How to Write a Groom’s Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide for an Unforgettable Toast

A groom’s speech is a special moment at the wedding reception—a chance to share your gratitude, honor your partner, and speak from the heart to those gathered to celebrate with you. Whether it’s a traditional groom’s speech in the UK or a welcome toast in the U.S., knowing how to write and deliver a groom’s speech can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll go through a clear structure and offer practical tips to help you create a speech that resonates with warmth, sincerity, and meaning.

The Importance of the Groom’s Speech

A groom’s speech holds a prominent place in weddings, especially in the UK, where it’s a longstanding tradition. In the U.S., grooms are increasingly opting to give a welcome toast at the reception, offering a heartfelt thanks to guests and a tribute to their new spouse. This speech allows you to set the tone, honor loved ones, and add a personal touch to the celebration.

Structure of a Groom’s Speech

Having a clear structure can help you feel prepared and confident in delivering your speech. Here’s an outline to guide you:

1. Start with a Warm Welcome and Thank You

Begin by welcoming guests and thanking them for sharing this special day with you. This opening is a simple yet powerful way to acknowledge the love and support surrounding you and your partner.

Example:

“Good evening, everyone! On behalf of my beautiful spouse and myself, thank you all so much for being here with us today. We’re truly grateful for each and every one of you.”

Keep it brief and heartfelt—this will help set a warm and inclusive tone.

2. Express Gratitude to Specific People

This section of the speech is dedicated to thanking those who played a significant role in your lives and in making the wedding day a success. Mention parents, siblings, close friends, or anyone who has been especially supportive of your relationship.

Example:

“I’d like to take a moment to thank my parents, who have been my biggest role models. To [partner’s parents], thank you for welcoming me into your family with open arms and for raising such a wonderful person. We’re so lucky to have you all in our lives.”

Avoid listing too many names, as this can feel formal. Instead, focus on conveying genuine appreciation for those closest to you.

3. Speak from the Heart to Your New Spouse

One of the most meaningful parts of the groom’s speech is the tribute to your partner. Take this opportunity to reflect on what you love about them and share a few words about your relationship. Aim to keep this part warm, genuine, and relatable.

Example:

“To my wonderful wife—[partner’s name], you are my best friend, my biggest inspiration, and my partner in every sense of the word. I’m so grateful for the laughter, support, and love you bring into my life each day.”

Feel free to add a brief story or memory that reflects the strength of your relationship. Keep it focused on positive, meaningful moments rather than inside jokes, so it’s enjoyable for everyone.

4. Optional: Light Humor for a Personal Touch

Though humor isn’t necessary, a lighthearted comment or two can add warmth to your speech. Keep any jokes tasteful and related to yourself if possible; this maintains the celebratory tone while still being entertaining.

Example:

“Public speaking isn’t my strong suit, so please forgive any awkward pauses—luckily, I’ve been practicing smiling and nodding along with [partner’s name] for years, so I think I’ll be okay!”

If you’re unsure about humor, or if you feel like the Best Man or Maid of Honor already inserted enough humor into the wedding day, you can keep this section minimal or skip it entirely. The focus should always be on the gratitude and love you’re expressing.

Related: How to Write a Memorable Best Friend Wedding Speech

5. End with a Heartfelt Toast

Conclude your speech with a heartfelt toast. Invite everyone to raise a glass in celebration of your love, your families, and the future you’re building together.

Example:

“To my beautiful spouse, our incredible families, and all of you here today—thank you for making this day so memorable. Here’s to love, laughter, and many happy years ahead. Cheers!”

Additional Tips for Writing a Groom’s Speech

Keep It Genuine

Your guests are here because they care about you and your partner, so be yourself. Speak from the heart rather than trying to impress; authenticity will make your speech memorable and meaningful.

Write It Down and Practice

Even if you’re comfortable with public speaking, it’s helpful to write out your speech and practice a few times. This helps you feel more relaxed and lets you adjust your words to sound natural.

Aim for 3 to 5 Minutes

Keep your speech to around 3-5 minutes. This is long enough to share meaningful words but short enough to hold everyone’s attention.

Related: How to Write a Welcome Speech for a Wedding

FAQ: Writing a Groom’s Speech

1. How Long Should a Groom’s Speech Be?

A groom’s speech should be between 3 to 5 minutes. This keeps it brief and engaging, ensuring you can share your message without losing guests’ attention.

2. What Should a Groom’s Speech Include?

A groom’s speech typically includes a warm welcome, thanks to family and friends, a tribute to your new spouse, and a closing toast.

3. Do I Need to Add Humor to My Groom’s Speech?

Humor can be a nice touch, but it’s not essential. If you choose to include humor, keep it light and respectful, and focus more on sentiment and gratitude.

4. How Do I Stay Calm When Giving My Speech?

Practice is key! Write your speech early, rehearse it multiple times, and consider using a tool like Provenance’s Toast Builder for guidance. Staying organized will help ease your nerves.

5. Can I Write My Groom’s Speech Using a Template?

Yes! Using a structured guide, such as Provenance’s Toast Builder, can help you organize your ideas and create a personalized, polished speech.

Start Crafting Your Groom’s Speech with Provenance

Writing a groom’s speech may feel overwhelming, but with the right structure and heartfelt words, it can be a highlight of your celebration. Provenance’s Welcome Toast Builder offers a step-by-step approach to help you create a customized speech, guiding you through everything from expressions of gratitude to the perfect closing toast.

Ready to start? Sign up with Provenance and craft a groom’s speech that will be cherished for years to come. With Provenance, you can create a speech that captures the love, joy, and excitement of your wedding day in just the right way.