Rapping Up Nuptial Vibes: Crafting A Wedding Rap Speech

Writing a wedding rap speech can be a daunting task, but with some creativity and preparation, anyone can deliver a memorable performance. The key is to find the right balance between humour and sentimentality, and to make sure the speech feels natural and authentic. Here are some tips to help you get started:

- Choose a song that is easy to rap over and that has a beat that you can work with.

- Come up with a catchy hook or chorus that will get the audience's attention.

- Write your lyrics ahead of time and practice delivering them with confidence and energy.

- Personalise your rap by including details about the couple's relationship, inside jokes, or references to their personalities.

- Keep the language clean and avoid anything that might be considered offensive or vulgar, especially if children are present.

- Time your speech so it doesn't drag on for too long; two to four minutes is a good target range.

Choosing a rap song

Consider the Theme and Mood:

Think about the overall theme and mood of your wedding. Do you want a fun and upbeat song that will get everyone on the dance floor? Or perhaps a more romantic and heartfelt rap song that reflects your love story? Consider the atmosphere you want to create and choose a song that aligns with it.

Keep Your Audience in Mind:

Remember that your wedding guests may have diverse musical tastes. Opt for a well-known rap song that will resonate with a broader audience. This will ensure that your speech is inclusive and enjoyable for everyone present, regardless of their familiarity with the genre.

Choose a Song That Fits Your Personality:

Select a rap song that reflects your personality and style as a couple. Are you fun and playful? Serious and sentimental? Opt for a song that showcases your unique characteristics and the dynamic of your relationship. This will make your speech more authentic and memorable.

Pay Attention to Lyrics:

The lyrics of the rap song will play a crucial role in the impact of your speech. Look for songs with meaningful and appropriate words that align with your message. Whether you want to be playful, romantic, or heartfelt, ensure that the lyrics complement your sentiments.

Practice and Timing:

Choose a rap song that suits your performance abilities. Practice your delivery and ensure that the song's pace and flow are comfortable for you. Consider the timing of your speech as well – you don't want to select an overly long song that might lose your audience's attention.

Incorporate Personal Touches:

Feel free to get creative and make the rap song your own. You can modify the lyrics to include personal references, inside jokes, or anecdotes that are special to you and your partner. This will add a unique and memorable twist to your performance.

• "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore
• "Gangsta's Paradise"
• "It's Tricky" by Run-DMC
• "Gin and Juice" by Snoop Dogg
• "Big Poppa" by The Notorious B.I.G.
• "Without Me" by Eminem
• "The Real Slim Shady" by Eminem
• "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" theme song
• "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice
• "Bonnie and Clyde" by Jay-Z and Beyoncé
• "Let's Get Married" by Jagged Edge
• "I Like It Like That" by Cardi B
• "Good Feeling" by Flo Rida
• "It Takes Two" by Rob Base
• "Arms Around You" by XXXTentacion
• "You're All I Need" by Method Man featuring Mary J. Blige
• "Just Us" by DJ Khaled
• "Please Me" by Cardi B
• "How to Love" by Lil Wayne
• "American Boy" by Estelle
• "California Love" by 2Pac Shakur
• "Beautiful" by Snoop Dogg
• "Celebration" by Tyga

Writing the speech

Before you start writing, make sure the couple actually wants you to give a speech at their wedding. Traditionally, the maid of honour, best man, and parents of the couple will give a speech. If you are asked to give a speech, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to write, edit, and get feedback from a trusted friend. You can also reach out to the couple to ask them questions about their relationship, how they feel about marriage, and significant moments in their relationship. Ask them about any boundaries or sensitive topics to avoid. While most speeches focus on the relationship with one member of the couple, remember to include both of them.

When it comes to the writing process, don't plagiarise or quote too heavily from other sources. Keep in mind that you're writing something that will be spoken aloud, so avoid overly flowery language or complicated words. Practice reading your speech aloud and change any phrasing that feels awkward. The ideal length for a wedding speech is between two and five minutes.

When choosing a story or anecdote to include in your speech, make sure it's good-natured and won't make anyone look bad. Consider the family dynamics and choose someone in the audience who can give you feedback before the big day. It's important to highlight both members of the couple in your speech. If you don't know one of them very well, get creative. You can share text messages or funny stories from others who know them well.

If you're feeling stuck, consider using AI platforms or expert-curated prompts to help guide your brainstorming process and provide a structure for your speech. However, don't script your entire speech word-for-word, as this can sound too formal. Instead, create an outline and bring notes with you to the event.

Finally, when it comes to delivering your speech, practice makes perfect. Rehearse your speech several times and get comfortable with the material. The more you practice, the more authentic and fluid your delivery will be. Record yourself and watch it back, or get feedback from others. Keep in mind that the ideal length for a wedding toast is between two and four minutes. On the day of the wedding, print out your speech instead of reading it off your phone to avoid technical difficulties.

Practising the delivery

Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse

Whatever your speech, be sure to rehearse it! Rehearse it again and again until you're sick of it. That way, you'll be confident and comfortable with the material, allowing you to connect with the audience. A good rule of thumb is to give yourself a few weeks to practice so that your speech feels authentic and fluid.

Slow and Steady

Nerves can get the better of us, and it's common for speakers to speed up when delivering a speech. Remember to slow down, pause, and let your points sink in. Give the audience time to laugh at your jokes and wait for the laughter to die down before continuing.

Body Language

Your body language can help project confidence, even if you're feeling nervous. Stand up straight, take a deep breath, and smile before you start your speech. Look up and make eye contact with your audience from time to time. Use hand gestures and move around a little if it feels natural. If it helps, incorporate a prop, such as holding a drink in your hand.

Record and Review

Use your phone to record a video of yourself practising. Watching yourself can help you identify any distracting mannerisms, such as verbal pauses like "um", "uh", and "like". Practising in front of a mirror can also help you notice your facial expressions, eye contact, and hand movements.

Get Feedback

Practising in front of someone else can be beneficial. A second opinion can provide valuable insights to help strengthen your speech. Choose someone in the audience whom you think can give you helpful feedback, and practice your speech with them in advance.

Keep it Straightforward

While it's good to be familiar with your speech, avoid memorising it word for word. Instead, reduce it to a few notes on cue cards. This way, your speech will sound natural, and you'll have enough prompts to ensure you don't forget any points.

Keeping it short and sweet

If you're not a natural performer, the thought of giving a wedding rap speech might be daunting. But don't worry, you can absolutely keep it short and sweet and still make a big impact. Here are some tips to help you write and deliver a concise and memorable wedding rap speech.

Writing Your Speech

• Start early: Give yourself plenty of time to write and edit your speech. Don't leave it until the last minute.
• Keep it simple: A good formula to follow is "story, message, blessing." Share a heartwarming story, the message or value behind it, and then offer a blessing or wish for the couple.
• Make it about the couple: While you can include personal anecdotes, the focus should be on the couple. Highlight their individual strengths and their synergy together.
• Get creative: If you don't know one member of the couple well, get creative. You can use text messages, inside jokes, or even rap lyrics to inspire your speech.
• Outline, don't script: Instead of scripting your entire speech word for word, create an outline. This will make your speech sound more natural and authentic.
• Keep it clean: Avoid vulgarity and inappropriate jokes. Remember, this is a wedding, and you want your speech to be suitable for all guests, including grandparents.
• Get feedback: Practice your speech with a trusted friend. They can give you feedback on the content and delivery.

Delivering Your Speech

• Rehearse: Practice your speech out loud several times to get comfortable with it. Rehearse in front of a mirror or record yourself to refine your delivery.
• Time it: Aim for your speech to be between two and four minutes. This is the perfect length to hold your audience's attention without rambling on.
• Print your speech: Instead of reading off your phone, print your speech in a large, legible font. This will help you avoid technical difficulties and unwanted notifications.
• Relax: It's natural to feel nervous, but try to relax and focus on the couple. Reframe your mindset—the attention isn't on you; it's about celebrating the couple.
• Take your time: Speak slowly and clearly, and don't rush through your speech. Make eye contact with the couple and the audience. It's okay to pause and take a breath if you need to.

Adding humour and sentimentality

Know Your Audience

It's important to consider the audience when adding humour to your speech. Avoid vulgarity and keep the jokes classy and PG-13. Steer clear of inside jokes that only a few people will understand. Make sure your humour is inclusive and won't offend anyone.

Make It Personal

The key to adding sentimentality is to focus on the unique qualities of the bride and groom. Avoid clichés and generic wedding humour. Talk about their true personalities and the things that make them special. Share specific anecdotes and stories that showcase their strengths and resilience. The audience will appreciate the heartfelt and authentic message.

Find Your Comedy Focus

Identify a comedy focus for your speech. This could be the bride, the groom, or the dynamic between them. Exaggerate their qualities and turn them into comedy characters. For example, if the groom is obsessed with golf, you could say something like, "At least on their honeymoon, (groom) will get a hole-in-one, even if it's just in his Primark boxers."

Ask Questions

Ask the couple questions about their relationship, how they feel about marriage, and significant moments. This will help you gather material for your speech and ensure you stay within boundaries. Ask the bride questions if you're the best man, or vice versa. Ask about their favourite things, their quirks, and their claims to fame.

Use Contrasts

Couple contrasts often generate good material. Is the bride a neat freak, while the groom never changes the hoover bag? Does the bride balk at Primark prices, while the groom spends like a Kardashian? Exaggerate these differences for comedic effect.

Be Self-Deprecating

Don't be afraid to make yourself the butt of the joke. People will like you more for it. You could say something like, "I know I'm not Ryan Gosling, but at least I can golf and eat kebabs."

Pace Your Laughs

Try to include a funny line within the first 20 seconds to relax your audience. Pepper your speech with humour throughout, even in the thank-you section. Keep your content pacey and your jokes short. Leave lengthy anecdotes for the bar after the wedding.

Remember, the key is to be unique, honest, and affectionate in your humour, and always keep the focus on the happy couple. Good luck with your wedding rap speech!

Frequently asked questions