Unforgettable Wedding Speech Tips - #153 - Stress-free Wedding Planning

Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Have you ever sat through a weddingspeech that made you laugh, cry or feel
deeply connected to the couple, or maybeyou've endured one that felt awkward,
too long or deeply off the rails.
Giving a wedding speech is an honor,but it can also be nerve wracking.
What should you say??
What should you avoid and how can youmake sure your speech leaves a lasting

(00:22):
impression for the right reasons?
Thanks for joining us.
Hi, I'm Sal from AfterHours Events of New England.
We'll answer these questions andmore on today's edition of the
Stress-free Wedding Planning Podcast.
Welcome to another edition of our podcast.
Hi, I'm Sam from Atmosphere Productions.
Listen now and discover weddingspeech tips to leave a lasting

(00:43):
impression on your guests.
These are wedding inside of secrets fora stress free fun and memorable day.
Our podcast helps engage couplesnavigate wedding planning complexities
while addressing family expectations.
We'll guide you through thejourney of creating the perfect
wedding without unnecessary stress.

(01:04):
By the end of this edition, you'llget concise tips on budgeting,
wedding party management, ceremony,reception planning, and more.
Perfect for anyone planning awedding all in 30 minutes or less.
Trust us.
You don't want to miss this.
Welcome to Stress-free WeddingPlanning, the podcast that will
transform your wedding planning journeyfrom chaotic to enchanting, Sal and

(01:27):
Sam bring over 80 years of combinedwedding expertise and exclusive
insider information to the table.
If you're recently engaged, feelingthe pressure of wedding planning.
Struggling with family expectations, butstill dreaming of a joy filled wedding.
You've come to the right place.
Get ready to unveil thebest kept wedding secrets.
Discover practical tips andstrategies and learn life changing

(01:48):
lessons for a Stress-free wedding.
Your unforgettable wedding day awaits.
We're here to take you on a transformativejourney of love, laughter, and memories,
so don't miss out on the podcast.
That just might change your life.
This is the Stress-free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal and Sam.
On today's podcast, making sure yourspeech leads a lasting impression

(02:09):
for the right reasons as we explainwedding speech tips that lead a
lasting impression on your guests.
Hi, I am Sal from After HoursEvents of New England, the
experts at creating a stress-freeunforgettable wedding experience.
We bring energy, professionalism,and a passion to making every
couple's big day truly special.
Visit us at After HoursEvents of N.E dot com.

(02:32):
Learn more about our experienceand journey to help you with
Stress-free Wedding Planning and thetrailer or pilot of this podcast.
I'm Sam from the Award-WinningAtmosphere Productions.
Wedding Entertainment with expertknowledge and the difference in quality.
Specializing in live ceremonymusicians and cocktail hour string
musicians, plus lighting, and anelegant and classy presentation.

(02:56):
We have exactly what you need.
Visit us at Atmospherehyphen Productions dot com.
That's Atmosphere hyphenProductions dot com.
Today we're talking about somethingthat could be a highlight or an
absolute disaster at your wedding.
We're talking about the wedding speech.
Whether you're the best man made ofhonor, a proud parent, or a close

(03:17):
friend, your speech should leave alasting impression for the right reasons.
Let's explain, to me, one ofthe most important topics.
Keep it short.
I once had a Father of the Bride goon for 45 minutes in their speech.
Too long.
Way too long.

(03:39):
It's important that you keepit short, 'cause remember the
meal is going to be served next.
No one wants to sit througha 10 minute monologue.
Aim for three to five minutes maximum.
I tell all my clients thatfive minutes is the maximum for
everyone giving a toast or speech.

(04:00):
Everyone!
Not just an individual.
Everyone!!
This is a big thing at weddings.
They, people don't understand how thesespeeches can really throw off time and
the rhythm of a wedding when you just endup, people just keep talking and talking.
Let's be honest, people arenot there to hear you speak.
They're there for the couple.
It's their special moment.
But also keep in mind there'sa schedule back there in the

(04:22):
kitchen, and if you go ramblingon, you just threw everything off.
And, that could be a lot lessparty time at the other end.
So on a number of websites, when it comesto speeches, it always says that, "you
may want to introduce yourself at thevery beginning. Not everyone will know
who you are, so say your name and yourconnection to the couple." I disagree

(04:42):
with that only for the purpose of I'ma professional mc, and what I mean by
that is, I'm gonna do all that for you.
So if you are Stacy's oldersister and you are the matron of
honor, that's all gonna be said.
I'm gonna say.
"Now I'd like to hand the micover to Stacy's older sister. The

(05:04):
matron of honor" and her name.
So she's been fully introduced.
Her, grabbing the microphone andsaying, "well, I am, Stacy's older
sister. I'm the matron of honor."It's wasted talk, in my opinion.
So write to the speech.
Don't waste the time on that.
You've already been introduced.
Move on.
Yeah.
And just to add to that, Sal, one ofthe most hated phrases in the wedding

(05:27):
industry, which always bring, a smileto photographers, videographers, and
especially DJs, is the term, "forthose of you who don't know me".
Please, whenever you say this, everyworking vendor is laughing at you,
because everybody knows who you are.
You've been introduced.

(05:49):
In the ceremony, people know who you are.
At the reception, you've just beenintroduced as Sal said by the DJ.
There really is no need to use that term.
So please, delete from your phraseology.
"For those of you who don't know me."
Next is making it personal.
This is a key aspect of yourtoast or speech and that's is to

(06:13):
keep it personal but appropriate.
A short, heartwarming storyfor the couple is perfect.
Just make sure it's somethingthe audience can relate to and
don't go off into a tangent.
Don't forget to join uson our YouTube channel.
Just search for the Stress-free WeddingPlanning podcast with Sal and Sam.

(06:34):
Like, subscribe and get it first.
And let's not forget,speaking from the heart.
A genuine speech is always better thanone that feels overly scripted or forced.
And be careful about bringingup subjects that, uh, should
not be brought up at a wedding.
I've had many couples that I alwayssay, look, that you have to talk

(06:56):
about things that are taboo, 'causeif you don't, and it gets mentioned,
it could hurt your wedding greatly.
Oh.
Let's not forget the next item on ourlist, which is practice ahead of time.
Just like we do here at this podcast.
We practice before we come on the air.
Even if you're confident, rehearsingcan help you work out any awkward parts.

(07:19):
Read it to yourself.
Read it to somebody else.
The more times you read it.
The better you're going to be at it.
That's a great point, Sam.
Now, one more thing.
End with a toast.
Raise your glass of the air, say a fewkind words to kind of end everything
and invite everyone to celebrate thecouple by saying cheers or salute or
whatever may be part of your nationalityin that grouping of the wedding.

(07:42):
Let's raise our glasses and let's enjoy.
We've just explained, keeping yourspeech short and sweet, speaking from
the heart, and practicing ahead of time.
Coming up next pro tips and some no-nosin wedding speech tips that leave a
But first, if you have a questionor concern, go now to Facebook and

(08:04):
join us on the Stress-free WeddingPlanning Community and ask away.
You can also join uson our YouTube channel.
Just search for Stress-Free WeddingPlanning podcast with Sal and Sam.
Like, subscribe and get it first.
This is thee Stress-free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal and Sam.
A podcast for engaged couples concernedabout wedding planning and family

(08:24):
expectations, but who want a Stress-free,fun and unforgettable wedding.
Experience the magic of your SpecialDay with Fitzner Productions, our
premier wedding videography companybased in Middletown, Connecticut.
Fitzner Productions dot com.
Our mission is to capture your lovestory candidly and authentically
creating stunning high quality videosthat you can cherish for years to come.

(08:45):
Our founder, Carson Fitznercombines technical expertise
with a passion of storytelling.
Ensuring every moment from the excitementof getting ready to the heartfelt
ceremony is beautifully documented.
We offer a range of customizable packages,including drone footage and multi-location
shoots tailored to fit your unique vision.
Let us help you relive the romance,laughter, and tears of your wedding day.

(09:08):
Visit Fitzner Productions dot com.
That's F-I-T-Z-N-E-R Productions dot com.
And now it's time for my favorite segment.
It's Wedding Tip Wednesday,but first marriage is simple.
As far as I'm concerned.
My wife does what she wants,and I do whatever she wants.

(09:28):
Yeah, I think that's pretty typical.
Sam, that is so true.
I think that's, everymarriage has that line.
So, on today's WeddingTip Wednesday, No ring.
No bring.
What does that mean?
If a couple's having a problemwith too many people and they need
to kind of cut that list down.
No ring.
No bring means don't bring a plus oneunless if you're engaged or married.

(09:52):
So you just helping the couple outand making sure that list could be
manageable for them, where they couldkeep everything within their budget.
Remember, if somebody questionsyou, you can just say, well, we
can't invite as many guests, oryou can cite the size limitations.
Maybe you can mention yourbudget constraints or your
parents' extensive guest list.

(10:13):
All these are valid explanationson why you don't invite a plus one.
That's another weddingtip from Sal and Sam.
This is the Stress-free WeddingPlanning Podcast with Sal and Sam.
Welcome back to our discussion aboutwedding speech tips that leave a
I'm Sam from Atmosphere Productions.

(10:34):
Coming up, some pro tips and some no-nos.
I am Sal from After Hours Eventsof New England, and now let's
talk about what not to do.
There are plenty of ways tocrash and burn with a bad speech.
Let's start with the biggest one.
Don't ramble.
You wanna make sense?

(10:54):
Don't ramble on, tosomething that's nonsense.
Stay on track, keep it concise.
You know, even, uh, keep away fromdrinking too much slurred words.
You don't want to be embarrassed infront of everyone, to try to keep it
straight, all the way up to that toast.
So everything is nice and smooth.
So no slurred words, no awkward moments.

(11:16):
You wanna be remembered for thegood things, not for something bad.
And another huge no-no is bringingup exes or past relationships.
If you are giving a toast or aspeech, if you are a best man, best
woman, best person, do not ever bringup an ex or a past relationship.

(11:39):
That is just a recipe for disaster.
Keep it focused on this couple'slove story, not their past.
And of course, leave the inside jokes out.
You want everyone in the room to enjoythe speech, not just a few inner circle
people who understand the inside joke.

(12:01):
So keep it positive and, respectful.
No embarrassing storiesare roasting the couple.
This isn't a comedyroast, it's their wedding.
Keep that in mind.
It is their special day.
You don't wanna ruin it.
Another thing I like to tell myclients is ditching in the phone.
Don't put your speechor toast on your phone.

(12:22):
It just looks bad, youreading from your phone.
Let's just get to the point of this.
Write it on a card.
Write it on a piece of paper.
The reason for doing this is one,somebody can call you on your phone
and disturb your entire speech.
Don't want to do that.
And secondly, if you write it on a pieceof paper, your speech, you can just then

(12:47):
hand it to the couple as a gift to them.
It's your speech.
Guaranteed, they're gonna keep it.
Now one more reason why not touse a cell phone, especially
nowadays with technology.
These cell phone, frequenciesare dangerously close to the
microphones that we use nowadays.
So it could be a simple cutout whereyou just don't hear someone for a

(13:07):
couple words, to making a weird sound.
To making the most incredibly annoyingsound coming through speakers.
And finally, don't forget to slowdown, and even enjoy the moment.
Nervousness is normal, okay?
It's always gonna happen, but speakingtoo fast can make it hard to follow.
And now before we leave you, wewant to give you some pro tips that

(13:30):
we've seen, with our experiencewould like to pass on to you.
Eye contact.
First and foremost, don't keep yourhead down and look at the piece of
paper or whatever you are reading from.
Look up at your guest.
If you can memorize yourspeech, that would be perfect.
If you can't, read it as notes or getcards so that every time you change

(13:54):
the card, you look up at your guests.
Remember, there will be probablyvideographers there and they don't
wanna see the top of your headwhile you reading these notes.
That's all great information, Sam.
Thank you for sharing.
And now let's talk aboutinjecting a little humor but
keep it classy, by all means.
When you have something that's a littlehumorous, it gets the crowd smiling and

(14:19):
laughing and really more involved inwhat you're doing at that very moment.
So it is a more of a fun thinginstead of a boring thing.
And fun is always a greatway to go with a speech.
You're absolutely right there, Sal.
A well placed joke canmake your speech memorable.
Now lastly, is end on a high note,whether it's a heartfelt wish.

(14:40):
For the couple or a touchingquote about love, leave the
room feeling warm and happy.
Make it positive becauseyou want it to be memorable.
So there you have it.
Wedding speech tips that leave alasting impression on your guests.
Whether you are the couple, the bestman maid of honor, a proud parent

(15:02):
or a close friend, your speechshould leave an lasting impression.
Now as you spend the next week planningyour wedding, if you want me, Sal, or our
community of Stress-free engaged couplesand wedding experts to answer any wedding
related questions, then join us in theStress-free Wedding Planning Facebook
group.
Once you're in, go ahead and shareyour concerns and worries, and

(15:23):
we'll let you know if you are on theright track or if there are some.
Things you need to work on.
The link to join us is in theshow notes of this edition, or
go to Facebook and search for theStress-Free Wedding Planning community.
Remember to do something nice forsomeone today, and if you can't,
then do something nice for yourself.
If you've enjoyed what you've justheard, leave a review and share it

(15:43):
with a friend or someone who wouldbenefit from this information.
Until next time, it's TTFN, Tata now.
Thank you for listening to this edition.
A new edition is released every Wednesday.
Subscribe and get it.
First we'll catch.
Ciao.
The Stress-free Wedding PlanningPodcast is produced and copyrighted by
Atmosphere Productions in associationwith After Hours Events of New England.

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Unforgettable Wedding Speech Tips - #153

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