My cousin is getting married in a couple of months time, she doesn’t have any brothers and her Father passed away 2 years ago, so she’s asked me to do a speech at her wedding. Apart from saying the usual ‘thank you’s’ to family members and friends, I’m pretty much free to say what I want… within reason!!
Now I’ve been to a few weddings where the speech has been the most dullest part of the whole event and people just stop listening. I’d like my speech to be a bit more memorable, light-hearted and funny… without being cringey. I want to avoid in-jokes that only the immediate family would understand, or “preaching” to the happy couple about what makes a good marriage.
So does anyone have any ideas or good jokes I could throw in, which would be funny without actually offending anyone…
I only have one young brother so I helped him with his speech and since my husband was from another city, I threw in some sport rivalry jokes and such. I have to think again about what is he said more but everyone loved his speech since my brother is quite a quiet person, it brought personality out of him for the first time. He also talked about the experience of going through the whole rishta period and the impact on him, people thought it was funny. I think trying to add sentiment without making it to over emotional is appreciated and definitely keeping it short and sweet.
I think speeches that talk about somebody growing up with silly jokes about childhood that have no relevance in a wedding tend to be a bore and bit strange. I actually heard a speech where a sister thanked the bride for teaching her how to thread her mustache!! (Palm to forhead) very cringe worthy!
Sorry, no experiences with this yet. But I just want to say THANK YOU for avoiding the inside jokes that no one gets. When I go to weddings and they go on and on about that I’m just like yawn
Keep it brief, above all else! You've got the right idea down with avoiding in jokes or being too preachy. Maybe talk about your relationship with her a little bit and how you're so happy for her and wish her the best in her life. You could address her husband too and welcome him to the family. I gave the speech at my brothers valima and it was about how growing up we were best friends and how I looked forward to now having the same relationship with his new wife. Make it heartfelt and people will appreciate it. I also cried a little bit but that's because I'm a sentimental foo'! ;)
Okay, I got an idea for a speech that will definitely be memorable, it’s light-hearted, and funny too…can’t guarantee non-cringey tho. But hey, that’s 3 out of 4 of the things on your list. How cool is that!!!
It’s inspired by …Joey Tribiani. It’s about the giving and receiving of love between the blessed couple. And the love they received and gave. And all that they will continue to give and receive of each other. Because love and marriage is about giving and receiving. You get the drift, :k:
I was at a wedding about a year ago and the bride's 7 year old nephew, her brother, and her boss all made really lovely and funny speeches. I wish I could remember them...lol.
I’ve gone to weddings where one speech followed another, followed by another, followed by yet another
I kid you you not, like 4 cousins for each bride and groom went up to tell the guests how wonderful the couple were and this was followed by even more speeches from friends of the bride and groom (including recorded video speeches).
It’s not strictly about wittiness (not all of us can deliver funny jokes ) a short heart-felt speech that engages the audience is always well-appreciated. But as a guest, please do not encourage more than 4 speeches from others.
I may get egged for saying this, but sometimes I don’t care for a speech segment. Some speeches sound as though the speakers are trying to convince or prove to the audience why these two individuals are worthy of marriage, as though seeking their approval.
It’s not a segment that I eagerly look forward to at weddings in general. And I’m very shy, I don’t like the spotlight …whether it’s someone who’s talking about me…or whether it’s me doing the talking. It also doesn’t make things better knowing that there’s a good chance I’ll have to give a speech at wedding in the near future. I will pray I won’t be required to, but if I must, I’m gonna keep it short and simple. A couple compliments and a sincere dua for a successful marriage; no gushing or effusive speech, no trying hard to make people laugh…(which comes across as trying too hard) I ain’t here to entertain u folks…..no trips down memory lane, just something that sounds natural n simple.
In my family, speeches are usually about the stupidest and silliest things groom/bride did when they were little or their weird annoying habits....like an entertaining story. Everyone laughs and have a good time
Since you are on the girl's side, maybe tell her husband to be about a funny thing she did as a kid, or her take on marriage as a child - if you have memories like that. Share anything funny. Just keep it short and sweet. I've been the MC for 2 weddings already, and that's the best advice I can give, go off of maybe what they do in their day to day lives, and keep it light, appropriate and funny.
I added in a few words of punjabi here and there for one of the receptions because I had an older crowd as well as a young crowd and some people can't follow english.. Just a thought :) I welcomed everyone in punjabi and thanked them all for coming and then the jokes were in english. People liked that I was considerate about doing that. But most of all just relax and have fun
I personally don't really like speeches. They're only funny if they're kind of risque and of course no one's gonna do that (or should)...I feel like most people have it in there to take up time. Especially in our community, where nikkah happens the day of the mehndi at a masjid and are very intimate gatherings, there isn't much left to do the day of the barat.
I was at a wedding where one of the guy's giving the speech said "To all the married folks, please look into your spouse's eyes. Statistically this is person most likely to murder you."
Ummm. I went to a wedding recently where the bride's brother (she has 5 brothers) congratulated the groom then said 'you better not hurt her otherwise there's five of us to beat you up'. Everyone still laughed though :/
Yeah avoid it being long. You can make it cute like talking about how you met or osmething, but don't turn it into a LOTR saga.
Try to think of 1-2 anecdotes about your cousin. Something you witnessed firsthand that you can somehow tie back to being married, having a new partner, being in a new phase of life, etc etc. Use the themes/ideas from that to unify the speech.
Sound like yourself. Don't let the mic turn you into someone else.
It's okay to be nervous and emotional. It's kind of endearing to see a moment that is so unscripted. Try not to "over-rehearse."
) a short heart-felt speech that engages the audience is always well-appreciated. But as a guest, please do not encourage more than 4 speeches from others.
..no trips down memory lane, just something that sounds natural n simple.