Wedding speech tips for heartfelt words and perfect photos.

Whether you're a bride, groom, best friend or proud parent, delivering a wedding speech is a memorable moment and one that will be captured on camera too. Your speech will be photographed, documenting the emotions, smiles and reactions on the day. Follow these five wedding speech tips for a photo-friendly toast…

Bride Amy sheds a tear at Old oak barn wedding venue

5 wedding speech tips that will help you work the camera

1. Project Confidence 

When you stand to give your speech, all eyes will be on you and so will the camera, how you present yourself matters. Stand tall, with confidence. Try and position yourself where natural or flattering light hits you. If you're behind a table or floral arrangement, move forward so that you're face isn’t hidden. A good tip is to hold your Champagne glass in a relaxed, natural way, ready to raise it for a toast – this will give you something to do with your hands too. 

Groom Will makes everyone laugh with his speech at Crowcombe Manor

2. Take It Slow

The adrenaline of speaking in front of a crowd on the day will naturally lead you to speak faster, try to slow it down. Pause between jokes, when the crowd laughs, or as you raise your glass for a toast. Speak slowly and clearly, allowing space between your lines. This way your words will land with impact and it will give the photographer a chance to capture fleeting reactions.

Aimee gives her speech at Upton barn walled gardens

3. Quick Reactions

The golden rule of a great wedding speech is to make it about the couple. The best speech photos often come from the reactions of the newlyweds and the crowd. If you’re sharing a heartfelt or funny story, the photographer will capture the bride and groom laughing, blushing or even tearing up at your words. As you are making your speech, use your hands to emphasise key points and don’t be afraid to express emotion. A smile or a happy tear will translate into a powerful image.

Flo has a giggle at her new husbands speech

4. On Cue

Cue cards are a great prompt as you make your way through your speech, keeping you on track and stopping you from losing your place. But, a crumpled piece of paper or a phone screen doesn’t look the best in photographs. Create neat cards that are easy to hold and look tidy in photos. A full script can lead you to read from the page, but cue cards will help you maintain eye contact, which will help you engage with your audience.

Briony & Mark compare speeches

5. Raise a Toast

The final flourish of any wedding speech is the toast. As you raise your glass, be sure to do it with a smile and confidence. Remember to say what you are toasting, whether it's the bride and groom, the bridal party or absent friends.