Looking for the perfect way to start your wedding speech? The opening lines are crucial – they set the tone, grab attention, and help calm your nerves. Whether you’re giving a father of the bride speech, best man toast, or any other wedding speech, we’ll show you exactly how to begin with confidence. From traditional openings to modern one-liners, find your perfect start here. And if you need quick help, our speech generator can create a personalized opening instantly.
Quick Reference: Best Wedding Speech Openings
Traditional Opening
“Good evening everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Name], [Relationship to couple]…”
Best for: Formal weddings, older audiences
Humorous Start
“Before I begin, I should note that [Groom] offered me $20 to keep this speech short and clean. I’ll be returning that money shortly…”
Best for: Casual weddings, close relationships
Emotional Opening
“Watching [Bride/Groom] grow from [childhood memory] to this moment has been one of life’s greatest gifts…”
Best for: Close family members
15 Best Wedding Speech Opening Lines by Role
Father of the Bride Openings
“As I look at my daughter today, I’m reminded of a little girl who once said she’d never leave home without her teddy bear. Well, [Bride’s name], I’m glad you’ve found someone better to hold onto…”
Why it works: Combines nostalgia with humor
“They say a father’s job is to raise his daughter to be strong enough to live without him. [Bride’s name], you’ve exceeded every hope I had…”
Why it works: Emotional without being overwhelming
“For those wondering how long this speech will be, I’ve been preparing it for the last 25 years…”
Why it works: Lighthearted way to acknowledge the moment’s significance
Best Man Opening Lines
“For those who don’t know me, I’m [Name], the best man and [Groom’s] best friend since we both thought hair gel was a good idea…”
Why it works: Establishes relationship with humor
“When [Groom] asked me to be his best man, I was honored. When he asked me to keep it clean, I was challenged…”
Why it works: Sets up humorous tone while staying appropriate
“I’ve known [Groom] for 15 years, and this is the first time I’ve seen him happier about something than his fantasy football team…”
Why it works: Personal observation with relatable humor
Maid/Matron of Honor Openings
“From late-night study sessions to wedding dress shopping, [Bride] has been my partner in crime for [X] years…”
Why it works: Establishes friendship journey
“When [Bride] asked me to be her maid of honor, I immediately started planning this speech. Then I immediately started panicking about this speech…”
Why it works: Relatable and endearing
“Some of you know [Bride] as a successful [profession], others as a loving daughter. I know her as the friend who [funny personal detail]…”
Why it works: Shows unique perspective
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Create Your Opening →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best opening line for a wedding speech?
The best opening line for a wedding speech depends on your role and relationship to the couple. Traditional openings like “Good evening, for those who don’t know me…” work well, but you can also start with a meaningful quote, a light joke, or a heartfelt observation. The key is authenticity and setting the right tone for your specific audience.
What do you say at the beginning of a wedding?
At the beginning of a wedding speech, you should:
- Introduce yourself and your relationship to the couple
- Thank the hosts and acknowledge the guests
- Express your honor at being chosen to speak
- Set the tone for your speech with a personal observation or memory
What is a good wedding introduction speech?
A good wedding introduction speech should be warm, engaging, and personal. Start with a clear introduction, include a brief personal connection to the couple, and set up the theme for your speech. For example:
What goes first in a wedding speech?
A wedding speech should follow this opening sequence:
- Greeting and self-introduction
- Relationship context
- Acknowledgment of the occasion
- Thanks to appropriate people
- Transition to your main content
What is a nice quote for a wedding speech?
Here are some effective wedding speech quotes:
- “Love is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
- “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more.” – The Notebook
- “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours.” – Maya Angelou
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