as you think its going to be. They are all your friends there who will laugh and cry along with you, nobody there wants you to feel crap or fail.
If you need help there are plenty of guided on google, thats how I got the structure for mine.
Op,
First thing - you're groom. You could stand up, and just do a big fact and you've still got 60% of visitors on your side, minimum.
There are no rules. Than who you want to thank, it's traditional to give a toast to the bridesmaids, but if your fiancee's uncle ted made it happen, sod it toast him instead.
When I did mine, I used prompt cards. If yoiu wish,write a full speech but if yiujust read it out you'll lack eye contact with people and sound like you're reading one you prepared earlier. With prompts, you have something to fall back on but have that natural aspect to your chat.
One thing - I've presented to groups a lot. I no longer get too nervy doing it (but my most nearby presentation ever was my own wedding speech). At work, I'm confident because I know more than those I'm presenting to. I forgot that in the RU up to my own wedding. No-one knows wor lass like I do. My speech is really for her, sodthe rest of em. Make her smile and job is a good un.
First thing - you're groom. You could stand up, and just do a big fact and you've still got 60% of visitors on your side, minimum.
There are no rules. Than who you want to thank, it's traditional to give a toast to the bridesmaids, but if your fiancee's uncle ted made it happen, sod it toast him instead.
When I did mine, I used prompt cards. If yoiu wish,write a full speech but if yiujust read it out you'll lack eye contact with people and sound like you're reading one you prepared earlier. With prompts, you have something to fall back on but have that natural aspect to your chat.
One thing - I've presented to groups a lot. I no longer get too nervy doing it (but my most nearby presentation ever was my own wedding speech). At work, I'm confident because I know more than those I'm presenting to. I forgot that in the RU up to my own wedding. No-one knows wor lass like I do. My speech is really for her, sodthe rest of em. Make her smile and job is a good un.
I have done a best mans speech and a grooms speech. I was actually more nervous during he grooms speech. Thank everyone that helped, tell a story of how you proposed and how much you think of your wife, hand over to best man for the funny stuff. It's not that hard but it is nerve wracking as you're in front of everyone you know. I chose to do it before dinner so I could relax afterwards. Everyone will love it and you. Have a great day.
Firstly decide if you are happy getting up in front of an audience & talking or not. If not :
You are not supposed to entertain, thats the best mans job.
- stand up
- comment on your beautiful bride
- thank the parents
- thank the bridesmaids
- thank the best man
- thank anyone else
- shut-up
- sit down
You are not supposed to entertain, thats the best mans job.
Keep it short and sweet.
Keep your head up and don't mumble.
Top Tip: Make eye contact with people right at the back of the room and speak so that they can hear you.
This will help you project your voice and make you appear confident even if you're bricking it.
Make your bride proud of you.
Enjoy yourself.
I wish you both the best of luck, good fortune, good health, and a long and happy marriage.
Keep your head up and don't mumble.
Top Tip: Make eye contact with people right at the back of the room and speak so that they can hear you.
This will help you project your voice and make you appear confident even if you're bricking it.
Make your bride proud of you.
Enjoy yourself.
I wish you both the best of luck, good fortune, good health, and a long and happy marriage.
It's all been said in various posts but:
Don't get drunk beforehand - I would save the first pint until after the speech if you are nervous
Keep it short
Keep it factual
Don't make gags
Also -- nobody comes to a wedding to hear a cringeworthy "laddish" best man's speech - make sure that you have someone sensible.
Don't get drunk beforehand - I would save the first pint until after the speech if you are nervous
Keep it short
Keep it factual
Don't make gags
Also -- nobody comes to a wedding to hear a cringeworthy "laddish" best man's speech - make sure that you have someone sensible.
If using a PA system and a microphone, hold the mic about 6" away from your mouth and about level with your chin . Slow your speech down and speak clearly towards the back of the room ,if not using a mic talk to the back of the room with your head up this will help you to project your vioce .
The best opening line that I have ever heard is "Ladies and Gentleman it gives me great pleasure and has done since I was 14"
Thank all the usual suspects compliment the bridesmaids praise your new bride and the jobs a good un .
Sit down and enjoy the best man trying to be funny .
The best opening line that I have ever heard is "Ladies and Gentleman it gives me great pleasure and has done since I was 14"
Thank all the usual suspects compliment the bridesmaids praise your new bride and the jobs a good un .
Sit down and enjoy the best man trying to be funny .
Got Married in Crete in October last year.
I was advised by my best man (a professional wedding singer, so has seen a speech or two!) to throw plenty of lines in such as "My beautiful wife and I" which will guarantee applause (so pause for that, resume just before the claps die off completely) I thanked our wedding planners, the bridesmaids ("didn't they look lovely?") the photographer and anyone else that helped out.
I used cue cards, postcards from a local shop in fact! I used lovely tourist scenes for the first and third cards and bums and boobs for the rest, it really went down well (maybe not for you, we have no grandparents and only one parent between us so we can pretty much do as we please!) and they are actually photographed (tastefully) in our wedding album!
As our wedding was light on family, we had a speech from the maid of honour, friend that gave my wife away, myself and my best man! As such, there were plenty of stories told about us already so I didn't need to come up with too many funny anecdotes and stuck to thanking everyone for coming and saying how beautiful my wife looks!
General advice is to keep it short (not stupidly so, but don't go on and on) and sweet and heavy on the compliments of your new wife (and the bridesmaids too if you're feeling brave!) most of all though it's your day so have fun!
I was advised by my best man (a professional wedding singer, so has seen a speech or two!) to throw plenty of lines in such as "My beautiful wife and I" which will guarantee applause (so pause for that, resume just before the claps die off completely) I thanked our wedding planners, the bridesmaids ("didn't they look lovely?") the photographer and anyone else that helped out.
I used cue cards, postcards from a local shop in fact! I used lovely tourist scenes for the first and third cards and bums and boobs for the rest, it really went down well (maybe not for you, we have no grandparents and only one parent between us so we can pretty much do as we please!) and they are actually photographed (tastefully) in our wedding album!
As our wedding was light on family, we had a speech from the maid of honour, friend that gave my wife away, myself and my best man! As such, there were plenty of stories told about us already so I didn't need to come up with too many funny anecdotes and stuck to thanking everyone for coming and saying how beautiful my wife looks!
General advice is to keep it short (not stupidly so, but don't go on and on) and sweet and heavy on the compliments of your new wife (and the bridesmaids too if you're feeling brave!) most of all though it's your day so have fun!
Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff