Have you ever had to endure a painful wedding speech by an overconfident best man or a terrified bridesmaid and thought, “There must be a better way than:
a) listing off story after inappropriate story,
b) relying on tired, sexist or clichéd jokes, or
c) just winging it?”
You’re absolutely spot on. We can do better.
Today, I’m joined by Sydney Shannahan, wedding writer, editor and founder of Altar & Toast, who reveals why pushing past the first draft, using speech cards and refraining from roasting the newlyweds can transform wedding party speeches.
Sydney shares her expert tips on how even the most nervous speakers can centre themselves, truly connect, and give engaging toasts that captivate every guest with no shock tactics required. And how to use stories to illustrate the character or qualities of the couple so it doesn’t feel like a trial by pointless anecdotes and in-jokes.
If you want your wedding party’s speeches to stand out for all the right reasons, or if you have been asked to give a speech for a friend or family member, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
And stay listening to the end to find out how to get a copy of Sydney’s practical guide to banishing the nerves before your very own big speech moment.
RESOURCES
Altar and Toast website: https://www.altarandtoast.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altarandtoast/
Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast
*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*
------
This episode of the Unbridely Modern Wedding Planning Podcast is brought to you by Easy Name Change.
You simply choose which companies you need to notify, and they send you detailed process instructions for each of your companies, plus ready to send forms, letters, and emails, so you just attach your marriage certificate to them and you're done!
More info on how to change your name after you get married: https://unbridely.com/blog/name-change-after-marriage
To get $6 off your name change use the promo code UNBRIDELY6 (valid until the end of 2025)
-----
Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unbridely/
or TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unbridely
Email the Unbridely Podcast:
hello@unbridely.com
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.