Hi, Friend! Jen Glantz here. I’m a bestselling author and the first ever bridesmaid for hire. Let’s dive into wedding thank you speeches
If you’re preparing for your big day, you’re probably wondering how to create that same magic. Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to craft a thank you speech that will resonate with your guests and create lasting memories.
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Wedding thank you speeches examples
The personal touch thank you speech
Good evening everyone. [Groom’s name] and I are completely overwhelmed by the love and support we’ve felt today. Looking around this room, I see the people who have shaped our lives – from my [family members] who [specific memory or contribution] to [groom’s name]’s family who have welcomed me with [specific example of their warmth].
To our parents: [bride’s parents’ names], thank you for [specific ways they helped with wedding] and for raising me with [values they instilled]. [Groom’s parents’ names], your support through [examples of their help] has meant the world to us. And your acceptance of me into your family has been [personal observation about their welcome].
Our wedding party deserves special recognition. [Maid of honor’s name], you’ve been there through [specific example] and made this day possible by [contribution to wedding]. [Best man’s name], your help with [specific task] and your friendship to [groom’s name] through [example] has been invaluable. To our bridesmaids and groomsmen – thank you for [specific contributions] and for making this celebration so special.
To all our guests who have traveled from [locations], we are touched that you chose to share this day with us. Your presence has made our celebration complete. Special thanks to [specific guests] who came all the way from [location] – your effort to be here means so much.
Finally, to our vendors and everyone who worked behind the scenes – from [vendor examples] to [other helpers], you’ve turned our vision into reality. The [specific details] are exactly what we dreamed of.
[Groom’s name], thank you for making me the happiest person alive. And to everyone here – please enjoy the [next part of celebration]. Your presence is the greatest gift we could ask for.
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The heartfelt gratitude speech
Welcome, dear friends and family. [Partner’s name] and I are filled with joy seeing all of you here today. Each of you represents a chapter in our story, and we’re grateful for how you’ve enriched our lives.
[Partner’s name]’s parents, [names], thank you for raising the [person] of my dreams and for embracing me as your own. Your [specific quality] and [another quality] have shown me where [partner] gets their wonderful traits from. To my parents, [names], your endless support through [examples] has made this day possible. The way you’ve modeled love and partnership has given us the perfect example to follow.
Our siblings, [names], deserve special thanks for [specific contributions]. Your help with [wedding tasks] while managing your own busy lives has touched us deeply. And to our entire wedding party – you’ve made this journey so much fun, from [pre-wedding event] to today’s celebration.
To our friends who have become family: those who’ve known us since [time period] and those we’ve met along the way – thank you for [specific ways they’ve supported the couple]. Special mention to [friend’s name] who [special contribution] and [another friend] who [their contribution].
The incredible team who brought this day together deserves recognition – [vendor names] and their teams have exceeded our expectations. Your attention to detail with [specific examples] has created the perfect setting for our celebration.
Most importantly, to all our guests: your presence here today fills our hearts with gratitude. We know many of you have traveled far and made sacrifices to be here. We look forward to creating more memories with you during [reception details].
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The lighthearted appreciation speech
Hello, everyone! If you’re here, it means you’ve successfully followed the directions on our [funny reference to wedding invitations] and found your way to the right wedding. [Partner’s name] and I are thrilled you made it, especially those of you who [humorous travel reference].
First, huge thanks to our parents for their endless support and for only having [number] minor meltdowns during the planning process – a new record in wedding history! [Parents’ names], your guidance through this journey has been invaluable, even when you [funny planning moment]. And yes, Mom, you were right about [humorous wedding decision].
To our wedding party: you’ve been absolute champions. From surviving the [pre-wedding event] to helping us decide between [wedding choices], you’ve kept us sane and laughing. Special shoutout to [best man/maid of honor] for [funny moment during planning] – we promise to return the favor at your wedding.
Our vendors deserve medals for putting up with our [wedding planning quirk]. The fact that our [vendor type] didn’t run away when we suggested [unusual request] shows true professional dedication. And to [coordinator’s name], who managed to translate our Pinterest chaos into this beautiful reality – you’re a miracle worker.
To our guests who traveled from [locations]: thank you for braving [travel challenges] to be here. We promise the food will be worth the journey, and the open bar is our apology for making you take time off work.
Finally, to my new [partner’s title] – thank you for agreeing to this adventure and for only vetoing [number] of my crazy wedding ideas. I’m looking forward to a lifetime of [couple’s shared quirk] together.
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Wedding welcome speech templates
The warm traditional welcome
Dear friends and family, welcome to this joyous celebration. As [role in wedding party], I’m honored to be the first to greet you on this special day uniting [bride’s name] and [groom’s name]. Your presence here means more than words can express.
We have guests who have traveled from [locations] to share in this moment. To those who have come from afar, we’re touched by your dedication to being here. To our local friends and family, thank you for making time in your busy lives to celebrate with us.
Today we gather to witness not just a ceremony, but the joining of two remarkable families. [Bride’s family background] and [groom’s family background] come together to create something beautiful and new. We have [number] generations present today, from [youngest guest’s relationship] to [oldest guest’s relationship], showing the enduring power of love and family.
Special welcome to [important guests] who have made extraordinary efforts to be here. Your presence adds deeper meaning to this celebration. To those who couldn’t be with us today, you are in our hearts, and we know you’re here in spirit.
As we begin this celebration, I invite you to [instructions for ceremony/reception]. The [schedule details] will follow, but for now, please [immediate instructions for guests]. Remember, this is a day of joy, love, and [third quality appropriate to couple].
[Any special announcements or instructions specific to venue]. We look forward to sharing this magical day with all of you as we celebrate [bride and groom’s names] and their love story.
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The modern welcoming address
Hey everyone! Grab a seat, get comfortable, and silence those phones – unless you’re taking photos, in which case we definitely want to see them with the hashtag [wedding hashtag]! I’m [your name], and I’m thrilled to kick off this awesome celebration for [couple’s names].
We’ve got quite the crowd here today! Some fun facts about our guest list: [number] different countries represented, [number] states, and enough frequent flyer miles accumulated to [humorous comparison]. To everyone who crossed time zones to be here – jet lag looks good on you!
[Couple’s names] wanted me to share some quick housekeeping details to keep this party running smoothly. The bathrooms are [location], the bar is [location] (you’re welcome), and if you need anything, look for our amazing team wearing [description of wedding staff].
We’ve got some fantastic things planned for today, including [special elements of ceremony/reception]. For those wondering about the [unique wedding element], yes, that was entirely [bride/groom’s name]’s idea, and yes, we all tried to talk them out of it.
Special shoutout to our virtual guests joining via [streaming service] – we can see you and your sweatpants! And for everyone here in person, we’ve got [photo booth/guest book/other interactive element] waiting for your participation.
Before we dive into the ceremony, the couple wants you to know [important message from couple]. Now, let’s get this celebration started! The only rule today is [fun rule that matches couple’s personality].
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The elegant celebration opener
Distinguished guests, beloved family members, cherished friends – welcome to this enchanting evening celebrating the union of [bride and groom’s names]. We’re gathered in this beautiful [venue description] to witness the beginning of their next great adventure together.
As you’ve entered this space, you may have noticed [special decorative elements or meaningful details]. Each element has been carefully chosen to reflect [couple’s names]’s journey and the legacy of their families. From the [specific detail] representing [bride’s] heritage to the [another detail] honoring [groom’s] family traditions.
Today’s celebration brings together guests from [describe mix of guests] – a testament to how many lives [couple’s names] have touched. We have artists and entrepreneurs, teachers and dreamers, and most importantly, the people who have shaped our couple’s journey to this moment.
Throughout the evening, you’ll experience [description of special elements planned]. Each moment has been crafted to share a piece of [couple’s] story with you. From the [ceremony element] that honors their [shared value] to the [reception detail] that celebrates their [shared passion].
We invite you to fully immerse yourself in this celebration. [Instructions for any interactive elements]. The schedule for our evening together includes [brief timeline], but most importantly, it includes countless opportunities for joy, laughter, and making memories together.
As we prepare to begin the ceremony, please take a moment to [final instructions or meaningful action]. Let us come together in celebration of not just love, but of the beautiful community gathered here to witness it.
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Evolving Trends in Wedding Thank You Speeches
Gone are the days of stuffy, formal speeches that put everyone to sleep. In 2024, couples are shaking things up and making their thank yous as unique as their love stories.
Personalization is key. Couples are ditching the cookie-cutter templates and speaking from the heart. They’re sharing personal anecdotes, inside jokes, and heartfelt reflections that give guests a glimpse into their relationship. It’s not just about saying thanks – it’s about creating a connection.
I recently attended a wedding where the bride and groom took turns sharing funny stories about how they met and fell in love. Their genuine laughter and playful banter had the whole room in stitches. It felt less like a formal speech and more like we were all gathered around a cozy living room, sharing in their joy.
Collaborative speeches are on the rise. More and more couples are choosing to deliver their thanks together, tag-team style. It’s a beautiful way to showcase their unity and ensure both voices are heard equally. Plus, it takes some of the pressure off having to go it alone!
Crafting a Memorable Thank You Speech
So, how do you actually put together a speech that will have your guests reaching for the tissues (in a good way)? It all starts with thoughtful preparation.
Take time to reflect. Before you even put pen to paper, sit down with your partner and really think about your journey together. Who has been there for you through thick and thin? What moments stand out as particularly meaningful? This reflection will help you identify the key themes and people you want to highlight.
One couple I know created a “gratitude map” on a big piece of paper. They drew lines connecting important people, milestones, and memories. Not only did it help them organize their thoughts, but it also became a beautiful keepsake after the wedding.
Structure is your friend. Once you have your ideas, it’s time to give them shape. A good thank you speech typically follows this flow:
- A warm welcome and opening statement
- Thanks to parents and family
- Acknowledgment of friends and other important guests
- Gratitude to vendors and anyone who helped with the wedding
- A heartfelt message to your new spouse
- A toast to your future together
Of course, feel free to mix it up and make it your own! The key is to have a general roadmap so you don’t forget anyone important.
Practice makes perfect. Once you have a draft, read it out loud – to yourself, to your partner, to your dog, whoever will listen! This will help you catch any awkward phrasing and get comfortable with the flow. Time yourself to make sure you’re hitting that sweet spot of 5-7 minutes.
Learnings Recap
- Personalization and authenticity are key to creating memorable thank you speeches
- Incorporating technology can enhance the speech experience for both in-person and virtual guests
- Cultural considerations and innovative formats can make your speech more inclusive and engaging
- Extending gratitude beyond the wedding day can strengthen relationships with guests
- Professional support, like that offered by Bridesmaid For Hire, can alleviate stress and ensure a polished speech delivery
Remember, your thank you speech is more than just words – it’s a chance to create a moment of connection with the people who matter most. Embrace the opportunity to speak from your heart, and your gratitude will shine through.
Customize your wedding thank you speech here >>
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