Hey there, my sweet couple! Victoria here—your Hudson Valley wedding photographer—who will capture every beautiful moment on your wedding day.
Weddings are all about moments: the tears during the vows, the laughter at the reception, and, of course, the heartfelt speeches that leave everyone reminiscing about love, life, and all the good times. One moment that can really hit home? The bride and groom wedding speech.
Wedding vows aren’t just words, they’re the emotional and spiritual foundation of your marriage.
Now, as a wedding photographer here at Stories by Victoria my Hudson Valley wedding photography skills had the pleasure of witnessing countless couples share their story with their guests, and let me tell you, no two speeches are ever the same! If you’re prepping for your big day and feeling the pressure of writing the perfect words to say as a bride and groom, take a deep breath—you have me! Let’s break it down.
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a speech amazing, let’s talk about why it’s such an important part of your wedding day.
The bride and groom wedding speech is the moment when you, as a couple, get to step up and share your gratitude with everyone who’s been part of your journey. You’re also letting your friends and family know just how much you mean to each other. The best part? It’s one of the few chances on your wedding day where you can truly speak from the heart without worrying about anything else.
I’ve seen speeches that are full of humor, some that are deeply emotional, and others that hit the perfect balance between the two. But the best ones? They’re authentic. They’re the words that come from you, not what you think others expect to hear. And, as your wedding photographer its my pleasure to document the unforgettable moment.
Alright, so you’re sold on the idea of giving a speech, but where do you start? Here’s a foolproof way to organize your thoughts and make sure you deliver something that everyone will remember.
One of the easiest ways to begin your speech is by thanking everyone who’s been a part of your wedding. This includes your guests, family, bridal party, and anyone else who has played a significant role in helping your day come together. It’s a kind gesture and shows appreciation for the people who’ve supported you along the process.
If you’re not sure how to say it, something like, “We’re so grateful to have all of you here with us today. Your love and support means the world to us,” is a great way to kick things off.
Everyone loves a good story, especially when it’s about love. This is your chance to tell your guests about your journey as a couple. You can be sweet, funny, or even a bit sappy—whatever feels true to you.
Maybe you want to look back on your first date, that awkward first meeting, or the moment you knew they were “the one.” Give your guests a peek behind the curtain, letting them in on the magic of how your relationship blossomed.
When I’m capturing moments behind the lens, I always tell couples: make it yours. The same goes for your speech. Throw in some inside jokes, memorable moments, or those little quirks about each other that make you both unique. Guests love hearing the small details that paint a picture of who you are as a couple.
For example, if one of you is known for always leaving the dishes until the next day or if you have a quirky habit like counting every spoon in the drawer, share that! These moments add warmth and humor, and they make your speech feel real.
While your speech will be heard by everyone in the room, don’t forget that you’re also speaking directly to your partner. Take a moment to look them in the eye and tell them how much they mean to you. This is where the waterworks usually come in, so don’t be afraid to get emotional!
Talk about the qualities you love about them and why you can’t wait to spend the rest of your life together. This is your moment to say all those things you might not have time to say during the hustle and bustle of the day.
Finally, wrap up your speech with a toast to the future. This can be a toast to your new life together, a thank you to your guests for being part of the celebration, or even a lighthearted joke to get everyone smiling.
The key here is to leave your guests feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Trust me, as someone who watches these moments unfold, that final note can be the cherry on top of an already magical day.
Okay, so you’ve written your speech. Now comes the part where you actually have to stand up in front of everyone and deliver it. Cue the sweaty palms, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got some tips to help you keep those nerves at bay.
The more familiar you are with your speech, the less anxious you’ll feel when the time comes. Practice in front of a mirror, or if you’re brave enough, rehearse in front of a friend or family member. This will help you get comfortable with the words and also work on your delivery.
When it’s time to speak, take a deep breath before you start. Don’t rush through the speech—pace yourself. Pausing for a few seconds every now and then will help you gather your thoughts and give your guests time to take in what you’re saying.
It’s perfectly okay to have a few notes or cue cards with you. You don’t have to memorize every word. If it helps you feel more relaxed, make a note of the key points you’d like to highlight, and use them as a guide while you speak.
There’s nothing wrong with getting a little choked up during your speech. In fact, it’s totally normal! Your wedding day is an emotional day, and if you shed a tear or two, just roll with it. No one is expecting a flawlessly composed performance.
As a wedding photographer, one of my favorite parts of the day is capturing the real emotions that come through during speeches. From the laughter to the tears, these are the moments that tell the story of your day. When the bride and groom are speaking from the heart, it’s not just the words that matter—it’s the way they look at each other, the reactions from guests, and the connection that fills the room.
At the end of the day, the bride and groom’s wedding speech is your chance to let your guests know how much they mean to you and celebrate the love you and your partner share. Don’t worry about making it perfect—just make it you. Trust me, those are the speeches that everyone remembers.
So, as you’re planning out your wedding day, take some time to craft a speech that speaks to your journey, your love, and the joy of the moment. And when the time comes, embrace it all—because, like your wedding photos, it’s a moment you’ll cherish forever.
I hope these tips help you feel more confident about your wedding speech! Don’t forget to reach out and I’d be honored capturing every beautiful moment, including that bride and groom wedding speech part!
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Based in Upstate New York and capturing love stories across New Jersey, New York, and beyond. Let’s create something beautiful together.