Crafting Vows For Your Second Time Around

Writing a wedding speech can be a daunting task, especially if you're not used to public speaking. But if you've been asked to give a speech at a second wedding, there are some tips and tricks you can follow to make the process a little easier. Here's an introductory paragraph to get you started:

Today is a day of love and celebration as we gather here to honour the union of [name of couple]. It's an incredible privilege to stand here and share a few words about this wonderful couple. I've known [name of couple] for [amount of time] and have had the pleasure of witnessing their journey towards this special day. Their relationship is built on a foundation of [describe their foundation, e.g. love, trust, respect, etc.], and it fills my heart with joy to see how they bring out the best in each other. So, without further ado, let's raise a toast to the happy couple and wish them all the happiness in the world.

How to start a speech for a second wedding

Starting a speech for a second wedding can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, you can deliver a heartfelt and engaging speech that captivates your audience. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Introduction and Self-Introduction:

Begin by welcoming everyone to the wedding and introducing yourself. It's essential to smile and make the audience feel comfortable. You can break the ice with a light-hearted joke or a warm greeting. For example, "Hello everyone! I hope you're having a wonderful day so far. My name is [your name], and it's an honour to be here today as the best man/maid of honour for [groom/bride's name]."

Thank the Hosts and Guests:

It's courteous to thank the hosts, wedding party, and guests for their presence and contributions to the event. You can say something like, "I want to thank everyone who is with us today. Thanks to you, this day has become even more special. We are so grateful to have you here to celebrate this joyous occasion with us."

Congratulate the Couple:

Don't forget to congratulate the newlyweds and offer them your best wishes. After all, they are the reason for the celebration! You can say, "Congratulations, [groom/bride's name] and [partner's name]! We are so happy for you both and wish you all the best in this new chapter of your lives."

Share a Sentimental Quote:

Including a quote about love or marriage can be a great way to set the tone for your speech. It could be something like, "As the famous quote goes, 'Love doesn't make the world go 'round; love is what makes the ride worthwhile.' Today, we celebrate the love between [groom/bride's name] and [partner's name], and I couldn't be happier for them."

Talk About the Couple:

Share a few words about the couple and their relationship. You can recount how they met, the first time you met the groom/bride, or highlight their positive qualities. For example, "I've known [groom/bride's name] for many years, and I can honestly say that meeting [partner's name] has brought so much joy and happiness into their life. They truly are a perfect match, and I wish them all the best."

Remember, the key to a great speech is to be yourself, speak from the heart, and focus on celebrating the love between the couple. With these tips and your personal touch, you'll be well on your way to delivering a wonderful speech for the second wedding!

What to include in a speech for a second wedding

Writing a wedding speech can be a daunting task, especially for a second wedding. Here are some tips to help you craft a meaningful and engaging speech:

Start with an Introduction

Begin by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship to the couple. It is likely that not everyone in attendance will know you, so be sure to provide some context. This will help the guests understand your perspective and make your speech more impactful.

Share Heartwarming Stories

Recount fond memories and experiences you've had with the couple. If you are the best man or maid of honour, you likely have a long history with the bride or groom, so feel free to include some inside jokes or special moments that will spark emotion and connect with the audience. Just be sure to keep the stories appropriate and tasteful, especially if there are children present.

Offer Advice and Well-Wishes

Shift the focus to the couple's future together. Offer them words of wisdom, health, happiness, and prosperity. You can also include a short quote or parable to illustrate your point. Keep it short and relevant to avoid sounding clichéd.

Thank the Important People

Be sure to thank the couple, their parents, friends, family, and everyone who helped make the wedding possible. Express your gratitude sincerely and make everyone feel appreciated and part of a special occasion.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Aim for your speech to be between 2-5 minutes. You don't want to ramble on and lose the attention of your audience. A short and heartfelt speech will be more impactful and allow the guests to get back to the festivities.

Be Yourself and Be Sincere

Infuse your personality into the speech. If you're naturally funny, add some humour, but don't force it if that's not your style. Sincerity and sentimentality are key. Speak from the heart, and let the couple know how much your relationship with them means to you. It's okay to get a little emotional—it shows how much you care!

Finish with a Toast

Conclude your speech by asking everyone to raise a glass to honour the newlyweds. Offer a few final words of wisdom or well-wishes, and invite everyone to celebrate and enjoy the rest of the day.

How to deliver a speech for a second wedding

Delivering a speech at a second wedding can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation, you can give a speech that is engaging, heartfelt, and memorable. Here are some tips to help you deliver a great speech:

Know Your Audience

It is important to consider who your audience is. There will likely be a diverse range of people present, from children to the elderly, and from close friends to extended family and coworkers. Keep your speech positive, free of crude humour, and suitable for all ages. Remember that your speech is about the couple and their special day, so avoid making it a one-way message by engaging your audience and making them feel special.

Start with an Introduction

Begin your speech by introducing yourself, especially if you are not familiar with many of the guests. Mention your name and how you know the bride or groom. This helps the audience understand the context of your speech and makes it more relatable for them.

Thank the Hosts and Guests

It is courteous to thank the hosts, wedding party, and guests for their presence and their contributions to the event. Acknowledge those who have travelled far to be there. This shows your appreciation and helps create a positive atmosphere.

Share Stories and Traits

Think of some defining traits or qualities of the bride or groom and share stories or examples that illustrate those traits. These stories can be comedic or heartwarming, but ensure they are relevant and entertaining. Focus on how those traits make them a wonderful spouse and how they complement each other as a couple.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Aim for your speech to be between two and five minutes long. This is enough time to share your thoughts without losing the attention of the audience. Keep in mind that there may be other speakers, and you don't want to ramble on and impact the timing of the celebration.

Rehearse and Practice

Practice your speech multiple times to feel more confident and comfortable. Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself, or practise in front of a small audience to get feedback. This will help you refine your delivery, improve your body language, and ensure your speech stays within the desired time frame.

Incorporate a Light-hearted Approach

It's okay to include some humour in your speech, especially if it's natural for you. Share a funny story or use a light-hearted one-liner. However, be mindful of the couple's sense of humour and avoid any sarcastic or embarrassing comments that might offend them or their families. Keep the tone positive and respectful.

Welcome the Couple's New Spouse

Share your thoughts and memories about the couple's new spouse. When did you first meet them? What were your initial impressions? How do you feel they complement each other? You can also express your gratitude for them and welcome them into the family.

Avoid Inappropriate Topics

Stay away from taboo subjects and avoid referencing past relationships or spouses. Keep your speech light, delicate, and focused on the present and future. If you do share a story from the past, make sure it is intentional and relevant to who the couple is today.

Close with Well-wishes

Conclude your speech by offering your personal well-wishes for the couple's future. You can also include a toast or blessing for them. This is a great way to end on a positive note and leave the couple and the audience feeling uplifted.

Remember, the key to delivering a great speech at a second wedding is to speak from the heart, be genuine, and focus on celebrating the couple's love and their special day. Good luck!

How to be funny in a speech for a second wedding

So, your friend is getting married for the second time, and you want to give a funny speech? Well, first of all, congratulations on the honour of being asked! Now, let's get to work on making sure your speech is a hit. Here are some tips on how to be funny in a second wedding speech.

Do's and Don'ts:

• Do start planning early. Give yourself enough time to gather ideas, write, edit, and practice.
• Don't forget to introduce yourself, especially if you're not familiar with all the guests. It's important to let them know who you are and how you know the couple.
• Do pay a small tribute to the bride or groom's previous partner, especially if children are involved. Something like, "I still love them, and I know they would want me to be happy and approve of my new relationship." You could even add a bit of humour, e.g., "Especially as they're both foolish enough to support West Brom."
• Don't go into any specifics about the previous marriage or divorce. This will only alienate the audience and make things awkward.
• Do keep your speech short and sweet. Aim for between 2 and 5 minutes.
• Don't be afraid to be funny! If you've got a lighthearted, creative, joking side, use it. You can even poke fun at yourself to illuminate a positive quality in the bride or groom.
• Do be mindful of the audience. Avoid any crudeness or religious jokes that might offend certain guests.
• Don't forget to thank the hosts, guests, and wedding party, and congratulate the couple.
• Do consider using props, music, or getting other guests involved to make your speech fun and engaging.
• Don't read your speech from a piece of paper. It's okay to glance at some note cards, but make sure to maintain eye contact with the audience.

Some Funny One-Liners to Include:

• "May your marriage be so solid it could last through being on a Bravo reality TV show."
• "Marriage is like a walk in the park... Jurassic Park."
• "May our children be blessed with rich parents!, and my looks!"
• "May you both live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live."
• "May your marriage be as strong as the drinks in your hand. Cheers!"
• "May we never forget what's worth remembering or remember what's best forgotten."
• "I married Miss Right. I just didn't know her first name was Always."
• "Marriage is not just an emotional connection, it's also about remembering to take the bins out."
• "May the roof above you never fall in, and may you both never fall out."
• "All you need is love... but a takeaway now and then doesn't hurt!"

Remember, while it's great to be funny, it's also important to be heartfelt. Include some sincere wishes for the couple, and you'll have the perfect second wedding speech!

How to end a speech for a second wedding

Ending a wedding speech is important to leave the audience with your thoughts about the couple and a moment for everyone to celebrate the marriage together. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a memorable conclusion to your wedding toast for a second wedding:

• Sum up the main points of your speech: Reflect on the couple's love story, the significance of the day, or any advice you may have shared. This reinforces the central message you wanted to convey and leaves a lasting impression.
• Reference a joke from earlier in the speech: Audiences love callbacks as it feels like an inside joke and adds a touch of humour to your speech.
• Raise a glass: One of the most traditional ways to end a wedding toast is to invite the guests to join you in a toast to the happy couple. This is a great way to involve the audience and create a celebratory atmosphere.
• Use a quote or poem: If you're struggling to find the perfect words, consider using a quote or poem that speaks to the couple's love and commitment. This can add a touch of wisdom and depth to your speech.
• Share a personal memory or wish: Sharing a personal memory or wish for the couple's future can be a great way to add a personal touch to your speech and show how much you care.
• Use a call to action: Encourage the guests to join you in congratulating the couple or raise a glass in their honour. This creates a sense of unity and celebration among the audience.
• "So, let's raise our glasses to the happy couple and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness."
• "May your love story be one for the ages, and may the memories you create together be ones you'll treasure forever."
• "To the happy couple: Let us toast to your love and your future together, may it be blessed with joy, laughter and forever love."
• "May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. Cheers to the happy couple!"
• "In the words of Samuel Johnson, ‘Here’s to a second marriage – the triumph of hope over experience.'"
• "May you live as long as you like, and have all you like for as long as you live."
• "To the bride and groom, may we all be invited to your golden wedding celebrations."
• "May your marriage be as strong as the drinks in your hand. Cheers!"
• "May your warmest memories come from the ordinary moments throughout your marriage, and may those moments give you a reason to smile brighter every day."

Remember, the most important thing is to show your love and support for the couple. As long as you speak from the heart and end with a cheerful toast, you'll do great!

Frequently asked questions