Wedding Speeches Can Be Memorable
Posted: Wednesday, October 17, 2007
by David Odell
Wordscape Ltd
It is true that wedding speeches can end up being a more memorable part of a wedding reception. However, there is not very much thought or preparation for a wedding speech that is given during the reception, especially when compared to the planning that goes into other aspects of the wedding.
A well-written wedding speech will often be remembered and cherished for many years to come. It may even be referenced during anniversaries and other important moments in the lives of the couple.
The average length of a wedding speech, depending on how many people have been asked to speak, is usually from three to ten minutes long. What happens many times is that people will become nervous when giving wedding speeches and will have a tendency to speak very fast, making it hard to be understood or they may speak too slow, causing people to become bored. To avoid this problem, anyone giving a wedding speech should take the time to rehearse it in private to become comfortable with what they are planning to say. Having a written outline to refer to during the speech will also help to eliminate the embarrassment of forgetting what one intended to say.
Wedding speeches should focus on talking about things that are important to the bride and groom, particularly things that relate to their relationship. Little-known stories about how the couple met, where they met, or what the spark was that started the whole thing, can be integrated into the speech to make it more interesting. Also, observations about positive or romantic ways in which their relationship blossomed, given from the perspective of the speaker, can add personal insights about the newlyweds.
However, it should always be remembered that the purpose of wedding speeches and toasts is to honor and recognize the couple and should focus on them in an upbeat and respectful way. Humor can often be a very effective tool when giving a wedding speech, but courtesy should be taken into consideration to avoid mean-spirited comments and cutting humor. Such negative attempts and interjecting humor has ruined many best man speeches and other wedding toasts.
Overall, it should be remembered that the most important element of wedding speeches is for the speaker to offer words of congratulations and support that are sincere and which come from the heart. A good, heartfelt wedding speech will also help to set the tone for each wedding toast that is sure to follow.
Generally, the first wedding toast is performed as part of the final wedding speech to honor the bride and groom. The toast should sum up all the speeches and end on a high note. Traditionally, as the toast is being made, the bride's glass is then filled first, followed by the groom's. The maid of honor and the balance of the wedding party then have their glasses filled, followed by the parents of the couple, with the best man being served last.
Being asked to give one of the wedding speeches is a sincere honor and a special opportunity to uniquely impact the event. Be sure to put the time and effort into carefully selecting the things you want to share and take the time to rehearse your wedding speech. This will help assure that you properly honor the couple with your thoughts and your wishes.
David Odell is the owner of Wedding Plans where you can find information on all aspects of planning a wedding and Wedding Speech - What do I say that concentrates on speeches from different members of the wedding party.
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