How To Give a Perfect Wedding Speech?

Wedding speeches have been a part of wedding celebrations for centuries, dating back to ancient societies where guests would raise their glasses to honor the gods.

Today, wedding speeches are still an important part of the celebration, allowing loved ones to express their congratulations and well wishes to the newlyweds.

While there are no set-in-stone rules about who should give a wedding speech, it's typical for the newlyweds' parents, the best man and maid of honor, and the newlyweds themselves to give a speech.

However, this can vary depending on the occasion, the couple's preferences, and their cultural background.

In this article, we'll provide you with some helpful tips and advice to help you give a memorable wedding speech that will be cherished by the happy couple and their guests.

Wedding Speech vs. Wedding Toast: What's the Difference?

If you've ever attended a wedding, you've probably heard the terms "wedding speech" and "wedding toast" used interchangeably.

However, according to etiquette experts, there are some key differences between the two.

A wedding toast is a brief proposal to drink, cheer, honor the couple's union, and congratulate them. It is followed by a raising of the glass and a collective sip to wish them well.

In contrast, a wedding speech is a longer conversation of best wishes, reminiscent of the bride and groom's first meeting, history, or a warm and friendly story.

Speeches are typically pre-written, lengthier tributes that may include anecdotes or multiple stories and last more than three minutes.

In conclusion, while wedding speeches and wedding toasts share some similarities, such as honoring and congratulating the newlyweds, they are different in terms of length, content, and purpose.

Knowing the difference between the two can help you prepare and deliver a memorable and appropriate message at the wedding reception.

What Do You Say in a Wedding Speech?

If you've been asked to give a wedding speech, you might be wondering where to start. Here are some tips on how to start and end your speech, as well as what not to say.

How to Start a Wedding Speech

When starting your wedding speech, it's important to know your role in the wedding.

If you're the father or mother of the bride or groom, you may want to start by thanking everyone for attending, since you may be the host of the occasion. Introducing yourself is also a great way to start your speech.

This introduction may include how you know the bride or groom, and if appropriate, you can also throw in some heartfelt memories you have about meeting their new spouse.

How to End a Wedding Speech

The ending of your speech will likely wrap up in a natural way as you write. But, to make sure you hit the right note, consider summarizing the feeling of the speech and the occasion.

You may want to ask everyone to raise a glass to toast the couple, or you may want to end by saying how much you love the newlyweds.

Just make sure that your speech has a wrap-up of some kind, ends on a heartfelt note, and doesn't just stop abruptly after telling a story. When all else fails, you can signal the end of your speech by raising a toast.

What NOT to Say in a Wedding Speech

When giving a wedding speech, it's important to be mindful of what you say. You should be extra careful about how and when you "throw shade" at the couple.

A rehearsal dinner is the more appropriate place for a roast-style speech. You may also want to avoid bringing up certain topics, such as past love interests, private jokes or one-liners no one else will understand, or personal details that could potentially be offensive.

Humor is dangerous, unless you are really good at pulling it off. Finally, it's safest to stay away from curse words and definitely don't belittle, ridicule, or shame anyone.

Remember that what you say and do can be recorded at any moment and could go viral.

In summary, when giving a wedding speech, start by knowing your role and introducing yourself. End your speech on a heartfelt note and avoid abrupt endings.

Be mindful of what you say and avoid offensive or inappropriate topics. With these tips, you'll be able to give a great wedding speech that everyone will enjoy.

Who Should Give Wedding Speeches?

Your wedding day is a special occasion, and you might be wondering who should give wedding speeches on your big day.

According to Blais Comeau, the list can be lengthy and include everyone in the wedding party, including bridesmaids and groomsmen, if they want to. However, there is no obligation on anyone's part.

The bride and groom are at the top of the list, followed by the father of the bride speech and the father of the groom speech, unto the best man, and the maid of honor. So, start at the top, decide, ask, and plan.

Traditionally, the best man and the maid of honor offer the first speech, generally before the meal is served. Then, a parent of the couple may make a dessert speech honoring the couple.

If the newlyweds also want to give a speech, that's welcomed. After all, they're the reason everyone is gathered. It's always nice to thank everyone for coming and show appreciation for all who may have traveled from afar.

In summary, the bride and groom, fathers of the bride and groom, best man, and maid of honor are the usual people who give wedding speeches.

However, anyone in the wedding party can give a speech if they want to, and there is no obligation on anyone's part.

How Long Should a Wedding Speech Be?

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to giving a wedding speech is how long it should be.

While some experts suggest keeping it to three minutes or less, others recommend extending it to five minutes.

According to Chertoff, the best wedding speeches usually last three to five minutes, and Gottsman agrees, saying that the perfect speech lasts around five minutes, give or take a minute or two.

It's important to keep in mind that there are many festivities that take place during the wedding reception, such as special dances and cutting the cake.

Therefore, you should aim for a speech that is long enough to convey your message but short enough to keep the guests engaged.

To ensure that you're in the sweet spot time-wise, try writing down everything you'd like to say and time yourself as you read. If you end up talking for too long, you'll want to cut out parts that have less impact.

You can also practice your speech to see how fast you tend to read. Reading slowly, pausing, looking up, smiling, and looking at the newlyweds and guests can help you deliver a well-timed and engaging speech.

Here are some additional tips to help you keep your speech at the appropriate length:

• Avoid rambling or going off on tangents.
• Stick to the main points and keep your anecdotes short.
• Use bullet points or a table to organize your thoughts and keep your speech concise.
• Don't rush through your speech but also don't drag it out unnecessarily.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding speech is the perfect length to make an impact without overstaying your welcome.

Is It OK to Read a Wedding Speech?

The big day has arrived and you're feeling nervous about giving your wedding speech. You might be wondering if it's acceptable to read your speech instead of memorizing it.

According to experts, it's perfectly fine to bring notes with you, as long as you're familiar with your script. The most important part is to show your love for the couple.

However, note cards should be used sparingly. The best speeches come from the heart, without notes. If you're feeling nervous, it's acceptable to refer to your note cards occasionally.

But remember, the best speeches are those that are delivered with confidence and passion.

If you choose to read your speech from your phone or tablet, make sure to silence all notifications and sounds. You don't want your device to interrupt your speech and spoil the mood.

To ensure a successful delivery, practice your speech before the big day.

This will help you feel comfortable and confident when delivering your speech. Remember, the goal is to show your love and appreciation for the couple.