The Subtle Art Of Giving The Best Wedding Speeches

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

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

“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.