The Groom's Speech

As the groom you are expected to say a few words on the big day. Your speech should show you understand the importance and significance of the occasion while at the same time keeping all the guests entertained and amused.

Traditionally, the bride's father starts with the first speech and then the groom follows and the best man finishes up. The groom's speech is expected to be a bit more varied and adventurous than the father of the bride's speech. And the best man typically includes plenty of humor and friendly digs at you.

What to include.

Emotion: Your speech should convey emotion and you should feel free to display personal feelings. Let your guests see the joy your bride has brought into your life. However, it must be genuine. False heartiness and cheap sincerity will be obvious to an audience. You may want to include one or two stories that illustrate your heartfelt feelings.
Optimism: Keep the tone of your speech optimistic, such as the things you have to look forward to together.
Humor: Include a little humor. You don't need to be a comedian, but allow your sense of humor to shine through. You could include a humorous story about you and your wife or incorporate funny quotes or one-liners. Another way to add humor is making a pre-emptive strike at the best man, as you're going to be the butt of many of his jokes. Keep it friendly and avoid making cruel or unkind jokes.

10 Golden Rules.

Make it clear that you are also speaking on behalf of your bride (if she isn't making a speech).
Thank the bride's father (or whoever spoke first) for his kind remarks and good wishes.
Thank your parents for the help and support you have received over the years.
Tell everyone that you are the luckiest man in the world.
Thank everyone for attending and for their generous presents.
Take a pre-emptive strike at the best man.
Say a few complimentary words to the bridesmaids before proposing a toast to them.
Learn your opening and closing lines by heart but rehearse the rest of your speech not to be perfect, but to be comfortable. If you are comfortable, then so will the audience.
Try to wrap your speech up within 5 minutes. Leave your guests wanting more.
Relax and have fun!

Opening & Closing your Speech

The start of your speech needs to grab your audience's attention. Three possible ways of doing this are:

Using a quotation - The right quotation can illustrate your thoughts and set the tone for what is to follow.
Anniversary opening line - There's nothing like telling people what a special day it is today. You're telling them that 'Today's the Day!' Use your own words, but here's an example: "Ladies and Gentlemen, this is a significant day! This very day, the 1 st of June, will always be associated with three truly historic events. Screen legend Marilyn Monroe was born in 1926. The Beatles released the classic Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967. and on this day in 200X, you heard the finest damn wedding speech of your entire lifetime! Now. who's going to make it?"
Using a humorous gag - Starting with a funny joke will get the audience laughing and help you relax and feel more confident. Here's an example, 'Ladies and gentlemen, thank you - please keep applauding. I've got a very weak finish. or so ( wife ) tells me.'

For more advice and samples of groom speeches check out this site: WeddingSpeech4U.com