How to Write the Best Parents of the Groom Speech

As the parents of the groom, giving a meaningful parents of the groom speech is one of the most special moments of the wedding day. It’s a chance to express your love, share cherished memories, and welcome your new daughter-in-law into the family.

Having filmed hundreds of weddings as a videographer, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing countless memorable speeches. I’ve seen what works, what moves the room, and how parents can create a perfect blend of heartfelt sentiment and light humor.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to crafting a meaningful speech, drawing on my experience and showcasing real-life examples captured on video. These speeches not only offer inspiration but also illustrate the balance of personal anecdotes, well-wishes, and a reflection on the groom’s journey into this new chapter of his life.

Let’s make sure your words leave a lasting impression on your son’s big day.

How to Start a Parents of the Groom Speech

Crafting the opening of your parents of the groom speech is like setting the stage for a heartwarming performance. Here are some tips to grab your audience’s attention and set the tone for a memorable toast:

• Welcome with warmth: Start by introducing yourselves as the proud parents of the groom. A simple “Good evening everyone!” or “For those who haven’t met us, we’re John’s parents” works well. Express your joy at being there to celebrate this special day.
• Consider a shared introduction: If you’re delivering the speech together, you can add a playful touch by acknowledging the teamwork. Something like, “We decided to tackle this speech together, just like John and Jane are tackling life together,” can set a lighthearted mood.
• Start with a personal anecdote (optional): If you feel comfortable, sharing a quick memory about your son can be a touching way to begin. Maybe it’s a funny childhood story or a moment that showcases his personality. This personalizes the speech and allows guests to connect with you.
• Express gratitude: Take a moment to thank everyone for joining the celebration. You can also express your appreciation to your new son-in-law or daughter-in-law’s family for welcoming your son with open arms.

Remember, keep it concise and heartfelt. The goal is to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your speech. Let your genuine joy for the couple shine through, and the rest will follow.

Related Article: How to Write the Best Mother of the Bride Speech

How to Write a Heartfelt Parents of the Groom Speech

Deanne’s speech is a brilliant example of how to make a touching and sincere speech to your son. At one point she got choked up while saying how proud she is of everything Luke has accomplished in his life.

Here are some quick tips on how you can write a touching speech about your son on his wedding day:

Craft a speech filled with love and memories. Reflect on your son’s journey. Share a story that showcases his growth and the qualities you admire. Express your love for him and how happy you are he’s found his perfect partner. Warmly welcome your new daughter or son-in-law, mentioning what you appreciate about them. Keep your speech concise and focus on the most important emotions.

Key points for a heartfelt speech:

• Focus on stories and emotions
• Highlight your son’s growth
• Express love and support
• Welcome your new spouse warmly
• Briefly mention what you admire about them
• Practice beforehand

Venue: Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort (The Grange)
Photos: Ben & Hope Photography

How long should the parents of the groom speech be?

The ideal length for a parents of the groom speech is generally between 3-6 minutes. This keeps the speech concise and engaging for the audience, while still allowing you to express your well wishes and share a heartfelt message.

Here’s a breakdown of why this timeframe works well:

• Attention span: Studies suggest that listener attention spans tend to wane after around 5-7 minutes. Keeping your speech within this range ensures the audience stays engaged with your message.
• Respecting the schedule: Weddings often have a planned flow, with other toasts and speeches scheduled. A concise speech allows for a smooth transition and avoids disrupting the program.
• Saying what matters: Three to six minutes is enough time to express your gratitude, share a heartfelt message for the couple, and maybe even add a touch of humor.

Here are some additional tips for managing the length of your speech:

• Practice and time yourself: Rehearse your speech out loud to get a sense of its natural flow and timing.
• Edit ruthlessly: Once you have a draft, go through it and remove any unnecessary elements or stories that don’t directly contribute to your message.
• Focus on quality over quantity: It’s better to deliver a short, impactful speech than a long, rambling one.

Remember, the goal is to create a memorable moment that celebrates the couple. By keeping your speech concise and heartfelt, you can ensure your message resonates with everyone present.

Venue: The Acre Boomerang Farm
Photos: Jessica Stannard Photography

How do I end a parents of the groom speech?

To end a parents of the groom speech on a memorable note, follow these tips:

1. Express Gratitude: Thank everyone for being part of the special day. Mention specific people who have contributed significantly, such as the bride’s parents, close family, and friends.
2. Share a Final Anecdote or Sentiment: Conclude with a touching story or heartfelt sentiment about the groom and bride. This could be a cherished memory or a reflection on their journey together.
3. Offer Words of Wisdom or Blessing: Provide a piece of advice or a blessing for the couple’s future. This adds a personal and meaningful touch to your speech.
4. Raise a Toast: Invite everyone to raise a glass to the newlyweds. This signals the end of your speech and unites everyone in a shared moment of celebration.
5. Keep It Concise: Ensure your conclusion is succinct and impactful. Aim to leave a lasting impression without dragging on.

Example Ending:

“Finally, I want to thank everyone for being here today to celebrate this beautiful occasion. [Bride’s name], welcome to our family. We couldn’t have asked for a better partner for our son. [Groom’s name], we are incredibly proud of the man you have become. Remember to always cherish, respect, and support each other. Now, let’s raise our glasses to a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventure for [Bride’s name] and [Groom’s name]. To the newlyweds!”

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