How to Write the Best Parents of the Groom Speech with Examples
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.
I’ve filmed hundreds of weddings as a videographer on the Gold Coast, and have 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.
How to Write a Heartfelt Parents of the Groom Speech
A heartfelt parents of the groom speech focuses on love, pride, and meaningful memories. The most touching speeches reflect on your son’s journey, express how proud you are of the man he’s become, and warmly welcome his partner into your family — all in a genuine, personal way.
Key points for a heartfelt parents of the groom speech:
- Focus on stories and emotions rather than trying to be funny
- Highlight your son’s growth and the moments that shaped him
- Express your love, pride, and support clearly
- Warmly welcome your new daughter- or son-in-law
- Briefly mention what you admire about them
- Keep it concise and practise beforehand
Example of a heartfelt parents of the groom speech
Jan and Ron’s speech below is a beautiful real-world example of parents speaking from the heart. Jan leads with warmth and gentle humour, sharing childhood memories, while Ron adds a short but meaningful moment of advice and pride. Together, they strike the perfect balance between emotion and personality, and genuinely welcome their new daughter-in-law into the family.
How long should the parents of the groom speech be?
A great parents of the groom speech is long enough to be meaningful but short enough to keep everyone engaged. Ideally, aim for 3–6 minutes, giving you time to share stories, express love and pride, and include a heartfelt message without losing your audience.
Why this timeframe works:
- Audience attention: Most listeners tend to tune out after 5–7 minutes. Keeping it concise ensures your message lands.
- Wedding flow: Short speeches let the day run smoothly and respect the schedule of other toasts and events.
- Focus on what matters: 3–6 minutes is plenty to convey love, pride, gratitude, and a touch of humour.
Tips for keeping your speech the right length:
- Practice and time yourself: Rehearse out loud to see how naturally it flows.
- Edit ruthlessly: Remove stories or details that don’t directly support your main message.
- Prioritize quality over quantity: A short, heartfelt speech always beats 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.
How do I end a parents of the groom speech?
The best way to end a parents of the groom speech is with gratitude, a warm closing sentiment, and a toast to the couple. A strong ending thanks those who matter most, reinforces your love and support for the newlyweds, and brings the room together in celebration.
Key tips for ending a parents of the groom speech:
- Thank guests, family, and anyone who played an important role in the day
- Acknowledge the bride’s parents and welcome them into your family
- Share a short final sentiment or reflection about the couple
- Offer a simple blessing or words of encouragement for their future
- Finish by inviting everyone to raise a glass to the newlyweds
- Keep the ending brief, warm, and confident
This speech from Deb and Wade is a beautiful example of a strong, emotional ending. Deb closes with a heartfelt poem and blessing for the couple, while Wade follows with sincere words of welcome and pride — finishing in a way that feels natural, personal, and deeply meaningful.
OTHER FAQs
Photos in this article courtesy of Ben & Hope Photography and Jessica Stannard Photography.
