The Best Examples of Wedding Speech Examples for Non-Traditional Roles

Real Examples of Wedding Speech Examples for Non-Traditional Roles

Before we talk structure or etiquette, let’s jump straight into real examples of wedding speech examples for non-traditional roles. When you can hear it, you can copy the rhythm, tweak the words, and make it your own.

Below are short, ready-to-edit samples for some of the most common non-traditional roles people are seeing in 2024–2025.

Man of Honor Speech Example for His Sister

If you’re a brother standing up as Man of Honor, you’re already breaking the old script. Here’s an example of how to balance humor, love, and respect for the couple.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m Alex, proud brother and even prouder Man of Honor. When my sister told me she wanted me standing next to her today, my first thought was, ‘Do I have to wear heels?’ Luckily for all of us, the answer was no.

“Growing up, Emma was the one who taught me how to stand up for myself, how to apologize when I was wrong, and how to laugh when life got weird. So when she met Jordan, I watched for those same things. Did they stand up for her? Could they say ‘I’m sorry’? Could they laugh with her on the hard days? I saw all of that and more.

“Jordan, you make my sister feel safe, seen, and completely herself. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for her. To Emma and Jordan: may your arguments be short, your inside jokes be endless, and your love be louder than whatever the world throws at you. Cheers.”

This is one of the best examples of how a Man of Honor can keep it personal without turning the speech into a stand-up routine or a roast.

Best Woman Speech Example for Her Male Best Friend

A Best Woman often worries about sounding “too emotional” or “too casual.” Here’s an example of a tone that’s warm, funny, and still wedding-appropriate.

“Hi everyone, I’m Maya, the Best Woman, which is honestly the most accurate job title I’ve ever had.

“I met Chris in freshman year when he borrowed my notes and then proceeded to fail the test anyway. Somehow, that was the beginning of a friendship that has lasted through bad apartments, worse haircuts, and way too many late-night pizzas.

“Then he met Lily. Suddenly, the guy who thought ‘meal prep’ meant ordering two pizzas instead of one was learning her coffee order, asking for relationship advice, and actually listening. That’s when I knew this was different.

“Lily, you are kind, sharp, and you love my best friend exactly as he is, while somehow inspiring him to be better. Chris, you hit the jackpot. To Chris and Lily: may your life together be full of loud laughter, quiet support, and a lot of takeout on the couch. I love you both. Cheers.”

If you’re looking for examples of wedding speech examples for non-traditional roles where a woman speaks for a groom, this is a strong starting template.

Parent of the Groom Speech from a Single Mom

Modern families don’t always match the old “mother of the bride, father of the groom” pattern. Here’s an example of a speech from a single mom who raised the groom.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m Maria, the very proud mom of the groom.

“For a lot of years, it was just the two of us: me and Daniel against the world. I watched him grow from a kid who refused to eat anything green into a man who cooks dinner for the people he loves and calls me just to check in.

“When he introduced me to Ava, I saw right away that this was someone who matched his kindness, his patience, and his very specific love for Sunday morning pancakes. I saw my son relax around her in a way that told me, ‘I’m home.’

“Ava, thank you for loving Daniel so fully, and for welcoming me into your family with open arms. To my son and my new daughter, may you build a home that feels like a deep breath after a long day. I’m so grateful to be here to witness this. To Daniel and Ava.”

This is an example of how a single parent can acknowledge their story without making the speech heavy or uncomfortable.

Co-Parent or Step-Parent Speech Example

Blended families are more visible than ever. Research from the U.S. Census Bureau notes that millions of children live in blended family structures, which naturally show up at weddings too (census.gov). Here’s a gentle, respectful example of a step-parent speech.

“Hi, I’m Mark, and I have the honor of being Sam’s stepdad.

“When I first met Sam, they were very clear that they already had a dad, and they didn’t need another one. So I decided I’d just try to be a steady grown-up in their corner. Over the years, that turned into shared jokes, late-night talks, and a bond I treasure more than I can say.

“Then along came Riley. I watched Sam light up in a way I’d only seen a few times before—usually around dogs or really good tacos. Riley, you fit into our slightly messy, deeply loving family like you’d been there all along.

“To Sam and Riley: thank you for letting me stand up here as part of your story. May your marriage be full of the same patience, humor, and open-heartedness you’ve shown our family. I’m so proud of you both. Cheers.”

This is one of the best examples of wedding speech examples for non-traditional roles involving step-parents because it’s honest, but still focused on the couple.

Joint Speech Example from Two Bridesmaids and a Bridesman

Friend groups are often mixed-gender, and joint speeches are trending. Many couples in 2024–2025 are asking their wedding party to share the mic so the night doesn’t drag. Here’s a short example of a group speech.

Speaker 1: “Hi, I’m Rachel, I’ve known Jess since we were eight and she cut her own bangs.”

Speaker 2: “I’m Nina, college roommate and witness to many questionable fashion choices.”

Speaker 3: “And I’m Marco, the bridesman, group therapist, and designated snack provider.”

Speaker 1: “We’ve each seen different versions of Jess over the years, but the version that showed up when she met Taylor was…calmer. Happier. Somehow more herself.”

Speaker 2: “Taylor, you’ve taken care of our friend in all the ways that matter—by listening, by showing up, and by always sharing your fries.”

Speaker 3: “To Jess and Taylor: may your marriage be like our group chat—full of love, honesty, and way too many memes. We love you.”

This is an example of wedding speech examples for non-traditional roles that keeps things short, fun, and easy to coordinate.

Friend-Officiant Mini Speech Example

More couples are asking a friend to officiate instead of a religious leader. In the U.S., many people get ordained online through organizations like Universal Life Church (ulc.org). Here’s a short example of a friend-officiant “mini speech” during the ceremony.

“Welcome, everyone. My name is Priya, and I have the enormous honor of being both friend and officiant today.

“I’ve known Alex and Morgan for ten years, and in that time I’ve watched them do what real partnership looks like: sharing the boring stuff, like grocery runs and laundry, and holding each other through the hard stuff, like job losses and late-night worries.

“Today isn’t the start of their story; it’s a moment to say, ‘We choose this. We choose each other, again and again, in front of all of you.’ Thank you for being here to witness that choice.”

If you’re searching for examples of wedding speech examples for non-traditional roles that happen during the ceremony instead of the reception, this style works well.

How to Shape a Non-Traditional Wedding Speech That Still Feels Classic

Now that you’ve seen several real examples, let’s talk about how to build your own speech for a non-traditional role.

Think of your speech in three simple parts:

Opening: Who you are and why you matter to the couple.

Middle: A few short stories or observations that show how you know they’re good together.

Closing: A clear wish, blessing, or toast.

Whether you’re a Best Woman, Man of Honor, step-parent, or friend-officiant, you can plug your own details into that frame. The best examples of non-traditional speeches keep the structure simple and let the relationship do the heavy lifting.

If you’re worried about length, a good rule of thumb backed up by many wedding planners and etiquette guides is 3–5 minutes. That’s usually around 500–750 words when spoken at a natural pace. The Mayo Clinic notes that most people speak at about 125–150 words per minute in conversation (mayoclinic.org), which is a helpful benchmark as you time yourself.

More Examples of Wedding Speech Examples for Non-Traditional Roles

Let’s add a few more quick-hit samples so you have a wider menu of ideas to borrow from.

Sibling of the Bride Speech When You’re Not in the Wedding Party

“Hi, I’m Jonah, the bride’s little brother. I’m not officially in the wedding party, but I’ve been in the ‘annoying sibling’ role since 1998, so I feel qualified to speak.

“Watching Mia grow up, I saw her be the responsible one, the overachiever, and the person everyone leaned on. When she met Kayla, I saw her finally have someone she could lean on too.

“To Mia and Kayla: thank you for showing me what a healthy, equal partnership looks like. I’m honored to stand here as your brother and your very loud cheerleader. I love you both. Cheers.”

Non-Binary Friend Speech for a Bride and Groom

“Hi, I’m Casey, and I use they/them pronouns. I’ve been friends with both Jamie and Chris since before they were a couple, which means I have double the blackmail material.

“What I actually want to share, though, is how beautifully they’ve grown together. I’ve seen them learn each other’s love languages, apologize when they mess up, and celebrate each other’s wins like they’re their own.

“To Jamie and Chris: may your marriage always be a place where you can be your full, weird, wonderful selves. I’m honored to be part of your lives.”

These shorter samples show that examples of wedding speech examples for non-traditional roles don’t have to be long to land well. They just need to be specific and sincere.

Tips to Personalize These Examples Without Sounding Scripted

When people search for the best examples of wedding speech examples for non-traditional roles, the trap is copying them word-for-word. You’ll sound like fifty other people who grabbed the same script.

Instead, try this simple approach:

Swap in your own details. Replace general lines with specific memories: the road trip you took, the time they helped you move in 100°F heat, the night they called you crying and you stayed on the phone.

Use your natural voice. If you never say “folks” in real life, don’t suddenly say it in your speech. Read your draft out loud; if you cringe at a phrase, change it.

Balance humor and heart. A good rule: if a joke might embarrass the couple in front of their grandparents or boss, skip it. The Harvard Business Review has written about how humor works best when it’s warm, not mean-spirited, and that applies perfectly here.

Check with the couple on boundaries. Especially in non-traditional roles, it’s smart to ask: “Anything off-limits? Any family dynamics I should be aware of?” This keeps you from stepping into something sensitive, like divorce, estrangement, or fertility struggles.

FAQ: Common Questions About Non-Traditional Wedding Speeches

What are some examples of non-traditional wedding speech roles?

Examples include a Man of Honor for a bride, a Best Woman for a groom, mixed-gender wedding parties giving joint speeches, step-parents or co-parents speaking instead of or alongside biological parents, non-binary friends giving toasts, and friend-officiants giving a short speech during the ceremony.

How long should a non-traditional wedding speech be?

Aim for 3–5 minutes. That’s enough time to introduce yourself, share one or two short stories, and end with a toast, without losing the room’s attention.

Can I use an example of a wedding speech I found online word-for-word?

You can, but it’s not a great idea. Use these examples of wedding speech examples for non-traditional roles as scaffolding: keep the structure, but replace the stories, adjectives, and jokes with your own. The couple invited you, not a script.

What if I’m emotional and worry I’ll cry?

It happens all the time. Print your speech in a large font, bring a backup copy, and pause if you need a second. Taking a breath and sipping water is fine. Many guests find a little emotion touching, as long as you can still get through your words.

Do I have to make a speech if I’m in a non-traditional role?

No. Being a Man of Honor, Best Woman, or step-parent does not automatically mean you must speak. Talk to the couple; they may have other people lined up. If public speaking makes you anxious, offering to help in other ways—like planning, decorating, or organizing—can be just as meaningful.

Non-traditional roles are becoming more and more common at weddings, and that’s good news: it means the people who truly matter to the couple are the ones at the microphone. Use these real examples of wedding speech examples for non-traditional roles as a starting point, then layer in your own memories, your own voice, and your own relationship with the couple. That’s what turns a decent speech into the one everyone remembers for the right reasons.