Weddings speeches are very nerve wrecking. When your chosen to speak in a wedding it’s constant worrying from the day you where chosen to speak, to the actual wedding day. But hey, that just lets you know that you’re a special person in someone’s life because they chose you to speak in one of the most important days of their life. With all this to think about and you knowing that you have to make this wedding speech extra special, then of course there are guidelines of what you can and cannot say. Always, remember that this day to someone (bride, groom, parents, etc) is a very special day to them, so make your speech worthwhile and without bloopers.
WATCH OUT FOR THESE DO’S AND DON’TS
DO
- Introduce yourself – This is very important! Introduce yourself to the crowd. Remember if you are the first one that is speaking make an extra effort to REALLY project your voice. It’s going to take awhile to get everyone’s attention. So once you’ve introduced yourself, wait a minute and let everyone quiet down. Once you’ve got everyone’s attention, then begin with your speech.
DON’T
- Speak in a low voice – Remember everyone and their mother (literally) will be at this wedding. You need to project your voice and let your speech be heard. I mean, that’s what you’ve been working on for the past couple days right! Also, the guests will get impatient and ignore you if they keep telling you to ‘raise your voice’ or ‘we can’t hear you over here!’ so make sure you’re heard.
DO
- Practice your speech – I don’t know if you’ve heard of the saying, practice makes perfect! Well they say it for a reason, so practice, practice, practice! Nail your speech when you get up there and the only way you’re going to do it, is to practice, pronounce all your words and be confident when you get up there.
DON’T
- Wing it – Do not and I mean DO NOT think that you don’t have to prepare a speech because you’re going to wing it. This can be very disastrous. You don’t want to mistakenly say something you didn’t mean to say, say something inappropriate, call the bride or groom by another name, ramble on and on, etc. I can tell you one thing, you will be remembered by your speech so make it a good one. Don’t come off sounding unprepared and later wish of things you could’ve done better. Also, do not mumble. It’s hard to speak in front of a large group of people so try your hardest not to mumble. Be confident like I said; even if this is your first time speaking in public pretend you’ve been doing this your whole life.
DO
- Share stories – It’s always nice to share stories of how you’ve been friends with the bride and you’ve known her since you two were in middle school, etc. These stories are always nice and appreciated by people. Stories of their childhood, adulthood, etc are good stories IF they are in good taste and related to your speech. Everyone likes to laugh and smile about a humorous tale of someone.
DON’T
- Share x-rated stories – Even though you might think it’s funny to throw in a joke or two or tell a funny x-rated story, let me inform you that IT’S NOT FUNNY. And most importantly not appropriate! So in a nut shell, don’t do it! Also, do not embarrass the bride, groom, or their families. She/he will be humiliated in front of a huge crowd and you do not want that awkward silence because you thought that story was funny when in fact, it wasn’t.
- Bring up old exes – And what I mean by this, do not bring up the ex-girl friend/boy friend of the bride or groom. You never know how the other spouse will take it so it’s best to leave the ex’s out of it, always!
DO
- Be calm – be cool, calm, and collected by the time you give your wedding speech. You’ll seem confident and poise to all the guests.
DON’T
- Drink before or during your speech – This is one of the most important no no’s to do when giving your speech. Do not give your wedding speech when you’re tipsy. You might think it’s cool but it’s not! There could be a chance that you mess up and say something you’re not supposed to and make a total (you know what) of yourself! You don’t want the bride/groom to dislike you after your speech right?
Once you’ve given your speech, smile, raise your glass, have all the guests raise theirs too, and congratulate the happy couple one last time!
Remember all these do’s and don’ts and your speech will be one of the best one’s out there. You were chosen to be a part of a wonderful occasion of two people coming together to be one so make sure your speech follows the rules above. You do not want to embarrass yourself or the bride/groom so take some time to prepare and write an awesome speech!
