Wedding Speech 101: The Do’s, The Don’ts, and the Cringe-Worthy Mistakes to Avoid!

When we think of some of our biggest fears, snakes and spiders generally spring to mind. But did you know that public speaking ranks right up there? And now, you've been asked to give a speech at your best friend's wedding! The pressure to be polite, funny, charming, and emotional all at once is enough to send anyone running for the bar. But fear not! Bali Wedding Planner has created this handy guide to help you not just write the perfect speech but also deliver it with confidence and style.

DO: Prepare in Advance

A well-written and delivered speech isn’t something you just make up on the spot. Giving a wedding speech is an honour and a chance to show how much the bride or groom means to you. Take some time to reflect on your relationship with them and craft a heartfelt speech. Jot down your thoughts, practice in front of a mirror, and run through it a few times before the big day.

DON’T: Mention Their Ex

This is a one-way ticket to awkward-ville! The couple has just declared their undying love in front of friends and family, so the last thing anyone wants to hear is a joke or anecdote about an ex. If your speech has any references to past relationships, delete them now.

DO: Congratulate the Couple

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often people forget to actually say congratulations. A simple “Let’s all raise a glass to the happy couple” is a great way to wrap up your speech and bring everyone together in a toast.

DON’T: Tell Inside Jokes

Sure, your private jokes might be hilarious to you and a handful of friends, but if the rest of the guests are left scratching their heads, it’s a flop. Instead, share a relatable story that everyone can enjoy.

DO: Keep It Short and Sweet

There’s a fine line between delivering a memorable speech and making people check their watches. Keep your speech between 4 to 5 minutes max. It’s long enough to make an impact but short enough to leave people wanting more.

DON’T: Get Drunk Before Your Speech

We’ve all seen it: the drunken wedding speech filled with slurred words, rambling stories, and unexpected tears. One or two drinks for courage? Fine. Five shots of tequila before the mic? Absolutely not. Stay sharp, deliver your speech with class, and save the heavy drinking for the dance floor.

DO: Mention Both the Bride and Groom

Even if you’re closer to one half of the couple, make sure to acknowledge them both. This is their day, and recognising how happy they make each other is a classy move.

DON’T: Make It About You

Nobody wants to hear a speech that’s just a long-winded story about the speaker. Sure, you can share personal anecdotes, but make sure they highlight the couple and not just yourself.

DO: Tell a Story

People love a good story! A speech that follows a simple beginning, middle, and end structure will keep guests engaged. Think of one standout memory and build your speech around it.

DON’T: Be Crude, Lewd, or Rude

This isn’t a comedy roast. Avoid swearing, crude jokes, or embarrassing stories that could make the couple or their guests uncomfortable. Keep it classy and heartfelt.

Final Tip: No Open Mic!

This one’s for the bride and groom. Unless you love train wrecks, DO NOT open the mic to random guests. What starts as Auntie Bette’s quick words of love can spiral into half the wedding party wanting to speak, dragging on for far too long. Keep speeches to pre-planned speakers only for a smooth, stress-free evening.

Make Your Bali Wedding Unforgettable

Planning a wedding in Bali? At Bali Wedding Planner, we take care of every detail, so you can enjoy your special day without stress. From picture-perfect venues to seamless event coordination, we make sure your wedding is as flawless as your speech!

Ready to start planning? Contact us today and let’s make your dream wedding a reality.

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