How to write a speech that’s actually good
Everyone has heard “that” wedding speech. The one that sounds like it was taken straight from a template. The pattern is always the same.. Starts with a “For those who don’t know me” a few predictable jokes, a dash of hazing, a fleeting moment of sentimentality and an extended recap of the highs and lows of the wedding party. Ending with a “ Now can we all raise our glass”
Being asked to speak at a wedding is a big honour, whether you’re the best friend, a sibling, or a parent. It’s a chance to create a genuine, heartfelt moment that people will remember for all the right reasons. And also gives their video some great dialog!
Here are some top tips for writing a speech:
Start with a story. Skip the templates and think of a moment that really shows who they are as a couple.. something funny, sweet, or memorable. Keep it short, real and from the heart. Introduce yourself, say something relative about the day and a memorable moment.
Focus on them as a couple. It’s easy to talk mostly about the person you know best, but try to celebrate both. Share what makes them great together & how they balance each other, bring out the best in one another, and make such a good team.
Go for emotion, not embarrassment. It can be tempting to tell a wild story but it usually doesn’t land the way you think. The best humour comes from warmth and genuine affection. A bit of light teasing or a well timed inside joke that everyone can enjoy will always work better than an awkward overshare that gives crickets
End with feeling, not a cliche. Avoid any overused quotes (unless you know the couple particularly loves one in particular). End with something that circles back to the main points you’ve made.. about their love and what makes them unique or what you admire about both of them. There will be plenty of other people saying “ Now raise your glass, let’s make a toast” Simple endings. Skip the raise your glass and genuinely congratulate them.
Once you’ve written the speech & read it out loud multiple times it will be easy to hear the parts that don’t sound natural.. Try aim for a conversational tone, rather than reciting something. If something doesn’t feel right, rewrite! And always, always time yourself. 3-5 min ( Max! ) is enough time to deliver all of the above. At weddings usually there is more than one person doing a speech. So make it short and sweet.
The best speeches aren’t about perfect writing, they’re about genuine feeling. Focus on what makes the couple’s story unique, and it’s hard to go wrong. Aim for authenticity, warmth and heart.. not templates, cliches & awkward humour. Also, “for those who don’t know me’ haha.. you can forget that.
An example of a tasteful wedding speech.
How special is it for Margs and Harry to have all their special people from all corners of their life under the one roof.
Every love story has its own rhythm. Some start with fireworks, some with friendship and then there’s this one which started with a Wi-Fi connection during lockdown.
Margie and Harold matched online when we weren’t even allowed to meet for coffee. They had a few dates scheduled, then canceled, rescheduled, canceled again. Classic 2020 romance. At one point, one of them even said they weren’t interested. But apparently, "not interested" really meant “give it a week.” Because somehow, despite the distance, the delays and a pandemic, they kept showing up. And that persistence turned into something kind of incredible.
If you know them, you’ll know they balance each other perfectly. Harold’s always busy, running a hundred miles an hour, the type to have three calendars and still be late. Margie is calm, steady, quiet..the one who brings the peace back into the chaos. It just works. Somehow the universe matched energy with equilibrium.
And when you see them together, whether they’re out for dinner or just walking down the street, they’ve got this thing. That look couples get when they’re completely at ease with each other. It’s not loud or showy; it’s that quiet, cute, natural connection that makes everyone around them smile.
So here’s to Margie and Harold, proof that even in the weirdest, most uncertain times, love finds a way. Not with perfect timing, but with the right person.
Cheers to the two of you, for making persistence look romantic, and love look easy.