Bride Speech Advice

A Modern Bride's Wedding Toast

Like a free bar stocked with Bollinger, a bride’s speech is guaranteed to get guests smiling. And, with the right bride speech advice, yours will be unforgettable for all the right reasons.

It’s your chance to celebrate your partner, thank your people, and prove (once and for all) that brides do it better. This isn’t about stale etiquette or awkward jokes – it’s your voice, your vibe, and your moment to shine.

The Speechy team are ex-BBC scriptwriters who’ve swapped TV deadlines for wedding day magic. We’ve helped hundreds of brides around the world deliver speeches that made people laugh, cry, and immediately update their Instagram captions.

We’re the authors of The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches and rated ‘excellent’ on Trustpilot for a reason. Here’s the Speechy guide to nailing your bride speech…

* Or skip the research stress and head straight to our all the different ways the Speechy team can help you with your speech!

What You’ll Find In This Blog

The modern bride speech rules
How to make a bride speech funny
Step-by-step guide to writing a great bride speech
How to deliver with confidence
The bride speech dos and don’ts
How to get expert bride speech help

What You’ll Find In This Blog

The modern bride speech rules
How to make a bride speech funny
Step-by-step guide to writing a great bride speech

How to deliver with confidence
The bride speech dos and don’ts
How to get expert bride speech help

Bride Speech Etiquette

The good news? Bride speech etiquette has had a serious glow-up in the last decade.

Forget stiff intros and formal vibes. You don’t need to sound like the head girl giving a leaving speech. A simple “Hi everyone” does the job – and feels far more natural.

“The best speeches feel like a conversation, not a lecture.”
— The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches

Here’s what we’ve learnt after a decade writing speeches for brilliant brides:

Be yourself – Speak the way you normally would. Funny, sentimental, slightly sarcastic? Own it.
Don’t double up – You and your partner should avoid repeating the same anecdotes or thank-yous.
Divide and conquer – Agree who’s covering what before you start writing. That way, you avoid the classic ‘I got the boring bits’ drama.
Don’t overthink the ‘rules’ – You’re not delivering a state address, you’re celebrating love

👰‍♀️ If you’re marrying another bride, you’ll love our Lesbian Bride Speech Advice.

1 - What should a bride speech include?

Well, ultimately, that’s up to you but, generally, your speech should…

make all the guests feel welcome
give thanks to the important people
make your man feel properly loved
entertain everyone and get them in the mood to party

Here’s what the experts say…

‘Almost all other elements of the wedding have become more bespoke, with couples opting to do things ‘their way’. No wonder more brides are grabbing the wedding mic.

Your speech is a chance to celebrate the person who means the most to you in the world and a rare opportunity to tell all the people you love how cool you think they are.’ Zoe Williams, Editor at Hitched; The Knot Worldwide

‘The speeches make sure the couple speaks to everyone in a non-religious and genuine way. They’re crucial in making sure everyone feels connected to the newlyweds, and let’s face it, everyone wants to hear from the bride on the day.’ Claire Wetton, Speechy Wedding Speechwriter and TV scriptwriter

2 - Who should a bride thank?

One of the top reasons brides give a speech? To say thank you. And yes, gratitude is gorgeous but a speech that sounds like a school prize-giving? Not so much.

Here’s what we’ve learnt from a decade of writing bride speeches: keep your thank yous tight, tailored, and genuinely entertaining.

What NOT to do:

❌ Don’t thank every cousin, dog-sitter, and distant relative who made the effort to show up.
❌ Don’t individually thank people just for travelling.
❌ Don’t thank the suppliers you’ve paid (trust us, they’d rather have a glowing Google review).

“Thank yous are meaningful when they’re personal. Not when they sound like a wedding admin spreadsheet.”
– The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches

Who should get a name-check?

Your parents (and step-parents, if relevant)
Your new in-laws (bonus points for warmth and humour)
Your maid of honour and bridesmaids
Any children you and your partner already have together
The best man & ushers – if your partner hasn’t already claimed that shout-out

How to make your thank yous entertaining:

Skip the clichés. Instead of “Thanks for shaping me into the woman I am today,” say…

“Thank you for believing it was my brother who broke the window, and the dog who spilt the red wine. You’ve always been the most loving, supportive – and crucially – gullible parents imaginable.”

Funny. Honest. Memorable. That’s how you do thank yous right.

3 - Should a bride give thank you gifts?

If you’re giving out thank you gifts, don’t do it mid-speech. Trust us – nothing kills momentum like watching someone wrestle with a gift bag while the rest of the room reaches for their phones.

Instead, say something like:

“We’ll be handing out a few small thank you gifts later – after the speeches, once we’ve all earned a drink.”

That way, the flow stays smooth, the moment stays focused, and no one starts checking WhatsApp while you’re pouring your heart out.

Awkward silences = bad. Speeches with rhythm = brilliant.

4 - Does the bride pay tribute to absent friends & the dearly departed?

No need to name-check every friend or relative who couldn’t make it – unless they’re watching online, in which case a quick “Hi Nan!” is more than enough.

When it comes to the dearly departed, tread gently and plan ahead.

“If the loss is recent and the emotions are raw, process some of the grief before the wedding day.”
– The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches

Here’s what we suggest, based on years of working with amazing, brave brides:

In the lead-up to the wedding…

Take time to privately honour the person.
Share memories with close family or your partner.
Have a moment – whether it’s dinner, a walk, or a raised glass – that gives you space to feel the loss before the big day.

In your speech…

Keep the tribute short, meaningful, and ideally uplifting.
Save it for the end of your speech, not the beginning – it’s tough to bounce back from tears into toasts.
Add a personal touch:
- Toast them with their favourite tipple
- Mention a detail that connects them to the day (your bouquet, the music, a joke they would’ve loved)

This isn’t about grief. It’s about love – and including them in the celebration, without letting sadness take centre stage.

5 - Who should the bride toast?

Limit your “raise a glass” moments. Two is plenty:

Once, if you’re paying tribute to a loved one who’s passed
Once more, right at the end of your speech — your final toast

“Too many toasts turn a great speech into a gym class. Up, down, up, down… guests start to lose focus.” – Heidi, Speechy’s Founder

Your final toast should be heartfelt and aimed squarely at your partner and your future together. It doesn’t need to be Shakespeare – just sincere, personal, and ideally with a splash of humour.

Scroll down to find out how to craft a toast that ends your speech on a high.

How to Write Your Bride Speech

1 - Start now (no, really)

Writing a wedding speech is hard. Like “I’d-rather-clean-the-oven” hard. We’ve worked with hundreds of brides, and speech-avoidance is very real.

But here’s what we’ve learnt: the sooner you start, the easier it gets.

“A great speech isn’t written in one sitting – it’s built in layers.”
– The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches

Break the task into bite-sized wins:

Don’t aim for brilliance from the get-go. Just start scribbling.

Use odd pockets of time – on your commute, in a café, or when hiding from your in-laws. And jot down thoughts in three key areas:

The etiquette: Who do you want to thank? What’s the tone?
The stories: What funny or heartwarming anecdotes reveal who you are?
The tribute: How do you express love for your partner without diving into cliché soup?

Those are your building blocks. Once they’re down, shaping them into a great speech becomes infinitely easier.

✅ Pro tip: Start messy. Get it out. You can always refine it later.

2 - Bride speech structure

You don’t need to follow a rigid formula, but after working with hundreds of brides, here’s the structure we at Speechy usually recommend:

A warm hello and a laugh
Far too many brides resort to wedding-waffle at the start of their speech – thanking the venue or distant relattives who have travelled far. Yawn. Instead, start with something light. A simple “Hi everyone” and a witty opener. Let everyone know from the get-go that they’re in for a treat.
The speech-meat (aka the good stuff)
This is where the magic happens. Share a few brilliant stories that give guests an insight into your relationship, your partner, and why you love them so damn much.

“The best speeches aren’t lists of compliments. They’re mini love stories with punchlines.”
– The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches

Thank yous
Once people are hooked, you can slide in the gratitude. Keep it meaningful and avoid listing every helpful human in your life.
A nod to the dearly departed (if relevant)
Handled with warmth and grace, this moment can add emotional depth without overwhelming the mood.
A final, romantic tribute
Take a beat. This is your moment to tell your partner how much they mean to you – with humour, honesty and zero clichés.
A toast to your partner and your future together
End strong. Short, sweet and smile-inducing.

Why this order?

Most people default to opening with thank yous – but your guests didn’t show up for admin. Hook them first with humour and heart, then bring the gratitude once they’re already smiling.

Check out our Bride Speech Template if you want a choice of four speech structures for you to pick your favourite from and personalise.

3 - Bride speech opening lines

Whatever you do, don’t waste your first 30 seconds on wedding-waffle. Skip the “Wow, what a beautiful day!” and go straight in with something that makes people laugh or lean in.

We’ve learnt from years of helping brilliant brides: a strong opening sets the tone for everything that follows.

Classic crowd-pleasers:

“Hello, beautiful people! They say a wedding is like a fairy tale, but I assure you, no frogs were harmed in the making of this marriage.”
“I stand before you today as a woman who’s officially off the market. If anyone has a receipt, I’m afraid it’s too late for a refund.”

Even better? Make it personal:

“So we’ve finally done it. Jonny has agreed to put up with me for the rest of his life – and I’ve got that in writing.”
“Well, I know what you’re all thinking… How did I convince Ryan to ditch his Ramones T-shirt, down the Joy-Con, and sign a marriage certificate today? Let’s be honest – my Oreo cheesecake sealed the deal.”
“Let me tell you a story… When I first saw Theo, sitting in the bar, reading Agatha Christie in the middle of Saturday night chaos, I knew I had to speak to him. Only, he was too absorbed in the murder plot to notice me…”

“Start bold. Start real. Start like you.”
– The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches

A surprising, story-led, or snappy opening shows confidence – and gets guests immediately on side.

4 - Gather great stories

Want to instantly connect with your guests? Tell a good story.

Neuroscientists have proven that our brains light up when we hear a story. We’re wired to feel empathy, to imagine ourselves in someone else’s shoes – and when it comes to weddings, we’re already invested in the ultimate human narrative: love.

“Telling a good story helps sync your mind with your guests. It forms an emotional bridge – and suddenly, they’re right there with you.”
– The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches

Here’s what we know from working with brides across the world:

You don’t need drama – just detail.
The best stories reveal what makes you and your partner tick.
A good anecdote helps guests feel like insiders, not spectators.

As Eduardo Braniff, Editor-in-Chief at Men’s Vows, puts it:

“As a guest, I want to know where the love is. I want to learn something about the couple, either individually or as a duo, and I want to be left rooting for their marriage.”

And Speechy writer Shai Hussain adds:

“As an Asian man, I go to loads of weddings – and if you’re one of 500 guests, you might not know the couple very well. A good speech helps me connect with them.”

So yes, stories matter. And no, they don’t have to be long or perfect – just honest and revealing. A glimpse into your shared weirdness, that unexpected meet-cute, or the moment you knew this was it.

That’s what your guests came to hear.

5 - How to pay tribute to your husband

It’s tempting to fall back on familiar phrases when talking about love – “soulmate,” “the one,” “my best friend” – but let’s be honest: those lines have been rinsed more times than your nan’s wedding china.

The good news? You can be romantic, moving, and memorable without sounding like a walking Hallmark card.

Here’s what we’ve learnt writing bride speeches for over a decade:

Romance is in the real stuff – not the metaphors.
Observations beat declarations.
Specificity is sexier than sentimentality.

Think like a comedian. Seriously. The best comedy and the best romance come from the same place: noticing the truth in everyday moments. What are the small but significant things that make your relationship tick?

The weird pet names you use
The fact he always warms your side of the bed
The way he still mispronounces “croissant” but does it with confidence
The joy of shouting answers together at the TV quiz like it’s life or death

“Notice the beautiful everyday things. Sometimes it’s the smallest embers that build the most beautiful flames.”
– The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches

And we love this advice from Kat Williams, Rock n Roll Bride :

“Avoid all the traditional metaphors. Instead of saying ‘I love you from the bottom of my heart’, say ‘I love you from the bottom of my Converse’. Make it surprising.”

Need help finding those nuggets of real-life romance? Try SpeechyAI – it asks the right questions to help you uncover what makes your love story different.

6 - Brides closing lines

A good toast summarises the point of your speech. It provides great storytelling symmetry and is a call to action for everyone present.

We always advise newlyweds to propose a toast to their partner and their future life together. We also like it when it contains some humour.

Examples of a good bride toast…

“In the spirit of marriage, let’s raise our glasses to a lifetime of love, laughter, and pretending to enjoy each other’s cooking. May our marriage be as indestructible as my stubbornness and as enduring as his ability to tolerate my shoe collection. Cheers!”
“As we embark on this marital rollercoaster, let’s toast to surviving each other’s quirks and remembering to laugh even when we can’t remember where we put the car keys. Here’s to love, laughter, and a well-stocked supply of chocolate for those ’emergency’ situations!”
“To the love of my life, my partner in crime, and the person who still claims to love me despite witnessing my morning hair. May our marriage be filled with more laughter than arguments, and may our shared jokes always be funnier than my dad’s dad jokes. Cheers to us!”
“In the grand tradition of marriage, let’s raise our glasses to love, compromise, and never having to say, ‘Where do you want to eat?’ May our journey together be filled with more joy than laundry and more laughter than bad sitcoms. Cheers to the happily-ever-after sitcom of our lives!”
“To my amazing spouse, thank you for agreeing to be the ‘better’ half in this partnership. May our marriage be as strong as your Wi-Fi signal and as full of surprises as my Pinterest wedding board. Here’s to us, to love, and to a lifetime of hilarious adventures!”

7 - Bride's speech length

If both you and your partner are speaking, aim for 6–7 minutes each. If you’re speaking on behalf of you both, keep it under 10 minutes or 1,300 words max. Most speeches should fall between 900 and 1,200 words.

Once you’ve written your first draft, cut it in half. Seriously. It’ll make your speech ten times stronger. No one’s ever sat through a wedding speech and thought, “If only it were longer.”

Yes, editing hurts. You’ll have to ditch some lines you love. But the goal is a tight, impactful speech—not a rambling love essay.

As public speaking pro Alan Berg says, “If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter.” Editing is the hard bit—but it’s what makes the difference.

At Speechy, our Edit Service is all about that ruthless clarity. We trim the fluff, ditch the clichés, and make sure every story earns its place.

How to Deliver Your Bride Speech

1 - Test the Tech and the Space

Check the acoustics of your venue well before the speeches start. If it’s a big room, use a mic – even Beyoncé wouldn’t try to project in a barn full of buzzed relatives.

Ask someone to sit at the back during sound check
Hold the mic near your chin, not your chest (classic rookie error)

So many brilliant speeches have been lost to poor sound. Don’t let yours be one of them.

2 - Prepare Your Script Like a Pro

Memorising your speech is great – but don’t rely solely on brainpower. Nerves are sneaky and will absolutely mess with your memory.

A4 paper still looks the most polished – just make sure to print your speech with plenty of spacing and leave the bottom quarter blank, so you’re not hiding behind it.
A tablet is another smart option – sleek and easy to scroll.
A mobile is more acceptable these days (we get it, it’s convenient), but we still think it looks a bit too casual. Plus, a phone doesn’t always photograph well.

Whatever format you choose, highlight key phrases so you can recover quickly if you lose your place.

3 - Nail Your Body Language

Stand tall
Breathe deeply
Smile often (yes, it actually helps you relax too)

“Smiling is scientifically proven to calm nerves and boost audience connection.”
– The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches

Make eye contact around the room – don’t just scan the front row. You’ll feel more connected, and your guests will too.

4 - Time Your Laughs and Pauses

Don’t rush. Speak at a conversational pace, and leave room for laughter to land.

Let people laugh – and wait it out before continuing
Laugh along if it feels natural (guests often need that cue)
If you’re being filmed, imagine the camera is a friend — it’ll help you come across as relaxed and real.

5 - Master the Pre-Speech Ritual

✅ Snack beforehand – Nerves and an empty stomach don’t mix
✅ Hydrate – Sip water just before you speak to avoid the dreaded dry mouth
❌ Skip the booze – Dutch courage is a myth; alcohol spikes anxiety
✅ Find friendly faces – Spot your hype crew around the room and speak to them

And finally? Enjoy it. You’ve written something brilliant. Now all you need to do is show up, speak up, and smile.

Classic Bride Speech Mistake

We cannot stress this enough: your speech isn’t a Hallmark movie in heels.

Yes, it’s romantic. Yes, it’s emotional. But that doesn’t mean your bride speech should be all misty eyes and misty metaphors.

It shouldn’t be more sentimental or less funny than your groom’s. If you wouldn’t say it to your mates without being heckled, it probably needs a rewrite.

Tears are fine. Ugly-crying while quoting Pinterest? Not so much.

Keep it real. Let the humour do some work. And trust us—real love stories sparkle without the glitter.

Make Your Bride Speech Funny

The Speechy team all have a background writing comedy material, and have written for comedians, radio and TV shows. Here’s a few easy comedy-writing tips & techniques…

Rule 1. Cut the googled-gags

Sure, the pressure’s on the best man — but every wedding speech, including the bride’s, should make people laugh.

And no, being funny isn’t about Googling “wedding jokes” at 2am. If only it were that easy.

Real humour comes from observations, not punchlines. So here’s our advice: conduct a courtship-autopsy.

Ask yourself:

What weird habits have we developed together?
What do we bicker about on repeat?
What drives me slightly mad but also makes me love them more?
What’s the in-joke only we get?

These aren’t just quirks — they’re comedy gold.

“The best wedding speech laughs come from truth. Find the things that are uniquely you, then have fun with them.”
– The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches

Remember: it’s funny because it’s true.

Need more help finding the funny? Read our How To Be Funny blog.

Rule 2. Be specific

Vague isn’t funny. Specific is.

Saying your partner is “a bit messy” is mildly relatable. Saying they once used a hairdryer to dry pasta because the oven broke? That’s memorable and hilarious.

So don’t just say your partner snores. Say they sound like a bear choking on a kazoo. That’s the line people will be quoting at the bar later.

The best laughs come from details your guests haven’t heard before – the quirks, the habits, the oddly specific examples that bring your relationship to life.

Think about:

That one show you secretly love watching even though you both claim to hate it
The weird nickname your partner insists on using in public
The time you tried couples’ yoga and got stuck in downward dog for 20 minutes

“Being specific is what turns ‘amusing’ into actual comedy. Let people in on the little things. It makes your story feel real – and makes your guests feel part of it.”
– Speechy writer, Shai Hussain

Rule 3. Find your funny bone

Struggling to remember the hilarious stuff? Don’t panic – sometimes your memory just needs a little nudge.

Here’s how to dig up the good material:

School reports – If you’re childhood sweethearts, those old teacher comments can be comedy gold. (“Needs to focus more, talks too much…” Sound familiar?)
Job descriptions – Met at work? See if your original contract still exists. Compare how they were “strategic, deadline-driven and highly professional” with the reality of raiding the office biscuit tin together.
Dating profiles – If you met online, go back and read your old bios. Were you really “into fitness” or was that just one photo on a borrowed paddleboard?
Photo albums – Scroll through your photos over the years. Bad fashion choices, questionable holidays, overly ambitious DIY attempts – all potential punchlines.

Rule 4. Include a 'call back'

Want to look clever and get a guaranteed laugh? Use a callback.

It’s a classic comedy trick – you mention something early in your speech, then sneak it back in later. The surprise repetition makes it funny, and the fact you’ve looped back to a detail makes you look effortlessly slick.

“Watch any stand-up comic and you’ll see callbacks in action. It’s not just about the joke – it’s about showing control, timing and clever storytelling.”
– The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches

Here’s how to do it:

Plant something memorable in the first third of your speech – ideally something silly, surprising or specific
Then, refer back to it subtly at the end for comedic or emotional payoff

Example:

You tell a story early on about how you once accidentally stapled your shoe to the floor during your first home DIY project. Then you close your speech with:

“I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you – even if I have to staple your shoes to the floor to keep you by my side.”

Suddenly, your guests are laughing and admiring your comic genius. The callback turns your speech into an inside joke the whole room is in on. Clever, right?

Rule 5. Get inspired

Check out some bride speech videos to get a sense of what other brides are delivering.

But, if all this advice has done nothing but convince you you need help – then jump to all the different ways the Speechy team can help you.

Speech Do's

Make the 'thank you's meaningful

Don’t just talk about what people have contributed to the wedding, thank them for what they’ve contributed to your life (even if it is just an appreciation on malt whiskeys). Keep each thank you less than 50 words.

Use quotes

Funny or poignant quotes can add something extra to your speech and it’s not plagiarism if you credit the author! Take inspo from our Quotes For Bride Blog.

Toast something meaningful

Ideally something that will make your husband and guests smile – maybe ‘a lifetime of dancing on tables’. Consider a #TequilaToast

Practice and watch it back on your phone

Watch it back and spot where your speech can be improved.

Listen to feedback

It’s always worth testing your speech on a mate but this means you have to listen to them. If someone doesn’t get a joke, don’t waste your time explaining it as you won’t be able to do that on the day.

Speech Don'ts

Don't thank the caterers or the venue

It’s unnecessary.

Don't explain why you're giving a speech

Yes, you might always have the last word but a bride speech doesn’t need any justification for giving a speech.

Don't show off

Yes, it’s your special day. But no, you’re not allowed to show off about it. Be conscious there are single girls out there. Be self-deprecating & be humble.

Don't resort to clichés

Yes you can thank your in-laws for ‘raising such a wonderful son’ but try to make it personal too. Thank your mother in law for the extra inch added to your waistline since you first sampled her Yorkshire Puddings.

Don't talk over laughter

You’ve worked hard for those laughs – don’t rush them. Always wait until your guests have settled down before continuing with your speech.