It is customary for the Maid of Honour or Best Man to deliver a wedding speech in the midst of all the joyful laughing, dancing and dining during the wedding.  It can be absolutely nerve-wrecking for some people to hold this great responsibility as many of us suffer from the fear of public speaking.

For these people, it may be worth preparing the wedding speech and practising it with a few close friends and family members before attempting it on the day.  The most important thing about a wedding speech doesn't have to be how you say it, but what you actually say.  Here are some wedding speech tips for deliverying a successful wedding speech.

A wedding speech, similar to any other speech requires an opening, middle and an ending note.

Introduce Yourself

Why are you giving the wedding speech? What is your relationship to the married couple? Selling yourself to the audience as an interesting character who is close to either the bride or groom, will entice the audience making them want to hear what you have to say

Mention Something About the Bride and Groom

Mention something either funny, amusing or memorable about the married couple in your wedding speech. This can be anything, ranging from how they met, to how their opposing personalities clash in such a way that makes them so perfect for other, or even to how the groom finally has someone to make sure that his socks will always match (this will only be applicable to a groom who is known for never matching his socks!).

Something Hopeful About the Future

A wedding speech should always end with a positive and promising comment about the marriage of the bride and groom .

DOs
- Keep it short, simple and sincere. Do not drag your speech on. The most memorable speeches are those that are concise and from the heart.
- Face the couple. When you are wishing the married couple a lifetime of love and happiness, tell it to them as if there were no one else in the room. The bride and groom will appreciate it more than you think.
- Read from a card.  If it helps you, read from a card. You can even begin by saying how nervous you are of making the speech! The audience will understand and will value your honesty.
- Smile. A wedding speech should be delivered with a smile. On the other hand, if you cry, make sure that your tears are happy tears.
- Involve the audience. Invite the audience the to hold their glasses with you, this will ensure that the attention is on you and no one is wandering off or chatting while you are making your wedding speech.

DONTs

- Make a wedding speech when you are drunk.  Save the heavy drinking for the after-party!
- Fidget and Mumble.  Keep your hands by your side and keep hold your posture. Speak loud and clear.  Most of all, say it like you mean it. And if you don't mean it, don't say it.

Remember that a short well-written, practised and delivered wedding speech, can be the most memorable part of the wedding in the eyes of the bride and groom.