7 tips for making a wedding party speech

Public speaking is never easy. Even those that seem composed have knocking knees on the inside. This article is going to help make this tough job a whole lot easier. Don’t blow your opportunity to make this best friend’s special day all the more special. It’s not every day you are chosen as a bride’s maid or best man so make this your own unforgettable day -in a good way!

1. Prepare! Reading this article is an excellent first step.
2. Don’t thank the bride or groom for choosing you as their Best Man or Maid of Honor, they didn’t nominate you for Class President – it was an expression of affection. When someone says “I love you” the customary response is “I love you too” not “thank you very much.” Honoring you on their most special day, singling you out as their most special person, shows that they love you. Now use your well prepared words to love ‘em back.
3. Don’t start waltzing down Memory Lane and forget to turn back. It’s good to include a memorable anecdote, but one or two is enough. Remember, this day is about the bride and grooms future, not their history. Don’t make it sound like a eulogy by describing all of the individual’s great attributes, and single-life shinning moments.
4. Make sure the special memories that are recounted this day are appropriate for the general audience. “Remember that night when we stole your parents’ Cadillac and went skinny dipping at the quarry with those two strippers” is only going to anger the parents, make the new bride or groom’s stomach turn, and if they were invited to the ceremony -probably embarrass the strippers.
5. Be careful that you don’t make the common mistake of directing the entire speech to the person who bestowed this honor on you. You don’t have to include both the bride and the groom in your funny anecdote from yesteryear, but when you shift gears into the present speak about both of them; their love for each other, their made-ness for each other, and their strength as a couple. If you want to slip in a quip now is a good time. “You may be in for a lot of sleepless nights. I went camping with Donna a couple times when we were in the girl scouts together. I don’t know about now, but back then she snored like a lumber jack.” Or, “I know you will want to be by Charlie’s side every minute…Until he takes off his shoes.” I got you a lifetime supply of Dr. Sholes Odor Eaters for your wedding gift Buddy!” Don’t get carried away with this, saying something like: “I don’t know how you are going to stand waking up every morning to a face that looks like it got beat with an ugly stick.”
6. Make sure you wax serious when it comes to blessing their future. Express confidence in their character and true love for each other that assures you and everyone else present that their love will stand the test of time.
7. You prepared well so you were able to maintain your composure. Your trembling was barely detectable. Your careful and well thought out words didn’t sound too rehearsed, even though they were. You honored the new Mr. and Mrs. And encouraged them as well. You didn’t embarrass yourself or them, to your credit. Now go get drunk and make a complete fool of yourself!