I found this helpful and thought you ladies may too...I still need to figure out our speeches and am dreading them...can anyone help me to what order the thank you's should be done in?
My Top Tips for wedding speeches are -
1) Keep it Simple. There's a certain etiquette to follow in the speeches even if it's an informal wedding. For example, the Groom will thank the Bridesmaids for attending to the Bride and tell them how lovely they look - not forgetting the Bride too of course! Covering the 'thank yous' alone may not be the most hilarious or memorable wedding speech but it's better then trying to be something you're not and dragging out anecdotes. Which brings me to ...
2) Keep it Relevant. Hilarious stories about the Club 18-30 Holiday you went on in 1985 may be highly entertaining for the group of friends who were there with you but for your Aunts and Uncles they may not be so enthralling. Also, remember the sensitivities of stories involving ex-girlfriends and ex-boyfriends! They may be told in fun, but as part of a wedding speech they could upset someone!
3) It's the Bride's Day! This is a key point - the Groom's speech should certainly mention how wonderful the bride looks, some touching story of how they met or a special time together. It makes me cringe to hear the Groom repeat how much of a 'best mate' the Best Man is and what a great life they've had together - I sometimes think he's married the wrong person!
4) Acknowledge Help and Support. That's everything from the Parents who helped with the deposit for the house to Aunty Pat who made the place names for the tables. Thank Yous are key to a wedding speech.
5) Stay Sober! (ish!) Again there's nothing worse than a slurring or over emotional Groom delivering a wedding speech!
6) Let the Bride have her say! Not completely traditional, but it's common for the Bride to end the round of wedding speeches with a quick and final thank you and possibly to present flowers or gifts to guests
7) Use the phrase 'My wife and I..' I've yet to be at a wedding when the audience doesn't sigh with emotion - or even break into applause! - at this. Of course it works the other way too - if it's the Bride's speech 'My husband and I would like to thank you all for coming today..' will knock them dead! Go for the dramatic pause after those first two words and I guarantee a warm reaction.
If I go for one more tip it would be 'relax and enjoy it!' I know that's easier said then done for many people but look at the wedding speech as a way to publicly acknowledge people for their help, to tell those close to you what they mean to you and deliver special messages to loved ones. You owe them that so see this as the perfect opportunity!
