Top 10 Greatest Wedding Speeches in Movies

With so many weddings in one movie, you know one of them has to include a great speech. We have to shout out the unintentionally hilarious tribute from wedding number two’s best man. But our favorite speech in this classic rom-com goes to Charles, played by Hugh Grant at his most charmingly awkward. The famously self-deprecating actor pokes fun at the groom, his friends, and, of course, himself in this funny but sweet toast. He also draws a lot of laughs, and a few horrified looks, from the attendees. We can understand why this committed bachelor caught Andie MacDowell’s eye.

When someone tries to be funny while giving a toast, they often just end up sounding awkward, or getting way too personal. But in this scene, Jeremy Piven’s character actually manages that balancing act perfectly. He delivers plenty of jokes, but instead of going after the bride or embarrassing the couple, he makes fun of himself and his longtime friendship with the groom. Dean shows how well he knows Jonathan while also celebrating his relationship with Halley. He’s not afraid to be a little goofy, but he doesn’t get obnoxious. It’s the type of speech you’d hope for from a true best friend.

Maggie and Rose might be siblings, but they couldn’t be more different. Maggie can’t hold down a job and takes advantage of Rose’s generosity. After a major argument, the two stop speaking and go their separate ways. But thanks to their loving grandmother, they reconcile just before Rose’s wedding. During the ceremony, Maggie surprises Rose with a heartfelt reading of an E. E. Cummings poem. The moment is particularly significant, since Maggie once had trouble reading because of her dyslexia. It’s a beautiful ending to a poignant story about the love between sisters.

It’s an Adam Sandler comedy, so you know someone is going to make a fool of themselves at some point. Singer Robbie takes a break from his set so the groom’s brother David can make a toast. Unfortunately, David is pretty intoxicated, and he seizes the opportunity to air some grievances with his family. Robbie wisely steps in before David can do too much damage. The movie follows up this scene with another hilariously depressing rant from Robbie himself, who’s just been left at the altar by his fiancée. We can’t blame him for being heartbroken, but we’re glad real-life weddings don’t usually feature so much drama.

How about two toasts for the price of one? When maid of honor Annie meets the bride’s gorgeous new friend Helen, it’s the start of a fierce rivalry. At the engagement party, Annie gives a short but sincere tribute to her best friend, which Helen follows up with a slightly more impressive one. Not to be outdone, Annie reclaims the microphone, kicking off a battle of speeches. After Helen shares a beautiful saying in Thai, Annie breaks out the high school Spanish, which she totally mangles. The whole thing ends in an awkward singing duet that leaves the entire party scratching their heads.

By the time his wedding rolls around, Lance isn’t on great terms with his best man Harper. He just found out that his fiancée cheated on him with Harper years ago as revenge for Lance constantly screwing around. It even escalates to a fist fight right before the big day. Harper manages to convince Lance not to call off the ceremony, though the groom still isn’t happy with his friend. At the reception, Harper gives an earnest toast to the couple, reminding them that what happened in the past is less important than the love they have now. It earns back Lance’s respect, and helps Harper realize that it’s time to commit to his own girlfriend.

There’s a reason Samantha was so many people’s favorite character in the series. As a devoted friend, she decides not to share personal stories about Carrie at the rehearsal dinner. Instead, she gives an eloquent toast to Mr. Big. She acknowledges the group’s concerns about the on-again, off-again relationship, but ultimately ends with a touching remark about their love. And in true Samantha fashion, she takes zero crap from a rude heckler who keeps interrupting her. We’d all be lucky to have a friend like Samantha at our wedding parties, and in our lives.

This might be the most famous movie wedding speech ever, although most people probably wouldn’t want to hear it at their own wedding. As the crowd gathers for Prince Humperdinck’s marriage to Buttercup, a man credited only as the Impressive Clergyman enters, looking solemn. A hush falls over the group, and then Peter Cook delivers the most perfectly timed laugh line in the history of cinema. He follows this with a prolonged sermon on true love, oblivious to the commotion outside and the bride’s obvious distress. What else do we need to say? There’s a reason this movie is one of the all-time classics.

Decades ago, a young woman named Claire left a letter in an Italian courtyard, hoping fate would help her decide whether to run away with the young man she loved. Fifty years later, Sophie finds the letter and answers it, encouraging Claire to pursue her lost love. Miraculously, Claire and the man reunite and decide to spend their remaining years together. At their wedding, Claire reads Sophie’s reply, an inspiring message about taking chances and following your heart. The scene becomes even more romantic when you know that the man sitting next to Vanessa Redgrave is her real-life husband, Franco Nero.

Ian and Toula’s engagement doesn’t go totally smoothly. Toula’s parents aren’t happy that Ian isn’t Greek. Ian’s parents have a hard time fitting in with Toula’s huge, gregarious family. But at the wedding, Toula’s father addresses the guests and shows that he’s finally accepted his son-in-law. Although Mr. Portokalos gets some unintended laughs from the audience, his love for his daughter and the newest member of his family is clear. It’s the perfect wedding speech: funny, sincere, heartwarming, and best of all, short. Any dads who might someday want to speak at their own kid’s ceremony can take a lesson from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”

Which wedding speech brought a tear to your eye? Let us know in the comments.