Groom speech: structure, sample lines and tips

By the speechwriters.ai editorial team · Last updated 20 October 2026

The groom's speech is mostly thank-yous done well, plus one moment that makes your new spouse well up. Here's how to structure it, with sample lines.

At a traditional British wedding the groom speaks second, replying to the father of the bride and handing over to the best man. It's the speech with the most jobs to do: thanking people, paying tribute to your new spouse, and toasting the wedding party. Done well, it's the emotional centre of the speeches. Done badly, it's a five-minute list of names.

The good news is that nobody expects the groom to be a comedian. The room wants to hear that you're grateful, and that you love the person you've just married. Get those two things right and everything else is a bonus.

The running order (4–6 minutes)

1. Reply to the previous speaker – thank the father (or mother) of the bride for their words and the welcome.
2. Thank the guests, especially those who've travelled or made sacrifices to be there.
3. Thank both sets of parents and anyone who contributed to the day.
4. Remember absent friends, briefly, if appropriate.
5. Your spouse – the heart of the speech.
6. Thank the wedding party – best man, ushers, bridesmaids, any children. Gifts are traditionally presented here.
7. Toast – traditionally to the bridesmaids – and hand over to the best man.

1. Replying to the father of the bride

A gracious opening sets you up well. A little humour helps, but keep it kind.

• "Thank you, Graham, for those kind words – and for not mentioning the time I reversed into your gatepost. I'll take that as a wedding present."
• "Graham, Helen – thank you for welcoming me so warmly, and for trusting me with your daughter. I promise to look after her, and to keep my hands off your shed."
• "On behalf of my wife and I…" – pause for the inevitable cheer – is a classic first line for a reason. Enjoy it.

2–4. The thank-yous

This is where groom speeches lose momentum. Three rules keep it lively:

• Group people rather than naming everyone individually.
• Add one specific detail for each group. "Mum and Dad, thank you for everything – including thirty years of lifts, and the 4 a.m. airport runs" beats "Thanks for everything".
• Split the list with your spouse if they're also speaking, so nothing's said twice.

Our groom speech thank-you list has a full checklist so you don't forget anyone important.

5. Your spouse

Write this section first – it's the part that matters most. Be specific: the moment you knew, a small habit you love, something they've changed in you. Two or three heartfelt sentences, said while looking at them, will mean more than a page read to the floor.

Sample lines:

• "Priya, the day we met at that pub quiz you got every music question right and I got every one wrong. I've been trying to impress you ever since. Today I think I finally managed it."
• "You make me braver, kinder and – I'm reliably told – much better dressed. I can't believe I get to spend the rest of my life with you."
• "Everyone in this room knows how lucky I am. Thank you for choosing me."

Don't be afraid of a pause here. If your voice catches, that's not a failure – it's the best moment of the day.

6. The wedding party

Thank your best man (with a gentle dig, since he's about to tease you), the ushers, the bridesmaids and any flower girls or page boys. If you're giving gifts, have them under the table ready, and keep the presentation brisk.

• "Dan, thank you for being my best man. You've been there for every important moment of my life – and quite a few I'd rather forget. I'm sure you won't mention any of those in the next five minutes."
• "To the bridesmaids – you've looked after Priya brilliantly, kept her calm, and you all look wonderful."

7. The toast

Traditionally the groom toasts the bridesmaids, after which the best man replies on their behalf. Many grooms now toast "the wedding party", "absent friends", or simply "my wife". Ask everyone to stand, raise your glass, give the toast clearly, and hand over: "And now, to tell you all the things I'd rather he didn't, my best man, Dan."

Common mistakes

• Reading out every name. Group them.
• Rushing the bit about your spouse because you're nervous. Slow down there of all places.
• Jokes at your spouse's expense. Save the teasing for yourself.
• Forgetting the toast or forgetting to hand over to the best man.

Check your length with our speech timer – 520–780 words is right for most grooms – and use the outline tool (choose "Groom") to turn your memories into a structure.

Frequently asked questions

What does the groom toast at a UK wedding?

Traditionally the bridesmaids. Many grooms now toast the wedding party, absent friends, or their new spouse instead.

How long should the groom's speech be?

About 4–6 minutes, or 520–780 words. It's usually a little shorter than the father of the bride and best man speeches.

Should the groom be funny?

A little humour helps, especially at your own expense, but the groom's speech is mainly about gratitude and love. Nobody expects stand-up.

What if my partner and I are giving a joint speech?

Split the thank-yous between you, tell one story together, and agree in advance who gives the toast. Aim for about six minutes in total.

Related guides

• Groom speech thank-you list: who to thank (and how)
• Bride speech: a modern guide for British weddings
• How to end a wedding speech (with example closing lines)
• How to calm nerves before a speech