It’s a great honour to be in a position to write a wedding speech for someone close to you but you might feel you’re just not up to the task. Before you write it off, consider just what it takes and you’ll discover that it isn’t that tricky after all.

Make a Plan
Sit down and think about what you want to say. Like most important tasks when you break down what is needed it can become a lot more straightforward. Make a list of key points and use one or two of these. Use your history with the bride or groom as the base for your speech. Another easy way to create a wedding speech is to start with a funny but appropriate story about the person in question. Remember to include a thank you mention to important people and end your speech with a heartfelt sign off.

Set the scene
Describe how you know the bride or groom and give your feelings about them as individuals and as a couple. It is important to write the speech with a natural tone and make it sound like you are speaking rather than creating something that is just too formal. You might then find it difficult to deliver the speech and won’t feel comfortable saying the words you prepared out loud.

Jokes
If you’re going to add humour to your speech, make sure that you leave with your dignity intact and save the blushes of the bride or groom.

Be Creative
If you want to make your speech extraordinary you could create a song or dance or even a slideshow could add a new dimension to the usual bridesmaid speech. If you opt to add a creative touch, make sure it suits the couple. A poem is also a nice and creative touch if it is your task to hold the bridesmaid´s speech.

Stay Calm
Don’t stress over your wedding speech as your audience will be very warm. If you don’t feel confident memorizing your wedding speech, use prompt cards. Try to avoid reading from your cards; read around them and try to keep your body language open. Also try to keep your wedding speech brief! It’s better to leave your listeners wanting more rather than dragging on and losing the attention of the guests. Besides, you won’t need to think of as much to say.

Toast
It is customary to include a toast to the happy couple at the end of the speech so you shall not forget it!