This four stage groom speech template is an outline for what your guests will want, and expect, to hear. By the way, this assumes that the bride is not making a speech. If she is, you will need to decide between you who is going to the thank you whom.
Photo credit: Alex Beckett
1. Connect to the audience
Before you get into the main body of your speech there is something essential you need to do: SMILE! You are the man of the hour, everyone is ecstatic for you, acknowledge their love and enthusiasm.
2. Say thank you
The people you need to thank will normally include some or all of the following: the bride’s family, your family, those who have made a significant effort to be there, and the bridesmaids, ushers and best man.
The bride’s family:
- What were your first impressions of them?
- What do you think their first impressions were of you?
- What have they done to welcome you in to the family?
- What have they done towards the organisation of the wedding?
- What have they done to support you and your bride since you got together?
Your family:
- What acts of selflessness and kindness have they shown you at any key point in your life?
- What good bits of advice did your parents, or any other members of the family give you?
- What daft pieces of advice have you been given?
- What efforts have they made to welcome your bride into the family?
- What have they done to help towards the wedding?
Those who have made a significant effort to attend the wedding:
- What obstacles did they overcome to be there?
- What football matches, water sports holidays or golfing trips will they miss?
- What lies did they tell their boss? What sacrifices did they make to travel to the wedding?
Bridesmaids
- What will the bridesmaids/maids of honour have done for the bride on the day?
- What have they done to support her in the lead-up to the wedding? (Ask her)
Groomsmen/ushers
- What have they done that deserves particular mention?
Best man
- How has he helped you to get to this moment, standing next to your bride at your wedding reception?
3. Talk about the bride
Photo credit: Kristin Port www.unioneleven.com
Obviously, this is the most important part of the speech. The guests want to hear the story of your relationship and how it has grown and led to this moment.
- What do you remember about the first time you met?
- In the early stages of your relationship did you ever say or do anything ridiculous because you were nervous?
- What was it about her that took your breath away? What did she say or do that made you think “wow… this is the girl for me”?
- How did you propose?
- Is there any (ideally trivial) issue on which you don’t see eye to eye?
- What do you love most about her?
- How has she changed you, or how you see the world?
- How does the fact that she has agreed to marry you make you feel?
4. Propose a toast
The etiquette books will usually advise that the groom should propose a toast to the bridesmaids. To us, this doesn’t make any sense. You have spent the most important part of your speech paying tribute to the wonderful woman who has agreed to marry you. Why would you then want to toast someone else? It’s important that the bridesmaids are recognised for their contributions to the day, but as you will have done so already, you don’t need to toast the bridesmaids as well.
You do, however, need to toast the most important person at the wedding: the bride. However you do it, keep it short and simple, so it easy for people to repeat. For example: “to the beautiful bride!” or: “to Mary!”
The speech out of the way, sit back and enjoy the rest of your wedding!
The next step
Read more groom speech tips
If you would like some help with the writing, editing or delivery of your groom’s speech, book your free telephone consultation on your speech via the contact form, get in touch via email or just give us a call. Together we will assess your needs and make a plan.
email – robin@weddingspeechguru.co.uk
phone – +44 (0)7985919856 or +44 (0)7816 087 325