1. Don’t tell mother-in law jokes. There will usually be one or two mother-in-laws present and you could spoil the day by offending them. You never know what people will consider funny so it’s safer not to tell such jokes.
2. Never tell smutty or rude stories. Take a warning from the photographer who caught on video the father of the bride thumping the best man because he had spoiled his daughter’s wedding by giving a blue speech. The bride was crying in the background. Smutty stories are not suitable for an occasion where there is mixed company particularly on a day when people are particularly sensitive. Besides there may be clergy present or elderly people who would be shocked.
3. Forget the groom’s unsavoury past. Best men are often tempted to tell stories about what the groom has done in his wicked past. It might offend the bride though and it is safer to mention some incident where he lost your luggage on vacation or knocked you out in a friendly football match rather then mentioning his success with other women.
4. Never thank the hotel staff. They are paid to do this job and you don’t thank the florist the chauffeur or the photographer for doing their work. If they do a good job send a letter of thanks or recommend a particularly helpful employee to the management if you wish.
5. Don’t give away family secrets by mentioning a sore subject like alcoholism or gambling. Weddings speeches should be gracious and positive.
6. Never talk about previous marriages. This is a new start for the couple and past marriages should not be mentioned. If the children of a previous marriage will be present check with the couple whether or not they should be mentioned.
7. Forget saying “And now I wish to thank” and then give a long list. If there are people to be mentioned they should be woven into the wedding speech by saying something warm-hearted or witty about them.
8. Never say something that someone else will be saying. The father of the bride traditionally toasts the couple for instance. If you are acting as best man or speaking in another capacity you should check it with the couple as to who is giving the toast to the bride ad groom.
9. Always check before mentioning a deceased family member. Some people might find it too sorrowful for you to do so on what should be a happy day.
10. Don’t go on too long. A good wedding speech is about content not length.
Remember a speech should be short
Leave them longing for more
So cut it short
They’ll be shouting “Encore”.
About the Author:Niamh Crowe is the CEO of the web’s leading speech site (http://www.speech-writers.com) according to Alexa.com and Ranking.com. Online since 1994, her site has thousands of speeches for every event and occasion including birthdays, weddings, graduations etc. She lives in Ireland where she is married to Fred. The have 5 children.
Niamh Crowe
Copyright Speechwriters 1994-2007
marketing@speech-writers.com
Tel. +353 1 8333599
Related Articles
Wedding Speeches - Ten Top Tips on What to Say or Do
By: Niamh | 21/03/2007 | Writing
The 10 most important things - to say or do when you are giving wedding speeches.
Wedding Speeches - Wedding Speech Etiquette
By: Niamh | 05/07/2007 | Writing
Wedding speech etiquette – what to say or do when you are giving wedding speeches.
How to Write a Wedding Speech
By: James Nardel | 18/06/2008 | Marriage
First things first, writing a wedding speech is a big deal. You are going to want the speech to be fun, short, but still be very meaningful. In fact, writing a wedding speech is one of the hardest things that you can do when it comes to writing. However, the...
The Best Wedding Toast Ideas
By: James Nardel | 18/06/2008 | Marriage
Before you can think of the best wedding speech ideas you need to know what the best wedding toast is. For example, you need to know how to write a good toasts for a wedding. This is done by making it short and sweet. Try and add a little bit...
Writing a Best Man Speech - What You Should Know and How to Do it Right
By: James Nardel | 18/06/2008 | Marriage
Oh man, I have been there before. I am certainly not one of those kinds of guys that wanted to step up to the plate and deliver a speech to the huge crowd at my brothers wedding. However, I wanted to try to lighten the mood with my speech. I...
How to Write a Perfect Sister Wedding Speech
By: James Nardel | 18/06/2008 | Marriage
Writing a good wedding speech is always something that you want to do. However, if it's your sister that is getting married, then you want to write a great sister wedding speech. A lot of times your sister will be your maid of honor, so it's not just a sister...
How to Make a Memorable Wedding Toast
By: Bennetta Elliott | 01/07/2008 | Weddings
More than likely you've been to your share of weddings over time, and you have probably heard some great wedding toasts, and then again, you've probably heard some horrible ones as well. If you plan on making a wedding toast, no doubt you'll want to be a part of the former group. Here are some great tips for making a memorable wedding toast.
How to Prepare for Outstanding Wedding Speeches
By: Robert | 06/08/2008 | Marriage
While it can be difficult to get up and present a wedding speech in front of a room full of people you do not know, it is important you have fun with it and keep the mood light. With the proper research and practice, you will have no problem presenting the bride and groom with a wedding speech they will never forget.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Writing Articles
Writing a College Essay 101
By: Daniel Millions | 20/08/2008
Being able to write a college essay is a necessity.
Learning How to Write a Letter of Reference
By: John Grant | 19/08/2008
Have you ever experienced writing a letter of reference and not knowing what to write? Has anyone approached you requesting a letter of reference and you felt you had to say no? Have you ever wondered how to write a letter of reference?
This letter is generally meant to help someone...
How to Keep a Really Useful Journal
By: Mervyn Love | 19/08/2008
As a writer you may already keep a journal, or diary, and that's excellent. For those who don't as well as those who do I want to explore some of the exciting benefits of keeping one that you may not have realised.
Trucking School
By: Richard Ide | 19/08/2008
The more I pondered the mystery, the deeper it grew: big trucks everywhere...around me every day of my life. Yet I found I knew nothing about trucking or the people manning the cabs - outside of one hokey Hollywood film that threw an ape in there with the driver. How...
How To Write A Dissertation Paper
By: Daniel Millions | 18/08/2008
Don't worry it's not as hard as you think to write a great dissertation paper.
Are You Ready to Write a Thesis
By: Daniel Millions | 18/08/2008
Writing a thesis can be a long drawn out ordeal if you don't know a few simple steps that will make the process easier.
The Advantages of Color Brochure
By: Elaine Edwards | 16/08/2008
What a good way to present your business with a color brochure. It is a way of presentation of your company, what it is all about, and what its got to offer. A nice color brochure is attractive to people, hence, it provides interests to your readers and inspires them to avail of your products or services. Your color brochure will tell all what you have to say about your business.
Why You Ought To Write An E-Book
By: Victor Epand | 15/08/2008
This article explains why you should be writing e-books compared to normal hardcover ones. The article also explains how you should promote your e-book.
Writing 
