(*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 father-son relationship is something special – equal parts inspiration, banter, and mild eye-rolling. So when your dad gets married (or remarried), a speech from his son is a powerful moment. Whether you’re a grown-up with years of dad jokes to retaliate against, a teen with a smart observation or two, or a little lad bringing big “aww” factor – a son of the groom speech brings love and laughter to the big day.
Here’s how to craft one that hits the sweet spot between comedy and sentiment.
You’re officially an adult, which means you can’t just rely on being adorable. This is your opportunity to pay a heartfelt, humorous tribute to your dad – and maybe get a bit of well-earned payback for those ‘life lessons’ he’s insisted on over the years.
Think of this as a best man speech with bonus sentiment. There’s no fixed etiquette, but here’s a structure that works.
You don’t need to thank guests (that’s your dad’s gig), but if you’re the first to speak, it’s okay to welcome everyone briefly.
Above all, your job is to make people smile – and let your dad know just how much you rate him.
No need to turn your speech into a Google joke fest. Use real humour based on:
People love recognition – those moments when you say something that makes them laugh and nod.
“Don’t just say he’s ‘tight with money’. Say he once tried to “haggle with a vending machine.”
And while you’re at it, give his partner some gentle advice -“Tip #1: Never assume he’s actually asleep on the sofa. He will wake up if you touch the remote.”
It’s easy to default to clichés – he’s kind, smart, funny – but what makes your dad him?
This stuff brings your tribute to life.
It’s not just about your dad. It’s also about the person who’s made him happy. Avoid the platitudes and dig a little deeper. What do you admire about them? What makes their relationship work?
If you’re still unsure how to say it right, read our Best Man Speech Advice – it’s packed with storytelling and humour tips that apply just as well here.
Sometimes others say it best. Here are a few favourite quotes to pepper into your speech:
“When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant, I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.” – Mark Twain
“My father had a profound influence on me. He was a lunatic.” – Spike Milligan
“You can always tell what was the best year of your father’s life – they seem to freeze that clothing style and just ride it out to the end.” – Jerry Seinfeld
Want more inspiration? Check out some more father son quotes.
We recommend 800–1,300 words max. That gives you 8–10 minutes – plenty of time to say what matters, get some laughs, and keep the energy up.
Remember: no one has ever said, “I wish that speech had been longer.”
Few teenagers will agree to read anything too soppy, so aim for humour over sentiment. If they look at you like you’ve just dropped their X-Box on the floor when you ask them to write a speech, have them pick a funny wedding reading instead.
Some more outspoken children might be up for giving their hot take on matters of the heart. Our writing team once helped a 15-year-old craft a love story using Star Wars quotes for his mum’s wedding!
Always aim to keep the speech length short – it’ll be funnier and more memorable for the right reasons. You might want to get an adult to look over the speech before the day – we recommend your son rehearses it on a willing family member before delivering it to a bigger crowd.
Rehearsing the speech as often as possible will help the delivery to sound more natural, but we fully endorse the use of cue card and prompts.
Bear in mind that public speaking isn’t for everyone. Many people freeze at the moment of delivery. If this happens to your son, go with the flow – there may be an opportunity to try again later once everyone’s more relaxed.
Nothing involving kids ever goes exactly to plan. Learning to laugh whatever happens is a pretty decent way to begin your marriage!
Most teens don’t want to stand up and gush. That’s fine. Help them lean into humour instead:
A short list, a reading, or even a clever meme-style speech. Get creative.
And if your teen wants to add a pop-culture twist?
Another fun example? One teenager wrote his entire speech in the style of a fantasy football commentary – complete with stats and player profiles for each member of the wedding party. It absolutely brought the house down.
Ask if your son wants to say something and respect it if he doesn’t. Some children shine on stage, others freeze. And that’s okay. If he’s unsure, offer a few roles to choose from: a short reading, a one-liner, or even just handing over a card to be read out.
You could also consider recording a short video message in advance and playing it during the reception – less pressure, same impact.
Borrow a short reading from a favourite children’s book – especially one that means something to you both. Books by Oliver Jeffers, Dr Seuss, or Julia Donaldson can be sweet, silly, or surprisingly wise. Or if your family leans literary, Harry Potter Wedding Quotes can add a magical touch.
One lovely prompt: ask your child “What makes a good marriage?”
You’ll be amazed – and probably entertained – by the answers.
“A good marriage is when you don’t complain when Mummy hogs the duvet.” – Josh, age 5
“You always say sorry, even if it’s just because you want snacks again.”- Daisy, age 6
“You share everything… except fizzy drinks.” – Max, age 7
“You take turns pretending to like each other’s TV shows.”- Ava, age 6
“You still kiss even when your breath smells.” – Leo, age 6
These kinds of lines land best when they’re real, unfiltered, and personal – just like the best wedding speeches.
Borrow a reading from a beloved children’s book – it can be funny, sweet, or even a bit surreal. Or, go magical: Harry Potter Wedding Quotes are a great option for literary families.
Son Delivers Epic Speech at Mom’s Wedding
A 12-year-old boy gives a touching and humorous speech at his mother’s wedding, leaving guests in awe.
YouTube
Junior Best Man Gives Most Adorable Speech
A young boy takes on the role of junior best man, delivering a heartfelt speech that brings smiles and tears.
YouTube
Bride and Groom’s Son Gives the Sweetest Speech
Watch as the couple’s son delivers an emotional speech, expressing his love and happiness for his parents.
YouTube
Whether you’re 6, 16, or 36 – a son of the groom speech can be one of the most meaningful (and memorable) moments of the wedding.
And if you need help crafting something unforgettable:
Because a great speech doesn’t just celebrate the day – it adds to it.
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.
