Wedding Speeches 101
Author: Amy K. Spade

If you're planning a wedding or planning on being in one, then
the question of wedding speeches is bound to come up.

Who gives the speeches

Well, this is really up to the couple that's getting married,
but there seems to be a normal list of people that are expected
to say something.

The wedding party usually has the most members talking about
the bride or the groom. The Best Man and Matron or Maid of
Honor are the ones that will be giving short speeches before
dinner in most cases. Other members of the party can also speak
if the couple chooses.

The father of the bride usually gives a speech to the guests,
thanking them for coming as well as saying a word or two to the
groom. The couple themselves may also want to talk to the
guests, giving them thanks and their love.

Of course, the reception isn't the only place for speeches.
Many times, the wedding rehearsal has one or two of the
couple's parents speaking as well.

As many people as the couple wants can speak, but what if
you're the one that's asked?

Before you stand up

If you're asked to give a speech, no doubt you're nervous and
at a loss for what to say. The best advice is to keep your
speech short and simple, so that your nerves don't have time to
take over and so that your creativity isn't sapped.

Make a list of all of the things that you admire and love about
the couple or half of the couple. If you've been friends for a
while, you may want to include a joke or a story. The best
advice is to keep the story clean though—their parents may not
want to know what they've done.

Talk about the person and then end with some sort of revelation
or note of congratulation. Raise your glass and toast the
couple. It's really as easy as that.

If you're afraid that you'll become nervous, make sure that you
rehearse the speech often, writing it well in advance. Or you
can just focus on your friend as you give the speech and avoid
making eye contact out into the reception crowd.

Speeches are a wonderful way to give thanks to the guest and to
members of the new couple. Use your heart as a guide, and you're
sure to get it right.


About The Author: Amy Spade is an expert on planning weddings,
and she has written an amazing totally free minicourse on how
to make sure that you have the day of your dreams, and avoid
wedding day disaster! Get the free course "Your Special Day
from Start to Finish" now at at http://www.weddingdata.com