Wedding Speech or Toast

Making a wedding speech or toast can be a daunting task for many people. While you're probably delighted at being invited as best man, or whether your son or daughter is getting married - weddings are a delightful occasion.

But if you're going to be making a speech, it can be quite nerve-wracking trying to prepare something that will suit the occasion and the audience.

First, take a deep breath. What you speak at a wedding, guests aren't expecting you to be perfect. So relax, read how you can make a great wedding speech and enjoy the night without stressing over your public speech.

Wedding Speeches Etiquette

Your speech doesn't have to be too long, it’s quality, not quantity that counts. Something short, sweet and to the point works best.

Depending on the part you play in the wedding, there are some important etiquette you need to follow.

Father of the Bride speech

The father of the bride toasts to the bride and groom. He also welcomes the groom's parents, relatives from both sides of the family and says a few words about the bride.

Best Man speech

The best man speaks on behalf of the bridesmaids. He also adds humorous and interesting commentary about the married couple.

Maid of Honour speech

Although a speech by the bride has become more common, the Maid of Honour may take this position as well. The Maid of Honour speech thanks the couple, includes a short story about the bride and their friendship and makes any thanks on behalf of the bride.

Groom’s speech

The groom's speech takes the opportunity to thank the parents, relatives and guests for their attendance and gifts. He also thanks the bridesmaids on behalf of himself and his bride.

Bride’s speech

Although usually the bride doesn't make a speech during the reception, it has become more common place. If the bride does choose to speak, she usually outlines her thanks towards her bridesmaids and her new husband.

Wedding Speech Tips

If you don't feel comfortable memorizing your speech, bring index cards with keywords that you can quickly refer to at a glance.

Try to make as much eye contact with the crowd as you can.

Keep your speech short and sweet.

If you're nervous, just say so. Apologize ahead of time if you happen to stumble on your words and ask the crowd to bear with you.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.... THEN PRACTICE SOME MORE....

Read your speech in front of a mirror than ask a friend to listen. Get comfortable reading it aloud in front of people before the big day.

Still daunted, help is at hand. There's plenty of useful information on preparing the perfect wedding speech or toast, as well as useful tips and advice on preparing to speak at weddings.

A useful book for under $7 called "Wedding Speeches and Toasts" by Cassell Illustrated will help you to have them still talking about your speech for weeks after the wedding is a distant memory.

You can get a copy from Amazon by clicking on this link:

[url=http://tinyurl.com/weddingspeechesandtoasts]WeddingSpeechesandToasts[/url]

Good luck on the big day !!

Steven Jackson

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