From Nervous to Natural: Tips and Templates for Crafting a Groom's Speech

You've found your person, planned the wedding and are now counting down the days until you say, "I do." But before you get there, you've got to figure out if you're going to give a groom speech at the wedding, and if you do, what in the world to say. Don't worry, with a few tips, tricks and templates, your time holding the microphone will be short, sweet and full of love. Whether you're looking for a more formal speech or something to make your guests laugh and know how much you cherish your partner, we've got some ideas and prewritten speeches for you.

In this article: Does the Groom Give a Speech? | Groom Wedding Speech Template & How to Write | What Should a Groom Say in His Speech? | Groom Wedding Speech Examples | Groom Speech Tips | Groom Speech Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Groom Give a Speech?

Grooms do not traditionally give a wedding speech. But it's the groom and their partner's special day, so they get the final say on whether or not they want to give one. If the groom chooses to give a speech, it's usually short and heartfelt, thanking everyone for coming to celebrate their new marriage and highlighting how much they love their spouse.

When you're thinking through who delivers speeches at a wedding, it's important to consider who contributed financially to the wedding, who would want to share a few words during the weekend and how much time is available. Oftentimes, couples allow more people to make a rehearsal dinner speech and keep their wedding day speeches to just a few key players and more focused on the wedding at hand.

Groom Wedding Speech Template & How to Write

When figuring out how to write a groom speech, start by jotting down the main points to share and choosing a short story or classy joke to include. Here are some step-by-step instructions for figuring out how to write a wedding speech, as well as a template below.

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1. Make a List of Who You Want to Thank and Why

Typically, a groom's speech is just like a thank-you speech at a wedding, directed toward the key characters that made the wedding happen. This is usually the parents of the newlyweds, but that depends greatly on the wedding and family circumstances. A groom usually expresses gratitude to their new spouse next, highlighting how they met, some favorite personality traits or the work they put into the wedding. If you'd like, you can use a short groom speech template for this part, as it's easy to plug in the names of those you're thankful for here.

2. Share a Story

After you highlight your gratitude for those who came, share a story about you and your new spouse. This could be from wedding planning, when you met or really any moment that shares about your journey to the wedding day. Keep it authentic, personal and feel free to share some wedding speech jokes at this point, but keep it clean.

3. End With a Toast

Clear endings are essential for wedding speeches to flow smoothly. So, as you wrap up your groom's speech, ask everyone to raise a glass to those who helped make your wedding day dreams come to life. If you are giving the last speech, make sure to add a bit about what guests are supposed to do next, whether it's to wait for the cake cutting, get up and dance or to keep eating and mingling until the next announcement.

What Should a Groom Say in His Speech?

A groom should share his gratitude for everyone who carved out the time to attend the wedding, as well as those who helped make it happen. Remember, this can be more than just those who contributed financially. There are likely many people who lent emotional and physical support over the past few months. A groom can share a personal anecdote to help guests feel connected to the couple, and conclude with a toast or directions for the next activity.

Groom Wedding Speech Examples

From figuring out how to include a joke that actually makes people laugh to figuring out how to write a three-minute wedding speech, these short groom speech examples just need you to fill in the blank, and they're good to go.

Funny Groom Speech

Good evening, everyone! First off, thank you all for being here today. Some of you travelled a long way, and others came solely for the free food and open bar—we appreciate both of you equally.

I'd like to take a moment to thank my parents for raising me. Without their guidance, I wouldn't have any idea how to work my way through conflict, grill a hamburger or show unconditional love to another person—all of which are vital aspects for succeeding at marriage. So thanks, Mom and Dad.

And thank you to [spouse's parents]. You raised an incredible human, and, for some crazy reason, you encouraged them to spend the rest of their life with me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

To my groomsmen, you all clean up shockingly well. Seriously, none of us has ever worn tuxedos before, but I think we managed to get all the pieces on correctly. But more importantly, thank you for helping me get to the best day of my life in one piece.

And finally, to my new spouse, [partner's name], I am most thankful for you. By the way, you look gorgeous tonight. I knew you were my person early on when you laughed at my obnoxious socks and pretended they were actually cool. When you agreed to see me again after that, I knew I wanted to do whatever it takes to love you, forever and always. You make me a better man every day, mainly because you give me a to-do list, but also because you're kind, brilliant and patient.

In all seriousness, I couldn't be happier than I am at this moment. If married life means being surrounded by friends, family and unlimited dessert, then I think I can handle it. Let's raise a glass to our love!

Short Groom Speech

Hello, everyone! Thank you all so much for coming this evening. This day has been an absolute blast so far, and that's certainly not going to change anytime soon.

I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for coming to celebrate me and [spouse's name]. [Parents' names], thank you for helping make our wedding day dreams come true, and [spouse's parents' names], thank you for raising the best human I know. I am forever indebted to you.

When [spouse's name] and I were planning this wedding, there were so many people who stepped up to help us make decorations, shared a meal with us when it felt like we couldn't make one more decision and ensured we put each other first during this process. We wouldn't be starting our marriage out on such a beautiful note without you.

So, here's to each of you walking beside us on this journey, both over the past few months, but more importantly, over the years to come. Cheers!

Formal Groom Speech

Good evening, everyone! On behalf of [partner's name] and myself, I want to thank you all for being here today. It means the world to us to be surrounded by our family and friends as we start this new chapter of our lives together.

To our parents, thank you for your love, guidance, and the endless sacrifices you've made for us over the years. We truly would not be the people we are today without your support.

To our friends, thank you for standing by us through every era of life. You each have played a part in shaping who we are, and this wouldn't have happened without you, either.

And finally, to my new spouse, [partner's name], you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. Your kindness, spunk and brilliance make me a better man, and my goal is to show you every day how grateful I am for that.

Please raise a glass with me, and cheers to a new era, full of love, friendship and joy!

Classic Groom Speech

Welcome, friends and family! I cannot begin to express my gratitude for everyone who made it here today to celebrate [spouse's name] and me. From sneaking into [spouse's name]'s room to get her ring size for me and talking me down during a frantic phone call when our caterer backed out to helping [spouse's name] find the perfect dress, you all truly supported us in every possible way. This weekend has been full of joy, laughter and fun—all because of you.

Mom and Dad, thank you for going above and beyond to make sure today went well. I know you did 100 things to make it happen, and I'm sure there are 100 more that I don't even know about. [Parents' names of spouse], thank you for raising my favorite person in the world. I am so, so grateful to be a part of your family now. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms.

I hope you all enjoy yourself tonight. There is plenty of food and drink to go around. Let's all lift our glasses and toast to a beautiful celebration to start our marriage! Cheers!

Groom Speech for Rehearsal Dinner

Wow, I knew you all loved and supported us, but hearing all your speeches has really brought that to life. They've shown me that I am seriously marrying the best person in the world tomorrow.

When [spouse's name] and I decided to tie the knot a few months ago, we had no idea what it was going to look like. At one point, we were even thinking of eloping! Now, I know that wasn't the right choice for us—and that's because of you.

Thank you all so much for carving out time in your busy lives to celebrate with us. It means so much that you would do that, and I hope we never take that for granted. In years to come, when we hit rocky patches, I know we will have people to lean on. There is no better way to start a marriage than surrounded by people who love you.

So here's to starting out on the right foot, to wonderful evenings full of love and laughter, and to getting married to the most beautiful person in the room tomorrow! Cheers!

Groom Speech Tips

When it comes to groom speeches, it's important to have a plan, rehearse it (especially if you're using one of our unique wedding speech ideas) and then relax! We understand you want to nail it, but there's no need to stress too much over it when you have so much else going on during your wedding day. Here are our favorite tips and tricks for pulling off a groom speech.

Avoid Controversial Topics

This might seem obvious, but it needs to be said. Avoid any talk of ex-partners, dirty jokes and anything that could be seen as demeaning to your partner. Weddings are the start of a marriage, and those should be built on love and mutual understanding. Keep your speech appropriate for the audience, and you'll be set.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Once you have your speech written, read it out loud in the mirror a few times and then share it with your friends. Do this a few times until it feels natural and easy. This will give you confidence when you actually give the speech and allow you to look up and around the room occasionally when you know what comes next.

Write the Speech Out on Paper

We know everyone has their phone in their pocket these days, and it's an easy spot to keep a speech, but it just doesn't look good in photos (or in real life). Write out your speech by hand or print it out and use that piece of paper on the big day. A photo of you reading off a sheet of paper looks much classier than a groom staring at his phone at his wedding. Plus, a piece of paper can't go dark on you in the middle of the groom's speech.

Groom Speech Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes, coming up with groom wedding speech ideas raises more questions than answers. So, here are some straightforward tips for writing a groom speech.

How Long Is a Groom's Speech?

A groom's speech is usually around three minutes long, but it should definitely be below five minutes. Aim for between 400 and 800 words, depending on how quickly you speak. This allows the groom to thank everyone and share a bit from his heart without losing the crowd.

What Should a Groom NOT Say?

A groom should avoid any risqué language, embarrassing stories involving alcohol or other substances, inside jokes, references to ex-partners or anything disrespectful of marriage. These things all take away from the welcoming, celebratory feeling of the event.

Should You Just Do a Couple's Speech Instead?

A groom's speech or bride's speech is in no way required at a wedding, but many choose to do a couple's speech to share the spotlight. If you want to do some public speaking, but not on your own, consider doing a newlywed toast so you both have a chance to share. If you practice it ahead of time, it can be a fun way to show off your partnership to your guests.