(*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.)
“A son of the bride speech is about showing up with stories and sentiment – not just saying ‘I love you’. Prove it with punchlines and heart.” – Speechy’s Heidi Ellert-McDermott, The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches
Let’s start with the obvious. The mother-son relationship is one of the most enduring, amusing, and downright honest bonds out there. It’s important that the son – regardless of age – gives their blessing to the marriage.
If you’re an adult son, this is your opportunity to pay tribute to your mum as she embarks on this new adventure. It’s also your chance to tease her (gently!). You know her quirks better than anyone – so let your speech be man-to-man, warm-hearted, and witty.
Think…
“A good speech reveals the chaos and charm of real relationships. Perfection is overrated.” – Heidi
Jump to the relevant advice for you
If you’re all grown up, the pressure’s on. You may be stepping into a father-of-the-bride-type role, in which case you’ll want to also check out our Father of the Bride Speech Tips.
Unlike the classic father role, you won’t be talking about your mum’s childhood, but rather your own. It’s your chance to:
You might also be the first speaker – so welcome guests, set the tone, but skip the roll call of relatives and keep it breezy.
Your mission? A few solid laughs, a touch of sentiment, and a toast that makes the room grin.
Here’s a format that works:
A speech theme is the central thread or idea that ties your entire speech together. It helps you stay focused, gives your speech structure, and adds that storytelling magic that really holds the audience’s attention. Instead of just jumping from one memory to the next, a theme helps you frame everything in a cohesive and meaningful way.
A strong opening line can make the difference between polite attention and genuine connection. Whether you go for funny, heartfelt or somewhere in-between, the key is to make it sound like you. Think about a memory, a shared habit, or something brilliantly specific that only your mum would recognise.
Here are a few line ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
“Well, I never thought I’d be giving a wedding speech for my mum. But here we are – she’s found someone brave enough to marry into this madness, and I couldn’t be happier for her.”
“I always knew my mum would find love again. I just didn’t expect it to be with someone who actually laughs at her fridge magnet collection.”
“Most sons worry about their mum’s internet history. I just hoped she wasn’t getting catfished. Thankfully, Roy’s real, charming… and doesn’t live in a basement in Florida.”
“When Mum told me she was getting married, I had one question: do I get a say in the playlist?”
“I’ve had the privilege of watching my mum raise me, embarrass me, and now, marry someone who genuinely makes her smile.”
Set something up in the opening, pay it off at the end. It’s a satisfying way to show intent and structure. And immediately makes you look wittier than you are!
Example:
Opening: “Mum always says ‘You’ll understand when you’re older.’”
Ending: “Well Mum, I’m older now – and I finally understand why you never let anyone near the remote.”Opening: “Mum used to say, ‘If you want something done right, do it yourself.’”
Ending: “But judging by today, I think she’s finally found someone who does things just the way she likes them.”Opening: “Mum has a favourite phrase: ‘Just five more minutes.’ Whether it was bedtime or leaving a party, she was never in a rush.”
Ending: “And now, watching her begin this new chapter, I hope she gets a lifetime of those five more minutes—with someone she truly loves.”
We work one-on-one with adult sons to help them create standout speeches that reflect their personality and family story.
Whether you need a fully written script, editing support, or maybe the help of our SpeechyAI tool – we’ve got you. Our team will help you balance humour and heart, avoid clichés, and make your speech one to remember.
We can also offer feedback on tone, structure and delivery in our Delivery Coaching Sessions
If your son is little, no one expects him to quote Shakespeare. A short and simple contribution will charm the crowd.
Some ideas:
“One six-year-old we worked with said, ‘Love is when you share your crisps and don’t even mind if they take the cheesy ones.'”
Or involve them in the bride or groom’s speech – holding funny signs like ‘Is he serious?’, ‘Mum, blink twice’, or ‘He’s fibbing’. A great way to include kids without putting them under pressure.
We don’t have any specific products or services for young ‘uns as it shouldn’t be complicated!
Cute, not curated, is what you’re after.
Teenagers often feel a bit awkward in the spotlight—especially when it involves emotions and public speaking. But when they choose to stand up and speak at their mum’s wedding, the moment can be truly memorable. Teen sons bring a fresh, funny, and unexpectedly honest take on love, family, and marriage.
Whether you want to keep it light and jokey or offer a few heartfelt insights, this is your opportunity to show just how much your mum means to you.
If your mum’s new partner isn’t your dad, you don’t need to pretend he’s your best mate if he’s not, but a respectful welcome and a decent tribute goes a long way.
If he is your dad, then give both parents equal love and recognition obviously!
Even teenage speeches benefit from having a theme – a central idea that gives the speech direction and personality. It could be inspired by your mum’s quirks, your family life, or how you’ve seen her grow into the person she is today.
A good theme helps you avoid rambling and gives you something to come back to when you’re wrapping up with a toast.
Teen sons bring their own unique energy to the day – honest, playful, and sometimes hilariously blunt. Their voice adds an extra layer of love to the celebration.
“Every speech is a moment of connection. Even if it’s delivered with a shrug and a smirk.” – Heidi
Teenagers often know what they want to say – they just need help saying it well.
Whilst our bespoke speechwriting service might be a bit OTT for a short speech, our Edit Service might help add an extra layer of polish to their effort.
Teenagers also, generally, love working with our SpeechyAI tool and it’s an affordable way to access the team’s speechwriting secrets!
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.
