How to Deliver a Flawless Wedding Speech in Edinburgh
To the bride and groom, or the bride and bride, or the groom and groom!
Weddings in Edinburgh are truly special. From grand venues like The Balmoral and Edinburgh Castle to intimate celebrations in cosy historic settings, the city provides a stunning backdrop for love stories. But if you’re tasked with giving a speech at one of these incredible events, you might be feeling a little less enchanted and a lot more anxious.
Whether you're a best man looking for the perfect mix of humour and sincerity, a father of the bride hoping to move the room to tears, or a bridesmaid wanting to honour the bride in the best way possible, public speaking at a wedding can feel daunting. But with the right preparation, you can turn nerves into confidence and make your speech a highlight of the day.
Why Wedding Speeches Can Be Intimidating
Public speaking is one of the most common fears, and a wedding speech comes with added pressure. Here’s why:
The Emotional Weight – This is a major life event, and you want to do the couple justice.
A Diverse Audience – Unlike business presentations or casual chats, you’re speaking to guests of all ages, backgrounds, and expectations.
Balancing Humour and Sentiment – You don’t want to be too formal, but you also don’t want to come across as inappropriate.
Stage Fright – The idea of standing in front of dozens or even hundreds of people can be intimidating.
But don’t worry—every great speaker started somewhere, and with the right techniques, you can absolutely succeed.
Step 1: Preparing Your Speech the Right Way
A well-prepared speech is the key to confidence. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
1. Start Early
Don’t leave your speech until the week before the wedding. Give yourself plenty of time to refine it.
Think about your audience: Who will be there? What kind of humour is appropriate? What will resonate most?
2. Structure It Properly
A clear structure makes all the difference:
Introduction – Start with a warm greeting and introduce yourself.
Story or Message – Share a meaningful or funny anecdote about the couple.
Heartfelt Moment – Express your admiration, appreciation, or good wishes.
Toast – Wrap it up by inviting everyone to raise a glass.
3. Keep It Short and Sweet
Aim for 5 minutes max—too long and people lose interest; too short and it feels rushed.
Stick to one or two key stories that highlight your relationship with the couple.
If you’re adding jokes, make sure they are inclusive—no inside jokes that exclude most guests!
Step 2: Conquering Wedding Speech Nerves
It’s completely natural to feel nervous, but nerves don’t have to ruin your moment. Here’s how to control them:
1. Practise, Practise, Practise
Rehearse out loud multiple times.
Try delivering your speech to a mirror, a friend, or even recording yourself.
If possible, visit the venue beforehand to familiarise yourself with the space.
2. Master Your Breathing
Take slow, deep breaths before speaking.
Pause before key moments to give yourself a second to collect your thoughts.
3. Use Positive Visualisation
Picture yourself delivering the speech confidently.
Imagine the audience smiling, laughing at your jokes, and clapping.
4. Get Comfortable with Silence
Nervous speakers tend to rush—embrace pauses!
Give people time to laugh or absorb meaningful moments.
Step 3: Engaging Your Audience
Your delivery is just as important as your content. Here’s how to captivate the room:
1. Use Natural Gestures
Don’t keep your hands in your pockets.
Express yourself with relaxed, open gestures.
2. Make Eye Contact
Engage with different parts of the room to create a connection.
If you’re nervous, focus on friendly faces first.
3. Project Your Voice
Speak slightly louder than normal—large rooms swallow sound.
Enunciate clearly and avoid rushing.
Step 4: Handling Emotion and Unexpected Moments
Weddings are emotional, and it’s okay to feel that way too! If you feel yourself getting choked up:
Pause, take a breath, and smile—it helps reset your emotions.
Have a sip of water ready.
If you tear up, acknowledge it with a light comment like, “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry…”—the audience will appreciate the honesty.
If something goes wrong:
If you lose your place, don’t panic—glance at your notes and continue.
If a joke falls flat, move on—don’t try to explain it.
Step 5: Local Considerations for an Edinburgh Wedding Speech
If you’re giving a wedding speech in Edinburgh, consider adding:
A Local Touch – Mention the beautiful setting, Scottish traditions, or local memories.
A Reference to the Venue – Whether it’s The Signet Library or a rustic barn in Midlothian, referencing the setting makes the speech more personal.
A Scottish Toast – If appropriate, close with Slàinte Mhath! (Good health!)
Final Encouragement: You Can Do This!
The best wedding speeches aren’t the most polished—they’re the ones that come from the heart. If you’ve prepared well, embraced your nerves, and focused on connecting with your audience, your speech will be a success.
But if you’re still feeling anxious, don’t go it alone.
Personalised Wedding Speech Coaching in Edinburgh
If you want to ensure your speech is a hit, I offer one-on-one coaching to help you:
✅ Overcome nerves and build confidence
✅ Craft a speech that is both engaging and heartfelt
✅ Master delivery techniques for maximum impact
With tailored guidance, you’ll be able to deliver your speech with poise, humour, and sincerity. Don’t leave it to chance—let’s work together to make sure your moment at the mic is a triumph. Get in touch today!
