Guide to a GREAT Wedding Day Toast

You said yes? Sure, you are probably okay with wearing the tux or luxury dress and even with most of the bridal duties but you suddenly realized you have to speak in public. Oops! What to do next?

Before you start wondering how to tell the bride and groom you just can't speak at their most important day or you come up with some cover story, you need to know that giving a wedding day speech really isn't all that bad. Relax, enjoy & speak from your heart.

In fact you can make it a joy! Here are some simple tips that are sure to get you through your important task, some tips to help relax, and enjoy the expereince.

Tip # 1 - Preparation - First of all, preparation is important! Take the time to do a bit of preparation and the whole process gets much easier. Allow yourself to spend a bit of time just thinking about what you want to say and then start writing down speech topics and ideas. Once the project begins to take shape, write it down so you remember it. All this preparation will pay off.

Tip # 2 - Read a Few Ready Made Speeches - Reading a few ready made wedding day speech examples is not a bad idea either, especially if you have never heard a good one. They will give you an idea of where your speech topics should be going and will act as a good guideline as you work on your text. Use them only for inspiration to write a personal speech text.

Tip # 3 - Incorporate Humor - Humor is always an ice breaker! Jokes and funny remarks are a great addition to any public speaking speech. Consider adding a bit of humor to your talk. It will make people laugh and it will help you to relax as well.

Tip # 4 - Take Time to Practice - Make sure that you take some time to practice the wedding day speech. You do not want the first time you actually deliver the speech to be in front of 300 people. Practice in front of a mirror or in front of some friends several times so you become more relaxed with the speaking habits. Videotape or record your efforts and watch the progress.

Tip # 5 - Keep it Short - No matter what kind of wedding speech it is, keeping it short is important. There are many activities going on at a wedding and no one wants to sit for a half hour and hear you speak. So, make sure your speech is not more than about five minutes or so.

Last but not least....take a deep breath, relax and speak from your heart!