Speeches at wedding receptions have been the brunt of many jokes throughout the years. You want yours to be remembered for the right reasons! Toss those nerves aside! Here is everything you need to give a wonderful wedding speech.
Toasts and speeches can be heartfelt, humorous, emotional, and they have the power to create unforgettable wedding memories ... but they also can bore, embarrass, or elicit no reaction at all! You may keep yours in the first category by following the suggestions below (and sharing them with the great toastmakers in your life!)
Keep in mind that wedding customs are just that – customs. Discuss who you'd like to speak at your wedding months in advance. Telling someone on the morning of the wedding is a recipe for disaster.
Remember that speeches might last anywhere from three to ten minutes apiece and that some of your loved ones may be more excited than others to talk. (I find 3 to 5 minutes is good.)
So, what’s the difference between a wedding speech and toast? A speech is a memory, reflection or even an anecdote. The toast is where you say a blessing/well wishes, and all raise your glass in celebration of a couple.
A toast can be stand alone – as the newlyweds walk into the reception or once they have cut the cake. If you are the MC and have been asked to make the first toast - keep it short and snappy.
When a speech is given at a wedding, it is nice to finish with a toast.
A wedding speech is about celebrating the union of two people who love each other and expressing your joy for the couple.
Exciting times if you have been asked to make a speech... or is it? The first thing is to ask yourself – can you do this? If the thought of public speaking makes you sick and shaky, you are better off declining politely. If it's just a few nerves, you can practice your speech to ease them off.
Check with your couple what their vision is. We all have different ideas, and you must be on their wavelength. What is your role in the wedding? Maid of honour, father of the bride, MC?
Each role will be different and have a different expectation. If you are a parent or in the wedding party, check with the couple how long they would like you to speak for.
I strongly recommend that you write it down and practice it, (and time it and let the wedding MC or couple know the length).
The most important thing to remember when writing and giving a wedding speech is that it should be personal. Do speak from the heart. Talk about how you know the couple, or, if you only knew one of them first, also talk about the time when you met their fiancé. It is essential to include both partners, and you could even mention why you feel they are perfect for each other.
If you are a natural joker, start with something funny or light-hearted. If you are not, you can begin by saying. "I am not going to tell embarrassing stories or funny moments, but I will share how wonderful it is … "
You can end your speech with a toast; say something meaningful and sentimental such as: "May this marriage bring happiness into your lives and may it last forever!" or "Here's hoping that all your dreams come true!"
Three Very Important Rules :
- Do not be drunk before you give your speech or toast.
- Write your speech down,(better still print it in clear, bigger font so you can glance at it)
- Practice, practice, practice. Record yourself to see how you sound, and talk into a mirror. You will be sweet if you practice at least 10 times in the week coming up to the day.
The most important part is to have fun! It is a real honour to be asked to speak at someone's wedding and be part of their special milestone.
