how to write a thank you speech for wedding

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A Heartfelt Thank You Speech for the Unforgettable Celebration

Every beautiful event must come to an end, and in the case of weddings, a wedding thank you speech is important. Guests came all the way to celebrate with you, your parents made sacrifices, and your spouse joined you. Appreciation goes a long way to making everyone happy.

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However, there are rules and outlines for binding thank you speeches, which we have discussed in this post. So if you’re looking for guidance and samples that work, read this post.

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Thank You Speech Wedding Inspiring Examples

Follow the thank you wedding speech examples below to show your appreciation for everyone. These speeches should be directed at the guests who spared their time, parents who were there all the way, and spouse who stays forever. The speech’s ideas are heartfelt, powerful, and have some humor to lighten the serene atmosphere.

These examples can also be adopted by couples with a little tweak. Hence, you can use these ideas as inspiration to write yours or adopt and personalize them.

Our closest family and friends, we would like to greet you on our special day and thank you for being here. Each of you has played a pivotal role in our love story, so your presence makes this day even more special. We have spent the last 10 months planning our wedding and we couldn’t have done it without your help. This is very valuable for us! Despite some moments that today didn’t go 100% as we planned, for example, we forgot our vows at home and tried to remember them on the go (which probably made the moment even more emotional for us), we are glad that everything turned out so great! Raise your glass and we’ll raise a toast to each and every one of you here today.

I want to thank everyone for being with us today. Many of you have come a long way to get involved and we thank you for your time and effort. As we embark on this next chapter of our lives, we are so grateful that we have your love and support. We would like to thanks our parents for their continued support and encouragement. Each of you did everything in your power to ensure that our wedding day went exactly as we imagined. To our guests: our day would not be complete without you. Thank you very much for coming. Cheers!

My new husband and I would like to welcome all of you and thank you for sharing this special occasion with us. We especially want to thank our parents. To my mom and dad, who not only helped plan my dream wedding, but also made sure I felt nothing but joy and love growing up. Our dear guests! This day wouldn’t be so enjoyable if you weren’t here to celebrate with us. My dear husband, you made me the happiest woman in the world and I am very grateful to you for this. You helped make all my dreams come true, including this wedding – after all, I started planning it when I was only 8. And now I understand that everything turned out exactly the way I imagined! So many wonderful people gathered at our wedding – thank you all for being with us today!

Today my family has grown larger and not only my new husband entered it, but also his parents and siblings. I am so happy that you are now part of my family! Thank you for everything! Mother and father! You supported me all my life and showed by your example what a real family should be! You have no idea how much I love you and how grateful I am for everything! Thanks to you, today I feel exactly as I always dreamed of! Thank you for making this day the way I wanted it to be! My dear husband, I promise to do everything in my power to make our world a happy one–because I know you will, too! You are the kindest and most powerful person I have ever known! I also want to say thank you to all our guests who are here today to share this wonderful day with us – I know many of you come from other countries and have come a very long way – this is incredibly valuable and means a lot to both of us! I propose to raise a glass to all of you, to all of my beloved people. You make me happy and this day is so fantastic thanks to you!

Thank You Speech For Wedding: Tips And Recommendations

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Be Emotional

Add some humor.

Lighten up the atmosphere with some humor so that the guests would laugh a bit. You can incorporate a very short story of not more than one minute. A punchy one-liner with enough humor to liven the audience is also perfect. Make sure your story is relevant to the wedding day and your one-liner is easy to understand without explanation. Also, avoid dark humor or vulgar words.

Prepare In Advance

We always advise that you write your speech in advance, memorize, edit and keep it safe. And if possible, say your speech without a paper but keep it organized. However, you must also incorporate some elements of the wedding so that the speech becomes personalized and relevant in real-time. Mention names, situations, times, and elements specific to your wedding during your speech.

Be Relaxed And Calm

It can be a couple’s speech.

This is a bride speech, but of course, you call your spouse to the stage in the middle of your speech and the both of you can continue. And even if he doesn’t come up to join you, use the word “we” as you speak to represent both of you. The unison between both of you is what the guests should see as you start your journey forever.

Wedding Thank You Speech Outline

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Welcome Guests

To write the perfect wedding thank you speech sample, you must follow an outline that starts with welcoming the guests. Remind them that you appreciate the sacrifice of their presence at your event today. Don’t mention any names as all guests are equally important. Appreciate them for their good wishes, the gifts, and everything they’ve done to make the day successful.

Describe Your Feelings

Say some words about specific people.

Don’t fail to mention specific people who have greatly impacted your life and the day. If you have a great relationship with your parents, talk about their contribution. Remind them that your spouse is the center of your day. Talk about his parents too and that friend who went above and beyond to make things happen. Appreciate them in your speech and they’ll feel seen and important.

Say Some Words Of Gratitude To All The Guests

Finish your speech by telling them where to get all the food and booze if it’s a buffet. Or you can tell them to relax and enjoy themselves as the refreshments go round. Make announcements inviting them to the after-party if it’s open to all. Also, wish them journey mercies back to their hotels and homes. Then sign off with a toast and your new name to make everyone smile.

What Not To Say In Your Speech At Wedding

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Don’t Add Some Bad Memories

For your wedding reception thank you speech, you must sieve and censor your words. Avoid including anything that brings up bad memories in your speech, even if it’s said in good faith. Desist from telling guests how your parents hated your spouse at first, or how you stuck by your spouse through his infidelity until he chose you. The guests really don’t want to know about your internal problems.

Do Not Cry Too Much

The truth is that your wedding event isn’t a funeral and you could get the guests worried by crying too much. So no matter how emotional you are, be in control. Let the excitement you feel be contagious and let the guests see your joy radiating. A few tears here and there, and that’s enough.

Do Not Joke Too Much

Another thing to note is that your wedding isn’t a circus or comedy show. So while it’s okay to add some humor and fun to your speech, don’t go overboard. It’s easy to lose the essence of your speech by making lots of jokes, especially those in bad taste. Moderation is key and a joke is one too many. Keep it as subtle as possible.

Do Not Make It Too Long And Boring

Your guests came to the party, to have fun, mix up, celebrate with you and eat to their hearts fill. So don’t over-stretch the timing of your speech, making it long and boring. The guests would lose interest and you’d be there rambling. Hit your most important points within the first one minute and wrap them up as quickly as possible.

What do you say in a thank you speech for a wedding?

Express gratitude for guests’ presence and contributions. Acknowledge their role in making the day special. Mention specific ways they’ve added joy. End with heartfelt thanks for sharing in the celebration.

What do you say in a wedding thank you?

Begin with appreciation for attendance and well-wishes. Express gratitude for gifts, specifying the thoughtful gestures. Convey excitement about shared memories and the start of a new chapter together.

How do you thank everyone at a wedding?

Circulate and personally thank guests for being part of the celebration. Acknowledge their efforts and offer genuine gratitude. Be attentive, approachable, and make everyone feel appreciated for contributing to the joyous occasion.

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The Wedding Thank-You Speech Guide Every Couple Needs

Wondering what to say in your wedding thank-you speech (or why exactly you need to give one in the first place)? Here's exactly who to thank, when to toast, the topics to avoid and more.

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Aside from saying “I do,” every marrying couple has an important job to do at their reception: giving a wedding thank-you speech to show their friends and family their appreciation. But don’t freak out! Even if you’re terrified of public speaking , we’re here to help you figure out what to say and how to survive up there.

Stick with us as we answer some of your most-pressing questions about the wedding thank-you speech.

Why should we give a wedding thank-you speech.

That’s simple: Showing up to your wedding and witnessing your marriage is a pretty generous gift, and we think each and every one of your guests deserves a heartfelt thanks . We’re pretty sure you agree!

What should we say?

You’ll definitely want to thank both sets of parents and anyone else who was instrumental in making your wedding day happen (wedding party, close friends etc.) by name, and then thank your guests (as a group) for being there with you to celebrate. It can also be nice to reminisce about your relationship and share an anecdote or two that will get your guests chuckling or tearing up. Finally, you should say something to each other—it could be something sweet and silly or deeply touching, but either way it’s a good idea to thank your partner for agreeing to marry you. A wedding thank-you speech from a bride and groom (or bride and bride, or groom and groom) should feel gracious and appreciative.

How do we write a wedding thank-you speech?

Sit down with your spouse-to-be and start by listing out the must-thank people (parents, in-laws etc.) then move on to brainstorming anecdotes. Perhaps the story of how you met is especially sweet or poignant, or there was a moment in your relationship when you both knew the other person was the one. Or perhaps something hilarious happened just last week that totally encapsulates the nature of your love! Whatever the story, it should evoke some kind of emotion in your guests and make them feel included in your love story. Last but not least, you can either brainstorm your toasts to each other together or write them separately, just be sure you agree on a tone and length before working apart—the last thing you need is for one partner to opt for a short, sweet laugh while the other says something heartfelt and long-winded.

How long should a wedding thank-you speech be?

Not long! Aim for about two to three minutes in total for your wedding thank-you speech.

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Are there any topics we should avoid?

Skip anything raunchy and avoid inside jokes ( guests hate that! ). This is a time to show your guests that they’re a part of your community, not to make them squirm or feel alienated. If you want to thank someone for doing something specific to help plan the wedding, tell the whole story so that everyone understands the context, don’t just mention one detail that will be meaningful to that person and no one else. Imagine giving this speech alone to your grandmother, grandfather or another older relative and you’ll understand exactly what we mean!

When should we toast in our wedding thank-you speech?

This is really up to you and what's best for your wedding timeline , but some couples choose to make their wedding thank-you speech once the best man, maid of honor and others have made their speeches, while other couples opt to toast right before the cake cutting. The advantage of the latter is you’ll have your guests’ full attention, they won’t be tired of speeches or anxious to eat/get the party started, plus you get the added bonus of a gorgeous photo op with your cake!

Any other advice?

Yes—practice! Try to memorize the key points in your speech so that you don’t have to rely on index cards. Your guests will be more engaged and we promise, you’ll be a lot more comfortable speaking from the heart than staring down at your hands. It’s just a couple of minutes of giving thanks and praising your spouse—you’ve got this! If you’re truly terrified of speaking to your guests, consider doing some deep breathing exercises for a few minutes before your wedding thank-you speech and using your nervous energy to help keep your speech moving along at a steady pace. And if all else fails and you find yourself freaking out, just grab the microphone for a heartfelt, two-second “Thank you, we love each and every one of you,” and your guests will understand. After all, they know you better than anyone!

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How to Make a Wedding Thank You Speech with Examples

A wedding thank you speech is one of the most important parts of any wedding reception. They are a way to express your gratitude to all of those gathered especially your parents, who have supported you throughout your life and helped you plan this special day. As a wedding videographer, I’ve witnessed countless beautiful moments on the big day. But one that consistently tugs at the heartstrings? The heartfelt thank you speeches were delivered by the happy couple. It’s a chance to express gratitude to loved ones who helped make the day so special, especially your parents.

However, crafting the perfect speech can feel daunting. Fear not! This guide will equip you with all the tools you need. We’ll explore key elements for a well-rounded speech, offer tips on overcoming nerves, and even show you real-world video examples to spark inspiration. Let’s ensure your thank you speech resonates with everyone present, and becomes a cherished memory captured forever in your wedding video.

What do you include in a wedding thank you speech?

A well-delivered wedding thank you speech is a beautiful way to express gratitude to everyone who helped make your special day unforgettable. It’s your chance to acknowledge the love and support you’ve received, and create a lasting memory for you and your guests. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements you should consider including:

1. Warm Welcome and Attention Grabber:

Start by greeting your audience. A simple “Good evening everyone” or “Thank you all for coming” works well. You can then grab their attention with a heartfelt sentiment about the day, a lighthearted anecdote about your relationship, or a brief introduction of your parents (especially if some guests are unfamiliar with them).

2. Expressing Gratitude:

This is the core of your speech. Here, you express your sincere appreciation to everyone who played a part in your wedding. Thank your guests for celebrating with you, especially those who traveled long distances. You can also extend your gratitude to specific groups like your family, friends, the wedding party, vendors, or anyone who went above and beyond to make the day special.

3. Highlighting Special People:

This section adds a personal touch and allows you to acknowledge loved ones in a more specific way. You can thank your parents for their unwavering support throughout your life, perhaps mentioning a specific value they instilled in you or a cherished memory you share. Briefly thanking your partner’s parents for welcoming you into the family is also a nice gesture. Your wedding party members can also be acknowledged for their help and friendship in planning the wedding.

4. Expressing Love to Your Partner:

Take a moment to express your love and appreciation for your new spouse. Briefly share your excitement about embarking on this journey together as a married couple.

5. Closing and Toast (Optional):

Conclude your speech by thanking everyone again for their presence and well wishes. You can express your hope for a joyous celebration throughout the rest of the evening. Optionally, raise a toast to your future together or to your loved ones.

Related Article : 4 Practical Father of the Bride Gifts He’ll Love

Who do you thank in your speech?

In your wedding thank you speech, you can express gratitude to a variety of people who contributed to making your special day possible. Here’s a breakdown of the key groups you might want to consider thanking:

All Guests: This is a great way to kick off your speech. Thank everyone for attending your wedding and celebrating this momentous occasion with you. You can especially express appreciation to those who traveled long distances to be there.

Family: This is your chance to acknowledge the love and support you’ve received from your family throughout your life. Thank your parents for their guidance, sacrifices, and unwavering support. You can also thank siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or any other family member who played a significant role.

Friends: Express gratitude to your close friends who have been by your side through thick and thin. You can thank them for their friendship, well wishes, and for being a part of your special day.

Wedding Party: Acknowledge your bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid/man of honor, and best man for their help in planning the wedding and for being there to support you on your big day. Mention any specific ways they helped make the wedding run smoothly.

Vendors: Briefly thank the vendors who made your wedding a success. This could include the photographer, videographer, caterer, florist, DJ/band, venue staff, officiant, hair and makeup stylists, or any other vendors who contributed to your special day.

Your Partner: This is your chance to express your love and appreciation for your new spouse. Briefly share how excited you are to embark on this journey together as a married couple.

• You don’t have to thank everyone individually, especially if you have a large guest list.
• Keep your speech concise and focus on the most important people who made your wedding special.
• Be genuine and express your gratitude from the heart.pen_spark

How long should a wedding thank you speech be?

A wedding thank you speech should ideally be short and sweet, aiming for a length between 2 to 5 minutes . Here’s why:

• Attention Span: Guests have likely been celebrating for a while and might be ready to enjoy the food, music, and conversation. A concise speech keeps them engaged without dragging on.
• Respect for Others: Multiple people might be delivering speeches throughout the reception. A shorter speech ensures everyone gets a chance to be heard and avoids monopolizing the attention.
• Emotional Impact: Shorter speeches can often pack a stronger emotional punch. They allow you to express your gratitude sincerely without rambling or losing focus.

Here’s a breakdown of the ideal timeframe:

• 2-3 minutes: This is a great sweet spot for a concise and impactful speech. It allows you to thank the key people and express your emotions without feeling rushed.
• 4-5 minutes: This is the absolute maximum you should aim for. If you find your speech going longer, consider trimming down the thank yous to specific groups or anecdotes.
• It’s better to have a heartfelt and concise speech than a long and drawn-out one.
• Practice your speech beforehand to ensure you can deliver it comfortably within the desired time frame.

Photos in this article courtesy of Ben & Hope Photography .

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