Preparation

• Write down the key points that you want to cover during your speech. It is helpful to create an outline of your speech, so you can fill in the key points and deliver it in the right order. Your role in the wedding party determines the points you should make in your speech. The father of the bride should welcome everyone, tell a story about his daughter, welcome his new son-in-law into the family and thank anyone who has helped make the wedding special. The groom will thank his bride's parents for allowing them to wed, say some nice words about his new bride, and thank the groomsmen and bridesmaids. The best man typically tells some funny stories about the groom, and he will propose the final toast to the couple. The bride will thank everyone for coming, tell a story about her groom or any special thanks she'd like to make.
  
  

Introduction

• Start off your speech by introducing yourself and the relationship that you have to the bride and groom. Tell a story about how you met or an anecdote about the bride and groom.
  
  

Humor

• Use humor to gain and keep the crowd's attention at the opening of your speech. Do not get too crude with your stories, or tell anything that the bride or groom would not want the public to know. If you are the best man, tell funny stories about the groom; if you are the maid of honor, focus on the bride.
  
  

Gratitude

• Thank everyone who has helped with the wedding. There are always lots of people to thank for a big event such as a wedding, and they always love to be recognized. If you need to fill time, thanking everyone is an easy way to do so. Wedding speeches should be kept concise, however, so don't go overboard.
  
  

Sentiment

• Make sure your speech not only tells a funny story, but also exhibits the love you have for the couple. You want it to be meaningful to the bride and groom, and you want them to be the center of attention during the entire speech. You can offer advice that you have learned from your relationships that you feel would be beneficial to the couple or just a heartfelt comment in closing.
  
  

Toast

• After your speech, end with a toast to the couple. You can introduce them again or toast to their future happiness.
  
  

Rehearse

• To feel confident when delivering your speech, rehearse it beforehand. You can stand in front of a mirror to be your own audience. You may also choose to write key topics on note cards to refer back to when presenting your speech.