Words To The Wise: How To Pen The Perfect Groom’s Speech

Dec 02, 2015 05:10 PM Back

Men are often accused of not having much to say…and, while that may serve you well AFTER the “I dos” you may want to brush up on your ability to express yourself and your feelings for the big day. Here are a few tips on what to say and how to say it. Opening Statement: Start with a proper introduction. Sure everyone knows who you are and while you’re likely to be following the bride’s dad, it’s best to reiterate his sentiments of thanks and appreciation to not only the bride and her parents but to your parents and ALL of your esteemed guests. Raise Your Glass: Besides a touching tribute you’ll also want to make a heartfelt toast. While you can be as elaborate as you want to be we recommend keeping it short and sweet and toasting mostly the key players such as parents, grandparents and members of the wedding party. Note: Remember to check with other speakers to make sure you don’t overtoast specific persons or parties or share the same special memorable moments. Notes of Thanks: Sure you’ll want to thank EVEYONE for coming (see opening statement) but remember to make it a general sentiment or statement. Special thanks should be reserved for the bride and those who went the extra mile including parents and in-laws. Shout Outs: If one of your vendors is doing something extra ordinary and special there’s no good reason not to give him or her a special shout out…but remember, it’s an exciting and emotional day and you may find yourself wanting to thank ALL those who made it happen…but it’s probably best to keep it short and simple, especially for your guests. Less is More: Yes, you want to be entertaining, but you’ll also want to be a man of a few, choice words. Think poignant moments or stories and no more than 1200 words…and under 7 minutes. Honor Thy Mother and Thy Father…and of course, The In-Laws: Reserve a special section of your speech for paying tribute to your parents (with a mention or two of your grandparents and siblings, including step-siblings) and of course, HER mum and dad…after all they are “giving away” their baby girl. Clean Up Your Act: Sure you’ll want to be engaging and entertaining…but remember it’s not what you say, but how you say it…and some things are perhaps better left unsaid. Keep in mind that you are addressing a mixed crowd (of all ages) and you’ll want your speech to be age appropriate for guests of all ages. And, yes, it is essential to keep a sense of humor as long as it’s not offensive to anyone…and remember inside jokes are just that between you and the inside party…keep those to yourself. Acknowledgements of those who have passed: It’s an especially nice touch to acknowledge those who are no longer with us. It is both sentimental and respectful. Just remember to make the tribute lighthearted and uplifting rather than a spirit-dampening eulogy. A Toast To The Beautiful Bride: End you speech on a high note by acknowledging and paying tribute to your lovely bride. Remember to include key points about how you met, when you knew she was “The One” and how privileged you feel that she said yes…plus how eagerly you look forward to your new start together officially as husband and wife.