How do you start a groom speech?

Short answer

Start by thanking your guests for coming, then thank your partner's parents and your own. A simple, warm opening works best. You can add a light joke about being nervous, but keep it kind and brief. Then move straight into your thanks.

The best opening is simple and sincere. Begin with something like: "Thank you all so much for being here today. It means the world to us." That immediately includes everyone and sets a warm tone.

Next, thank your partner's parents, and your own parents, for their support and for raising the person you love. You can mention specific things, like a warm welcome or a piece of advice, but keep it genuine and not too long.

A short, self-deprecating joke about nerves can work well, for example: "I've been more nervous about this speech than about the wedding itself." But avoid jokes at anyone else's expense, especially your partner or your families.

After the thanks, you can move into a brief story about how you met or a quality you love in your partner. That leads naturally into the main body of your speech.

Avoid starting with a long apology or a rambling story. Guests want to settle in quickly. A clear, warm opening will relax you too, because you will know exactly what comes next.