The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Memorable Wedding Speech

Wedding speeches are one of the most meaningful moments of a celebration. Whether you’re the best friend, sibling, or someone else close to the couple, your words can bring laughter, tears, and heartfelt memories to the day.

If you’re preparing a wedding toast and want to make it truly special, this guide is for you. We believe every detail—including speeches—should feel personal and polished, while avoiding any awkward moments, so here’s everything you need to know to nail your moment in the spotlight.

1. Know How You’ll Be Introduced

Before giving your speech, consider how you’d like to be announced. A simple introduction helps set the tone and explains your relationship with the couple. Whether you’re a childhood best friend or the the college roommate, let the emcee know in advance how to introduce you.

Clear communication helps make your moment seamless, professional but still personal.

2. Keep It Short and Sweet

When it comes to wedding speeches, less is more. The ideal length is 3 to 5 minutes—long enough to make an impact but short enough to keep everyone’s attention. If you’re not sure how long your speech will take, time yourself prior to the wedding to ensure you have time to adjust if your speech is more or less than the ideal length. Keeping things concise ensures your toast is memorable, not drawn out.

3. Tips for Writing a Great Wedding Speech

Crafting the perfect speech doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some simple tips to make your toast shine:

Start with a Strong Opening: Begin with a warm welcome or a fun anecdote about the couple. This grabs the audience’s attention and sets the stage for your toast.
Skip the Overdone Intro: Avoid starting with “For those who don’t know me…”—it’s been used too many times and lacks originality. Instead, try something more engaging like:
- “I’ve had the privilege of knowing [insert person's name] since we were [childhood friends, college roommates, etc.].”
- “When I first met [insert person's name], I never could have imagined this day, but now it feels like the most natural thing in the world.”
- “I’ve been lucky to witness [insert person's name] grow into the incredible person sitting before us today, and I’m honored to share a few words.”

These openings instantly draw the audience in and set a more personal, heartfelt tone.
Make It Personal: Focus on the couple and their relationship. Share a meaningful story or a quality you admire about them as a pair.
Balance Emotion and Humor: A good speech strikes the right balance between heartfelt moments and lighthearted humor. However, steer clear of inside jokes or anything too personal that might alienate guests or put the couple in an uncofortable position.
Close with a Memorable Toast: Wrap things up by raising your glass and offering a toast that celebrates the couple’s future.

4. Timing Is Everything

Wedding speeches typically happen during dinner or after the main course, depending on the flow of the event. To ensure you’re ready, connect with the lead planner earlier in the day. They’ll let you know exactly when your speech is scheduled, so you can be prepared to step up at the right time. At Musa Weddings, we take care of timing details so everything runs smoothly and you can focus on delivering your toast, we give those offering a speech a 5-10 minute warning so they can prepare and ensure they stay in the room ready to be called up to the stage.

5. Celebrate Responsibly (Before Your Speech)

While weddings are a celebration, it’s best to keep the drinks light until after your toast. Staying composed ensures your words come across clearly, and you’ll feel confident speaking in front of the crowd. A polished toast reflects the same thoughtful elegance that defines a well-planned wedding.

6. Seek Professional Help If Needed

If writing isn’t your strength or you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional speechwriter. They can help you craft a toast that feels personal and heartfelt, while ensuring it resonates with the couple and their guests. A professionally written speech is especially helpful for luxury weddings where every detail matters.

Making Your Speech Unforgettable

Wedding speeches are an incredible way to honor the couple and share in their joy. By keeping your toast thoughtful, concise, and heartfelt, you’ll create a moment that will be remembered long after the big day. At Musa Weddings, we believe every part of the celebration should feel intentional and personal—even the speeches.

For more expert tips on wedding planning and creating an unforgettable experience, explore our blog or get in touch with us at MusaWeddings.com

Cheers!

Andi + The Musa Team