5 Top Tips for the Groom’s Speech
Not very often do I get a guest blog post from a groom-to-be or a past groom. Today, guest blogger Benjamin Parker, founder of GroomPower.com, would like to share with us a few tips on the groom’s speech.
Benjamin set up the site after his own wedding. He said: “There are so many helpful websites out there for brides, but hardly any for grooms (and we need all the help we can get!). I learned so much through the process of planning my own wedding, so I started the website as a guide to other men.”
So here are his top 5 tips on the speech:
- As a groom you’ll have a lot of people to thank, but you’ll never be able to cover everyone and your guests will quickly get bored if you do. Stick to the important ones. Remember that unless your wife is giving a speech too, you’re speaking on behalf of the two of you and you should phrase your thanks accordingly.
- You are expected to say loving things about your new wife, but some grooms don’t quite hit the right note, either because they are embarrassed or because they haven’t spent enough time thinking about what they want to say. Before you write this part of the speech, think of the two or three things you most love about your future wife. Then start writing. Try to avoid slushy phrases that could apply to anyone!
- It is the groom’s job to propose a toast to the bridesmaids. Make sure you have a glass of something within reach before you start your speech! More than a few grooms get to the part where they raise a glass and then find that they don’t actually have a glass…
- Try not to use a microphone. If you are not used to them then they can be surprisingly uncomfortable to use. Also, most microphones used at weddings are supplied by the DJ, and DJ mikes are terrible for public speaking. Practice projecting your voice to the other side of the room – this will have the added benefit of slowing your delivery and calming you down.
- Enjoy it! Brides have plenty of opportunity to be the focus of the day, but this is your big chance to shine. Everyone in the audience will want you to do well, so relax, speak from the heart and make the most of it.
Be sure to check out Benjamin’s site for more tips on the groom’s speech, and other advice for grooms. Thank you so much, Benjamin, for sharing your thoughts!
Tags: groom's speech
July 21st, 2009 at 4:17 am
Just came across your blog and wanted to say hi! What a great & fun resource this is! Nice! - JG