How to Make a Great Bridal Speech

There are a few guidelines to follow in order to make a bridal speech that is memorable for all the right reasons, so if you’re stuck for ideas, we have a few that may help you out.

The concept of a bridal speech is a relatively new one, as tradition dictates that the groom, rather than the bride, generally speaks at the reception. It is entirely acceptable, however, for a bride to give a speech at her wedding, and because the modern woman has a lot to say, it is an increasingly popular addition to a wedding reception program. There are a few guidelines to follow in order to make a bridal speech that is memorable for all the right reasons, so if you’re stuck for ideas, we have a few that may help you out…

Keep It Simple

Unless you’re a natural born performer or writer, you’ll probably be so overwhelmed by emotions by the time you take the podium that attempting complex metaphors or hilarious anecdotes could well prove beyond you. Play it safe and speak truthfully, from the heart, to express your gratitude to everyone who made your wedding so amazing. The groom and best man will take care of a lot of the thank you’s, but this is your chance to extend a special thank you to your bridesmaids, parents, in-laws and anyone else who made a special contribution. Traditionally it is the groom’s job to thank both sets of parents for any financial help, but you can speak more to the emotional and ongoing support you receive from both families.

Be Sincere

Many wedding speeches go wrong when they start sounding contrived or insincere. If you don’t necessarily have a close relationship with your in-laws, there is no need to wax lyrical about the wonderful bond you have and all the fun you’ve shared–instead, why not focus on the things you are grateful for and the qualities they have that you admire? This will strike a much more genuine note.

Remember Your New Husband

It sounds like the most obvious thing to remember, but mentioning the groom in your speech is surprisingly easy to forget when your head is swimming with all the thank-yous and mentions you have to fit in. Any groom worth his salt will make a toast to his bride in his speech, and a good bridal speech will end with a small tribute to the groom. This is where you can afford to include an amusing or sweet anecdote–perhaps about what you thought when you met him, or about the way he proposed.

Weddings are emotional, fast-paced and exciting, and speaking at your own can be a daunting task. Make sure you have practised your bridal speech several times and take special care to sow your speech right down (what sounds excruciatingly slow to you will actually sound normal and clear to the audience on the day) and speak clearly. If your speech makes you emotional in parts and you think you will cry, then try to sandwich those sections between lighter points of the speech so that you have time to recover and don’t lose the ability to continue. This day is all about you, and a well-written and prepared bridal speech can be the icing on a perfect (wedding) cake.