- Avarna Jain,
Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media
The Subtle Art Of Giving The Best Wedding Speeches
We’ve compiled some tips and tricks to help you deliver a wedding speech that is funny, AND doesn’t leave a dry eye in the house!
A speech at Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Akhtar's weddingInstagram/Shibani Akhtar
Once a mere afterthought, wedding speeches are now a highlight of modern celebrations. Though not a traditional part of Indian ceremonies, where rituals are led by priests rather than personal expressions, they now offer moments of connection, from warm wishes to inside jokes.
As weddings become more intimate, couples are embracing speeches as a way to create heartfelt memories with their family and friends. So, how do you write one that will be remembered for all the right reasons?
Authenticity is Everything
A still from Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Akhtar's weddingInstagram/Shibani Akhtar
The golden rule? Keep it real. Delhi-based relationships counsellor Ruchi Ruuh swears by the authenticity of Sherlock Holmes’s speech at John Watson’s wedding in Sherlock—starting with dry humour and ending in unexpected emotion. “The best speeches feel personal and true to the speaker,” she says. “If you have nothing heartfelt to say, it’s okay to keep it short. But if you do speak, let it come from a place of love.”
The best wedding speeches strike a balance between humour and heart. Ruuh recalls a speech where a younger sister playfully teased the bride, only to end up in happy tears. “That crescendo—from laughter to tears—is what makes a speech unforgettable,” she says.
Know Your Person
A still from Armaan Malik and Aashna Shroff's weddingInstagram/Armaan Mailk
“Couples are exchanging vows, friends and family are sharing anecdotes, and it’s becoming a beautiful way to add depth to the celebrations,” says Devika Narain of Devika Narain & Company. But not everyone needs to grab the mic. Narain suggests a mix of voices: parents, best friends, and siblings, but also those who can actually deliver a great speech. “Sometimes, the most emotional relationships are the hardest to put into words. That’s why we often see friends speaking instead of immediate family,” she explains. “The trick is to balance deep emotions with people who can carry a room.”
No one likes a speech that drags on. “Two to four minutes is perfect,” Ruuh advises. “People tune out if it’s too long.” Whether it’s a blessing, a toast, or a punchline, the best speeches leave the audience feeling uplifted. Narain recalls a father of the bride who joked about welcoming his new son-in-law after watching him drink his best whiskey. “It had everyone laughing and crying at the same time,” she says.
Always Back Up
One major faux pas? Losing your speech right before you go up. Narain recalls every pre-wedding dinner’s ultimate nightmare—a sister’s speech that got deleted, saved only because a backup copy existed. So, print it out, keep a screenshot, or jot it down on cue cards. Whether you’re delivering a toast or simply soaking it all in, a great wedding speech is about connection. Speak from the heart, add a touch of humour, and remember: it’s about celebrating love, not delivering a TED Talk.
This story appears in Manifest India’s Issue 02. Subscribe here for more stories like this.
Where we give you a fast-paced look into everything you should wish list when you start to think about marriage. What to buy and how to dress, along with modern mithai and the homegrown fragrance makers to bookmark. Make special note of the feature on alta.
It has everything you need to make your wedding special. From the big comeback of red and pink in bridal wear to how the cool kids are wearing corsets to the celebration, there is only one way to get ready for a wedding —with enjoyment.
This section is a building block, a step to a better life. A place where we have all the answers. Or at least the beginning of a great conversation.
This needs very little description. It has travel with a special focus on incredible India, and a collection of wedding albums, sourced randomly, but collected with abundance because happiness has no limits.
