The spouse’s speech is an important part of a wedding ceremony. It’s your opportunity to express your love and appreciation for your new partner, thank your guests, and share some heartfelt thoughts and anecdotes. Remember, the spouse’s speech should come from the heart and reflect your genuine feelings and emotions. You need to customise it to suit your personality and your relationship with your spouse and your audience. With proper preparation and sincerity, your speech will be a cherished part of your wedding celebration.  Anecdotal evidence is essential – see below! 

However, etiquette suggests the things you ought include are:

1. Thanks for parents, in-laws, wider family and friends for joining the celebration.
2. Thanks to the love of your life and your admiration. 
3. Thanks to those who can’t be present but who’s best wishes have been received.
4. Shared hopes, dreams and plans for your future.
5. The Toast to the Spouse.

Photo by Min An

Anecdotal ideas!

The First Meeting:

“I’ll never forget the first time I met [name]. It was at [describe the place or event], and I was immediately struck by their [mention a unique quality, like the smile or sense of humour]. Little did I know that this chance encounter would lead to a lifetime of happiness.”

The Proposal:

“The day I proposed to [name] was one of the most nerve-wracking of my life. I had planned everything down to the smallest detail, but when the moment came, my heart was pounding. I got down on one knee, and they said ‘yes’ with tears of joy in their eyes. It was a moment I’ll cherish forever.”

Shared Adventures:

“One of the things I love most about [name] is our sense of adventure. Whether it’s hiking up a mountain, exploring a new city, or just trying a new restaurant, we always have the best time together. I can’t wait for all the adventures that lie ahead in our marriage.”

Family Moments:

“One of my favourite memories with [name] is the time we spent with our families. I’ll never forget the way she connected with my parents and how they instantly adored [name]. It was a reminder of how lucky I am to have him/her as my partner.”

Overcoming Challenges:

“Every relationship faces its share of challenges, and [name] and I are no exception. But what I’ve learned is that when we face those challenges together, we emerge stronger and more in love than ever. I’m grateful for the lessons we’ve learned and the love that has grown through it all.”

Shared Hobbies or Interests: 

“We share so many interests and hobbies, from [mention a shared hobby, like cooking, traveling, or a favourite TV show]. These shared passions have brought us even closer, and I look forward to countless more hours of [shared activity] together.”

A Touch of Humour (if appropriate):

“They say that marriage is all about compromise, and I’ve learned that [name] is always right! But in all seriousness, I wouldn’t want to spend my life arguing with anyone else. She/he’s my rock, my better half, and the love of my life.”

Remember to adapt these anecdotes to your own experiences and memories with your spouse. Personalise them with specific details that are unique to your relationship, and they will resonate even more with your audience.

Beware! Don’t try to add an anecdote for each of the above, you are looking for a speech of about 7 minutes, this is roughly 900 words (you have to add time in for laughter, and chinking of glasses) so you probably only need three anecdotes at the most.   

Finally don’t panic!  You know the audience and they will be on your side.  You know the stories – they are your truth, just tell them from the heart! ❤️

Published by TheHiddenEdge

I love words - they communicate so much or so little depending on how you use them. Come and explore my thoughts with me in this, my learning journal. View all posts by TheHiddenEdge