The Do's and Don'ts of Writing a Wedding Speech

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Wedding speeches are an essential part of any wedding ceremony. They provide an opportunity for family and friends to express their love and appreciation for the newlyweds. However, writing a wedding speech can be daunting, especially if you have never given one before. In this guide, we'll explore the do's and don'ts of writing a wedding speech, including tips for structure, content, and delivery.

Do: Prepare in advance

Writing a wedding speech requires careful planning and preparation. Don't wait until the last minute to start writing your speech. Begin early and take the time to think about what you want to say. Plan an outline, and practice your speech multiple times to ensure that you're comfortable with the content.

Don't: Procrastinate

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when writing a wedding speech is procrastinating. Waiting until the last minute will only increase your stress levels and decrease the quality of your speech. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Do: Keep it brief

A wedding speech should be short and sweet. Try to keep your speech to no more than five minutes. Remember, this is not a time for a long-winded story or rambling anecdotes. Stick to the point, and keep your speech focused on the newlyweds.

Don't: Go off-topic

Stay on-topic during your wedding speech. Don't veer off into other subjects or use the opportunity to air your grievances or personal opinions. Keep your speech focused on the newlyweds, their relationship, and your relationship with them.

Do: Use humor

Humor is an effective way to connect with the audience and add a touch of lightheartedness to your speech. Use anecdotes and jokes to make your speech more entertaining, but avoid anything that could be considered offensive or inappropriate.

Don't: Be offensive or inappropriate

While humor can be effective, it's essential to be mindful of your audience and avoid anything that could be considered offensive or inappropriate. Stay away from topics that could be divisive or controversial, and keep your speech respectful and uplifting.

Do: Practice your delivery

Delivery is just as important as the content of your speech. Practice your delivery multiple times before the wedding day to ensure that you're comfortable with the pacing, tone, and overall delivery of your speech. Consider practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself to identify areas for improvement. Don't be afraid to work with a Public Speaking Coach who can give you tips on how to knock it out of the park.

Don't: Forget your audience

Remember, your audience is there to celebrate the newlyweds, not to hear about your personal achievements or problems. Keep your speech focused on the couple, and avoid anything that could detract from the overall celebratory atmosphere of the event.

Writing a wedding speech can be intimidating, but with the right preparation and mindset, anyone can deliver a meaningful and memorable speech. Remember to plan ahead, stay on-topic, and keep your speech brief and entertaining. Most importantly, don't forget to practice your delivery and keep your audience in mind. With these do's and don'ts in mind, you'll be well on your way to delivering an unforgettable wedding speech.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use a template for my wedding speech?

A: While templates can be a helpful starting point, it's important to personalize your speech and make it unique to you and the couple. Avoid copying a template verbatim and instead use it as a guide for structure and content.

Q: Should I read my speech or speak from memory?

A: This depends on your comfort level and confidence in your delivery. Some people prefer to read their speech word-for-word, while others feel more comfortable speaking from memory or using notes as a guide. Ultimately, the goal is to deliver a heartfelt and authentic speech that resonates with the audience.

Q: Can I include inside jokes in my wedding speech?

A: Avoid jokes that could be confusing or offensive to those who are not familiar with the context. If "you had to be there," don't include it.

Q: What should I do if I'm nervous about giving my speech?

A: It's normal to feel nervous when giving a speech, especially in front of a large audience. To alleviate nerves, practice your speech multiple times, and consider visualizing a successful delivery. Additionally, deep breathing and relaxation techniques can help calm your nerves before the speech.

Feeling stressed about writing a wedding speech? Let Provenance.co's digital tools help you create a personalized and meaningful toast for the newlyweds. Sign up for our Toast Builder today and we'll take the stress out of generating that first draft.

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April 12, 2023