Wedding Speech Examples

Six years ago, Danny called me at two in the morning. Panicked. Breathing like he'd run a marathon.

Right — someone get Aidan an SPF 50. We're in Playa Blanca, and he still treats sunscreen as an optional extra. I'm Harry, Aidan's best mate since university — which means...

Three years ago, Danny called me at two in the morning. Panicked. Breathing like he'd run a marathon.

The first time Danny asked me to help him move a sofa, he texted me the address, then texted "actually don't worry" — and I arrived to find him wedged…

Three years ago, Danny called me at two in the morning. Panicked. Breathing like he'd run a marathon.

Three years ago, Danny called me at two in the morning, absolutely certain the smoke alarm in his flat was broken.

Hi everyone, I'm Alex, and I'm honored to stand here as [Groom's name]'s best man. [Groom's name] and I have been through everything together – from studying abroad in college to...

Good evening! I'm Aidan, [Groom's name]'s best man and oldest friend. They say you can judge a person by the company they keep. If that's true, then [Groom's name] must be pretty...

When Priya was seven, she made me sign a contract in glitter gel pen promising I'd be her best friend "forever, and also at her wedding." I lost that contract in about 1998.

Hello, everyone. Welcome to the wedding of [Bride's name] and [Groom's name]. You may have seen me everywhere today - probably because I've been panicking in the background! Now...

I've known Niamh since she was six years old. Back then, she was the girl who insisted on dressing like a Spice Girl, even on school photo day. Since then, she's been my...

The summer we were nineteen, Priya and I drove to the coast in a car with no working radio, so she sang the entire way.

When Hannah was nine, she made me sign a contract in glitter gel pen promising I'd be her maid of honor.

There's a spreadsheet somewhere on Hannah's laptop called "Wedding – FINAL FINAL v9." I've seen it.

The night before her first big job interview, Nadia called me at 2 a.m. in a full panic because she couldn't decide between two nearly identical grey blazers.

Good evening, beautiful people! I'm Orla, and I have the incredible honor of being [Bride's name]'s maid of honor and sister from another mister. [Bride's name] and I have been...

When Ellie was seven, she built a fort in the back garden out of two deck chairs and a bedsheet, and she declared it a "hotel for lost animals." No animals ever checked in.

When Ellie was six, she built a fort in the back garden out of two deckchairs and a bedsheet and declared it "the office." She sat inside it all afternoon…

When Ellie was six, she set up a lemonade stand at the end of our road and charged the neighbours double if she "liked their dog." By August she'd made…

Good evening, friends and family. I'm Callum, [Bride's name]'s father, and I want to share some memories that show you exactly who my daughter is. When [Bride's name] was seven, we...

Good evening, everyone! I'm Robert, [Bride's name]'s father, and I couldn't be prouder to be standing here today. Twenty-five years ago, [Bride's name] came into our lives and...

When Grace was seven, she built a lemonade stand at the end of our driveway and charged the neighbours double "because it's organic." It wasn't organic.

When Grace was six, she planned her first wedding. The groom was our golden retriever, Biscuit, who wore a bow tie made from my good kitchen towel, and…

There's a photograph on my fridge that I've never been able to take down. Ellie, aged six, standing in the paddling pool wearing my wedding veil, a…

When Ellie was seven, she planned her entire life on the back of a cereal box. I still have it.

Three years ago, Maya handed me a colander at a farmers' market and said, "Smell this basil." I had no idea I'd just met the woman I'd marry — I just knew…

Good evening, everyone. When I first met Maisie, I knew she was clever, kind, and beautiful. What I didn't know was that she was also a bigger nerd than me – and that's saying...

Distinguished guests, guests of no particular distinction, relatives young and old, friends, freeloaders, hangers on, gypsies, tramps, thieves and anyone else who may have...

Everyone, boys and girls - it's time for the main event. I'm joking of course, we all know the food is the main event! In all seriousness, thank you all for being here today. For...

Can you believe today is already here? It only feels like yesterday that I popped the question to my beautiful bride. I want to take this opportunity to say something I know I...

Three weeks ago, Maya found me at midnight standing in the kitchen, holding a spoon, staring at the fridge.

Three years ago, Priya found me standing in the pasta aisle holding two identical jars of sauce, completely paralysed.

Good evening, everyone! Thank you all for being here, and thank you for not running away when you saw my dance moves during the father-daughter dance rehearsal. First, I want to...

Good evening, everyone! I'll keep this brief because I know you're all eager to see if I can actually dance without stepping on [Bride's name]'s dress. Thank you all for being...

Three years ago, Maya stood in my flat, looked at my one saucepan and my collection of takeaway menus, and said, "You cannot live like this." Reader, she moved in six weeks later.

On behalf of my wife and I, we'd like to thank you all for coming here today and sharing our special day with us. There are times when it's good to be surrounded by people who are...

Ladies and Gentlemen: I would like to thank Declan for those sincere words and both Frankbie and Declan for the love that they have both shown me, not only in preparation for today...

Three years ago, Priya stood in my kitchen, opened my spice cupboard, and went completely silent.

Welcome, everyone. I know, I know - another speech, right? But don't worry, I promise to keep it short. First off, let me just say how absolutely chuffed we are to have you all...

Friends, family, generally loved relatives I can never remember the names of… welcome. Welcome to our beautiful day. I couldn't be more grateful to all of you for making the...

Ladies, gentlemen, and non-binary friends - welcome. Welcome to our beautiful, tropical wedding day! It only feels like yesterday that we were browsing Pinterest boards at 2am...

Three years ago, a man on our first date told me he'd "basically restored a vintage motorcycle." What he'd actually done was buy one, wheel it into his…

Three years ago, a man stood in my kitchen and alphabetised my spice rack without being asked.

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to finally be Mrs. [Last name]! I've been practicing my signature for months, and I think I've finally got it down. First, I want to thank everyone for...

Three years ago, on our second date, Daniel brought me a Tupperware of soup because I'd mentioned — once, in passing — that I had a cold.

Three years ago, on our second date, Daniel showed up to the restaurant twenty minutes late, soaked to the skin, holding a single wilted sunflower he'd…

Three years ago, a man stood in my kitchen and alphabetised my spice rack without being asked.

Good evening, everyone! I want to tell you the story of how I knew [Groom's name] was "the one." We'd been dating for about six months when I got food poisoning from that...

There's a photograph on our fridge that's been there for twenty years. Daniel, aged six, standing in the back garden in a cardboard box he'd decorated…

Good evening, friends and family. I'm Michael, [Groom's name]'s father, and I want to share some memories that show you exactly who my son is. When [Groom's name] was ten, we were...

There's a photo on our mantelpiece I've never had the heart to put away. Daniel, six years old, standing at the edge of the swimming pool in armbands,…

When Daniel was seven, he built a rocket out of a shoebox, three toilet rolls, and most of a roll of my duct tape.

When Danny was seven, he built a "rocket" out of the recycling bin, two broom handles, and most of a roll of my duct tape.

When Daniel was seven, he informed me — very solemnly, over fish fingers — that he was never getting married, because girls "made you share your snacks."…

Good evening, friends and family. I'm Margaret, [Groom's name]'s mother, and I want to share some memories that show you exactly who my son is. When [Groom's name] was nine, we...

When Daniel was six, he built a "restaurant" in our back garden out of an upturned crate and two garden chairs.

When Danny was seven, he built a "restaurant" in our back garden out of two crates and a bedsheet.

Hi everyone! I'm Dorothy, [Groom's name]'s mother, and someone who's been happily married for thirty-four years. [Groom's name], from the moment you were born, you've been...

The summer we were nineteen, Freya and I drove her ancient Fiat to the coast with forty pounds between us and a tent that was missing two poles.

The first time I met Priya, she was crying in a nightclub bathroom because she'd lost one shoe and gained a stranger's phone number written on her arm in eyeliner.

When Freya was seven, she declared she would only ever marry someone who could beat her at Monopoly.

Hi everyone! I'm [Bridesmaid's name], one of [Bride's name]'s bridesmaids. [Bride's name], you've been an amazing friend for so many years. You're kind, loyal, funny, and you...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Bridesmaid's name], [Bride's name]'s sister and one of her bridesmaids. I've had the privilege of being her sister for twenty-eight years, and I can...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Groomsman's name], and I've had the privilege of being [Groom's name]'s best friend for the past twelve years. Standing here tonight as his groomsman...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Groomsman's name], one of [Groom's name]'s groomsmen, and I've had the honor of calling him my brother for the past ten years. [Groom's name] and I...

Hi everyone! I'm [Groomsman's name], one of [Groom's name]'s groomsmen, and I've known him long enough to have some seriously embarrassing stories. Don't worry, [Groom's name]...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Groomsman's name], one of [Groom's name]'s groomsmen, and I feel incredibly grateful to be here celebrating this amazing couple tonight. [Groom's...

Hi everyone! I'm [Groomsman's name], one of [Groom's name]'s groomsmen. [Groom's name], you've been an incredible friend for so many years. You're loyal, funny, kind, and you...

Hi everyone! I'm Mike, [Bride's name]'s brother, and I've been looking forward to this speech because I finally have a captive audience to tell embarrassing stories about my...

Good evening, everyone. I'm Alex, [Bride's name]'s older brother, and I want to share some memories that show you exactly who my sister is and why she deserves all the happiness...

Good evening, everyone. I'm Jake, [Bride's name]'s big brother, and I've been waiting for this moment – and dreading it – for a very long time. When [Bride's name] was five years...

Hi everyone, I'm David, [Bride's name]'s brother, and I'll keep this short because I know you're all eager to get to the dancing – and because [Bride's name] threatened me if I...

Hi everyone! I'm Chris, [Bride's name]'s brother, and as someone who's been married for eight years, I've been designated as the family "expert" on marriage advice. My wife is...

Hi everyone! I'm Rosie, [Bride's name]'s younger sister, and I have years of embarrassing stories to share. Don't worry, [Bride's name], I'll only tell the really good ones...

Good evening, everyone. I'm Rachel, [Bride's name]'s younger sister, and I want to share some memories that show you exactly who my sister is. When I was seven, I was terrified of...

Hi everyone! I'm Jessica, [Bride's name]'s sister. Having [Bride's name] as my sister means I've always had someone in my corner. She's been my protector, my advisor, and my best...

Good evening, everyone! I'm Orla, [Bride's name]'s sister, and I've been waiting my whole life to give this speech. Growing up with [Bride's name] meant having a built-in best...

Hi everyone! I'm Lisa, [Bride's name]'s older sister, and as someone who's been married for six years, I've been asked to share some "wisdom" about marriage. My husband is...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Brother's name], [Groom's name]'s older brother, which means I've had a few more years to figure things out – or at least pretend I have. [Groom's...

Hi everyone! I'm [Brother's name], [Groom's name]'s older and clearly more handsome brother. I've known [Groom's name] his entire life, which means I have about thirty years'...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Brother's name], [Groom's name]'s brother, and I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. Growing up with [Groom's name] has been quite the...

Good evening! I'm [Brother's name], [Groom's name]'s brother. They say you can't choose your family, but if I could choose a brother, I'd choose [Groom's name] every time. He's...

Hi everyone! I'm [Sister's name], [Groom's name]'s sister, and I have about twenty-five years' worth of embarrassing stories about him. Don't worry, [Groom's name], I'll only...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Sister's name], [Groom's name]'s older sister, and I want to share some memories that show you exactly who my brother is. When I was twelve, I was...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Sister's name], [Groom's name]'s sister, and I couldn't be happier to be standing here tonight. Growing up with [Groom's name] has been an amazing...

Hi everyone! I'm [Sister's name], [Groom's name]'s older sister, and as someone who's been married for five years, I've been asked to share some "wisdom" about marriage. My...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Grandfather's name], and I stand before you tonight not just as [Bride's name]'s grandfather, but as someone who has witnessed the beautiful...

When Ellie was six, she climbed the old pear tree at the bottom of my garden and announced she was never coming down.

Eighty-one years old, and they hand me the microphone. Somebody wasn't thinking clearly.

Good evening, friends and family. I'm [Grandfather's name], and I have the privilege of being [Bride's name]'s grandfather. Tonight, I want to tell you a story about a little girl...

When Eleanor was six, she climbed the old apple tree at the bottom of our garden and announced she was never coming down.

Good evening, dear ones. I'm [Grandmother's name], [Bride's name]'s grandmother, and I stand before you tonight with a heart full of gratitude and love. In our family, we believe...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Grandmother's name], [Bride's name]'s grandmother, and I want to share some precious memories with you tonight. I remember the first time [Bride's...

When Eliza was five, she stood on a chair at my kitchen counter, flour up to her elbows, and told me she was going to marry someone who laughed at her jokes.

When Eliza was six, she used to line up all her dolls on the back step and give them a stern talking-to about their manners.

Good evening, dear friends and family. I'm [Grandmother's name], and I've had the privilege of being [Bride's name]'s grandmother for twenty-six wonderful years. At my age, I've...

When Priya was seven, she made me sit through a "wedding" in my back garden between two of her dolls, and she gave a speech that lasted eleven minutes.

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Aunt's name], [Bride's name]'s aunt, and I've been honored to play a special role in her life for the past twenty-five years. Standing here tonight, I...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Aunt's name], [Bride's name]'s aunt, and I've had the incredible joy of watching this beautiful woman grow from a sweet little girl into the amazing...

Hi everyone! I'm [Aunt's name], [Bride's name]'s aunt. [Bride's name], you've brought so much joy to our family over the years. You're beautiful, kind, smart, and you deserve all...

When Nora was seven, she declared at Sunday lunch that she would only ever marry someone who could beat her at Scrabble.

The last time I was handed a microphone at a family gathering, it was to announce the raffle winner at Grandma Pearl's ninetieth.

The first time I babysat Clara, she was four, and she negotiated her bedtime like a courtroom lawyer.

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Uncle's name], [Bride's name]'s uncle, and I feel honored to share a few words on a day like today. [Bride's name], as your uncle, I've had the...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Cousin's name], [Bride's name]'s cousin, and I feel so honored to be here celebrating this beautiful day with all of you. [Bride's name], as your...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Cousin's name], [Bride's name]'s cousin, and I've had the incredible privilege of being her built-in best friend for life. Growing up together, we...

When Maya was nine, she made me sign a contract. In crayon. It said — and I still have it — that I would be her "second-in-command for life, no take-backs." I was seven.

When we were nine, Priya convinced me that the shed at the bottom of our grandmother's garden was a courtroom, and that I was on trial for eating the last Penguin bar.

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Cousin's name], [Bride's name]'s cousin, and I've been blessed to share so many beautiful memories with her throughout our lives. Standing here...

Hi everyone! I'm [Friend's name], and I had the pleasure of being [Bride's name]'s college roommate and partner in countless adventures for four years. And yes, I have stories! I...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Friend's name], one of [Bride's name]'s friends, and I feel so grateful to be here celebrating this beautiful couple tonight. [Bride's name], I want...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Friend's name], and I've had the incredible privilege of being [Bride's name]'s friend for the past twenty years. Standing here tonight to celebrate...

Hi everyone! I'm [Friend's name], one of [Bride's name]'s dear friends. [Bride's name], you've been an amazing friend for so many years. You're kind, loyal, funny, and you deserve...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Friend's name], and I've had the pleasure of working alongside [Bride's name] for the past five years. While we started as colleagues, she quickly...

Hi everyone! I'm [Friend's name], and I have the incredible honor of being [Groom's name]'s best man. That means I know all his secrets, and I've decided to share exactly none of...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Friend's name], and I've had the incredible privilege of knowing [Groom's name] since we were kids running around the neighborhood getting into...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Friend's name], one of [Groom's name]'s friends, and I'm so grateful to be here celebrating this beautiful couple. [Groom's name], I want to thank you...

Hi everyone! I'm [Friend's name], and I'm honored to be here celebrating [Groom's name] and [Bride's name]. [Groom's name], you're one of my best friends and you deserve all the...

We promised to share everything from now on – bills, laundry, and apparently speeches. We decided to do this together because this wedding isn't just about one of us. It's about...

Before I say anything else, there's a little surprise we've been keeping. Some people use speeches to thank their parents. Some to crack jokes. We're using ours to tell you… we're...

My name's Ben and I'm seven. I think love is when someone lets you have the last chicken nugget. And I think [Bride] and [Groom] are going to be really happy because they share...

Well, I'm not sure why they've asked me to say something – I was just here for the cake. But since I've got the mic, I'll share my top three marriage tips. One: never go to bed...

Hi everyone! I'm [Friend's name], and I have the privilege and responsibility of being the best man. That means I know all of [Groom's name]'s...

Hi everyone! I'm [Friend's name], and I'm here to tell you the truth about [Groom's name]. For too long, people have been fooled into thinking he's a normal human being. Today...

Hi everyone! I'm [Friend's name], and yes, [Groom's name] put me up to this. As a best friend, it's my job to roast him, and I take that job very seriously. [Groom's name] is many...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Friend's name], and I've been asked to say a few words about [Bride's name] and [Groom's name]. I'm not sure why [Groom's name] thought giving me a...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Speaker's name]. For those of you who know me, you know I'm not one for long speeches, so I'll keep this brief. [Bride's name] and [Groom's name], you...

Good evening! I'm [Speaker's name], and I just want to say how happy I am to be here celebrating [Bride's name] and [Groom's name]. I've known [Bride's name] for many years, and...

Good evening! I'm [Speaker's name]. I just want to say that watching [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] together fills my heart with joy. They're kind to each other, they make each...

Hi everyone! I'm [Speaker's name], and I'm honored to be here. I just want to say how wonderful it is to see [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] so happy together. You two are...

Hi everyone! I'm [Speaker's name]. I've been asked to keep this short, which is great because I don't have much to say anyway. What I will say is this: [Bride's name] and [Groom's...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Speaker's name]. Tonight is bittersweet for me. I'm celebrating the marriage of two people I love deeply, but I'm also aware that life is changing...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Speaker's name], and I have to admit, I'm a bit emotional tonight. Watching [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] together has stirred something in my...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Speaker's name], and I'm here to celebrate [Bride's name] and [Groom's name], two people who have changed each other's lives for the better. I've...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Speaker's name]. Standing here tonight, I'm reminded of something beautiful: love exists. Real, genuine, transformative love exists. And we're...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Speaker's name], and I'm standing here with tears in my eyes – happy tears, but still. Watching [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] get married today...

Three years ago, Sam called me at eleven at night, absolutely panicking, because he'd bought Jess flowers for their first date and then read online that…

Three years ago, Danny called me at 6am in an absolute panic. Not because of a family emergency.

The last text Maya sent me before this wedding was at 2 a.m. It said: "Do NOT let me forget the emergency snacks." Not the vows.

The first time Maya and I split an umbrella, it was broken — three spokes gone, flapping like an injured bird — and it was pouring, and we were nineteen,…

The first thing Chloe ever said to me was, "You're not my dad, and you can't sit in the good chair." She was seven.

The first thing Ellie ever said to me was, "You're not my dad." She was nine, arms folded, standing in a doorway defending the last honest ground she had.

When Rosie was eleven, she informed me — over spaghetti, very seriously — that I was "on probation." She'd read the word somewhere and liked the weight of it.

The first time I met Ruby, she was fourteen, she looked me up and down across her dad's kitchen, and she said, "So.

The first thing Hannah ever said to me was, "You're not my mum." She was eleven, arms crossed, standing in the doorway of a kitchen that wasn't quite mine yet.

Hi, everyone. I'm [Your name], also known as [Bride's name]'s bonus mum, a title she gave me when she was sixteen and I've been clinging to ever since. It's better than "stepmum"...

Evening, everyone. I'm [Your name], [Groom's name]'s stepdad. I've had the job for about fifteen years now, and I have to say, the pay is terrible, but the perks are alright. Free...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Your name], and I'm [Groom's name]'s stepfather. I've been part of his life for seventeen years now, and standing here today, I'm struck by how quickly...

Hello, everyone. I'm [Your name], [Groom's name]'s stepdad, though honestly, I dropped the "step" in my head years ago. He's just my son, full stop. And today, watching him marry...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Your name], [Groom's name]'s stepmum. Now, when I married his father eight years ago, I inherited quite the package deal: a wonderful husband, a cat...

Hello, everyone. I'm [Your name], and I'm so grateful to be standing here today as [Groom's name]'s stepmother. That word, "stepmother," never quite captured what we are to each...

Hi, everyone! I'm [Your name], and for those who can't tell us apart, I'm the better-looking twin. I've been waiting my whole life to use that joke in front of an audience, so thank...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Your name], and [Groom's name] is my twin brother. We've shared every milestone together since the very beginning, literally, since we shared a womb...

Hello, everyone. I'm [Your name], and [Bride's name] is my twin sister. For those keeping score, I arrived four minutes before her, which means I'm technically the older sibling. I...

Hi, everyone! I'm [Your name], and I'm [Bride's name]'s niece. Now, when [Bride's name] asked me to say a few words, my first thought was, "How much are you willing to pay me not to...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Your name], and [Groom's name] is my uncle. I know speeches like this usually come from parents or best friends, but [Groom's name] isn't just my uncle...

Hello, everyone. I'm [Your name], and I'm [Bride's name]'s niece. I know I'm one of the younger speakers today, so I'll keep it short, but I couldn't let this day pass without...

The last time Uncle Rob gave me advice, I was nine, I'd just fallen off my bike, and he looked down at me bleeding on the driveway and said, "Well, that's…

Hi everyone. My name is [Your name], and [Groom's name] is my uncle. I want to start by saying that standing up here today means more to me than I think anyone in this room realizes...

The last time my Uncle Ray gave a speech, it was at my twelfth birthday, and it lasted forty minutes because he insisted on explaining how a barbecue…

[Bride's name], I have been trying to write this speech for about four months. I've started it on napkins, in the notes app on my phone, and once on the back of a parking ticket. So...

[Bride's name], I want to talk to you for a moment, just you, even though there are a hundred people watching. I've been thinking about all the versions of us that have existed since...

[Bride's name], my mum once told me that when you find the right person, you stop trying to impress them and start trying to deserve them. I didn't really understand what she meant...

[Groom's name], when I told my friends I was going to give you a speech at our wedding, they said, "Don't roast him too hard." I make no promises. Let me take you all back to our...

[Groom's name], I have written and rewritten this speech so many times because nothing I put on paper seems big enough for what I feel about you. But I'm going to try, because you...

[Groom's name], I want to tell everyone something about you that you'd never tell them yourself. You are, without exaggeration, the most thoughtful person I have ever met. And I don't...

Good evening everyone. I'm [Your name], and I've known [Groom's name] since we were five years old. That's twenty-three years of friendship, which, for those keeping score, is longer...

Hello everyone. I'm [Your name], and [Bride's name] has been my best friend since we were seven years old. I've been trying to figure out how to put twenty years of friendship into a...

Hi everyone, I'm [Your name]. [Groom's name] and I have been best mates since primary school, which basically means I know where all the bodies are buried. Metaphorically. Mostly...

Evening everyone. I'm [Your name], and I had the pleasure of meeting [Bride's name] during freshers' week at university. Specifically, she was the girl in the corridor of our halls...

Hi everyone. I'm [Your name], and [Groom's name] and I met on the first day of university. We were both standing outside the wrong lecture hall looking confused, and he turned to me...

Hello everyone. I'm [Your name], and [Groom's name] and I work together, which is a polite way of saying we spend most of our days sending each other passive-aggressive emails and...

Hi everyone. I'm [Your name], and I have the privilege of being both [Bride's name]'s colleague and her friend. We work in the same team and have done for the past six years, which...

Good evening everyone. I'm [Your name]. [Groom's name] and I have worked together for about four years now, and somewhere along the way, he stopped being the guy at the next desk and...

Good evening everyone. I'm [Your name], and for three unforgettable years, I had the pleasure, and I use that word loosely, of being [Bride's name]'s roommate. I have seen things...

Hello everyone. My name is [Your name], and [Groom's name] was my roommate for two years after university. I know that might sound unremarkable, but those two years shaped my life in...

Hi everyone. I'm [Your name]. [Bride's name] and I shared a flat for two and a half years, and I'm standing here today because she told me, and I quote, "You know me better than...

Hello everyone. My name is [Your name], and I served alongside [Groom's name] for four years. In the military, you learn to rely on people in a way that civilian life rarely requires...

Good evening. I'm [Your name], and [Groom's name] and I go back to our very first day in the armed forces. We were standing in a line, being shouted at by a man whose neck was wider...

Alright everyone, I'm [Your name], and I've had the pleasure of playing alongside [Groom's name] for the last eight years on our Sunday league team...

Good evening everyone. My name is [Your name], and I've played basketball with [Groom's name] since we were fourteen years old. That's nearly fifteen years of early morning...

Evening all. I'm [Your name], and I've been propping up the scrum next to [Groom's name] for about ten years now. For the non-rugby people here, that means I've spent a decade...

Good evening everyone. I'm [Your name], and I've been asked to say a few kind words about [Groom's name]. I'll do my best, but I don't have much to work with. Just kidding...

Hello everyone. I'm [Your name], and I've known [Bride's name] since we were eleven years old. That's over twenty years of friendship, which means I know where all the bodies are...

Evening everyone. I'm [Your name], and since I'm friends with both [Bride's name] and [Groom's name], I've decided to be fair and roast them equally. Starting with [Groom's name]...

Good evening. I'm [Your name], and I should warn you, I'm a crier. If you see me dabbing my eyes later, mind your business. Now, I want to talk about what love looks like from...

Hey everyone! I'm [Your name], and I've been given approximately three minutes to say something nice about [Groom's name], which is about two minutes more than I need. Kidding...

Good evening! I'm [Your name], and before I start, I want to say that [Bride's name] looks absolutely stunning tonight. And [Groom's name], you also look like you tried, which...

Good evening everyone. I'm [Your name], and I've had the privilege of watching [Groom's name] navigate some of life's toughest chapters. Standing here tonight, seeing the joy on...

Hi everyone. I'm [Your name], and I want to start by saying something that I think is important. It takes real courage to open your heart again. To look at love and say, "Yes...

Evening everyone! I'm [Your name], and I've been friends with [Groom's name] long enough to have attended his first wedding, which I'm told I'm not supposed to mention. So I won't...

Good evening everyone. I'm [Your name], and I have the honour of speaking tonight as someone who has watched two families become one, not overnight, not without effort, but with...

Hi everyone. I'm [Your name], and I want to talk about something that doesn't always get said at weddings. Blending a family is hard. It's really hard. There are awkward dinners...

Good evening everyone, and can I just say, if I'd known all it took to get a holiday in the sun was [Groom's name] getting married, I'd have set him up with someone years ago...

Good evening. I'm [Your name], and I want to start by saying that standing here, in this incredible place, surrounded by the people who matter most to [Bride's name] and [Groom's...

Hello everyone. I'm [Your name], the best man, and I want to acknowledge something. Every single person here has gone above and beyond to be part of today. Some of you flew...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Your name], [Bride's name]'s aunt. When [Bride's name] first told us she was marrying [Groom's name], I'll be honest...

Hello, everyone. I'm [Your name], [Groom's name]'s uncle, and I have to say, planning for this wedding has been the most educational experience of my life. I now know more about...

Hi, everyone. I'm [Your name], and I've been [Partner 1's name]'s best friend since we were fourteen and bonded over our equally terrible taste in early 2000s music. I'm not goin...

Good evening! I'm [Your name], [Partner 1's name]'s best friend, unofficial therapist, and until today, their emergency contact. [Partner 2's name], congratulations - that respon...

Hello, everyone. I'm [Your name], and I've known [Partner 1's name] since university, back when they thought cargo shorts were a personality trait. We've come a long way since th...

Well, well, well. I'm [Your name], and like the rest of you, I found out [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] got married via a text message. A text message, people. Not even a phon...

Hi, everyone. I'm [Your name], and I've been friends with [Bride's name] for over a decade now. When she told me they'd eloped, my first thought wasn't disappointment. It was, of...

Good evening. I'm [Your name], and I've been friends with [Groom's name] since we were teenagers getting into trouble at school. So when he told me he'd gone and got married with...

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Your name], and if you're wondering why I look slightly bewildered to be here, it's because I've had this speech saved in three different versions on...

Hi, everyone. I'm [Your name], a close friend of [Bride's name] and [Groom's name]. I want to talk about what the last couple of years taught us about these two, because honestly...

Hello, everyone. I'm [Your name]. I've been friends with [Groom's name] since school, and I've been looking forward to giving this speech for what feels like approximately seven y...

Okay, I need to address the elephant in the room. I'm [Your name], and roughly forty-five minutes ago, I thought I was at a garden party. I'm wearing sandals, people. Sandals. If...

Hello, everyone. I'm [Your name], and like all of you, I had absolutely no idea what was about to happen tonight. I'm still a little bit in shock, but the good kind, the kind whe...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Your name], and I'm the eldest child of the two incredible people we're here to celebrate tonight. Growing up, I didn't always appreciate what I was s...

Hello, everyone. I'm [Your name], the youngest of the family, and when my parents told me they were renewing their vows, my first reaction was, "Why? Did the first ones expire?" T...

Evening, everyone! I'm [Your name], and I've been waiting for this announcement for approximately four years, seven months, and twelve days. Not that I was counting. When [Groom'...

Hi, everyone. I'm [Your name], and [Bride's name] has been my closest friend for twelve years. When she called to tell me about the engagement, I cried before she even finished t...

Hello, everyone. I'm [Your name], and I've known [Groom's name] since we were both making terrible decisions at university. He's graduated from terrible decisions to excellent one...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Your name], [Bride's name]'s brother, and I want to start by saying that I'm giving this speech tonight because tomorrow I'll be too busy crying. Don...

Good evening. I'm [Your name], [Groom's name]'s mother, and I wanted to take a moment tonight, while things are still intimate and quiet, to say something I might not get through...

Alright everyone, gather round. Tonight we say goodbye to the man who once ate an entire pizza at 3am and called it "meal prep." [Groom's name], your single days are numbere...

[Bride's name], I've been trying to figure out how to say what's in my heart tonight without completely losing it. We've been best friends since that first day of secondary sch...

Can I get everyone's attention for just a minute? I promise I'll keep this short so we can get back to the important business of making sure [Groom's name] has the best night...

Namaste everyone, and welcome to what our family has been planning for approximately seven hundred years. I'm [Your name], [Bride's name]'s older brother, and I've been offici...

My dearest [Bride's name], today as I watched you take your pheras around the sacred fire, I saw the little girl who used to sit on my lap while I told her stories about Radha...

Good evening everyone. I'm [Your name], [Groom's name]'s uncle, and I've had the privilege of watching this young man grow from a mischievous boy w...

Mazel tov! I'm [Your name], [Groom's name]'s older sister, and yes, I'm the one who's been giving him unsolicited advice since 1994. First of all, can we acknowledge that [Gro...

Standing here under this beautiful chuppah, I'm reminded that this canopy represents the home that [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] will build together. I'm [Your name], [Bri...

Good evening, everyone. I'm [Your name], [Bride's name]'s aunt, and I've been looking forward to this moment since the day she called me to say she'd met someone special. For...

Right, settle down now, settle down. I'm [Your name], [Groom's name]'s brother, and I've been dreading this moment since he asked me to say a few words. "A few words," he says...

The morning of her first day of school, Aoife refused to leave the house until she'd packed a jam sandwich for the teacher.

Ah now, they've given me the microphone. That's either very brave or very foolish. I'm [Your name], [Groom's name]'s father, and I'll try to keep this short, though if you kne...

Good evening, beautiful people! I am [Your name], [Bride's name]'s brother, and I need to start by saying - the negotiations for this wedding were longer than some peace treat...

My beloved family and friends, I am [Your name], [Groom's name]'s grandmother, and my heart is overflowing today. In our tradition, we say "Ubuntu" - I am because we are. This...

Good evening, everyone. I am [Your name], [Bride's name]'s uncle, and it is my honour to speak on behalf of our family today. You know, in our community, an uncle has a very sp...

Buenas noches, familia! I'm [Your name], [Bride's name]'s older sister, and if you think this wedding is big, you should have seen Mami's face when [Bride's name] told her the...

Mi hija, my beautiful daughter. I have been thinking about what to say today for months, and every time I sit down to write, the words don't feel big enough. So I'll speak from...

Mijo, come here. Let your abuela say something. I know everyone's been giving speeches, but I'm the oldest one in this room, so I get the last word. That's how it works in thi...

There's a photograph somewhere of two seven-year-olds in a cardboard box, steering it down Maple Street on a summer afternoon, absolutely convinced it was a spaceship.

The first time Danielle asked me to help her move, she promised it was "just a few boxes." Nineteen trips up four flights of stairs later, I found the box…

The first time I met Priya, she was standing in the rain outside our halls of residence, refusing to move because a spider had built a web across the…

There's a spreadsheet. Of course there's a spreadsheet. When Danny asked me to be his best woman, he sent me a colour-coded document titled "Wedding — Master Plan v4." Version four.

Picture a grown man on his hands and knees at 7am, whispering "come to Daddy" to a spatula that has fallen behind the fridge.

Three summers ago, Danny called me at midnight, absolutely panicking, because he'd offered to cook Priya a "proper first date dinner" and had just…