A wedding thank you speech might sound like just another formality, but it’s actually one of the most heartwarming moments of your big day. You finally get to pause, breathe, and speak from the heart. After the planning, the chaos, and the dancing, this is your chance to show real gratitude. A solid thank you speech isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real. You could be the bride, the groom, or speaking as a couple—it’s your moment to make the people around you feel truly appreciated. Let’s make sure your wedding thank you speech hits home and stays memorable.
Why a Wedding Thank You Speech Really Counts
People traveled. People gifted. People supported your love story. A wedding thank you speech gives you the mic to shine a light on all of that. It shows you care. You’ve got parents, friends, bridal parties, maybe even grandparents or mentors who’ve helped along the way. Your words can mean a lot more than a signed thank-you card. Plus, it gives your wedding a personal touch that guests will remember long after the cake is gone.
Check out this heartfelt example of a father of the bride speech if you’re including a special parent mention.
How to Structure Your Wedding Thank You Speech
You don’t need to be a public speaker. You just need a little structure to stay on track. Here’s a super simple layout that works for just about anyone:
Start with gratitude to your guests.
Thank them for being there, traveling, or supporting your journey.Shout out family—especially parents.
This is a great time to recognize the love and sacrifices from both sides.Give some love to your wedding party.
These are your people who helped plan, calm nerves, and hype you up.Mention anyone who helped make the wedding happen.
Coordinators, vendors, or even that friend who handled the playlist—they count.End with a thank you to your partner.
Make it personal and meaningful. This is the heart of your speech.
Keep your tone natural and your message heartfelt. You’re not delivering a business presentation—this is your chance to speak from the heart and show how much every single person in that room means to you. Keep it short, but let it be sincere and warm.
If you’re part of the wedding party giving a toast, these wedding toast examples might help too.
Examples of Wedding Thank You Speeches
Sometimes it’s easier to just see what works. Here are a few examples to get your ideas flowing. Each one is written in a different tone so you can match your personality or vibe.
Classic and Sincere Wedding Thank You Speech
Good evening everyone,
We just want to say how grateful we are to have all of you here today. Seeing your faces, your smiles, and feeling your support means everything to us. To our families—thank you for your unconditional love and guidance. To our friends, thank you for standing by us and making life more fun. And to our incredible wedding party—your support through this journey has been amazing.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this day happen. And finally, thank you to my partner. Sharing this life with you is the greatest gift of all.
Need something a little more personal? This sister of the bride wedding speech shows how touching it can be to speak from the heart.
Short and Sweet Wedding Thank You Speech
Hey everyone,
Just a quick thank you from both of us! We feel so lucky to be surrounded by so much love. From our families and friends to our awesome wedding crew—you all helped us get here, and we couldn’t be more grateful. You’ve made today unforgettable. And to my other half—I’m so ready to do life with you.
Thank you all again. Let’s party!
Funny and Casual Wedding Thank You Speech
Alright folks, we’ll keep this short—no one came for a TED Talk.
Seriously though, thank you all for showing up, dressing up, and putting up with our dance moves tonight. To our families—thanks for raising us right (or trying to). To our friends—you’re basically our chosen family, and we love you. Special shoutout to the people who traveled hours or even days to be here. You rock.
And of course, thank you to my partner—marrying you was the best idea I’ve ever had, even better than adding bacon to pancakes.
Let’s get back to celebrating!
Looking for some humor to sprinkle in? These best man speech jokes could inspire a few laughs.
Tips for Writing Your Own Wedding Thank You Speech
If you’re feeling stuck, don’t stress. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Write it like you speak. Don’t try to sound fancy if that’s not your vibe.
Practice out loud. Helps you catch any awkward lines.
Don’t try to thank every single person by name. It gets too long. Focus on groups (like “my amazing coworkers”).
Be yourself. Sentimental, silly, or somewhere in between—it’s your moment.
Planning to mention family? Here’s a great example of a mother of the groom speech to inspire your message.
People You Shouldn’t Forget in Your Wedding Thank You Speech
Here’s a handy list so no one important gets left out:
Parents and step-parents
Siblings
Grandparents
Wedding party (best man, maid of honor, etc.)
Close friends who helped with planning
Vendors who went above and beyond
Anyone who traveled far to be there
And yep, always include your partner. It’s kind of the whole point.
Need ideas from someone who’s done it? Check out this father of the groom speech with real examples and tips.
Wedding Thank You Speech for the Bride and Groom Together
Want to tag-team the mic? Awesome idea. Couples often speak together, and it adds a really nice touch. One of you can thank the guests and families, the other can wrap it up with personal bits or humor. Just practice it once or twice to avoid stepping on each other’s lines.
Here’s a quick sample:
“We just want to say thank you to each and every one of you for making today so special. We couldn’t have done this without the love and support from all of you—from the planning chaos to the emotional moments—you’ve been there for us. A huge thank you to our families, our friends, our wedding party, and of course… each other.”
And if you’re a sibling playing a role, this sister of the groom speech shows how much heart you can bring to the table.
| Step | What to Say | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Thank Your Guests | Welcome them, thank them for coming and celebrating with you. | It kicks things off with warmth and appreciation. |
| 2. Mention Your Families | Show gratitude to parents and family who supported your journey. | They probably cried during the vows—give them a moment. |
| 3. Appreciate the Wedding Party | Acknowledge bridesmaids, groomsmen, and anyone who helped out. | They kept you sane—give them props! |
| 4. Shout Out Helpers | Thank vendors, planners, or that friend who DJ’d for free. | A little appreciation goes a long way. |
| 5. Speak to Your Partner | Wrap it up with a heartfelt message to your new spouse. | The real reason everyone's teary-eyed. Go ahead, be sweet. |
What to Avoid in a Wedding Thank You Speech
There are a few traps to avoid:
Don’t turn it into a stand-up comedy routine unless you’re sure it lands
Avoid inside jokes no one else gets
Don’t forget to breathe—literally
Skip the long stories. Save those for the afterparty
Keep it real, not robotic
The goal? A heartfelt moment that feels like you.
Wedding Thank You Speech Checklist
Before you step up to the mic, go through this quick list:
✅ Greet your guests
✅ Thank your families
✅ Mention the wedding party
✅ Acknowledge anyone who helped plan
✅ Include your partner
✅ Keep it 3–5 minutes
✅ Speak from the heart
Final Thoughts on Your Wedding Thank You Speech
A wedding thank you speech doesn’t need to be a big performance. Think of it as a toast with love. Your guests already care about you—they’re not judging your public speaking skills. They just want to hear what’s on your heart. With a little planning and a lot of honesty, you’ll give a speech that hits the sweet spot between touching and memorable.
So grab the mic, speak from the heart, and let your people feel the love. You’ve got this.
