Does the groom give a speech at his wedding?

Yes, the groom typically gives a speech at the reception. It's often the final toast of the formal speeches, following the best man. The groom thanks guests, parents, the wedding party, and most importantly, speaks directly to his new spouse. Some grooms share this moment with their bride, giving a joint speech together.

What should the groom say in his wedding speech?

A groom's speech should include: 1) Thank the guests for attending, 2) Thank both sets of parents, 3) Acknowledge the wedding party and bridesmaids, 4) Express gratitude to anyone who helped plan the wedding, 5) Thank and compliment your new spouse, 6) Share what they mean to you and raise a toast to your new marriage.

How long should a groom's speech be?

A groom's speech should be 4-6 minutes, or about 500-800 words. This gives you enough time to thank everyone who deserves recognition while keeping the momentum of the reception going. Shorter is usually better - guests remember quality over quantity.

When does the groom give his speech?

The groom typically speaks near the end of the formal toasts, often last before dinner or before dancing begins. The traditional order is: father of the bride, best man, maid of honor, then groom (and sometimes bride together). Coordinate with your MC or wedding planner for exact timing.

Should the groom speak before or after the best man?

Traditionally, the groom speaks after the best man. The best man's speech builds anticipation, and the groom's speech serves as a heartfelt finale before the celebration continues. However, some grooms prefer to speak first to get it done - there's no strict rule.

Should the groom's speech be funny or serious?

A good groom's speech has both. Start with a touch of humor to relax yourself and the audience, but transition to sincere, heartfelt sentiments. The focus should be on gratitude and your love for your partner. Avoid trying too hard to be funny - genuine beats comedic.

Does the groom thank the bridesmaids?

Yes, the groom should thank the bridesmaids for supporting the bride and for their role in the wedding. A brief acknowledgment is appreciated. You can also toast to them or the entire wedding party as a group. This is usually when groomsmen gifts are mentioned.

What if the groom is nervous about public speaking?

This is extremely common. Tips: practice your speech out loud many times, use note cards (not your phone), focus on a few friendly faces in the crowd, remember that everyone is rooting for you, and know that some nervousness is charming. The audience wants you to succeed.

Should the bride and groom give a joint speech?

Joint speeches are becoming more popular. They can alternate paragraphs, divide the thanking (groom thanks his side, bride thanks hers), or blend their stories. Joint speeches should still be 5-7 minutes total. Practice together to get the flow right.

What should the groom NOT say in his speech?

Avoid: inside jokes that exclude guests, mentioning exes, anything embarrassing about your spouse, excessive drinking jokes, complaints about wedding planning stress, overly long lists of thank-yous that become boring, and anything inappropriate about the wedding night.

Groom Speech: Examples, Templates & Tips [2026]

Full Groom Speech Examples

Good evening, everyone. For those who don't know me, I'm [Name], and yes, I still can't believe I get to call myself [Bride's] husband.

First, I want to thank all of you for being here. Some of you traveled from across the country - and even across the ocean - to celebrate with us. The fact that you're here, sharing this day with us, means more than you'll ever know.

I want to thank [Bride's parents' names] for raising the incredible woman I married today. You welcomed me into your family from day one, and I promise to take care of your daughter for the rest of my life. Not that she needs taking care of - she's the strongest person I know. But I'll be there for her, always.

Mom and Dad - thank you for everything. For the sacrifices, the support, the advice, and for believing in me even when I didn't believe in myself. Everything good in me started with you.

To the groomsmen - you've been there through all of it. The good decisions and the questionable ones. Thank you for standing beside me today. And thank you for last night. I think. The details are a little fuzzy.

To the bridesmaids - thank you for being there for [Bride] and for helping make today so beautiful. You are the people she chose to be by her side, which means you're very special to us.

And now, to my wife. [Bride], I've tried to write what you mean to me, and words keep falling short.

When I met you, something changed. I became someone I actually liked being. You make me laugh every single day. You challenge me to be better. You believe in me in a way that makes me want to be worthy of that belief.

I don't know what I did to deserve you, but I am grateful every single day. I promise to make you laugh, to hold your hand through the hard times, to support your dreams, and to love you with everything I have.

They say you marry your best friend. I did. I married my best friend, my favorite person, my home.

So please, raise your glasses. To my wife, to our future, and to everyone who made this day possible. Here's to a lifetime of adventures together.

To [Bride] and to love!

The Perfect Groom Speech Structure

1

Attention Grabber

15 seconds

A brief opening to get everyone's attention

2

Thank the Guests

30 seconds

Acknowledge everyone for being there, especially those who traveled

3

Thank the Parents

45 seconds

Thank both sets of parents for their support and love

4

Thank the Wedding Party

30 seconds

Acknowledge groomsmen, bridesmaids, and anyone who helped

5

Thank Helpers

15 seconds

Planners, vendors, anyone who made the day special (brief)

6

Speak to Your Spouse

90 seconds

The most important part - express your love and commitment

7

Toast

15 seconds

Raise your glass and invite everyone to celebrate

Who to Thank in Your Speech

Guests

Traveling, taking time off, celebrating with you

Your Parents

Raising you, their support, specific help with wedding

In-Laws

Welcoming you into the family, raising your spouse

Groomsmen

Friendship, support, standing beside you

Bridesmaids

Supporting the bride, their friendship, helping plan

Wedding Party

Can acknowledge as a group if time is short

Planners/Vendors

Brief mention, don't list everyone

Your Spouse

Most important - save the best for last

What NOT to Include in Your Speech

✗Mentions of any ex-partners

✗Inside jokes most guests won't get

✗Complaints about wedding planning stress

✗Bachelor party stories that shouldn't be shared

✗Anything embarrassing about your spouse

✗Overly long thank-you lists

✗Inappropriate jokes about the wedding night

✗Excessive mentions of how drunk you are/were

Opening Lines to Start Strong

"Good evening, everyone. For those who don't know me, I'm [Name], and I'm the luckiest guy in this room."

"First of all, let me say - I'm married! I still can't believe it."

"Before I start, I just want everyone to know that I practiced this speech approximately 47 times. [Bride] can confirm."

"I'll keep this short. Partially because you're all hungry, and partially because if I talk too long, I might start crying."

"Thank you all for being here. I never imagined my wedding would look this good. Especially me. Look at this suit."

Tips for Nailing Your Speech

Practice out loud

Reading in your head is not the same as speaking

Use note cards, not your phone

Phones can distract and look less formal

Make eye contact

Especially when speaking to your spouse

Speak slowly

Nerves make you rush - force yourself to slow down

Stay sober before the speech

One drink to calm nerves, max

End looking at your spouse

The final words should be for them

Frequently Asked Questions

You've Got This

Remember: everyone in that room is rooting for you. Speak from the heart, and you can't go wrong.

More Speech Guides Wedding Vow Ideas

Groom Speech: Examples, Templates & What to Say

What should a groom say in his wedding speech?

Full Groom Speech Examples

Classic Thank-You Speech

Heartfelt and Humorous Speech

Elegant Joint Speech Opening

The Perfect Groom Speech Structure

Attention Grabber

Thank the Guests

Thank the Parents

Thank the Wedding Party

Thank Helpers

Speak to Your Spouse

Toast

Who to Thank in Your Speech

Guests

Your Parents

In-Laws

Groomsmen

Bridesmaids

Wedding Party

Planners/Vendors

Your Spouse

What NOT to Include in Your Speech

Opening Lines to Start Strong

Tips for Nailing Your Speech

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the groom give a speech at his wedding?

What should the groom say in his wedding speech?

How long should a groom's speech be?

When does the groom give his speech?

Should the groom speak before or after the best man?

Should the groom's speech be funny or serious?

Does the groom thank the bridesmaids?

What if the groom is nervous about public speaking?

Should the bride and groom give a joint speech?

What should the groom NOT say in his speech?

Related Speech Guides

Best Man Speech

Wedding Vows

Father of Bride

You've Got This