A wedding speech is a beautiful opportunity to celebrate the union of two souls and to share heartfelt sentiments with the happy couple and their guests. Also, to have a laugh and, possibly, make the guests wish they’d brought earplugs with them!
Whether you’re a newlywed, best man, maid of honor, or a family member, crafting a musical wedding speech requires a delicate balance of creativity, sincerity, and a sprinkle of humour to hit the right note.
Good Examples of Musical Wedding Speeches
THE OBVIOUS ONE – The most viral example of a musical wedding speech comes courtesy of Tom Fletcher (from McFly fame). 23 million views and counting. Now, clearly, it’s easy to musical speech is you have a back catalogue of hits to call on but still…
THE BROTHER OF THE GROOM – Who doesn’t love a medley?
BALLSY BRIDE – And one with a good sense of humour (once she gets going)…
THE CHEEKY GROOM – Endearing, cheeky style…
And finally, THE ABSOLUTE PRO… banter, tunes, cheek, the works!
How YOU Can Do It…
Know Your Audience
Understanding the audience is key to tailoring a musical wedding speech that resonates with everyone. Consider the age group, cultural background, and musical tastes of the attendees. This will guide you in selecting appropriate musical references and ensuring that your speech is relatable and engaging for all.
Choose the Right Tune
If you’re a newlywed, you could consider incorporating your partner’s favorite songs, but of course, a catchy tune that the guests will recognise is vital.
We recently went to a wedding in Yorkshire where the best man and his brothers performed their own version of Ilkley Moor Baht ‘at and it worked brilliantly.
We’ve also been commissioned to rewrite the lyrics to classics such as ‘I will Survive’ and several ABBA numbers. Due to the number of times we had to listen to it we now run a mile when we hear the opening cords to Waterloo.
Cut The Cliches & Make It Personal
Share personal anecdotes and heartfelt stories that showcase the couple’s unique bond. It’s fine to rhyme ‘wife’ with ‘life’ but try to make all your lines distinctive and truly meaningful to the couple, rather than focus on generic marriage advice or platitudes.
Keep It Snappy
While musical elements can add an enchanting dimension to your speech, it’s crucial to maintain a balance and avoid overwhelming the audience. Remember, this is not a musical or you don’t want anyone thinking you’re enjoying the spotlight a bit too much!
Remember, you don’t have to make the whole speech musical. Like our ‘Absolute Pro’ above, you can slip in and out of a tune or just keep the musical section as the climax to your speech.
Rehearse
Yes, it helps if you can hold a tune but it’s not a pre-requisite. The most important thing is delivering your speech with confidence – but, crucially, don’t take yourself too seriously. It shouldn’t seem like you’re doing an X-Factor audition.
Pay attention to the transitions between spoken word and musical interludes, ensuring that the flow remains seamless and natural.