More and more brides are writing and conveying their own words to guests. We reveal how to own the mic on your big day with the perfect bridal wedding speech.

The Dos & Don’ts of a Bridal Wedding Speech

An important part of your wedding day are of course the speeches. Whether with heartwarming words, lots of laughter or just with entertainment factor.

“I see more women speaking up than ever before,” says speechwriter Adrian Simpson, whose company All Speeches Great And Small aims to help amateur speakers sound like themselves “on a really good day.”

“We’ve definitely adopted the American-inspired maid of honor speeches, and I find a lot of sisters or mothers now giving what would traditionally be a father of the bride speech.”

Regardless of the order, speeches must be well planned. The good news is that, in Simpson’s experience, women tend to be more organized. Anyone who gives a speech has all eyes on them and the pressure can certainly build up. As a bride, you want to top the best man’s speech!

With that in mind, the team at Lake District Country Hotels have compiled top tips to help you deliver something that will get the crowd laughing and ease your nerves.

How to write a bridal speech

It’s time to write your speech. But guests look forward to this part of the wedding day and are entitled to have high expectations, whether it’s for heartwarming words, lots of laughter or just the entertainment factor. In that case, you’ll surely feel the pressure — not to mention all eyes will be on you.

As a bride, you want to top the best man’s speech and show your guests that you can confidently deliver something that gets the crowd laughing. Here we have given you tips that will help you and calm some of your nerves.

1. Remember the element of surprise

The advantage you have for your speech is that you know your spouse better than anyone else. Romantic relationships reveal a side to us that no one else sees, especially when they live together.

And whether it reveals their good qualities or frustrating habits, you’re bound to have some embarrassing stories about them. Revealing something unfamiliar to guests also provides a shock factor that increases laughter and ensures you get the crown for best speech.

2. Inside jokes are taboo

It’s important to avoid inside jokes. Whether it’s between you and your partner, or perhaps your circle of friends, the rest of the guests won’t get the joke.

Therefore, you will not laugh much, but will probably hear crickets. But that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate jokes into your speech, they’re a great addition to keep the giggles going.

But instead, keep it general enough to stay relevant to your audience, but not too much that it sounds like you’ve scoured the internet for it — that way there’s no awkward silence.

3. Avoid inappropriate content

Don’t try to outdo the best man’s speech by adding what might be considered too much information. What some find entertaining, others may find inappropriate – especially the groom’s family.

And keeping it tasteful doesn’t mean it can’t be hilarious, think of some fun memories from the beginning of your relationship that will put a smile on families’ faces instead of making them uncomfortable.

4. Relieve your stress

It’s normal to feel the heat leading up to your speech. But confidence is key when it comes to public speaking, especially when you aim to make your guests laugh until they cry.

If you don’t sound confident in your jokes, your guests won’t sense it either, so you might just see some confused faces. But how do you calm your nerves before speaking in front of a crowd?

According to a 2018 study, a short 10-minute walk is enough to relieve your stress. Set aside some time for this on the morning of your wedding, perhaps before you start getting ready.

This not only helps with your speech, but also relaxes you for the whole day. And just before your speech, a glass of Prosecco will of course give you some Dutch courage.

5. Stay in touch with your emotions

Humor may not be your forte, so you may be tempted to devote most of your attention to perfecting it. But it’s your wedding day after all, so it’s important to show your affection for your significant other as well as loved ones who have supported you throughout your journey.

Don’t forget to include some special memories that you and your partner have shared to show your gratitude towards them. You might even see your guests shedding tears because they are so touched. This way, you give the best of both worlds in your speech, so you can be sure you’ve impressed the crowd.

More tips on bridal speech

Your wedding day is a great moment that you will never forget, but that doesn’t mean it’s stress-free.

And to add to the stressful planning, you need to create a memorable speech that will impress your guests. But with these tips, you’ll undoubtedly be the talk of the party.

How long should a bridal speech be?

Britain often follows Americans when it comes to weddings, and Simpson admits they’re on the right track when it comes to speeches, particularly when it comes to timekeeping.

“In the US, you agree on the length beforehand,” he says. “Speakers have three or four minutes. We do not do that. But now that there are more speeches, everyone has to be quicker.”

Simpson recommends seven minutes, or a maximum of 10 minutes, for each speech to avoid guest boredom and resentment.

Themes of the bridal speech

When a bride decides to give a speech, the first thing she should do is discuss the issues with her husband-to-be so they don’t argue in the same way about her thank you.

That, Simpson says, should happen to all pre-wedding speakers anyway. So what should you talk about after the thank you? Your beloved of course! Their quirks are a welcome topic, especially when they are accompanied by a good dose of humor.

Things that should never be said? “Never take the opportunity to air laundry. It may only last a few minutes, but people can remember speeches forever.”

Although tradition dictates that the groom toasts to the bridesmaids, it’s likely that a bride will want to talk about her friends as well.

Wedding Poems for Bridal Speeches

A poem can work really well – but it needs to bloom pretty well! Poetry can be pathetic at the best of times, so unless you’re supremely confident in your writing skills, it’s probably not the best time to channel your inner Pam Ayres.

The most important thing to remember is to speak slowly, with calmness and purpose. Dispel any fears by focusing on your new spouse; You are the reason you are giving a speech in the first place.

And remember, you’re not an actor or comedian — you’re yourself, on the best day of your life. Speak from the heart and you won’t go far wrong!

Dos and don’ts for the bridal speech

• Do Consult with other speakers well in advance to ensure you are not all discussing the same topic
• Do Speak slowly and take your time
• Not feeling like they have to make “gags” with a punch line
• Do Keep your speech under 10 minutes. No matter how good it is, you don’t want to risk boring the wedding party and guests
• Not Just list people you want to thank – add structure to your speech with anecdotes

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