Planning the wedding speeches can be a daunting task. Here are some key factors to remember.
While you don’t want the speeches to be boring, you certainly need to keep them heartfelt. Learn the top tips for planning the best wedding speeches from who should make a speech to what you should say in a speech.
1. Choose your speakers wisely. There is no need to have too many speeches. In fact, that is likely the thing that makes speeches so hard to get through – simply too many of them.
2. Keep speeches short. Long speeches become boring and people tend to tune them out. Decide on the length of each speech based on the number of speakers you have. Also, limit the number of speakers you have.
3. Time the speeches. When you “assign” speeches to people you should give them a length of time to stay within. This makes it easier for people to write the speeches and in turn, makes them easier to listen to.
4. Pick speakers who are good at public speaking. This may seem like common sense but many brides don’t consider this when choosing their speakers. There is nothing worse than someone who is forced to make a speech but is very uncomfortable doing so.
5. Give speakers guidelines. You don’t want the speeches to be crude, rude, or gross. Make a list of topics that are off-limits.
6. Give the speeches your stamp of approval. Speeches don’t need to be a surprise for the couple. Ask for a copy of the speech prior to the week of the wedding. This will give you a chance to make any edits you deem necessary.
7. Practice the speeches. As part of the rehearsal you should allot a portion of time for practicing the speeches. Bring along a stopwatch or assign that task to a friend or family member.
8. Don’t surprise any speakers. One of the worst feelings for a wedding guest is suddenly being called upon and being caught unprepared. Be sure to assign speeches well ahead of time and don’t allow any spontaneous speeches.
9. Allow a specific time for the speeches. Traditionally, speeches are given as toasts immediately before dinner begins. Guests should have champagne or wine for the toasts and should be seated.
10. Announce the special time for speeches and be sure to keep an eye on the time-frame so that they don’t get out of hand. Delegate this responsibility to a trusted friend or family member.