Giving a speech at a wedding can be nerve-wracking even if you don’t usually suffer from stage fright. But, only a chosen handful are ever granted the privilege of delivering the wedding speech. And the newlyweds will never forget your speech, so put some effort into making it memorable. A wedding speech will be more special in a Las Vegas wedding venue.
Delivering a Wedding Speech
First of all, you need to determine who can make a speech at a wedding. It’s nice to have the wedding party’s loved ones say a few words, but you don’t want the speeches to go on too long and discourage attendees from getting up and dancing.
The bride and groom’s parents usually give wedding speeches to the best man and the maid of honor to the newlyweds.
There’s always the fabulous dinner for any more speeches you want to hear or deliver. It will be a more relaxed and personal setting, perfect for humorous toasts and speeches. It’s also an ideal time for the bride or groom to give a speech of gratitude to those who helped make their big day possible.
The Recommended Sequence for Wedding Speeches
Usually, the groom’s father traditionally gives the first speech at the wedding, thanking guests for attending and extending a warm welcome to the bride and groom.
The groom then addresses the audience, expressing his appreciation to the guests, his new bride, and his parents for the speech the groom’s father gave.
The best man typically addresses the groom after the groom has finished his speech to express gratitude on behalf of the bride and groom. The best man’s speech at a wedding usually closes with a toast to the bride’s parents and contains a few humorous anecdotes about the groom.
The bride’s parents thank the best man, who greets the groom and tells him stories about their daughter and her future husband. Many people get emotional during this speech, making it one of the most anticipated at the reception. A toast is raised to the bridegroom’s parents when the speech concludes.
The groom’s father typically gives the following speech during weddings. He raises a glass in response to the groom’s father’s toast and congratulates the bride. In addition, the groom’s mother or another close relative may briefly speak.
Following the toasts given by immediate family members, the best man usually reads notes sent by those unable to attend the wedding. The final remarks of the evening are delivered by the emcee, who expresses gratitude to the guests and those who helped plan the wedding celebrations.
Today, the maid of honor typically delivers a little speech, reminiscing on her time with the bride. Although the guest of honor traditionally sits back and enjoys the festivities, it is increasingly popular for the bride to make a toast to her family, friends, and bridal party.
Quick Guide to Having the Perfect Wedding Speech
It is normal to feel anxious about speaking in front of an audience. Your speech should be lighthearted and humorous at such a small gathering. If you want to give a speech at a wedding that will be memorable, touching, and fun, consider the following advice.
1. Keep It Brief
No one, not even the bride’s or groom’s best friend or parent, wants to listen to a 30-minute monologue about everything you’ve ever done with the happy couple. Generally, a wedding speech shouldn’t last more than five minutes. More than that, the party atmosphere you’re aiming to create will suffer as people get antsy.
2. Refrain From Making Hurtful Remarks
It seems there should be no problem, but there are always those who say something totally out of line. Some examples of social faux pas include making jokes about someone’s appearance or bringing up a humiliating incident from one of the couple’s pasts. You should sprinkle humor throughout your talk but avoid becoming offensive.
3. Practice Your Speech Before Giving It
That has to happen in all cases. In the weeks or months leading up to the wedding, put pen to paper and find each spare moment to practice your speech. Try practicing before a friend or partner to get feedback on the topic, length, and delivery. Rehearsing your speech before the reception will give you more self-assurance and allow you to speak more fluently.
4. Don’t Overcomplicate Things
The most effective presentations seldom ramble on or try to cover up essential points. It’s okay if you’re not the humorous type who tries to keep others laughing. Keep it brief and to the end. Any message delivered with sincerity and significance will resonate with the listener.
5. Organize
The speech you sit down to write should have a beginning, middle, and end. No matter how brief, your speech should make sense and not just be a collection of disconnected anecdotes.
6. Get to Know the Other Person
Perhaps you witnessed their first date or another landmark in their blossoming romance. All of their guests will be captivated by their stories of love and passion. Maybe you have a funny anecdote about the couple highlighting one of their best qualities; by all means, work that into your speech. Make sure the anecdote is appropriate and complimentary to the person in question.