Tips for Making Speeches at Weddings

Most everyone has heard it said that public speaking is among the things that people fear the most. Making speeches at weddings is no exception.

If you are the maid of honor or the groomsmen, you will most likely have to make a speech. Other members of the wedding party, family members and friends may also be asked to make a speech.

Here are some things to keep in mind when making speeches at weddings.

Keep it Short

Many speechmakers make the mistake of thinking that they have to give a very lengthy speech in order to be effective. The opposite is true. A long speech is only going to bore the guests. Instead, keep the length to two to three minutes.

Keeping the speech brief is especially important when there are to be several speeches made.

You’re Among Friends

While public speaking may be nerve wracking, speeches at weddings should be a little less so. The reason is that you’ll be among friends. If you have been asked to make a speech the bride and groom think highly of you.

Try not to be nervous. Remember, you’re among friends.

Be Nice

Some people use speeches at weddings as their audition for stand up comedy. Unfortunately, some think it is funny to make jokes at the expense of the bride and/or groom.

While there is no harm in some gentle ribbing, nothing should ever been said in speeches at weddings that will embarrass the bride, groom or anyone else.

A wedding speech should be about offering encouragement and congratulating the new couple and not about getting laughs at their expense.

Don’t Look Down

When making your speech, don’t keep your eyes on the ground or on your notes. Instead, look at the couple or at the audience in general. This will help you seem less nervous, and will make you a more engaging speech maker.

Be Prepared

Being prepared is the best piece of advice you will get about making speeches at weddings. Some people try to wing it. While this works for some, particularly those that are good at and comfortable with public speaking, it is not a good idea for everyone.

Trying to make a speech when you’re not prepared can cause you to ramble and, perhaps, say something inappropriate.

Instead, make notes about what you’d like to say and then practice making your speech.

The more prepared you are, the less nervous you’ll be and the more you can be an encouragement to the happy couple.

Just Relax

Really, what is there to be so nervous about? The speech is only going to last for a couple of minutes, and then you can go eat some cake. Some people get themselves all worked up over the thought of making speeches at weddings, and then they sort of choke once the microphone is in their hand.

There are no serious consequences if you stumble over a word or forget to say something.

Just get up there and tell the bride and groom how much they mean to you and all the good things you wish for them.
That doesn’t sound so hard, right?