Nail Your Wedding Speech: Tips from a Wedding Videographer Who’s Seen It All!
So, you’ve been handed the mic, and now you’re sweating over what to say in your wedding speech. All eyes are on you, and the words have left your head. You think long and hard to find something meaningful, but the pressure mounts. The intense stares of the guests feel like they’re drilling into your soul, and all you want is for the ground to swallow you up. Does that sound familiar?
Whether you’re aiming for effortless charm or just hoping to make it through without your voice cracking—don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. Honestly, it’s easier than you think if you start preparing NOW.
As a UK wedding videographer, I’ve filmed hundreds of speeches—from the heartwarming to the hilarious, the tearjerkers to the total train wrecks (yes, I’ve seen it all). The good news? With a little preparation, you can absolutely deliver a speech that will have the room laughing, crying, and raising a glass in your honour. – Vheck out my wedding videography packages for more details on what gets delivered – Click Here
Here are my top wedding speech tips—not just to help you say the right things, but to make sure you look and sound amazing on film, too.
Who’s Speaking?
Traditionally, the father of the bride, the groom, and the best man take centre stage, but these days, anyone can grab the mic! Brides, bridesmaids, mums, siblings—I’ve even seen speeches made in honour of the couple’s dog! If someone has something meaningful (or hilarious) to say, let them!
From a videographer’s perspective, variety is key. Having different speakers makes for a more dynamic and engaging wedding film, so don’t hold back!
Whens the Best Time for Speeches?
Most couples opt for speeches after the wedding breakfast, as it serves as a nice transition into the evening. Some prefer to get them done before the meal, so speakers can actually enjoy their food (fair enough).
Keep in mind that if your speeches are AFTER the meal, you’ll need to wait until the staff clear all the plates and top up everyone’s drinks. My advice? Have the speeches first, and then the meal, if the venue allows it. Not only does it make for a smoother day, but it gives those delivering speeches a chance to enjoy their food without the pressure!
Keep them all in one go. Splitting them between courses might seem like a good idea, but it can slow things down, interrupt the flow, and become a logistical nightmare (trust me on this one).
Also, make sure to choose a spot for each speaker. Your videographer will likely work with you to organise where people should stand. Ideally, you want everyone nice and close to the couple so we can capture all of you in one shot. It doesn’t always work, but where it does, it makes the film look great!
How to Start Strong (Because Awkward Openings Are Painful!)
The first few seconds are crucial. Avoid starting with lines like:
❌ “Well, I didn’t really prepare anything…”
❌ “For those of you who don’t know me…”
❌ “I’ll keep this short…” (Now, everyone expects it to be long!)
Instead, grab attention with:
✅ A fun fact – “The first time I met [Bride/Groom], they were [insert hilarious anecdote].”
✅ A thank you – “Wow, what an amazing day! Can we just take a second to appreciate [the couple/the venue/the food]?”
✅ A quote or joke – Keep it relevant and keep it classy. Avoid too many Googled ones!
And With That – Why Googling Wedding Jokes is a Terrible Idea (With Examples!)
I get it—writing a wedding speech is nerve-wracking, and the temptation to Google “funny wedding jokes” is real. But here’s the issue:
• Everyone’s heard them before – The couple deserves better than a speech that sounds like it was copied from a cheesy wedding card.
• They rarely land well – What seems funny online often falls flat in person.
• They can be painfully awkward – Some of these jokes make the whole room cringe.
🚨 Examples of BAD Googled Jokes (Avoid These Like Cold Wedding Chicken!):
❌ “Marriage is like a workshop… the husband works, and the wife shops!” (Congratulations, you just made every married couple in the room roll their eyes.)
❌ “Marriage is when a man loses his bachelor’s degree… and the woman gets her master’s!” (Hello, 1950 called. They want their joke back.)
❌ “The three rings of marriage: the engagement ring, the wedding ring, and the suffering!” (Wow. That’s the energy we’re bringing to the happiest day of their lives? Yikes.)
❌ “They say marriage is like a walk in the park… Jurassic Park!” (Okay, this one might work with the right delivery, but still, it’s overused!)
❌ “Place your hand on top of your new Wife’s hand… That’s it. Now remember this moment because it’s the last time you’ll have the upper hand.” (Ugh. Yawn.)
How to Make a Joke Personal (And Actually Funny!)
Instead of recycling tired, outdated jokes, try these better alternatives:
✅ Make fun of yourself – “I wanted to start with a joke about marriage, but then I remembered I’m still single, so clearly, I know nothing.”
✅ Reference the couple’s quirks – “We all knew [Bride] was the one for [Groom] when she pretended to care about his fantasy football team.”
✅ Turn clichés into something personal – Instead of the overused “Happy wife, happy life,” say: “As we all know, happy wife, happy life. And in [Groom]’s case, that means keeping the house stocked with mint Baileys and never touching the thermostat, right?”
✅ Poke fun at wedding traditions – “They say the key to a happy marriage is compromise. Which is why [Bride] gets to pick the holiday destinations, and [Groom] gets to… carry the suitcases.”
Funny, But Not TOO Funny! (Avoid These Cringe-Worthy Speech Moves)
A wedding speech isn’t a roast or a stand-up gig. Avoid:
❌ Anything rude about exes – (Just… no. Nobody wants to hear this)
❌ Drunken stories that should stay buried – (What happens on a stag/hen do, stays there.) I mean unless it’s genuinely hilarious!
❌ Embarrassing childhood stories that might mortify them – (Baby bath photos? Maybe not today. Remember, this is their day and they chose you to be a part of it!)
❌ Jokes at the expense of the bride/groom’s family – (Risky territory – tread at your own risk!)
What’s funny and safe?
✅ A cute childhood habit – “Even as a kid, [Groom] was obsessed with organisation. His toy cars were parked in perfect order… which is probably why his sock drawer today is colour-coded!”
✅ A wedding-day observation – “We all knew [Bride] would be stunning today, but honestly, [Groom]—didn’t expect you to scrub up so well!”
The Ultimate Test: Would This Joke Make the Couple Laugh?
Before using any joke, ask yourself:
🤔 “Would the couple laugh at this?”
🤔 “Does this actually sound like something I’d say?”
🤔 “Is this a joke, or am I just recycling something I found on page 3 of Google?”
If the answer is no to any of these—ditch it!
Can You Use AI to Write Your Speech?
Let’s be honest—we’ve all thought about it. Sure, AI like ChatGPT can give you a speech outline, but should it write the entire thing?
✅ Use AI for structure and inspiration – AI can offer great ideas, but make sure it’s personal.
❌ Don’t read an AI-generated script word-for-word – It’ll sound generic.
A great speech is about real memories, inside jokes, and heartfelt moments—AI can’t replace those!
How to Deliver a Speech That Shines On and Off Camera
- 1. Don’t Stare Into the Camera
- You’re not a news presenter—this speech is for the couple and their guests. Engage with the room and pretend the camera isn’t there. Trust me, it’s awkward when someone stares straight into the lens.
- 2. Use a Microphone (Seriously, Use One)
- A mic isn’t just for those at the back—it ensures great audio for the wedding film. Without it, your speech could be drowned out by background noise.
- 3. Speak Slowly and Clearly
- Take a breath and pace yourself. If you speak too fast, guests (and the camera) might struggle to catch your best lines. Let the moment breathe!
- 4. Structure is Everything
- A great speech has a beginning, middle, and end. Start with a greeting, add a funny or heartfelt anecdote, offer some thanks, and wrap up with a toast.
- 5. Keep It Concise
- Ten minutes is plenty. Anything longer risks losing the room. If it’s shorter, that’s fine—just keep it relevant!
- 6. Pause for Applause (And Laughter!)
- Give your audience time to react. Even if they don’t laugh immediately, they’ll likely join in with a second’s pause.
- 7. Practice, But Keep It Natural
- Rehearse your speech until you’re comfortable, but don’t memorise it word-for-word. It should feel organic and from the heart.
- 8. Speak From the Heart
- Memorable speeches are genuine. Share stories that matter, and don’t be afraid to show some emotion!
Should You Use Notes?
Some people prefer to deliver speeches from memory, others rely on cue cards, and some brave souls just wing it. What’s best?
✅ Bullet points on small cards – Keeps you on track without sounding robotic.
✅ Printed speech in large, clear font – If you’re nervous, this ensures you don’t lose your place.
❌ Reading straight from your phone – It kills the moment and doesn’t look great on film.
Nervous? Try These Confidence Hacks!
If public speaking terrifies you, here are a few quick fixes:
🧘 Power Pose – Stand tall, shoulders back, deep breath.
🎤 Practice Out Loud – Speak it out loud at least 5 times.
👀 Pick a Friendly Face – Focus on someone smiling at you.
🤣 Laugh First – Crack a small joke early on to ease your nerves.
What to Do If You Totally Blank?
If nerves get the best of you, here’s what you can do:
• Have a ‘reset’ line – Something like “Woah, I promised myself I wouldn’t blank, but here we are!”
• Glance at your notes – Don’t be afraid to take a second to collect your thoughts.
• Roll with it – If you stumble, laugh it off and keep going. Everyone’s on your side!
At the end of the day, your speech is a gift to the couple, a moment that will be cherished forever. So take a deep breath, raise your glass, and enjoy it! If you’re looking for a wedding videographer to capture all the love, laughter, and legendary speeches, get in touch. I’d love to film your big moment!
Cheers to your soon-to-be iconic speech – I can’t wait to capture it on film!
Editing Magic: How I Make Your Speeches Look (and sound) Even Better:
Even if you fluff a line or two (it happens), don’t stress – any bits that make the highlights film, I’ll work my editing magic to ensure your speech looks polished, sounds crisp, and flows beautifully in the final film. Background noise? Gone. Awkward pauses? Smoothed out. The best moments? Highlighted to perfection. That bit where you couldn’t say “statistically speaking” and got tongue twisted? Repaired. – Check out some of my wedding films to see how the final speeches flawlessly overlay the final product!
The actual speeches film will be recorded on usually three cameras – why? So I have flexibility when Uncle George gets up and blocks the camera or Best Man Dave nervously decided to walk around the room while delivering his speech so you needn’t worry about a thing!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, your speech is a gift to the couple (or your newly-wed partner), a moment that will be cherished forever. So take a deep breath, raise your glass, and enjoy it! If you’re looking for a wedding videographer to capture all the love, laughter, and legendary speeches, get in touch. I’d love to film your big moment!
Cheers to your soon-to-be iconic speech – I can’t wait to capture it on film!