We get that sometimes speeches can be the most dreaded part of your wedding day, but they don’t have to be as scary as you think! This is your chance to connect with your guests and tell them all about your unique journey, so it’s important to get the right balance of informative and entertainment.

Whether you’re rattled with stage fright, suffering from ‘writers block’ or just looking for a fun way to bring your love story to life, then you’ve came to the right place – these foolproof facts can help you pull off a killer groom’s speech without boring the pants of your guests…

RELATED TO: 20 Genuinely Funny Jokes For The Best Man Speech

1. Don’t be too formal (or boring!)

Here we come with the cliché ‘be yourself’ talk, but you really have to let your personality shine through when delivering your groom’s speech. Just because it has the word ‘speech’ in the title doesn’t mean it has to be anything formal or serious – you don’t need a fancy delivery, just speak how you normally would to your friends and family and they’re sure to love it.

2. Keep it short & sweet

We all know someone who could talk for Ireland and it’s easy to glaze over as they go in and out of every detail. While detail can be great, it’s best to keep it to the main points when it comes to your groom’s speech. As soon as you cover the basics like thanking everyone for coming, the parents, bridal party and everyone who helped create your day, then focus on the significant moments of your journey – your guests want something short and easy to follow, especially after a few drinks!

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3. Know your audience

If you can get your guests smiling from the get-go, this means you can relax a little and know you’re headed in the right direction. Have a think about something funny that specifically relates to your guests or wedding situation rather than an obvious overheard cliché. We would say focus on the funny, but don’t try too hard – if you’re no Jim Carrey, then don’t force yourself to be! Whatever your humour, play on this but be aware of your audience and look out for cues that things are or aren’t being well received.

4. Keep it romantic AND respectful!

If you want to share some deep moments from your love story, be sure to keep it romantic and respectful! If romance isn’t your biggest forte, you can keep it cute by sharing some sweet playful moments, but don’t cross the line – if it’s a private or personal detail your bride probably wouldn’t share with her entire family, it’s best not to take the risk with it (we don’t want your marriage ending before it’s even started!)

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5. Cute Vs Cringe

Although we love a little romance in our groom’s speech, try not to fall into the trap of sounding like a compilation of all her favourite chick flicks. Rather than saying ‘I’m so lucky I’ve found you’, make it more personal and real, such as ‘my parents always said nothing good would ever come of me always running late, but I’m happy to say I’ve proved them wrong – I missed my bus that day (as usual), and the best thing that came of it was meeting you…’. This is cute but not overly cringey, so leave out the soppy details and keep it light-hearted and warm – your real love story should paint the picture.

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6. It’s all about the timing

Okay, this is a biggie! One secret yet not-so-secret dread of many wedding guests is a never-ending speech.  Don’t get us wrong, we love hearing all about your special journey together, but try to keep the speech around the 7 – 10 minute mark. This is considered the perfect amount of time for a groom’s speech! This probably ends up covering 1,000 words which is more than enough to hit the main points and get some cute and funny moments in there without anyone falling asleep.

7. Use a quote!

If you find you don’t quite have a way with words, let someone else sum up your feelings for you! There are plenty of great quotes out there from authors, famous storytellers or even your favourite movie. Whatever you choose, make sure you pick a quote that means something to the both of you (not just your favourite Avengers movie!)

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8. Make a promise

This a cute and funny way to create a heartfelt moment while also surprising your partner in front of all your friends and family. We’re not saying repeat your vows, but adding a genuine promise that is unique to your person – maybe she’s a little bit of an adrenaline junkie while you’re more of a couch potato? So, promise her that you’re going to make a commitment to try new things and live life to the fullest with her. If there’s something about your other half you admire, then surprise them with a little extra commitment.

Famous Groom’s Speeches we love…

Tom Fletcher

Tom Fletcher from the band McFly did one of the most famous and unusual groom’s speeches of all time! If you’ve been blessed with a singing talent or can hold a decent tune why not replicate his speech with your own song?

Mark Wright

TOWIE star Mark Wright got a little emotional during his groom’s speech to his wife Michelle Keegan.

Through tears, he said: “Not only are you beautiful, but you are one of the most incredible people I have ever met. You truly are sensational in every single way.”  Take inspiration from his touching way to be emotional without making everyone feel awkward.

Nick Jonas

Singer Nick Jonas from the Jonas Brother had a sweet and touching speech to his now-wife actress Priyanka Chopra, saying he “couldn’t be happier” with his “beautiful wife”.

“It wasn’t too far from here that I took Madhu (Priyanka’s mother) out for lunch and asked if I could marry her daughter. To be here with all of you, who have helped shape who she has become, means a lot to me. You have welcomed me with such open arms. So, thank you for that.

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“Tonight, is about celebrating and spending some time together. My first introduction to all of you. So, thank you again and thanks to Madhu for putting this together and my beautiful wife. I couldn’t be happier being with you.” How cute is this? Take inspiration from this classic and sweet speech and your family and friends are sure to gush.

Now for some funny groom speech inspo…

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The post How To Write The Ultimate Groom’s Speech appeared first on Wedding Journal.

1. The Party Animals

It could have been creepy – and yeah, it kind of was. Two divorce lawyers lie their way into a string of strangers’ weddings every summer, partying with the in-laws, becoming the life and soul, dancing their heads off, all in order to tumble into bed with a series of women. Only at the end does it start to dawn on them how sad and predatory their hobby is becoming, but let’s face it, Jeremy (Vince Vaughn) and John (Owen Wilson) genuinely love a wedding and there’s no doubting the pure joie de vivre they bring to the big day.

2. The Joy Of Weddings

That five-minute wedding crash at the start was based on a single page of script and took a week to film, but we love that montage in which we see Jeremy and John working their magic across a series of weddings, including an Indian and Jewish wedding. You’d swear blind they were the closest of friends with everyone there, and the scene just encapsulates everything that’s fun about weddings – the wild mismatch of party-goers, the hilarious asides, the bonkers speeches and just the pure unabashed emotion.

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3. The Mad Relatives

The guys inveigle an invitation to a weekend party at the home of the US Secretary of the Treasury, played by the ever intimidating Christopher Walken – but the longer they stay, the harder it becomes to keep up their fake personas and the lie begins to unravel. They’ve met their match in the rich and bonkers Cleary family after John finds himself falling for sharp-as-a-tack daughter Claire (Rachel McAdam) and the pair soon find themselves outstaying their welcome, thanks to an array of bonkers relatives, including the tiny homophobic granny, the Secretary’s cougar wife (played by Jane Seymour) and Claire’s unhinged sister Gloria (Isla Fisher).

4. The Wedding Crasher Rules

The guys have formulated their own set of more than 100 rules for crashing weddings – and these have gone down in history.  There’s #19: ‘Toast in the nature language if you know the native language and have practiced the toast. Do not wing it.’ And there’s the astute: ‘Don’t waste your time on girls with hats – they tend to be very proper.’ And of course rule #55: ‘If pressed, tell people you’re related to Uncle John. Everyone has an Uncle John.’ And the one every toddler knows, rule #12: ‘When it stops being fun, break something.’

5. The Wedding Crashers Legacy 

Weddings have always been a great way to meet people, but the movie brought it to a whole new level. In fact, after it came out in 2005, it became something of a guide for single men chasing women, providing tips on how to be a womaniser, sneak into strangers’ weddings and hook up – so much so, that the movie actually inspired an uptick in real-life wedding crashes.

RELATED TO: Date Night Ideas For Couples In Lockdown

6. The Wedding Speech That Goes Horribly Wrong

We’ve all been to a wedding where a speech went down like a lead balloon, but it’s refreshing that in this case it’s maid of honour Claire whose attempt at wry humour goes extremely awry – even when she’s been warned off beforehand by John. That speech kicks off with the immortal line: “I never thought my sister would find someone who cared about what other people thought as much as she did until I met Craig.” As the room falls silent, Claire realises her speech is bombing and pulls off a quick U-turn…

7. Gloria

Isla Fisher was a revelation as the more-than-a-little unhinged sister who turns out to be the perfect match for Jeremy after absolutely scaring the pants off him. A bipolar nymphomaniac, first she pretends to be a virgin, then she pretends to be obsessed with Jeremy and then she plays him like a wedding harp – and in the end he realises how unpleasant it is to be lied to. At first terrified, he ends up embarking on a relationship with his newfound love with the immortal words: ”I’m not perfect, but who are we kidding, neither are you. And you want to know what? I dig it.”

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8. Will Ferrell

Cast at the last minute, WIll Ferrell played the guys’ mentor Chazz, who taught them everything they know about wedding crashing – but when we finally meet him, he’s living in the basement of his mother’s house, wearing a kimono and a set of nunchucks strung around his neck. It’s only when he sees Chazz crashing a funeral to hook up with women that John begins to reconsider his career as a wedding crasher.

9. The True Love Ending

Jermey ends up with his perfect match Gloria, John breaks up Claire’s wedding to her obnoxious and controlling fiance Sack Lodge (Bradley Cooper) and the two guys end up falling in love at long last. And it seems like wedding crashing is behind them forever – until the two couples drive off into the sunset, planning to crash another nearby wedding disguised as folk singers from Salt Lake City. Who knows where a sequel will take them…?

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The post 9 Reasons Why We Loved Wedding Crashers appeared first on Wedding Journal.

The best man – along with the other speech makers – is tasked with setting the mood for the night ahead, making sure to give the wedding guests a good laugh. He’ll need to strike the balance between funny and a little cheeky (remember the listening ears of older relatives!) and he may also like to throw in a little sentiment – it is a wedding after all.

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If you’re looking for a little bit of inspiration for your best man speech, then we’ve got in spades, from funny one liners to quips that’ll leave the guests in stitches.

Whether you’re a skilled public speaker, a natural comedian or a total novice, littering your best man’s speech with a few of these jokes will really pack a punch.

Opening jokes

The key to a killer best man speech is to kick it off with a great opening line!

“Good evening everyone. I’m so happy to preside over the only five minutes that the bride didn’t plan.”

“It’s been an emotional day, even the cake is in tiers!”

“[GROOM’S NAME] was telling me that the amazing meal this evening was charged on a cost-per-head basis, so, on the bride and groom’s behalf, I’d like to thank the following people for not coming¦”

“Leading up to today [GROOM’S NAME] and [BRIDE’S NAME] were having an issue with the seating plan. Who would sit comfortably in here & who would have to get up and stand during the speeches so we decided to use the wedding present list, biggest presents at front and work it back from there. So hopefully you can hear me at the back when I say on behalf of [GROOM’S NAME] and [BRIDE’S NAME] thank‐you very much for the teaspoons.”

“Someone once said that marriage is a 50/50 partnership, but anyone who believes that clearly knows nothing about women or fractions!”

Jokes about the groom

A best man speech is an opportunity to give the groom a bit of a roasting!

“On their first date, [GROOM’S NAME] thought he’d make an impression, and promised a seven course meal. She was a tad disappointed when it turned out to be a burger and a six pack!”

“I read somewhere that the perfect best man speech should last as long as it takes for the groom to make love. So raise your glasses to the happy couple!”

“Just some last messages here to read out: one from the Groom’s football team to [BRIDE’S NAME] – ‘apologies we couldn’t all be here today, good luck with [GROOM’S NAME], we found him to be useless in most positions, but wishing you all the best for tonight.”

“As part of my research, I discovered that according to tradition I am supposed to sing the Groom’s praises and tell you all about his many good points. Well, I’m very sorry but I can’t sing and I won’t lie.”

“Twenty years ago, the Groom was told by a doctor that he would never dance normally again. When the band starts, you’ll see exactly what that specialist was talking about.”

“[BRIDE’S NAME] please put your left hand flat on the table. [GROOM’S NAME] please place your hand on top of hers. Enjoy this moment [GROOM’S NAME] because it’s the first and last time in your marriage that you’ll have the upper hand.”

“You are both so lucky. [GROOM], you get to leave with this amazing woman. And [BRIDE], you get to leave with that beautiful dress and wedding bouquet.”

Jokes about the bride

Aim for a gentle ribbing when it comes to the bride – don’t take the jokes too far!

“Isn’t it funny how history has a habit of repeating itself? Twenty-nine years ago [BRIDE’S NAME]’s parents were sending her off to bed with a dummy. And tonight they’re doing exactly the same thing again!”

“When I saw [BRIDE’S NAME] heading up the aisle with her father, I thought “At last she’s seen sense, and got herself a man with looks and money.”

“Everyone who knows the bride knows she’s a wonderful person. She deserves the best husband out there. Thank god [GROOM’S NAME] married her before she found one.”

“Before proposing, [GROOM’S NAME] went to ask [BRIDE’S NAME]’s father for her hand in marriage. He said that it was fine by him, providing he took the hand that had spent 20 years fishing into his wallet!”

Jokes about the best man

When it comes to the best man speech, guests will love a little self-deprecating humour

“A Best Man is like a dog. You love him, care about him, and he’s only thrown up and ruined your upholstery twice.”

“I recognise my place here; being best man at a wedding is like being the dead body at a funeral. You’re expected to be there, but if you say too much people start freaking out.”

“Being asked to be the best man is about five minutes of glowing pride, followed by an eternity of panic and misery. [BRIDE’S NAME], I expect you had a similar experience when [GROOM’S NAME] asked you to be his wife.”

“The trouble with being the best man at a wedding is that you never get to prove it.”

What else goes into the perfect best man speech?

Okay, so you’ve the gags sussed. What else do you need to include in a best man speech?

– Thank the other speakers who have gone before you
– Congratulate the newlyweds
– Remember to say a few kind words about the bride
– Don’t forget to compliment the bridesmaids
– Read out messages from guests who couldn’t attend
– Propose a toast!

Check out our guide here for even more advice on perfecting the best man speech.

The post 20 Genuinely Funny Jokes For The Best Man Speech appeared first on Wedding Journal.

But as we received the incredible news this week that ALL of Ireland now has EQUAL rights towards marriage, it time to kick traditions to the side, and have some fun! Same sex couples have freedom now to make things up as they go along, which isn’t a bad thing!

How Do We Write Our Wedding Invitations?

There’s a lot to keep in mind when wording your wedding invitation. Who is hosting? How formal is it? What type of event are you having?

For a straight couple, the bride’s name usually appears first. That’s because the bride’s family more than likely pays for the wedding, so formal invitations begin with the bride’s parents’ names. For same-sex couples, if one set of parents is paying for the wedding, their child’s name should appear first. If both sets of parents are contributing, or you’re paying for the wedding yourself, it’s up to you how you list your names, whatever sounds best to you.

Do We Still Have A Best Man Or Maid Of Honour?

ADVICE: How To Choose Your Bridesmaids

Same-Sex Hen or Stag Parties

The gay community are starting to ditch the hen or stag night trend and opting for a joint celebration instead.

This means couples have more of an input in the festivities so couples are choosing to go all out with a larger group activity or holiday, we can definitely get on board with this idea. If you still want separate nights out for your final night of freedom, then go for it.

Who Gets To Walk Down The Aisle?

What About The Vows?

In terms of who actually gives a speech, what about some of the following ideas: both fathers of the bride at a lesbian wedding, or fathers of the groom at a gay wedding. The couple themselves can host a joint speech or open the floor up to anyone can share, it’s completely up to the couple. Another point to note, is that a gay wedding doesn’t require a gay speech. There’s no such thing, it’s simply a speech about some people you know and love.

If you’ve just got engaged or are starting to plan your dream wedding, why not visit the Wedding Journal Show! We’ve got bridal fashion on our international catwalk, Ireland’s hottest wedding venues and décor, styling and stationery inspo. Everyone is welcome!

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The post How To Break Traditions In Same Sex Weddings appeared first on Wedding Journal.

There are lots of ways to use wedding quotes on your wedding day.

You can incorporate them into your wedding speech, or use them on some creative wedding signage, or even print them on little cards that you attach to your favours.

Consider a couple of these famous quotes about love, they’ll have your other half and guests crying with laughter and joy!

The post Quotes You Must Read Before Your Wedding Day appeared first on Wedding Journal.