Whether you’re the best man, maid of honor, close family friend, or even the bride and groom, the pressure of delivering a speech at a wedding can be overwhelming. From striking the perfect balance between humor and sentimentality to avoiding common pitfalls, it can be nerve-wracking to decide what should be said. Here’s a list of a few do’s and don’ts for wedding speeches to help guide you calm your nerves.
Do’s & Don’ts: Wedding Speeches
Do’s:
Introduce yourself: Begin your speech by introducing yourself and your connection to the couple. Many people include how they met the couple or their perspective of when the couple met each other. This may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked. This helps others who may not know you understand your relationship and adds a personal touch while making it more engaging and relatable.
Keep it concise: Aim for a speech that is around three minutes. While you want to cover everything you have to say, it’s important not to drag on and lose the attention of the guests. This also makes sure that everyone gets enough time to enjoy the rest of the evening. Keeping things short and sweet ensures that your message is delivered effectively and with impact.
Share heartfelt stories: Take this opportunity to share memorable and positive anecdotes about the couple. These stories should highlight their unique qualities, experiences, and the love they share. This will make the speech engaging and emotionally resonant. It also is a heartwarming touch that reflects the purpose of the wedding day.
Include humor: Weddings are joyful occasions, and adding a few light-hearted jokes or funny stories can help lighten the mood and keep the audience entertained. However, it’s important to strike the right balance. Be mindful of the type of humor you use, ensuring that it is tasteful and appropriate for all guests. You want to bring smiles to people’s faces, not offend or alienate anyone.
Express gratitude: Take a moment to thank the hosts and everyone involved in making the wedding a special event. This gesture shows appreciation and acknowledges the hard work put into organizing the celebration. It also sets a positive and appreciative tone for the rest of your speech.
Speak with confidence: Project your voice clearly, maintain good eye contact, and speak audibly. This will ensure your speech is heard and understood by all, making the speech enjoyable. Since giving a speech can be overwhelming and emotional, practice your speech multiple times before the big day to help you feel more confident.
Don’ts:
Ramble on: Avoid going off on tangents or rambling excessively. As much as you may have a lot to say, stay focused on the couple and the purpose of your speech. By staying on track, you maintain the interest of the audience and ensure your message is clear. Don’t wing it. Practicing your speech will help avoid this issue.
Offend or embarrass: Be mindful of sensitive subjects or inside jokes that might not be appropriate for all guests. There may be children or elders present that may not be suited to hear certain topics. Avoid embarrassing stories or jokes that may offend anyone or may put the couple in a negative light. Remember, the goal is to create a speech that can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone, regardless of their background or relationship with the couple.
Overuse inside jokes or jargon: While a few inside jokes can be fun, don’t make your speech too exclusive. While some guests may be familiar with these inside references, others may feel left out and confused. Avoid using excessive technical terms or jargon that may confuse the audience. It’s important to strike a balance and ensure that the majority of guests can relate to what you’re saying.
Forget the timing: Respect the schedule of the wedding and stick to your assigned time slot. Keep track of time and don’t run over your allocated time. Going over time can disrupt the flow of the event and cause inconvenience for other speakers or scheduled activities. If you use an excessive amount of time, this can also lead you to ramble on and make the message of your speech unclear.
Wedding Speech Final Tips
Remember, the wedding speech is a chance to celebrate the love and joy of the couple. Embrace the uniqueness of your relationship with the couple, share heartfelt stories, and bring a touch of humor to create a speech that will be cherished by the newlyweds and their guests for years to come. And finally, don’t forget to raise a glass of wine and end with a formal weddint toast. With these do’s and don’ts in mind, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a memorable and touching speech.
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