I came across a discussion on a wedding forum the other day about brides making speeches at their weddings in which some of the participants seemed to live in the era of Samuel Johnson. Dr Johnson, who I think it’s fair to say, if he were alive today, would be unlikely to be given a […]
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How to plan your father of the bride speech
Your daughter’s wedding day is fast approaching, and with it, the responsibility of giving the father of the bride’s speech. You want your speech to make her as proud of you as you are of her. But where do you begin? First of all, it’s good to be clear about what is expected of […]
Read the restDos and Don’ts for the Bride’s speech
For centuries the sound of a tea spoon being tapped against a wine glass at a wedding reception has signalled the moment when the speeches begin. The father of the bride, followed by the groom, and finally the best man, have cleared their throats, knocked back their drinks and got to their feet. But the […]
Read the restThe Best Man’s Speech: Does Length Matter?
Many best men begin their address by saying that a best man’s speech should last as long as the groom will make love for on his wedding night. At this point he raises his glass in a toast and sits down. It’s not a very good or original line but it does raise the question […]
Read the restBest Man Speech Nerves – Don’t worry, you have what it takes!
If you are like most men, you would rather smear Tabasco sauce on the inside of your eyelids than make a speech in public. If research is to be believed, for some, the prospect of public speaking is even more terrifying than death. So if they’re at a funeral, they’re saying they’d rather be in […]
Read the restThe Groom’s Speech: Executive Decisions to be Taken
In the lead up to the wedding, grooms often feel like presidential candidates in the middle of an election campaign. And the closer they get to the big day, the more under siege they feel from the never ending decisions that need to be taken: Are you going to hire a professional videographer or is […]
Read the restRehearsing your Wedding Speech
When you stand up at the reception to make your wedding speech it will obviously be the first time that the wedding guests have heard what you are going to say. But please, please, make sure that it isn’t also the first time that you have heard the speech. Read it out loud Even […]
Read the restEditing your wedding speech
Whether you are a best man, groom, father of the bride, bride or bridesmaid, the most important stage in creating a great wedding speech is the completion of the first draft. So, once you have your first draft, and you’ve had a Chocolate Hobnob to celebrate, what now? Job done? I’m afraid not. Imagine […]
Read the restHow Props Can Help (and Hinder) a Best Man’s Speech
So you have written a brilliant best man’s speech. You have finessed and edited it down to exactly what you want to say, but how are you going to say it? One way to make your speech more dramatic and vivid is by the use of props or visual aids. A picture, so the saying […]
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