All groom speeches should include certain words and comments, but with so much else happening in the build up to the wedding, and on the big day itself, it can be easy to overlook them.
This article takes a look at the key points that should be covered during groom speeches and is a must for those men looking to get off to a good start with the missus, score a few brownie points with the in-laws or simply say some magical words to kick-start the marriage.
So without further ado, these are the recommended topics you should cover in groom speeches and the suggested order of doing so:
Groom speeches should always be opened by an introduction of the speaker. If there's no toastmaster, Master of Ceremonies or wedding co-ordinator to do this for you, make sure you do so yourself.
Introductions over with, it's now time to turn to your new Father-in-Law and express your thanks for the kind words in his speech - hopefully!
Groom speeches should also include a quick thanks to all the wedding guests for both their attendance and lovely gifts (you can live in hope!), and this is the time to do just that.
Whilst you're in the 'thanking mode', take this opportunity to give out a special mention to people/groups for specific things they have done to help out (Auntie Betty for making the cake, the Vicar for a lovely service etc.) Just remember you haven't won an Oscar, so try to keep this bit as brief as possible!
Where appropriate, now's as good a time as any to mention ‘absent friends’. Whilst particularly poignant, avoid making this bit too sentimental, the last thing you need to do is set the waterworks off among your guests at this early stage!
As an introduction to the main part of your speech, it's common to say a few brief words regarding the build up to the wedding and about the big day itself - this is also the perfect opportunity in groom speeches to squeeze in an early joke or two and get the whole of the audience firmly on your side.
A comment to the Bride’s parents about how you will ‘look after their little girl’ always goes down well at this point, but keep it sincere and free from any sarcasm.
It's customary for groom speeches to also include a few short words to your own parents. You should take this opportunity to reflect on your life and how they’ve helped to make you ‘the man you are today’.
An extension of thanks to the Fathers, Mothers, Ushers, Page Boys, Flower Girls, Best Man and Maid of Honour and Bridemaids is essential for all groom speeches. Combine this with the giving of gifts and it helps provide you with an opportunity to pause and take sip of water.
Now it's time to focus on your beautiful Bride. A good idea is to make a couple of short anecdotes - how you first met, how you proposed, how it went when the two sets of parents first got together are always good options, but there are plenty of others. As long as you keep the anecdotes brief, amusing or sincere, relevant and inoffensive you can pretty much say anything you like at this point.
Look to round off your speech with a short heartfelt address to your partner - looking them in the eye whilst doing so. Talk about how much you love them and how much you are looking forward to your future together - it always gets a big cheer if you follow this with a quick snog!
Finally, Groom speeches should always be concluded with a toast to the bridesmaids, followed by a collective ‘raising of the glasses’. Once this is done it's time to sit down as the applause billows in your ears and the guests call out for 'more!'.
Recommended Reading
For those of you wanting to find out more, we've a whole host of other wedding speech articles on the site packed full of expert information and inspirational ideas, not to mention our online wedding directory that's filled with toastmasters, speech writers and more.
For friendly tips and helpful advice take a look at our wedding speech forum, or why not check out the 'related articles' and 'pages & websites you may like' below.
