It would often ease one's nerves if the word speech were eradicated from wedding speeches altogether. First and foremost, this is an occasion to wish the bride and groom health, happiness and prosperity as they begin a new chapter as man and wife. A wedding speech given from the heart would be preferred over a well-crafted speech devoid of feeling and emotion.

Wedding speeches are essentially long toasts. The words of sentiment, wisdom, and anecdotes pertaining to marriage that are spoken in a wedding toast are also conveyed in wedding speeches. Traditionally, only the father of the bride, the groom and the best man gave wedding speeches at the reception. However, others such as the maid of honor, parents of the groom and the bride may also share their thoughts and feelings by making a wedding speech.

As well as conveying one's heart felt sentiments, wedding speeches are also a means to thank those who helped to make the wedding a reality. It can be used to convey appreciation to the parents for their financial assistance, to the wedding party for their hard work and to all those who attended to the details to ensure the wedding and reception were a success.

Wedding speeches are not only a means to convey thanks and to wish the bride and groom well, but to share one's relationship and feelings for the couple with the attendees. This is an opportunity for the father of the bride to express his bittersweet emotions at ?losing? his little girl but gaining a son, or the best man to humorously tease the groom about a few embarrassing moments they shared. The most heartfelt of wedding speeches should bring out the best of our emotions; those of joy, love, and hope.

It may also help to calm pre-wedding speech gitters if it is known what is customarily included in wedding speeches. The first to speak is usually the father of the bride. He is called upon by the best man to make a toast to his daughter and son-in-law's health and happiness. In his speech he should welcome all the wedding guests and welcome the groom into the family. The most heartwarming part of his speech should include warm thoughts and memories about his daughter.

Wedding speeches by the groom are traditionally given after the father of the bride's speech. The groom's speech is an occasion to thank his parents for their love, care and providing him with the best start in life. This is also the opportunity to express gratitude on behalf of him and his wife to the guests for attending and for their thoughtful gifts.

The wedding speeches culminate with the speech given by the best man. This speech should be light hearted and humorous and geared to bring a smile and laughter to all those attending.

The prospect of giving a wedding speech may be stressful to those who have a fear of public speaking. If one speaks from the heart, knows what is expected and embraces the sentiment of the occasion, they may find that giving a wedding speech is a pleasure and an honor rather than a task.