Preparing to Give a Wedding Speech

Are you planning to write a speech for a friend or family member’s wedding?  If so, you may be feeling a bit nervous about deciding just what you should say.  By following these simple steps, however, you will be certain to express just the thoughts you wish to share while helping to make the wedding an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Develop an Outline

The first thing you should do when writing a speech is to develop an outline.  This way, you can be certain to touch on the major points that you wish to express in your speech.  In addition, once you have an outline in place, filling in the gaps is much easier.

Consider Special Memories

One of the most important aspects of a wedding speech is to express your friendship and love for the couple.  By recalling a special memory, you will demonstrate your connection with the couple while also helping the wedding guests feel a deeper connection with the couple as well.  If you are a family member, you might also want to share some childhood memories about the groom or the bride.  Whether you are closer to the bride or groom, you should still share special memories that you have with both.

Offer Support

In addition to sharing a special memory or two, your speech is also the time to offer your support for the union and to tell the couple that you are happy they have found someone so special.  This is not to say that you should be phony, however, as your speech should come from your heart.  Obviously, writing your feelings down on paper may be difficult, so you don’t necessarily need to have every word planned out.  On the other hand, you should have a general idea of what you want to say when sharing your feelings for the couple and their union.

Practice

In order to keep your nerves in check, it is also a good idea to practice your speech before the big day.  Stand in front of a mirror and practice what you are going to say.  This way, you can see how you look as you give the speech and can make any necessary adjustments.  Remember, the better prepared you are ahead of time, the less nervous you will be when it comes time to stand in front of everyone and deliver your speech!