Unique Tips for Writing and Delivering a Memorable Wedding Speech

So, you’ve been asked to give a wedding speech? No pressure, right? Whether you're the best man, maid of honor, or a close friend, this is your chance to say something truly special. Here are some fresh tips to help you understand how to give a wedding speech that stands out—for all the right reasons.

Start with a Sneak Peek

Instead of the usual, “For those who don’t know me...” opener, try giving a little teaser of what’s to come. Maybe hint at a funny story or a heartfelt moment. Reach back into your memory bank of the unique experiences that brought you to this day where you have to give a wedding speech. Find a moment that stands out and illustrates who you are and why you matter to the couple, and launch right into it.

Find an Unlikely Connection

Think about something unexpected that ties you and the couple together. Maybe it’s a shared love of an obscure hobby or an inside joke that’s uniquely yours. In my best man speech, I talked about how myself and the groom enjoyed playing Magic the Gathering, emphasizing our shared nerdy hobbies and making a joke at both of our expense. Sharing this will make your speech more personal and less generic. Plus, it gives guests a new perspective on your relationship with the couple.

Ditch the Script, Go for the Bullet Points

Instead of writing out your entire wedding speech, try working with bullet points. This way, you’re less likely to sound robotic and more likely to come off as natural and spontaneous. You’ll have your main points in front of you, but you can speak from the heart in the moment. It's also likely that you'll remember this framework for your speech far better than the individual ideas you had for each moment and might not need to reference your bullet points.

Incorporate Some Visuals

If you’re feeling bold, why not bring a visual aid? Whether it’s an old photo, a funny prop, or even some recorded audio from other guests, a visual can add an extra layer of fun to your speech. Just make sure it’s something everyone can see and enjoy.

Involve the Crowd

Instead of making it a one-person show, get the guests involved. You could ask them to raise their hands if they agree with something funny you say about the couple, or give a shout-out to anyone who played a key role in the couple’s story. This makes your wedding speech interactive and more engaging. I've witnessed a wedding speech where the speaker used mad-libs in the speech to create a random and funny part of their speech that was also relevant because the audience knew the couple too.

Be Playfully Honest

Weddings are about celebrating love, but that doesn’t mean everything has to be sugar-coated. A little playful honesty—like admitting you were skeptical when the groom first introduced you to the bride, or recalling how the bride swore she’d never date a guy like him—can add humor and authenticity to your best man, maid-of-honor, or father-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-bride wedding day speech.

Create a “Mini Roast” (With Love)

If you know the couple well enough, a light-hearted roast can be a big hit in your wedding speech. Just keep it kind and good-natured. Poke fun at the groom’s obsession with his car or the bride’s collection of houseplants. The key is to make sure everyone, especially the couple, knows it’s all in good fun.

Wrap Up with a Challenge

End your wedding speech by giving the couple a fun, light-hearted challenge for their marriage. Something like, “Here’s to a lifetime of [Groom] trying to keep up with [Bride]’s love for adventure,” or “May you always remember that the key to a happy marriage is knowing when to order takeout instead of cooking.” It’s a fun way to close with a wish for their future.

Relax and Enjoy the Moment

Finally, just remember to have fun. This is a celebration, not a TED Talk! Let go of the pressure to be perfect, take a deep breath, and enjoy the fact that you get to share in such an important moment. Your genuine emotion is what people will remember most.

Whether you're planning for your speech, or you're planning to get married and you just want to send some tips to your wedding party, we hope these tips are helpful in taking your wedding speeches to the next level of sincerity and entertainment!