26 Wedding Speech Examples That Will Make You The Highlight of The Reception

When searching for wedding speech examples, you’ve likely run fresh out of ideas. No need to panic, we’ve got you covered.

Below, you’ll find 26 wedding toast ideas for every role – maid of honor, best man, parents, siblings, officiants, and even the couple themselves. Each example comes with who it’s for, and a sample speech, plus some helpful tips from a lifelong bridesmaid, and a few things to avoid so you don’t accidentally make it weird.. And if you’re also trying your best to help the groom with his speech, we’ve got the best groom speech examples to help you nail that too. So, if you’re ready to find what inspires you, then stick around, we’ve got loads to share!

Quick Resources

• AI Wedding Speech Generator – Create a personalized wedding speech draft in minutes
• Maid of Honor Speech Generator – Role-specific help for MOH speeches
• Best Man Speech Generator – Tailored drafts just for best men
• Wedding Vow Generator – Help writing vows when words feel impossible

How to Use These Wedding Speech Examples

Before you continue scrolling along, read this first! Here’s how to use our list:

• Look for your role – whether that’s maid of honor, best man, parent, sibling, or officiant
• Start off with the wedding speech examples that feel closest to how you think, then tweak words so it truly sounds like you
• Don’t copy any of these word for word here; pull from them and then change them up, drawing from your own memories

Turn Inspiration Into Your Own Words With Our AI Wedding Speech Generator

And hey, don’t feel like the lone ranger here! If you only take a few lines and put them together, that’s still a win! Now without further ado, let’s get into the best wedding speech ideas to help you make the best impression:

1. “Let’s Keep This Quick” Best Friend

For those who’ve been steadily scrolling through wedding speech examples and just want a fast, honest wedding toast example from a best friend, this one’s for you.

Who this works for:

• Best friend who isn’t the official maid of honor or best man
• Someone dislikes speaking in front of people
• Laid-back weddings 

Example speech 

“Hey, I’m Taylor. Sam and I have been friends since high school – back when we thought wearing two different shoes on purpose was a personality trait. Sam asked me to keep this short – and that’s perfect because public speaking makes me want to go hide somewhere.

You know, Sam spent most of their twenties swearing they’d never settle down. Then they met Jamie. And suddenly Sam was texting me screenshots of apartment listings and asking if I thought throw pillows were ‘too much.’ Throw pillows. This is the same person who used to sleep on a bare mattress.

Jamie, you somehow make Sam want to be a real adult. You remember their favorite snacks. And you just… show up. That’s the thing Sam needed and didn’t know how to ask for.

So yeah, I’ll wrap this up. Raise your glass – to Sam and Jamie. May your WiFi never go out during important moments and may you keep being exactly this good to each other.”

Pro tips 

• Pick one super specific thing your friend used to do (bare mattress, hated throw pillows, lived on cereal) so people who know them actually laugh
• If you’re genuinely nervous, write down your first sentence and your toast line – talk through the middle part more naturally
• Keep it under 2 minutes; short wedding speeches from non-wedding-party friends should feel like a quick love note, not a podcast

Things to Avoid

• Don’t list out your entire friendship history – one good memory is enough
• Skip jokes that need a ton of backstory; if it takes more than 10 seconds to set up, save it for the after-party
• Avoid getting so nervous you apologize five times; say “I’m not great at this” once if you need to, then just keep going

2. Classic Maid of Honor Wedding Speech

When you’re on the hunt for MOH wedding speech examples and you just want a classic moment, use this one for guidance.

Write a Maid of Honor Speech That Actually Sounds Like You Using Our AI Wedding Speech Generator here.

Who this works for:

• Maid of honor who wants that full, heartfelt wedding speech
• Longtime best friends or sisters
• Traditional receptions where the MOH is a main speaker

Example speech 

“I’m Emily. Olivia and I have been best friends for fifteen years, which means I’ve seen the braces, the ‘I’m going to Europe and never coming back’ phase, and that one semester she decided she was going to learn the ukulele. Spoiler: she did not learn the ukulele.

Through all of it – the bad roommates, the worse boyfriends, the nights we stayed up too late talking about nothing and everything – Olivia has been the person I call first. Good news, bad news, ‘I just saw something weird at Target’ news. She picks it up every time.

When she started talking about Jack, something shifted. She stopped overthinking every text message. She stopped planning escape routes on the second date. She just… relaxed. I remember her calling me one night and saying, ‘I think I could actually do this with him.’ And I knew she meant forever.

Jack, thank you for being the kind of person who notices when she’s had a rough day without her having to say anything. You make her feel safe, and that’s not a small feat.

Olivia, I would fight anyone for you. I’m so glad it’s not him. So here’s to my best friend and the person she picked – may you keep showing up for each other on the easy days and the hard ones. I love you both.”

Pro tips

• Use one real “phase” your friend went through (study abroad plans, a hobby that lasted two weeks, a job she hated) so it sounds like her life
• Structure it like this: who she was before, what changed when she met them, what you love about them as a couple
• If you know you’ll cry, pause after the part about the groom and take a breath

Things to Avoid

• Don’t name past boyfriends or go into detail about breakups – “worse boyfriends” is enough without the receipts
• Skip the part where you list all her accomplishments like a resume; this is about her heart, not her LinkedIn
• Avoid making the whole speech about your friendship and forgetting to talk about the actual couple – balance matters

If you need more MOH help, check out our professional bridesmaid’s must-have picks.

3. Funny Maid of Honor Who Wants Laughs (Nothing Cringey)

For wedding speech ideas that get laughs without becoming “that speech” people cringe over later, this is that sweet spot.

Who this works for:

• Crowds who love a little roasting, but not R-rated stories
• Evening receptions with a chill, relaxed feel
• The MOH that makes everyone giggle

Example speech 

“Hi, I’m Rachel. I’m the maid of honor, which means I’m the person Brooke trusts most in the world – or at least the person she trusts not to tell the really embarrassing stories. And no worries, Brooke, I won’t. Much.

I’ve known Brooke since college, back when her idea of meal was a stick of string cheese in her bookbag. We’ve been through a lot together. The semester she got bangs and immediately regretted it. The year she was convinced she was going to marry a guy in a band who didn’t own a bed frame. The time she tried to cut her own hair during finals week. That last one we don’t talk about.

So when she told me about Evan, I’ll be honest – I thought he was temporary. Then I actually met him. He showed up on time. He laughed at her jokes, even the bad ones. He sat all three seasons of YellowStone without complaining about missing the game once. That’s when I realized this guy was the real-deal.

Evan, thank you for being exactly what Brooke needed: someone who thinks her wild energy is charming instead of something to worry about. Brooke, you somehow convinced this kind, patient, very normal soul to marry you. I’m proud of you. Truly.

To Brooke and Evan – may you keep making each other laugh even when nothing is funny. Cheers.”

Pro tips

• Pick one or two harmless things she actually did (DIY haircut, questionable ex, reality TV obsession) that she’d laugh about too – test it on her beforehand if you’re unsure
• Balance every joke with something real; don’t turn this into a roast where she’s the punchline for five straight minutes
• Pause after your funniest line and let people laugh – rushing through kills the timing

Things to Avoid

• Don’t bring up anything involving alcohol, drugs, or stories that sound fun now but made her parents worry back then
• Skip inside jokes that need a full explanation – if only two people in the room get it, it’s not landing
• Avoid making fun of the groom too much; light teasing is fine, but he should feel welcomed

 

If you’re helping plan the bridal shower too, our wedding shower games guide has ideas that won’t bore anyone.

4. Short and Sweet Maid of Honor Toast

For those that still just want short wedding toast examples that still feel real, start here.

Who this works for:

• The MOH who wants to keep it under 3 minutes
• Speakers that are shy, but still want to show up for their bride
• Packed timelines where speeches need to move quickly

Example speech 

“Hi, I’m Jess. Maya is my best friend, and if you know her at all, you know she’s the one who shows up. She’s the friend who sits on your couch when your life is falling apart. She brings you coffee on the days you need it most. She remembers the tiny things you mentioned once, weeks ago, that you didn’t think anyone was listening to.

When Leo showed up, I watched that same care start coming back to her. He listens when she spirals. He makes her laugh at herself. He looks at her like he can’t believe he gets to be here. Honestly, the same.

I told them I’d keep this short because there’s cake and a dance floor and neither of us wants me talking for ten minutes. So here’s what I’ll say: Maya and Leo, I hope you always feel this seen by each other. This is safe. This is true. Raise a glass with me to the two of them.”

Pro tips 

• Keep one thing the groom actually does for the bride – makes tea, walks the dog at 6 a.m., texts her random memes – so it feels specific to them
• This should clock in around 90 seconds to 2 minutes max; short maid of honor toasts work because they don’t overstay
• If you’re nervous, memorize the first line and the last line, then let the middle flow more naturally off a quick glance at your notes

Things to Avoid

• Don’t apologize a dozen times or say “I’m so bad at public speaking” more than once – it makes people uncomfortable for you
• Skip vague compliments like “she’s amazing” without showing why; one specific habit (brings coffee, remembers details) does more
• Avoid rushing through because you’re anxious – short doesn’t mean frantic

If you’re still figuring out just what to wear, we’ve rounded up 50 wedding guests outfits under $150 that work.

5. Classic Best Man Wedding Speech

When you’re digging through wedding speech examples, a classic best man wedding toast will give you that perfect blend of funny, real, and even a little bit sappy all rolled into one. 

Who this works for:

• Best man who’s known the groom since they were “knee-high to a grasshopper”
• Groomsmen who want to mix funny with something that comes from the heart
• Couples who asked for a “real” best man speech, not your typical one-liners

Example speech 

“Hey everyone, I’m Marcus. I’ve been Jake’s best friend since middle school, back when we thought gel in your hair could fix literally anything. We’ve been through a lot together—terrible haircuts, even worse attempts at cooking. That one summer we thought we could start a lawn mowing business and made like forty dollars total. Through all of it, Jake’s been the guy who shows up. Maybe not on time, but he’s there.

When he first started talking about Sara, I could tell something was different. He wasn’t just saying ‘she’s cool’ or ‘we’ll see what happens.’ He was talking about actual future stuff. Like, planning-a-trip-six-months-out future. Meeting-her-family future. I’d never heard him talk like that before.

I watched him get calmer around her. More settled. He started caring about things like having real plates instead of paper ones and keeping his car clean for more than two days in a row. That’s when I knew this was real.

Sara, thank you for loving my best friend the way you do. You make him better without trying to change him. You laugh at his dumb jokes. You fit into this group like you’ve always been here. Jake, you found someone who gets you and still chose to stick around. That’s impressive, honestly.

So if everyone can raise a glass: to Jake and Sara. May you keep backing each other up on the hard days, laughing at the stupid stuff, and building a life that feels like home.”

Pro tips 

• Pick one story about the groom before he met his partner, then talk about what changed after
• Don’t forget to actually talk about the bride – say her name, mention something real about her, tell the groom he’s lucky
• If you talk fast, write more than you think you need. If you go slow, cut it shorter. Most of these run about 4–5 minutes out loud

Things to Avoid

• If your best story involves an ex-girlfriend, the cops, or something his mom doesn’t know about, find a different story
• Don’t tell inside jokes that need a flowchart to understand
• You can roast him a little, but don’t spend the whole speech dunking on the guy

Nail Your Best Man Speech Without Overthinking It — Try Our AI Wedding Speech Generator

6. Short Best Man Wedding Toast

For those who are looking for wedding speech examples as a best man and need them to be short with no-drama, this gives you something simple, real, and under a few minutes.

Who this works for:

 

• Best Man who typically doesn’t like all-eyes-on-them for too awful long
• Small or casual weddings
• Those tighter reception schedules

Example speech 

“Hey everyone, I’m Chris. I’m Ben’s best man and the guy who’s been getting him out of trouble since we were kids. Well, mostly into trouble if we’re being honest here.

I’ve known Ben through a lot of phases. The phase where he thought frosted tips were a good idea. The phases where he lived off ramen and energy drinks. And now, I know him at a time where he actually irons his shirts and shows up early to things because Lilly asked him to.

Lilly, you’ve done what the rest of us couldn’t: you got him to care about having matching furniture and remembering people’s birthdays. Ben, you found someone who makes you want to be better and still likes you just as you are. That’s the whole thing, right there.

So I’ll stop talking now. Raise a glass with me to Ben and Lilly. May you keep choosing each other, even on the days when it’s hard.”

Pro tips

• This should be around 60-90 seconds. One quick memory, one line about how the bride changed him, then the toast
• Use something super specific the groom actually did (frosted tips, lived on ramen, had a futon way too long) so it shows you actually know him
• If you’re nervous, don’t try to memorize the whole thing – write down your first line and your toast line, then simply talk through the middle

Things to Avoid

• Don’t try to cram five stories into two minutes – just pick one
• If your funniest story needs more than 20 seconds to setup, save it 
• Don’t drink a bunch before you do this – a short speech needs to sound like words, not mumbles

7. Funny Best Man with a PG-13 Filter

When it comes to wedding party speeches that are hilarious, but still grandma-approved, these are the kind of toasts that give you jokes with a heart underneath.

Who this works for:

• The best man with a lot of stories and a decent filter
• Crowds that love to laugh, but also have grandparents and kids in the room
• Couples who said, “Be funny, but please don’t get us in trouble”

Example speech 

“Hey everyone, I’m Ryan, and I’ve been Ethan’s best friend since we were in seventh grade and he convinced me we could totally jump off his roof into the pool. We could not. But we survived, and here we are.

For most of his life, Ethan’s priorities were pretty straightforward: food, video games, and whatever sports game was on that night. His idea of a balanced meal was adding a veggie to his pizza order. As for decorating, his idea was putting up one Led Zeppelin poster and calling it done.

Then he met Claire. And suddenly, this man was learning to cook things that didn’t come in a bag. He started showing up to events on time. He bought throw pillows. Literally, throw pillows. I didn’t even know he knew what those were for. 

Claire, you’ve somehow turned my best friend into someone who schedules oil changes before the light comes on and actually remembers people’s birthdays without a Facebook reminder. I don’t know how you did it, but I respect you.

Ethan, you found someone who thinks your bad jokes are funny and keeps you from wearing the same hoodie three days in a row, and still chose to marry you after watching you try to parallel park. Now, that’s real love.

So let’s raise our glasses. To Ethan and Claire – may your arguments be short, your streaming subscriptions be shared, and may you keep making each other better every single day.”

Pro tips

• Use real-guy details: video games, terrible decorating, forgetting to change the oil. No generic stuff, get specific
• Your funniest line should be something harmless the groom does now because of his partner
• Let people actually laugh, pause through your punchlines

Things to Avoid

• If the story involves his ex, the cops, or something Nana would hate, don’t tell it
• Don’t spend the whole speech roasting him and don’t forget to say something nice about his bride
• Leave out the jokes that only you and two other guys understand

8. Father of the Bride Who Wants Everyone Crying Happy Tears

Wedding speech examples for the father of the bride to use all depend on what you’re going for. If you’re aiming to make people cry and smile at the same time, then this could be the example worth following for you. 

Who this works for:

• Dad who’s close with his daughter
• Traditional weddings where the father of the bride kicks off speeches
• Families who love real, specific stories with tear‑jerker moments

Example speech 

“Hi everyone. I’m Mark. I’m Sophie’s dad, and I’m supposed to keep this together, but we’ll see how that goes.

I remember the first time I held Sophie. She was so small, and she screamed. A lot. Like, all the time. I’d walk her around the house at three in the morning, bouncing her and humming whatever I could think of, just trying to get her to sleep. Most nights it didn’t work, but I didn’t care. She was mine, and I was hers, and that was it.

When she was about six, I taught her to ride a bike. I held onto the back of the seat and ran next to her down the driveway, absolutely convinced she was going to fall the second I let go. She kept yelling at me, ‘Dad, let go! I’ve got it!’ And I didn’t believe her. But eventually I had to. I let go, and she just… took off. Wobbly, laughing, completely fine. And I’m standing there in the driveway thinking, ‘When did she learn to do that?’

That’s what it’s been like watching her grow up. She keeps figuring things out before I’m ready to believe she can. Moving out. Starting her career. Building this whole life I’m not in charge of anymore. And she’s good at it. Better than good.

Then she brought Daniel home. And I noticed something I hadn’t seen before. She was calm. She wasn’t overthinking everything or trying to be perfect. She was just… Sophie. The real version. And he was right there, listening to her ramble about her day, laughing at her jokes, showing up when things got messy.

My wife said it first. She looked at me one night and said, ‘He really gets her.’ And yeah. He does.

Daniel, thank you for loving my kid the way you do. For being patient. For making her laugh when she needs it. For letting her be herself and not asking her to be anyone else. You’ve been part of this family for a while now, and we’re glad you’re here.

Sophie, you’re always going to be my little girl. I know that’s cheesy, but it’s true. And today I get to watch you build your own family with someone who clearly loves you as much as I do. That’s all I ever wanted for you.

So raise your glasses. To Sophie and Daniel. May you have a lot of laughter, a lot of patience, and a lot of nights where you just sit and talk and feel grateful you found each other. I love you both.”

Pro tips

• Talk about real stuff you actually did with your daughter.  Don’t make it up – just pick the thing you think about when you think about her growing up
• You don’t have to sound polished. If your voice cracks, let it. If you pause, that’s fine
• Say the new son-in-law or daughter-in-law’s name and tell them why you’re glad they’re here

Things to Avoid

• Don’t tell a story she’s asked you a million times not to tell. You know the one. Don’t do it
• Skip the jokes about money, about “finally getting rid of her,” or anything that sounds like she was a burden
• Don’t mention her exes, past family issues, or your own regrets

Around here, we’ve got plenty of wedding day tips – including how to choose jewelry for your wedding dress – be sure to check it out before you head out!

Or create a Father of the Bride Speech That Feels Personal With Our AI Wedding Speech Generator. Try it here.

9. The Father of the Bride Who Is Looking to Keep Things Light

If you’ve read a wedding toast or two and thought, “Yeah… that’s a little too uptight for me,” this father of the bride speech is for the dad who wants more people smiling than reaching for a tissue.

Who this works for:

• Dad who uses humor to keep himself from crying
• Families who prefer easy, relaxed wedding speeches over formal ones
• Receptions where a few dad jokes are welcome (but nothing wild)

Example speech 

“I’m Dave. I’m Sophie’s dad, and before I start, she told me very clearly: ‘Dad, please don’t embarrass me.’ So I’m going to do my best, but no promises.

When Sophie was little, she had this princess dress she refused to take off. She wore it everywhere. Grocery store, park, doctor’s office – didn’t matter. One time we went to Home Depot and she insisted on wearing the full outfit, tiara included, while I’m trying to pick out lightbulbs. People loved it. I just went with it.

I remember thinking back then, ‘Whoever marries this kid better be ready for someone who knows exactly what she wants and isn’t shy about it.’

Then she brought Josh home. The first time he walked into our house, he tripped over the dog, knocked over a plant, and spilled water all over the floor. I thought, ‘Okay, this guy’s either going to bail or he’s one of us.’ He stayed. He helped clean it up. He laughed. And most importantly, he made Sophie laugh. Like, the real kind. The kind you can’t fake.

Josh, thank you for loving our daughter exactly as she is – dramatic grocery store outfits and all. Sophie, you found someone who doesn’t just put up with your energy, he matches it. And honestly, that’s all we ever wanted for you.

Alright, before I start getting too sentimental and ruin my whole thing here, let’s wrap this up. Raise a glass with me. To Sophie and Josh – may your arguments be short and may you always remember to let the dog out before you leave the house. Love you guys.”

Pro tips

• Pick one story from when she was a kid that’s funny and harmless – something she’d roll her eyes at but not actually hate you for
• Make a couple light jokes about yourself – being overprotective, not understanding wedding planning, getting emotional
• Keep it around 3–4 minutes

Things to Avoid

• Don’t joke about how much money you spent, your divorce, or “finally getting her off the payroll
• Leave out stories that’ll genuinely embarrass her in front of her in-laws
• Don’t make the groom the punchline of every joke

10. Father of the Groom Who Wants to Welcome a New Daughter-In-Law

Up next for wedding speech ideas, this one is for the dad who’s more than ready to enter a new era with his son and the soon-to-be daughter-in-law.

Who this works for:

• The dad who’s proud of his son and looking forward to his new daughter-in-law being a part of the family
• Close families who aren’t overly mushy about things
• Family-focused receptions

Example speech 

“Hi, ya’ll. I’m Bobby, Derek’s dad.

I’ve watched this kid grow up from the little guy who couldn’t figure out his shoelaces to the man standing here today. Somewhere along the way, he turned into someone I’m really proud of.

Derek’s the kind of person who shows up. He’ll help you move. He’ll pick you up from the airport at 5 a.m. He’ll fix your printer even though you’ve called him about it four times already. That’s just him.

When he met Amanda, I noticed he got even better at that. More patient. More thoughtful. He started caring about things like remembering anniversaries and actually listening when someone talks. Amanda, I don’t know what you did, but thank you.

We’re so glad you’re here. You make our son happier than we’ve ever seen him, and you’ve folded into this messy family like you’ve been here the whole time. We couldn’t ask for more than that.

So let’s raise a glass. To Derek and Amanda – may you keep choosing each other, laughing together, and building something that feels like home. Welcome to the family, Amanda.”

Pro tips

• Spend more time talking about the bride than your son
• Pick one real thing your son does differently now because of her
• Keep it around 2–3 minutes

Things to Avoid

• Don’t mention his exes – ever – not even as a joke
• Skip on the whole “losing my son” thing – you’re gaining a daughter-in-law, not losing anyone
• Don’t spend the whole speech bragging about how awesome your kid is, instead talk about her

11. Mom Who Loves a Heart-to-Heart Moment

Some moms just get it. They’re there for you, no matter what. This means the wedding speech examples they’re looking for need to come straight from the heart.

Who this works for:

• Mom who’s been in the wedding group chat since day one
• Mother-daughter or mother-son pairs who call each other about everything
• Families who are totally fine if her voice cracks (and everyone else’s does too)

Example speech 

“Hey all, I’m Linda, Maya’s mom. Since day one, I’ve been right there – even in the wedding planning group chat! That means I’ve seen every centerpiece option, every dress fitting photo, and about a thousand and one questions that all started with ‘Mom, what do you think about…’ And I’m telling you all, honestly, I wouldn’t trade a single one of those messages.

Maya, you’ve always been the person who feels everything so deeply. When you were little, you cried at every Disney movie, even the happy endings. You called me after every big moment – good news, bad news, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing’ news. And I can say, you’ve never been afraid to let people in, and that’s one of the things I love most about you.

When you started talking about Leo, I heard something different in your voice. You sounded steady. Calm. Like you’d found someone who could hold all of that feeling with you instead of asking you to tone it down.

Leo, thank you for loving my daughter exactly as she is. Thank you for being the person she calls first now, and for making space for the rest of us too. Watching the two of you together has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

Maya, I’m so proud of the woman you are and the life you’re building. And Leo, we’re so grateful you’re part of our family now.

So let’s raise our glasses. To Maya and Leo – may you always feel this safe with each other, this seen, and this loved. I love you both so much.”

Pro tips

• Use something real she used to do as a kid or something she still does now
• Don’t be afraid to get a little emotional
• Say something directly to the groom or bride’s partner

Things to Avoid

• Don’t list every milestone like it’s a resume
• Skip embarrassing childhood stories she’s asked you not to tell
• Don’t make it all about you losing her or how hard it is to let go

12. Mom Who’s Ready to Welcome Their New In-Law

Sometimes mama has been waiting a long time for their kid’s partner to become a much bigger part of the picture. Here’s the wedding party speeches that are meant for just that. 

Who this works for:

• Mother of the bride or groom who’s gained another “kid”
• Mamas who keep it earnest, not corny

Example speech 

“Hi, I’m Diane. I’m Connor’s mom.

When your kid brings someone home for the first time, you’re watching everything. How they talk to your kid. How they handle your husband’s long stories. Whether they’re nice to the dog. You can’t help it.

Connor brought Rachel home about two years ago, and I remember she walked in, immediately tripped over the rug, and then just laughed about it. She helped clean up dinner without us asking. She sat through my husband’s entire explanation of how he fixed the back porch – which, trust me, is long. And she made Connor laugh in this way I hadn’t seen in a while. The real kind.

That’s when I stopped wondering and started hoping she’d stay.

Rachel, I’m so glad you’re here. You make my son happier. You make him kinder. You fit into this loud, chaotic mess of a family like you’ve always been part of it, and honestly, that’s not easy to do. We love you, and we’re so grateful Connor found you.

Connor, you did good. Really good.

So let’s all raise a glass. To Connor and Rachel – may you keep laughing, keep showing up for each other, and keep building a life that feels like home. Welcome to the family, Rachel.”

Pro tips

• Use one small, real moment from the first time you met them – something that stuck with you
• Talk to the person joining the family more than you talk about your kid
• Tell them you’re glad they’re here

Things to Avoid

• Don’t bring up their exes or compare them to people your kid dated before
• Leave out jokes about “I didn’t think this day would come” or anything that makes it sound like you’re surprised your kid found someone
• Don’t turn this into a list of your kid’s accomplishments

13. Sibling Who’s Been There Through Everything

If you have siblings, you know that there’s those you’re so close to, you’re nearly thick as thieves. The best wedding speech examples to follow whether you’re the big bro or little sister to the bride or groom start here.

Who this works for:

• The brother or sister who knows all – the phases, exes, and hairstyles
• Siblings who are more like “best friends” than rivals these days

Example speech 

“I’m Alex, and I’m Megan’s older brother.

We grew up sharing a bathroom, fighting over the TV remote, and generally getting on each other’s nerves. I’ve seen every version of Megan—the kid who refused to eat anything green, the teenager who thought she could dye her own hair at home (she could not), the college version who called me crying over a stats exam at midnight. Through all of it, she’s been my built-in best friend, even when we wanted to kill each other.

When she started dating Sam, I’ll admit, I was skeptical. I’m her brother. That’s my job. But then I met him, and I watched how he treated her. He listened when she talked. He didn’t try to fix everything, he just showed up. He made her laugh on the days when nothing felt funny. And I realized pretty fast that this guy wasn’t going anywhere.

Sam, thank you for loving my sister the way you do. For being patient with her when she’s stressed, for making her feel safe, and for becoming part of this chaotic family without running for the hills. You’re a good one.

Megan, I’m proud of you. Not just today, but always. You’ve always been stronger and braver than you give yourself credit for, and watching you build this life with someone who sees that has been one of the best things.

So let’s raise a glass. To Megan and Sam – may you keep choosing each other, keep laughing at the weird stuff, and keep making room for all the people who love you.”

Pro tips

• Use something specific from growing up together
• Say something real about the person they’re marrying
• Keep the tone warm but not overly sentimental

Things to Avoid

• Don’t drag out embarrassing childhood stories that’ll make your sibling want to leave the room
• Don’t talk about their exes or past relationships
• Never make the whole thing about your relationship with your sibling and forget to actually talk about the couple

14. Siblings with Great Stories (and Good Judgment)

Some siblings have watched the bride or groom grow into the person they are today. When you’re looking for just the right wedding speech ideas, this could be just the right fit, especially for those who use good judgment in crafting their toast. 

Who this works for:

• A brother or sister with a plethora of inside jokes and just enough filter
• Crowds who love the wild-side of siblings, but nothing that’ll make grandma drop her jaw
• Couples who said, “Tell the story… just maybe not that story”

Example speech 

“Hey, I’m Jordan. I’m Tyler’s little sister, which means I’ve got a lot of dirt on him. A lot. But he asked me nicely not to ruin his life today, so I’ll try to keep it together.

Growing up with Tyler was wild. When I was like eight, he convinced me we could build a treehouse by ourselves. We could not. It fell apart in about twenty minutes. There was also the time he tried to teach me to drive in an empty parking lot and I hit a shopping cart. He blamed me, but honestly, his instructions were terrible.

Oh, and there was a phase in high school where he grew a mustache. Or tried to. It looked like dirt on his face. We all told him. He didn’t listen for like three weeks.

But here’s the thing – Tyler’s also the person who helped me move three times without complaining. He drove two hours to my apartment when I had a bad breakup just to sit there and let me cry and eat pizza. He’s annoying, but he shows up. Always has.

When he started dating Casey, I noticed he got… different. Less chaotic. He started doing things like meal prepping and remembering to text people back. He stopped wearing gym shorts to family dinners. Casey, I don’t know what you did, but thank you. Seriously.

Tyler, you somehow convinced this smart, funny, patient person to marry you. I’m honestly impressed. Casey, welcome to the family. You’re one of us now, which means you’re stuck.

Let’s raise a glass. To Tyler and Casey – may your life be way less messy than Tyler’s twenties, may you keep laughing at each other’s dumb jokes, and may you always remember who helped you move.”

Pro tips

• Use real stuff that actually happened – the funnier and more specific, the better
• Make fun of your sibling a little, but don’t forget to say something true about why you love them or why you’re happy for them
• Keep it short – 3 to 4 minutes tops

Things to Avoid

• Don’t tell stories involving the cops, their exes, or anything that’ll make their new in-laws panic
• If the story needs five minutes of backstory, it’s not worth telling
• Don’t roast them the whole time and then forget to actually congratulate them or say something nice about their partner

15. Maid of Honor + Best Man Tag-Team Speech

For a maid of honor and best man who want to speak, but really don’t dig the idea of two separate toasts back-to-back, joint wedding speech ideas like this are a perfect fit – especially if you trade off naturally with each other’s energy.

Who this works for:

• MOH and best man who both want to speak, but don’t want two long, individual speeches
• Duos who are truly comfortable tossing lines back and forth
• Couples who like the idea of one fun, joint wedding speech

Example speech 

Maid of Honor (Kelsey): “Hi everyone, I’m Kelsey, maid of honor.”

Best Man (Travis): “I’m Travis, best man. We’re doing this together because neither of us wanted to go second.”

Kelsey: “Yeah, no one wants to follow a good speech. So we figured we’d just… share the pressure.”

Travis: “Smart. Alright, so I’ve known Zach since high school. Back when he thought wearing a bandana every day was peak fashion.”

Kelsey: “And I’ve known Harper since we were roommates sophomore year. She once went an entire week eating only bagels because she was too busy to go to the store.”

Travis: “When Zach started dating Harper, he changed. Like, he started doing his laundry before he ran out of clean clothes. He stopped playing video games until 3 a.m. It was weird.”

Kelsey: “Same with Harper. She went from ‘I don’t have time for a relationship’ to ‘I think I’m going to marry this guy’ in like three months. I’d never seen her that certain about anything.”

Travis: “Zach told me one night, ‘I don’t want to screw this up.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, yeah, you’re in deep.'”

Kelsey: “Harper called me the day after they got engaged and just sobbed. Happy sobbing. The kind where you can barely get words out.”

Travis: “Alright, we’re getting emotional. Let’s wrap this up.”

Kelsey: “Agreed. Everyone -“

Travis: “Raise your glasses.”

Kelsey: “To Harper and Zach.”

Travis: “May you keep showing up for each other, laughing at the ridiculous stuff, and choosing each other every single day.”

Both: “Cheers.”

Pro tips

• Practice it together at least once so you know when to jump in and when to let the other person talk
• Keep your chunks short – 20 to 30 seconds each
• End together with the toast

Things to Avoid

• Don’t try to be funnier than each other or make it a competition
• Avoid inside jokes no one else will get
• Don’t wing it unless you’re both really comfortable with improv

16. Those Not Technically in the Wedding Party, But Basically Family

You know, sometimes it’s people who aren’t wearing matching dresses or holding bouquets that have been there through everything. If you’re trying to find the right words, these wedding speech examples are made for the friend who didn’t get an official title, but still answered every call or text from their friend who’s getting hitched.

Who this works for:

• The friend who didn’t get a dress or suit, but got every late-night call
• Roommates, childhood friends, or ride-or-dies from way back
• Smaller weddings where everyone already knows who this person is

Example speech 

“Hi, I’m Becca. I’m not in the wedding party, but Liz and I have been best friends since we were like ten, so I’m talking anyway.

We met at summer camp. The first night there, Liz got homesick and started crying in our bunk. I gave her half my candy, and that was it. We’ve been stuck together ever since. Middle school, high school, the terrible apartment we shared after college where the heat didn’t work – all of it.

When she started seeing Nathan, I was… cautious. Not because of him. Just because I’m protective. I wanted to make sure he was actually good to her. Then I met him, and within like ten minutes I got it. He made her laugh. He didn’t try to fix everything, he just listened. He showed up. That’s what mattered.

Nathan, thanks for being exactly what she needed. You’re patient with her when she’s stressed, you care about the people she cares about, and honestly, you just fit.

Liz, you’re still my person. Always will be. And I’m really glad you found yours too.

So everyone grab your glass. Here’s to Liz and Nathan. I love you both. Cheers.”

Pro tips

• Start by explaining how you know them and why you’re close, so people get why you’re giving a speech even though you’re not in the wedding party
• Keep it around 2–3 minutes
• Make sure it’s clear you’re happy for them

Things to Avoid

• Don’t make the whole thing about your friendship and barely mention their partner
• Avoid anything that sounds like “I’m losing my best friend” or “things are changing” – keep it positive

17. The Work Bestie (a Co-worker Wedding Speech That’s Not Awkward)

Of course, not all besties start off at school or away at camp. Some start over the worst-tasting coffee in the break room or with shared deadlines for a project. If you need wedding speech examples from a co-worker (and you’re now more like family), these should help you nail the work-bestie toast without making it feel like another performance review.

Who this works for:

• The co-worker that slowly turned into a real-life friend
• Office besties, carpool buddies, or even that one person you vent to on Slack
• Weddings where a lot of the guests know the couple from work

Example speech 

“Hi, I’m Shelby. I work with Kristen. Or I did, until she abandoned me for a better job. I’m still not over it.

We met about five years ago when we both started on the same team. We bonded over really bad break room coffee and the fact that neither of us could figure out the printer. That thing hated us.

Over time, Kristen became more than just my desk neighbor. She’s the person I text when something weird happens in a meeting. She covers for me when I’m running late. She listens to me complain about the same stuff over and over without telling me to shut up.

When she started dating Greg, I could tell something shifted. She seemed lighter. Less stressed. She’d actually leave work on time instead of staying until seven every night, which for Kristen was huge. And when she talked about him, she didn’t overthink it or second-guess everything. She just seemed sure.

Greg, thanks for making my friend this happy. For being someone she can actually relax around. For not making her feel like she has to be ‘on’ all the time.

Kristen, you found a good one. I’m really glad.

Grab your drinks, everyone. To Kristen and Greg – here’s to love and laughter for many moons to come.”

Pro tips

• Mention how you met at work and one thing you bonded over
• Don’t turn this into a work presentation
• Keep work references light

Things to Avoid

• Don’t worry so much about telling inside jokes about your office that nobody else will really get
• Don’t forget to talk about their partner

18. Long-Distance Best Friend Who Came Down for the Occasion

It’s truly incredible, yet so true that some of the strongest friendships out there survive time zones, missed calls, and way too many “we need to catch up soon” texts. If you’re the best friend who flew in or drove hours just to be there, wedding speech toast ideas like this one honor that distance, without making it the whole story.

Who this works for:

• Friends who live in another city, state, or country
• People who’ve kept the friendship going through FaceTime, airports, and time zones
• Guests who want to acknowledge the effort it took to stay close

Example speech 

“Hi, I’m Kayleigh. I’m Jenna’s best friend, and I flew here from Portland, so she definitely owes me now.

Jenna and I have been best friends since high school. We went to the same college, lived in the same dorm, survived really bad cafeteria food and way too many all-nighters we shouldn’t have pulled. Then I graduated and moved to Portland for a job. She stayed here. And honestly, I wasn’t sure if we’d stay close after that.

But we did. We FaceTimed at random times. We sent each other stupid TikToks at midnight. We planned trips for months just to hang out for one weekend. It wasn’t the same as living five minutes away, but it worked because we both actually tried.

When she started seeing Johnny, I didn’t meet him for like six months. But I heard about him constantly. She’d call me after dates and talk my ear off. She sounded different. Lighter. Like she’d stopped worrying so much about everything and just let herself be happy.

When I finally met Johnny, I got it immediately. He’s kind. He’s funny. He makes her feel comfortable. And he didn’t get weird about the fact that she talks to me for an hour at a time, which, honestly, I appreciated.

Johnny, thanks for loving my best friend and for not being jealous of the girl who lives across the country. Jenna, I’m really happy you found someone who makes you feel like this. Even if it does mean I have to fly here more often.

Everyone grab your glass. To Jenna and Johnny.”

Pro tips

• Bring up the distance early so people get why it’s part of the story, but don’t spend half the speech on it
• Use one real detail about how you stayed close
• Shoot for around 2 minutes – just hit the important parts

Things to Avoid

• Don’t guilt-trip them about living far away or make it sound like you’re bitter
• Don’t mention the long backstory about why you moved or why they didn’t – what matters is you’re still close
• Don’t forget to say something real about their partner

19. Officiant’s Ceremony-Style Wedding Speech

If you’re officiating a wedding and need wedding speech examples that feel personal without being preachy, this ceremony-style wedding toast gives you something actually meaningful.

Who this works for:

• Friend or family member who said “yes” to officiating
• Couples who want something personal and not super formal

Example speech 

“Afternoon, everyone. I’m Renee. I’m officiating today, which still feels weird to say because I’m not a pastor or a judge or anything official. I’m just Paige’s friend. We were roommates in college, back when she thought it was a good idea to cut her own bangs with kitchen scissors. Paige, we’ve come a long way since then.

I’ve known Paige for over ten years. I’ve watched her figure out who she is, what she wants, what she won’t put up with. She’s the kind of person who shows up when you need her. She’s loyal. She doesn’t do anything halfway. And when she met Wes, I saw all of that get even stronger.

Wes, you’re steady. You’re patient. You make her laugh when she’s stressed out about something that probably doesn’t matter. You don’t try to change her. You just love her. And honestly, that’s all any of us wanted for her.

Marriage isn’t about being perfect. It’s not about never fighting or always knowing what to say. It’s about waking up and choosing each other again, even on the days when it’s not easy. It’s about building something together that feels like home.

Paige and Wes, you’re standing up here today in front of everyone you love, and you’re choosing this. You’re choosing each other. And we’re all here because we’re rooting for you. We see what you have, and we believe in it.

So here’s what I’ll say before we get to the vows: be kind. Keep laughing. Show up. And remember that the life you’re building starts right now. Let’s do this.”

Pro tips

• Make it about them
• Keep it short. Ceremony speeches shouldn’t run longer than 4–5 minutes

Things to Avoid

• Don’t make it all about your friendship with one half of the couple
• Skip religious stuff unless they specifically asked for it
• Don’t improvise the whole thing

Officiating a Wedding? Draft a Meaningful Ceremony Speech With Our AI Wedding Speech Generator now.

20. Officiants Who Want a Fun, Modern Ceremony Script

If you’re officiating a wedding and the couple said “make it fun,” wedding speech examples like this give you a lighthearted ceremony script that still feels like an actual wedding.

Who this works for:

• Officiant with a good sense of humor
• Guests who know the officiant and are ready to laugh

Example speech 

“Alright, everyone. Hey. I’m Brent, and I’m officiating today, which is honestly kind of surreal because the last time I was in front of a crowd like this, I forgot what I was supposed to say halfway through. So, fingers crossed this goes better.

For those who don’t know me, I’m Jonah’s cousin. We grew up together. I’ve known him since he was the kid who ate an entire sleeve of Oreos in one sitting and then got sick at my birthday party. Good times.

Jonah and Liv, you two are some of my favorite people. Separately, you’re great. Together, you’re even better. You laugh at the same weird stuff. You have the same taste in takeout. You finish each other’s sentences in a way that’s both adorable and kind of annoying for the rest of us.

Now, I’m supposed to say something meaningful about marriage here. So here it is: marriage is finding someone you actually want to hang out with every single day. Someone who’ll listen to your random thoughts at 1 a.m. Someone who’ll give you the last bite of dessert even though they wanted it too.

It’s about showing up. Being honest when it’s uncomfortable. Laughing at the absurd moments and holding on during the rough ones. And from what I’ve seen, you two already get that.

So today, you’re standing here in front of everyone who matters, and you’re making it official. You’re saying, ‘This is my person.’ And we’re all sitting here nodding like, ‘Yeah. That tracks.’

Alright, I’m done. Let’s get you two married.”

Pro tips

• You can be funny, but don’t forget it’s still a wedding
• Keep it around 3 or so minutes
• Make sure your humor fits what the couple wants

Things to Avoid

• Leave out the old “marriage is a trap” jokes
• Don’t roast them too hard – light teasing is just fine

21. Step-Parent Who Loves Them Like Their Own

If you’re a step-parent who’s been part of the journey, you deserve a spot on the mic. For wedding speech examples, you need a toast that feels honest and full of love without overstepping.

Who this works for:

• Step-mom or step-dad who’s been around for a big part of their lives
• Blended families who want everyone at the table (and the mic)

Example speech 

“Hi, I’m Tom. I’m Lilly’s stepdad, and I’ve been part of her life for about twelve years now.

When I first met Lilly, she was nine. She was polite, quiet, and definitely not excited about some guy her mom was dating. I didn’t blame her. I wasn’t trying to be her dad or replace anyone. I just wanted to show up and be there if she needed me.

So I went to her soccer games. I helped with math homework even though I had to Google half of it. I learned how she liked her grilled cheese – burnt on the edges, which I thought was weird, but whatever. Over time, she stopped looking at me like I was this stranger in her house and just started talking to me. And that was huge.

Watching her grow up has been one of the best parts of my life. She’s kind. She works hard. She remembers people’s birthdays and actually shows up when someone needs help. When she brought Maliki home, I could tell pretty fast that he was a good guy. He listens to her. He makes her laugh. He treats her well. That’s all I ever wanted for her.

Maliki, thanks for being the kind of person who shows up for her. I’m glad she found you, and I’m glad you’re part of this family now.

Lilly, I’m proud of you. I’m proud of who you are and what you’re building. You’ve always been loved, and now you get to build your own family with someone who clearly loves you right back.

Everyone grab your drinks. To Lilly and Maliki. Cheers.”

Pro tips

• Talk about real moments – going to games, helping with homework, etc
• Don’t try to claim a role you don’t have – speak from where you actually stand in their life
• Keep it around 3 minutes or less

Things to Avoid

• Don’t make it about how hard it was to be a step-parent
• Skip any mention of drama, custody, or tension with their other parent
• Don’t second-guess whether you should be giving a speech

22. Grandparents Who Wish to Give a Short and Sweet Blessing

Honestly, some of the sweetest wedding speeches come from the people who’ve loved the longest. If you’re a grandparent who wants to give a short blessing or a few words of wisdom, these examples could give you ideas for something that’s truly heartfelt.

Who this works for:

• Grandparent who wants to offer a few words or a piece of advice
• Older relatives who’d rather keep it short and meaningful
• Couples who are close with their grandparents and want them front and center

Example speech 

“Hello, everyone. I’m Dorothy, and I’m Chloe’s grandmother.

I’ve had the joy of watching Chloe grow up from a little girl who loved picking flowers in my backyard to the beautiful woman standing here today. She’s always had a kind heart, and that hasn’t changed.

Chloe and Vincent, I’ve been married to my husband for fifty-three years, and I’ll tell you what I’ve learned: love isn’t just about the big moments. It’s about the small ones. We make coffee for each other in the morning. It’s saying ‘I’m sorry’ when you need to. It’s choosing to stay, even when things get hard.

May you be patient with each other. May you laugh often. And may you always remember why you chose each other in the first place.

God bless you both.”

Pro tips

• Keep it around 1–2 minutes
• Share one small piece of wisdom from your own marriage or life
• You don’t need to stand if it’s hard

Things to Avoid

• Don’t give a long history lesson about your own marriage
• Leave out anything that sounds like a lecture
• Don’t feel like you have to fill time, speak from the heart

23. Second Marriage or Later-in-Life Love Story

The real truth of the matter is that not every love story starts in your twenties, and that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. If you’re giving a speech for someone getting married again or later in life, you need wedding speech examples that help you honor the journey.

Who this works for:

• Friend or family member of someone getting married again or a little later in life
• Couples who already have careers, kids, or a whole lot of history

Example speech 

“Hi everyone, I’m Russell. I’m Austin’s older brother, and I’ve watched him go through a lot over the years.

Austin and I grew up together, and we’ve stayed close through everything – jobs, moves, relationships that didn’t work out, all of it. A few years ago, he was in a place where he wasn’t sure he’d find this again. He’d been through a lot. He was tired. And honestly, I think he’d kind of made peace with the idea of being on his own.

Then he met Isla. And I watched something shift. He started smiling more. He started talking about the future again, not in a worried way, but in a hopeful way. He seemed lighter.

Isla, you brought my brother back to himself. You didn’t try to fix him or change him. You just loved him where he was, and that made all the difference.

Austin, you’ve been through a lot to get here, and I’m proud of you for not giving up on this. You found someone who sees you, who gets you, and who’s ready to build a life with you. That’s everything.

So here’s to Austin and Isla. May this chapter be filled with joy, peace, and all the good things you’ve both been waiting for.”

Pro tips

• Acknowledge that this isn’t their first rodeo without making it the whole focus.
• Keep it hopeful and forward-looking
• Around 3 minutes is perfect

Things to Avoid

• Don’t bring up their ex or past marriage in detail
• Leave out any “finally” or “at last” language that makes it sound like they were incomplete before
• Don’t make jokes about their age or how long it took

24. For the “We Already Said ‘I Do’” Reception Speech

Okay, so not every couple has a big ceremony in the forest, and that’s okay. If you’re speaking at a post-elopement party or a reception after the couple already got married, these wedding speech examples will help you celebrate the moment without making it feel like a repeat.

Who this works for:

• Friend, brother, sister, or parent speaking at a post-elopement party
• Couples who did the courthouse-style wedding
• Guests gathered mostly to celebrate, eat, and hear

Example speech 

“Hey, I’m Nora. I’m Blair’s sister.

So, Blair and Gage are already married. They went to the courthouse a couple months ago with like six people there. It was fast. It was simple. It was very much them.

But they wanted to actually celebrate with everyone, which is why we’re here. And I’m glad, because I didn’t get to say anything that day, and I’ve been wanting to.

Blair, you’ve never been someone who does things just because you’re supposed to. You do what feels right to you. And when you met Gage, you didn’t need a big wedding or a long engagement to know. You just knew.

Gage, you showed up and fit right into this family like you’d been here the whole time. You’re steady. You’re kind. You make my sister happier than I’ve seen her in a long time. That’s all I ever wanted for her.

So yeah, you’re already married. But I’m still going to toast you, because tonight matters too. We’re all here because we love you and we’re happy for you.

To Blair and Gage. Thanks for letting us be part of this. Here’s to doing life your way and being happy doing it.”

Pro tips

• Say right up front that they already got married, but make it clear you’re excited to celebrate them now
• Keep it short – around 2 or 3 minutes
• Focus on them as a couple, not on the fact that you weren’t at the courthouse

Things to Avoid

• Don’t guilt them for eloping or act hurt that you weren’t there
• Skip jokes like “well, I guess it counts” or anything that makes their courthouse wedding sound less real
• Don’t spend the whole speech talking about what you missed

25. Couple’s “Thank You for Being Here” Speech

Sometimes the couple wants to grab the mic themselves and say thank you. If you’re looking for wedding speech examples for the bride and groom who want to address their guests together.

Who this works for:

• Couples who want to grab the mic together
• The Bride and groom who’d rather keep it casual
• Receptions where a quick “thank you” means more than finding the perfect wording

Example speech 

Groom: “Hey, everyone. We just wanted to grab the mic real quick before we forget.”

Bride: “Which is definitely going to happen if we wait too long.”

Groom: “So, thank you. A lot of you traveled to get here. Some of you flew in. Some of you drove for hours. That’s not nothing, and we really appreciate it.”

Bride: “And we know planning a wedding is kind of insane. Our parents, our siblings, our friends who had to listen to us talk about napkin colors for three months – thank you for not abandoning us.”

Groom: “Shout-out to my mom for staying calm when I told her we wanted a taco bar.”

Bride: “And to my dad for somehow not crying yet. I know it’s coming, but I’m impressed you made it this far.”

Groom: “But really, we’re here because of you guys. You’ve shown up for us. You’ve been there when things were good and when they weren’t. You’ve made us feel loved even when we were kind of a mess.”

Bride: “So thank you. For being here. For being part of this. For celebrating with us tonight and probably dancing later even if you really don’t want to.”

Groom: “Especially if you don’t want to.”

Bride: “We love you all. Now let’s eat.”

Pro tips

• Keep it under 3 minutes
• Go back and forth every few lines, so it sounds like you’re actually talking to each other, naturally
• Thank specific people – parents, wedding party, people who traveled, etc

Things to Avoid

• Don’t try to thank every single person by name
• Don’t turn this into the story of your whole relationship. Just say thank you and let people get back to the party

Try our love letter examples for something more personal outside the wedding, helping you get your words to paper for your soulmate.

26. One-Minute Wedding Toast (Any Role)

Sometimes, you just need to say something super-quick and meaningful without turning it into a whole production. For those in need of inspirational wedding speech examples that are ultra-short, this could be the right answer for any role and any moment.

Short on Time? Generate a Wedding Toast in Minutes With Our AI Wedding Speech Generator

Who this works for:

• Anyone who panics at the idea of a full-on wedding speech
• Last-minute for when asked if anyone else has a few words to add

Example speech 

“Hey, I’m Cam. I’m Cole’s best friend, and I’m keeping this short because I hate public speaking.

Cole, I’ve known you since high school. You’re one of the best people I know. You show up when it matters. You care about people. You make everyone around you feel like they matter too.

Erin, you make him happier than I’ve ever seen him. That’s really all I needed to know.

So, to Cole and Erin – cheers.”

Pro tips

• Write down three sentences max: your name and connection, something real about one person, something about them as a couple
• Time yourself saying it once. If you hit 90 seconds, trim it
• Hold your glass the whole time – it reminds you that you’re toasting,

Things to Avoid

• Don’t start with “I wasn’t planning to say anything, but…”
• If you need more than one breath to get through a sentence, it’s too long
• Don’t stand there after the toast waiting for applause – say “cheers”, drink, and sit

What to Do After You Pick the Perfect Wedding Speech Example

You found a wedding speech example that feels right – now what?

Don’t memorize it word-for-word. Use it as a starting point and swap in your own stories so it actually sounds like you. Read it out loud a few times. Practice in front of one person who’ll tell you the truth.

If you’re still stuck or need more help, we’ve got you covered. Try our AI Wedding Speech Generator for a quick draft, or work with Jen Glantz directly to get a fully custom speech written from scratch. We also offer one-of-a-kind wedding tools if you need help with delivery, planning, and nerves.

Final Word

If you’ve given it your all and still feel totally stuck, or maybe have a complicated situation on your hands right now, remember, you don’t have to do this alone! If these wedding speech examples just aren’t ‘hitting’ it for you, we’re right here, ready and willing to do what it takes to get you there!

And if you want the full behind-the-scenes story of what it’s like working weddings, grab the Bridesmaid for Hire book – part memoir, part survival guide.

At BridesmaidforHire, we’ve got you covered with plenty of incredible resources like you’ll find in our wedding speech guide. It gives you step-by-step help. 

No matter what, we know you’ve got this – and if you don’t, we’re always here.