How to Write a Groom Speech: The Ultimate 2025-2026 Guide

Writing a groom speech in 2025–2026 is less about following rigid Victorian etiquette and more about authentic storytelling, balanced humor, and strategic brevity. As we move into a new era of wedding celebrations, the expectations for the groom have shifted. It is no longer enough to simply read a list of thank-yous; the modern groom is expected to be the emotional anchor of the evening, bridging the gap between two families with sincerity and a touch of wit.

With the rise of AI assistants and a significant shift toward non-traditional ceremonies, you have more tools at your disposal than ever before—but also more pressure to deliver a moment that feels uniquely "you." Whether you are a natural public speaker or someone who breaks into a cold sweat at the sight of a microphone, understanding how to write a groom speech is about preparation, structure, and knowing exactly when to raise the glass.

The Modern Landscape: Groom Speeches in 2025

The world of weddings has changed significantly over the last few years. According to recent data, approximately 32% of couples in 2025 are using AI tools (like ChatGPT) to help draft their wedding speeches or vows. This is a massive jump from just 10% in 2023. While these tools are excellent for overcoming writer’s block, the most successful speeches remain those that use technology as a skeleton and human experience as the soul.

Additionally, 73% of couples are now opting for non-traditional speech orders. You might find yourself speaking at the rehearsal dinner instead of the reception, or perhaps you and your partner have decided to deliver a joint "newlywed speech."

The Anatomy of a Great Groom Speech: A 5-Step Structure

A common mistake is treating the speech like a stream of consciousness. To keep your audience engaged, follow this proven five-step structure.

1. The Welcome and Opening Hook

Start by welcoming everyone and acknowledging the magnitude of the day. Instead of a generic "Thanks for coming," try an opening hook that reflects the 2025 trend of acknowledging the journey.

Example: "Looking around this room, I see people from three different continents, four different stages of our lives, and at least one person who I’m pretty sure only came for the open bar. Thank you all for being part of our story."

2. The Gratitude List (The Essentials)

In the past, the groom had to thank everyone from the florist to the venue coordinator. Modern etiquette suggests keeping this focused on the people who made the day possible emotionally and financially.

• The Guests: For their travel and time.
• The Parents: Acknowledge both sets of parents.
• The Wedding Party: Thank them for their support (and for keeping you sane).

3. The Anecdote (The "Prove, Don't Tell" Method)

Don't just say your partner is "kind" or "funny." In 2025, guests crave authenticity. Share a 30-second story that proves these traits.

Example: "People always tell me Sarah is patient. I didn't truly understand the depth of that patience until the Great IKEA Incident of 2023, where I spent six hours building a bookshelf upside down, and she just handed me a beer and said, 'It looks more modern this way, anyway.'"

4. The Tribute to Your Partner

This is the heart of the speech. Address your partner directly. This is the moment to be vulnerable. Mention what you’ve learned from them or how they’ve changed your perspective on life. With 29% of 2025 couples having met through online dating, don't be afraid to mention that "digital meet-cute."

5. The Toast (The Dismount)

The "dismount" is the most remembered part of the speech. Practice this until you know it by heart so you don't fumble the literal "cheers."

Modern Trends Shifting the 2026 Wedding Scene

As an interfaith wedding officiant, I have seen a rise in several new trends that grooms should consider when drafting their remarks.

The Joint Speech

More couples are choosing to stand together at the mic. This reflects a partnership from day one and significantly reduces the individual pressure on the groom. It allows you to play off each other's energy and ensures that neither side of the family feels overlooked.

The Introverted Interpretation

For grooms with social anxiety, the "Private Toast" is trending. You deliver a deeply personal, 5-minute speech to your partner during the "first look" or a private dinner, then give a very brief (30-second) welcome toast to the larger room during the reception.

Content Creator Influence

With "Wedding Content Creators" becoming a standard vendor, many grooms are writing with "viral snippets" in mind. This means using short, punchy one-liners or surprises that look great on social media reels. While you shouldn't write for the camera, keeping your points concise helps your speech translate well to video.

5 Dos and 5 Don'ts for the Perfect Speech

The Dos

1. Do Practice Aloud: Reading in your head is not the same as speaking into a microphone.
2. Do Use Paper or Cards: Phones go to sleep, notifications pop up, and they look "techy" in professional photos. Printed cards look classic.
3. Do Balance the 50/50 Rule: Aim for 50% heartfelt sentiment and 50% lighthearted humor.
4. Do Mention the In-Laws: Ensure you spend as much time thanking your new family as you do your own.
5. Do Hydrate: For every glass of champagne, have a glass of water.

The Don'ts

1. Don't Lean on "Dutch Courage": Drinking too much before the speech is the #1 cause of speech failure. Stick to one drink before you hit the mic.
2. Don't Use Inside Jokes: If only three people in a room of 100 understand the joke, it shouldn't be in the speech. It makes the rest of the audience feel like outsiders.
3. Don't Overstay Your Welcome: If you cross the 10-minute mark, you will lose the room.
4. Don't Use Clichés: Phrases like "my better half" or "soulmate" can feel dated. Try contemporary references instead.
5. Don't Roast Too Hard: Save the heavy roasting for the Best Man. You can find examples of appropriate humor in our guide to Best Man Speech Jokes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the most well-intentioned groom can fall into a few traps. One of the most common is the "Gratitude Vacuum." This happens when a groom gets so caught up in thanking his new spouse that he completely forgets to mention his own parents or the wedding party who spent months helping with the Wedding Checklist Generator.

Another pitfall is "The Script Read." If you are glued to your notes and never look up, you lose the emotional connection with the audience. Try to look at your partner for at least 30% of the speech.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, a groom speech isn't a performance—it’s a moment of gratitude. Whether you use a traditional structure or opt for a modern joint speech, the most important element is sincerity. Your guests aren't looking for a stand-up comedian; they are looking to see the love you have for your partner and the appreciation you have for your community.

Keep it brief, keep it bright, and keep it focused on the person standing next to you. If you can do those three things, your speech will be a success.