Tips on Making a Funny Wedding Speech
Humour is said to be a universal communication tool, but it is surprising how little we consciously use it to get our message across, whatever the situation.
The wedding reception is the main opportunity to celebrate the marriage, but all too often they are very stiff, serious and stilted affairs. Quite often this is because everyone has got so wrapped up in all the organisation of the event that people forget that they should be enjoying themselves!
This comes over all too readily in the speeches, and whilst sincerity is important, the sentiments being expressed very often come across far too seriously. Brides' fathers tend to be most guilty of this and end up looking like a politician making a speech after having just lost their seat in an election. Of course, making a speech to your friends and relatives at your daughter's wedding is quite a big deal for any father, but your guests would prefer that your talk conveys happiness. This is, after all, a wedding speech - not a eulogy for a work colleague.
Humour, intentional or otherwise, is a big crowd pleaser at weddings. Whilst it is primarily for the benefit of the guests, it will often help you to feel more comfortable standing in front of everyone - particularly if you get some hearty laughs, which more often than not you will. Very often, the laughs will come at unexpected moments, which although have the potential to put you off your stride, are very welcome. Just occasionally, you will be one of those lucky people who find the guests rolling around in hysterics at just about everything and anything you say. It's a thrilling moment and one which subconsciously starts you thinking about a career in public speaking, but more importantly, results in a memorable wedding for everyone.
Unless you are a comedian, it is unlikely that you can plan for this to happen. Unfortunately, the dynamics of a wedding reception can conspire to create an audience that even seasoned professional speakers would rather avoid. It would certainly not be my audience of choice, but on the day it's the only one you've got. Occasionally, the heady cocktail of family politics, dodgy friends and champagne can work very much in your favour resulting in a truly great wedding speech.
If you are about to be a best man, please take this piece of advice. Do not under any circumstances tell risque stories about the groom's past sexual exploits, even if he was a bit of a Jack the Lad. It may seem hysterically funny to you, but remember that your speech is for the benefit of the happy couple and the guests. The bride and groom will not be happy and the guests will not think you are either clever or funny.
