Celebrating a Cherished Friend: Key Tips and Sample Speeches for Delivering a "Friend Speech"【Complete Guide】

2019.10.08 published

I was asked to give a speech as a friend＊

Have you been asked to give a speech at the wedding of a dear friend? Are you prepared for it?

Many people might think, “I want to give a wonderful speech to celebrate my dear friend, so I'll do my best!” But on the flip side, there are probably just as many who feel anxious about what to say and how to say it.

Therefore, this time, I will share some points to keep in mind when asked to give a friend speech at a wedding, along with example texts＊

@mochan_40

What should I talk about in my friend speech?

When asked to give a friend speech, the first thing that usually troubles you is “What should I talk about?”

If you are accustomed to giving speeches or have attended many weddings, you might have an idea, but if not, it can be quite challenging.

The content of a friend speech is basically anything goes! You can incorporate nostalgic episodes with friends or things you want to convey to the groom, who is now the husband◎

Additionally, you can choose to give a speech or "read a letter" for your friend speech.

Giving a speech means addressing both the newlyweds and the guests, which can be difficult to think about,

whereas reading a letter directed at the bride is easier as it is meant solely for her.

Generally, male friends of the groom tend to give speeches aimed at all guests, while female friends of the bride often prefer to read letters addressed to the best friend, so there's a noticeable trend.

How to structure a friend speech?

Next, let’s go over the structure of a friend speech.

Here’s a general flow to follow＊

① Congratulations: Words of congratulations to the newlyweds and their parents

② Self-introduction

③ Ask the newlyweds to sit down if they're standing

(※ If reading a letter, note this)

④ Episodes with the bride, etc.

⑤ Words to the couple

⑥ Conclusion

Basically, you can follow this structure.

@lva__wd

Now, let's present actual example texts＊

Example 1 of a bride's friend speech (Speech version)

First, let's look at an example of a speech.

Mr. ○○ (Groom), Ms. ○○ (Bride), congratulations on your marriage. I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to both families.

My name is ○○, and I have been introduced as a friend of the bride, Ms. ○○. I was asked by ○○ to give a speech as her friend, so it is with humble respect that I express my congratulations. Please have a seat, both of you.

I first met the bride, Ms. ○○, in middle school when we were in the same class. We happened to sit nearby and planned to join the same volleyball club, which helped us quickly become friends.

Since then, we have attended the same classes, participated in the same club, and commuted to school together. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that I spent most of my youth with Ms. ○○.

Although we attended the same middle school and high school, we went to different universities. When I heard about the groom, Mr. ○○, I felt happy yet a bit lonely for my friend, who had never shown interest in boys before.

However, as I heard more about him, I think you all know, he is a very kind and gracious person, and I was greatly relieved.

Seeing Ms. ○○ now as Mrs. ○○ fills me with true happiness.

I do have one request of the groom, Mr. ○○. The bride, ○○, has a bright and positive personality, but at times she tends to keep her feelings bottled up and doesn't share unpleasant things with anyone.

Therefore, I would like Mr. ○○ to regularly ask her, “Do you have any complaints? Is there anything you're worried about? Are you okay?”

And if something happens that she can’t handle, please feel free to contact me anytime. I would love to relieve stress together like we used to do in karaoke during our school days.

Ms. ○○ is a friend I cherish immensely; she is an irreplaceable friend. Please make her the happiest person in the world. Thank you.

Although it may be a simple greeting, this is my expression of congratulations. Thank you for listening.

Example 2 of a friend speech (Letter version)

Next, let's share an example of a speech for when you read a letter＊

Mr. ○○ (Groom), Ms. ○○ (Bride), congratulations on your marriage. I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to both families.

My name is ○○, and I have been introduced as a friend of the bride, Ms. ○○. Although I was asked to speak as her friend, I thought I might be too emotional to speak well on the day, so I brought a letter that I would like to read. Please allow me to call you ○○, just as I normally do, as I feel shy using honorifics.

To ○○,

Congratulations on your marriage. It’s hard to believe it has been ○ years since I first met ○○, and I often reminisce about how she was when we first met.

We first met in high school basketball club. As someone who started playing basketball in high school, I remember how ○○, who had been playing since middle school, taught me a lot, and that's how we became close.

After we became friends, we went to club activities together every day after school and hung out often on days when there were no activities. We went to karaoke together, had sleepovers at each other's houses, and I felt really comfortable being with ○○, as we spent a lot of time together.

I especially remember what happened in our senior year during the district tournament. At a time when everyone thought we couldn't win due to the gap in scores, ○○ rallied the team and said, “Let’s not give up, let’s do our best until the end!” I remember being moved by ○○'s leadership and strength, as we managed to narrow the point gap from more than ten to just two.

I believe that in her marriage, too, ○○ will take the lead.

When she first introduced me to her now-husband, Mr. ○○, I was genuinely happy to see such a calm and kind person. Seeing the blushing smile on ○○'s face was different from usual; I felt she would definitely marry him.

From now on, as you embark on a new life with Mr. ○○, you may find it hard to meet up casually as you will be living further away, but I will always be your best friend.

Let’s continue to travel together once a year to enjoy delicious food just like before. And may you build the happiest family in the world with Mr. ○○.

From ○○ on ○○ year ○○ month ○○ day

Points for delivering a friend speech＊

Next, let’s go over points to ensure your friend speech is successful＊

☑ Bow before and after you begin speaking

☑ Speak facing forward to make eye contact with the newlyweds

☑ Aim to talk clearly and cheerfully

☑ Keep it under five minutes

☑ Write your name on the envelope

☑ Practice reading your letter

☑ If you are reading a letter, take out the stationery from the envelope and hold it

☑ Hand over the letter after finishing reading

☑ Avoid using unlucky words

☑ Aim for about five minutes in length

➡ About unlucky words・How to check them

As long as you follow these points, your friend speech will be just fine! Just put your heartfelt congratulations into it, and there's nothing else to worry about◎

@373momowed

What should not be included in a friend speech?

Conversely, there are certain topics you should not include in a friend speech.

This includes stories about past romances, youthful indiscretions of the bride, or details of how the newlyweds met that are kept secret from family and friends (such as through dating apps, blind dates, or pick-ups).

If there’s anything you think might be uncomfortable for the couple when revealed at a wedding, it’s best to keep it to yourself.

Remember that good memories shared among friends are completely different from episodes you would want family or superiors to know.

Topics that are appropriate for a girls' night should be communicated separately with individual congratulatory words.◎

Let’s deliver a speech filled with congratulations for your dear friend♩

We have shared tips and example texts for giving a friend speech＊

Although you may feel nervous when first asked, if you speak from the heart about your dear friend, you will absolutely succeed◎

Keep a few key points in mind and offer your heartfelt congratulatory words to your important friend♡

➡ Be careful! What are the taboo topics you should avoid in a friend speech?

➡ If you are handing over a letter! Prepare cute stationery for the wedding＊

➡ Here is the list of articles related to attending weddings＊

@lva__wd