Everyone has been to many weddings and the majority of wedding speeches are similar and frankly not very memorable. The ones that are memorable are usually the ones that are failing greatly in wedding speech etiquette.
Wedding Speech Etiquette is naturally subjective and it may appear that there is none at all. However, like any speech there are some things you should say and should not.
Here are some simple rules for wedding speech etiquette:
Structure of the evening: of course you can essentially follow whatever speaker format you wish. Ninety percent of weddings will follow this line-up: Father of the Bride, Groom, Groomsman, Maid of Honor, Bride and in some cases Father of the Groom and Mother of the Bride decide to speak also.
Swear Words: Don't go there! Sometimes these words just slip out - that is ok, no need to beat yourself up too much for that. However, wedding toast etiquette steers clear of any profanity. Some people will be really put off by this - many of whom may have not met you before.
Intoxication: For sure, you will be slightly nervous, nothing unnatural. It will be tempting to sip on some wine or champagne to help you through the evening as you await your speech. Many people go overboard on the alcohol without even realizing it. You don't want to be remembered as the person who slurred out the speech.
Be positive: This is supposed to be a very positive occasion. Any negative comments will not be appreciated and will be remembered for a long time. Even if you feel that negative comments will emphasise a story or a joke - don't go there, it is a major breach of wedding toast etiquette.
Ghosts: If you are the Groomsman or Maid of Honor, it may be tempting in your speech to allude to ex boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives - don't go there; it is against wedding speech etiquette. It may be amusing to a few in the audience but only to a minority. - 30299
Wedding Speech Etiquette is naturally subjective and it may appear that there is none at all. However, like any speech there are some things you should say and should not.
Here are some simple rules for wedding speech etiquette:
Structure of the evening: of course you can essentially follow whatever speaker format you wish. Ninety percent of weddings will follow this line-up: Father of the Bride, Groom, Groomsman, Maid of Honor, Bride and in some cases Father of the Groom and Mother of the Bride decide to speak also.
Swear Words: Don't go there! Sometimes these words just slip out - that is ok, no need to beat yourself up too much for that. However, wedding toast etiquette steers clear of any profanity. Some people will be really put off by this - many of whom may have not met you before.
Intoxication: For sure, you will be slightly nervous, nothing unnatural. It will be tempting to sip on some wine or champagne to help you through the evening as you await your speech. Many people go overboard on the alcohol without even realizing it. You don't want to be remembered as the person who slurred out the speech.
Be positive: This is supposed to be a very positive occasion. Any negative comments will not be appreciated and will be remembered for a long time. Even if you feel that negative comments will emphasise a story or a joke - don't go there, it is a major breach of wedding toast etiquette.
Ghosts: If you are the Groomsman or Maid of Honor, it may be tempting in your speech to allude to ex boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives - don't go there; it is against wedding speech etiquette. It may be amusing to a few in the audience but only to a minority. - 30299
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