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Preparing a Heartfelt Wedding Speech
by Rose Smith
You've been asked to deliver a wedding speech during
the reception and you have no idea where to begin.
What's a person to do? Here are some tips to help
you get started.
The Difference Between a Toast and a Speech
A
wedding toast is a short acknowledgement. Usually
only a few lines are said, then everyone is asked to
raise their glasses and drink a tribute. A wedding
speech, on the other hand, is usually several
minutes long and encompasses stories,
accomplishments, etc. of the person (or group of
people) being acknowledged.
The Order of Wedding Speeches
There is usually a certain order that is followed
when giving wedding speeches. This is not written in
stone and can be changed to suit the particular
wedding party.
First, the bride's father or a good family friend
gives a speech about the bride and groom, ending
with a toast. The groom then stands up, thanks the
speech maker and delivers his own speech on behalf
of the bridesmaids and maid of honor. The best man
then accepts the speech on behalf of the bridesmaids
and thanks the groom. He then delivers a speech
about the bride and groom's parents. At the end of
each speech, the current speaker also proposes a
toast to that particular person or persons.
The above is just a general guideline. You can
rearrange the order of speeches, have the bride make
a speech, etc.
Preparing Your Speech
DO consider what you know about the person (or
persons) you are giving the speech too. Write down
any funny stories, anecdotes, little things that
stand out in your mind and a few appropriate jokes.
DON'T be crude or bring up extremely embarrassing
situations.
DO think about the length of your speech and what
you'd like to say. Keep it short, no longer than 2
or 3 minutes at most. Take your time writing and
rewriting as needed.
DON'T make it boring by sticking only to facts. Add
a joke here and there, or bring up a funny (but not
too embarrassing) situation that you remember.
DO rehearse your speech. Practice it over and over.
Rewrite any long sentences and make sure the speech
flows smoothly.
DON'T read directly from your speech. Make short
notes on index cards to cue you on what to say next
and make eye contact on with the guests.
DO get together with the anyone else who is making a
speech at the wedding so you have an idea of what
you'll each be saying. You don't want to be
repeating a similar story or joke that someone else
has prepared. Also, make sure you are familiar with
the order that the speeches will be given in, so you
are prepared when your turn comes.
DON'T rush your speech. Take your time and speak
slowly and clearly. If you have a joke or funny
story, wait a few seconds after you tell it for
people to laugh.
DO remember to thank the last speaker and accept
their tribute on behalf of the person they were
speaking about.
DON'T forget to end your speech with a toast to the
person you just paid tribute to.
The above tips should help you get started. However,
if you're still nervous and don't believe you can
write a great speech, I'd suggest picking up the
ebook Wedding Celebration Speeches. It contains
everything you need to help you write that perfect
speech from your own heart.
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