Wedding Day Speeches Or Toasts
LEARN HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT WEDDING DAY SPEECH
Wedding speeches, or toasts are a very important part of the overall ceremony. Traditionally offered at the reception, wedding speeches offer a chance for reflection and contemplation of what just took place. Two people just declared their love before God and witnesses, and were joined together. Truly a time for celebration, it can also be a time of insight and happy memories that will last forever.
Wedding speeches at the reception are traditionally given by the best man, the matron of honor, and if available, the father or mother of the bride. Don't feel like you have to follow some form or tradition though. What works for others may not be comfortable for you. It is more than okay to hold the ceremony any way you wish.
It's a happy time, a cause for celebration. Not a time for stress, and getting tensed up. When giving a speech or toast, smile and be confident. You're surrounded by family and friends, at least in most cases, and it's not a job interview or running for office.
Usually the father of the bride will give the first speech or toast. This is to welcome the guests, as well as to congratulate the newly married couple. This is also a good chance to introduce the in-law that some of your friends and family may not know.
After this the new groom may choose to stand up and say a few words. Then follows the matron of honor, and the best man. A good speech should be about both families, and should be generally neutral. You're not looking to start a fight at the reception, it is considered bad form.
The best man's speech is usually one of the more memorable ones, filled with memories and humorous asides about the groom. The father of the bride can also usually be counted on to get sentimental, as he sees his daughter about to embark on a new chapter in life.
The groom usually doesn't make much of a speech, but of course feel free to improvise. Some of the recently married consider themselves lucky that they didn't have to say more than, “Thank you all for being here.” Others like to embellish and reflect. Go with what makes you happy and comfortable. I mean if you can't be comfortable on your wedding day, then how will you find married life to be?
If you happen to decide you need help with planning or writing a good wedding speech, there are many tools you can use. There are countless books on the subject, or you can browse the internet, where you can find speeches readymade for you, or people who will write them to your specific need.
Whatever you decide to say on that memorable day, remember just go with what feels comfortable. No one is expecting you to deliver a thesis on the spot. It's a reception, there's good food, close friends and family are there, there's probably music, drinking and dancing too. So don't feel like you have to deliver. Just stand up and say what you feel. Most of the time that's what people want to hear.