How to Write the Groom’s Speech (A Simple 5 Minute Structure)

Unless you love public speaking, you have probably landed here wondering how on earth you are meant to write your groom’s speech.

Take a breath. You are in luck.

The groom’s wedding speech is one of the easiest speeches to write. It has a clear structure, a simple purpose, and unlike the Best Man, you are not expected to deliver a stand-up comedy routine.

With a little planning and a couple of read-throughs, you will absolutely nail it, even if you are reading this the night before.

When does the groom speak?

Traditionally, the groom speaks after the Father of the Bride and before the Best Man. Some weddings vary the order, and modern weddings often include speeches from both partners.

If this is a same-sex wedding, there may be two grooms speaking. Ultimately, you decide what works for your day. Your partner may also be preparing their own speech, so coordinate your timing and themes together.

If you are writing a speech to your partner, start here: How to Write a Wedding Speech to Your Husband.

Why the groom’s speech is the easiest to write

There are three reasons:

1. It is short

Aim for five minutes. That is it. You do not need endless stories or punchlines.

2. It has a clear structure

Your job is simple:

• Thank people
• Acknowledge your partner
• Share something heartfelt
• Toast your future

3. It is personal

No one knows your relationship better than you. All your guests truly want to hear is how much you love your partner and how proud you are to be standing there.

You do not need to impress anyone. You just need to be real.

How to write your groom’s speech

1. Start with gratitude

Open by thanking:

• Your guests for attending
• Both families
• Anyone who helped organise the day

Keep it sincere and simple. If you have been using the Little White Book wedding planner, you will already have a clear list of the people who helped bring the day together.

2. Acknowledge your partner

This is the heart of your speech. Talk about:

• The moment you knew they were the one
• What you admire most about them
• How they make you better
• What today means to you

If they planned most of the wedding, acknowledge that. Wedding planning is emotional work. Recognition matters.

3. Share one personal story

Choose one meaningful anecdote. Not ten.

It could be:

• Your first date
• A turning point in your relationship
• Something small that perfectly captures who they are

Keep it appropriate. If it would embarrass them, leave it out.

4. Make a few promises

This is not your vows, but you can reinforce them. Promise to:

• Support them
• Keep laughing together
• Show up for each other
• Build a life you are proud of

Speak naturally. Do not overthink it.

5. Thank the families

Acknowledge:

• Parents
• Grandparents
• Close family members

Keep it warm and respectful.

6. End with a toast

Finish strong. Raise your glass and toast:

• Your partner
• Your families
• Your future together

Confident. Clear. Done.

And do not forget, your wedding guest book will capture everyone’s warm wishes long after the speeches are over.

Making your groom’s speech funny (without ruining it)

Humour works beautifully, if it is kind.

Good humour:

• Light teasing
• Self-awareness
• Observations about wedding planning
• Gentle stories

Avoid:

• Ex-partners
• Inside jokes no one understands
• Politics or religion
• Anything that embarrasses your partner
• Negative comments about anyone

If in doubt, leave it out.

Practical tips for delivery

• Print it. Do not rely on your phone.
• Practice reading it out loud at least twice.
• Slow down when speaking.
• Make eye contact when you can.
• Pause if you get emotional.

Emotion is good. It means you care.

If you are stuck

Revisit your relationship highlights and write a few honest sentences first:

“I love the way you…”
“I did not realise how lucky I was until…”
“I promise to always…”

Simple wins.

Final thoughts

Your groom’s speech does not need to be perfect. It needs to be genuine.

Your guests will not remember whether you delivered it flawlessly. They will remember how it made them feel. And your partner will remember that you stood up, spoke from the heart, and chose them, publicly.

Five minutes. Honest words. Toast.

That is all you need.

Later, when you are flipping through your wedding photo album, you will be glad you kept this moment simple and true.