Waiter pouring champagne into a champagne glass. — *Less is More, Love is Key*

A wedding speech is a heartfelt opportunity to celebrate and express love and well-wishes for the newlyweds. Whether you're the best man, maid of honor, or a close family member, crafting the best wedding speech is an art that can leave a lasting impression on the couple and guests. In this guide, we'll walk you through the essential do's and don'ts to create a speech that shines bright, leaving everyone with cherished memories and smiles.

Do Embrace Brevity and Sweetness: When it comes to wedding speeches, less is indeed more. Keep your speech concise and engaging, aiming for a duration of 3-5 minutes. Remember, it's the quality of your words that will leave an impact, not the quantity. Short and sweet speeches are more likely to resonate with the audience and keep their attention throughout the entire delivery.

Photography: Amanda Donaho

Don't Bring Up Ex-Files: While you may have known the couple through various phases of life, don't bring up past relationships or any awkward encounters. Focus solely on celebrating the love between the newlyweds and their journey together. Your speech is a tribute to their love story, so ensure it remains free from any irrelevant baggage.

Do Set the Tone with a Strong Opening: Start your speech with a memorable opening line that sets the tone for the rest of your delivery. Begin with a heartfelt expression of joy, a humorous anecdote, or a captivating quote that captures the essence of the couple's relationship. A strong opening will instantly engage the audience and draw them into your heartfelt words.

Do Share Meaningful Stories: One of the most touching aspects of a wedding speech is sharing heartfelt stories that illustrate the couple's love and journey together. Include meaningful anecdotes that showcase their relationship, milestones, and special moments you've shared with them. Paint a picture of their unique bond and the love they have for each other.

Photography: Kerri Carlquist

Don't Overstep with Humor: If you choose to infuse humor into your speech, don't forget to be tasteful, relevant, and respectful. Avoid any jokes that may embarrass the couple or make anyone uncomfortable. A good balance of humor can add an extra touch of warmth and joy to your speech.

Do Practice: Don't underestimate the power of practice! Rehearse your speech multiple times to build confidence, work on your delivery, and ensure smooth transitions between different parts of your speech. Practicing will also help you feel more at ease and natural when delivering your heartfelt words on the big day.

Crafting the best wedding speech is a labor of love, filled with heartfelt stories, genuine emotions, and warm wishes for the couple. Remember to embrace brevity, infuse your speech with love and laughter, and practice until you feel comfortable and confident. Your words have the power to create an extraordinary and memorable moment for the newlyweds and their guests. So, here's to an exceptional wedding speech that will leave hearts overflowing with joy and love! Cheers!