Uniting Voices: Crafting A Memorable Joint Wedding Speech

A joint wedding speech is a great way to show your guests that you're a team and add something special to your wedding day. It can also help to ease the pressure and stage fright of public speaking.

When writing a joint wedding speech, it's important to keep it short and sweet, with a good mix of humour and heartfelt moments. Start by introducing yourselves and explaining why you've chosen to give the speech together. Thank your guests for coming and be sure to include some unique and meaningful anecdotes that showcase your relationship. Keep the focus on the happy couple and try to avoid overly cheesy or corny jokes.

Remember to rehearse and have fun with it!

Keep it concise

Joint wedding speeches should be kept short and sweet. The usual length of a single bride or groom speech is between 1,000 and 1,300 words, or around 10 minutes with pauses for laughter and interaction. For a joint speech, the maximum length should be 1,500 words.

Keep your stories and anecdotes concise. Three to five minutes is the standard length for a joint speech, so aim for that. You don't want to bore your guests or take up too much time on your special day.

Even if you have a lot of material, be strict with yourself and edit your speech down to half its original length. This will make it twice as good.

Be creative

Joint wedding speeches are a great opportunity to get creative and put together a fun and memorable speech. Here are some ideas to make your speech stand out:

• Set each other up for jokes: Work together to set up and deliver jokes that will get your audience laughing.
• Write a song: If you're musically inclined, why not write a song about the couple or your relationship with them? It can be as silly or heartfelt as you like.
• Tell two perspectives on the same story: Share a story from your perspective and then get your partner to share their perspective on the same event. This can add a unique and dynamic element to your speech.
• Add some humour: All speeches are better if they contain humour. Make witty observations about your relationship and the couple. If your relationship dynamic lends itself, one of you can play the straight man while the other is the fall guy.
• Bounce off each other: Make the most of being a duo by having little interactions, like a well-timed eye roll or head shake, to add humour and keep your guests entertained.
• Keep it interactive: Get your guests involved by asking them questions or including them in your stories. This will make your speech more engaging and memorable.
• Use props or visuals: Consider using visuals, such as photos or videos, to enhance your speech and keep your audience engaged.
• Think outside the box: Don't be afraid to think outside the box and come up with unique ideas that reflect your personality and relationship with the couple.

Make it personal

A joint wedding speech is a great way to show your guests that you are a team and to add a unique and special moment to your wedding day. But how do you make it personal?

Firstly, when thanking your friends and family, be specific about the meaningful contributions they have made to your life. For example, did they encourage you to change careers, or do you share a mutual love of 90s Britpop??

Secondly, when talking about your partner, avoid over-used words and phrases. Instead of saying they make you laugh, think about why – is it because they make up their own song lyrics? Or, instead of saying they look beautiful, think about why – is it because they have an inner kindness that draws people in?

Finally, don't be afraid to poke fun at yourself. If you are well known among your friends for always going to bed early or disliking walks, use this to make witty observations.

Divide the workload

Writing a joint wedding speech can be challenging, but dividing the workload can make the process more manageable. Here are some tips to help you tackle the task effectively:

Plan and brainstorm together

Set aside a dedicated day for brainstorming and writing the first draft of your speech. This collaborative approach ensures that both partners are actively involved in the process. During this session, decide on the key elements of your speech, such as the people you want to thank, any tributes you want to make, and the stories or anecdotes you want to include.

Assign specific tasks

While it's essential to work together, dividing the workload can make the speech-writing process more efficient. Decide who will take the lead on writing the first draft. The other partner can then review and edit this draft, contributing their own ideas and suggestions. This approach minimises the back-and-forth of simultaneous writing and makes it easier to create a cohesive speech.

Alternate speaking sections

A joint wedding speech doesn't have to be a 50/50 split in terms of speaking time. One partner may be more comfortable speaking or have more to say. In that case, they can take the lead, with the other partner adding interjections, comedic lines, or personal anecdotes. Aim for each of you to have small sections to deliver, ranging from two to six sentences, and alternate throughout the speech. This creates a dynamic and engaging delivery for your audience.

Keep some elements secret

While most of the speech should be planned and practised together, it's a nice touch to keep some parts of it a surprise. For example, you might each want to prepare a romantic tribute to your partner, only revealing these words on the day. This adds an element of spontaneity and authenticity to your speech.

Rehearse and refine

As you rehearse your speech, pay attention to the interactions between you and your partner. Practise cutting in with ad libs, using facial expressions, and incorporating well-timed gestures or reactions. This will enhance the overall delivery and make your speech more engaging for your audience. Remember to keep it short and sweet, aiming for a total length of around 8-10 minutes to maintain your guests' attention.

By dividing the workload and following these tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting a memorable and entertaining joint wedding speech that showcases your unique partnership.

Rehearse

Now that you've written your joint wedding speech, it's time to practise delivering it. Rehearsing will help you feel more confident and ensure that your speech is well-received by your guests. Here are some tips to make the most of your rehearsal:

• Get Familiar with Your Speech: Read through your speech several times before you start rehearsing. Familiarise yourself with the content, pacing, and any transitions between speakers. Understanding the flow of your speech will help you deliver it more naturally and engagingly.
• Body Language and Gestures: Practice using appropriate body language and gestures to emphasise your message. This includes eye contact, facial expressions, hand movements, and even the occasional well-timed eye roll or little head shake to add a touch of humour. Remember to maintain open and confident body language throughout your speech.
• Interaction and Timing: Rehearse the interaction and timing between the two of you. Work on your ad-libs and ensure you know when to cut in or add a comment. Practise speaking with pauses and varying your pace to create a conversational tone that engages your audience.
• Use of Notes: While it's essential to memorise your speech, you may still want to have notes with you on the big day. Practise using your notes as a reference rather than reading directly from them. This will help you maintain eye contact with your guests and create a more natural delivery.
• Record and Review: Consider recording your rehearsals to review your performance. This will help you identify areas for improvement, such as pacing, volume, or areas where you can add more expression or emphasis.
• Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback from trusted friends or family members. They can provide an outside perspective and help you refine your delivery, timing, and overall impact. Take their suggestions on board and make adjustments accordingly.
• Venue Familiarity: If possible, rehearse at the wedding venue or a similar space. This will help you familiarise yourself with the setting, acoustics, and any equipment you'll be using, such as microphones. Knowing your surroundings will boost your confidence on the day.
• Manage Nerves: If you're feeling nervous, remember that rehearsing is an effective way to reduce anxiety. The more you practise, the more comfortable and confident you'll become. Focus on taking slow, deep breaths before and during your speech to calm your nerves.
• Have Fun: Last but not least, remember to enjoy the process! Rehearsing your joint speech should be a fun and memorable experience. Embrace the opportunity to connect and create lasting memories with your partner.

By following these tips and rehearsing effectively, you'll be well on your way to delivering a seamless and engaging joint wedding speech that your guests will adore. Remember, the key to a successful speech is not just the content but also the delivery, so take the time to practise and refine your performance.

Frequently asked questions