A Toast To... | Wedding Planning Survival Guide | Boston Wedding Photography

A groomsman toasts the couple during a wedding at Zukas Hilltop Barn in Spencer, Massachusetts. Boston Wedding Photography by Ryan Richardson Photography

Public speaking is routinely listed as one of the most common fears, and speaking at a Boston wedding can be extra nerve-wracking. To help get you started, I’ve put together a  few tips that I’ve picked up after a long time in the wedding industry.

Brevity is the Soul of Wit: When you’re giving a speech at a wedding, it’s always best to keep your remarks short. There are probably a thousand things that you’d like to say about the day, or the couple, but stick to one or two short anecdotes centered around one theme.

Practice Aloud: Take every opportunity you can to rehearse your speech out loud. This will help you edit the speech so it sounds more natural and it will build your confidence. To take this tip to the next level, try and make a recording of yourself giving the speech on your phone or read it for someone you trust.

Be Positive: I’m from Massachusetts, for a lot of people the first way we learn to say “I love you” to someone is to tease them. In your wedding speech you’ll want to focus on the positive and avoid the clichés. If you absolutely abhor complete sincerity, at least stick the landing of your speech with an upbeat point.

Speak Slowly: It’s normal to be nervous when you’re giving a speech and sometimes that energy can make you speed through your remarks. Take a deep breath and slow down, you want people to be able to hear and appreciate what you’re saying. Rehearsal can help a lot with nailing the right pacing.

Use Your Notes Right: Cue cards can be really helpful to keep you on track during your speech and they can also give you something to do with your hands apart from flailing them around in terror. It’s best if the cue cards are just a reference, with a few key bullet points to keep you on target.

Are you planning on having speeches at your Boston wedding? What are some tips that you’ve heard that will help out other people planning their toasts?

Looking for a photographer to capture those toasts? Contact us today.

Ryan Richardson is a wedding and engagement photographer serving Boston and beyond; including Cape Cod Weddings, New England Weddings, Massachusetts Weddings and Rhode Island Weddings.