Wedding Speech Advice...
Public speaking is ranked very high on most people's phobia lists, however, as part of the bridal party you won't be able to avoid it this time, so make sure you are prepared, rehearsed and relaxed and you'll have nothing to worry about.
At the wedding reception, traditionally the master of ceremonies will introduce the commencement of speeches at the end of the meal, with the order of speakers being - Father of the Bride, the Groom, the Best Man, followed by the bride or chief bridesmaid if they wish. You may even want to have speeches before the meal if your speech makers are likely to be too nervous to eat. This will also avoid any mishaps relating to the acquisition of 'Dutch courage'.
In his speech the Father of the Bride should thank the guests for coming, thank those who contributed financially to the wedding, compliment his daughter on her looks and her choice of husband and welcome his new son-in-law to the family. He can then finish off with a toast to the bride and groom.
The groom then thanks his father-in-law for his toast, thanks the guests for coming and for their wedding gifts, thanks both sets of parents, compliments his bride, thanks his best man and then thanks and toasts to the bridesmaids.
The best man will then thank the groom for his toast to the bridesmaids, congratulates the bride and groom, reads any messages from those unable to attend the wedding and toasts to the bride and groom.
If the bride wishes to make a speech she will thank the guests for coming, thank her parents and bridesmaids, compliments her groom and proposes a toast.
The chief bridesmaid then thanks the bride, compliments the ushers and proposes a toast.
Plan your speech carefully and make sure it is directed at all the guests. When making notes you may want to just write down key words or you may need the whole speech written down. Space your notes and write each paragraph in a different colour. This allows your brain to find your place if you loose it as it will look for the last colour you were reading. Also give a copy to someone else who will be at the wedding in case you leave yours at home.
Finally, practice out loud, standing up and in front of people so you can gauge their reactions and get used to an audience. Also, having put all of this effort into writing and preparing for your speech, speak slowly so no one misses a word.
We hope this wedding speech article was useful. Over the next few months, we are adding lot's more wedding related articles. We will also add free wedding speeches and more details.
Please feel free to send us your feedback by e-mail.
