Looking to write a funny wedding speech? As a professional speech writer, I work with maid of honors, best men, and parents of the couple to write speeches that will keep guests and the newlyweds laughing. I’ve also focused on writing funny wedding vows for couples.

And when it comes to writing a funny wedding speech, there’s more to consider than just the jokes.

Timing is everything.

Delivery is key.

And knowing what kind of humor to sprinkle throughout can make or break your time at the mic.

So if you’re ready to write a funny wedding speech, turn to these 9 tips.

Tip #1: It’s Not a Roast

While you want to be funny, remember that your wedding speech is not an opportunity to roast the bride or groom. Keep the crude humor and lewd jokes for the bachelor or bachelorette party. 

Not sure if a joke is appropriate for the wedding reception?

Use the “Grandma Test” by asking yourself: Would you feel comfortable reciting this joke in front of your grandma? If not, remove it! 

Tip #2: Rely on Funny Stories 

The best way to show humor through a wedding speech is to tell a funny story. This way you don’t have to worry about quick-witted one-liners or risk sounding cheesy.

Plus, truly impactful wedding speeches include great storytelling. So consider telling one to three short stories and focus on light-hearted ones. 

For example, maybe you took a vacation with the bride where everything managed to go wrong.

This is a story with a perfect setup for a funny wedding speech.

The content in the story will be funny simply because of the nature of what the story is about. But then you also have an opportunity to show a positive trait about the bride when you describe how she handled the unplanned situation. 

Remember, the key to telling funny stories within your speech means making guests laugh while also showing something positive about the bride or groom.

If your funny story doesn’t say something insightful, fun, or kind about the couple…you are likely veering closer to roast than toast.

Tip #3: Avoid Trite Jokes

Avoid cliche jokes that everyone has heard a million times. 

You know the ones:

• “Gosh, what an emotional day it’s been. Even the cake is in tiers.”

• "The couple has requested that I don't share any embarrassing stories... so that's it from me! Thanks for listening!"

• “Can the bride please put her left-hand flat on the table? Now, can the groom please place his hand on top of hers? Enjoy this moment because it’s the first and last time in your marriage that you’ll have the upper hand.”

Instead, insert jokes that are unique to the couple’s love story. And remember to avoid inside jokes since guests will be excluded from the punchline. 

Tip #4: Know Your Audience

Who will be attending the wedding? Cater to your audience when preparing more playful lines.

For example, let’s say the couple met at college and has a large college friend group in attendance. Try getting the crowd to shout the school’s chant or repeat their football mantra.

This may not have guests rolling over with laughter but it is a playful way to inject some fun and will make your speech more unique and memorable.

Tip #5: Balance Humor with Sentiment 

To deliver a funny wedding speech, you must ace comedic timing. To do this, balance the funny parts of your toast with more serious tones. 

If the entire speech is full of non-stop jokes, it will actually be harder to keep people laughing.

Instead, give guests a moment to take a break from laughing.

This will allow your jokes to land with greater impact.

Plus, you’ll create nice pacing.

Guests will perceive the overall speech as more enjoyable because it will hit on every emotional beat rather than trying too hard to focus only on funny.

Tip #6: Play to Your Strengths

Are you witty with a dry sense of humor or more playful and silly? Consider your personality and then write your wedding speech to mirror that tone.

This way, the words you recite will flow naturally and you’ll be more likely to pull off each punchline.

Tip #7: Test Drive Your Speech

Your favorite comedians practice their stand-up routines in front of small groups before headlining their act. It helps them determine which jokes land and which fall flat. 

You should do the same. Ask a trusted friend to listen to your speech. Then pay attention to where they genuinely laugh or smile, versus where there’s an awkward silence.

Afterward, edit your speech based on the live feedback you experienced.

Tip #8: Get Professional Help

Whether you’re a natural-born comedian or someone who struggles to land a joke, consider turning to a professional wedding speech writer.

They can help you to fully flush out any joke ideas while keeping in mind the beats of a great wedding speech.

For example, every wedding speech should include the following in addition to humor:

• Introduction

• Great storytelling

• A central theme

• Acknowledgment of both people

• A memorable last line

Tip #9: Practice the Delivery

When it comes to being funny in a wedding speech, so much of it comes down to delivery. 

Practice reciting your wedding speech out loud at least three to six times before the wedding day. 

Focus on the following areas:

• Pacing: Pay attention to how slowly or quickly you’re delivering each line. Some sections will require you to slow down whereas other parts will have a stronger impact when you talk a little faster. Know which parts of your speech you should adjust the pacing in order to maximize the humor.

• Tone: Some jokes require a dry delivery while others a cheeky smile. Play with your tone to see what helps a joke land best.

• Volume: Make sure you speak loud enough, even with a mic, so everyone can hear the funny lines you prepared.

• Body language: Consider all the basic body language queues to help you appear confident. Such as strong posture, and good eye contact. But when it comes to being funny at the mic, also consider facial expressions and hand gestures.

How to Write a Funny Wedding Speech for Your Sister or Brother 

When it comes to writing a funny wedding speech for a sibling, you have an entire shared history to reference. 

Here are 3 ways you can come up with funny content for your speech at your brother’s wedding or your sister’s wedding: 

Idea #1: Go Through Old Photographs

Flip through old pictures to conjure up hilarious memories. Halloween costumes, birthday parties, awkward stages. These can all provide inspiration for your funny wedding speech.

Idea #2: Talk to Your Parents

Your parents may recall memories that have slipped your mind. Spend time chatting with your parents about the memories that had them laughing the most when your sister or brother was a kid.

Idea #3: Think of the Arguments

The things that caused drama and disagreements back when you were kids or teenagers could be the exact same things that you two laugh about today.

Examples:

• Borrowing clothing

• Crashing parties or dates

• Stealing food

• Not sharing certain toys