The Importance of Writing your Wedding Speech
Having watched the Oscars only a few months ago, it got me thinking about the importance of speech writing. I’m sure many people can relate to that terrible pit-in-the-stomach feeling of watching someone who just won the best actress/actor award be so happy, only to get up, say their speech and forget to thank their spouse.
Imagine how upset you would feel afterwards, if you looked back to your wedding day, and forgot to thank your parents, or your in-laws, or worse, your new husband or wife. It’s easy enough to do though, as by the time you get up to say your speech, you’re excited and exhausted, coupled with some serious emotions and nerves. It’s hard to be able to fully think straight when you’re on cloud nine to begin with, but after a full days event, it’s even harder!
This is why I can’t even begin to stress enough the importance of being prepared. Write your speech!!! Or at least, write down a list of all the important people you want to thank and then adlib from there. Your family and friends have been there for you through thick and thin, and your speech and kind words is an excellent way to tell them how much you truly appreciate everything they have done for you.
Here are some helpful key points for speech writing that hopefully will make the process easier.
- Keep it short and simple. Speeches should only be 3 minutes long. Everyone has sat through a speech that they have wished ended five minutes earlier then it did. Not only do you not want bored guests, but while your “speeching” the reception venue can’t clear the tables or serve the next course.
- Keep it clean. Your family is in that audience and you don’t want to say anything that you might regret. Don’t embarrass anyone either- what happened in Vegas (or in Montreal, at the cottage, or at a night club, etc.) should stay there. Inside jokes are only funny when they are “inside”. Be respectful in thanking your friends and family.
- Give some history. Not everyone in the audience might know how you two met. Let everyone know what happened to make you fall madly in love.
- THANK EVERYONE. Everyone that came out for your wedding should be thanked. So either start with a general sentence showing them that you appreciate their being there, or finish with something to that effect.
- Thank the person next to you…that’s right, your new husband or wife. They are the love of your life, and you have just started a new family with them. Thank them and tell them how much you love them. You wouldn’t leave out thanking your best friend would you?
And most importantly…relax. It’s your day, and people expect you to be nervous and emotional. Just speak from the heart and you’ll do just fine!