Create a Stunning Groom’s Speech!

You want your wedding to be the successful and memorable day that you’ve always dreamed of.

But it’s easy to become very cautious and conservative during the wedding planning process for several reasons, including miscommunication, assumptions and the endless advice of well-intentioned friends and family. Let’s face it… a wedding is a huge event to plan, the bride and groom are very likely not experienced event organizers, so it takes a lot of patience, coordination and open dialogue for the wedding to go off as far as possible “without a hitch”.

Speeches will be a big part of the celebration, and one of the most important speeches will be given by the groom. If that’s you, here’s a few tips to keep you on the right track towards a memorable speech:

1) Pick a theme for your speech. Write about one topic and stick to it. A few short diversions are OK, but there’s nothing worse than a rambling monologue that goes nowhere.

2) Think about what you want your audience to take away from your speech. What is its main purpose?

3) Mentally prepare just before you get behind the microphone. Breathe slowly and deeply, visualise a standing ovation at the moment you finish.  Smile to yourself and just KNOW that you are about to deliver a speech that will knock their socks off!

4) Try to explain what you want to say by creating images for the audience. Use colorful words and details in your story.

5) Practice, practice, practice! A well rehearsed speech will not only make you feel more comfortable but will also make your audience feel more connected to what you have to say.

6) Relax! After all, this is your wedding. You’re the star of the show. Everyone here came for you and your bride. There’s no need for you to impress anybody. Just deliver it… but with heart and feeling.

7) Be expressive. Show your emotions. Do not be afraid of whether or how people judge you. After all, you’re amongst family and friends.. Mix something that happened in the church or reception into your prepared notes… your guests will love it.

And here’s some big dont’s:

1. DO NOT try too hard, because it WILL show. Speak from your heart. Be natural. Show that you are a caring, emotional person… which, incidentally, all the ladies present will love! But be careful not to push yourself too much out of your comfort zone. That’s dangerous ground.

2. DO NOT drink before the speech… or at least be very modest if you feel you do need a little “settler”. There’s an old saying: “Everyone likes a drink but NO ONE likes a drunk.”. A glass of wine may get you relaxed, but 5 glasses before your speech may get you into real… and forever remembered… trouble!

3. DO NOT be too serious? Make it funny. Weddings are serious and often emotional ceremonies anyway, so speeches can be a useful way to lighten the mood and make the entire event more entertaining.

Go for it… remember these few suggestions and your speech will be everything you want it to be!