Here's to the Happy Couple!

You could not have been happier that you were chosen to be Maid of Honor, right? Until you remembered that you had to give a speech. If you are not big on public speaking, it is likely that this is the duty you are least looking forward to. However, you certainly want to honor the Bride and Groom, and give a memorable speech that everyone will enjoy. Following are some Do's and Don'ts that will help you in writing and preparing the perfect speech.

DO prepare in advance. Start a notebook or Word document to save ideas in. Begin doing this as soon as you know you will be expected to give a speech. You never know when an idea will come to you, and there is so much going on, that you probably won't remember it for long.

DO NOT give a speech without any preparation. There is nothing worse than going to a wedding and listening to a Best Man or Maid of Honor drone on and on about random events in their friend's life. People want something short and sweet that gets to the essence of who this couple is. Speeches that are unprepared are painfully obvious for the guests.

DO keep it short. Your speech really only needs to be 2 - 4 minutes. Anything longer and you will begin to lose people's attention. Remember, it is your job to offer a toast to the happy couple, not to share their life stories.

DO NOT tell stories that you would not want your grandparents to hear. You are in mixed company, and not everyone will find your memories of drinking and partying together entertaining. You do not want to offend any guests or make them feel uncomfortable. Also, this is not the time to share your inside jokes - save it for the bachelor/bachelorette party.

DO share your thoughts on what makes the couple special and unique. Today is the day to celebrate the start of the couple's life together. Share what makes these two special, and why you believe they were meant to be together.

DO NOT give a speech about yourself. As tempting as it may be to share how you two influenced one another or grew together - just don't. Save it for a letter. It is fine to say the bride or groom has been an integral part of your life, but leave it at that. Move on to talking about the couple. After all, that is who everyone came to see.

DO include a few key points in the speech. Start off with welcoming the guests, introducing yourself and explaining your relationship to the bride and groom. Follow with a cute story about the couple and share why you believe this couple is special. End with your wishes for their future, and a simple toast.

DO NOT drink until after your speech. There is nothing appealing about a slurring Best Man or a tipsy Maid of Honor. It is tacky and rude. Surely you can wait 10 minutes to get a cocktail.

DO have notes with you. This will help you remember the key points that you are planning to convey. Also, if you get nervous, you will not completely blank out on your speech.

DO NOT make the speech into a show. It really is unnecessary to have props, costumes, etc. You were not asked to be the entertainment for the night. You were simply asked to offer a toast. So leave the pictures, diaries, etc. at home.

DO relax and have fun. Find out exactly when you will be giving your speech so you are prepared. Will it be as soon as you enter? After dinner? And remember, this is an honor, so make the most of it! Good luck!