Do you want to learn how to create the perfect groom speech? Today, we share our advice on how to give the finest groom speech ever!
While not required, a groom's speech adds a significant before or post-dinner touch to a wedding, It's an opportunity for guests to hear all of your romantic and genuine emotions as a newly-wed. And to maybe bring a lightness to proceedings with a few well-thought-out jokes.
It's also a great point in the day to acknowledge all of your loved ones and thank everyone who helped you put the beautiful day together. Everyone in the 'audience' will be friends and family, so you’ll be able to put any public speaking anxieties aside. As all will be cheering you on to do your best, and if you stumble over your words or cry when talking about your new wife or husband, they'll love you even more! Easier said than done!
Every groom wants to deliver the best speech ever, but not all can master its subtle complexities. Blending the gentle ribbing of your new family with tender moments of emotion is not easy, and can often go awry if not practised thoroughly. For many, this is arguably one of the most daunting parts of the entire wedding planning journey.
If you’re currently fretting over your big moment, fear not. We’ve put together our top groom speech tips that’ll help you write your own Oscar-worthy speech.
Groom Speech Tips
This is your moment to acknowledge the hard effort that others (and you) have put into this incredible day. To thank everyone for giving you the gifts of their time (and money), and to put a smile on your partner's face.
Talk Directly to Your Partner
The most honest portions of your speech will be significantly more effective and intimate if you actually look and make eye contact with your partner when you're talking about them. Also, instead of addressing her as'she/him/they,' address them as 'you.'
Keep it Original
It's okay to incorporate the occasional predictable sentence ('my wife and I,' for example), but don't overdo it or your speech will seem like an online cut-and-paste job. It is preferable to forgo humour for uniqueness rather than the other way around.
Strike a Balance Between Laughs & Sincerity
This isn’t the time for a ten-minute stand-up set, so try to mix your one-liners with a healthy dose of sincerity. What do you adore about your wife? How have they bettered your life? Which of your negative behaviours must they put up with? Make your visitors feel as though they have given up a full day of their lives to celebrate a couple who are both very much in love.
Know Your Audience
Knowing your audience is essential for all types of speech writing. Remember who you're speaking to, and make your speech is accessible to everyone in the room. Don’t use in-jokes that only you and the lads would understand, and certainly avoid anything insulting, contentious, and avoid Brexit!
Share a Few Jokes
Making guests laugh with a few well-timed wedding jokes or entertaining anecdotes is a good approach when attempting to balance the emotion of the day. However, keep your tales brief, amusing, and relevant! It’s best not to disgrace your new partner on your first day together…
Keep your jokes genuine and appear spontaneous – your guests will love it.
If you’re not known for your jokes and don’t feel you’ll be able to deliver any with real conviction, then it’s best not to force it. It’ll come off as a little false, and only ruin your big moment if it doesn’t go well.
Aim for 8 Minutes
The length of a groom's speech can really make or break it. Too short, and many will question why. If you go on for too long, no one will listen. Keep the whole time you’re up to 10-minutes, which’ll include about eight minutes of speech time, with the rest made up of laughing, applause, and heckles…