TOP 5 WEDDING SPEECH DO's & DON'Ts

Here are your top 5 do's and don'ts for getting your wedding speech right on the day

TOP 5 DO's

1. Do start writing your speech (at least) weeks before the wedding. You can't start early enough in my opinion.

2. Do list the things you want in your speech. This gives you the structure and something to work to. It also summarises so you can see that you have covered all the subjects required. For example:

   1. Introduce myself

   2. Compliment the bride and groom

   3. Amusing anecdote about first meeting

   4. Mention absent family and friends

   5. Thank Great aunty Edna

   6. Toast the happy couple.

3. Do write your detailed speech out in short sections, break down subjects if needed. This makes learning the speech much easier and puts it in a format suitable for cue cards.

4. Do practice your speech out loud and get workmates or friends to listen and be an audience. Practising in front of an audience will help you face the guests on the day. The more prepared and rehearsed you are the less nervous you will likely be.

5. Do put all your subject headings and first sentences on small prompt cards to aid your memory. Also practice your speech using the cards. Rehearse using the same methods as you will use on the day.

TOP 5 DON'Ts

1. Don't leave writing the speech until the last minute . This will always show. A poorly rehearsed speech will always be a failure.

2. Don't wing it on the day. Nothing is more obvious to the guests than a completely unprepared speech. Even improv actors practice – trust me.

3. Don't get laughs at the expense of the bride or upstage her in any way. This is her big day and she must be treated as the most important person there.

4. Don't miss out anyone important in the thank you's. Give serious consideration to this as often family and friends can feel very left out if their name is not on the thank you list. You know your family best. It may sometimes be necessary satisfy the odd family member with a few kind words just to keep the whole day perfect.

5. Don't read the entire speech from a written draft this may seem like a good way to get the words right but the overall impression will be sloppy.