If you’ve been asked to make a speech at the wedding of a friend or relative, chances are your emotions are swinging between being flattered, excited and terrified. So sit down, grab a cup of tea (or something stronger if you really are getting hysterical) and read my top tips for making your speech one to remember.

Probably the first, and maybe most important, element you need to decide is the tone of your speech. Some speakers prefer to go for a sentimental tear jerking speech, whereas others prefer to have the guests rolling in the aisles, however you do need to be careful when using humour as sometimes you can offend and even if it’s all light hearted it’s best to practice your jokes on someone to check they are actually funny. By the same token emotional speeches can also go down not so well, and if it’s too schmaltzy then you’re likely to lose at least some of your audience.

With a sentimental speech it is also important to speak sincerely, so if you’re not usually the mushy type then it might be wise to steer clear, and even if you are the best way to get this across is using the language you would normally use; so if you’re not a flowery language user then don’t pepper your speech with overblown phrases and words you don’t normally use.

Whichever path you choose, one element which is always a winner is the use of anecdotes. A funny tale can have those who were there reminiscing and those who weren’t laughing at their expense, and a tale of how a couple met or the proposal is sure to raise some ‘ahhhhh’s from even the toughest of crowds.

Props also make a nice addition to your speech and anything from a childhood toy to a video from the stag do can be used to add variation to your speech. One particularly successful prop I saw used was a list the bride had written as a child outlining her dream groom, as it was amusing in its childlike innocence, suitably embarrassing for the bride, and had the cute factor as her new husband did pretty much fit the bill.

On the actual day, before you even begin to speak, you need to get yourself in the right frame of mind. So try not to think too much about your speech and enjoy the day, although I would suggest not indulging too much in the champagne! Then before you stand up to speak take a deep breath, focus on a fixed point in the room, and remember to be your natural likeable self.

I hope these tips help, and as long as you stay calm and be yourself your speech is sure to please!

These tips are brought to you by leading Cheshire wedding venue Mere Golf & Country Club. if you are looking for a wedding venue Cheshire, then have a look at their site.