(*Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out all the different ways the Speechy team can help you write & deliver a great speech. Or check out our new AI-powered team member, SpeechyAI.)
‘(Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out Speechy’s bespoke speechwriting service. We also have a range of excellent speech templates that might be just what you need.)
(*Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out our eulogy writing service or our eulogy template.)
(Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out Speechy’s bespoke speechwriting service. We also have a range of excellent speech templates that might be just what you need.)
It can feel daunting at first. What do you say? How do you balance humour, heart, and the slight weirdness of standing up in front of your family and friends to talk about your relationship? But the truth is, you’re not delivering a TED talk – you’re raising a glass to the person you love and getting everyone in the mood to celebrate with you.
Pretty much anything – but that doesn’t mean everything.
There’s no need to worry about strict etiquette or formalities here. Engagement speeches should be warm, inclusive, and celebratory. It’s your opportunity to welcome people, share a few stories, and toast the person you’ve agreed to spend your life with.
Unlike the wedding speech, where there might be more thank yous and a broader audience to consider, this is your chance to be more relaxed, cheeky, and perhaps a bit irreverent. As I say in The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches, “Every speech is better when you leave space for laughter.”
And yes, save some of your best material for the big day. Think of this speech as a teaser trailer – not the full movie.
Over the years, we’ve helped lots of people write engagement speeches – and here’s what we’ve found works best:
Even if it wasn’t cinematic, how you met will always be interesting when told with heart and humour. Whether it was a drunken chat in a pub or a swipe-right miracle, it’s all in the telling. Include vivid details and avoid clichés.
“We met by the coffee machine at work. He was in a tie. I was in pyjama bottoms. (WFH days, obviously).”
Even mundane beginnings can be magic if told well. Think of the story beats. The twist. The moment you realised this person was different.
Real love isn’t made of grand declarations – it’s the weird little moments. Maybe they shared their chips without asking. Maybe they correctly ranked all the Avengers films. Or maybe they looked at you in a way that made the world feel still.
Whatever it was, it doesn’t have to be poetic. Just real.
“She was the only person I knew who didn’t judge me for rewatching Bake Off with a notebook. That’s when I knew.”
Big or small, dramatic or quiet – tell it with honesty. Add humour if you can.
“He proposed during a dog walk. Very romantic, until we realised we were standing next to a bin full of poop bags.”
Even if you haven’t proposed yet – or haven’t had the formal moment – you can still reflect on the moment you knew this was your person.
It doesn’t need to be stand-up comedy, but a few laughs warm up any crowd. Humour isn’t just about punchlines – it’s about being relatable.
“We knew it was meant to be when we realised we both love Marmite, hate musicals, and want a cat named Pretzel.”
Avoid grand statements. Don’t overuse words like “soulmate” or “meant to be.” Instead, say why you love them – and how they make your life better.
“He’s the only person I know who can make me laugh when I’ve missed a train, burnt the dinner, and cried over a jigsaw puzzle – all in the same evening.”
Short stories, strong punchlines. Aim for smiles not snores.
Start with a casual “Hi everyone” or “Evening folks”. Be yourself.
Give a flavour of your story, but hold back a bit. You’ll thank yourself when writing the wedding speech.
Great speeches always consider the audience. Good eye contact, relaxed body language, and space for laughter go a long way.
Double the fun. Joint speeches show you’re a team – and two voices can make for a richer, funnier, more dynamic moment.
“She says I proposed. I say I tripped and landed on one knee. Either way, we’re engaged.”
Engagement parties are usually informal affairs – which often means there’s no microphone, no stage, and maybe no formal introduction. That makes delivery even more important.
First, think about your positioning. Don’t just stand in a corner – make sure people can see and hear you. Try to stand somewhere central, or at least where you have a bit of height if you’re not using amplification.
If someone’s introducing you, check in with them beforehand so they know when and how to do it. If not, you can simply call attention to yourself with a casual “Right then, everyone…”
Speak louder than you think you need to. Don’t assume people can hear over the clinking glasses and background chatter. Project your voice, use pauses to grab attention, and try to hold the moment.
And lastly – don’t underestimate the power of eye contact and a smile. Your confidence will set the tone.
Preparation matters. Even casual speeches are better when rehearsed. Say it out loud. Record it. Practice with a friend (or the cat).
Use notes if you like – just don’t read word for word. Speak slowly. Smile. And avoid over-indulging before the toast. One drink for nerves, then go wild afterwards.
“Pro tip – rehearse until you could do it in your sleep. Then, on the night, enjoy the moment. You’ll never forget the way people look at you when you speak from the heart.” – Heidi, Speechy Founder
An engagement speech isn’t a test – it’s a toast. Be warm, be real, be you. Share a few stories, raise a few laughs, and remind everyone why they came to celebrate.
And if you want help making it even better, check out our speech writing services. Get in touch or explore our Edit My Speech Service.
Oh – and remember: this is just the start. Save a little sparkle for the wedding.
Need help with your wedding speech? Our team of professional writers can help you write something unforgettable so remember to follow us on Insta for more inspo and promos.
The Speechy team are TV-trained scriptwriters/comedians by trade & we’ve helped 1,000s of speakers around the world deliver their dream speech.
Our advice has been quoted everywhere from The New York Times to Grazia and from Forbes to The Observer. Our founder has also featured on the BBC Sounds’ Best Men podcast with Jason Manford and written ‘The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’, published by Little, Brown.
