How to Write Sister of the Groom Speech: Samples & Tips

It can be daunting to think about giving a speech at your brother’s wedding, but don’t worry it’s not as difficult as you might think. In this post, we will provide tips on how to make your speech memorable and help you to connect with your audience.

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Sister of the Groom Speech Tips

Here are Heidi Ellert-McDermott’s best tips for writing and delivering your sister-of-the-groom speech.

Crowdsource ideas. If you are the only sibling giving a speech, get ideas, and anecdotes from your other siblings. “Arrange a family get together or just email them with a few questions with a tight deadline for contribution,” she says.
Write early and practice. Ellert-McDermott suggests writing your speech at least one month before the wedding to allow time to edit it and rehearse. If you feel stuck just write whatever comes to your mind. It doesn’t have to be perfect the first time around, and once it’s on paper, you can edit it. She also says to rehearse multiple times, so you’ll feel confident on the big day.
Edit your material. “A lot of people make the mistake of trying to include everything in their speech, and considering you have a lifetime of material to get through, this isn’t a great plan,” she says. “Speeches are better when they are punchy.”
Keep anecdotes and jokes to 30 seconds. “If a story takes longer to explain, maybe it’s better reserved for the bar later,” says Ellert-McDermott.
Keep it light. “Another mistake a lot of sisters make is getting overly sappy and emotional,” she continues. “Aim for 75% comedy, 25% heartfelt sentiment.”
Carefully consider jokes. “Telling a bad joke is worse than no joke,” notes Ellert-McDermott who advises staying away from politics, contentious issues, religion, cultural differences, exes, and anything that would require your brother to apologize to his new spouse. “It’s not worth the risk, some punchlines ain’t worth the punch.”
Use only original content. “Do not make the mistake of including any googled gags in your speech,” she says. “Nothing cliched, wedding-y, or generic. Just no.”
Focus on a theme. “The trick to crafting a great speech, one people will be complimenting till 1 am, is to find a theme that connects all the random insights and anecdotes into one narrative,” she says. “You want to think of your speech like a good, old-fashioned story with a beginning, middle, and almighty climax.”
Add quotes. “If you’ve written your speech but still feel it’s lacking something, look at using a couple of quotes in your speech. Wittier, wiser people may have already articulated what you’re trying to say and, as long as you credit them, it’s not plagiarism,” she explains. “Think of the writers, bands, films, that mean something to you and your brother. Yoda does a fine line in wise words, for example.”
Save the sappy stuff for later. “At Speechy, we believe that it’s always good to start a speech with some humor,” she adds. “The emotional, sentimental content should be in the final third of the speech.”

Sister of the Groom Speech Examples

Sample lines from Ellert-McDermott were shared (which were more fun! ) to use in your own speech.

Opening Lines / Introduce Yourself

While most of the wedding guests will already know who you are, you can open your speech by greeting everyone and introducing yourself as the groom’s sister.

Sample 1:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, what a pleasure it is to see you all here today. For those I’ve yet to meet, I’m [Name], and I’m giving the lesser-known sister of the groom speech. It’s kind of like the father of the bride speech—a tribute to their personality and character—but just significantly more abusive.”

Sample 2:

Good evening, everyone! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Name], [Groom]’s younger sister. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of growing alongside him, and I’m thrilled to be here with all of you today. Thank you all so much for coming.

Talking About Your Parents

Sample 1:

“A special thanks to our fantastic parents who have done an amazing job hosting such a special occasion tonight. All the effort, all the hard work; anyone would think [Name] was actually their favorite child! On a serious note, [Name] and I wouldn’t be who we are today if it wasn’t for you two. No heckling from either of our partners please—they did their best with us!”

Sample 2:

And, of course, before diving into my speech, I’d be remiss not to thank our parents for the exceptional, unconditional love they have shown both of us throughout our childhood years. We would not be who we are today without you two.

Talk About the Groom

When talking about the groom, make sure to share stories that “truly have meaning to both brother and sister,” advises wedding planner Lynne Goldberg of Ms. Wedding Planner in South Florida, New York and Las Vegas. She continues, “Pick a few that illustrate the kind of brother and man the groom has become.”

Talking About Your Brother’s Partner

It’s important to make your new sister-in-law or brother-in-law feel welcome. According to Peterson, you should ask yourself: What do you admire about them? Why are you grateful that they’re joining your family?

“Yes, [Name], you look absolutely stunning today and it’s a privilege to have you as my sibling-in-law. I’m so excited that not only have you officially joined the [Name] family but that you’ve also taken on responsibility for my brother. Yes, those calls at 2 am when he’s forgotten where he lives are now your problem. Really (Name), you should have read the small print.”

Finish With a Toast

You should always end the sister of the groom speech with happy thoughts and well wishes for the couples’ future together.

“So, my final piece of utterly unqualified advice to you both is simple: Enjoy your life together. (Brother’s name), you’re so lucky to have found your soulmate, and (Partner’s name), you’re lucky to have found someone who will make you laugh every day. Usually unintentionally. And often in the bedroom. Ladies and gentlemen, a toast to my brother and my favorite new brother/sister. Cheers!”

Short Sister Of The Groom Speeches

1. “Your happiness is so important to me, and I know you will always have it with your amazing wife. The two of you have so much in common, and you both have big hearts. I know you’ll be happy together, and I really wish you that from the bottom of my heart.”

2. “This toast goes to the beautiful bride, my beautiful sister-in-law, and the handsome groom, my sweet, kindhearted, loving brother. Here’s to you both (raise your glass), two beautiful souls who have their heads but who have lost their hearts.”

3. “Please raise your glasses and join me in toasting my wonderful brother and his new wife! May you always be the winners in life. I love both of you very much.”

4. “Good evening. I’m so happy to be here tonight. First, I want to wish my brother and his new wife a wonderful life together. The two of you are great together, and today, your wedding was just magical.”

5. “Good evening, everyone; from the moment [Groom] met [Bride], I knew that this was going to be something special. The way you two talk to each other, you’re so alike sometimes that, honestly, it kind of scares me. But to quote Mark Twain, ‘To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.’ May your love be timeless.”

6. “On this day, all I would wish for the two of you is the greatest happiness for the rest of your lives. It might come with a mix of good and bad times, but they are only there to test your love for one another. So be true to each other and never stop believing in yourself and one another.”

7. “In all seriousness, my dear Brother and his lovely Bride, I am so happy for the two of you. Watching the two of you prepare for your wedding, I realized just how much you adore each other.”

8. “Ladies and gentlemen, kindly join me in celebrating my brother and his beautiful wife as they start their lives together as a married couple. May you always hold the delight you share today in your souls and never let it go!”

9. “And I will admit, it was hard to let go of my brother a little. We have always been inseparable. But I am so happy that he found someone who cares about him so much. I know that [bride] will keep him happy. And he will keep her happy as well.”

10. “Congratulations to the newlyweds! You two couldn’t be more perfect for one another, and I am confident you will build an amazing life together.”

11. “Dear brother, congratulations on marrying the love of your life. I’m so proud of you and the way you have grown up to be a wonderful man, and I have no doubt whatsoever that you will be a wonderful husband too!”

12. “Please join me in celebrating the happy couple as they start their lives together as husband and wife. May you forever hold the joy you share today in your hearts and never let it go!”

13. “It’s a great happiness to find someone who loves you as much as the bride loves my brother and vice versa. Today, I want to thank both of you for being part of my life and celebrate the love you both share.”

Funny Wedding Speeches For Brother From Sister

1. “All of us have gathered together in this room. We’ve got something really important in common – none of us have got a clue what I’m going to say next!”

2. “Yes, [bride], you look absolutely stunning today, and it’s a privilege to have you as my sister-in-law. I’m so excited that not only have you officially joined the [your surname] family but that you’ve also taken on responsibility for my brother. Yes, those calls at 2 am when he’s forgotten where he lives are now your problem. Really [bride], you should have read the small print.”

3. “Ladies and gentlemen, today we witnessed a unique event in history – it’s the first and presumably last time anyone has trusted me to give a speech!”

4. “I do have to say, though, brother, just how lucky you are. You will leave here today with a wife who is warm, loving, and caring. And my dear sister-in-law, how lucky you are as well. You leave here today having gained a lovely outfit and a wonderful bouquet of flowers.”

5. “I just want to say, in front of our families and dearest friends, that I love you both and hope that every day will be happy and blessed for you guys just like today’s is – just not as expensive.”

6. “Dear brother, I love you so much, and I really hope you’ll still feel the same about me after you hear my speech.”

7. “I remember how mom and dad have always had an uncanny ability to find out what’s going on in our lives. When John found me smoking in the rear garden when I was 16, mom and dad were the first to learn of it. When he spotted me lighting fireworks from the window of my room, mom and dad were the first to know. When John saw me taking… Oh! Wait a second! My brother’s a snitch!”

8. “First of all, I want to thank you all for being here with us today. As most of you know, I am [groom’s] sister. As we grew up, we were as close as can be. We were always in trouble, and I remember wondering if there would be a woman brave enough for someone as wild as my brother. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I present you this strong woman over here, my wonderful sister-in-law!”

9. “The groom and I share the same sense of humor, so if you don’t like my jokes, you can blame my brother!”

10. “All those among you who know the bride will know that she’s a wonderful and caring person. She really deserves a good husband. Thank God she married my brother before she found one.”

11. “My brother has requested that I don’t share any embarrassing stories… so that’s it from me! Thanks for listening!”

12. “A recent analysis has revealed that 68% of individuals in the US are addicted to puzzles, which suggests that two-thirds of you must be trying to understand what on earth (bride) sees in my brother.”

13. “We’ve now reached the point in the proceedings when we all get to see my brother, the groom, shift uncomfortably in his seat and grip the tablecloth. That’s right. I’ve been asked to give him the drinks bill.”

14. “Loyal. Kind. Honest. Generous… That’s enough about me – I’m here to talk about my brother and his lovely bride!”

Wedding Speeches From Sister To Younger Brother

1. “Many of you only know my brother as the cool, dashing, athletic, somewhat successful professional [fill in the type of career]. However, he wasn’t always that way. I know. It’s difficult to imagine, but he was once just a little guy, my baby brother. And even though we’re adults, I’ll always think of him as my little brother. Today is his special day, and I wish him nothing but happiness and love.”

2. “As you all know, this handsome man over here is my little brother. He is one of the kindest, most generous people I know. And now, he is no longer a little boy but a man who has met his equal, another person in this world who is as deserving of him as he is of her. Together, they make a wonderful pair, and I know that they will make each other so happy in their new life together.”

3. “Bride, when you entered my little brother’s life, it was like you turned on a light switch. He always had a lot of energy and zest for life, but you’ve amplified all that and so much more. You complement him, the way he seems to complement you. I wish you both happiness and nothing but true love.”

4. “I spent our childhood looking out for you, Brother, and I’ll always be your big sister and always look out for you.”

5. “I know I am not alone when I say that it is a joy to see the bride and my lil’ bro fall in love with each other day after day. The beauty of their love is something that words cannot fully describe. Let’s toast our newlyweds, and bro, just so you know, I couldn’t be happier for you than I am right now.”

6. “Had you been by his side at the time he did that, I know you would have been right there with him, helping him. And, knowing that, I can breathe a sigh of relief as Brother’s big sister because I know you will look out for him the same way I always have. I also know that he will always look out for you the same way he has always looked out for me.”

Speech For An Older Brother’s Wedding From Sister

1. “Please join me in raising a toast to the beautiful bride and my lovely big bro. To a life filled with happiness and love. May you build on the love and relationship you sealed today with your wedding vows and always have each other’s best interest as your number one priority in your marriage, with your combined unconditional love guiding you.”

2. “As you may know, I am the groom’s younger sister. As we were growing up, I always wanted to be like him. Do the things he did, have the things he had – I was probably a bit annoying – and I always wanted to tag along. He taught me how to care, share, and try to reach for the stars. And as I grew up, I wanted to be just as beautiful, caring, smart, and successful as he is. I’m so happy for him because he found his happiness. He found the love of his life. I also wanted to thank you all for coming. This wedding party wouldn’t be the same without each one of you. Let’s raise our glasses to the happy couple!”

3. “My big bro has just tied the knot. And I do believe that [bride] is his perfect match. And today, I realize that all he needs is a woman who will love him just the way he is, with all of his craziness. Their commitment to each other inspires all of us because that’s what we call true love. So, let’s raise our glasses to this amazing couple!”

4. “I toast my big bro to honor his wedding day, but more importantly, in memory of the years we have spent together. My heart is filled with unspeakable pride. The memories of all we shared will be with me always. I love you, brother; you will be part of my life forever.”

5. “Enjoy your life together. (Brother), you’re so lucky to have found your soulmate, and (bride), you’re lucky to have found someone who will make you laugh every day. Usually unintentionally. And often in the bedroom. Ladies and gentlemen, a toast to my brother and my favorite new sister. Cheers!”

6. “My big bro has always set an example for me to follow. Over the years, he has shown me how to love and care. Today he shows me how to find a best friend, a partner, and true love, all in one person. I hope that I am just as lucky someday.”

Quotes About The Bond Between A Brother And A Sister

“To the outside world, we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other’s hearts. We’ve shared private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time.” – Clara Ortega
“There’s no other love like the love for a brother. There’s no other love like the love from a brother.” – Unknown
“Do you know what friendship is… it is to be brother and sister; two souls which touch without mingling, two fingers on one hand.” – Victor Hugo
“You and I are brother and sister forever. Always remember that if you fall, I will pick you up. As soon as I finish laughing.” – Unknown
“Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet.” – Vietnamese proverb
“We shared parents, a home, pets, celebrations, catastrophes, secrets. And the threads of our experience became so interwoven that we are linked. I can never be utterly lonely knowing you share the planet.” – Pam Brown
“As brother and sister, our paths shall change, but the special bond between us will last forever.” – Unknown
“A brother is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit.” – Unknown
“Sisters and brothers are the truest, purest forms of love, family and friendship, knowing when to hold you and when to challenge you, but always being a part of you.” – Carol Ann Albright Eastman
“After mom and dad, a girl feels safe and complete being with her brother.” – Unknown
“The greatest gift our parents ever gave us was each other.” – Unknown
“Our brothers and sisters are there with us from the dawn of our personal stories to the inevitable dusk.” – Susan Scarf Merrell
“Brothers are just born to bother sisters.” – Unknown
“There is a little boy inside the man who is my brother. Oh, how I hated that little boy. And how I love him too.” – Anna Quindlen
“He is my most beloved friend and my bitterest rival, my confidante and my betrayer, my sustainer and my dependent, and scariest of all, my equal.” – Gregg Levoy
“Always and no matter what, brothers and sisters are there for each other in times of troubles.” – Catherine Pulsifer
“Brother and sister, together as friends, ready to face whatever life sends. Joy and laughter or tears and strife, holding hands tightly as we dance through life.” – Unknown
“I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother, and I found all three.” – Baba Amte
“Once a brother, always a brother, no matter the distance, no matter the difference and no matter the issue.” – Byron Pulsifer
“Brothers and sisters get angry with each other, they at times say mean things, but in the long run, they watch out for each other, even though they would never admit it.” – Kate Summers

In Fine

You can use these examples of a wedding speech for brother from sister, you can browse online for speech samples, or you can use the templates to inspire your own sister wedding speech.

Just remember to speak from your heart.

Your bro’s wedding day can be even more special with an amazing wedding toast. Having a speech at your loved one’s wedding is both privilege and honor.

Finally, I wish your brother and his bride a lifetime of happiness. If you haven’t found your soulmate yet, I hope you’ll do so soon and feel that immense happiness as well.

FAQ

How long should a sister of the groom speech be?

Kept to a maximum of 5 minutes.
Keep it short and sweet. Many wedding planners we spoke to recommend making your sister of the groom speech as brief as possible.

Who does the sister of the groom thank in her speech?

“The sister of the groom should thank her brother’s new spouse for making her brother so happy,” Tutera says. Additionally, he says, “She can conclude with thanking everyone for being part of this special celebration of love.”

What NOT to say in a sister of the groom speech?

Skip the dirty jokes. While humor is essential to a great sister of the groom speech, Peterson advises keeping the jokes “G-rated. “You definitely don’t want to make Grandma and Grandpa uncomfortable,” she says.

Avoid any mention of exes. “Do not bring up past girlfriends, even if you hated them,” advises Croce.

Be respectful. It goes without saying, but, on that same note, do not put down your new in-law, Croce says.

Don’t embarrass the groom. “Steer clear of any stories involving sloppy stories about the groom being inebriated,” Tutera says. “It’s a time of celebration, and speeches should avoid making anyone feel uncomfortable!”

Here is our expertly curated ultimate speech checklist.