Being asked to give a speech as the sister of the groom is both an honor and a mild panic attack rolled into one.
You want to nail it without sounding like you’re reading from a greeting card, and you definitely don’t want to be the person who makes everyone cry for the wrong reasons.
Here are ten speech templates that’ll help you find your voice while celebrating your brother and his new spouse. Each one has a different angle, so pick the one that feels most like you—then make it your own.
1. The Childhood Stories Approach
“Good evening, everyone. I’m [Your Name], [Groom’s Name]’s sister, and I’ve had the unique privilege of knowing him his entire life—which means I have stories. Don’t worry, [Groom’s Name], I promised [Mom/Dad] I’d keep this PG-rated.
Growing up with [Groom’s Name] was like having a built-in adventure buddy who occasionally drove me completely insane. I remember when he was [age], he [insert funny childhood story that shows his character]. Even then, you could see the [positive trait] that makes him such an incredible [husband/partner] today.
But somewhere between [childhood memory] and watching him meet [Bride’s Name], my annoying little brother became this amazing man who [specific example of growth/maturity]. The day he told me about [Bride’s Name], I knew something was different. He couldn’t stop [talking about her/smiling/being ridiculously happy], and honestly, it was both adorable and slightly nauseating.
[Bride’s Name], you’ve gotten the best version of my brother—the one who [specific positive trait or action]. You two complement each other perfectly. Where he’s [trait], you’re [complementary trait]. Where you’re [trait], he brings [complementary trait]. Together, you’re [description of their dynamic].
So here’s to [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name]. May your marriage be filled with as much laughter as our childhood was, but with significantly fewer [reference to childhood chaos]. May you always find reasons to [shared activity/value], and may you never stop [something you’ve observed about their relationship]. Cheers!”
This approach works beautifully when you have genuinely fond childhood memories and can tie them to who your brother has become. The key is choosing stories that reveal character rather than just embarrass him.
2. The Reluctant Speaker
“Hi everyone. I’m [Your Name], and I’m [Groom’s Name]’s sister. Full disclosure—public speaking terrifies me, but [Groom’s Name] asked me to say a few words, and apparently saying no to the groom on his wedding day isn’t an option.
The thing is, I’ve been trying to figure out what to say about my brother that you don’t already know. He’s [positive trait], he’s [positive trait], and he makes terrible [jokes/coffee/decisions about facial hair]. But what you might not know is [personal insight about the groom].
When [Groom’s Name] first started talking about [Bride’s Name], I was skeptical. Not because of you, [Bride’s Name]—you’re wonderful—but because my brother has a history of [lighthearted reference to past relationships or quirks]. But then I saw you two together at [specific event/moment], and everything clicked.
[Bride’s Name], you [specific thing she does for/with the groom]. You laugh at his [jokes/stories/weird habits], you [something specific you’ve observed], and somehow you make him [positive change you’ve noticed]. That’s not easy—trust me, I’ve been trying to [improve the same thing] for years.
I may not be great at speeches, but I’m great at recognizing when someone makes my brother happy. [Bride’s Name], you don’t just make him happy—you make him better. [Groom’s Name], you found someone who [specific observation about their relationship].
So even though I’m nervous and probably talking too fast, I want to say this: [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], may your marriage be everything you’ve dreamed of and nothing like my public speaking skills. Cheers to you both!”
Sometimes acknowledging your nerves makes everyone more comfortable and creates an instant connection with your audience. People appreciate honesty over perfection.
3. The Protective Sister
“Hello, everyone. I’m [Your Name], [Groom’s Name]’s [older/younger] sister and self-appointed protector since [year/age]. Fair warning to [Bride’s Name]—that job doesn’t end just because you’re married now.
Growing up, I took my role as [Groom’s Name]’s sister very seriously. Maybe too seriously. I [specific example of being protective]. I scared off [friends/romantic interests/door-to-door salespeople] who I thought weren’t good enough for him. I had high standards.
Then [Bride’s Name] came along, and for the first time, I didn’t feel like I needed to run interference. You [specific example of how she fits with the family/treats the groom]. You challenge him when he needs it, support him when he’s [struggling with something], and somehow you think his [annoying habit] is charming. Clearly, you’re either perfect for him or slightly insane—I’m going with perfect.
[Groom’s Name], I’ve watched you with [Bride’s Name], and I’ve never seen you more [confident/happy/yourself]. She brings out [specific positive trait], and you bring out her [positive trait you’ve observed]. You two have something special—the kind of partnership where you’re both better together than apart.
[Bride’s Name], welcome to the family officially. You’ve already proven you can handle [Groom’s Name] at his [most challenging moment/worst], so I know you can handle anything. And [Groom’s Name], take care of her the way she takes care of you.
Here’s to [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name]. May your marriage be strong enough to weather any storm and crazy enough to keep things interesting. You have my blessing, my love, and my promise to only embarrass you both on special occasions. Cheers!”
This template works well if you’ve always been close to your brother and have genuine observations about how his partner complements him. The protective angle adds warmth without being overbearing.
4. The Long-Distance Sister
“Good evening! I’m [Your Name], [Groom’s Name]’s sister. I live in [location], which means I’ve been following this love story mostly through [phone calls/texts/social media posts], and let me tell you—even from [distance] miles away, it was obvious something special was happening.
Being far from family means you really pay attention during the time you do have together. Last [time period] when I visited, I got to see [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] in their natural habitat. You two [specific observation from your visit]. It was like watching [comparison that shows their compatibility].
[Groom’s Name], I’ve missed a lot of your day-to-day life because of the distance, but I haven’t missed the big stuff. I didn’t miss how your voice changes when you talk about [Bride’s Name]. I didn’t miss how [Bride’s Name] [specific thing she does that you’ve noticed]. And I definitely didn’t miss how happy you both are.
[Bride’s Name], thank you for [something specific she’s done for the family/groom despite the distance]. Thank you for sending me [photos/updates/videos] so I could feel connected to [Groom’s Name]’s life. Thank you for making sure he [specific caring action]. You’ve made the distance feel smaller.
Distance has taught me that family isn’t just about proximity—it’s about love, support, and showing up for each other even when you can’t physically be there. [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], you’ve already mastered that. You’ve built something strong enough to survive [challenge they’ve faced], and that’s exactly what marriage requires.
So here’s to love that travels well, family that spans continents, and [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] finally being in the same place at the same time permanently. May your marriage be an adventure worth every mile. Cheers!”
Long-distance relationships with family members have their own unique perspective. You often see the big picture more clearly because you’re not caught up in day-to-day details.
5. The “We’re Nothing Alike” Sister
“Hi everyone, I’m [Your Name]. [Groom’s Name] is my brother, though if you met us separately, you’d probably never guess we’re related. We’re about as different as two people can be while sharing the same [parents/DNA/childhood trauma].
[Groom’s Name] is [trait], I’m [opposite trait]. He loves [his interest], I prefer [your different interest]. He [his approach to something], while I [your opposite approach]. For years, I thought this meant we didn’t really understand each other. Turns out, I was wrong.
The beautiful thing about having a brother who’s nothing like you is that you get to see the world from a completely different angle. [Groom’s Name] taught me [something you learned from him]. He showed me that [insight about different approaches to life]. And apparently, I taught him [something he learned from you]—though he’ll probably deny it.
[Bride’s Name], you and [Groom’s Name] have your own version of ‘different but perfect.’ You’re [her trait] while he’s [his different trait]. You approach [something] completely differently, but somehow it works. Actually, it more than works—it’s beautiful to watch.
What I’ve learned from watching you two is that the best partnerships aren’t about finding someone exactly like you. They’re about finding someone who [what you’ve observed about their dynamic]. You balance each other, challenge each other, and somehow make each other more yourselves.
[Groom’s Name], I may not understand your [hobby/interest/life choice], but I understand happiness when I see it. [Bride’s Name], thank you for [something specific she brings to his life]. You two prove that opposites don’t just attract—they can build something incredible together.
Here’s to [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], who show us that love isn’t about being the same—it’s about being better together. May your differences keep life interesting and your similarities keep you grounded. Cheers!”
Celebrating differences can be incredibly powerful, especially when you can show how those differences create strength rather than conflict.
6. The Emotional Sister
“Hello everyone, I’m [Your Name], and I’m [Groom’s Name]’s sister. I should probably warn you that I’m already crying, and I haven’t even started the emotional part of this speech yet. [Groom’s Name] is probably mortified—he’s never been comfortable with feelings, especially mine.
But here’s the thing about having a brother like [Groom’s Name]—he may not be great with emotions, but he’s always been there when it mattered. When I [difficult time/challenge], he [what he did to support you]. He didn’t say much, because that’s not who he is, but he showed up. He always shows up.
[Bride’s Name], I think that’s what I love most about watching you two together. You’ve figured out how to speak each other’s languages. You know that when [Groom’s Name] [specific action], it means [what it really means]. And [Groom’s Name], you’ve learned that when [Bride’s Name] [her way of expressing something], she [what she needs/means].
I’m getting emotional because I’m so grateful you found each other. [Groom’s Name], you deserve someone who [specific thing bride does for him]. [Bride’s Name], you deserve someone who [specific thing groom does for her]. You’ve both found exactly what you needed in each other.
Marriage isn’t just about the big romantic gestures—though those are nice too. It’s about [your observation about what makes relationships work]. It’s about [another insight]. You two already understand this, and that’s why I’m not worried about you. I’m just happy for you.
So yes, I’m crying, and yes, [Groom’s Name] is probably wishing I would stop, but I need to say this: [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], may your marriage be filled with [wish for their future]. May you always [another wish]. And may you forgive me for being the crying sister at your wedding. I love you both. Cheers!”
Don’t apologize for being emotional if that’s who you are. Genuine emotion connects with people, and weddings are inherently emotional events.
7. The Funny Sister
“Good evening! I’m [Your Name], [Groom’s Name]’s sister and the funnier sibling—though he’ll dispute that claim. [Groom’s Name] thinks he’s hilarious, which is adorable. He’s like a [comparison that’s gentle but funny].
Growing up with [Groom’s Name] was like having my own personal comedy show, except I was usually the unwilling audience. He [funny example of his humor/personality]. He thought this was peak entertainment. I thought this was grounds for getting him [adopted/returned to the store/traded for a sister].
But [Groom’s Name]’s sense of humor is actually one of his best qualities, even if it took me [number] years to appreciate it. He can [specific example of how his humor helps]. He finds the funny side of [type of situation], and he can make anyone laugh, even when they’re [situation where laughter helps].
[Bride’s Name], I knew you were perfect for my brother the first time I heard you [laugh at his jokes/make a joke that made him laugh/out-funny him]. You not only get his sense of humor, you improve it. You two together are [description of their comedic dynamic]. It’s like watching [funny comparison].
The best relationships have laughter at their foundation, and you two have built something solid. You can be silly together, you can laugh at yourselves, and most importantly, you can find joy even when [challenge/difficult situation]. That’s going to serve you well in marriage.
[Groom’s Name], I’m proud of the man you’ve become, even if you still think [reference to his questionable humor]. [Bride’s Name], thank you for laughing at his jokes so I don’t have to. You’re doing important work.
Here’s to [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name]. May your marriage be filled with inside jokes, shared laughter, and the kind of happiness that makes everyone around you smile. And may [Groom’s Name] finally learn when to stop telling [type of joke he tells too often]. Cheers!”
Humor can be tricky in wedding speeches, but when it comes from a place of love and you know your audience, it creates wonderful moments of connection and joy.
8. The Grateful Sister
“Hi everyone, I’m [Your Name]. [Groom’s Name] is my brother, and tonight I want to talk about gratitude—specifically, how grateful I am for the role he’s played in my life and how grateful I am that [Bride’s Name] chose our family.
[Groom’s Name] has been [role he’s played in your life] since [when]. When I [challenge/situation], he [what he did]. When I needed [type of support], he [how he provided it]. He’s been my [role—protector/cheerleader/voice of reason] even when I didn’t deserve it or want it.
But I’m not just grateful for what [Groom’s Name] has done for me—I’m grateful for who he is. He’s [positive trait] in a world that can be [opposite trait]. He’s [another positive trait] when it would be easier to be [opposite]. He chooses [positive action/attitude] even when [challenging circumstance].
[Bride’s Name], I’m grateful you see these qualities in him too. I’m grateful you [specific thing she does that shows she values him]. I’m grateful you chose not just [Groom’s Name], but all of us. You’ve brought [what she’s brought to the family] into our lives, and we’re better for it.
Marriage is really about gratitude, isn’t it? It’s about choosing to be grateful for someone every day, even when they [minor annoyance]. It’s about being grateful for shared [experiences/values/dreams] and grateful for the differences that keep things interesting.
[Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], you’ve already shown that you know how to be grateful for each other. I’ve watched you [specific example of gratitude/appreciation between them]. I’ve seen how you [another example]. That foundation of appreciation will carry you through everything.
So here’s to gratitude—for family, for love, for [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name] finding each other. May you never stop being thankful for what you’ve built together. Cheers!”
Gratitude-based speeches feel authentic and warm. They focus on appreciation rather than perfection, which resonates with everyone.
9. The Blended Family Sister
“Hello everyone, I’m [Your Name]. My relationship with [Groom’s Name] might be a little different from traditional sibling relationships because [explanation of your blended family situation—step-siblings, half-siblings, adopted, etc.]. But here’s what I’ve learned: family isn’t just about [biology/genetics]—it’s about choice.
[Groom’s Name] and I chose to be [siblings/family] when [situation that brought you together]. It wasn’t always easy. We had to figure out [challenge you overcame together]. We had to learn how to [aspect of building your relationship]. But we did it, and I’m so glad we did.
What’s beautiful about chosen family is that it’s intentional. Every day, you decide to show up for each other. [Groom’s Name] has shown up for me by [specific example]. I’ve tried to show up for him by [specific example]. We’ve built something real and lasting.
[Bride’s Name], you’re joining not just a family, but a family that understands the power of choice. We know that love isn’t automatic—it’s cultivated. We know that relationships take work, commitment, and the daily decision to care for each other.
Watching you and [Groom’s Name] together, I see the same intentionality that built our family. You choose each other every day. You choose to [specific example of their commitment]. You choose to [another example]. That’s exactly what marriage is—a daily choice to love and support each other.
[Groom’s Name], thank you for choosing to be my brother all those years ago. Thank you for showing me what family really means. [Bride’s Name], thank you for choosing him and for welcoming all of us who come with him.
Here’s to [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], who understand that the best relationships are built on choice, commitment, and the daily decision to love each other well. May you keep choosing each other for all the years to come. Cheers!”
Blended families have unique strengths and perspectives. Your speech can celebrate the intentional nature of your relationships while honoring the journey that brought you together.
10. The Simple and Heartfelt Sister
“Hi everyone, I’m [Your Name], [Groom’s Name]’s sister. I’ve been thinking about what to say tonight, and I keep coming back to something simple: I love my brother, and I love seeing him this happy.
[Groom’s Name] has always been [positive trait]. Even as kids, he was the one who [example of this trait in childhood]. As we got older, he became [how this trait evolved]. But I’ve never seen him as genuinely [happy/content/fulfilled] as he’s been since [Bride’s Name] came into his life.
[Bride’s Name], I don’t know if you realize what a gift you’ve given our whole family. You’ve brought out [specific positive change in groom]. You’ve added [what she’s brought to family gatherings/dynamics]. You’ve made [Groom’s Name] more himself, if that makes sense.
I love watching you two together because it’s so clear that you [observation about their relationship]. You [specific thing they do together]. You support each other through [type of challenges]. You celebrate each other’s [successes/quirks/dreams].
Marriage is a big step, but honestly, I’m not worried about you two. You’ve already proven that you can [specific example of how they handle challenges together]. You’ve shown that you [another example of their strength as a couple]. You have what it takes.
[Groom’s Name], I’m proud of you and so happy for you. [Bride’s Name], welcome to our family—officially. We’re lucky to have you.
So here’s to [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name]. May your marriage be everything you hope it will be and more than you can imagine. May you always find reasons to [shared activity/value], and may you never stop [something you’ve observed about their relationship]. I love you both. Cheers!”
Sometimes the most powerful speeches are the simplest ones. When you speak from the heart without trying to be clever or profound, your genuine love shines through.
How to Personalize Your Sister-of-the-Groom Speech
Choose the template that feels most authentic to your personality and relationship with your brother. If you’re naturally funny, don’t force yourself into the emotional template. If you’re genuinely moved by the occasion, don’t feel pressured to be the comedian.
Replace every bracketed section with your own specific details. Generic speeches sound generic.
The magic happens in the specifics—the actual story about your brother’s childhood, the real moment when you knew his partner was special, the genuine observation about their relationship.
Practice your speech out loud multiple times. What looks good on paper doesn’t always flow well when spoken. Read it to yourself, record it on your phone, or practice with a trusted friend. Pay attention to where you stumble or where the rhythm feels off.
Keep it between three and five minutes. That’s roughly 300-500 words when spoken at a normal pace. Any shorter and it feels rushed; any longer and you’ll lose your audience. Time yourself during practice to get a feel for the pacing.
Remember that perfection isn’t the goal—connection is. Your audience wants to feel something, not judge your public speaking skills. They’re rooting for you to succeed because they love your brother too.
A few nerves, a stumbled word, or even some tears just make you more relatable and real.