Samples of Wedding Speeches I've written for Clients
SAMPLE OF DEVELOPING EDITING FOR A NONFICTION BOOK
SAMPLES OF WEDDING SPEECHES I’VE WRITTEN FOR CLIENTS
1. Cousin of the Bride, Like a brother, Wedding Speech
Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for being here to celebrate Wencheng and Sheryl Anne’s special day...their wedding. They say weddings are made in Heaven…but so are thunder, lightening, hail, and snow.
For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Anne’s cousin, Bong del Rosario. First of all, I want to congratulate the new couple, Wencheng and Anne.
Anne, I’ve never seen you look more stunning. And Wencheng you look stunned. No, truly, I can see the happiness written all over both of your faces! I am sure you both see that love when you look at each other. They say, “love is when you look in someone else’s eyes and see everything you need.”
Speaking of everything you need, can I just say that this is a great venue and everything looks wonderful. What a great job you did in preparing all of this. Good job to the both of you.
Speaking of a good job, I also want to congratulate the parents of the groom and bride, Mr. and Mrs. ___and Mr. and Mr. __ . What a great job you did in raising such incredible people.
Speaking of family, as many of you know, Anne’s family is my second family, we are all very close. I only have brothers, two of them. So Anne is my Mom’s favorite. She’s like a daughter to her. And Anne has one sibling, a brother. She is the only girl. So she is the only thorn among the roses. Or is it the other way around?
I can tell you, Anne has always been a topnotch, top of her class type student who studied hard all the way from first grade to college. So I am pretty sure when she met Wencheng…she studied him just as carefully.
I don’t have any embarrassing stories to tell about any boyfriends Anne had growing up because her Big Brother, chased all the boys away from her. Wencheng should thank Annes brother, now his brother in law for that. Because there are no past boyfriends to think of.
And that brings us to today. Anne, I am here as your cousin, but we are much more like sister and brother. So while this is the happiest day of your life so far, it’s also a joyous one for me because I’ve always wished the best for you. I’ve always wished your life will overflow with happiness and love. And that’s what we are witnessing right now – an overflowing of love.
I have heard that, “Love is a partnership of two unique people who bring out the very best in each other, and who know that even though they are wonderful as individuals, they are even better together.” And Wencheng and Anne are two unique and wonderful people.
Anne is a kind, generous and caring woman with a heart of gold. She puts thought, effort and dedication into everything she does, and I know Anne will approach her new role as a wife in the same way. Wencheng you are a lucky man.
And Anne, you deserve a good husband and it looks like you’ve found one. Wencheng, I can’t thank you enough for making Anne so happy. You are a smart, loving, and compassionate man. Everything I could have hoped for, for my dear cousin. I am so happy that she will always have you by her side.
As a wise person once said, “You don’t marry the person you can live with … you marry the person you can’t live without.” And Wencheng and Anne I feel you have found that in each other. Wencheng and Anne, I wish you nothing but the best.
Everyone, would you please stand and raise your glass to toast the new couple, Wencheng and Anne. To love and laughter, and happily ever after.
.
2. Good Friend of Groom, SPEECH FOR FRANKIE & MARTIN’S WEDDING
Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Well, I think most of you know me. I'm Martin’s friend, Mathias and I want to thank you all for being here to celebrate Martin and Frankie’s special day...their wedding.
If there is anybody here who is feeling, worried, nervous or apprehensive, it is probably because you just married Martin.
Frankie, I’ve never seen you look more stunning. And Martin…you look stunned.
But all kidding aside, Frankie is a gorgeous bride, isn’t she? So lovely. As for Martin... well, my mother always told me, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.
But, Frankie, you are marvelous and you truly deserve a good husband. Luckily, Martin, you married her before she found one.
Martin and I go back quite a ways, almost twenty years, we first met at University, the Stockholm School of Economics. And he is the most generous friend anyone could ask for. His philanthropy knows no bounds. Magnanimous is his middle name. He’ll do anything for me. He even wrote a section of this speech.
Many of you may not know this, but I was the one who first introduced Martin to the city of London. I took him here in 2003 to celebrate New Year’s. He liked London so much, he moved here. And now he’s getting married here. It’s an amazing coincidence but it doesn’t stop there.
Back in 2007, I advised Martin to take a year off from his job and do something else, like study abroad. So, he went to Berlin to learn to speak German. And it was in that language class that he met his future wife, Frances. So I had a hand in that too. I guess it’s a good thing Martin’s friends with me or he might not have ever come to London or even met his bride. And he should thank me for those incredible coincidences because marriage will be such a wonderful thing for Martin. It will teach him loyalty, self-restraint and control. And it will develop in him a sense of responsibility, fair play and so many other qualities…he wouldn't need if he had just stayed single.
As a wise person once said, you don’t marry the person you can live with … you marry the person you can’t live without. And Martin and Frankie, I feel you have found that in each other.
Martin and Frankie, I wish you nothing but the best. …may all your ups and downs be in the bedroom!
Everyone, would you please stand and raise your glass to toast the new couple, Martin and Frankie. To love and laughter, and happily ever after.
3. Best Man Speech
Welcome everyone, my name is Douglas and I’m the best man. Now, some of you that I know well, may disagree with that description, but I caution you to keep quiet…after all…I know where the bodies are buried.
Nathan, you did it! You got married!
What can I say about Nathan, we’ve known each other for over twenty-five years. I can tell you he’s handsome, witty, generous, charismatic, intelligent…whoops …sorry, wrong wedding.
Seriously, since we were babies on Cherry Lane, Nathan and I grew up…playing together…and getting in trouble together. I recall our daring dig dig adventure and our harrowing escape. We called the pile of dirt we played in as kids – dig dig. No one was allowed in our dig dig but me and Nathan. On one rainy day of make believe, our dig dig became our boat. We stole vegetables from Nathan’s mother’s garden, and as we road the ocean waves we tossed the vegetables into the water to feed the whales. We were very environmentally conscious. As the rain hammered our dig dig, which was, let me remind you, a pile of dirt, it turned on us, transformed into a mud monster. And our seemingly innocent rubber boots… trapped us. We were stuck in the mud. With no way to get loose… until Nathan’s mom, Charmaine, bravely came to our rescue. Yes, Nathan and I have been there for each other all of our lives…dig dig and all.
So I know how resilient Nathan is, he never gives up. Some would say stubborn. And they’d be right.
So it comes as no surprise that he somehow was able to convince Megan, this beautiful girl with a heart of gold, who everyone loves …to be his wife.
The first time I met Megan, she and Nathan flew up to Toronto to visit, and I have to say I didn’t make a great first impression. You see, while Nathan and Megan were waiting in my apartment and I was a work… the WEIRD girl I was living with, in this hole-in-the-wall apartment, went as crazy as you can get. They had to call my job to let me know she’d thrown them out. Not the welcoming, my house is your house, impression I wanted to give. Furthermore, Nathan and Megan went to a reptile convention where they bought two lizards to take back to Nova Scotia. The three of us went out for drinks, when we came home, the lizards had escaped from their cages and were loose somewhere in my apartment. We never found those lizards.
But, Megan, I have to say, you are a girl with patience the size of Hong Kong, which is good, because you’ll need it living with Nathan.
Megan, you are also an amazing woman, so endearing and approachable, and you deserves a wonderful husband. And I promise you… I won’t rest until I get to the bottom of what’s gone wrong here.
But Nathan, for al the fun and adventures we’d had together as friends, today is the start of your biggest and best adventure yet. And you couldn’t have found a better woman than Megan to take it with.
I believe in the power of eternal love when I look at the two of you, because you’re fun, honest, and dedicated to each other’s values and ideas …you truly bring out the best in each other.
As a wise person once said, “You don’t marry the person you can live with … you marry the person you can’t live without.” And Megan and Nathan, I feel you have found that in each other. Nathan and Megan, I wish you nothing but the best.
Everyone, would you please stand and raise your glass to toast the new couple, Mr. and Mrs. Rowsell . To love and laughter, and happily ever after.
4. THIS IS AN MC SPEACK – SO IT HAS A LOT OF NOTES AND TIMES OTHER INFO IN IT
6:10 INTRO
NOTE: Test microphone before speaking.
Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen. May I have your attention please. I know you're excited to be here tonight. On behalf of Derek & Lisa I want to welcome you to the celebration of their wedding. I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful ceremony. Please find a seat and make yourself comfortable, enjoy the cool breeze and the rest of the evening.
My name is Brian Kernick. I’m your MC and host for the night. We thank you all for gracing this occasion, especially those who took a leave of absence from work or school, and those who have traveled far to be with us today. On behalf of Derek and Lisa, and their proud parents, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your presence tonight. It is indeed a pleasure to have you all here. Though my view was blocked a couple of times by those weird towers…I mean the groomsmen. I feel a little like Bilbo Baggins in Lord of the Rings. Do you know what a tall wizard and a tall elf have in common? They both need a short hobbit to save their butts. But on a serious note, we are here to celebrate the union of Lisa and Derick in marriage. You know the great philosopher, Socrates, the wisest of men, left us with words of supreme wisdom regarding marriage that are still inspiring in the modern age. He said, “By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.”
Speaking of being serious, I know each and every one of you are ready for a serious whoop-it-up party…right?
"Excellent."
6:25 Get Ready
Ladies and Gentlemen, Please gather around the Dance floor for the Grand Entrance. Tonight calls for a magnificent, memorable celebration. And it is my distinct pleasure to introduce to you, for the very first time, Derek and Lisa as husband and wife. Entrance of the Bride and Groom
6:30 Grand Entrance
Here they are Ladies and Gentleman, the gorgeous couple, side by side and hand in hand, faithfully forever, our bride and groom, Lisa and Derek. Doesn’t she look beautiful? As for the groom, look at him! He scrubs up well for a guy who gets into football brawls, doesn’t he? Everyone, let’s give a big round of applause to congratulate Lisa and Derek! (wide applause)
6:45 First Dance
Ladies and Gentlemen, we have now come to an exceptional event in every wedding party. At this time, we invite Lisa and Derek to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife!
Whew! What an opening number! All that enthusiasm is kicking-off an infusion of upbeat, positive energy for this splendid wedding party, and this is just the beginning!
7:00 Introduction & Announcements
Well, I think most of you know me. I'm the guy for the moment!
Dereck and I go back quite a ways, we’ve been friends for about 25 years. ( Studied Engineering together, travelled to Thailand, Australia, Montreal, U.S. etc). Speaking of engineers, they’re a lot of us here so Lisa you might double check some of the wedding gifts. REAL Engineers usually give matched sets of his and her screwdrivers as wedding presents for the lucky bride and groom.
Lisa and I have also known each other for a long time, about 15 years. I believe Derek and Lisa started dating around the same time that my wife, Tully, and I got married. I’d like to take a moment and share the secret of a happy marriage. But It remains a secret.
It’s a wonderful honor to be the MC for Derek and Lisa’s wedding. When I heard that Derek was going to get married, I thought long and hard about trying to talk him out of it. Then I thought, why should he be happy?
Ladies and Gentlemen, if there is anybody here who is feeling, worried, nervous or apprehensive it is probably because you just married Derek.
Lisa deserves a good husband. Luckily, Derek, you married her before she found one.
Isn’t this a splendid reception? I’ve enjoyed myself so much, I hope I get invited to Derek’s next wedding too."
NOTE: After introducing yourself, you should get a reaction from the guests. You can do this with a nice comment about the HC.
Turn to the HC and while looking at them say, gee (pausing for 2 seconds), looking at you two over there, I think you guys have cleaned up fantastically well . You two look like a million bucks, (turning to the crowd) what do you think everybody?” (Don't forget to raise your hands).
NOTE: Introducing Head Table here is perfect
ϖ Washrooms are located inside, passed the bar and to the right.
ϖ Smoking area is in the parking lot, away from the tent.
ϖ Turn off your phones…as everyone important is already here anyway.
ϖ The bar is open with wine throughout the evening
ϖ A shuttle will arrive at midnight to pick everyone up.
ϖ Please do not put drinks on or near DJ equipment
ϖ Last call is 11:30PM
ϖ And finally, there will be no Clinking of the Glasses tonight. If you want Derek and Lisa to kiss, you need to perform one of the actions listed on the cards on the table.
*** Dinner will be served shortly***
Fill Your Glass when it’s Empty, Empty it when It’s Full.
Never Leave it Empty, Never Leave it Full.
7:15 Dinner served Family Style by Joy Road Catering.
8:00 After Dinner
Wow. That was great! “First of all, I’d like to thank the lovely ______ and her team for that scrumptious looking main course. If dessert is anything like that, then a button or three on my shirt might be under pressure. After dessert is served, we are going to have a little fun with Derek and Lisa…
Following that we will commence with our speeches.
All right, dinner is served. But not so fast, ladies and gentlemen. First you have to prove you deserve this sumptuous feast by proving to us all that you know a little something about the Bride and the Groom. Right now we are going to Play the Shoe Game!!!
NOTE: Remember to place two chairs back-to-back on the dance floor for the bride and groom.
Never heard of it? This is how it works. Remove both of your shoes, then trade a shoe with your new spouse so that you’re holding one of each. Have a designated person ask a series of questions about the couple (i.e.. "Who will be doing most of the cooking?", "Who said 'I love you' first?"). After each question, hold up the shoe of the person you think is the best answer to the question.
There will be disagreements; questions like, 'Who is the better dresser?' (I think the couple themselves will answer Ha!) or, 'Who is the better kisser?' The fun part about it is that you can't see what the other person is answering, so many times there is so much laughter and, as the bride, you aren't sure if he answered the same as you or the opposite!
The key is that whoever is creating and asking the questions needs to know the bride and groom so they can ask questions that are specific to them and will create fun reactions.
The game is another way for the guests to get to know the couple a bit better, but most of all, it’s for laughs and comic relief. It will add to the fun if the couple are not aware of the questions beforehand.
Here’s the list of questions that can be asked.
⎫ Who is older?
⎫ Who has more siblings?
⎫ When you first met, who made the first move?
⎫ Who is the better driver?
⎫ Who studied the hardest in school?
⎫ Who got better grades in school?
⎫ Who is smarter?
⎫ Who is more creative?
⎫ Who is better at keeping surprises?
⎫ Who will be doing the cooking?
⎫ Who is more adventurous?
⎫ Who is more likely to be running late?
⎫ Who is the better dresser?
⎫ Who is better looking?
⎫ Who said I love you first?
⎫ Who starts the argument?
⎫ Who is first to say “I’m sorry?”
⎫ Who wears the pants in your relationship?
⎫ Who spends more money?
⎫ Who is going to pay the bills?
⎫ Who will be in control of the remote?
⎫ Who will be most likely to wake up grumpy?
⎫ Who is more likely to ask for directions?
⎫ Who is messier?
⎫ Who has the smelliest feet?
⎫ Right now, who do you love more than anyone in the world?
8:05
"Ten Minute warning until speeches"
"Please fill your glasses".
Ladies and gentlemen, the speeches are starting in 5 minutes. It is my suggestion that ladies powder their noses, gents paint the porcelain and everyone fill their glasses!
8:15 SPEECHES
1. Father of the Bride – Wynn
Thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen. Our First Presentation is from a wonderful man, Wynn. As you all know, the day your little girl gets married is the happiest day of the century for every father. Wynn, not only have you given away your beautiful daughter Lisa, but today you have gained a son in Derek. And with your business background, I’ll make a bet this is fully tax deductible.
Raised on a farm in Alberta and educated at U of A. , Wynn has a Masters degree from Oregon. A Professor of English and a highly successful entrepreneur. He is described as an Honest guy, who loves traveling and sports.
Back in the day, Wynn was a bit of a Hippy. So, if you need some Marijuana or other risque items, he is your guy!
Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together to welcome The Father of the Bride, Wynn. (wide applause).
Thank you for those kind word Wynn.
2. Rich, Best Man
Our next presentation is from the Best Man, Ladies and Gentlemen, “Rich” by name.
Besides being an Engineer and working alongside Derek at Sproule, Rich is a bit of an athlete: Runner, Former Competitive Swimmer, Hockey player, water polo.... and from what I hear he almost become a professional dancer (we won't say what kind of dancer). Seriously, I heard he nearly appeared as a dancer in a movie! Personally, I’m glad he stuck to Engineering.
The Best Man isn’t just there to pass the ring to the groom. He’s there to put his body on the line for his best friend. Greater love hath no man, they say. He also assures us, he really is the best man. We can’t wait for his speech and wise counsel.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Let’s hear it from Rich. (wide applause)
Thank you for those kind words, Rich.
3. Kevin, Brother
Our Next Presentation is from Derek’s youngest brother, Kevin.
Kevin attended the University of Lethbridge where he got a degree in Marketing. In addition, he’s accomplished in a variety of talents. Therefore, he has a lot of hobbies, such as his music and movies. But, Kevin really really knows his beer and wine!
(Notes: Kevin is married to Virginia who is a Photographer. He has 3 kids. Youngest of the Holst brothers – baby of the family – like me. )
Let’s hear it from Kevin. (wide applause)
Thank you, Kevin.
4. Jordan, Son
Our Final Speaker on the Groom side is Jordan and the oldest sibling of Isabella, Ryker and Hudson.
Although not quite a Professional Hockey Player, he did really well in Junior A hockey.
But he has become a Professional Student instead! Studying at Mount Royal, SAIT and the University of Hawaii with a Major in Marketing and a Minor in Finance and Accounting.
I think Chris Knott , more than others, will appreciate Jordan’s ability to get through University with the most efficiency! His Motto... is “Cs get degrees”.
(NOTES: JORDAN IS LISA’S SON, BUT NOT DEREK’S. SHE HAD JORDAN BEFORE DEREK. HE HAS LIVED IN A LOT OF PLACES. STUDIES IN A LOT OF PLACES ETC.)
Ladies and Gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Jordan (applause).
Thank you Jordan.
5. Peter &Astri – Parents of the Groom
Our Next speakers are the parents of the groom, Peter & Astri, looking happy and proud.
Peter & Astri, we can see where Derek got his good looks from. I’m not saying which, as you both look wonderful tonight.
Ladies and Gentlemen. Please a big hand for Peter and Astri, Parents of the Groom. (wide applause)
Thanks for those kind words Peter &Astri.
6. Paige - Lisa’s Mom
Our Next Speaker is the Bride's mom, Paige. Looking gorgeous and beautiful at her Age! But seriously, do you know why is it more important for women to be beautiful than it is for them to be smart? It’s because we men can see better than we can think.
Originally from Ontario, Paige grew up in the East.
She Started her career in the Department of Fine Arts, before she became a music specialist. She was handpicked for the Calgary Boys Choir for Years.
I know you want her to sing, as do I!
She is also an Award Winning Teacher who has worked in the education system for many years.
Ladies and Gentlemen, join me as I welcome Paige, the mother of the bride. (wide applause)
Thank you for those kind words.
7. Kelsey – Maid of Honor
Ladies and Gentlemen, our next speaker tonight is Lisa's friend of many years, Kelsey.
When I sat down with Lisa, one of the things I found out about Kelsey was that she was an extraordinary athlete... like her husband, Carl.
Kelsey won a scholarship in University for Volleyball.
She went to the Worlds for Squash.
And she won a gold medal in the Pan Am Games in Squash
I imagine the years of effort, pain and training that Kelsey endured for that gold medal she won.
And I think that's another thing that Kelsey and Lisa have in common. The gold medal is like a championship ring for a football or hockey player. And Lisa has endured 15 years of effort and Derek training, for a large jewel encrusted ring, (which she got today).
Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, join me as I introduce our Maid of Honour, Kesley (applause).
Thank you for those kind words.
8. Tully, Bridesmaid
Without further ado and just a little nepotism, Ladies and Gentlemen, our next speaker is the Bridesmaid, Tully, who doubles as my partner in crime.
She has a Degree in Art - Ceramics, and Loves Weddings (We've had 2 so far).
She is very creative and has an excellent eye for style and design.
She certainly helped with most of the planning for the wedding today.
She has Excellent Taste... especially in Men. (I can say this because I'm her husband.)
Ladies and Gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Jordan (applause).
(I take it that the Jordan part is a joke since this is your wife, Tully)
9. Lisa & Derek – The Bride & Groom
Let’s move along to our next speaker, the celebrant of the day, our groom Derek. Now that you have that little band around your finger and you’ve joined the married men club, your members can let you in on some secrets that will give you both a long and happy marriage.
It’s quite simple really; all you have to do is understand what Lisa is actually saying to you. For example;
ϖ When she says no, she means yes.
ϖ When she says yes, she means no.
ϖ When she says maybe, she means no.
ϖ When she says we need to talk, she means I want to complain.
ϖ When she says it’s your decision, she means the decision is obvious, and don’t screw it up.
ϖ When she says sure go ahead, she means don’t you dare.
ϖ When she says no, I’m not upset, she means sure I’m upset, you moron.
ϖ When she says do you love me, she means this is going to cost you.
ϖ And when she says I’ll be ready in a minute, she means park on the sofa, flick on the TV, I’ll be another hour.
So Derek, those are just a few of the basics. The sooner you start to grasp them, the faster your marriage will blossom. So now ladies and gentlemen, I introduce our groom & bride, Derek & Lisa (wide applause).
9:00 Cake Cutting
Gentlemen and gentlewomen! Can we have your attention for a moment for the cutting of the cake. But first, I’d like to thank all of our speakers tonight, they did a wonderful job. Please, let's raise a toast to all our speakers.
It’s now time for the traditional Cake Cutting by the Bride and Groom. Derek, Lisa, can you guys join me here, please. And for those unfortunate souls who are on a diet, tonight’s not your night, sorry. Friends, please stand up for the cutting of the cake.
Now all of those taking pictures, get ready for the photo-opportunity. Derek, make sure you have a firm hand on the cake with your beloved bride. Ladies and gentlemen as you know the fastest way to a man's heart…is through his chest with a sharp knife.
They’ve only been married a few hours and she already has a knife in her hand. (the cake is cut)
Thank you Ladies and Gentlemen.
We now come to the grander portion of every wedding party, steeped in symbolism. Our parents are our first teachers, raising us patiently from childhood to adulthood. They have been our source of comfort, support and inspiration. In honor of that special bond we call on the Father of the Bride with the Bride herself to make their way to the dance floor for the Father/Daughter Dance.
As well, Derek will dance will Bella… and then Kids can join in part way through.
After that, the dance floor is open to one and all.
So please let your hair down and enjoy the rest of the evening!
Well, what an exquisite ending to a beautiful day. We have reached the end of our program, ladies and gentlemen. It has been momentous, sharing this evening with you all. Again, thank you so much for coming. Enjoy the rest of the night.
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