That perfect opening line

First impressions are crucial when it comes to speeches. People aren’t going to hear all the wonderful things you have to say if they’re not hooked from the very beginning. If you’re in need of a dazzling opener, we think these will do just the trick…

If there was one character that knew how to weave words into a beautiful tapestry, it was Albus Dumbledore. Kicking things off with a poignant quote by him is sure to capture people’s attention.

Another gem from Dumbledore, opening with this very relatable feeling will allow your audience to connect to you straightaway.

Why not start a more light-hearted speech with the words used to reveal the secrets of the Marauder’s Map? People would instantly know that fun and mischief were ahead.

Sometimes you just have to go big or go home. Using this eccentric Dumbledore quote guarantees people are going to take notice.

How to sign off

There’s nothing worse than a speech which just tails off awkwardly. You need a definite end. Something that is meaningful, memorable and has style.

The words used to wipe the Marauder’s Map would be the ideal way to close a best man or bridesmaid speech (especially if used as a bookend to a Marauder’s Map themed opening line).

Nothing says ‘the end’ like the final line of the final Harry Potter book! A wonderfully sentimental way to wrap things up.

Wedding

No wedding is complete without a good speech – emphasis being on good. In fact, there are often several speeches, and you don’t want yours to be the damp squib. Use one of these quotes to help prevent that awkward outcome.

This might not instantly scream wedding, but we think it could be a lovely inclusion for a couple who were once childhood sweethearts.

Slughorn might have been talking about Amortentia here, but this would be wonderful used as a reference to the obvious and visible love between a couple.

This would be a great line to use when talking about how the strength of the newlyweds love and how it will help to protect them during hard times.

One for a bridesmaid or best man speech, while we doubt you have actually fought a troll together, it would be a great way to tee up a hilarious anecdote.

A light-hearted way to reference the depth of love between the couple.

Commitment is serious… but it doesn’t mean your vows can’t be fun. The perfect line for a fun-loving pair – especially if delivered with some of Harry’s sass.

Birthday

A major milestone, birthdays are both a time of celebration and reflection. We think these quotes capture that sentiment beautifully.

A fitting quote for someone reaching a significant birthday, especially if you went on to talk about all the brilliant things they have accomplished.

Bear with us here, while this quote might seem a little doom and gloom, we can imagine it being used by a parent to highlight how wonderful it has been to watch their child grow.

Or this could be an alternative, if used to show how time flies when you’re having fun.

Engraved on Ravenclaw’s diadem, using this quote to illustrate the intelligence and humour of the birthday person can only end well.

You could easily use this for a speech that talks about how someone has always been a force of nature worth celebrating.

If there’s one gift you can rely on receiving every year, it’s socks. Keep this quote in your back pocket if you decide you want to say a few words of thanks at your party.

New adventures

Life is a journey, one packed full of action and change. These quotes are ideal for when you want to commemorate new beginnings – whether that’s a new job, travelling the world, a baby shower or even a graduation.

Graduations are all about moving forward. This quote is a poignant reminder that the world is at your fingertips and it’s up to you to decide what you want your legacy to be.

In a similar vein, this would be a great alternative to the previous quote – conveying that success isn’t just academic, it’s also shown in how you choose to live your life.

Any life change requires courage, as summed up in this quote from Ginny Weasley. One that would be good to use in your farewell speech – offering insight into your decision.

A versatile quote that can be used for all sorts of speeches related to an exciting life change.

Add a bit of Sirius’ devil-may-care attitude to your speech – your audience will soon share your enthusiasm.

Ok, this quote might have been engraved on Kendra and Ariana Dumbledore’s tombstone, but the message is one worth sharing on happier occasions too – such as at a baby shower.

These words of wisdom from Dumbledore would bolster any speech that focuses on seizing the day.

An excellent way to end a speech sending someone off one their next adventure. For every new challenge, there are new obstacles – but they’ve got this.

Funeral

Navigating loss is never easy – how can you put something like that into words? Words that will bring comfort to those left behind and encourage them to keep going. Some of these beautiful lines from Harry Potter might just help.

While death feels final, for many – especially those who have lived a long life – it is seen as the next step of their journey.

This quote could be used as a comforting reminder that we are never truly gone – as long as we remain the hearts and memories of those who loved us. In that sense, they’re always with us.

This insight from Luna Lovegood could be used as an alternative to convey the same message.

Death is such a huge concept to reckon with and that can be terrifying. This quote could be used as a soothing balm in your speech – allowing people to gain perspective.

While we mourn those who have left us, life keeps going. You could use this quote to encourage people to hold on to one another and make the most of every moment.

Finally, we have these words from Dumbledore that speak for themselves. A beautiful message of hope.