Top Wedding Speech Etiquette

There are only three traditional wedding speeches delivered during the wedding reception. While there may not be hard-and-fast rules in the content and delivery of each speech, there are wedding speech etiquette that are best observed.

Improper language – Many speakers try to emphasize their speech with profane language. Although this has become quite acceptable, many listeners at wedding parties still prefer to hear clean speeches. If you, as the speaker, need to use profane language in your speech, it is advisable that you use much gentler words instead. When writing your speech, consider that you have a diverse audience to address, thus any inappropriate word must be avoided.

Giving reference to sore topics – The wedding reception is an occasion for happy celebration, thus if it is not necessary to talk about sore topics, refrain from doing so. Even if there is a pressing need to refer to something tragic, for example, try not to highlight it. Out of respect, some people may try to look glum to console the relatives of the person who just died. In the same manner, refrain from saying anything about divorced and annulled couples, or anything about broken marriages – these are not popular topics to talk about on occasions for celebration.

On chewing gums and being drunk – Habits like chewing gum are best not taken during formal occasions like weddings. Unless it is integral in your speech, don’t do it. It’s similar with alcohol. Some wedding speakers, to control their nervousness, help themselves with beer and other alcoholic drinks. Although this may work for the best man, the groom or the bride’s father before they deliver their speech, it is still not right to slur through the speech.

Epic-like speeches – Delivering long speeches is never a good idea. Even if you have the necessary skills to pull off a very entertaining speech, your audience may lack the patience to sit down for an hour or more, listening to another person’s stories. So as much as you can, keep your speech short. A speech that is only 5-minute long is often ideal. Compress your messages into a short, coherent speech and drive your point through the shortest route possible.

Personal stories of relationships – For some reason, speakers at weddings seem to have the urge to talk about their own relationships. Although many people do this, it is never proper to mention your own relationships in other people’s weddings.

Jokes that are in bad taste – It is fine to talk about funny experiences, to deliver funny one liners, and to crack jokes at weddings.

However, there are some jokes that just don’t fit the definition of what is proper according to wedding speech etiquette. These are jokes that connote sexual, racist, and ethnic references. Saying jokes that connote these topics is also a big no-no.