Tradition has it that speeches are made at weddings. If you have been asked to make the wedding speech, your mind may be whirling with the awesome prospect of getting up in front of a group of strangers and giving what may be your first speech ever!

You may be the best man, the bridesmaid, the matron of honour or the father of the bridge - fear not, many have gone through this and survived to tell the tale. There is a great tradition of what to say and many have trodden this path before you. Sadly, a few have gone in unexperienced and unprepared and been disappointed with the outcome.

There are many excellent resources to help with the writing of a wedding speech, you can buy books with pre-written speeches in a bookshop or even download an Ebook if youve really left it to the last minute. If this is the first time youve made a speech, you should consider buying one of these books to help you.

Heres a few hints & tips:

What NOT to do:

make jokes about the bride
make jokes about the bridesmaids or the brides mother
drink too much before you speak
go on much longer than 15-20 minutes!

What you MUST do:

prepare
include at least one anecdote about the bridegroom
write down some notes
smile & enjoy yourself!

Remember, the wedding day is one that will be remembered for years to come your part in it is only small, but nevertheless important. Prepare well, take advice and your wedding speech will go well and be appreciated by all.