Done well, speeches are often the highlight of the night. They provide the perfect opportunity for the bride and groom to let guests know how much they are cherished. Guests always enjoy hearing how the newlyweds first met and fell in love and the colourful anecdotes by the best man, and there is rarely a dry eye when the father of the bride takes to the stand to talk about his 'little girl' and the new son he's gained.
Plan ahead – In the weeks leading up to the big day, carry a notepad around with you so you can jot down any ideas, such as favourite moments, that come to mind. It will be far easier to write a speech when you have lots of material to work from.
Be prepared – Don't leave writing your speech until the 11th hour. The last thing you need on the morning of the wedding is to be stressed about what you're going to say. Give yourself time to re-read and make any changes.
Rehearse – Try practising your speech in front of a mirror or even recording yourself. You will then be able to hear how you sound and change anything that doesn't work. Keep practising until you feel relaxed and confident.
Keep notes – No one is expecting you to recite your entire speech from memory, so using notes is a good idea. Make sure they are clear and simple to follow.
Stay calm - It's likely you'll be feeling a little nervous when it's time to deliver your speech, but just remember to take a deep breath before you start and speak at a normal pace. Relax, because everyone is with you and wants you to do well.
Five-minute rule – Talking for too long can get boring. Keep it to around three to five minutes; any longer and your guests will probably become restless.
Keep it clean – Watch your sense of humour! Consider the range of ages attending and tailor any jokes or comments accordingly. Keep comments fun but not outrageous.
Drinking – Go easy on the alcohol before making your speech. You want to be clear-headed and be able to sincerely thank the people that you love.
