keep it simple (and short), stupid: wedding toasts

{via choco studio}

me & public speaking don't get along.

after attending a bunch of weddings this year and listening to my husband give two great best man speeches, i realized it's not nearly as terrifying if you've got the speech in the bag. i started to take note of the speeches that captivated me most & thought i'd throw out a few things i learned along the way:

• keep it short - regardless of how swell you think your speech might be, once you go over the 5 minute mark you start to lose the audience
• while notecards can be helpful & are definitely not a deal breaker, it comes off more natural & heartfelt without a piece of paper. plus, the wedding guests won't see the paper shaking when your nerves get the best of you
• remember what the day is about, the two lovebirds tying the knot. make sure to keep the speech about them & not how amazing of a soccer player you were in high school
• have a theme & roll with it. once you have your focus (ie: "i could always rely on patty to be there for me through good & bad" ), follow with 3 mini stories that back up your theme & tie it all together.
• i'm all about the laughs. my opinion, try to infuse those 3 mini stories with a little humor and finally...
• finish up with a little lovey dovey sentimentalism
• ALWAYS remember to include both people in your speech, regardless of how well you know your best buddy's mate...it's about them & you've got to bring both people in there one way or another

and to all you bride & grooms, let your maid of honor & best man speak as early on in the evening as possible. it's nerve wracking to get up & speak in front of a crowd, so why make them shake in their boots? let them enjoy the evening!