7 things NOT to do in your groom’s speech…

While many brides are now stepping up to say a few words at their weddings, the groom’s speech is a tradition that isn’t going anywhere fast. All eyes and ears will be on you, including your new wife’s, and they’ll be expecting words that are both witty and romantic. Make sure your groom’s speech doesn’t disappoint with these seven things not to do.

1. Leave it to the last minute

While we’re all for speaking from the heart, there’s a difference between genuine emotion and an off-the-cuff rambling. Don’t leave your speech writing to the last minute, or even the night before the wedding. Get a draft written in advance, practice saying it aloud a few times and your wedding morning will be so much less stressful!

2. Don’t be shy to talk about your feelings

You might be a bloke, but you do have feelings, however well they might usually be hidden under your manly bravado. Today is not the day for it, though. You’ve just married the woman you love, so displays of affection are not just welcomed, they’re expected. Make sure you include some romantic words in your groom’s speech – these real grooms will show you how!

3. Not call your bride your wife

You’ve waited for this day for a long time and now you’ve finally graduated from the realms of boyfriend and girlfriend to become husband and wife, so make sure you call your bride that! She’ll love hearing it.

4. Forget to compliment her dress

Equally, your bride likely started the search for her dream dress months, if not years, in advance of your chosen wedding date. She found ‘the one’ and looks amazing, so remember to let her know just how beautiful she is, both today and everyday.

5. Embarrass her

Your best man’s speech will be strewn with stories and punch lines of varying levels of taste – and that’s where they should stay. Your groom’s speech is most definitely not the moment to rehash embarrassing stories for your bride or your newly wedded bliss might be short lived!

6. Forget to thank the bride’s parents

The thank you list might be long (we’ve got a few pointers for you here, boys!), but it’s your duty in the groom’s speech to thank everyone. That includes making a fuss of the bride’s parents as well as your own – you’re all family now!

7. Have one too many for luck beforehand

Dutch courage is dangerous. Don’t be fooled by encouraging groomsmen – you do not need any more – insert the tipple of your choice – to get you ready to deliver the best groom’s speech of all time. In fact, if you do, you risk it being one of the worst. If nerves are a problem, why not move your speeches to before the wedding breakfast so you can get them out the way quickly and focus on enjoying the celebrations?

Brides, what do you want to be included in your groom’s speech? If your bridesmaid will also be raising a glass, send her this bridesmaid speech guide and she’ll definitely love you forever!