You’re honored that you were just asked to give a speech at a wedding. A minute later, you realize that an entire room of guests will be staring at you (along with all the cameras) waiting for you to give a speech filled with love, emotion, and of course, humor.

Speeches play a significant role in the entertainment of guests at weddings. They are often the highlight of the reception program and guests look forward to hearing from the honored family and friends chosen to speak. Whether you are the father of the bride, or a bridesmaid, your speech can make a lasting impression. Here are some tips to help deliver a crowd-pleasing speech.

Length

Wedding etiquette says that a speech should be approximately 3-5 minutes but you can cater your speech length to the needs of the bride and groom. If there is a long list of speeches on the program, then the couple may request shorter speeches to accommodate everyone. Or if the couple has just chosen a few special people to talk, then a longer speech may be expected. A good rule of thumb is talk long enough to say what’s important, but short enough to keep the audience engaged. The etiquette on toasts differs, so here is more information specifically on wedding toasts.

How to Prepare

No matter how close you are to the couple or how good you are at public speaking, it never hurts to devote time to planning a good speech. Start by thinking of your favorite memories and stories of the couples. Keep these ideas written down somewhere handy so if you randomly think of a quote, story or wish you would like to include, you can jot it down. Write a rough draft of your speech and have someone you trust read it over.

What to Say

Every speech is unique and special in its own way. As long as the speech is genuine and heartfelt, it will show. Here a couple ideas to help guide you in the right direction.

Beginning

- Introduce yourself and your relationship to the couple
- Welcome the guests to the wedding
- Thank the couple and family for the beautiful occasion to celebrate

Middle

- Include a couple personal stories or memories of the bride and groom separately depending on how you know them. These can be funny, or sweet, just make it personal.
- It is important to acknowledge both the bride and the groom even if you do not know one as well.
- Give your positive thoughts on love and marriage, followed by an example of how this couple fits those thoughts.

Conclusion

- A famous quote on love or marriage
- A toast or wish to the happy couple and a happy life together

Be Careful

Remember that your speech is not only a reflection of you, but also of the couple since they trusted you with this important part of their wedding. Be careful with the stories you choose, you don’t want to offend anyone in the audience, especially the couple and their family. If you are not sure if you should tell a story, ask the couple, or chose a different story. Humor is a great addition to any speech but remember there will be a variety of ages and personalities in the audience, try to include humor that appeals to a general audience. Many people believe that alcohol will help calm them down before a speech. Remember that alcohol impairs your judgment so be sure not to drink too much so you can keep your thoughts and speech clear.

In the end, what truly matters it that your words come from the heart. Have fun writing the speech and cherish the moment of spotlight on this very important day of a loved one!

-Been-there-bride Blogger

Image 1 via: Lucero Photography
Image 2 via: AA Creation Photography
Image 3 via: Josef Isayo Photography