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Wedding Speeches Protocols and Content

Wedding Speech Protocols - Wedding Speech Content

Wedding speeches - How to organize them

Wedding speeches can be a bit of a problem. Most people don't know the protocols or in what order guests are supposed to give speeches. The result is usually disorganization, and occasionally some quite unnecessary clashes among wedding guests. Let's face it, this is the time when people should be admiring wedding rings, not debating the niceties of who speaks first and how long, etc.

Wedding speeches basic protocols

Traditionally, there's a fundamental hierarchy of speakers at weddings:

• Family members in order of seniority
• Maid of honour and best man
• Close personal friends of both bride and groom
• Invited speakers, usually professional associates

The order of speakers can be varied by agreement, but in practice this is the default order of speech. It should be noted that it is also common practice for speakers on behalf of both sides of the family to alternate.

Wedding speeches scheduling and notification

It is very strongly advised that speeches are carefully organised, and preset times arranged for speaking. This prevents "speech clutter", and also prevents excessive use of time by a particular speaker, which may cause serious offence to other speakers.

The order of speaking should be prearranged, and speakers notified of the guidelines and time frames for their speeches. This allows speakers to develop their speeches and tailor their speeches to the timeframes and the subject matter, without causing undue distress to those who really aren't used to speaking publicly.

It is also advisable to ensure that time is allowed people to make arrangements and any adjustments to the order of speaking, to avoid embarrassment of speakers and the wedding party.

Wedding speech protocols

It is customary that wedding speeches are given after the wedding reception meal. Senior speakers at a wedding may propose toasts to the bride and groom. In some cases speakers may propose toasts to the families or other specific individuals related to the wedding party.

It should be noted that junior speakers, including junior family members, the best man and maid of honour, usually do not propose toasts. This fact should be pointed out in pre-speech notification of arrangements to the speakers, to avoid any potential difficulties.

Wedding speech content

Everybody's heard the stories of wedding speeches droning on forever, and that situation is exactly what needs to be avoided when making arrangements for a wedding speech. Speeches should be prepared in advance, in writing, and a copy given to organizers for a quick check.

The average time for a speech is calculated at 120 words per minute. A typical speech should last no more than 5 min, meaning approximately 600 words or approximately one and a half A4 pages.

Fortunately, most people generally only speak for approximately 1 to 2 minutes, roughly 300 words or less. The requirement for a written prepared speech gently and tactfully enforces the need for brevity and organisation when making wedding speeches.
Wedding speeches should be brief, pleasant and related to good wishes for the bride and groom, sometimes with appropriate anecdotes from close friends. Other subject matter should be confined to wedding related subjects, like diamond rings, the wedding dress, etc, and be in good taste at all times.