Wedding Speeches

If you were to ask someone to make a list of their top 10 all time greatest fears, chances are good that public speaking will rank quite high on that list. If you are a member of the Bridal Party, asked to give a speech, or you would just like to say a few words to the newlywed couple, here are a few tips to get you started and calm those nerves:

• Practice your speech before the wedding. You may even want to practice in front of a small audience to help you with your nerves. This is also a great way to receive some feedback on your speech
• If you don’t know your speech by heart, it’s a good idea to have palm cards to assist you. They should list the main points that you wish to make, and act as a friendly reminder just in case you forget what you wanted to say. It’s not important that you know your speech by heart, but it is important that it comes from the heart. Just having this in mind is enough to make your speech sound more natural
• Speak in a clear voice, stand confidently and try to have some eye contact with your audience
• Vary the tone and speed. Monotonous speeches are tedious to listen to and your audience may lose concentration
• Limit the jokes in your speech as there are guests at the wedding whom you may not know, and you don’t want to run the risk of offending anyone
• Limit the number of drinks you have before the speech
• Visit the restroom before your speech

The wedding speeches give guests the opportunity to congratulate the new couple and offer words of wisdom. They will be remembered for many years to come and they are a special way for friends and family to convey their feelings of happiness for the couple in front of other loved ones.

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