powerful wedding speeches

Great Wedding Speech Examples

Best Man , Bride , Father of the Bride , Groom , Maid of Honour , Mother of the Bride , New Ideas
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(*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 .)

The Surprising Wedding Speech

We love hearing a speech from someone who isn’t part of the usual line up.

One couple asked the bride’s 84-year-old grandad to say a few words. They didn’t want him to get stressed about giving a formal speech so simply asked him to reveal his top five tips for a happy marriage. On the day he made everyone smile with a perfect mix of cheek, insight and nonsense. One of his tips included ‘no number twos in front of each other’. Even the best man couldn’t have gotten away with that.

Kids are also a great way to add humour to the speeches, as well as the cute factor. Get them to give you marriage advice too. We guarantee it will be priceless.

The Joint Speech

Whether it’s a bride and groom speech or a same-sex speech – joint speeches are a wedding trend that’s set to stay. It’s a great way of saying, BOOM, we’re a team. And who doesn’t love a double act?

It also makes a lot of sense – you both get to thank your friends and family, and you can practise without feeling the need to hide away in a cupboard.

Find out how to write and deliver a joint speech.

The Funny Wedding Speech

Of course, all speeches should be funny but some stand out.

One of the funniest speeches we’ve heard was a head-to-head between the best man and maid of honour where they debated who had lost the better friend. The bride and groom were then pitted against each other in different categories like ‘drinking ability’, ‘DIY skills’ and ‘comedic appearance’. The fact the best man and maid of honour couldn’t stop laughing throughout the speech only added to the comedy.

Read our blog on how to write a truly funny speech without resorting to Google gags.

The Heartfelt Wedding Speech

Guests want tears (they’re demanding like that) and it’s great to have an emotional epicentre to the day.

Careful though, a sentimental speech should NOT contain any clichés and platitudes. It needs to be genuine and unique.

One of the sweetest speeches we’ve heard was a dad who delivered a speech that was less than three minutes long. He didn’t bother giving us a chronological rundown of his daughter’s achievements – instead, he cut straight to the chase and listed the reasons he loved her.

Those insights included ‘tolerating my love of Bruce Springstein in the car’, ‘buying me a nose trimmer’, and ‘making me smile whenever you come home’. It was one of our favourite ever speeches.

The Revealing Wedding Speech

We love a speech which lets everyone in on a secret. One bride got everyone smiling (and a few people crying) when, during her speech, she called a waiter over, requested a cheese toastie with peanut butter and revealed to the guests that she was three months pregnant.

Obviously conceiving is a bit much when it comes to gathering good content but there are other options. A classic was the groom who confessed to his in-laws that he’d been seeing their daughter for six months prior to them knowing. He then amused the audience with tales of his undercover antics, even managing to get the in-laws laughing too!

The Spontaneous ‘Speech’

We’ve been to a couple of weddings which haven’t had any formal speeches but have been inspired by countries where everyone is welcomed to give a toast throughout the meal.

It’s a fun idea which allows everyone to get involved without anyone feeling under pressure. People can choose to be sentimental or funny but every speech is short and sweet. Warning – it can become rather raucous the more alcohol is consumed!

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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The Ultimate Guide to Nailing Your Wedding and Anniversary Speeches

Feeling the pressure to give a memorable speech at a wedding or anniversary celebration? You’re not alone – hundreds of people find themselves in this scenario every year, tasked with articulating love stories and shared memories eloquently.

This blog post brings together essential advice on how to craft a heartfelt, funny, yet concise talk that is sure to leave an impression. Ready to wow your audience? Read on.

Key Takeaways

Crafting a heartfelt and memorable wedding or anniversary speech involves acknowledging the couple’s love story, incorporating personal anecdotes, balancing sentimentality and brevity, practicing beforehand, and ending on a high note.
Using humor effectively in wedding or anniversary speeches can bring lightheartedness and laughter to the occasion, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
When giving a wedding or anniversary speech in front of a large audience, it is crucial to maintain proper etiquette by being well-prepared, engaging the audience with eye contact and appropriate body language, tailoring the speech to fit the occasion, avoiding common mistakes such as referencing inside jokes or preaching during the speech delivery, thanking and acknowledging important individuals.

Crafting a Heartfelt and Memorable Wedding or Anniversary Speech

Craft a heartfelt and memorable wedding or anniversary speech by acknowledging the couple’s love story, including personal anecdotes, balancing sentimentality and brevity, practicing the speech beforehand, and ending on a high note.

Acknowledging the couple’s love story

Paying tribute to the couple’s love story forms the heart of any memorable wedding or anniversary speech. It offers an intimate look at their journey, carefully woven together in a narrative that resonates with every guest.

It’s essential to take cues from such heartfelt tributes while crafting personalized wedding vows or speeches for your loved ones’ grand occasions. Incorporate elements like emotional arcs and meaningful milestones; remember to highlight achievements, showcase good qualities, illustrating how these shaped the relationship over time.

This form of storytelling can turn any basic toast into one of those unforgettable emotional wedding speeches that leave everyone in awe!

Including personal anecdotes

Crafting heartfelt wedding speeches often involve incorporating personal anecdotes. These stories add a warm touch and offer an intimate look into the couple’s love story, making your speech genuinely unique and memorable.

For maximum impact, choose anecdotes that reveal something about the bride or groom’s character or illustrate their bond. Such narratives not only engage the audience but also help to paint a vivid picture of the couple’s journey together, cementing their connection with the guests.

However, it’s crucial to remember that simplicity is key in wedding speeches; ensure your anecdote is brief yet impactful.

Personal anecdotes can be particularly powerful when utilized in maid of honor speeches as they offer a behind-the-scenes view into the bride’s life and her relationship dynamics. They infuse authenticity into your words while adding humor or sentimentality as needed.

As you craft your speech, consider how you want your audience to feel – maybe moved by a touching memory or chuckling at a shared funny moment between you and the couple? Focus on this emotional response during practice sessions for a successful delivery on their special day ensuring everyone leaves with sincere and happy memories.

Balancing sentimentality and brevity

Achieving the perfect equilibrium between sentimentality and brevity in a wedding or anniversary speech may seem like quite the challenge. Yet, with thoughtful planning and diligent practice you can craft an address that is both emotionally resonant and pleasantly concise.

Let’s start by focusing on the heartfelt aspect; your speech should thread the needle of emotion, highlighting key moments in the couple’s love story without dragging down the celebratory mood of the occasion.

Personal anecdotes serve this purpose well as they add a touch of nostalgia while also keeping things relatable to all attendees. But here’s where conciseness comes into play — keep stories short and sweet! Remembering to confine yourself to poignant yet succinct narratives will make your words not only memorable but also enjoyable for listeners.

Etiquette expert Liz Bryant suggests having 13 essential rules for giving a memorable wedding toast which includes avoiding lengthy monologues, staying relevant, being timely amongst others making it more engaging than tiring speeches saving guests from what could potentially transform into an endurance test instead of endearing token of your affection towards them.

Practicing the speech before the big day

Crafting a heartfelt and memorable wedding or anniversary speech is no easy task, which is why practicing the speech before the big day is crucial. By rehearsing your speech beforehand, you can ensure that you deliver it with confidence and clarity.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with the content, focusing on capturing the essence of the couple’s love story and incorporating personalized anecdotes that will resonate with both them and the audience.

Balancing sentimentality and brevity is essential, so practice trimming unnecessary details while still conveying your emotional tribute effectively. By putting in the effort to practice ahead of time, you’ll be able to deliver a flawless speech that leaves a lasting impression on everyone present at this special celebration.

Ending on a high note

Crafting a memorable and impactful wedding or anniversary speech involves ending on a high note. It’s the moment where you leave the audience with a lasting impression and an emotional experience they won’t forget.

By carefully selecting your closing words, you can create a powerful finale that evokes heartfelt emotions and resonates with everyone in the room. Adding inspiring quotes to your speech is a great way to achieve this.

With over 140 wedding quotes available, you can find the perfect words to bring depth and meaning to your speech. These quotes are designed to stir emotions, evoke memories, and leave a lasting impact on both the couple and their loved ones.

Using Humor Effectively in Wedding or Anniversary Speeches

Using humor in wedding or anniversary speeches can bring lightheartedness and laughter to the occasion, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

The role of humor

Humor plays a vital role in delivering an engaging and memorable wedding or anniversary speech. Incorporating comedy into your speech adds emotional variety to the event, providing a lighthearted counterpoint to more serious moments.

It helps create a bond between you as the speaker and the audience, allowing them to connect with you on a deeper level. By using humor effectively, you can not only entertain but also inspire your listeners.

Whether it’s sharing funny stories or incorporating clever jokes and quotes, adding humor to your speech can make it more enjoyable for everyone involved. So don’t be afraid to infuse your special occasion speeches with laughter and wit – it will truly leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Dos and don’ts of using humor

Using humor can be a powerful tool in wedding or anniversary speeches, but it’s important to understand the dos and don’ts of incorporating it effectively. Dos include using humorous anecdotes and witty remarks to engage the audience, maintaining a lighthearted tone throughout the speech, and delivering jokes with good timing and pacing.

It’s also crucial to ensure that the humor is appropriate for the occasion and doesn’t offend any guests. On the other hand, some don’ts to keep in mind are avoiding offensive or controversial jokes, not relying too heavily on inside jokes that only a few people will understand, and not making fun of anyone in a mean-spirited way.

By following these guidelines, you can captivate your listeners with captivating storytelling and leave them with fond memories of your speech.

Wedding and Anniversary Speech Etiquette

When giving a wedding or anniversary speech in front of a large audience, it is crucial to maintain proper etiquette and avoid common mistakes.

Giving the speech in front of a large audience

When delivering a wedding or anniversary speech in front of a large audience, it’s important to keep a few key things in mind to ensure that your words have the desired impact. First and foremost, make sure you are well-prepared and know your speech inside out.

Practice beforehand and familiarize yourself with the flow and structure of your speech. This will help boost your confidence when speaking in front of a crowd.

Additionally, engage the audience by maintaining eye contact and using appropriate body language. A confident posture and gestures can go a long way in capturing their attention. Remember that public speaking is all about connecting with your listeners, so try to speak clearly and audibly while conveying genuine emotion.

One helpful tip is to tailor your speech to fit the occasion – whether it’s lighthearted or more formal. Injecting humor at appropriate moments can also help break the ice and establish rapport with the audience.

However, be mindful not to overdo it as too much humor may detract from the sentimental aspects of wedding or anniversary speeches.

Avoiding common mistakes

To give an exceptional wedding or anniversary speech, it’s crucial to avoid some common mistakes. For starters, steer clear of referencing inside jokes that only a few people in the audience will understand.

Instead, focus on stories and anecdotes that resonate with everyone and highlight the couple’s love story. Another mistake to avoid is trying to impart wisdom or preach during your speech. Keep it light-hearted and heartfelt instead.

Furthermore, be mindful of the length of your speech. Going too long can lose the interest of your audience and make them restless. Remember, brevity is key when delivering a memorable speech.

Additionally, knowing your audience is essential for success. Consider who will be present at the wedding or anniversary celebration and adjust your content accordingly. Avoid telling stories that predate the bride and groom as they might not be familiar with them.

Lastly, adequate preparation is vital for avoiding blunders during your speech delivery. Don’t wing it! Practice beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable speaking in front of a large crowd.

Thanking and acknowledging important individuals

In wedding and anniversary speeches, expressing gratitude and recognition towards important individuals is crucial. Whether it’s the parents, members of the wedding party, or the guests themselves, acknowledging their role in the couple’s journey is a meaningful gesture.

A heartfelt thank-you toast can convey deep appreciation and touch people’s hearts. By mentioning specific contributions or sharing personal anecdotes, you can make your speech more personalized and engaging.

Understanding the etiquette of wedding speech order and avoiding common mistakes will ensure that your gratitude shines through while adhering to tradition. Don’t forget to express thanks for everyone who made the day possible – it will leave a lasting impression on all those involved.

In conclusion, crafting a heartfelt and memorable wedding or anniversary speech requires careful thought, personal anecdotes, and a balance of sentimentality and brevity. By practicing your speech beforehand and ending on a high note, you can captivate your audience and create lasting memories for the couple.

Remember to use humor effectively and adhere to proper speech etiquette while expressing gratitude towards important individuals. With these tips in mind, you’ll deliver an unforgettable speech that celebrates love, commitment, and cherished moments.

1. How long should a wedding or anniversary speech be?

The length of a wedding or anniversary speech can vary depending on the structure and format of the event, as well as personal preferences. However, it is generally recommended to keep speeches between 5 to 10 minutes to maintain engagement and avoid becoming too lengthy.

2. What are some tips for delivering a memorable wedding or anniversary speech?

To deliver a memorable speech, it is important to personalize your message, include heartfelt anecdotes or stories about the couple, practice beforehand to ensure smooth delivery, maintain good eye contact with the audience, and speak with genuine emotion and enthusiasm.

3. Should I use humor in my wedding or anniversary speech?

Using humor in your speech can add an entertaining element and help engage the audience. However, it’s vital to find a balance between lighthearted jokes that everyone can appreciate and avoiding potentially offensive material that could embarrass the couple or other attendees.

4. Can I include advice or words of wisdom in my wedding or anniversary speech?

Absolutely! Including advice or words of wisdom in your speech is often appreciated by couples and guests alike. Sharing insights about love, marriage, and relationships can bring depth and meaning to your message while also offering valuable guidance for the future journey of the couple’s life together.

How to write a great wedding speech

A toastmaster is here to help you, well, master that toast.

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The wedding toast is one of the great forms of amateur oratory. Speakers at weddings are chosen because of their relationship to the couple rather than rhetorical skill. This is why the best wedding speeches are heartfelt, humorous, and genuinely moving. It's also why they're the stage for so many public speaking fiascos. If you've never been bored or embarrassed during a wedding speech, you haven't been to many weddings.

This isn't because people are just bad speakers or speech writers. If you aren't used to public speaking or aren't familiar with wedding-toasts as a genre, it's not easy to get it right the first time out. That's why we spoke to Scott Minnes, president of the Advanced Speakers Toastmasters Club in Ottawa. Toastmasters is a club dedicated to perfecting the art of public speaking and, over the years, Minnes has helped coach a lot of people through wedding speeches. He gave us some advice on the content, form, and delivery of a great wedding speech.

Content: Celebrate the couple and let everyone in on it

The purpose of the wedding speech, said Minnes, is to help celebrate the new couple and to help them and the whole audience enjoy their day. Anything that doesn't help to achieve this should be edited out.

One of the most common errors is to try to turn the wedding speech into a stand-up comedy set. "People think they need to be funny and clever in their speech but this isn't accurate," Minnes says. He doesn't think you should avoid humour, but simply that the speech should be about the couple, not showing off the speaker's wit. He also cautioned against telling stories that simply embarrass the person they're being told about. A little gentle ribbing in the service of a greater point is okay, but if the only thing a story does is embarrass their target then it should probably be left out. In Minnes's experience, "The most powerful wedding speeches are warm, sincere, good-natured and well-thought-out." It's a celebration, not a roast.

Another common content mistake is to address the toast exclusively to the couple (or even one half of the couple), including a lot of inside references that only they will understand. Minnes advised us to "avoid the wink-wink inside jokes and comments, they are lame for most of the audience." Remember, the audience includes all of the guests. If your whole speech is about things that they can't follow, it can feel boring and alienating. Personal anecdotes are great, but make sure to make the significance of them clear to most present.

Form: Five minutes, three or four main points

"The toughest speeches to sit through are the ones that go on too long and are not well thought out," said Minnes, "especially if there are a few of them." The wedding toast may seem like an important responsibility. This is your chance to publicly express your love and support for the couple, tell everyone how great they are, and to impart some wisdom and good wishes for the future. You probably have a lifetime of shared memories, and it's normal not to want to leave anything out. But you have to. In fact, you should leave almost everything out. Because if you try to say everything that's in your heart, you'll turn your toast into a party-filibuster that obstructs the important business of eating, dancing and making merry. These people are here for a party. Don't bore them.

Minnes recommends limiting your speech to five minutes. This is enough to give a very powerful speech without losing momentum and the attention of the audience. In order to stick to this timeline, you must also avoid trying to say too much. Take the time to put together a simple logical flow of ideas that is easy to follow.

Minnes proposes the following structure: opening; three or four main points; concluding remarks and wishes. According to this structure, you're only spending about one minute on each part of the speech, so stay brief.

Preparation and delivery

Just as the most tender sentiments can be smothered by poor speechwriting, great writing can be spoiled by poor delivery. Poor delivery comes in many forms: forgetting what you were going to say, rambling entirely off track; reading from notes without looking up; mumbling through the important parts; and others. Good delivery is simple. Speak clearly and as you normally would when addressing other humans. You do it all the time in conversation. However, if you're not a very experienced public-speaker, making a prepared speech sound natural can be tricky.

The best way to ensure your speech goes well is to write it well ahead of time and then practice it out loud as though you were speaking to an actual audience. Better yet, find an actual audience and practice it in front of them to get feedback and to accustom yourself to the gaze of a public. In fact, providing practice and feedback for this kind of thing is one of the main purposes of toastmasters clubs like the one Minnes belongs to. According to him, "If you just practice by reading the speech in your head it won't help much. You need to get used to the sound of your own voice and the expressiveness and rhythm of the words." You also need to get a feel for the main points of the speech, when to pause to let something sink in, what to emphasize and what to say as an aside. This is especially important, Minnes told us, if your speech has some very emotional moments. Practicing ahead of time can help you recognize the parts that will be tough to get through and figure out how best to get through them.

On the day, Minnes warns against drinking too much ahead of the speech. Weddings are fun and public-speaking can be nerve-wracking, but try to keep a clear head and voice until your duties are discharged. Do stay hydrated though. "Otherwise," said Minnes, "your mouth will feel extra dry and you'll feel like you are tripping over your words."

If you're nervous, remember that wedding toasts are the ideal public-speaking situation for beginners. Everyone is there to celebrate and wants to have a good time. Even if you break down in tears mid-speech, they'll probably applaud you. So relax and have fun.

Clifton Mark writes about philosophy, psychology, politics, and other life-related topics. Find him @Clifton_Mark on Twitter.

How to Write a Wedding Speech: The Ultimate Guide

It’s been said that a successful wedding speech should make the guests laugh and cry in equal measure, which is what makes the best ones so powerful. It also explains why more than half of wedding goers cite the speeches as the most memorable part of the day and nine out of ten people find themselves talking about the speeches long after the bride and groom have headed off on their honeymoon.

It’s not surprising, then, that those members of the wedding party finding themselves with a speech to prepare (traditionally this would be the groom, the best man or woman and the father of the bride, but of course there are no set rules) might feel more than a little bit nervous about the whole thing.

So, if you’re about to embark on writing a wedding speech for a member of your family or a friend, let’s look at some of the top tips and preparation to make sure the guests at the wedding are talking about it afterwards for all the right reasons.

How to write a wedding speech

Start writing your wedding speech by outlining the main ideas and getting a few notes down on paper – this is only your first draft, no one ever needs to see it.

Jot down what the bride or groom means to you. What is it you love about them and what do you wish for them in the future? While it may feel a bit strange at first, it’s connecting with these deeper thoughts and feelings and opening yourself up to being authentic and honest that will bring out your raw emotion, and in turn genuinely move your audience. Put simply, it’s what gets the tears and laughter flowing. It takes courage to go deep, but it pays off. Read our tips on how to become a more courageous communicator .

You offer a unique insight into your friend or loved one’s life and what has brought them to where they are today. Whether this is funny, thoughtful or emotional, it is this insight that adds the ‘spice’ to your wedding speech and makes it special. We talk about the importance of ‘spice’ in the recipe for writing a perfect speech .

Remember, you were chosen to do this because of the special part you play in the bride or groom’s life. The main thing is to make your wedding speech memorable for all the right reasons.

What should you say in a wedding speech?

When you’re pulling together your speech, there's a certain etiquette you might want to be aware of. Make sure that you make it inclusive for everyone in the room, whether they’re great aunt Margaret who the groom only sees once a year at Christmas, friends from way back when, or work colleagues who might have only been around for a few years. Telling very specific jokes about things that happened at university, for example, could risk a rowdy response from one corner of the room while everyone else is in danger of feeling alienated and left in the dark.

Instead put the feelers out for stories and anecdotes from family and friends that have been around during different periods of the bride or groom’s life, adding them to your own. The next important stage is to look for patterns in the stories and try to weave them together to make it into one succinct narrative. That is how you will get the entire room engaged and feeling included.

Find out what they were like as a child, for example, and see if you can find instances where those features or quirks have reappeared later in life. After all, we don’t change that much – many features of our personality are set in childhood and can be seen influencing everything we do. Use this as the core of the tale you choose to tell and this weaving of traits from childhood to adulthood is ripe for comedic observations – so this is a particularly good approach if the onus is on you to get the laughs.

We’ll look at some specifics depending on the role you’re playing, but never stray away from the most important goal of the speech: to make the bride and groom’s special day even more special. Check back in on this regularly throughout the process of preparing your speech. Don’t get carried away looking for comedy gold at the expense of your loved one’s pride .

If in doubt, share your proposed speech with a trusted friend prior to the wedding day to get a second opinion on its appropriateness. A second or even third pair of eyes is always useful when writing a speech.

Tips for the father of the bride

Your job as the father (or indeed mother) of the bride is to welcome everyone and thank them for joining the celebrations, particularly mentioning those who have travelled from far away - this is when a list comes in handy - no one wants to feel like they've been forgotten. You can also mention loved ones who have can't be there today and those who have sadly passed away but who are still at the wedding in spirit, and no doubt an important part of the special day.

You should make reference to the couple as well as the parents of the groom, but without making it feel like an impersonal box-ticking exercise. Try to find something personal to say. Perhaps mention the things you’ve found in common or the friendship that’s developing. This all adds to the feeling of warmth and the joining of families.

But remember, the majority of your speech must be reserved for the star of the show – your daughter - and it’s down to you to find some beautiful words to share about her. Talk about her as a little girl and the woman she has become. What are the things that make her special in your eyes? What stories can you share that highlight these? Pick the ones you know will get the rest of the room nodding along in agreement or laughing out loud.

Next say something about your new son or daughter-in-law. Be positive and offer your thoughts on them as a couple. And don’t forget the mother (or father) of the bride. Even if you are no longer together, this is an important day for them and one for which you must put differences aside, whatever they may be.

And finally, close with something profound . Forget the audience, this is a moment that your daughter will remember forever, so a great time to say, from the heart, what she means to you.

Of course, there may be a father of the groom speech too. Prince Charles left barely a dry eye in the room during Harry and Meghan's wedding, when he told his son how proud he was of the incredible man he had grown into: “My darling old Harry, I’m so happy for you."

Final tip for father of the bride: Avoid marital advice – it never goes down well!

wedding speech tips for best man or woman

Tips for the best man or woman

Pressure is often worse for the best man's (or maid of honour's) wedding speech as essentially their job is to be funny and creative. So ease yourself in gently with a straightforward opening. Talk about how the wedding day has been great and compliment the bride and the bridesmaids.

Then it’s time to talk about the bride or groom. To help you structure it, take note of the ‘what to include in a wedding speech’ section above and try to tell one cohesive story that draws everyone in. Your job is to take the audience on a journey from the child they once were to the incredible grown-up they’ve become.

The best man or woman’s speech is often humorous and some slightly ‘naughty’ stories are expected. But it’s important not to go overboard with this. Be respectful of who is in the audience and don't make people feel uncomfortable - including great aunt Margaret.

Be aware that some of the more raucous stags and hens in the crowd might be keen to heckle you and put you off your game. Avoid this by reading our tips on how to handle these disruptions with ease and grace.

Another thing to avoid is mentioning exes - this is not a time for people to be thinking of either the bride or groom with anyone other than the person they’ve just married. Anything that paints either one of them in a genuinely negative or shameful light should also be avoided.

Close with a last summing up line and a toast to the happy couple - a finishing thought to wrap up your wedding speech like an authentic ribbon.

Tips for the groom

As the groom, you have it fairly easy when it comes to the speech. You don’t need to make anyone laugh and you can keep it simple, but it’s still just as important to plan what you’re going to say.

One of the biggest internet sensations of our time was when McFly's Tom Fletcher performed his outstanding wedding speech in a beautiful song to his wife Giovanna Fletcher - you can watch it here .

Start with an icebreaker, then thank your new father-in-law and your parents and say something complimentary about them. Don’t be tempted to go in with the mother-in-law jokes – this definitely isn’t the time.

Next, the most important bit - an ode to your new wife. This is where you get to really open your heart and show those friends and family members gathered exactly how much she means to you. After all, that is the point of a wedding - to declare your commitment in front of witnesses.

Remember, your audience - including your bride - want real emotion. That doesn’t mean you have to be someone you’re not, but do dig deep to find the truth of how you feel and don’t be afraid to share it. Think about what made you fall in love with her and what you’re most looking forward to in your future.

Close simply with a final toast that makes all the relevant people - your bride, her bridesmaids and the wedding guests - feel special, and sets everyone up to party the rest of the night away.

How to deliver a wedding speech like you’ve been public speaking for years

Of course, giving a wedding speech isn’t just about saying the right thing. It’s about delivering it in the right way. And if you’re not used to public speaking or don't consider presentation skills to be high on your skills list, that can be utterly terrifying. Most of us are not natural or practised public speakers. And yet when you're given the honour of making a wedding speech, you're suddenly expected to engage hundreds of listeners and do eloquent and poetic justice to your loved ones. It's worth remembering that even the most well known public speakers were not born naturals. Even TED speakers get trained in how to speak so that people want to listen. So don't be discouraged, we've got five simple and actionable tips to help you prepare a good wedding speech:

1. Use notes where you need them

Very few people are able to speak completely without notes, unless they’ve had many years of experience in front of an audience. So if you don’t feel inclined to learn your wedding speech by heart, then don’t – it’s not worth the risk of floundering or forgetting. Have a read of our tips for using notes when talking to an audience . In summary though, your goal is to connect with your audience, so if you plan to use notes, make sure they don’t get in the way of you sounding natural. If possible, use cue cards rather than verbatim notes. Cue cards give you a prompt for each section of the speech and help you remember the punchline of jokes.

But if you’re simply feeling too nervous and are worried you won’t remember what you need to say, then, in the case of a wedding speech, simply read it off the page. Just remember to include plenty of pauses for applause and laughter, and to give ample eye contact . Do that and you can still be absolutely brilliant.

To prepare your notes in such a way that they give you the best possible chance of connecting with your audience, use a large font with separate paragraphs. Highlight key words and any punchlines so you can see at a glance where you’re going with your ideas. You'll learn more about how to do this in our bespoke wedding speech course package .

2. Don’t ignore your audience

Delivering a speech should never be simply reading from a piece of paper. Regardless of your use of notes, make sure you take your time. Make eye contact to help deliver your message. Particularly if you mention a group of people in the room – look towards them and engage directly. If you make a joke, allow time for laughter to die down and smile in appreciation. There is no need to rush, the disco will wait.

3. Use body gestures to emphasise your wedding speech

Open yourself up to your audience by keeping your stance relaxed and your arms open. Use your hands to emphasise key points if you can. Even if you are holding notes, try not to let that interfere with movement. Using gestures actually helps to relax your mind and body. Take a look at these tips to help you overcome presentation nerves.

4. Project your voice

You might want to consider borrowing some tools to warm up your voice like a professional. Make sure you’re heard by choosing someone in the middle row and speaking to them. ‘Intend’ your voice. Speak more slowly and clearly than you otherwise would and pause in between sentences to allow your audience to digest your message. And we have plenty of tips to help you to practice speaking more eloquently.

5. Things to avoid in a wedding speech

Check back in on that goal to make the bride and groom’s special day even more special and avoid anything that is likely to go against this.

Don’t drink too much or swear too much. Don’t make sexual innuendos or references to exes. Try to avoid cruel or insulting remarks or stories that are liable to make anyone look bad. Stay positive in the stories you choose and in all things build up your loved one so that they can look back on the memories of your speech with a smile.

Happily ever after...

What’s the most important thing to portray in a great wedding speech? Do your best to deliver a speech that is authentic and shows your love for the couple and your determination for them to enjoy their day. That way you can avoid contributing to the statistic that 50% of wedding guests say a bad wedding speech almost ruined the day. Practice makes perfect, so don't leave wedding speech planning until the last minute if you're nervous.

Good luck - remember that you’re among friends, they want you to do well and, even if you do slip up, take it in your stride, make a joke out of it if you can and then hit the bar!

"My wedding speech went off very well, and I felt good about it as I spoke. So a big thank you to you for all your help. Your training made a big difference. That leaves two daughters not yet married, with one looking likely so I may well be back for more training!" - Charles B, Wedding Speech Coaching client

Would you like some 1-on-1 professional help with your speech for an upcoming wedding? Get in touch to find out about our Wedding Speech Coaching course .

If you enjoyed our wedding speech tips and what to find out more, Book a Free Discovery Call to discuss how we can tailor our communication courses to suit your needs.

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How to write the perfect wedding speech

Easy Weddings

Whether you’re a wordsmith or not, the prospect of crafting and giving a wedding speech can be a little nerve-wracking — particularly if you’ve never had the pleasure. To make things easier, we’ve compiled 10 tips to help you nail your wedding speech.

If you’ve been sitting in front of a notepad for approximately two hours and three coffees, procrastinating writing a killer wedding speech because you haven’t the foggiest where to start, then let us provide some relief and inspo.

Between the team, we’ve brainstormed 10 tips we think will help you nix the butterflies, knuckle down, and write a bangin’ wedding speech that guests will be talking about (favourably) for years to come.

10 tips for writing the perfect wedding speech.

Timeless and romantic for Sophia and Kyle at their Quat Quatta wedding, Ripponlea. Photos by Kairos Works.

1. Engage your audience.

If you pay attention to only one of these tips, it should definitely be this one! Giving a wedding speech is a lot like telling a story. If you’re not making eye contact or speaking with tone, they’re going to lose interest very quickly. It’s always beneficial to put personality and flair into a speech.

This comes out naturally when chatting to a group of friends or when reading to a child. Take a deep breath, relax, and speak conversationally — not formally as if you’re about to give your year 11 science presentation.

Bonus tip: Try not to read from a sheet or cue cards if possible, and if you must use them, stick to brief notes and dot points. This will help you tell the story far more naturally.

2. Structure.

Sticking with the analogy of a speech being like a story, it’s a good idea to think carefully about the structure. Great stories have a beginning, a middle and an end — and your speech will be easier to follow should it be structured in a similar way.

Bonus tip: Conclude your speech by referring back to your opening remarks.

Austinvilla Estate Gold Coast wedding for Gabie and Scott by Commonstudios Photography. Boho rustic wedding QLD.

3. Balance humour with emotion.

Adding a couple of zingers or funny lines is a fantastic way to get the audience to engage with your speech, but remember, no one is expecting you to be the next Jerry Seinfeld!

Humour should ideally be used in moderation, and your bestie’s reception isn’t an opportunity for you to perfect your stand-up comedy routine (yes, even if it’s really good).

You might like to start out with a good joke to break the ice, but keep in mind that grandparents and children are likely to be present so avoid anything too risqué .

Bonus tip: Balancing jokes with emotional anecdotes is a surefire way to nail your speech.

4. Don’t get wasted.

Do we… even need to say this one? No matter how nervous you are, it’s not especially wise to down eight cocktails pre-speech. Giving a wedding toast when drunk is a recipe for disaster — and embarrassment for your friend.

It’s smart to set yourself a limit, such as only having one or two drinks before giving your speech. That way you can settle your nerves without being in danger of slurring your words.

Luxe coastal wedding for Maddi and Dan at Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows near Newcastle, NSW. Images by Tatiana Rose Photography.

5. Timing is everything.

Trust us, if you go on for too long, things will get a little… awkward. Cue guests shifting in their seats and polite smiles from the happy couple. When it comes to giving a wedding speech, it’s important that you keep it short and sweet. Aim for around five minutes and you will be on the right track.

Bonus tip: Time yourself when practising. Or better yet, present your speech to someone else and ask them if they think it’s getting a little monologue-y.

6. Take it seriously.

One thing that you need to keep in mind is that being asked to deliver a speech at someone’s wedding is * Anchorman voice* kind of a big deal . While it’s okay — nay, encouraged — to have a little fun with it, it’s still important to take the responsibility very seriously. You have the honour of telling the happy couple’s story so you need to treat it with the respect it deserves.

White Chapel Black Hall Kalbar Wedding Luke Middlemiss Photography Ashlee Mark 39

7. Practise makes perfect.

The less you need to rely on your notes, the more natural your speech is going to sound on the day. The best way to get yourself to a point where you are not dependent on your notes is to practise, practise, practise! Run through your speech at every opportunity using everyone and anyone as your trial audience.

Bonus tip: Beginning practising is difficult as you actually need to think about giving the speech. Try to push through the nerves and practise anyway, even if you feel silly — your future self will thank you for it.

8. Choose a quote.

If you’re at a loss finding somewhere to start, then it can be useful to include a quote or a song lyric. However, make sure that the quote you choose is appropriate.

Stay away from tired quotes that have been done to death and pick out something that really means something to the newlyweds.

READ MORE: Need song recommendations? These beautiful wedding songs are big hits with our readers.

Romantic, elegant, classic style for Lana and Peter at their Cargo Hall wedding by Showtime Event Group at South Wharf, Melbourne.

9. Know your own style.

So, we’ve mentioned that when giving a wedding speech you’re going to want to connect with your audience. And if you’re forcing yourself to be someone that you’re not, then you’re going to find this a bit tricky.

If you’re not exactly known for being a laugh a minute then don’t feel pressured to make jokes! Similarly, if you’re generally a bit of a clown, then a formal, sentimental speech might not feel genuine. Instead, play to your strengths.

Bonus tip: Determine your own personal style and stay true to it.

Above all else, relax! Your speech is just a few minutes of the whole day, and everyone wants you to do well. Remember why you’re doing this: you love your friend and want to congratulate them and wish them a happy marriage — try to focus on them and what they mean to you.

READ MORE: Real brides share their best hens and bucks party ideas

Burnham Grove Estate elopement for Jess and Andrew, Camden NSW, photographed by Puzzleman Productions.

So you’ve nailed the perfect speech, but have you planned the bachelor or bachelorette party? You’ll find some fab ideas when perusing our list of hens and bucks suppliers .

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How to Begin a Wedding Speech: Our Favourite Opening Lines

Handy one-liners to get your speech off to an amazing start.

If you've read our feature on how to make a great wedding speech , you'll know that it's really important to start strong! Well, today, we're showing you how to do exactly that, with a list of the best wedding speech opening lines . The beauty of this list is that it works for any kind of wedding speech, whether you're the bride, groom, best man, bridesmaid, father-of-the-bride, or even the flower girl or the groom's granny! We've made sure to include lots of different options so there's something to suit every style of speech, whether you want to keep it super simple, bring the audience to tears, or wow them with a joke ! Some of our wedding speech opening lines can be customised, too, to help you make your speech even more personal. So, let's dive in!

Our Favourite Wedding Speech Opening Lines

To help you find what you're looking for, we've split our sample opening lines into three categories; simple and sincere opening lines, funny opening lines and opening lines with quotes from famous people.

Note: (name) can indicate yourself, the bride/groom, the couple as a whole, or another member of the wedding party.

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Simple and Sincere Opening Lines

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you (name) for the kind introduction."

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. As (name's friend/relative), I'm delighted to welcome you all here tonight."

"Thank you so much, (name), for such a wonderful introduction. I only hope I can live up to your kind words!"

"Hello everyone. I hope you're all having a great night so far."

"Hello, I'm (name) and, for those of you who don't already know me, I'm (relation to couple)."

"Hi everybody, I'm (name), and I'm here to talk a little bit about my good friend (name)."

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and I'm going to talk a little bit about (name). When I was writing this speech, I asked myself how I could sum up (X) years of friendship, laughter and adventures in one speech, and I decided that I can't. We'd be here all night."

"Hello everybody and welcome. I think we can all agree that it's been a wonderful day so far. (Couple names), you should be really proud of the amazing day you've put together. We're all very lucky to be a part of it."

"Hello everyone. I hope you're all having a great night so far. My life changed completely on (date, year), when (name) came into my life, and it changes again today, as they embark on their latest adventure with (name)."

"Hi everybody. Thank you for the warm welcome. Mark Twain once said that 'there are only two types of speakers in the world. 1. The nervous and 2. Liars.' I'm definitely in the former category, so I hope you'll forgive me if I'm a little bit shaky this evening."

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

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Funny Opening Lines to Make Guests LOL

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and before any of you ask, yes I am single."

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and I'll be your speaker for the next 95 minutes."

"Hi everybody. If you don't know who I am... well, you're probably at the wrong wedding! But stick around, we need extra people for the conga line."

"Hi everyone. You're probably wondering why I gathered you here today. I've got a once-in-a-lifetime investment opportunity that I know you're going to - sorry, wrong speech!"

"Hello everyone! Thank you all for being here on such an exciting night. Yes, the rumours are true, I will be debuting some new choreography on the dance floor this evening. But in the mean time, I suppose I should talk a little bit about (couple names)."

"Hello, and welcome. You may know me as (name's friend/relative), but tonight, I go by the title, (name), Lord of the Dance."

"Hi everyone. Just in case you don't already know, I'm (name) and I'm the best man. There are some really successful, good-looking, charming men in the room tonight, but now that it's written on the ceremony program in black and white, it's official - I am the best."

"Hi everyone, I'm (name), and I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from the great Seamus Heaney/Maya Angelou/Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr./Mother Teresa... but unfortunately I left my speech in my other jacket. So you'll have to make do with me!"

“Hi everyone. If I could just say a few words … I’d be a better public speaker! That gag was actually stolen from Homer Simpson, which should give you an idea of the caliber of speech you can expect from me tonight.”

"Hi everyone, and welcome. Webster's dictionary describes a wedding as, 'The process of removing weeds from one's garden'. That's a Homer Simpson quote, which should give you an idea of the caliber of speech you can expect from me tonight.”

"Hello everyone, I'm (name.) According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right?"

"Hi everyone. When I was preparing this speech, (name) gave me a list of topics that were strictly off-limits, so I'd like to start with those."

"Hi everyone. I'm (name). Anyone who knows me knows that I'm (name)'s biggest fan. So much so, that I was actually quite hurt when I learned that I wasn't going to be involved in the first dance!"

"Hi everyone. I just want to take a few minutes to talk about my good friend (name). I first met (name) when we were 13, and since then, I've always looked up to him. He was, after all, the only 6ft 2' student at (school name)!"

"Good evening everyone. To our English speakers, I'd like to say welcome, we're delighted that you could be with us today to celebrate the marriage of (couple names). To our (other language) speakers, I'd like to say (use Google Translate or ask a native speaker to translate, 'My llama is very handsome. I hope my translation is correct.')"

Wedding Speech Opening Lines: Beginning with a Quote

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from Dr. James Dobson, who said, 'Don't marry the person you think you can live with; marry only the individual you think you can't live without.' "

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from Franz Schubert, who said, 'Happy is the man who finds a true friend, and far happier is he who finds that true friend in his wife.' "

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said, 'There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.' "

"Hi everyone. I'd like to begin my speech with a quote from Franklin P. Jones, who said, 'Love doesn't make the world go 'round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.' "

"Hi everyone, I'm (name.) I hope you're all having a wonderful day so far. When I got married to my partner (name), somebody told me, 'Don't just be husband and wife, be president of each other's fan clubs,' and I'd like to pass on that same advice to (couple)."

"Hello everyone. I'd like to begin with a quote from Mignon McLaughlin, who said, 'A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.' Over the past (x) years, I've had the pleasure of watching (name) fall in love with (name) over and over again."

You've found your opening line - now what? Click over to this feature for a handy checklist of people to thank in your wedding speech.

Image credits

Adam and grace, via one fab day, see more in:.

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How to Give an Awesome Joint Wedding Speech

Doing a combined speech with someone else can really help to take the pressure off you and ease your stage fright.

Photo: Pasha Belman Photography

If the thought of having to give a speech at your friend’s wedding is enough to make you want to skip the day altogether, a great option to consider is a joint speech.

Doing a combined speech with someone else can really help to take the pressure off you and ease your stage fright. Joint speeches are also a great option for larger wedding parties because it gives more people an opportunity to speak on the big day! It can be hard for the wedding couple to choose between say a sibling or a best friend to give a speech, so asking them to team up will help everyone feel included and valued. Great joint speech combos include siblings, the mother and father of a bride or groom, the maid of honor and the best man, two wedding party members, or other combos. If you’re stepping up to the mic with a partner for an upcoming wedding, check out our top tips for writing an awesome joint wedding speech. Explain why you’re doing a joint speech This point depends on the reason you’re giving a joint speech. If it’s because one or both of the speakers is shy and terrified of speaking alone, it’s best not to get into that. However, if there is a funny or significant connection between the two speech givers, explaining it can really add to your speech. Tell your own stories Regardless of the reason for giving a joint speech, the bride or groom still know you separately and you each want to honour your unique relationship. Take turns telling a special story that showcases what the bride/groom means to each of you individually. Tell a combined story In addition to your own individual stories, it’s nice to add a combine story - one that involves both speakers and the bride/groom. This is a great why to tie everything together.

Keep it short Just because there are two of you up there, doesn’t mean you get double the length of a normal wedding speech - the wedding attendees’ attention spans are the same regardless of the number of people giving the speech!

Don’t be corny Okay, some level of corniness is to be expected (this is a wedding speech after all!), but you want to keep it to a minimum and steer towards heart felt rather than sappy. A joint speech has the potential to be cornier than a single speech, so be careful here. Introduce yourselves rather than introducing each other, don’t finished each others sentences, and don’t get carried away with too much banter between the two of you. Keep the focus on the bride/groom As much as you do want to put together a great speech, remember that the focus should be on the people getting married, not on you and your speech partner’s great performance. Don’t go into any stories that only involve the two of you and exclude the person who the speech is really meant to be about. Be Creative Having two people speaking is a great opportunity to get creative and put together a really fun speech! While speaking on your own can be nerve wrecking, having someone else up there with you can help both of you to relax and open up. Set each other up for jokes, write a song, tell two perspectives on the same story, etc. Have fun with it! Follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to an awesome joint speech. Remember to keep it short, focus on the bride/groom, and have fun with your co-speaker!

60 Wedding Toast Quotes for Every Speech

Raise a glass and write these down.

Cristina Montemayor is a freelance writer and makeup artist whose work has appeared on HelloGiggles, Slate, Elite Daily, and Bustle.

Photo by David Bastianoni

In This Article

Wedding day jitters aren’t just for the couple. If you’ve been asked to give a wedding toast , you may feel just as nervous on the big day as the couple getting married in anticipation of your speech. Public speaking is a nerve-wracking experience on its own, but when someone you’re extremely close to asks you to give a speech on what’s supposed to be the best day of their lives, the pressure is most certainly on.

Unless you’re a standup comedian or an exceptionally gifted writer, writing a wedding toast can feel like a truly daunting task. If you can’t find the words to adequately express the emotions you felt watching these newlyweds get together, tie the knot, and eventually plan a future together, don’t sweat it—just borrow someone else’s.

Incorporating famous wedding toast quotes and sayings into your speech is a great trick to get the audience to laugh or tug at their heartstrings, which are both qualities of a memorable toast. Sure, you’ll also want to include a few personal anecdotes, but don’t feel the need to overdo it: The best wedding toasts are short, sweet, and make everyone in the room believe in true love.

If you’re not sure where to start with writing a wedding toast , we’re here to help. Get inspired with these 60 memorable wedding quotes for every speech.

Classic Wedding Toast Quotes

"There is only one happiness in life: To love and be loved." — George Sand
"Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." — Antoine de Saint-Exupery
"The secret of a happy marriage is finding the right person. You know they’re right if you love to be with them all the time." — Julia Child
"Where there is love there is life." — Mahatma Gandhi
"The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now." — Rick Warren
"A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short." — Andre Maurois
"There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage." — Martin Luther
"Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead." — Oscar Wilde
"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." — Audrey Hepburn
"When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too." — The Alchemist
"You don't marry the person you can live with—you marry the person you can't live without." — Unknown
"May this marriage be full of laughter, our every day in paradise." — Rumi

Funny Wedding Toast Quotes

"It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life." — Rita Rudner
"Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards." — Benjamin Franklin
"Marry a man your own age; as your beauty fades, so will his eyesight." — Phyllis Diller
"May she share everything with her husband, including the housework." — Unknown Proverb
"The man who says his wife can't take a joke, forgets that she took him." — Oscar Wilde
"Marriage is a wonderful institution, but who wants to live in an institution?" — Groucho Marx
"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
"Getting married is like trading the adoration of many for the sarcasm of one." — Mae West
"Women marry men hoping they will change. Men marry women hoping they will not. So each is inevitably disappointed." — Albert Einstein
"My husband and I have never considered divorce ... murder sometimes, but never divorce." — Dr. Joyce Brothers
"Being a good husband is like being a stand-up comic. You need 10 years before you can call yourself a beginner." — Jerry Seinfeld
"Marriages are made in heaven. But so again, are thunder and lightning." — Clint Eastwood

Romantic Wedding Toast Quotes

"A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." — Mignon McLaughlin
"Grow old with me. The best is yet to be, the last of life for which the first was made." — Robert Browning
" Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get—only with what you are expecting to give—which is everything." — Katharine Hepburn
"In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine." — Maya Angelou
"Being married is like having somebody permanently in your corner. It feels limitless, not limited." — Gloria Steinem
"To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness." — Robert Brault
"Love seems the swiftest but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century." — Mark Twain
"My bounty is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep; the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite." — Romeo and Juliet
"You know you're in love when you don't want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." — Dr. Seuss

Famous Wedding Toast Quotes

"When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." — When Harry Met Sally
"The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love, and be loved in return." — Moulin Rouge
"To me, you are perfect." — Love Actually
"It’s like at that moment the whole universe existed just to bring us together." — Serendipity
"Choose me. Marry me. Let me make you happy." — My Best Friend’s Wedding
"True love is the soul's recognition of its counterpoint in another." — Wedding Crashers
"I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone." — The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
"It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other." — Good Will Hunting
"May you never steal, lie, or cheat. But if you must steal, then steal away my sorrows. And if you must lie, lie with me all the nights of my life. And if you must cheat, then please cheat death. Because I couldn't live a day without you." — Leap Year
"To love another person is to see the face of God." — Les Miserables
"The heart’s not like a box that gets filled up. It expands in size the more you love." — Her

Religious Wedding Toast Quotes

"Two are better than one." — Ecclesiastes 4:9
"Through love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13
"I found the one whom my soul loves." — Song of Solomon 3:4
"Follow the way of love." — I Corinthians 14:1
"Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot wash it away." — Song of Solomon 8:7
"Deep love is stronger than life." — Jewish Proverb
"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." — 1 John 3:18
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." — Genesis 2:24
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." — Corinthians 13:4-5
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us." — 1 John 4:18-19
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." —Corinthians 13
"Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs." —Proverbs 10:12
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." — 1 Corinthians 13:13
"So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." — Matthew 19:6
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good." — Romans 12:9
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." —Psalm 143:8

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

Here's the Wedding Speech Order to Follow at Your Reception

Couple laughing during wedding speeches.

Jessica contributes wedding planning, wedding etiquette and relationship content to The Knot.
She also covers lifestyle and wellness topics for print and digital publications such Refinery29, Bustle, Well + Good, Cosmopolitan, Byrdie, The Zoe Report, The Cut and more.
Jessica has a journalism degree from Cal State University, Northridge and is certified as a life and success coach.

Mapping out your ideal wedding reception timeline is an art form. You want the wedding day to flow from beginning to end, with numerous memorable moments along the way, including the wedding speeches . Choosing the wedding speech order is a big part of finalizing your reception timeline, since it's important to get the wedding toasts and speeches checked off before the dancing and festivities begin. To help you nail it down, we've outlined the traditional order of speeches at a wedding, along with some options for more modern wedding speech orders and other important speech-related questions. But above all, the most important thing to remember is that this is just a guideline—you don't have to follow it exactly (or at all). Use this order of wedding reception speeches as a starting point, but feel free to adjust accordingly, too.

In this article:

Who Speaks First at Weddings?

The traditional wedding speech order, do you have to follow the traditional wedding speech order, how many speeches do you have at a wedding, are wedding speeches before or after the meal.

Typically, the father of the bride is first in the traditional wedding speech order. In the past, this was because the bride's parents were usually the ones hosting (read: paying for) the wedding, says Trista Croce , founder of luxury wedding planning and event company BTS Event Management based in Phoenix, Arizona. However, for many couples, this may or may not be the case. In today's world, it's not unheard of for the groom's parents to pitch in for wedding costs, or for the couple to be footing the bill themselves. So in these cases, it's really up to the couple to decide who should speak first. It can be whoever hosts the wedding, the best man, or one or both parents if they choose to stick to tradition.

Yes, there's a specific order for traditional wedding speeches, but if you don't know where to begin, let us guide you through it. Here's the rundown of who gives the welcome speech at a wedding, when the father of the bride should give a speech and more.

1. The Father of the Bride or Parents of the Bride

The father of the bride speech is often one of the most special and tear-jerking moments of the day—and it's usually the first toast given when following the traditional order of speeches at the wedding. The father of the bride will typically start off by welcoming guests and thanking them for coming. The speech can also include a heartfelt anecdote about the bride and some words of wisdom for the happy couple. Depending on the situation, the mother of the bride can give a speech along with (or in place of) the father of the bride.

2. The Father of the Groom or Parents of the Groom

Next up in the traditional order of toasts at a wedding, according to Croce, is the groom's family. This could include the father of the groom's speech, mother of the groom speech or a few words from both parents. Some couples opt to have the father of the groom's speech take place during the rehearsal dinner instead, as old-school wedding etiquette stated that the groom's parents host the rehearsal dinner while the bride's parents host the wedding. But as always, who speaks at the reception and in what wedding speech order will depend on your relationship, your family situation and your personal preference.

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3. the maid of honor.

Following the parent speeches, Croce recommends having the maid of honor go next in the wedding toast order. However, some couples opt to flip the order and have the best man speak first followed by the maid of honor. The maid of honor speech typically includes an introduction and a short story explaining their relationship with the couple, personal anecdotes, funny stories, encouraging words and a closing remark with a toast.

4. The Best Man

The last speech on the agenda is the best man speech , which can follow the same format as the maid of honor speech. The best man can start by introducing himself, congratulating the couple, sharing a story about the groom and offering nice words about their new spouse. They can also mix in a tasteful joke or two and end with a wedding toast to the newlyweds and their future together.

5. The Master of Ceremonies

Although not considered part of the traditional wedding speech order, another "speaker" that can take the mic during a wedding reception is a master of ceremonies. In most cases, your wedding DJ or your wedding band leader will handle it. But for a modern wedding speech order alternative, you could choose to have someone you know or hire a different professional for the role. This, of course, is optional and there are pros and cons to consider, but it can be a fun way to add some structure (and humor!) to the reception.

Bride and groom portraits in Kansas City during Muslim wedding

Following the traditional order of wedding speeches is a good starting point, but you should always feel free to do what works best for your specific situation. Wedding traditions are just that—traditions. They're not rules couples must follow. "Family dynamics and friends are so different these days," Croce says. "This format is not going to suit everyone." Some people may also not feel comfortable with public speaking and choose not to give a speech. Our tip: use the traditional wedding speech order above as a guideline and decide on the wedding speech order that makes sense for you, your partner and your guests.

If you're weighing the pros and cons of a more modern wedding speech order, first consider the specific people who you'd want to speak at your wedding. You might skip the traditional parent speeches in favor of someone else, like the brother of the bride , sister of the groom or vice versa. And while it's not required, the newlyweds can give speeches too—whether individually or together—to give guests a warm welcome and express their appreciation to everyone who showed up to celebrate their big day. In that case, adding a bride's toast or groom's toast to the order of wedding speeches is another option. Lastly, you might have children (like the daughter of the bride ), stepchildren or other close loved ones who would be honored to speak at the reception.

In most cases, it's best to limit the number of wedding reception speeches to no more than four people. Whatever you decide, keep the total length of speeches in mind. If you decide to have more than four speeches during the reception, ensure each of them is brief. The last thing you want is for speeches to drag on and cut into the rest of the reception timeline, such as dinner and cutting of the cake. A good rule of thumb, Croce recommends, is keeping the entire speech portion of the reception to 20 minutes, maximum. From there, you can divide up those minutes between the different speakers.

If there are other important people in your lives who would also like to say a few words as well, such as wedding party members (bridesmaids, groomsmen), grandparents or close friends, you can ask them to give a speech at the rehearsal dinner instead. Rehearsal dinners are often more casual, intimate and less structured, which means there's more wiggle room for additional speakers that won't have the chance to speak during the wedding reception.

Wedding speeches typically take place during the meal at the wedding reception.The sweet spot, according to Croce, is starting the speeches about 3/4 of the way through dinner as guests are finishing up their meal and still seated. That way, once the speeches are wrapped up, guests will be done eating, tables will start being cleared and everyone will be ready to hit the dance floor and get the party started.

Timing is very important, especially with speeches, because you want to have your guests' undivided attention and keep them entertained and engaged all the way through. If speeches are done too early on during the meal, guests will still be finding their seats, chatting amongst each other and servers may be shuffling around, which can be noisy and distracting for guests. If the wedding speeches are done after the meal, guests may be feeling antsy to get up, move around and mingle.

Samantha Iacia contributed to the reporting of this article.

Bride and groom laughing during wedding toast

12 Best Wedding Speeches For Daughter

Looking for the best wedding speeches for daughter and son-in-law? Then search no further.

There’s nothing as loving as listening to a mother’s speech at a daughter’s wedding, it simply shows how lovely the bride’s family is and a wonderful wedding speech for daughter from a dad can add a lot of colors to the ceremony and make it a memorable one.

While making a speech to your daughter on her special day, you can start with an introduction like; My name is Barnabas, I’m the father or mother of the bride and it is so nice to see y’all here . You can strike a way to say a very big thanks to your guests, especially guests from a long distance. Thank you so much for being here to witness the union between our children. You may also add some funny elements to spice up your speech.

12 Best Speech Wedding Speeches For Daughter

1. What should the father of the bride say about his daughter? – free sample

It is my great pleasure to stand before you on this great occasion of my daughter’s wedding.

My Dear Alisa, you’ve been a blessing to me and your mother since you were born. I’ve been looking forward to this day would be an understatement, so now the big day is finally here. I just want to take a moment to savour this experience because chances are I’m never gonna have another opportunity like this again. I’m so lucky and blessed to have you as a daughter.

May God bless your new home my beautiful Alisa.

2. Wedding speech for my daughter who’s getting married today

My beautiful daughter, you’re so confident and smart. I take pride in you and I’m so happy that you’ve found a soulmate & life partner.

The first time I met my son-in-law here, his words of wisdom and comportment gave him a lot of credit. It shows indeed that you made a good decision, my daughter. I know that you will take good care of my daughter as your lovely wife and you both will grow in everlasting love. I welcome you both to your new home and may this union be fruitful and blessed.

3. Best wedding speech and wishes from the bride’s parents

I want to welcome everybody to this day who came to celebrate the conjugal bliss between Jia and George. We say again thank you and welcome to the wedding ceremony.

My children, marriage is not a bed of roses, it is full of ups and downs. I want you both to be forgiving and live in peace and unity. Never allow third parties into your home. Be each other’s best friend and keeper. Let the love of God continue to dwell in your home. I wish you a happy married Life.

4. Wedding speech prayers for daughter on wedding day

My beloved daughter, you’re my best friend and everything. Today you’re getting married to your handsome and lovely husband.

I know I’ve trained you well to be the best version of yourself and I trust you will make a good wife and mother in your new home. I thank God for this day and I also thank God Almighty for giving me the privilege to witness this great event.

I pray that the Lord will make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you and the Lord will make his light of continents upon you and grant you peace.

5. Sample wedding speeches for daughter with a little story

It is an honor to stand up here today to witness the union between my daughter Michelle and Micheal. I can say to you vividly that it is a perfect match made by heaven. My daughter, you look absolutely beautiful today and with that smile that lights up every moment, no embarrassing story I promise 😁 but there’s one story that stitches in my mind every day.

When Michelle was little, I fell sick and was admitted to a hospital. She came to visit me and she prayed for me with her words of encouragement. She also promised me that she will make me proud and I will witness her walk down the aisle. Today I’m witnessing this great event as she walks down the aisle.

Ladies and gentlemen, she fulfilled all her promises to me and she has always made me proud all her life.

I thank God for blessing you with a kind man like Micheal, your new home is blessed, my beautiful daughter.

6. Wedding speeches for my only daughter on her wedding day

Today is a very happy day for me and your father. We’re very proud to welcome Tony to our family. Thanks to many others who helped in making this day a reality, and traveled from far and near to attend this wonderful ceremony.

If I am allowed to say everything the way they’re in my heart, it would take us the whole day for me to deliver my wedding speeches for my one and only beloved daughter who I am giving out in marriage today.

She’s the only daughter that I have got and we have been so close to each other that in the blink of an eye she already knows what’s wrong with me and how to get around to solving it, what bothers me is a great concern to her and that’s the same way she treats everyone around her with genuine love and care.

May your new home be blessed, I wish you and your husband the best of marriage.

7. Everlasting love and happiness wedding speeches for daughter

I suppose I’m not like other parents who upon gazing at their child for the first time, start drawing milestones and will look forward to sharing their first smile, the first word, the first step to school, boyfriends, and all that. When underlying all these special moments, the hopes and prayers that they simply grow up healthy and happy.

Many of us await a very special occasion like this which is falling in love with our children and the cycle starts over and over again.

Traditionally, at this point we as parents talk about giving our daughter’s hand in marriage which is a symbolic indication that she’s no longer single. Alisa and John committed to each other and have nourished and treasured those gifts which have been very precious to us to observe.

You both make each other happy and have decided to tie the knot today with unity and love. May God continue to strengthen the two of you with everlasting love and happiness.

8. Father and mother wedding speeches for daughter

The joy of every father and mother is to see their children’s happy moments and celebrate with them.

My beautiful daughter, this is what I will say to you as the mother of the bride, the way to a happy home is trust, understanding, being fair to each other in good and bad times, sharing each other’s burdens, and loving unconditionally.

I will surely miss you and your presence around the House. John my son-in-law, our hearts are full of joy. I know that the two of you will make a great life together and we stand by, ready, willing, and able to celebrate your happiness together today and forever.

9. Touching wedding speeches from dad to daughter on her wedding day

As the father of the bride, here’s my speech to you my lovely daughter but firstly, I would like to say thanks all for joining us in the celebration of our daughter’s wedding. An adage says “it takes a village to raise a child”, here I think it takes a village to put a wedding together although we don’t have the support of all community members, we’ve some extraordinary family members and friends who have helped countless ways to make this special for our children.

I’m so happy I was able to walk my beautiful daughter down the aisle this morning and to know she has chosen well. It is the most important decision you can make that will take you a long way in your life. I wanted to start off by saying Matt, you’re most welcome in our family.

Loyalty is one of the solid foundations to build a home, be loyal and show respect to each other. May your bond be stronger, and your marriage fruitful.

10. Weddings speeches for daughter straight from the heart

My lovely daughter Juli, I’ve shared so many stories with you while I watch you grow up into a wonderful young woman. So many memories we shared together and most especially dancing in the family garden, it is in the yearbook which you can look up my darling.

Sweet candy those days were wonderful but would not trade this day for any of those I’ve shared. Those stories then were a backdrop in order to tell you this in a short while.

You will now have a partner and I’m going to let you go into marriage joyfully because John is a warm-hearted, considerate and lovely man. I wish you nothing less than endless laughter and a happy home.

11. Wedding speech for my daughter Ann

Ann, my daughter, watching you grow into a full-grown beautiful woman, gives so much joy to my soul. You made the right decision by choosing Augustine as a life partner. I see how devoted he is to his mom and family and I know he will bring that same devotion to you and your children.

Thank you my in-law for training such an amazing son-in-law, kudos to you guys.

To my daughter who is such a kind, compassionate and caring young woman. I know that you will bring those wonderful attributes of yours into your role as a wife and mother-to-be. I want to tell you that I’m so proud of you and the woman you’ve become. Congratulations on your new home my angel. May the peace of Christ continue to dwell in your home.

12. Wedding speech for my daughter and son-in-law

! am sure you will leave a loving gap in my heart for the rest of my days a deep breath. I know I’ve impacted some words of wisdom that will help you be more of yourself even in the most uncomfortable situations and work things out to become favorable to you and your partner, this would give guarantee a happy marriage. Marriage is simple and complicated, but endurance and giving each other a listening ear can go a very long way in building a happy home.

Through it all my lovely daughter, always remembers whether it be Chicago or Rockford, there’s no place like home.

My children (name of the celebrants), may your marriage journey be a happy one. May your marriage be the defining treasure of your life and may it be blessed with all the joy and happiness that the world has to offer. Have a home filled with sound health and prosperity.

As we all know, love is a beautiful thing and we always wish the best for our beloved ones. I hope our article on the best wedding speeches for daughters will be a good guide anytime you’re short of speeches to make on the special day of your beloved daughter who’s getting married to the love of her life.

I hope you had a happy reading, feel free to share your opinions with us through the comment box below.

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In This Article

Unique Wedding Vows
Vows For Her
Vows For Him
Traditional Wedding Vows

Religious Wedding Vows

Funny Wedding Vows

Simple Wedding Vows

Wedding Renewal Vows

Tips On Writing Wedding Vows

Wedding Party & Reception

36 Wedding Vow Examples To Steal: The Best Quotes + Advice

Welcome to a collection of heartfelt expressions and promises—the essence of love captured in wedding vows. In this article, we present a diverse array of wedding vow examples to inspire and guide you as you embark on crafting your own declarations of love and commitment. Whether you’re seeking traditional, modern , or personalized vows, this compilation aims to provide a source of inspiration to help you articulate the profound promises that will shape your wedding day.

Take motivation from the real couples who composed their own sentimental real wedding vows.

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How To Write Wedding Vows

We’ve asked Laura Montorio – The Paris Officiant , to share some inside tips on writing your wedding vows:

“The most important thing you need to keep in mind when writing your wedding vows is to stay true to yourself. If you try to be extra funny, super romantic or uniquely clever, then you put yourself under immense pressure and can easily get blocked. Speak from you heart and be yourself. Your partner won’t expect you to be a poet at once, if you are usually not a person of words.

Don’t limit yourself on the length: The quality of your vows does not lay in the word count, but in what your are expressing. Some people only need a few words to say what they feel and promise. Some people prefer to add some more details and feel they could not possible say everything they want to say in three lines. Give yourselves the freedom to choose the lenght that works best for each of you – without judgement or expectations.

And last but not least: Don’t use chat GPT to write your vows! Writing vows is not simply a task that needs to be checked off a list. Instead the process of writing your wedding vows helps you reflect upon your relationship, what you appreciate in your partner and what you want and are able to promise. Your marriage will be based on these vows, so don’t skip this!”

Unique Wedding Vows Examples

Quite similar to personal wedding vows, these unique wedding vows examples are different from the norm, and most definitely the couple’s own words. These do not stick to any specific wedding ceremony script , and below are a few examples.

examples of wedding vows unique wedding vows

“Bride/Groom, I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. And I promise to cherish you and to always hold you in the highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.”
“I, Bride/Groom, affirm my love to you, Bride/Groom, as I invite you to share my life. You are the most beautiful, smart, and generous person I have ever known, and I promise always to respect you. With kindness, unselfishness, and trust, I will work by your side to create a wonderful life together.”
“I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be my [husband/wife], to share the good times and hard times side by side. I humbly give you my hand and my heart as I pledge my faith and love to you. Just as this ring I give you today is a circle without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of incorruptible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring, I thee wed.”
“Bride/Groom, I promise to love you, to be your best friend, to respect and support you, to be patient with you, to work together with you to achieve our goals, to accept you unconditionally, and to share life with you throughout the years.”
“I, Bride/Groom, pledge my undying love to you, Bride/Groom, as I invite you to share my life. I promise to be kind, unselfish, respectful, and trustworthy so that together, our dreams of a beautiful future can come true. To this end I call upon all present to witness that I take you [name] to be my [husband/wife], to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health for as long as we both shall live.”

Wedding Vows for Her Examples

Romantic Vow For Her

“I promise to encourage your compassion, Because that is what makes you unique and wonderful. I promise to nurture your dreams, Because through them your soul shines. I promise to help shoulder our challenges, For there is nothing we cannot face if we stand together.

I promise to be your partner in all things, Not possessing you, but working with you as a part of the whole. Lastly, I promise you perfect love and perfect trust, For one lifetime with you could never be enough. This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things.”

Short Wedding Vow with A Touch of Humor

“I promise to love and care for you, and I will try in every way to be worthy of your love. I will always be honest with you, kind, patient and forgiving. And I promise to try to be on time. But most of all, I promise to be a true and loyal friend to you. I love you.”

Emotional Vow Example

“You know me better than anyone else in this world and somehow still you manage to love me. You are my best friend and one true love. There is still a part of me today that cannot believe that I’m the one who gets to marry you. I see these vows not as promises but as privileges: I get to laugh with you and cry with you; care for you and share with you. I get to run with you and walk with you; build with you and live with you.”

Thoughtful Wedding Vow

“I promise to be your lover, companion and friend, Your partner in parenthood, Your ally in the conflict, And your greatest fan and your toughest adversary.

Your comrade in adventure, Your student and your teacher, And your consolation in disappointment, Your accomplice in mischief. This is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things. All things.”

Wedding Vows for Him Examples

Explore heartfelt and personal wedding vow examples for him, crafted to express your love and commitment in a meaningful and unforgettable way.

Sentimental Wedding Vows

“You have been my best friend, mentor, playmate, confidant, and my greatest challenge. But most importantly, you are the love of my life and you make me happier than I could ever imagine and more loved than I ever thought possible… You have made me a better person, as our love for one another is reflected in the way I live my life. So I am truly blessed to be a part of your life, which as of today becomes our life together.”

Simple Wedding Vow

“On this day, I give you my heart, My promise, That I will walk with you, Hand in hand, Wherever our journey leads us, Living, learning, loving, Together, Forever.”

Comprehensive Wedding Vow

“I believe in you, the person you will grow to be and the couple we will be together. With my whole heart, I take you as my wife/husband, acknowledging and accepting your faults and strengths, as you do mine.

I promise to be faithful and supportive and to always make our family’s love and happiness my priority. I will be yours in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, in failure and in triumph. And I will dream with you, celebrate with you, and walk beside you through whatever our lives may bring. You are my person—my love and my life, today and always.”

Heartfelt Wedding Vow

Meaningful and traditional wedding vow.

“I take you to be my partner for life, I promise above all else to live in truth with you And to communicate fully and fearlessly, I give you my hand and my heart As a sanctuary of warmth and peace And pledge my love, devotion, faith, and honor As I join my life to yours.”

Traditional Sample Wedding Vows

examples of wedding vows traditional wedding vows

Traditional wedding vows are standard wedding vows; Classics, which have been passed down from generation to generation. Below are a few samples of traditional wedding vows :

“I, Bride/Groom, commit myself to you, Bride/Groom, as wife/husband/partner, to learn and grow with, to explore and adventure with, to respect you in everything as an equal partner, in the foreknowledge of joy and pain, strength and weariness, direction and doubt, for all the risings and settings of the sun. We tie these knots to symbolize our connection to one another. They represent our trust in each other and our combined strength together.”

UNITARIAN “I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be the wife/husband/partner of my days, to be the parent of my children, to be the companion of my house. We will keep together what measure of trouble and sorrow our lives may lay upon us, and we will share together our store of goodness and plenty and love.”

examples of wedding vows religious wedding vows

Religious wedding vows are faith-based vows with wordings based on the particular faith of the couple getting married. Each with different styles of wedding vows.

Christian wedding vows examples

ROMAN CATHOLIC “I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be my [wife/husband], I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. And I will love you and honor you all the days of my life. Bride/Groom, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
CHURCH OF ENGLAND “I Bride/Groom, take you Bride/Groom, to be my [wife/husband], to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy law; in the presence of God, I make this vow.”
EPISCOPAL “In the Name of God, I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be my wife/husband/partner, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.”
FROM THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER “I, Bride/Groom, take thee, Bride/Groom, to be my wedded [Wife/Husband], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth. With this Ring, I thee wed: In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
THE PROTESTANT WEDDING SOURCEBOOK “In the presence of God and before our family and friends, I, Bride/Groom, take you, Bride/Groom, to be my [wife/husband]. All that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you. Whatever the future holds, I will love you and stand by you, as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.”

Buddhist Wedding Vows Examples

Example 1: “I take you for the love you hold in your heart and vow to spend my life cultivating my love and care for you, for our family, and for all living things. Our relationship is my most important consideration; it gives me strength, and I vow to put every effort into strengthening it in turn through honesty, faithfulness, and patience. For all the days that we live with one another, I promise to spend each day working to become a more true version of myself, and I will do my utmost to help you do the same. In this effort, I take the Threefold Refuge vows, the Three Boundless precepts, the Ten Grave Precepts, as well as your wisdom and your council as my guides.”
Example 2: “I, Bride/Groom take you Bride/Groom to be my husband/wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. And I will trust you and honor you I will laugh with you and cry with you. Through the best and the worst, Through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold So I give you my life to keep.”
Example 3: “Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of growing in happiness each day. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of using whatever arises in our relationship for our own awakening and for the awakening of all beings. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of receiving everything in our relationship as teachings meant to open our hearts.Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of revealing ourselves fully in our relationship, striving toward complete vulnerability and honesty. Knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of listening without judgment. And knowing how deeply our lives intertwine with each other and with all beings, we undertake the practice of feeling and releasing all obstructions to being fully present in each moment.”
Example 4: “I Bride/Groom, take thee, Bride/Groom to be my Husband/Wife- To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise My love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my Husband/Wife, for as long as we both shall live.”
Example 5: “Do you, Bride/Groom promise to love, cherish, and work day and night to bring total happiness to Bride/Groom? Do you promise to practice generosity, morality, patience, and joy in all you do; mindfulness and wisdom to treat [Bride] and all others with loving kindness and compassion, for all the time you are together, knowing that this marriage can only be as good as the two of you make it. “I do.””

Funny Wedding Vows Examples

Some couples choose to personalize their vows and have fun doing it. This is what produces fun and comical wedding vows. Below are a few such hilarious wedding vows examples.

Example 1: “I promise to overdraft the checking account I promise to complain about the kitty litter And I vow to encourage us to try new and strange things I vow to fill your ‘I love you’ bank every day I vow to never use a recipe when fixing dinner And I vow to be the best parts of me that fit perfectly with the best parts of you Although I will be imperfect, I pledge to be sensitive and respectful of your unique talents, abilities, and quirks I pledge to lend you strength for all of your dreams Through our union, we can accomplish more than I could alone I believe in you.”
Example 2: “I want your worst—give me your bad hair days, your long commutes, your burnt coffee, lost keys, splashed shoes, annoying coworkers, lost receipts, broken copiers. Give me your every day and I will give you my love to make it alright.”
Example 3: Bride/Groom : “I promise to forget to stack the dishes on the right and leave stagnant water in the sink I promise to always drive the speed limit, even on the freeway I promise to cuss loudly at video games And I vow to snuggle you as often as possible I vow to make you really really laugh out loud I vow to always try one bite of any meal you create And I vow to be the best parts of me that fit perfectly with the best parts of you Although I will be imperfect, I pledge to be sensitive and respectful of your unique talents, abilities, and quirks I pledge to lend you strength for all of your dreams Through our union, we can accomplish more than I could alone I believe in you.I promise to love and cherish you as much as I do our dog, Spot. From this day forward, I will lint roll the chairs whenever your parents visit. I will love you in sickness and in health, as long as you take care of the vet visits. I promise to cuddle with you as much as I do Spot and pick up treats for you whenever he gets some, too.”

Short and sincere, simple marriage vows capture the depth of love and commitment as couples exchange heartfelt promises, expressing their unwavering devotion and lifelong commitment to each other.

“I, [Partner’s Name], take you, [Spouse’s Name], to be my beloved [wife/husband/partner], to love and cherish from this day forward. I promise to support you, honor you, and be there for you through all of life’s joys and challenges. With all that I am, I pledge my love and fidelity to you.”
“I take you to be my lawfully wedded spouse, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part.”
“I choose you to be my partner in life. I promise to love you, support you, and cherish you through all the adventures we will face together.”
“I, [Name], take you, [Partner’s Name], to be my partner in crime and my best friend. I promise to stand by you, laugh with you, and comfort you in times of sorrow. Today and always.”
“With this ring, I give you my heart. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow. I choose you to be my person, today and every day that follows.”

Wedding Renewal Vows Examples

Renewing your wedding vows is a beautiful way to celebrate your love and commitment to each other. Here are some examples of wedding vow renewal ceremonies that you can use as inspiration for your own:

Spouse 2: I do.”

[Spouse 2]: I, [Spouse 2], take you, [Spouse 1], to be my beloved spouse.

Officiant: To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.

[Spouse 2]: I reaffirm my love and commitment to you, [Spouse 1], today and always.”

So, never fret, just follow these simple steps.

Reflect on Your Relationship: Take some time to reflect on your relationship, the journey you’ve shared, and what makes your love unique. Think about the qualities you admire in your partner and the moments that have shaped your bond.
Define Your Promises: Consider the promises and commitments you want to make to your partner. Think about the values that are important to you both and the qualities you want to nurture in your marriage. Focus on expressing your love, support, and dedication.
Find Inspiration: Read examples of wedding vows, poems, love quotes, or even passages from books or songs that resonate with you. These can help inspire your ideas and give you a sense of the tone and style you’d like to incorporate into your vows.
Write from the Heart: Start drafting your vows, writing from the heart and in your voice. Be authentic and genuine in expressing your emotions and feelings for your partner. Use specific anecdotes, memories, or inside jokes to make your vows personal and meaningful.
Keep It Concise: Wedding vows are typically short, capturing the essence of your love and promises. Aim for around one to two minutes when spoken aloud. Be mindful of the time and ensure your vows are balanced if you plan to exchange them with your partner.
In order not to forget these vows, write them down.

Finding the right words to say your wedding vows can be quite challenging and confusing sometimes. So, if possible, use any of the above as a wedding vows template, to help boost your ideas while writing your beautiful vows .

Writing wedding vows can be fun, and can be interesting. You might be inclined to include a list of quotes to use in your wedding vows. Either way, be sure to use the words you believe in and go on to have the wedding of your dreams.

Check out this useful infographic with examples of how to write your wedding vows. Pin it, save it, and be inspired!

Infographic

wedding vows wedding vows outline how to write wedding vows

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