How to Start and End a Wedding Speech
Wedding speeches are often the heart and soul of the reception — they can fill the room with laughter, spark a few happy tears, and create moments that people talk about for years to come.
But let’s be honest: writing the perfect opening and closing lines can feel a bit overwhelming. The beginning sets the mood and grabs attention, while the ending is your mic-drop moment — the part that sticks. Whether you’re giving a toast as a best friend, sibling, or one half of the couple, getting these parts right really matters.
Feeling the pressure? Don’t stress — we’ve got you. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to start and end a wedding speech that feels natural, heartfelt, and unforgettable. Ready? Let’s get into it.
What is a wedding speech?
A wedding speech, also known as a wedding toast, is a heartfelt dedication to the newlyweds on their big day. Wedding speeches usually follow a specific speech order, and are traditionally made by the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man. However, as it’s your big day, you can ask anyone you’d like to make a speech and have them in any order you prefer!
Wedding speeches typically last about 30 minutes during the reception, usually following the main course but before dessert is served. Guests are often provided with a glass of prosecco, champagne, or a non-alcoholic sparkling drink to raise a toast to the newlyweds, creating a celebratory atmosphere as they listen to heartfelt speeches from family and friends.
How to start a wedding toast or speech?
The opening of your wedding speech or toast will engage your audience, set the tone for what’s to come, and create an emotional connection between you and the audience. But it can also be the hardest part to write, as there’s a lot of pressure to get it right.
But don’t let that overwhelm you! Remember that your opening should reflect your genuine feelings for the couple and your joy to participate in their special day. Speak from the heart, and you won’t go far wrong. If you’re still feeling unsure about how to open your wedding speech, the following guide will help you.
Introduce yourself
Starting your speech by introducing yourself is a standard and effective approach. It helps guests understand your connection to the couple and sets the tone for the rest of your speech. Even if many attendees already know you, introducing yourself creates a sense of formality and helps you feel more confident. Whether the groom is your brother or you’ve known the bride for years, taking a moment to state who you are and your role in the day’s celebration ensures everyone is on the same page and ready to listen to your heartfelt words.
Start with a quote or compliment
If you’re not quite sure how to keep the momentum going, try weaving in a meaningful quote about love, a sincere compliment to the glowing bride, or a nod to the gorgeous venue. A thoughtful quote can add depth and emotion to your words, while a heartfelt compliment shows your appreciation and brings a smile to everyone’s face — especially the bride’s. These little touches help create a warm, welcoming vibe that draws your audience in and makes it easier for you to find your rhythm as you continue.
Use a funny story or anecdote
If you’re feeling confident, a funny story or anecdote about your relationship to the bride or groom is a great way to open your speech. It not only adds a touch of humour and light-heartedness to the atmosphere, but also instantly connects you with the audience through shared laughter.
But remember that humour can be a double-edged sword, so be sure to keep it light, respectful, and in good taste. The goal is to make the audience smile, not cringe. If your joke is a little risqué, consider running it past the bride or groom first to ensure they’re okay with it.
Say thank you to everyone present
If all else fails, say thank you to everyone present. Thank you to the couple for inviting you to their special day, thank you to the venue staff who have worked so hard to make it all possible, and thank you to everyone else for coming. Everyone likes it when their contributions and efforts are acknowledged, so thanking the wedding party and staff and guests is a fool-proof speech opener.
How to end a wedding speech or toast
Often, the parts of a speech that stick with guests are the beginning and the end. You’ve already nailed your opening, and now it’s time to close on a high note. To leave a lasting impression, use the following tips to craft a memorable conclusion to your wedding toast. A heartfelt sentiment, a funny yet sincere anecdote, or a final toast to the couple’s happiness can ensure your speech ends on a positive, impactful note.
Recap your key messages
One of the most powerful ways to end your wedding speech is by circling back to the heart of your message. Recapping the main theme not only ties everything together, but it also reinforces the sentiment you want to leave behind.
For instance, if your speech focused on how beautifully matched the couple is, you might wrap up with something like:“It’s clear to all of us how much joy [couple’s names] bring each other. If I’m lucky enough to find a love even half as genuine, I’ll count myself truly blessed.”
This kind of closing brings your speech full circle and leaves guests with a warm, lasting impression of the love being celebrated.
Share your advice and thoughts
You could also round off your speech by giving your thoughts on love and marriage and any advice you may have for the newlyweds. If you aren’t in a position to offer any advice, a quote about love, a wedding reading, or a line from a song are also great ways to end your speech.
This approach not only imparts wisdom and reflection, but also serves as a thoughtful and fitting conclusion to your wedding speech.
End on a positive note
As with any part of a wedding speech, end on a positive note. This could be a final blessing, one last thank you, or even a warm smile. You’ve done the hard part; all that’s left is to seal the speech with a final dose of love and warmth.
Cheers to the couple
The highlight of any speech — it’s time to raise your glasses and toast to the happy couple! Invite all the guests to join in, lifting their glasses to wish the couple joy, good health, and a lifetime of happiness. With a smile, lead the room in a heartfelt cheer: “To the newlyweds, cheers!”
The bottom line on wedding toasts
Wedding speeches can be tricky, especially when it comes to making a strong first and last impression. But with a bit of preparation, some genuine emotion, and a celebratory toast to finish, you can deliver a speech that truly resonates and adds something special to the day.
Start with a warm, friendly introduction. Thank the couple, the guests, and anyone else who helped make the day happen. Add a heartfelt quote about love or a personal touch that reflects your relationship with the couple. Then wrap it up with a sincere smile and a toast to their future. These simple steps create a solid structure for a speech that feels authentic, memorable, and full of heart.
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