A client recently directed me to a wedding “speechwriter” on-line (this one happens to be in England but they’re everywhere) who sells canned speech templates but also promises to write you an “original” speech if you like.  Really?  So, does that mean he won’t use any of the dull, tired lines from the generic speech templates he’s selling in your speech then?  I’m skeptical.

Any speechwriter worth his salt is not going to be peddling speech templates under any circumstances for one simple reason: he knows templates are the death knell for great wedding speeches. 

A template must appeal to everyone and therefore engages and impresses no one.  It’s like so many Italian restaurants that open to serve pasta that is remarkably ordinary—it offends no one, but thrills no one either.  These restaurants usually close after a few months because they are so unremarkable.  Bored diners have eaten the same blasé meal countless times over the years and they want something new, different and exciting.  

If you’ve been to many weddings, you’ve undoubtedly heard the same stale, insincere lines over and over.  Fathers say, “I’m not losing a daughter, I’m gaining a son!”  Best men say, “Thank you, (insert groom name), for finally acknowledging that I am the better man!”

Whether you’re the best man, maid of honor or father of the bride, the best wedding speeches honor the bride and groom while giving guests an "inside look" at the values and character of the couple through your eyes and relationship with them.

You’re an original and so too are the bride and groom.  There is no relationship like your relationship.  So, generic lines and templates won’t cut it.  Audience want authenticity and originality—not more stale, eye-rolling lines.  Bring the values and character of the bride and groom to life by getting to the heart of your relationship and giving the audience something to enjoy... and remember.