How to Write and Deliver a Great Wedding Speech

So, your best friend (or relative) is getting married and has bestowed upon you the great gift of serving as their maid of honor or best man. If you're anything like I was, you'll at first be elated, then suddenly be terrified because you'll realize what it all means. That's right, a wedding speech.

We've all been to a wedding before and heard someone get up there and make a total fool of themselves. Whether it be from having too much to drink or too many nerves, they successfully make everyone in the room uncomfortable, including the bride and groom. I've included a few dos and donts in this article, based on personal experience, that will help your wedding speech be a pleasant addition to your best friend's special day.

First, you have really got to think it through. If you put it off and decide that you'll just "wing it" the night of, you'll most likely be hearing crickets instead of applause. I've seen it happen. Start getting ideas for your speech months in advance even so can have it prepared well before the big day. Read it to someone you trust to give you an honest opinion. This can save you from making jokes that you may think are funny, but are really just duds. Or worse, making inappropriate comments that the bride and groom may not appreciate too much.

If you're finding it hard to come up with content, start with introducing yourself for those who may not know, then tell a funny story about one or both members of the couple, then end with something really sentimental. Try and make the audience laugh before you make them cry. This format really worked for me. Also, even though you may only be friends with one of them, really try and talk about them as a couple at some point in your speech. Gush about how happy they make each other and how wonderful you think their future will be, even if you have to tell a few white lies.

If you're still struggling for speech material, there are several websites out there that can help get you started. At DIY Wedding Speech you can find examples of wording as well as quotes that can be used in your speech. There's also Keep and Share which can give you specific examples such as funny, general, or even famous wedding speeches. While it's probably not smart to copy from any of these, hopefully they will at least point you in the right direct and get your creative juices flowing.

OK, now it's written, so memorize it! It really does look bad if you have to stand up there and read from a card. You'll sound like a nervous robot and it won't come off as heart felt.

This leads me to my next point - don't drink too much! If you do this, it won't matter if you've memorized your speech or not, it will just sound sloppy and silly. It could also offend the bride and groom's parents and/or guests. It's best to save the brunt of your celebrating for after you bring down the house with your speech.

While delivering your speech, try your best not to look nervous. The most effective way to achieve this is by not talking too fast. Talking too fast is a dead giveaway that you're not comfortable and just want it to be over. All of the rehearsing you did in advance while memorizing the speech should really help you slow it down. Also, be sure to make eye contact with the audience as well as the bride and groom to make yourself more engaged.

To sum up, if you really put some effort into your wedding speech, you should be fine. Just taking the time to read this article shows that you really care and want to do it right. After all, they are your best friend and they deserve it. Good luck!