SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT
For many grooms, it’s even more daunting than walking down the aisle, but the wedding won’t be complete without a speech from the groom, the groom’s father and the best man.
The main rule of thumb is speeches should be short and to the point - no one wants to listen to long-winded speeches. The idea is to keep people interested. They should be light-hearted, personal and to the point.
Speeches can be before or after the meal but after is usually the best as everyone is more relaxed and thus more receptive.
The father of the bride should welcome the groom’s parents and the other guests, especially if the invitation was sent in their name.
Include something about your daughter’s life, not too personal or embarrassing and pass on you own wisdom to the couple. Finally, welcome her husband to the family and make a toast to them and it will be all over.
The groom should thank both sets of parents, the bride’s parents for their beautiful daughter and his own for all they have done.
He should also thank the bridesmaids, the best man and the flower girls and anyone else who played a part in the wedding.
The best man should make his speech funny and light-hearted and convey that he is happy for his friend and how lucky he is to have found his beautiful wife.
A funny anecdote about the groom can lighten the mood - but it should not be embarrassing or too personal. Talk about the bride and how lovely she is and how beautiful she looks and finally, read some cards from absent friends or family.
The speeches are just a way of thanking everyone so they don’t have to be masterpieces. Just make a few short notes to help you along and most importantly, they should come from the heart.