Words for inspiration....

"It is a glorious privilege to live, to know, to act, to listen, to behold, to love. To look up at the blue summer sky; to see the sun sink slowly beyond the line of the horizon; to watch the worlds come twinkling into view, first one by one, and the myriads that no man can count, and lo! the universe is white with them; and you and I are here."
Marco Morrow

"Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same."
Emily Bronte

"I love thee with the breath, smiles, tears, of all my life."
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

"They gave each other a smile with a future in it."
Ring Lardner

"To love is nothing. To be loved is something. To love, and to be loved is everything."
T.Tolis

"Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own."
Robert Heinlein

"In true marriage lies
Nor equal, nor unequal: each fulfils
Defect in each, and always thought in thought,
Purpose in purpose, will in will, they grow,.
The single pure and perfect animal,
The two-celled heart beating, with one full stroke,
Life."
Alfred, Lord Tennyson (from The Princess)


Speech Snippet Sample Ideas -

Best Man:

'I've known (GROOM) since we were both toothless and obsessed with crayons. His personality has been pretty much set from around that time. He is an intelligent, fun, caring person but he does have one major downfall - punctuality. If you organise to meet up with (GROOM), you can be almost certain that you will be reaching a point of homicidal frustration when he'll stroll in, look mildly surprised and say something like, 'I thought you said 1pm?' So I knew that he had met someone special when I went over to his place and found him in an uncharacteristic rush. He was meeting (BRIDE) two hours later. Around the corner from his house. This was serious.'
Agnes Gajewska (from Wedding Speeches, Perfect Words for a Perfect Day

Maid of Honour:

'Since (BRIDE) loves shoes, I'd like to bestow a little shoe blessing on the happy couple: May your marriage be as glorious as a Jimmy Choo store, may you have both style and comfort, may you avoid blisters and unstable ground, may your days be filled with smooth surfaces, sunshine and glamour. When you occasionally chip off your heel or lose a shoelace may your family and friends be there with spares. For (GROOM) may (BRIDE) be your heel-grip and for (BRIDE) may (GROOM) be your water protector. May the life you are commencing today together be your greatest ensemble and when you are old and your heels finally snap, may you look back on your lives together and smile.'
Agnes Gajewska (from Wedding Speeches, Perfect Words for a Perfect Day


Words which can be used by anyone:

'You know, I wouldn't give my (best friend, sibling, child) to just anyone who walked in and swept (him/her) off (his/her) feet. But as I have gotten to know you,  I've noted a really kind heart, a quirky sense of humour, and an ability to plan for the future without forgetting to live in the present. All of those things make you perfect for my (best friend, sibling, child). You have my blessing, you may now kiss the bride. Wait? Have we done that part already?'
Agnes Gajewska (from Wedding Speeches, Perfect Words for a Perfect Day

Arghhh.....Public Speaking!!!

Studies have shown that the fear of public speaking is more prevalent in most people's minds than the fear of spiders, heights... even death???
So.....the good news....
It's perfectly normal to be nervous...in fact its a completely normal part of the speaking process.
Not helping???......Well....these tips might:

1. Practice your speech out loud. 
To yourself, to a friend to the dog, to the cat.
Practice, practice, practice!!
(P.S. you might want to time yourself)

2. Save the Champers for later.
It might seem a good idea at the time to help you relax, or to gain an extra ounce of courage, but it might come back and bite you. Slurring, mumbling, going off on a tangent.....not the 'look' you are going for.

3. Remember to breathe??!!
Seems obvious...but with the heart racing and adrenaline rising there is a tendency to speak faster. Best not to babble 100 miles per hour with the audience 10 paces behind.
Take a deep breath between sentences.
Slow your delivery.
See....aren't you are feeling calmer already!!!

4. Eye Contact.
Try to look up from the safety of that piece of paper/IPad or other device you are holding.
Move your eyes from person to person. Pretend you are just having a chat with them.

5. Smile, be confident.
Still shaking in yours boots????......Fake it!!! Smile. It's infectious!!!
If you include a funny anecdote, don't be afraid to laugh too (not for too long, of course).
The audience is on your side.....they will follow your lead.....and remember they are the ones who have already had a few drinks.

6. Have fun!
You will be great!!

Words to inspire you.....poetry, quote, speech samples.....coming up!!! Stay posted!!!!

Writers block?...

Grab that paper and a pen!!!


1. Before writing a speech find out
 - who you have to thank
 - the order of speakers

2. Create a plan:
 - Besides 'Thank you's' and an invitation to drink champagne your aim is to tell a story about the bride and groom. Reliving funny moments and thinking about what the couple means to you is actually a lot of fun. Glean these pearls of wisdom from personal experience, the couples friends, family, colleagues, photos, childhood. If it suits, play with some ironic marriage advice, astrology readings or if the couple has a favourite television show, song, poet or writer, add words/quotes. Keep in mind to select tactful material you feel comfortable with. Balance funny anecdotes with genuine well wishes and heartfelt words. And....as a wise woman once said: "keep your speech under 5 minutes".

3. Possible ways to begin a speech: (after thanking the MC for the introduction)
- A funny one-liner or joke to ease the guests (and yourself) in.
- A quote that sums up your message

4. Possible ways to end a speech: (Be emotional!)
- With a poignant poem or message
-  Make a toast (make sure it's short and easy to repeat)

Now...to put all the pieces together!!! 
When you have a draft that you are happy with, practice reading it out loud. (Sometimes the written word 'sounds' different when read aloud). Adjust if needed, so it sounds natural...as you would speak it!
Stay posted for methods to help you fight those public speaking jitters

So.... you've been asked to say a few words

Breathe in!!! Breathe out!!! Just focus on the breathing!!!
Seriously good advice on the eve of a panic attack.
The truth is, you were chosen to make a speech because you are important to the bridal couple.
Read on if you want to discover how to turn a blank sheet of paper into the greatest thing you have ever written, how to fight those nerves (and the urge to drink).
If you feel you need further inspiration, you will find speech examples, poems, love letters waiting for you. Most of all....remember....this is your opportunity to tell people how much they mean and how happy you are for them. If you can make someone laugh or cry in the process, all the better. Embrace it. Enjoy it!