How to nail your wedding speeches

Photography © @taylaandcophotography

Ah, the wedding speech. For some, it’s a chance to shine, to make everyone laugh, cry & ultimately feel the love in the room. For others, it’s a nerve-wracking event that induces sweaty palms & shaky knees at the mere thought. Bur fear not, dear reader, I am here to guide you through this maze of wedding speech anxiety & help you emerge victorious on the other side. So, grab a cup of tea (or a glass of wine) & let’s delve into the art of nailing those wedding speeches with grace & ease.

First things first, let’s dismiss those butterflies in your stomach. Remember, you’re surrounded by friends & family who love you & are cheering you on. Take a deep breath & visualise success. You’ve got this!

Now, onto the preparation phase, Whether you’re the best man, maid on honour, father of the bride, groom, or any other role, preparation is key. Start by jotting down some ideas & memories that you’d like to include in your speech. Think about the couple, their quirks, their journey, & what makes their love story unique. Personal touches go a long way in warming the hearts of your audience.

Next, structure your speech. Keep it simple & concise. A good rule of thumb is to start with an attention-grabbing opening, followed by a brief introduction of yourself & your relationship with the couple. Then, dive into the heart of the speech – anecdotes, well-wishes, & maybe even a touch of humour (if that’s your style). Finally, wrap it up with a heartfelt toast to the newlyweds. Easy peasy, right?

Now, lets talk delivery. Practice, practice, practice! Rehearse your speech until you feel comfortable with the flow of your words. Pay attention to your tone, pace, & body language. A smile can work wondering in engaging your audience. And don’t forget to make eye contact – it helps in forming a connection with your audience.

One the big day itself, don’t let nerves get the best of you. Take a few moments to compose yourself before taking the stage. And remember, it’s okay to feel nervous – it just means you care. Channel that nervous energy into enthusiasm & let your love & affection for the couple shine through.

Finally, enjoy the moment. Weddings are a celebration of love, & your speech is a beautiful opportunity to contribute to that celebration. So, raise your glass, speak from the heart, & relax in the warmth of this joyous occasion.

In conclusion, nailing your wedding speech is all about preparation, practice & positivity. With a little bit of effort and a whole lot of love, you’ll deliver a speech that will be remembered for years to come.