 So the big day is almost here. Your suit is ready. You survived the buck’s day. Everything is sorted. Well, except for your wedding speech (gulp), one of the most important speeches you’ll ever make and possibly be remembered for in your life. Hopefully for the right reasons.
The good news is the groom’s speech is also one of the easiest. You essentially have two jobs: thank people (read this handy infographic for a rundown on who to thank and why) and pay a loving tribute to your new wife. The bad news is there are plenty of ways to get it wrong. Many of us have sat through one of those speeches, which may or may not have been the result of a few too many pre-speech champagnes (never a good idea). To help you succeed, and ensure any tears your bride sheds on the big day are ones of joy, I’ve created a checklist. If you follow these you’ll be well on your way to delivering a speech that sets you up for years of wedded bliss. 1. Show the in-laws some love Thank your father-in-law for his pearls of wisdom after his speech but also show some gratitude to both parents for accepting you into their family and giving you their blessing to marry their beautiful daughter. Tell them what a great job they did to raise the woman you love and assure them that you will always look after her. 2. Tell her she is beautiful The research is in and it confirms what we already know. Every single bride wants to hear that she looks amazing on her wedding day. There may have been some blood (metaphorically speaking), sweat and tears in the lead up to the wedding and you need to show her that you appreciate the effort. Just don’t mention that effort in your speech – her beauty is effortless, remember? 3. Wear your heart on your sleeve Your new bride is waiting with anticipation to hear an honest, heartfelt statement or two about how you feel about her so make sure you do this. What you love about her. Why she is ‘the one.’ How she makes your life better. And don’t forget to call her “my wife” during the speech – your bride (and your guests) will love it. 4. But go easy on the mush Like any public display of affection, there is a fine line between making people awww and making them gag. Yes it’s about the two of you but you are not the only two people in the room. If you want to recite mushy poetry to your new bride that’s fine – you have every day for the rest of you lives to do it. A good quote or short poem is fine but avoid any cheesy clichés and anything too sappy. 5. Ixnay on the ex-girlfriendsay Avoid any reference whatsoever to previous girlfriends unless you want to create a really awkward atmosphere. Even if you think you’re making a favorable comparison. Don’t. On this day your bride sees you both floating around in a safe and magical bubble where no other woman exists. Don’t burst it. Final words
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