A Little Help From the Movies: Wedding Speech Do’s and Don’ts

You don’t want to look at your wedding video years from now and say, “Our Best Man said what, now?” Let’s take a look at some ideas for your Made of Honor and Best Man speeches and the do’s and don’ts. It’s about the couple and not about the Best Man…Don’t go all Old School.

DO BE:

Charming & Sincere
Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994)
Hugh Grant starts out with some personal jokes that aren’t offensive, and gets a few laughs. Then he really goes into it with heartfelt sincerity that is just right and not over the top:

Jokey & Genuine
Serendipity (2001)
Jeremy Piven is witty and genuine with his speech about how his friend felt when he met his bride-to-be. He compliments the bride, and jokes about the groom.

Touching & Profound
In Her Shoes (2005)
Cameron Diaz recites a beautiful E.E. Cumming’s poem at her sister’s wedding. This sweet, simple speech is very personal for the sisters.

DON’T YOU DARE BE…

Competitive & Jealous
Bridesmaids (2011)
Kristen Wiig and Rose Byrne start out with the best intentions…and then things get a little over the top when they compete for the best speech and Lillian’s friendship.

Crass & Inappropriate
Old School (2003)
Poor Mitch, don’t bring your personal struggles and vent to the happy couple and their reception party. Oh, and Vince: be a talker.

Drunk & Too Personal
The Wedding Singer (1998)
A drunk Steve Buscemi shares some over the top personal information about himself and even the groom. Keep the past in the past and your problems to yourself. Oh and don’t get wasted (wait until after your speeches for that)!