Bride
speech templates
Wedding days are meticulously planned; from when the guests will arrive to the exact moment it becomes acceptable to have a fourth gin and tonic. Keep that same attention to detail when you plan your bridal speech, as by putting the effort in beforehand you can ensure your words both entertain and evoke in equal measure. Depending on what your future spouse has prepared in their speech (and if you haven't vetted it yet, you should!) you may want to choose from a number of formats. Some couples talk about what the day means to them, others gush about their other half, and some exchange passive aggressive remarks that just can't be held in (our favourites). Whatever style and format you require, our professionally structured speech templates have you covered.
If the groom is doing the 'thank yous'
Explain the purpose of your speech (examples), personally welcome all your guests (examples) and add your voice to all the thanks that have gone before (examples).
Say how pleased you are with all the arrangements (examples) and perhaps tell a story about events leading up to the wedding (examples).
Express your positive feelings for your in-laws (examples), thank them for their kindness, friendship (examples) and for welcoming you so whole heartedly into their family (examples).
Thank your parents for a happy upbringing (examples), emphasize how supportive they've been throughout your life (examples) and what a wonderful example they've set you (examples).
Sum up everything you feel about your new spouse (examples), all the things you love about him (examples), how happy he makes you feel (examples) and how much this day means to you (examples).
Convey your thoughts on being married (examples) and comment on any advice given to you (examples).
Single out your bridesmaids (examples) and maid of honour (examples) for personal praise.
Acknowledge the generous gifts of your guests (examples) and express your wish that they enjoy the remainder of the day (examples).
Conclude by proposing a toast to family and friends (examples) and if necessary hand over to the best man (examples).
What this day means to you
Light-heartedly break the ice (examples), welcome all your guests and thank them for choosing to share this day with you (examples)
Say how pleased you are with all the arrangements (examples) and perhaps tell a story about events leading up to the wedding (examples).
Talk of the happiness this day brings you (examples) and how fortunate you are to have married such a wonderful man (examples).
Praise your in-laws on having brought up their son so well (examples) and convey your luck to be joining such a wonderful family (examples).
Say something complimentary and affectionate about your own parents (examples) and thank them for the warm welcome they've given your new spouse (examples).
Add a special word about your mum, acknowledging her help with all the planning (examples) and the support she's given you over the years (examples) and say how proud you felt to be given away by your father (examples),
Express your love for your husband (examples) and offer some entertaining thoughts about the step you're taking (examples).
Conclude by proposing a toast to the guests (examples).
Thanking all the people who've helped you pave the way
Light-heartedly break the ice and set an amusing tone for your speech (examples).
Thank your father for his kind remarks, good wishes and for giving you away (examples).
Thank everyone for attending (examples) and for their generous presents (examples).
Thank both sets of parents for the trouble and expense they have gone to in organising the day (examples), single out your mother in-law and your own mother for particular praise (examples).
Thank your bridesmaids (examples), the ushers (examples), the best man (examples) and the minister (examples) for their services plus anyone else who's helped (examples).
Make a special mention of your chief bridesmaid and provide an insight into your friendship (examples).
Compliment your new spouse (examples), express your happiness in joining his family (examples) and thank your parents for everything they have ever done for you (examples).
Conclude by proposing a toast to the people that made it all happen (examples).
Basing the speech around your husband
Open your speech conservatively (examples) or light-heartedly (examples) and express your gratitude to your parents for their contribution to the wedding festivities (examples).
Tell everyone how wonderful your husband is (examples) and how lucky you are to have married him (examples).
Possibly relate a short, amusing episode involving your first meeting (examples), or provide details of how your romance developed (examples), the effect you've had on each other (examples) and why you are so well suited (examples).
You may even wish to bring to light some amusing character traits or quirks he may have (examples) or relate the ordeal of him asking your parents permission (examples).
Include a personal message from you to him (examples), express your confidence that you will have a long and happy future together (examples), and say how pleased you are to be joining his family (examples).
Convey your positive feelings towards your in-laws (examples) and give thanks to your own parents for all their guidance and support throughout your life (examples).
Thank the guests for attending (examples), their good wishes and generous gifts (examples).
Single out your bridesmaids (examples) and chief bridesmaid (examples) for praise before ending with a toast to your husband (examples).
Expressing love & gratitude to the people you care most about
Open your speech with a light-hearted remark (examples) and thank all the guests for coming (examples).
Thank anyone involved in the planning and organisation of the wedding (examples) and say how much you are enjoying your special day (examples).
Express your gratitude to your parents, not only for their contribution to the festivities (examples), but for all the kindness, love and support they have shown you (examples).
Thank them for a happy upbringing (examples), include some personal praise for your mother telling everyone how wonderful she is (examples) and add something special about your father (examples).
Talk of the happiness you feel in joining your husband's family (examples). Emphasize how supportive they've been from the first moment you met them (examples) and thank them for their friendship and generosity ever since (examples).
Take a moment to point out some crucial friends, your bridesmaids (examples) and maid of honour (examples), who've been there for you through the stress of preparing for the wedding.
Sum up everything you feel about your new spouse (examples), all the things you love about him (examples), how happy he makes you feel (examples) and how much this day means to you (examples).
Propose your own private toast to your husband (examples).