Speaking at a wedding is something that many of us have to do at some point... and in short, it can be terrifying! It doesn’t have to be though. Put in a little time and a little preparation, and it can actually be a very rewarding experience.

Below is a short run down on the three most common wedding speeches - the Father of the Bride’s speech, the groom’s speech and the Best Man speech.

Father of the Bride Speech

Length: 4/5 minutes on average is a good time.

At most weddings, the Father of the Bride is the first to make a speech. There is no strict rule as to what should be said - but if you find yourself with the prospect of having to write a Father of the Bride speech, there are a few things to think about.

In general terms, you should start your speech by welcoming everyone to the wedding, including the guests (especially those that have travelled some distance), the Groom’s parents, and anyone that has helped with the wedding such as the caterers, the staff at the venue, or the Clergy if they’re present.

Following this, you should then recount some tales of the Bride’s childhood - and provide a few humorous stories about when she was growing up. You may then want to talk about her work and her hobbies and interests, before moving on to the moment she met the Groom and then talking about any experiences they’ve had together.

Finally, to round your speech off, you should welcome the Groom into your family and provide some words of wisdom or advice on marriage, and propose a toast to the Bride & Groom.

This is of course a very basic guide for the structure of your speech, but should at least give you somewhere to start. For more Father of the Bride speech help, you may want to visit www.fatherofthebride.co.uk

Groom’s Speech

Length: 3/4 minutes on average is a good time.

Whichever way you look at it, it has to be said that the Groom has the easiest job when it comes to a wedding speech.

Normally the Groom is the second person to speak after the Father of the Bride, and basically is expected to thank everyone connected with the wedding, on behalf of himself and his new wife.

Of course, you can make your ‘thank you’ as creative or entertaining as you want. It’s always good to start your speech by thanking the Father of the Bride for welcoming you into his family. You may then want to thank your own parents for the support they’ve given you over the years.

You may echo the comments of the Father of the Bride and thank various people who are connected with the wedding and have helped with the planning. You’ll also thank the Best Man, the Bridesmaid’s/Flower Girls and the Ushers - and not only thank these people, but present them with a small gift at the same time. As mentioned above, you may want to include very short stories, facts, or witty comments about these people as you mention them.

And finally, you will of course thank your new wife for marrying you!

Following that, sit down and look concerned… it’s time for the Best Man!

Best Man's speech

Length: 5/6 minutes on average is a good time.

Ah yes. The big one! As Best Man, chances are you’ll be the last to speak - your speech is not only the most anticipated, but also expected to be the most entertaining.

A Best Man Speech can be a very daunting thought. Firstly, you may want to ask the Bride & Groom if they want you to thank anyone. Traditionally, you would thank the Bridesmaids/Flowers Girls/Page Boys - although most Best Men tend not to these days as both the Father of the Bride and the Groom have already thanked these people.

Instead, a good Best Man speech starts immediately with a light hearted comment to break the ice. Your speech should then move on to how you know the groom and your memories of him when he was young. You can talk about his interests in life and what he does for a living.

Throughout all of this, it’s great to throw in witty comments, funny stories and jokes as appropriate. But remember - you’re trying to make his mates from the pub laugh, just as much as you are his parents.

After talking about the Groom, it’s always a good idea to spend a minute or two talking about him and his new wife - you may wish to add your own unique and light hearted view on marriage at this point.

And to finish... raise a toast to the Bride & Groom. After the toast you may be asked to read out some cards and telegrams - the Bride & Groom will advise you on this. Other than that... enjoy the night!

For more help on your Best Man Speech, visit www.bestmansspeeches.com