The date is set, the venue booked, invitations are out, the stag weekend is in the diary; just the small matter of a groom speech still to write. You’re not worried, but why is your bride-to-be?
Here are a few tips on how to please your bride with your groom speech.
Don’t Spend More Time Building Up the Best Man Than the Bride
Although it’s nice to reference the best man and poke a bit of fun at him, remember that your wedding day is about your relationship with your bride, not your best mate!
Thank Your New In-Laws (Particularly If They Are Hosting the Wedding)
Your bride might not get the opportunity to thank her parents publicly for all they’ve done for her, so it’s up to you to do it on her behalf — and she’ll love you for it.
She’s Your ‘Wife’, So Feel Free to Mention It!
Nothing gets a more heart-warming cheer than the line “my wife and I…”. Yes it’s predicable and a little bit cheesy, but the novelty of hearing it for the first time never fails to please the bride, or the guests for that matter.
Keep It Original
It’s fine to include the odd predictable line, as above, but don’t go overboard or your speech will sound like an internet cut and paste. Your bride wants you to talk about her… so make it personal and original.
Mention How She Looks
Beautiful, gorgeous, stunning… however you chose to say it, make sure you remark on your bride’s appearance. Those manicures, hair stylists and facials weren’t for nothing!
Don’t Forget This is a Celebration of Love
It isn’t an opportunity for a 10 minute comedy stand up routine, so try to balance your hilarious one-liners with a good dollop of sincerity. What is it about your bride you love? How has your life changed (for the better!) since she’s been in it? Which of your bad habits does she have to put up with?
Leave Out the Ex-Girlfriends
However relaxed your bride is about your past, there’s a time and a place for referencing the exes, and the groom’s speech isn’t one of them.
Talk to Her
Although you’re giving a speech, you don’t always have to talk to the room. It will be far more powerful and personal if, when you’re talking about your bride, you actually look at and make eye contact with her.
Guest post by Lawrence Bernstein of Great Speech Writing
Image from Murray Clarke
