So you want to write a Groom’s speech?

When it comes to giving a wedding speech, there are a few tips and tricks that I discovered while researching my own. I’ll provide some examples below of what I found to be particularly useful, and I’ll leave my speech afterwards.

First and foremost, timing is key. 8 minutes is usually the sweet spot; anything shorter may seem unprepared, and anything longer can lose the attention of the crowd.

To minimize distractions, hand out flowers and gifts after the speech, rather than during. Don’t expect everyone to be hanging on your every word, but try to deny the opportunity for guests to check their phone.

Be sure to thank the bride, parents, wedding party, guests, and those who couldn't attend. Remember to speak on behalf of both you and your spouse.

Speak from the heart. An honest sentiment will always land easier than a punchline.

When it came to structuring my speech, I found that focusing on a couple of key themes helped to keep it flowing smoothly. One of my main inspirations was the rule of three, which I incorporated by talking about the three relationship-defining moments with my wife. This helped to break up the speech and keep the audience engaged.

I also structured the speech chronologically, starting with the moment I first thought about marrying her and ending with the day of the wedding. This allowed me to take the audience on a journey through our relationship and highlight defining moments along the way. Each moment was not only a way to tell our story, but also served as an opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part of our journey so far.

Last but not least, practice, practice, practice. Rehearsing your speech repeatedly will help keep you calm and prevent you from relying too heavily on the paper. And while you're speaking, remember to breathe, pause between sections, avoid filler words (ums and ahs), and and try to speak slowly.

Good luck (and congratulations)!

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Hi there. Hi. Good evening!

My name is Andrew. This evening I have the privilege of giving thanks to those that not only made today extra special, but in all the moments leading up to it as well.

I also have some gifts that I'd like to hand out to people without which today would not be possible. I'll come round and hand those out at some point after the speeches.

I'd like to kick us off with a fresh round of applause for my new father-in-law. Thank you for the kind words, Billy. I'll do my best to repay them in kind shortly.

12 years, 1 month, 1 week, 5 days, and some change. After all of that I can finally say: Welcome to the wedding! Finally! It’s been a long time. And during that time, there were three distinct moments that I knew I was going to marry this beautiful young...ish woman. (It's been twelve years. Time marches on!)

The first time I wanted to marry her was on September 8th, 2011.

I was spending my second year of university studying in Boston Massachusetts. I woke up on my birthday feeling homesick for the first time since I had arrived.

At the bottom of the birthday messages on my social media feed was a video from Catriona. She held out a cupcake with a candle, sang happy birthday to me and blew out the candle.

Not in a weird way like 'Happy birthday, Mr President', but in the thoughtful and endearing manner that only she is truly capable of. I must’ve watched that video a hundred times.

My beautiful bride. Doesn't she look wonderful?

Catriona. My first thanks is to you.

Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world. I love you. I love you, and I’d choose you. In a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you, and I’d choose you. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you.

For all who are able, I'd like you to join me in raising a glass as I propose my first toast of the evening.

To the beautiful bride!

The second time I wanted to marry Catriona was at Queen Street station in 2013.

She had recently accepted a job in London, and we we about to spent the next two years apart in a long distance relationship, travelling between Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London.

Thinking on it, that was probably the make or break moment in our relationship. We did not break. We made it because we're both resilient, we believe in each other, and because we're both as stubborn as they come.