Tip Tuesday: What Not To Say In Your Wedding Speech

Trust us, we’ve heard it all! The good, the bad, and yes unfortunately the ugly. After hearing 300+ wedding speeches we’ve come up with a few things to avoid saying that may not go over so well!

Jessie Walker Photography

Previous Relationships or Ex-Partners

It’s no secret that everyone has a past and it’s very likely that the newlyweds have some unsuccessful relationships prior to them finding the one. There is a time and a place to tell old funny stories that might include an ex but their wedding day is not it! It may even come out of a good place, wanting to compare how their new relationships is so much better than their last but you never know how their partner may feel about this. When in doubt, keep it out!

Offensive Jokes

To be giving a speech at a wedding its likely you are close with the couple and possibly their family and friends. No matter how comfortable you feel with the group, it’s best to stay far away from any offensive jokes. Whether its directed towards the couple, stereo types, or general belief systems it is not a guarantee that it will settle well with the entire group. Your friend’s wedding day is not the time to to test out your new stand up comedy lines. Save those for going out or smaller less sentimental gatherings.

Jasmine Yab Photography

Class + Style Productions

Political Statement

Sometimes offensive jokes can bleed into political statements. You may feel confident that this statement will align with newlyweds, their family, and all the wedding guests BUT it is still a risk! Why take that risk on someone’s most memorable day? Weddings are meant to be about joy and love so don’t introduce something that can potentially disrupt that.

Negative Comments Regarding Marriage

We’ve all heard those common phrases; “The old ball and chain”, “Happy wife, happy life”, and “Marriage is the end of freedom”. Usually they are said with a certain light-heartedness and intended to be joke. Although these phrases are common, it doesn’t paint marriage in the best light so why say them on the day someone chooses to get married?! They may get people to laugh but the underlying message isn’t a positive one.  So try to keep things upbeat, affirming, and centered around love.

Sydney Biggs Photography

Chelsea Felty Photography

Pressure to Have Children

It’s common to want some of your favorite people to start a family. They are so amazing so why wouldn’t their children be?! And those thoughts can be shared, just not at their wedding. You never know someone’s history or plans for the future. Instead of putting expectations on the couple, keep your speech centered around their union and happiness.