Wedding Speech Notes, Cue Cards and Prompts

Deciding how to use wedding speech notes and cue cards can be as difficult as writing the actual speech – and it’s worth devoting a bit of time to working out the best option for you.

At Speechy, we reckon delivering your speech without notes is like ‘doing a wheelie’; pretty cool but, ultimately, unnecessary.

Yes, there’s a joy in witnessing someone’s spontaneous thinking (even if that ‘spontaneity’ has been scripted and memorised), but unless you are very experienced at public speaking, going freestyle isn’t for the fainthearted.

And, even if you are a highly capable speaker in a business context, a wedding audience is unlike any other you’ve presented to, so we would still recommend having wedding speech notes and cue cards to hand.

Notes are not a sign of weakness – they’re simply evidence that you’ve prepared. And why, if you’ve spent weeks perfecting your speech, would you aim to deliver a sloppy version of it?!

As public speaking expert Alan Berg says in The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches, “I’m never impressed by a waitress who doesn’t write the order down. Write it down. Get it right.”

Stats Worth Knowing

• According to a 2023 Toastmasters survey, 71% of people say notes helped them feel more confident when giving a speech.
• A study by the University of Wolverhampton found that audiences rated speakers as more “genuine” when they used notes thoughtfully compared to fully memorised or totally improvised speeches.

How to Present Your Wedding Speech Notes

Paper, cue cards, or tech?

It comes down to personal preference, but our recommendation – every time – is old-school A4 paper.

Mobiles and iPads are increasingly being used, and they will inevitably become more prevalent. I admit I’ve (somewhat grudgingly) accepted their use in 2025. But we’re still not fully convinced.

Tech might seem like a modern solution for wedding speech notes and cue cards, but it can send the wrong message. It feels casual and disconnected.

How many of us get annoyed when our loved ones get lost in their phones? For many, that frustration is an inherent reaction – even if you’re just reading notes.

Devices can be clumsy too. You end up scrolling too far or accidentally tapping the wrong screen.

Our verdict? Paper still trumps. Less flicking. Less risk. More connection.

We advise using good-quality paper – something thicker than your standard A4 (around 120-140gsm) to reduce paper shake and add a professional feel.

Using a Mobile 

If a mobile makes you feel more comfortable, fine. But make sure:

• Your device is fully charged.
• Your screen won’t go dark halfway through.
• You’ve turned off notifications. A WhatsApp ping mid-speech? Awful.

How to Lay Out Your Wedding Speech Cue Cards

Bullet points or word for word?

Some people use bullet points so their speech comes across as more natural and they can maintain good eye contact. Great in theory – but not always in practice.

Ask yourself:

• Are you confident you’ll remember those punchlines without fluffing them?
• Can you deliver those brilliant lines smoothly?
• Or will you look like you’re just desperately trying to recall what comes next?

That’s the risk – instead of reading your wedding speech notes and cue cards, you look like a terrified bunny struggling to remember them. Not ideal.

So, at Speechy, we generally recommend printing your speech word-for-word – but in a way that supports great delivery.

Here’s how:

• Lay it out on A4 with the bottom third of each page blank to keep your eyeline high
• Use page breaks at natural pauses – after a story or when you expect laughter
• Codify it: Use bold and italics to guide emphasis. Use ellipses (…) to mark pauses. Add symbols or asterisks to remind you to smile
• Use ampersands (&) to signal memorised lines you’ll deliver off-script. This gives the illusion of spontaneity
• Add page numbers. Seriously. In case you drop the lot

Cue Card Tricks From the Pros

Want to go one step further? Make your wedding speech cue cards part of the act.

Could your notes be the ‘evidence’ in your case to prove the bride’s a saint? Could they be a spoof job application for becoming the new Bond? You can incorporate your notes in a way that makes them feel like part of the joke or the structure. Audiences love creativity – and if it gives you confidence, it’s a win-win.

Preparing to Deliver Your Speech

Just because your engagement party or wedding speech is more relaxed, doesn’t mean you can wing it.

Chances are, you won’t have a mic. You might be standing awkwardly between a bar and a canapé station. So plan for it:

• Check with your host if someone’s introducing you – or if you’re jumping in cold
• Position yourself so everyone can see and hear you, and see the person you’re paying tribute to. Everyone wants to see their reaction to your speech
• Ask people to hush or raise a glass before you start – you’re allowed to own the room

How the Speechy Team Works With Clients

Across hundreds of weddings, we’ve worked with clients to create and deliver amazing speeches. And this includes everything from crafting the punchlines to rehearsing delivery.

“One of the biggest mistakes people make is underestimating delivery. A great speech read badly is just… a bad speech.” – Heidi, Speechy Founder & Delivery Coach

Our delivery coaching service helps clients sound natural, confident, and authentic. We always discuss wedding speech notes and cue cards – and how to use them to enhance, not hinder, your performance.

Whether you’re nervous or a natural performer, we’ll help you rehearse and shine.

Final Thought on Speech Notes & Cue Cards 

Don’t be afraid to use wedding speech notes and cue cards. Just make them work for you.

They should support your delivery, not distract from it. Done right, they’ll make your speech feel relaxed, polished, and real.

Need help perfecting your speech? Check out our Edit My Speech service or full Bespoke Speech Service. And for DIY fans, we also have Wedding Speech Templates. Or our awesome SpeechyAI.

Here’s to speaking from the heart – with a little help in hand.