You've just been seated at a table full of people you've never met before for at a wedding of one of your work colleagues. You start doing the awkward obligatory "how do you know the couple" with the surrounding guests. Unless you're an expert at small talk, your brain shortly goes blank soon after. You hear your tummy grumble, its 4pm and you're hungry. You being to deeply regret not stopping for that McDonalds on the way, you wouldn't have missed your mouth and got grease marks down your outfit, surely. The Father of the Bride clears his throat and takes the microphone, out he pulls a FOUR PAGE speech. Sound remotely familiar? I think we have all been there.
Wedding speeches are an important part of any wedding celebration. Whether you are the best man, maid of honour, or the father of the bride, giving a great wedding speech is a must. They can build a sense of community in the room, create an ice breaker and have everyone in fits of giggles or emotional tears of joy. Here is some guidance to help you deliver a memorable and meaningful speech on the big day.
THE ESSENTIALS
Start EARLY
01
Do not be the person drafting it on your phone on the morning of. Start writing your speech early to give yourself plenty of time to prepare. This will help you avoid last-minute stress and give you time to rehearse.
Keep It Short and Sweet
02
Keep your speech short and sweet. Aim for around five minutes or less, and avoid rambling or going off-topic. Remember if its before the food, everyone is hungry, if its after food people a probably a bit drunk and might be a bit restless.
Use HumoUr
03
I have seen humour used very effectively, it can go a long way in making your speech entertaining and engaging. However be careful not to embarrass or offend the couple, as a spectator its excruciating to watch. Especially if they are facing the audience and they can't hide their reactions.
use props
05
Props can be a great way to add some fun and creativity to your speech. I have seen little photo books to go along with the speech, photos, full cardboard cut outs and turning the speech into acrostic style poem with the couples names. The most creative I have seen is turning the speech into a song played by acoustic guitar.
This couple got singing waiters involved to sing songs each selected by the wedding group to describe the bride and groom instead of speeches.
An acrostic poem. There is probably no surprise here that they used the Grooms name (Daniel) to describe him with each letter. D is for?
You could sing a speech.
The goal is to enjoy yourself
UNIQUE WEDDING
SPEECH IDEAS
Take a moment to thank the guests for attending the wedding and for their support of the bride and groom. Suppliers who have gone above and beyond are also always grateful for a little shout out to, we are small businesses and it means the world to us. End your speech on a high note by offering your best wishes to the bride and groom. A heartfelt toast can be a great way to wrap up your speech.
