Wedding Speeches

Tears and Laughter.... that's what the speeches are all about!

It's no secret about how much I love the wedding speeches, I have even shed a tear or two at a couple, the Father of the Bride's speech always gets me! We have had some cracking speeches over the years, some have turned the guests to a blubbering mess and some have raised an eyebrow or two...that's always the Best Man Speech. At most weddings, the Father of the Bride, The Groom and The Best Man say a speech but we have had a few brides over the years get up and say a few words too. They always seem to dread saying their speeches but they are one of the highlights of the wedding celebrations.

The Father of the Bride is usually the first one to stand and speak. He Normally thanks the lovely guests for coming and proudly talks about his daughter telling a story or two of her from when she was a young girl to the woman she has become. Mostly they are heart warming stories but you do get the funny memories too. The father of the bride always gives advice to the newly weds about marriage and also a few tips. 

The Groom normally speaks on behalf of himself and his new wife, thanking people for help and support through the planning of the wedding and also through the years of growing up. I love when the Groom turns to his new wife and talks personally to her. 

The Best Man are always the most funniest especially when he talks about the groom of course. You normally see the Bride laughing her head off and the groom with his hands over his face to hide the blushing! 

Maid of Honour can say a speech too, just like the best man but to talk about her beautiful best friend.

Top 10 Wedding Speech Tips

1. Read your speech through a few times before the wedding or even memorise it, it will sound so much better if your ready and prepared and not just reading from a script. Practise makes perfect! Have notes and use if needed.

2. Always have a glass of water at the ready because of nerves and dry mouth.

3. Bride & Groom have tissues at the ready

4. Don't let the nerves get the better of you. Everyone in the room knows how important you are to the newly weds, they expect you to feel a little nervous but enjoy it, stand up, be confident and say your speech with pride

5. Don't worry about the camera! Of course the speeches will be photographed not just by the professionals but also by the guests...why not have fun with it strike a pose for the camera!

6. Its not a race to see who finishes the speech the quickest, speak slowly so we can all hear you.

7. Use humour in the speech, everyone loves to laugh

8. Don't forget its your speech - Use Props! We have seen photos handed out, personalised T-Shirts for the Bride and Groom, a pillow for the groom and even a cabbage!But don't get to carried away.

9. Say what you love about the Bride & Groom and wish them a wonderful life together and all the love in the world.

10. Lastly...Stay Sober! Slurred speeches are not a good idea!

Mr & Mrs Edwards - A Country Garden Wedding

Matt and Laura got married at The Crown of Crucis in July this year, I have been waiting to share this wedding with you for ages because every couple plans their perfect day from the venue to the flowers and all the details in between and most couples hire a professional photographer to capture the day for them, so they want the perfect weather to top it all off...which i think is only right!...Matt and Laura's day had heavy down pours and thunderstorms and then in the early evening the sun made an appearance. Even though the weather was not on their side, Matt and Laura embraced it and enjoyed their wedding day - with wellies and brollys!

We arrived to Laura's parents house in Lechlade where she was getting ready with her daughters and other family members. Laura was calm through out the morning while having her hair and make up styled , she chatted, laughed and ignored the weather. Laura was soon stepping into her dress with the help of her sister-in-law and putting the finishing touches in place as it was soon time to leave and head to the wedding.

Matt was waiting for the arrival of the bride at the Crown of Crucis with his three best men - his brother and two sons. Not all was perfectly calm as the registrar got stuck in traffic due to the bad weather, but she made it in time! Laura was walked down the aisle by her dad while her eldest son played an instrumental on his guitar and her yougest son had the big job of holding the rings. The ceremony was intimate and beautiful as both Matt and Laura said I do. 

After a celebratory drink we headed off outside for the photos and once the bridal party had their photo we headed off to a different location for Matt and Laura's photos, at their request as they wanted some private time together. We were very aware of the black cloud in the distance and the drops of rain, so grabbed wellies and brollys and headed off. The heavens opened on us as we drove to our location, it didn't just rain but it poured and we had lightening too!

Rain eased off for a minute or two and we headed to our first spot, as we walked we got caught in yet another heavy down pour and  ran for cover - Matt and Laura laughed throughout, but i was not impressed stood with a brolly over me in a thunderstorm! 

While sheltering we had a quick change of footwear, while waiting for the rain to stop. Laura and Matt continued to have more photos as they had spotted a corn field and that's where we headed next!

 Love the wellies plus it went so well with the theme

Yep this awesome couple walked through a wet corn field - why? Because it was their wedding day and they were blissfully happy and embracing it for all it was.

After all that rain, the sun finally made an appearance but it was time to head back to the venue. 

As it was soon time to for speeches.

As we headed back to the Crown of Crucis, we were stopped by the police as the main road had just been closed due to a lightening strike! So after a 15 minute detour we eventually got back to the venue and it was time for speeches.

The weather was on our side during the evening so we popped outside for a few more photos with family members too. 

The first dance was brilliant fun with Matt and Laura dancing together one minute and then dancing to the macarena the next!

Congratulations Laura and Matt!

Check out Mr & Mrs Edwards on Guides for Brides Blog too.....Take a peek here!

Anneka and Alex

Anneka & Alex are set to say "I do" in May this year and on Saturday we headed over to the park for their pre-wedding shoot and had a good catch up about their big day which is fast approaching! 

Gloucestershire Wedding Photographer - Ric and Sarah

With only six weeks to go until Ric and Sarah's wedding day, Saturday was the perfect day for their pre-wedding shoot! Also a great opportunity for a good chat about their day and to check out the venue. Their wedding takes place at Cheltenham Regency Hotel in April so hopefully the sun will be shining just like Saturday :0)