Forget PowerPoint slides, cringey raps and cheesy video montages – 2025 is all about the art of great storytelling. According to Heidi Ellert-McDermott, founder of Speechy and author of The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches, the wedding speech is making a major comeback. “A great speech adds heart, humour and an unforgettable moment to the day,” she says. “Guests may forget the flowers or the meal, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.”
So how do you make your speech shine? Here’s how wedding speeches are evolving – and how to keep yours fresh, stylish and memorable.
The rise of joint speeches
Tradition is taking a back seat as more couples grab the mic together. Joint speeches are the ultimate power move, reflecting modern relationships built on equality, teamwork and a shared love of the spotlight.
And it makes sense. Couples are using their double act to dish out gratitude, crack inside jokes and lovingly tease each other so guests see their relationship in action. The result? A speech that’s as entertaining as it is heartfelt.
“Joint speeches are a real crowd-pleaser,” says Heidi. “They’re dynamic, authentic and let couples play to their strengths. While one delivers the sentimental thank yous, the other can swoop in with the punchlines. It’s all about balance – leaving guests both misty-eyed and doubled over.”
Albion Row
Shorter, snappier speeches
In the TikTok era, attention spans are limited and the pace is punchy. With wedding speeches following suit, Heidi advises ditching long-winded monologues. “Couples and their speech-givers are realising that a well-crafted, concise speech can have just as much impact – if not more – than a rambling one,” she says.
She encourages newlyweds to avoid turning their speeches into a long thank you list. “Think of it as the speech equivalent of a highlight reel. Be grateful and thank the important people, but don’t namecheck every individual there,” says Heidi. “Focus on good stories, sprinkle with humour and remember that crucial heartfelt tribute to your partner. I’ve seen first drafts of groom speeches where their tribute to their new spouse was just two lines! That’s not good enough!”
The line-up shake-up
The traditional wedding speech line-up is getting a remix. With modern families being more beautifully blended than ever, speeches are evolving to reflect this. It’s no longer just the father of the bride, best man and groom taking centre stage – stepparents, siblings and even the couple’s own children are stepping up to the mic. And why not? One in four nearlyweds already have children, so it makes sense to give them a starring role.
“I’ve seen everything from a stepdad delivering the speech with a heartfelt nod to the biological father, to a couple’s seven-year-old son kicking things off with a joke before handing the mic over like a pro,” says Heidi. Others are embracing surprise speeches, where an unexpected guest – perhaps a much-loved grandparent – gets the floor for a tear-jerking moment.
Then there’s the Scandinavian-inspired approach, where instead of a rigid speech schedule, guests are invited to stand up and give short toasts to the couple throughout the meal. “It turns the whole dinner into an evolving love letter to the newlyweds,” says Heidi. “And let’s be honest, it’s also an excellent excuse to keep the wine flowing.”
Alan Law Photography
AI-Enhanced Speeches
The thought of grooms using AI to write their wedding speech might send some brides into a mild panic. But ask yourself: is your groom likely to write the witty, original and sentimental speech of your dreams, or if left to his own devices, might he copy-paste something wildly generic from the internet? A few dodgy dad jokes, a Winnie the Pooh quote about love and a closing line stolen from a rom-com?
“Maybe AI isn’t the enemy here,” says Heidi. “In fact, a good tool doesn’t replace personality – it enhances it. The right AI can help speech-givers craft something bespoke, creative and genuinely them, rather than relying on tired, overused clichés.”
But not all AI is created equal. There are a few tools on the market, but before you trust your big moment to an algorithm, ask yourself: was this built by a tech bro who’s never given a speech in his life or by actual speechwriting pros who know their stuff?
“Initially, we were sceptical about AI, but now we can’t deny its skill,” admits Heidi. “Tools like SpeechyAI are the equivalent of having a brainstorming buddy and writing your speech with a trusted (and witty) friend.”
Spreading speeches throughout the day
Another modern shift is moving away from the traditional speech block where all speeches happen back-to-back. Instead, couples are spreading speeches throughout the day.
“This approach helps keep energy levels high and prevents guests from tuning out after a long stretch of talking,” says Heidi. “Plus, it allows speakers to relax and enjoy more of the day rather than anxiously waiting for their turn.
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Grace Elizabeth Photography
Brides are owning the mic
In one of the best wedding trends to emerge in recent years, nearly 30% of brides now give speeches.
“Brides, don’t fall into the trap of just delivering a long list of thank yous,” warns Heidi. “Yes, gratitude is lovely, but your speech should be more than a verbal acknowledgments page. This is your moment to share a bit of you. Tell stories that will make people smile and reflect on the journey that got you here.”
And if both you and your groom are giving speeches? Speak in advance! You don’t need to swap full scripts (keep some element of surprise) but at least ensure you’re not repeating the same anecdotes or doubling up on thank yous.
“I’d encourage any bride to at least consider giving a speech,” adds Heidi. “It may just become one of your wedding day highlights.”
Find out more about Heidi’s bespoke speechwriting service, a range of speech templates and SpeechyAI at speechy.com
Main image Katie Goff Photography
