Photo: Maddy Rotman
Greitzer emphasizes the necessity of highlighting both individuals in a wedding speech. “Effective anecdotes capture who each person was before they met, their harmony together, and their personal and shared growth,” he says. For those unfamiliar with one of the partners, creativity can be a valuable tool. “An outstanding speech I witnessed was from a bridesmaid who hadn’t spent much time with her friend’s fiancé due to the pandemic,” Greitzer recalls. “She humorously read texts from her phone that amusingly charted her friend’s journey to love.”
If you’re struggling to start, consider using an AI platform for assistance. “The Provenance tools help speakers craft unique and personal ceremonies, vows, and toasts with ease. They’re a partner in brainstorming, accelerating the process of expressing your thoughts,” explains Greitzer. “Rather than relying on outdated templates, their expert-designed prompts inspire distinct stories and insights, shaping your input into a personalized, editable draft.”
A writing tip from Shapira? “Create an outline, but avoid scripting the speech word for word. Full scripts can sound too formal,” advises the public speaking expert. “Start by brainstorming ideas, organize them logically, and then draft a general outline to guide you at the event. While speaking ‘from the heart’ might seem appealing, the stress of memorization isn’t worth it.”
How Long Should a Wedding Speech Be?
A toast should ideally last two to four minutes, equating to about 500 to 1000 words. However, Greitzer points out, “The ideal length depends on the couple’s preference. Long speeches can disrupt the evening’s schedule and impact catering, music, and more.” The best advice? Keep it concise and engaging.
Can Multiple People Give One Speech Together?
Definitely! It’s common for married parents of the couple to give a joint toast. Occasionally, siblings or wedding party members may deliver one as a group too. For group speeches, ensure the couple is comfortable with the arrangement, as it affects the timing of toasts. Planning when each person speaks and rehearsing together for smooth delivery is crucial. Remember, the speech reflects on the group as a whole.
How to Deliver a Wedding Speech
Crafting a wedding speech is only part of the process—delivering it effectively is crucial. A good toast should flow well, sound natural, and be engaging. The phrase “practice makes perfect” truly applies here. Shapira suggests several weeks of rehearsals to ensure the speech feels genuine and fluid. Her tips include: “Read your speech aloud to check timing. Share it with someone for feedback. Record and review it. We use a tool called AMPLIFY for AI-based feedback.” She adds, “Don’t memorize the speech, but read it aloud to ensure it sounds like you.”
