How to Give a Wedding Speech

Speaking in front of a large group of people can be a very scary thing for some. Making a speech and saying it front of hundreds of people at someone’s wedding could make you even more nervous! It may seem stressful to prepare something that important and deliver it without any slip ups. Don’t panic. Try these tips to get your creative speech making juices flowing:

1. Grab a pencil and paper and ask yourself these questions for inspiration:

• How do you recognize the couple?
• How would you distinguish each of them?
• What are the adjectives that spring to your mind when you think about them or hear their names?
• Why did the groom choose you as the best man?
• Prior to meeting his now bride, what was the groom like?
• How did the relationship with his now bride change the groom?
• How did the couple meet?
• Describe how the groom told you about his now bride?
• Are there any laughable anecdotes that exemplify the personalities of the bride and/or groom?

2. Giving a quick introduction of yourself before you begin your wedding speech is a good idea especially at larger weddings where every guest may not know you. If you are comfortable with comedy then maybe add a couple of jokes about the wedding, comedy is always helpful.

3. Now is when you will use answers for the list of questions above. Talk about the couple and how they got together, the first time hearing about it, what you think of the couple and anything around those lines that you would like to say. However it is important to make the speech about the bride and the groom, not just the groom.

4. The closure wrap ends with a toast, wishing for happiness and love for the couple, and make sure to lift a glass to your own toast!

1. Much of the same questions from above will also work for the groom if they are stated from the groom’s perspective. Give thanks to people for attending and give out special thanks to anyone who put extra work into helping set up for the big day. Also, express how you feel that day now that you are married.

2. You can also add some jokes if you feel comfortable, to keep it light and get the audiences attention.  Remember, though, that the jokes should be amusing, but not said at anyone’s expense.

3. End the speech with a toast to the guests who joined in the celebration.

If you are a guest outside the wedding party that has been asked to give one of the wedding speeches, you can use the same guidelines as the best man speeches, modified to your position.

No matter who you are - groom, wedding guest, father of the bride or best man - practice will be the most important factor in the success of your speech. Have your speech prepared well in advance of the event and practice it in front of a variety of people to get comfortable with the speech and also to receive feedback about the content and your delivery. If you need extra help, or are especially fearful of speaking in front of a crowd, consider joining your local Toastmasters organization for additional help.