The dos and don'ts of giving a wedding speech: Etiquette and more!

Giving a wedding speech can be a daunting task, but it's also a great opportunity to show your support for the happy couple. Whether you're the best man, maid of honor, or simply a close friend or family member, follow these dos and don'ts of wedding speeches to make sure your toast is memorable (in a good way!) 

Do: 

- Keep it short and sweet. No one wants to hear a long, drawn-out speech. Stick to the main points and wrap it up in 5 minutes or less. 

- Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse! This will help you feel more confident on the big day and avoid any awkward pauses or fumbles with your words. 

- Make it personal. A wedding speech is your opportunity to share a special memory or inside joke that will make the couple smile. You have been asked to make a speech because you are close to the couple, so take advantage of that! 

- Thank the guests for coming and the wedding party for their help in making the day special. 

- Toast the happy couple. Raise your glass and offer a sincere wish for their future together. Make sure you outline to the other guest what you want them to do - cheer, clink glasses or both! 

Don't: 

- Get too personal. Stick to lighthearted stories and avoid anything that may embarrass or offend the couple or any other guests. Remember, there are family members and friends of all ages in attendance. 

- Drink too much before giving your speech. A little nerves-calming liquid courage is fine, but don't overdo it! You don't want your speech to be slurred or incoherent. Plus - you never know when you might be asked to make a toast on the spot, so it's always best to be prepared. 

- Go off-script. If you've written out your speech, don't deviate from it. It can be tempting to add a few impromptu comments, but this can often lead to rambling. 

- Forget to say thank you! Whether you're thanking the guests, the wedding party or the couple themselves, be sure to express your gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a special day. 

If you're worried about what to say or how to say it, follow our super simple layout for a fool-proof wedding speech! We recommend the following structure:

- Introduction: thank the guests, and talk about how you know the couple. Telling a joke or sharing a short one-liner is a great way to break the ice!

- Body: share a personal story or memory. Remember that less is more – try to keep it under 5 minutes and don't share anything too personal! 

- Conclusion: finish with a toast to the happy couple. 

- Conclusion: toast the happy couple and offer your best wishes for their future together.

If you follow these simple tips, you'll be sure to give a wedding speech that everyone will remember. Focus on being genuine, positive, and staying true to yourself, and you can't go wrong! Just relax, be yourself, and enjoy the moment!

By Kathryn Burke