Did the bride or groom ask you to give a speech or toast on their wedding day? Such an honor! Depending on how long you’ve known the couple, this request could feel so easy. Then again, public speaking can be scary regardless of the circumstance. Take a look at our Do’s and Don’ts for wedding speeches so you can be prepared to knock it out of the park!
Have no fear, Complete Weddings is here! Our Team has worked on a list of Do’s and Don’ts for wedding speeches to help shape your speech/toast.
Wedding Speech Do’s:
- Be genuine and authentic. The couple selected you to give a toast on their most special day. Therefore, your speech should be given from the heart.
- Talk About the Couple. Use specific, unique details showing your relationship with the couple.
- Tell a Story. Share a story of when you knew they were “meant to be”. Make sure the story has a beginning, a middle, and an end. This should be a flattering story.
- Keep it Short and Sweet. Attention spans are not very long. Keep it under five minutes and you should be golden.
- Be Prepared. Write it out and practice your speech prior to the wedding reception. This will ensure you convey your feelings and thoughts the way you intend.
- Toast the Couple. At the end of the speech, raise your glass and propose a toast to the couple. This seems like a no-brainer. However, more times than not; this step is missed.
Wedding Speech Don’ts:
- Use Cheesy Quotes. Being funny is great. However, using gimmicks can take away from the true sentiment of the speech.
- Curse. Regardless of how “chill” the wedding may be; this is still an extremely important day to the couple and cursing will not be well received.
- Memorize or Unprepared. There are so many emotions going on at a wedding and you don’t want to rely on your memory when it’s time to give your speech. This could convey that you did not care enough about this honor.
- Get Drunk. This seems obvious, right? It’s totally normal to be nervous prior to standing up in front of a room of people and you may want a drink beforehand. That is fine. Having multiple drinks will not give you the ultimate result you desire.
Just remember the couple picked you! Have fun and be authentic!
Complete Weddings + Events Jacksonville, FL
If you need further assistance, the Complete Weddings & Events Jacksonville Coordination Team is willing and able to help.
