Writing And Delivering A Wedding Speech

These days, couples are making their own traditions about wedding speeches.  They may choose to have all four (or more) parents make a speech.  Even the bride and bridesmaids are getting in on the act. 

In order to write a perfect wedding speech, it’s a good idea to make notes about experiences you enjoyed with the bride, groom or both.  Talk to brothers, sisters and friends to gather humorous or tender anecdotes to share with the guests.  Speak from the heart, and keep your speech less then 5 minutes.  Run the speech by a family member or friend and avoid crude or offensive material.

Traditionally, the bride’s father is the first to make a speech.  He will want to welcome the guests, thank them for coming to celebrate the wedding of his daughter, tell them about his love for her, tell them about his respect for his new son-in-law, and make a toast to the bride and groom.  His speech is usually followed by the speech of the groom’s father, the groom, and the best man.  The best man is the official spokesman for the bridal party and will thank the bride and groom on behalf of the bridesmaids and groomsmen.  He will talk about the groom’s life, including tasteful jokes and anecdotes about his boyhood or college.  He might mention that the bride and groom met on a blind date or have known each other all their lives.  He will propose a toast to the newlyweds and read any telegrams or cards from people unable to attend.

These days, couples are making their own traditions about wedding speeches.  They may choose to have all four (or more) parents make a speech.  Even the bride and bridesmaids are getting in on the act.  The bride and groom can decide the order in which speakers deliver their speeches.  The best advice is the keep the guests entertained by being thoughtful, stimulating, and making the speech “short and sweet.”

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