https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:23:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech/page/2#post-1531810 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 10:09:16 +0000 Ornella 1531810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Add a phrase or two in Russian, at least the greeting. It will create a bond with the bride and make those guests whose English is not good not feel left out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1531767 Sun, 02 Aug 2015 05:50:21 +0000 Lucy 1531767@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds like a perfect story, and a lovely idea.&nbsp;<br />I do a lot of public speaking at work. Two tips. One, don't talk too fast (especially for her family!). We tend to speak more quickly when nervous but keep breathing. Two, FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1530881 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 19:01:25 +0000 rachylou 1530881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1530800 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:54:20 +0000 MsMary 1530800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That sounds perfect! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1530780 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:00:00 +0000 unfrumped 1530780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great idea! An anecdote, a theme, a metaphor and with a natural flow that will allow an uncontrived delivery. Superb. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1530457 Fri, 31 Jul 2015 00:02:41 +0000 Anonymous 1530457@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna this is brilliant, I love it, it's perfect </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1530449 Thu, 30 Jul 2015 23:53:47 +0000 annagybe 1530449@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here's the poem she wants me to read at the ceremony<br /> <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/180738" rel="nofollow">http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/180738</a></p> <p>The first time the bride &amp; I clicked was on a camping trip with our activity group. I'm sure we probably met before this. Anyways there was an optional day rafting trip that we both signed up. It was on the Skagit river. I think they said there was a class III rapid on it. She was very nervous &amp; at one clenched my bicep as we were waiting to launch the rafts. I talked to her all about what rafting was like &amp; what to do if you get dumped. I said if you really want to have fun sit at the front. But honestly I suggested she sit in the middle. The rafting was pretty mild compared to other trips I did, but she survived it.<br /> So I thought I'd tell that story at the reception &amp; segue into how relationships &amp; marriage are like going down a river, there will be smooth parts, exciting parts &amp; rough times. But the important thing is that you do it together as a team.<br /> My friend is also going said it was a good theme with a cute story. I need to keep it simple, as I don't know the English level of her family. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1523088 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 20:20:53 +0000 Angie 1523088@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Speak from the heart about how much your friend means to you - and you will be fine. Have tissues close by. You will probably cry, and so will she.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anna, did you finalize your outfit while I was away?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1522622 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 19:34:37 +0000 Anonymous 1522622@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene that is such sweet, positive, excellent advice! And so true! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1522603 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 18:48:26 +0000 catgirl 1522603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What's the poem?&nbsp; Can you spin off it somehow with the speech?&nbsp; Hopefully not "O Captain! My Captain!"... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1522272 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 06:04:26 +0000 rachylou 1522272@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You could excuse another poem by saying you figured you'd just stick with the theme... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1522254 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 05:26:31 +0000 annagybe 1522254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Already reading a Walt Whitman poem at the ceremony. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1522233 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 04:30:53 +0000 Janet 1522233@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Anna, I know this scenario well -- I think it is best in this case to focus on the bride in your speech because she's the main one you're there for. Concentrate on celebrating her and her happiness with your words. I'm sure the groom will have someone speaking too? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1522198 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 03:13:56 +0000 Peri 1522198@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've always thought this Ogden Nash poem would be great as part of a wedding speech:</p> <p>To keep your marriage brimming<br />With love in the loving cup,<br />Whenever you're wrong, admit it.<br />Whenever you're right, shut up.</p> <p>Funny, and fantastic advice. I don't know if you are looking for something like this, but just thought I'd share.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1522188 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 02:46:28 +0000 SandyG 1522188@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you don't know what to say (or can't summon anything wonderful about the couple), read a poem that inspires you. And rehearse a few times so that you'll be approaching a 'groove' but not sounding flat from over rehearsing. Have some fun, you'll be a natural star :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1522137 Sat, 18 Jul 2015 00:58:25 +0000 rachylou 1522137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh no. My neighbor and I spend a lot of time on the dogwalls mocking anti-vac'sers. We have yupster counties out here endangering everyone... Lol. Gonna have to dig deep... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1522087 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 22:48:57 +0000 annagybe 1522087@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, our friendship circles don't overlap and he's relatively new to Seattle.<br />Plus even some of her other friends find him...um, difficult. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1522028 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 21:51:37 +0000 Astrid 1522028@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sounds difficult. Do you have a friend who knows both of them to talk ideas with? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1522021 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 21:46:25 +0000 annagybe 1522021@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's a bit awkward though.<br />The bride is originally from Russia, but has been in the US for quite a while. She still has some family back there, that we're not sure will make it out depending on visa issues.&nbsp;<br />She has admitted that she's sad not going to have a lot of people on her side. &nbsp;He's inviting most of family it seems, &nbsp;old college friends and coworkers. It was supposed to be a small wedding.<br />I'm not a huge fan of the groom. He's significantly younger than her, which is fine. They dated less than two years. He suffers a lot from the twenty something mentality that he knows everything and has a huge tendency to be argumentative, even on topics he's woefully ignorant.<br />One night we got into a discussion about food deserts in the US. He said why doesn't everyone go to Walmart because they have cheap organic food. I said not everyone has transportation, given most Walmarts are in the burbs or small towns. His counter, was find someone with a car or just take the two hour bus ride.&nbsp;<br />I defriended him on facebook because he posted something about questioning vaccines. He response, well I'm questioning everything right now.<br />I could go on and on.&nbsp;<br />And in general I've had pretty limited interaction with him over their dating period. He's an engineer who does lots of bike rides.<br />Anyways, she loves him, he makes her happy so that's what matters. So I need to figure out how to be civil.<br />That's why this is hard.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1521954 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 20:18:16 +0000 MsMary 1521954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One easy go-to is a Top Ten list a la David Letterman. Top Ten Things I Love About the Bride, Top Ten Things Bride Will Miss About Being Single, Top Ten Reasons I'm Happy Bride and Groom Found Each Other, etc.</p> <p>Also, two things I do in every talk I give are these:</p> <p>1. Do some kind of audience participation: "I've known Bride for 20 years. How many of you have known her that long? Show of hands?" Or "Raise your hand if you know how Bride and Groom met" -- then call on somebody and have them give the answer.</p> <p>2. While you're speaking, talk directly to one person for a few seconds, then shift to another person in another part of the room, and so on. Much easier talking to one person at a time than the whole crowd.</p> <p>Finally, keep it short. Something simple and heartfelt is better than long and drawn-out, by a mile! People really just want to get back to the party. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1521948 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 20:07:50 +0000 Janet 1521948@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You've already gotten great suggestions! You'll do fine. The opportunity for advance preparation is something I did not get -- I was informed about 10 minutes before I was asked to give a toast at my BFF's (very untraditional) wedding celebration. It was quick, with no stories or jokes, but it was heartfelt and made her cry, so...I'd say that coming from the heart is the most important thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1521891 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 18:22:54 +0000 columbine(erin) 1521891@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm no help but am taking notes as I will have this job in a few months! Good luck to you, Anna.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1521832 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 16:55:17 +0000 kkards 1521832@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>great advice so far...the only thing I'd add. keep it focused on the bride and groom, no one wants to hear your thoughts on what makes a great marriage, they want to hear why the bride and groom are great together. <br />also, if you don't like public speaking, I'd start with something like this...."I'm pretty uncomfortable giving these kinds of speech's, but my love for X and Y, is so much stronger than my dislike of public speaking"...this immediately gets people on your side. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1521782 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 16:07:01 +0000 rachylou 1521782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How long have you known the bride? When I was maid of honor for my friend, I gave a few highlights about our hijinks in grade school - like passing notes to/from crushes - and all props to her new husband in comparison and her for deciding on him. Short, amusing, and ending with a toast. Her brother gave a little speech about her being a successful deal closer - well, he's an *international marketing manager* </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1521504 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 06:44:36 +0000 catgirl 1521504@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Gaylene said.&nbsp; And remember to pause to let people laugh or cry.&nbsp; It seems dramatic, but the slower you speak, the less nervous you'll sound. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1521458 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 03:24:06 +0000 Gaylene 1521458@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Every speech should have a theme and three parts--an attention-getting opening that alerts the audience to the theme; a middle section that elaborates on the theme with 2-3 specific examples; and a quick conclusion that repeats the theme and finishes on a high note. </p> <p>One of the easiest, and best, attention-getters is to open with a short, concrete story which leads naturally into your theme. Gentle humor or suspense work, but stay away from anything that might discomfort or upset your audience. You want to make a good impression so the audience warms up to you. </p> <p>Keep your stories, or examples, clear, short and specific. Refer to actual people or things so the audience can visualize what you are describing in their minds. Keep it positive and upbeat--and suitable for any age. </p> <p>Audiences love speakers who are natural and sincere--and who are trying their best to do a good job. An audience will always be on your side, even if you screw up, as long as you don't do anything to make them uncomfortable or upset. If you ever tick off an audience, you might as well just stop and sit down. </p> <p>Keep your conclusion brief. Restate your theme and finish with a memorable statement. A tried-and-true technique is to finish with a statement that refers back to your opening story--it makes for a satisfying full-circle ending. </p> <p>A couple of other hints:<br /> Never read your speech; talking directly to the audience creates a bond between you and them, and audiences will forgive all kinds of errors if they feel connected to you. </p> <p>Keep your speech short. Five minutes is perfect, so keep an eye on your watch. If you're at 4 minutes and still in your first example, skip the other two and move directly to the conclusion. </p> <p>And, finally, i used to tell my students, once they started to speak, to direct all their attention to the REALLY important people in the room--the audience--not their own insecurities and feelings. Everyone will have more fun if you, as the speaker, can put your own issues aside for the next few minutes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1521414 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 01:56:37 +0000 JAileen 1521414@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I thought this NYT article was really interesting:</p> <p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/21/style/toast-whisperers-ghostwriters-personal-speeches.html?_r=0" rel="nofollow">http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06......html?_r=0</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1521404 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 01:31:30 +0000 carter 1521404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used to read Dr Seuss to my brother, so I did a Dr Seuss-like story for my toast at his wedding. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1521385 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 00:57:42 +0000 anne 1521385@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great ideas from Una! One more from me&nbsp;similar to the sonnet idea&nbsp;- find a poem and change elements so that it is about the couple. If you can recite a poem properly then this can bring the house down (it did in the speech my sister gave at our wedding - I think she did 3 poems, including an AA Milne one)</p> <p>Write it out in full (This really helps with being pithy)&nbsp;but at the same time make sure it is your speaking&nbsp;voice not your writing voice.&nbsp;&nbsp;Practice speaking it.</p> <p>What not to do&nbsp; (you probably know this)- refer to being asked to do the speech or any part of your preparation or how nervous you are. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wedding-speech#post-1521364 Fri, 17 Jul 2015 00:28:54 +0000 catgirl 1521364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not to brag, but I'm a great speechwriter. Not so good at delivery but have written many for weddings and job ceremonies... The key is to pick a theme or stylistic approach and repeat it. Like an outfit, you need it to be interesting, cohesive, punchy and relevant.</p> <p>For instance: I've done the "what he says/what he means/what she hears" idea. For sports fans, I've gone with the "love is like football and here's why". What is something that is a joke or a common thread between them that you can exploit? Can you tell a story about them and extrapolate from it? Write a "When Harry Met Sally" screenplay scenario for them? Write a sonnet? Give me some hints and I'll help if I can! </p>