Summary: Most wedding speeches are lame.<br> There, I said it. Somebody needed to.<br> We have a lot of listeners tuning into our podcast because they’re getting ready for marriage. If that is you, and if you are the groom in particular, I would like you to heed the advice herein.<br> <br> Epic Wedding Speech-making<br> Your wedding speech is an opportunity to be legendary.<br> The competition is nearly non-existent (think, “…and I’d like to thank Betsy for ALL the work she did on the center pieces…yawn).<br> Most wedding speeches are just a tiresome list of thanks spieled off after a reception that has already gone on too long.<br> My proposal is that you, the groom, think about how you can add a personal touch to your speech that will leave an impression that adds honour to the occasion.<br> The Five Keys to a Brilliant Wedding Speech<br> 1. What She Means to You<br> Yes, She. She Who Must Be Obeyed. Lol.<br> Seriously: I want you to provide heartfelt testimony to the incredible attractiveness of your spouse in front of all who are in attendance.<br> If you can’t think of content for this testimony: think about how you can end the engagement as respectfully as possible.<br> But, if you’re like me and you sincerely believe you’re one of those guys who just landed the gal of his dreams then you’ll have plenty of content.<br> Tell them what she means to you.<br> 2. How She Has Impacted You Already<br> This builds on #1 by providing your audience with real examples of the impact that this incredible woman has already had for good in your life.<br> Again, if she is the girl of your dreams you should be able to come up with some real examples and genuine commentary on what a blessing she has been to you.<br> 3. Why You Cherish Her Now<br> Your relationship will unfold over years to come. It’s a journey.<br> But for where you are at today, your wedding day, I am calling on you to speak to why you cherish her at this moment. What are the values, attitudes, beliefs and character traits that make her so precious to you?<br> 4. Why I Am Attracted To You<br> If you have been speaking about your wife, this is the point you turn to her and speak from your heart.<br> Tell her why you are so absolutely struck by her that there is nobody else in the world you would consider marrying.<br> 5. Ice the Cake<br> If she’s not in tears (the warm fuzzy feeling kind of tears) this is where you just put the finishing touches on the speech in your own words.<br> Pause.<br> “{Her name}, I love you. Thank you for marrying me.”<br> Pause<br> And Then The Rest of It<br> Yes, you should do your thank you’s. But before that, turn to her parents for a moment and speak to them. Now, I don’t know what you think of your in-laws. But if it is all possible to honestly and authentically do so, you should thank them for their daughter. They’ve had a lot of influence on forming her character. They all say “We’re gaining a son today” but really, they’re losing their daughter. You’re setting up a new family unit with her and they know it’s going to be a new relationship for them. So thank them.<br> And then, last, but not least, the sincere thank you’s for all the other folks who made the day special. Be authentic but also be methodical.<br> What I Didn’t Do That I Wish I Had<br> Looking back, there’s one thing I wish I had done. I wish I had paused to thank God for Verlynda, for our marriage, and for all of our loved ones and friends who came to celebrate the day with us.<br> I’ve done it many times since, but if I could one thing differently that would be on the list for sure.<br> Those are my thoughts. Now, it’s your turn! What is (or was) the favorite part of your wedding speech?<br> Most wedding speeches are lame.<br> There, I said it.
