The moment has arrived. A hushed audience of family and friends, twinkling lights, and the weight of anticipation on your shoulders. It’s time to deliver a wedding speech.
Over the course of Kuhl Entertainment’s illustrious 15 years in the wedding industry, we’ve had the privilege of bearing witness to approximately *4,000 wedding speeches.
These speeches ranged from the deeply touching that left hardly a dry eye in the room, to the uproariously funny ones that had guests holding their sides. But, we’ve also seen a few that missed the mark.
Weddings are a monumental occasion in a couple’s life, and speeches play a pivotal role in capturing and commemorating the essence of their love story. Recognizing the importance and the impact of these speeches, not just on the couple but on all those present, we felt compelled to share our insights.
So, we’ve penned this article not just based on our extensive experience, but with the hope of aiding future couples’ friends and family. We aim to equip you with the knowledge and guidance to craft and deliver the perfect wedding speech, ensuring the day remains as magical and memorable as the couple envisions.
Whether you’re the best man, maid of honor, a parent, or even the bride or groom, your goal is the same: to honor, entertain, and move your audience.
The ten components listed below are:
- Know Your Audience
- Begin with Gratitude
- Share Personal Stories
- Keep It Positive
- Include Both Parties
- Mind the Length
- Include Quotes or Poems
- Practice Makes Perfect
- Convey Genuine Emotion
- End with Well Wishes
Here’s how to craft the perfect wedding speech:
1. Know Your Audience
While you might know a hilarious college story about the groom, consider if it’s appropriate for Grandma Edna and Aunt Lisa. Understand your audience and tailor your speech to entertain and touch everyone present, not just a select few.
2. Begin with Gratitude
A wedding brings together numerous people, each playing a significant role. Start by expressing your gratitude for being a part of this special day and thank the couple for entrusting you with this honor.
3. Share Personal Stories
Personal anecdotes can make your speech memorable. Whether it’s a touching memory or a humorous incident, share stories that highlight the personalities and relationship of the couple.
4. Keep It Positive
A wedding is a celebration. Ensure your speech maintains a positive tone. This isn’t the time to bring up past relationships or any potentially controversial topics.
5. Include Both Parties
Even if you’re closer to one half of the couple, it’s essential to include both in your speech. Share how you’ve seen them grow together or relay a story that demonstrates their compatibility.
6. Mind the Length
Aim for a speech that’s between 3-5 minutes. This is usually enough time to share a story, express emotions, and keep the attention of your audience.
7. Include Quotes or Poems
Including a relevant quote or a few lines from a poem can enhance your message. It adds depth and can resonate emotionally with the audience.
8. Practice Makes Perfect
Rehearse your speech multiple times. This not only helps with your delivery but can also calm your nerves. If possible, practice in front of a friend or family member for feedback.
9. Convey Genuine Emotion
It’s okay to show emotion. If you’re moved to tears, take a moment. Authenticity will connect you to your audience. If humor is more your style, a genuine laugh can be infectious.
10. End with Well Wishes
Conclude your speech by offering heartfelt wishes for the couple’s future. This could be in the form of advice, a quote, or a simple toast to their happiness and love.
Bonus Tip 1: Stay Sober
While it’s a joyous occasion and you might be tempted to indulge, it’s a good idea to stay sober or limit your alcohol intake before your speech. You’ll want to be clear-headed and coherent.
Bonus Tip 2: Mastering Microphone Technique
When it comes to delivering an impactful wedding speech, clarity is key. And a large part of that clarity depends on how you hold the microphone. Unsure about the right position?
Think about this: Picture yourself taking a drink from a water bottle. Imagine the position of the bottle just after you’ve taken a sip. Now, position the microphone in the same way when you speak. This simple analogy can ensure your voice resonates clearly, and your heartfelt message is heard by everyone.
Remember, the goal of a wedding speech is to celebrate and honor the couple.
By focusing on genuine emotions, sharing heartfelt stories, and practicing your delivery, you can create a memorable speech that will be cherished by the couple for years to come.
Cheers to crafting the perfect wedding toast!
Here’s a framework you can copy and paste to begin planning:
Express gratitude for the honor of speaking and acknowledge the beauty of the occasion.
Briefly mention how you know or are related to the couple.
Share your early impressions of their partner (the half you know less) and what makes them a good match.
Share a touching or humorous story about the couple, or one about each half of the couple.
[Story about the bride or groom you know better]
[Story about their partner or their relationship]
Comment on the growth of the couple or a quality that makes their relationship unique and inspiring.
Introduce a relevant quote or a line from a poem that ties back to the essence of your message or the couple’s love story.
Share a heartfelt observation or emotion you've felt seeing the couple together.
Share your hopes and dreams for the couple.
Offer any advice or well wishes for their journey ahead.
Raise a glass to the couple's future and express a simple sentiment celebrating their love and happiness.As of Thursday, May 15, 2025 we have been hired to DJ 1,332 weddings.
We're estimating average of three speeches per wedding, which means roughly 4,000 speeches.