Wedding witness speech: Examples and advice


To witness marriage is an honor, but also a great responsibility. In addition to assisting the bride and groom with preparations, it is common for the witness to speak on the big day to deliver a wedding speech Moving, funny or original. This moment, often eagerly anticipated by the guests, can become one of the most memorable moments of the ceremony or reception.
But how to write a wedding witness speech that is both sincere, personal and well-constructed? Between the desire to make people laugh, to move them and not to fall into cliché, the task may seem intimidating. Don't panic: with a little method and inspiration, you can create a speech for the newlyweds that everyone will remember.
In this article, we guide you step by step to achieve your wedding witness speech, avoid common mistakes and discover several examples of speeches (short, emotional, humorous...) according to your style and your relationship with the newlyweds.
How to succeed in your witness speech ?
A good wedding witness speech does not rely on eloquence, but on authenticity. Whether you are the groom's witness Whether you are the groom or the bride, the most important thing is to speak from the heart. Here are the elements to respect in order to capture attention and touch your audience.
1. Find the right tone
Before you start writing, ask yourself a simple question: what tone do you want to adopt? A humorous wedding witness speech can lighten the atmosphere, while a more solemn and moving speech can make a lasting impression. The ideal? A clever balance between laughter and emotions.
2. Structuring one's speech
A speech for a wedding must remain clear and fluid. Here is a simple and effective structure:
- Introduction : Introduce yourself briefly and express your joy of being a witness.
- Shared memories : Tell one or two notable or touching anecdotes.
- Praise of the newlyweds : talk about their qualities, their love, what they represent together.
- Conclusion : express sincere wishes for the couple's future.
3. Stay concise and rhythmic
The ideal duration of a witness speech for a wedding is located between 3 and 5 minutes. This is enough to convey a strong message without losing the audience's attention. Read aloud to adjust the pace and make sure the text resembles you.
4. Practice speaking
Even if your speech is carefully written, it is essential to practice it orally. Repeat it several times in front of a mirror or a loved one. This will help you gain confidence, manage your emotions better, and maintain good eye contact with the guests.
What absolutely must be avoided
Even with the best intentions in the world, a wedding witness speech It can quickly become awkward if there is a lack of tact or preparation. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid in order not to turn this moment into collective discomfort.
❌ 1. Telling inappropriate anecdotes
Even if you share juicy memories with the groom or the bride, keep in mind that parents, grandparents, colleagues and sometimes even children are present. Forget about stories of past conquests or overly drunken nights. A speech for a wedding must remain respectful, even if it's funny.
❌ 2. Making a speech too long
A wedding witness speech should never exceed 5 to 6 minutes. Beyond that, the audience's attention wanes. Prioritize conciseness and impact over quantity. A short witness speech, well-paced, will have much more impact than an endless monologue.
❌ 3. Improvise without preparation
Even if you are comfortable speaking, never leave without a minimum of preparation. Reading a few lines, having a clear outline, or rehearsing in advance is essential to avoid blanks or hesitations.
❌ 4. Putting oneself too much forward
The role of the witness is to put the married to the honor. Don't talk too much about yourself, but focus on them, on their story, and on what you admire in their couple. witness speech for a wedding Successful, it is above all a sincere and benevolent tribute.
Examples of witness speeches
You are looking for a example of wedding witness speech that is up to the event? Here are three inspiring models depending on the tone you want to adopt: Moving, , funny, or original. Feel free to adapt them to your story and your relationship with the newlyweds.
Example 1 - Moving wedding witness speech (ideal for a brother, sister or childhood friend)
Dear newlyweds, dear guests,
Today, I am filled with emotion standing here beside two people I deeply love.
[Name of the bride/groom], I’ve seen you grow, evolve, go through highs and lows... and here you are today, radiant and ready to build a life together.
[Name of the other spouse], you entered their life as a certainty. Your bond is undeniable, your love is genuine. You look at each other as if the world could stop around you.
I wish you a life full of shared projects, laughter, tenderness, and unity. May this wedding ring symbolize a faithful and profound love.
Thank you for allowing me to experience this moment by your side. I love you very much.
Example 2 - Humorous wedding witness speech (perfect for a best man or maid of honor)
Good evening everyone,
My name is [First name] and I have the immense privilege – or the heavy responsibility – of being the witness of [Name of the bride/groom].
Sure, I could tell you about their great qualities: generosity, kindness, an amazing listener... but where’s the fun in that?
Instead, let me tell you about that unforgettable night when they met the love of their life. Spoiler alert: there was wine, a barking dog, and a failed attempt to flirt by talking about the weather.
And yet, somehow, it worked. That’s the magic of love.
My wish for you is to keep that sense of fun, to laugh every single day – even when the dishes pile up or Netflix crashes.
To your love, and above all, to your patience.
Example 3 - Original and creative wedding witness speech (in the form of a poem)
Today you say yes to each other,
For a life full of desires,
Of travels, of shared dreams,
And projects to carry out.
I saw you hand in hand,
Cross storms and tomorrows.
Nothing was too big for you two,
Together, you became happier.
So before everyone, I celebrate you,
Two souls discovering and elevating each other.
May this marriage be your masterpiece.
The setting of a love that never fades.
These examples of wedding witnesses' speeches can serve as a starting point. The most important thing is to stay true to yourself, and to speak with sincerity. Whether you choose to short wedding witness speech, poetic or full of humor, this moment will remain etched in hearts... especially in those of the newlyweds.
Bonus: For a truly unforgettable speech
You want to make your wedding witness speech An exceptional moment, which the newlyweds will remember all their life? Here are some ideas to add a symbolic or personal touch to your words.
Offer a symbolic gift during the speech
At the end of your speech for the newlyweds, offer a small gift that will echo your words:
- A jewel engraved with the wedding date or a memorable quote
- A bracelet or a pendant customized in memory of D-Day
- A stone symbolic or lucky charm (e.g. diamond, sapphire, birthstone)
Tip: if you are the best man or maid of honor, this could also be an opportunity to give a gift. a ring, a bracelet or a symbolic necklace, to discover in the Celinni collections.


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Attach a handwritten letter
You can also give the newlyweds a handwritten letter or note containing your speech or more personal thoughts. This will allow them to keep a tangible memory of your words, to reread in a few years.
Incorporate a surprise or a wink
Why not project a photo, involve other witnesses, or even sing a personalized song? These original gestures create unforgettable memories.
FAQ - Everything you need to know about the wedding witness speech
- What is the ideal length of a wedding witness speech ?
A good wedding witness speech lasts between 3 and 5 minutes. It's enough to share memories, convey an emotion, and keep the guests' attention without being too long. - How to start a best man's speech for a wedding ?
Start by introduce you quickly, then express your Emotion or your pride to be a witness. A striking anecdote or a quote about love is also an excellent hook. - Can we make a funny wedding witness speech ?
Yes, one humorous wedding witness speech is perfectly suitable, provided you remain respectful. Avoid overly private or embarrassing jokes, and prefer a light and benevolent tone. - Should we read our speech or memorize it by heart ?
It is recommended to have a written version on hand, even if you have rehearsed. The ideal is to express oneself naturally while discreetly glancing at his notes in case of need. - What to say in a wedding witness speech ?
Talk about your relationship with the newlyweds, share one or two touching or funny anecdotes, highlight their qualities, then conclude with some sincere wishes for happiness for their future.