Joe and Jen PhotoWedding speeches are just as much a part of the total wedding experience as the wedding cake and the procession down the aisle. Crafting the perfect wedding speech is as hard as managing all those details yourself. That’s why the team at FIVE Event Center is here to help members of the wedding party learn how to write a wedding speech so you have professional support from years of industry experience.
Let’s call this list – the FIVE Best Tips To Remember When Writing A Wedding Speech! 😉
Tip 1: Know Your Audience
While your speech concerns the bride and groom, it’s still important to consider everyone else in the room. Is there a bit of contention between the two sides? Is one group more religious or more formal than the other? Is this a casual reception with many friends, or are extended family and business contacts in the room? Depending on the answer to these questions, you can understand the audience’s expectations.
Review the guest before deciding which anecdotes your speech will include, let alone how you tell the stories. This can help you tailor the language and details. You also know to keep your speech short if it’s a big wedding.
Jennifer Grace PortraitsTip 2: Structure Your Speech
Look up common wedding speech structures if you’re staring at a blank piece of paper. You may have learned from high school that a speech has an intro, three or four main points, and a conclusion to wrap things up. However, different occasions warrant different structures and a generic outline can give you a great starting point for organizing your thoughts. Additional tips for structuring your speech are:
- Focus on just two or three anecdotes in chronological order.
- Pick a theme or a positive statement to guide your thought process.
- Start with the conclusion and work backward.
Tip 3: Craft Compelling Content
Once you have your structure in mind, decide which anecdotes and details are the most relevant. For example, you might have a few stories about how the bride and groom always find the bright spot among serious and funny challenges. Alternatively, explain how they met and how you watched the relationship flourish. Most importantly, you tell heartfelt anecdotes that keep the couple center-stage but demonstrate your unique voice. Then, even if other attendees have the same stories in their wedding speeches, they won’t be repetitive.
Jessica Smith PhotographyTip 4: Master Delivery Techniques
There are two levels of practice for giving speeches on formal occasions, and we recommend using both:
- Practice every detail of your delivery in front of a mirror. This includes memorizing your speech, practicing gestures and tonal delivery, and timing the speech to be exactly right.
- Practice in the wedding venue. If you can, visit the reception area. Walk along the stage, practice speaking into a microphone if one is available, and have other wedding party members listen and give advice.
The more you practice, especially on stage with the sound equipment, the more polished your delivery will be.
Tip 5: Overcome Nervousness
Nervousness is hard to overcome, especially if you don’t speak in public often. But it can impact the quality of your speech, and we know you can rock it! Try these tips to settle your nerves:
- Pick a few people scattered throughout the crowd to make eye contact with as you speak rather than letting your eyes float over a big crowd. Select people you’re comfortable with, your parents, or a close friend. Or, choose to talk directly to the couple!
- Loosen up your body language. While you’re practicing your delivery, focus on big, slow gestures—even if you speed up with nerves on the actual day, the slow practice will still come through.
- Before you speak, try box breathing: inhaling for four counts, holding your breath for four counts, and then releasing your breath for four counts. This can help you control your breathing and adrenaline.
Joe and Jen PhotoThe Perfect Toast: A Recipe for Success
A great wedding speech also needs a great venue. At FIVE Event Center, we provide beautiful spaces for weddings, receptions, bridal showers, and more. Reach out today for more tips about getting ready for a wedding or to start planning the details of the event.