A lot is made of the ‘confetti shot’, and don’t get me wrong, it is indeed a photographer’s dream. The colour & the movement of the confetti, plus the joy of the couple & their surrounding guests, combine to make one of those extraordinary visual moments.
But an often overlooked shot on the wedding-photographer-check-list is the ‘speech shot’.
The ‘speech shot’ is rarely something couples discuss before the big day or even think about. But afterwards, when they look at their photo album for the first time, the ‘speech shots’ are often the images that make them laugh or can even still bring a tear to their eye.
When the speeches take place, I see the characters in action, either delivering their speech or reacting to one. Sometimes there’s shock, sometimes there’s tears, more often than not, belly laughs. And a photo capturing the beautiful bride roaring with laughter is always a brilliant shot.
As are the images of nan crying, or the kids under the table with their hands over their ears, or the maid of honour teasing the groom or the bride’s father gently placing his hand on his daughter’s shoulder.
Of course, I’ve now been lucky to have been to hundreds of weddings. All are a delight in their own individual ways but I must admit, I always like it when people have put a bit of effort into their speeches. Clearly, it makes my job a lot easier!
That’s why I asked the talented team at Speechy (a bespoke wedding speech writing company – yes, such things exist) for a few pointers.
SPEECHY’S TOP SPEECH WRITING TIPS
1 – DON’T GET TIED DOWN WITH TRADTION
Forget ‘ladies and gentleman’ and don’t bother thinking the groom has to conclude his speech by toasting the bridesmaids.
These days, wedding speech etiquette is simply about being thoughtful and polite, rather than conforming to outdated traditions that are no longer relevant or meaningful to you.
2 – SHAKE UP THE LINE UP
Don’t think you have to ask the same predictable three blokes to take charge of the wedding mic.
Why not ask a women to get involved – your mum, your nan, your bestie?
And rather than letting the groom speak on behalf of his new partner, why don’t you both get involved – either with individual speeches or, even better, a joint one?
3 – BE FUNNY
And be funny quickly. Ideally within the first 20 seconds. It will relax you and your audience immediately.
Obviously, resist googling wedding gags. It’s just lazy and incredibly cringey.
Instead, remember the old adage, it’s funny because it’s true.
Think about your best anecdotes, and if you don’t have many corkers, think about your relationship dynamic.
Is one of you obsessed with loading the dishwasher correctly and the other still can’t work out how to turn on Sonos in separate rooms? Reveal the quirks of your relationship!
4 – BE THANKFUL (BUT NOT TOO THANKFUL)
Yes, there are lots of people to thank but make sure your speech doesn’t turn into one big roll call of your guests.
Of course, it’s essential to thank both sets of parents and anyone involved in the wedding party but you don’t need to thank anyone you’ve paid and you don’t need to individually thank people who have travelled far. Remember, there’s nothing more boring than listening to a thank you list – esp if you don’t get a thank you yourself!
Start your speech with a good story and keep your thanks towards the end. Some people find this an odd idea, but in reality it works really well as you’ve engaged your whole audience from the start.
5 – CUT THE CLICHES
At the heart of your speech should be a thoughtful and meaningful tribute to your partner.
‘Soulmate’, ‘the one’, ‘beautiful’ – you’ve got to do better than that!
Find the individual characteristics that make your partner special – even if it’s just a photographic memory of the Wagamama menu.
6 – & CUT THE WAFFLE
No speech should ever be over 1,300 words. And it’s got to be blooming good to justify that!
Once you start writing your speech, you may feel you have a lot to say but even Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was just 269 words!
So be brutal. Keep your sentences short, your jokes punchy and your speech concise.
7 – GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT
Sometimes it pays to have a helping hand and Speechy as credible as they come.
Check out their reviews on Trustpilot and find out about the Speechy products and services if the thought of delivering a speech is already making you sweat (never a good look in the photos!)
Get your -10% discount on Speechy’s editing and bespoke services forevermore!’ Using coupon code – CHIVERS10
