Wedding Speeches Tips

 

 WEDDING SPEECHES - It will make or break the event!

Wedding speeches is one of the parts of the reception that can easily change the mood of the event. From joyful to awkward and to downright embarrassing. Don’t understimate the power of words. Here’s some tips to avoid that awkard and/or embarrassing moment on your wedding day. This is not just for the bride and groom but to all who speak during the celebration.

1. Make it short and meaningful - A good wedding speech is about content not length. Make it short and don’t bore your guests. In some cases, wedding speeches looks like an election campaign and turns the reception into a miting-de-avance. 
2. Be positive and gracious - Weddings speeches should be gracious and positive. Up to now, I still can’t understand why people always tell the newlyweds not to quarrel. It’s usually a string of “do not this and do not that”. Wedding is supposed to be a joyful moment, any negative vibes are not welcome.
3. Pre Inform the Speakers - Inform the people who are going to speak in the reception so that they won’t be surprised and will come to the stage prepared. Sometimes it happens that in the interest of wanting to get a heartfelt speech, couples surprise the speakers. And most often than not, it turns into an equally embarrassing situation either for the speaker or for the couple.
4. Forget the groom’s unsavoury past - Best men are often tempted to tell stories about what the groom has done in wicked in the past (usually, together with the best man). Most often than not, it’s for the sake of cracking a joke but usually embarasses the groom. Aside from that, it might offend the bride which may ruin the mood. It’s always advisable to just mention the good side of the groom and stories like when you and the groom got lost in one of your mountain treks. At all cost, stay away from mentioning the groom’s success with other women.
5. Don’t Tell Smutty Stories - In an event like this where there is a mixed guest and when some of those present are emotional and sensitive, it is advisable not to tell any cruddy stories. Smutty stories are suited for very private conversations. Besides, there may be clergy and elderly people present who would be shocked.
6. Don’t tell mother-in law jokes - There will usually be one or two mother-in-laws present and you could spoil the day by offending them. You never know what people will consider funny so it’s safer not to tell such jokes. Again, there are usually a large crowd during reception and jokes like this may not sit well with the mother-in-laws especially in front of a lot of people.
7. Don’t do a Lolit Solis - Don’t thank a long list of people on your speech. If there are people to be mentioned they should be woven into the wedding speech by saying something warm-hearted or witty about them. And besides, you might forget mentioning some names that may be taken against you.
8. Never say something that someone else will be saying - Check with the couple or with the event organizer what are expected from you to say and what are the limits. If you are acting as a best man or speaking in another capacity, then offer a toast for the couple. Traditionally, the father of the bride toasts the couple. Imagine if all the speakers offer a toast, the couple would already by tipsy and intoxicated by the end of the speeches.
9. It is normal in our culture to thank our suppliers during the speech. However, it will unnecessarily extend your speech. Take note that they are paid to do their job. If you feel that they did a good job, send them thank you letters or recommend them later to your friends. Your speech is not the best time to thank them. A more private conversation is more appropriate.
10. Be careful on mentioning deceased family member. -  Some people might still find it hard to keep from being emotional and sorrowful when remembering a lost love ones. It could ruin an otherwise happy and cheerful day.