Tips for Great Groomsmen Speeches
Being asked to be a groomsman is an honor, but if you're also giving a speech, it can feel a little nerve-wracking. Whether you're the best man or one of the groomsmen asked to say a few words, delivering a great groomsmen speech is your chance to support the groom, share some laughs, and give the couple a meaningful moment they’ll remember. So how do you write and deliver a groomsmen speech that’s funny, touching, and wedding-appropriate? Here’s your ultimate guide.
Groomsmen Speeches: How to Make Yours Memorable, Funny & Heartfelt
A great groomsmen speech strikes the perfect balance between humor and heart. It should be personal, respectful, and authentic. You don’t need to be a professional speaker or overly sentimental just speak from the heart and keep it genuine. Here’s a simple and effective way to structure your speech.
Open with a Welcome or Thank You: Start by introducing yourself and thanking the couple (and possibly their families) for including you in the special day. “Good evening everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Jake, one of Mark’s groomsmen and longtime partner in crime.”
Share a Personal Story: Talk about your friendship with the groom. Keep it light, funny, and clean save the wilder tales for the bachelor party. Pick one story that reflects his character, your bond, or even his quirks. “I’ve known Mark since college, where he proudly wore socks with sandals and believed cereal was a full meal. But somehow, he still managed to win over someone as amazing as Emily.”
Talk About the Couple: Shift your focus to the bride and groom. Compliment their relationship, their love, or how they balance each other out. A thoughtful observation here goes a long way. “Watching the way Mark looks at Emily you can just tell he found his person. She brings out the best in him (including real shoes).”
End with a Toast: Wrap things up by raising your glass and toasting the couple. Keep it short and sweet. “Here’s to a lifetime of laughter, loyalty, and late-night cereal. To Mark and Emily!”
A groomsmen speech doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be you. Speak from the heart, show up with humor and love, and focus on celebrating the couple. If you make them laugh and tear up (in a good way), you’ve done your job well.
How to Nail Your Speech Without Stress
Being chosen as a groomsman is an honor but being asked to give a groomsman speech can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never spoken at a wedding before. Unlike the best man, you’re not expected to give a full-length speech unless specifically asked. But if you are giving a toast, your goal is to be short, sweet, and sincere, add a little humor, a touch of sentiment, and raise a glass with confidence. Keep it casual, respectful, and focused on the groom or the couple. Think: warm, genuine, and 2–3 minutes max.
As a groomsman, aim to speak for 2–3 minutes max. Rambling speeches lose momentum, and keeping it brief makes it more powerful. Think of it as a toast with personality not a monologue. Don’t wing it. Jot down a simple outline or script, then practice it a few times out loud. You don’t need to memorize every word, but knowing the flow will help you stay calm and confident. Practicing also helps you gauge the timing and delivery of jokes or pauses.
You don’t need to be the funniest guy in the room or give a tearjerker speech. Just be authentic. Speak the way you naturally would, and let your appreciation for the groom and excitement for the couple shine through. Giving a groomsman speech doesn’t have to be scary. With a little preparation and a lot of heart, you can deliver a toast that makes people laugh, smile, and feel the love.
No matter what you say, the most important thing is that it comes from the heart. Historic Acres of Hershey is a beautiful wedding and event venue, perfect for intimate gatherings, set amidst the rolling hills in the Pennsylvania countryside. Contact our team to learn more or to schedule a tour.