How to Write a Great Groom’s Speech for Your Wedding Day

Ah, the groom’s speech. One of the classic wedding day traditions that never fails to make hearts swell, eyes glisten and occasionally, cheeks burn with a well-placed, cheeky anecdote. If you’re reading this because your big day is on the horizon and you’ve suddenly realised you’ll have to stand up in front of a room full of friends, family and possibly a distant aunt you don’t remember inviting — fear not.

Writing a groom’s speech doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking task, and with a bit of thought, warmth and a sprinkling of humour, it can be one of the highlights of your wedding day. Especially here in Dorset, where the rolling hills, rustic barns and coastal backdrops lend themselves perfectly to heartfelt and memorable wedding moments. So whether you’re planning a big bash at a grand country house or a relaxed knees-up in a barn with fairy lights and hay bales, let’s dive into what makes a cracking groom’s speech.

The all important Grooms Speech and Best Mans too!

Where to Start With A Grooms Speech

The best speeches feel natural, sincere and a little bit personal. This isn’t the time to Google “funny wedding jokes” or nick a speech off the internet — your guests will spot it a mile off. Start by jotting down a few notes about what you want to say and who you need to thank. A good groom’s speech usually follows a gentle arc: a warm welcome, a few heartfelt thank-yous, a couple of stories and of course, a tribute to your brand new wife.

If you’re lucky enough to be marrying a Dorset Bride, you might want to throw in a nod to your surroundings too. Mentioning the beautiful venue or the stunning local scenery is always a nice touch, and makes your speech feel rooted in the moment.

Thanking the Right People

This is the part of the speech where you can’t really go wrong — as long as you remember to cover your bases. Start by thanking everyone for coming, especially those who’ve travelled far and wide. There’s often someone who’s made a heroic journey from Australia or had to leave a newborn with the in-laws, so a shoutout goes a long way.

Then, thank both sets of parents. Whether they’ve footed the bill for the wedding breakfast, lent a hand with the planning, or just kept out of the way, it’s important to acknowledge them. If you’re having a Dorset Wedding, you might want to mention how grateful you are to them for letting you have free rein with the rustic decor or for embracing your decision to have a festival-style party in a field.

Don’t forget the bridesmaids, who’ve likely spent months organising hen dos, calming nerves and wrestling with tiny buttons on the back of dresses. Compliment them, thank them, and if you can, share a quick story about their support during the lead-up to the day.

And finally, thank your best man. Whether he’s been your partner in crime since primary school or a more recent partner-in-pub-visits, a little nod of appreciation is always well received — before he gets up to reveal any embarrassing secrets about you.

Keep It Personal

What really makes a groom’s speech memorable is the personal touch. This is your chance to speak from the heart and tell your guests why your bride is so wonderful. It doesn’t have to be overly sentimental if that’s not your style — a few heartfelt lines about what she means to you, and maybe a funny story from your time together, is often far more touching than a string of clichés.

For example, you might say, “When we first met, I knew she was something special — mostly because she beat me at darts and then insisted we share a bag of chips on Weymouth seafront.” Little moments like this make your speech feel real and relatable, especially for a Dorset Wedding, where so many of us have fond memories of beachside chips and slightly windblown evenings by the coast.

If you’re having a traditional wedding breakfast, it’s also lovely to mention how beautiful your Dorset Bride looks. Compliment her on the dress, the hair, and the effort she’s put into organising the day — because let’s be honest, in most cases, she’s probably done 70% of it.

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Check out this YouTube clip.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9MwjRlUXBA

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Add a Bit of Humour

Even the most emotional speeches benefit from a chuckle or two. This doesn’t mean you have to be a stand-up comedian for the afternoon, but a light-hearted comment or a witty observation about married life can work wonders in keeping the mood upbeat.

Maybe it’s a harmless joke about learning to share wardrobe space, or how you’ve come to accept that your weekends will now involve antique fairs and Sunday afternoon walks instead of football. Just make sure to steer clear of anything too risqué — it’s not the time for in-jokes about stag dos in Magaluf.

Remember, Short and Sweet Wins

Nobody has ever sat at a wedding thinking, “I wish that speech had gone on another 20 minutes.” Aim for around seven to ten minutes — long enough to cover everything you need to, but short enough to keep everyone’s attention.

If you’re worried about nerves, write your speech down and practice it a couple of times in front of a mate. And if you feel yourself getting emotional on the day, take a deep breath and have a sip of water (or a sneaky glass of bubbly).

End on a High

Every great groom’s speech finishes with a heartfelt toast to the bride. It’s the perfect way to wrap things up, and gives everyone a reason to raise a glass. Keep it simple: a warm tribute to your new wife, a wish for your future together, and a thank you to everyone for making the day so special.

Something like, “To my beautiful wife, the best decision I’ve ever made, and to all of you for making this day unforgettable. Here’s to love, laughter and plenty more adventures — preferably involving a Dorset cream tea or two.”

A Little Extra Dorset Magic

If your wedding is set against the backdrop of Dorset’s countryside or coast, it’s a lovely idea to weave in a mention of the local charm. Whether it’s referencing the stunning cliffs at Lulworth, the lively bustle of Poole Quay, or how you’re already planning to revisit your venue on anniversaries to relive the magic, these details make your speech feel all the more special.

And if you’ve got a few local suppliers — like a brilliant Dorset photo booth company (we might know one!) or a family-run florist from a nearby village — giving them a little thank you during your speech is always a classy move.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, a great groom’s speech is one that comes from the heart. It doesn’t have to be flawless or Oscar-worthy, it just needs to be sincere. Take a breath, smile, and remember — everyone in that room is on your side.

So whether you’re raising a glass in a clifftop manor or a fairy-lit barn in the heart of Dorset, enjoy every second. And if you happen to be marrying a Dorset Bride, know that you’re in very good company.