The Wedding Speeches

I know I hate public speaking. I get nervous. Knots form deep in my gut and it feels like I’m about to lose my lunch. Speeches in school were bad enough with all those eyes on you. It’s a small consolation that, in time, each and every one of those other eyes staring back at you will soon be suffering your same fate. At weddings you aren’t so lucky. To make matters worse, however, it’s been a long day. Most people are or have been drinking a lot of alcohol (not a good idea for you if you’re going to making a speech, by the way).

There are a handful of people that make speeches at the wedding. This includes the Bride, Groom, Best Man, Father and Mother of the Bride and the Maid of Honor. If you’re one of these lucky fools, I mean, people then you too will have to face the eyes of people who matter much more to you than Jimmy Schnitzel in the front row of your 3rd grade English class.

Best Man

Your position is that of the best friend to the Groom, his mentor, his confidant, his drinking buddy and poker player. And here you are in front of all of these people supporting your friend in his new marriage. You probably don’t know many of these people, but they all know your buddy, the Groom. Embarrassing yourself is not an option you can rightfully afford if you ever want your friend to talk to you again.

Your speech should be heartfelt and forceful. Don’t make your speech too sappy. Thank your friend for being who he is. Tell some childhood anecdotes (if you didn’t know him as a kid then use adults ones that are clean and won’t get him in too much trouble) and compliment him on the choice of his bride (even if you don’t like her). A joke or two here and five grueling minutes later you’re done.

Maid of Honor

Like the Best Man you are the Bride’s best friend. Your speech should be from the heart, soulful and filled with stories of the light of your friend. You should mention her choice in a husband and man (even if you think he’s a real tool). Crying may be involved at some point and that’s ok. It’s the day for that.

Bride & Groom

Your speeches are very similar in the fact that they have to do with each other. Why do you love your significant other? What do you each provide to one another? It should be 100% from the heart and genuine. You don’t have to make a long winded speech – you’ve done enough already, you did get married after all.

Mother & Father of the Bride

Your baby girl has just gotten married. She’s left the nest for good and it’s a sad day as well as a very, very joyful one. Convey that with your words and your love for your child will come through in spades. Short and sweet is just as effective as something that goes on for several minutes. Touch on her life as a child, how she’s made good choices (even if some are questionable) and give anecdotes of her as a child. Say some good things about her Husband as well.

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