149: Why the Best Man and Maid of Honour Need To Rethink Roasting In Their Wedding Speech with Altar & Toast

Have you ever had to endure a painful wedding speech by an overconfident best man or a terrified bridesmaid and thought, “There must be a better way than:

a) listing off story after inappropriate story, 

b) relying on tired, sexist or clichéd jokes, or 

c) just winging it?”

You’re absolutely spot on. We can do better.

Today, I’m joined by Sydney Shannahan, wedding writer, editor and founder of Altar & Toast, who reveals why pushing past the first draft, using speech cards and refraining from roasting the newlyweds can transform wedding party speeches.

Sydney shares her expert tips on how even the most nervous speakers can centre themselves, truly connect, and give engaging toasts that captivate every guest with no shock tactics required. And how to use stories to illustrate the character or qualities of the couple so it doesn’t feel like a trial by pointless anecdotes and in-jokes.

If you want your wedding party’s speeches to stand out for all the right reasons, or if you have been asked to give a speech for a friend or family member, you won’t want to miss this conversation.  

And stay listening to the end to find out how to get a copy of Sydney’s practical guide to banishing the nerves before your very own big speech moment.

RESOURCES 

Altar and Toast website: https://www.altarandtoast.co.uk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altarandtoast/

Send Unbridely a 90-second audio message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/unbridelypodcast

*The Unbridely Podcast is sponsored by its listeners. When you purchase products or services through links on our website or via the podcast, we may earn an affiliate commission.*

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Unbridely acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we record this podcast on, the Kaurna People. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.