Preparing a Heartfelt Wedding Speech

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(s) you just paid tribute to.



Recommended Resources

Wedding speeches are just a tad bit more complicated than a short wedding toast. If the thought of giving a wedding speech is making you nervous, then you're not alone. Most people need help with this "delicate" task.

There's more to giving a wedding speech then just standing up and saying a few words. For instance, there are other people besides the bride and groom who need to be honored with a speech. If you're asked to present one of these speeches, do you know what to say or even who these other people might be? How about when the best times are to deliver your speech so the guests will actually pay attention?

How much do you know about wedding speech etiquette? Some special story tidbits are appropriate and should be included in the speech to add humor and warmth...while other stories should never see the light of day!

Wedding Celebration Speeches is a jam-packed e-book that will give you everything you need to deliver a polished and memorable wedding speech. It's perfect for brides, grooms, the best man, maid of honor, bridesmaids - anyone who needs to write and present a wedding speech. This ebook will also teach you the difference between a speech and a toast, how to begin and end your speech, the best way to practice giving your speech, plus many other tips and etiquette about delivering your speech. Click here to learn more...

If you are looking for specific pre-written speeches that fit your position in the wedding party, you may want to check out the following resources as well:

Best Man Wedding Speeches
Wedding Speeches For The Groom
Father of the Bride Speeches
Maid of Honor Wedding Speeches