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Wedding Speech Do’s & Don’ts

The perfect wedding toast is brief but not too short, energetic, funny and a little bit sentimental. When writing your speech, stick to the etiquette rules and avoid the common faux pas.

DO introduce yourself & address everyone present

This is one of the most important etiquette rules for wedding speeches. You should also make an eye contact with the audience and thank the hosts for organising such a special event.

DON'T tell any embarrassing stories

Incorporating anecdotes from the past in the maid of honour’s and best man’s speech is common, but it is a slippery slope because you will have a wide audience. Avoid mentioning any drunk memories or anything that might embarrass your friend.

DO make your speech short

Brevity is the key to a good wedding speech, so make sure that your speech is up to 6 minutes long. It is meant to be entertaining, so anything lengthier than that will be too long and you will start losing the audience.

DON’T mention ex-partners or one night stands

This is considered as a serious faux pas and the bride and groom might be offended by your words. Even if it is a really good joke or you just want to make a point that bride and groom are made for each other, it is still considered as inappropriate. So choose your words carefully.

DO be yourself

If you are naturally shy, then you don’t have to try to be funny and outgoing. And if you are witty, don’t try to be too serious in your wedding speech because everyone will expect you to make them laugh. Speak from the heart and the bride and groom will appreciate it.

DON’T make the speech about you

Remember that you are toasting to the bride and groom, so if you have your own news to announce, don’t think someone else’s wedding is the opportunity to do it just because you have the audience.

DO mention both the bride & groom in your speech

This is another important wedding etiquette rule you must not forget when writing your speech. Even if you don’t know one of them very well, make sure that you address both of them in at least one sentence.

DON’T make jokes about marriage

Maybe you don’t appreciate the institution of marriage or perhaps you have a witty critical comment you would like to add in your speech to make it funnier, but this is simply not an appropriate thing to do at someone’s wedding.

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