The Ultimate Groom's Speech Guide
Your groom’s speech is one of the most memorable moments of the wedding reception. It’s your chance to thank the people who made the day possible, celebrate your new partner, and set the tone for the evening.
This guide walks you through where your speech fits in, how long it should be, a clear six-part structure with examples, and practical tips for handling nerves. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to write and deliver a groom’s speech to remember.
Where the Groom’s Speech Fits In
At a traditional UK wedding, the speeches usually follow this order:
- Father of the bride (or equivalent)
- Groom
- Best man
This order has stood the test of time because it creates a natural emotional arc:
- Father of the bride – Welcomes guests, speaks lovingly about the bride, and often shares family stories. It’s warm, sentimental, and sets the scene.
- Groom – Bridges the families, offers the main thanks, and focuses on the couple’s relationship. It’s heartfelt, grateful, and hopeful.
- Best man – Rounds things off with humour and light-hearted stories, often focusing on the groom.
Your speech sits right in the middle, which is ideal. The room is already warmed up by the father of the bride, but the best man hasn’t yet unleashed his stories. You’re the emotional centre of the trio: the person who thanks everyone and speaks most directly about the love story at the heart of the day.
How Long Should a Groom’s Speech Be?
Aim for 5–7 minutes, which usually works out at around 700–1,000 words.
That’s long enough to:
- Thank the key people properly
- Tell a meaningful story or two
- Build to a memorable toast
…but short enough that you don’t lose the room.
Practical timing tips
- Write it out in full, then read it aloud at a natural pace.
- Time yourself with your phone. If you’re over 8–9 minutes, trim.
- Remember you’ll likely speak faster on the day due to adrenaline, so a 7-minute rehearsal might be closer to 5–6 minutes in reality.
- Don’t pad it out for the sake of it. A tight, sincere 5 minutes beats a rambling 12.
The Groom’s Speech Structure (6 Simple Parts)
Use this six-part structure as your template:
- Opening (30 seconds)
- Thank the father of the bride (1 minute)
- Thank your own parents (1 minute)
- Thank the wedding party (1 minute)
- Your partner – the heart of the speech (2–3 minutes)
- The toast (30 seconds)
You can adjust the timings slightly, but try to keep the balance: most of your time should be spent talking about your partner.
1. The Opening (30 Seconds)
Your opening should do three things:
- Get everyone’s attention
- Put them at ease
- Set your tone (warm, light, and confident – even if you don’t feel it!)
Here are three example openings you can adapt.
Example Opening 1 – Light and Humorous
“Good afternoon everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Name] – today’s very proud, slightly overwhelmed, and extremely lucky groom. I’ve been told my speech should be like a mini-skirt: short enough to keep it interesting, but long enough to cover the essentials… I’ll do my best.”
Example Opening 2 – Simple and Sincere
“Hello everyone. I’m [Name], and I just want to start by saying how grateful we are that you’re all here today. Looking around this room and seeing so many people we love in one place is incredibly special. Thank you for being part of our day.”
Example Opening 3 – Personal and Romantic
“When I first met [Partner’s Name], I had no idea that one day I’d be standing here, in front of all our favourite people, calling them my [wife/husband/partner]. But I did know, very quickly, that they were someone I never wanted to let go of. Today, I get to promise that I never will.”
Pick an opening that feels natural to you. If you’re not a natural comedian, don’t force a big joke – a gentle smile and a sincere line work perfectly.
2. Thank the Father of the Bride (1 Minute)
Next, acknowledge the father of the bride (or whoever has taken on that role). This is about gratitude and respect.
Include:
- Thanks for welcoming you into the family
- Recognition of their support for your partner
- A nod to their speech, if they’ve just spoken
Example wording
“Firstly, I’d like to thank [Father of the Bride’s Name] for his wonderful words, and for the incredibly warm welcome he’s given me into the family. From the first time I met him, he’s been kind, generous, and only slightly terrifying… in the best possible way. Seriously though, [Name], thank you for raising such an amazing person in [Partner’s Name], and for everything you’ve done to make today happen.”
If the role is taken by someone else (a mother, step-parent, or close relative), simply adjust the title and keep the sentiment the same.
3. Thank Your Own Parents (1 Minute)
Now turn to your own parents or guardians. This is your chance to acknowledge their love and support.
Be specific where you can – it feels much more genuine.
What to include
- A simple thank you for their love and upbringing
- One or two specific qualities or memories
- A brief mention of step-parents and siblings where relevant
Example wording
“I also want to say a huge thank you to my own parents, [Names]. Mum, Dad – you’ve always been there for me, whether it was standing on the sidelines in the rain at football matches, or answering late-night phone calls when I’d inevitably messed something up. You’ve shown me what commitment and kindness look like, and I’m incredibly grateful.
