How to Write an Engagement Party Speech That's *Chef's Kiss*

Many couples opt to celebrate their engagement with an engagement party, and for good reason. These fun-filled bashes are the first of many special events leading up to the wedding day, which means they set the tone for all the fun that awaits. And, while the soiree is sure to be a good time, you won't want to forget about all the logistics leading up to it, including the often-dreaded engagement party speech. However, when it comes to crafting the perfect toast, look no further: Below, we're breaking down everything you need to know about the engagement party speech, including etiquette, how long it should be, writing tips and, last but not least, pre-written examples to make things all the more stress-free.

In this article:

• Who Gives an Engagement Party Speech?
• Engagement Party Speech Order
• When to Give Engagement Party Speeches
• How Long Should an Engagement Party Speech Be?
• How to Write an Engagement Party Speech
• Engagement Party Speech Examples

Who Gives an Engagement Party Speech?

The engagement party is a chance for friends and family to come together to celebrate the soon-to-be-married couple, so it makes sense why some folks may want to give a speech. "At a minimum," says Brian Franklin, the cofounder of Los Angeles, California-based company Vows & Speeches, which creates custom vows, wedding speeches and ceremony scripts, "the couple should give a short speech thanking their guests for celebrating the engagement and speak to the excitement of the wedding." He also notes that, " If the party is being hosted by a friend or family member, they might also speak to how they view the couple." This can include the mother of the bride, the mother of the groom, the father of the groom, the father of the bride, the maid of honor or best man and, of course, siblings.

Engagement Party Speech Order

According to wedding planner Christina Lovelace, the owner of Lovelace Design in Massachusetts, the order of engagement party speeches will vary depending on who is hosting the party. However, she explains that, "in general, you will see the host speak first to welcome everyone and to cheer the couple." Next up would be anyone in the immediate family who has prepared a speech, followed by the best man and/or maid of honor. Last but not least, the floor finally opens up to friends or extended family members who wish to speak.

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When to Give Engagement Party Speeches

Put simply, there are no hard-and-fast rules on when to give an engagement party speech. Per Lovelace, "engagement party speeches should run with the flow of the evening." However, "relatively speaking, speeches should be done right before dinner or at the beginning of your gathering before true partying has started," Lovelace says. Franklin shares similar sentiments, telling us that presenting your engagement party speech during a meal "can make it hard for people to hear or concentrate." What's more, he says, "By doing the speeches before or after dinner, you'll have people's complete concentration."

How Long Should an Engagement Party Speech Be?

Short and sweet is the name of the game here: Both Lovelace and Franklin agree that an engagement party speech should be no longer than two minutes. Plus, says Franklin, "It also allows the speakers to keep some material in reserve for the big day!" (Sidebar: It's never too early to start brainstorming wedding speech ideas!)

How to Write an Engagement Party Speech

Writing an engagement party speech can be daunting, especially if you struggle with ideation and/or public speaking (trust us when we say you're not alone!). Ultimately—and as cheesy as it may sound—the key is to speak from the heart: After all, it's always the thought that counts. That said, in case you're still feeling anxious, we've rounded up some expert insight to help make writing your engagement party speech a little less stressful.

Basic Tips

According to Lovelace, it is important to do the following when writing your speech.

• Introduce yourself: Unless you are the couple who is soon to be married, it's possible that not all guests in attendance will know who you are. That's why Lovelace recommends starting your speech with an introduction and sharing how you know the couple.
• Share your thoughts: "Following your introduction, you should share your feelings on the engagement and what it means to you," says Lovelace. That said, don't be afraid to get real and raw with the audience—it's totally OK if you shed a happy tear or two (and, chances are, so will everyone else!)
• Wrap it up: "Once you have shared your feelings on the couple's engagement, follow with a call to action," explains Lovelace. This is also a great opportunity to make a toast and share a hug with the guests of honor!

Practice makes perfect.

"Like a wedding speech, you want to make sure that you go up prepared and rehearsed," explains Franklin. With this in mind, he says, "don't try to wing it!" Of course, this involves plenty of practicing and planning ahead. Start by writing down your speech on paper or typing it up on your computer. Then, print it out— "do not read it off your phone," Franklin cautions—and time yourself to ensure the speech isn't too long. Rehearse it at least a few times before the party so you feel cool and confident when it finally comes time to deliver your speech.

Start with a story and speak from the heart.

Still stuck on what to write your speech on? Don't fret. Instead, Franklin recommends keeping things simple by "telling a short story that illustrates your excitement about the engagement and the wedding." If you're hosting the engagement party, Franklin advises focusing your speech on what the couple means to you. You can also add a short sentence thanking everyone for coming out to celebrate.

Conversely, if you are one-half of the newly engaged couple, you may want to use this opportunity to " "talk about how your relationship has grown from the start." Last but not least, says Franklin, remember to take a quick moment to thank the hosts!

Engagement Party Speech Examples

While there is no particular format or formula for the perfect engagement party speech — again, it all comes down to speaking from the heart and sharing in the couple's joy and love — we've compiled a few examples to help spark some inspiration. Ahead, check out a few sample engagement party speeches for the parents of the couple, the couple themselves, and their closest friends and family members.

Parents of the Couple: Engagement Party Speech Examples

For those of you who don't know us, we're Jill and Joe, Brad's parents. We are so thrilled to celebrate Brad and Ashley's engagement with you all tonight, and we can't thank you enough for coming. Right after their first date, Brad came home smitten and giddy, and their energy was infectious. When we met A a few weeks later for brunch, we knew right then and there that they were meant to be together. It has been a gift watching your love grow over these past few years, and we know the best is yet to come. Thank you for affording us the chance to score a front-row seat to the best show in town: Your very own fairytale. Please join us in raising a glass to the very happy couple: Here's to a lifetime of health and happiness head!

Engagement Party Speech Examples for the Couple

We are so grateful to all of you for joining us on this special night. Both Zachary and I share a strong commitment to family and friends, which is just one of the many reasons we fell in love. With all this being said, I certainly speak for both of us when I say that there is nobody else we'd rather ring in our engagement with. We also want to take a moment to thank our gracious hosts, Marni and Isaac, my parents, for organizing this incredible evening. We will cherish this night for years to come: Cheers to all of you and all the joyjous celebrations ahead!

Additional Engagement Party Speech Examples for Family and Friends

My name is Alex, and I am so thrilled to be here tonight with all of you in celebration of my best friend, Lindsey, and her fantastic fiance, Tyler. Lindsey first told me about Tyler at our weekly wine and cheese night, and she had a distinct sparkle in her eye every time he would text her—even if it was in the middle of the new Bachelor episode! I was lucky enough to watch their love blossom in real-time, and I am so lucky to have found a dear friend in Tyler, as well. To know this incredible couple is to love them, and I can't wait for what lies ahead: Tyler and Lindsey, here's to the two of you: May this new chapter together be filled with even more love and laughter!