Image by Knot Just Pics, full wedding here.

 

 

The wedding speech is a tradition still being used in weddings up and down the country. Usually the groom, best man and father of the bride get up to say a few words after the meal. I thought i would give you a few wedding speech ideas and tips to make sure all goes smoothly for your big day.

 

Delegating

 

If you both are worried about handing over the reins on the speeches, don’t. Try and trust your loved ones to speak from the heart. If you want to give direction try and ask to keep within a certain time, or leave out certain topics that could be sensitive.

 

Break Tradition

 

If you want the bridesmaid, your mum, a child or the bride wants to give a speech then go for it. There are no hard and fast rules, perhaps do keep in mind time constraints if everyone ends up wanting to give a speech, it could go on for a little while.

If you don’t want to have any speeches then scrap them all together. If your guests are nervous about the speeches, bring them forward so they can relax at the meal. It is your wedding and you will know the type of atmosphere you would like to create for the day.

 

Humour

 

Google has so many speech jokes, and if you go to enough weddings you can sometimes hear them repeated. Gags can work well, but don’t overly worry about getting enough laughs. Natural jokes that flow in the words work the best, personal stories or images will relax the audience and may even get a few giggles.

 

Image by Pete Cranston, full wedding here.

 

Speak from the Heart

 

If you are worried about remembering your lines or slipping up over your words leave the written speech alone. Speak without a prompt. The emotion from the day will leave you reflective and in tone to the day. Chatting with guests about the couple may spark ideas and stories you can talk about. If need be have a prompt card with a couple of pointers on to help you flow.

 

Thank You

 

Speeches are a great chance to thank members of the wedding party and to give out gifts. Keep a list of those you would like to thank so you don’t forget anyone. You can’t thank everyone, so don’t worry if you keep it to those who immediately helped with the planning. You can send out personal thank you cards after the wedding too.

 

Toast

 

You of course will want to toast to the new couple, your new wife/husband, the bridesmaids and other important loved ones. Keep drinks at the ready.

 

Image by HBA Photography, full wedding here.

 

Entertained

 

To keep guests entertained, why not have a game of betting the length of the speeches or the number of toasts there will be. Make sure the little ones have something to do with a fun goody bag so parents can relax and not miss any of the words.

 

Alternatives

 

You could in advance plan to do something a little different. Create a video speech to play, a sideshow of images or write a song song to perform. Getting creative will really personalise a speech and if it’s preprepared you can relax on the day.

 

How are you planning your wedding speech? Are you giving full control to the wedding party? I’d love to hear more ideas and tips in the comments box below XOXO Lou