Has anyone ever given, heard a "normal" or humourous and successful wedding speech? And what's the formula for success? Is it the length - or brevity?

A good speech says all that it needs to say without going on forever, though I suspect that the people who are not you and your immediate family will appreciate shorter speeches more than longer ones.

Who is going to make the speech? I gave a speech as a best man years ago. Made sure I was done in 4 minutes. It seemed like a success since they laughed twice and said oooohhh twice or thrice. But I did prepare for that speech, made sure I included interesting funny, romantic and meaningful anecdotes about my friend the groom and his new wife.

I’ve been trying to answer this for 15 minutes, and it’s a toughie!

Based on how you asked the question, I am guessing you have to give a best man’s speech and you feel lost about how to approach it. If so, then my advice is to give a brief speech following this template:

1) Think of a story you can tell about the bride and groom’s earliest days together, or how you first thought about their relationship, or something that will make people laugh or feel at ease. (ex. “The famous golfer Greg Norman once got onto a private plane. As the stewardess introduced herself to the passengers, Norman was smitten. He turned to his friend and said, ‘that’s the woman I am going to marry.’ And sure enough, he eventually married her. Fast forward a few years later. When John told me he was going to ask out Jill, I said, ‘whoa! She’s way out of your league!’ ::pause:: Oops!”)

2) Exclaim heartfelt feelings describing how happy you are for the new couple. Highlight the absolute best qualities of each, making them blush and reminding the crowd why they all like and love John and Jill. Try and link some of their best individual qualities to the parents who raised them, flattering both generations.

3) Hold your glass up, turn to the bride and groom, address them directly, and in a few sentences, pour your heart out wishing them love, happiness, and long life together. Then toast them, allowing the crowd to do the same, and you’re done!

Hope this helps, some! :)

:-)

Lurve ya’s.