Sample Speeches: For the bride

Wedding speech material for you to adapt, if you’re looking to say something touching on your big day

Short and sweet

We gathered here today to watch John agree to a lifetime of housework and pampering me! I thought about reading out a poem, but I couldn't find one that came close to conveying how happy I am today, with my dearest friends and family around me to see me marry the man I love. Thank you. Please join me in a toast... to love and friendship.

When you have lost a parent

This is the best day of my life, but it is also a very difficult one. Dad died over a year ago, but I miss him more today than I ever have. This would have been his special day, too, and he would have been so proud to walk me down the aisle on his arm.

But I am also happy, as dad would have wanted me to be. I am marrying the man I love, and I hope that we will always have the love that we have today, and be as happy as our parents.

John, thank you for supporting me through rough times as well as happy ones, and thank you for today. I love you.

Alternatively, you could say the following:

I just wanted to say how much I wish dad were here to enjoy this day as much as we have, and to embarrass me with memories probably best left forgotten. I know that, wherever he is, he is looking down on us and smiling. I also want to thank uncle Paul for walking me down the aisle.

You've all made me so happy just by being here, and I can't believe Don and Mary, my old flatmates from Uni, have come all the way over from America -- you're brilliant.

Mostly, I'd like to thank John just for asking -- although it took him long enough.

I'd also like to make a toast. Please lift your glasses and drink to absent friends.