The best man is there to assist the groom to be – the equivalent of the maid of honour. Some of their duties include giving advice when picking an outfit, planning the bachelor party, lending an ear and providing some words of wisdom. One very important responsibility, of course, is the best man speech. It can be nerve-wracking to say the least, but don’t worry, we’ve gathered some tips on how to carry out your toast.
1. Plan and prepare
This goes without saying, but it’s vital to be prepared. Some may say that winging it is the best way to go, but not in this case. Start thinking about things or funny stories you’d like to mention. Take notes whenever you can and build something up. It really does come in handy when you’re sitting there trying to think of everything to say in one go.
2. Are you a comedian?
If not, then please try not to be. Yes there will be some hits, but when the misses come, it’s just awkward. If you do plan on cracking a few jokes, try aiming them at your buddy and not his new bride, unless you’re all really close.
3. Practice and written copy
As odd as this may sound, practicing your speech out loud helps a lot. You’ll get comfortable with the words and it won’t sound as though you’re reading your speech on the big day. Know your pauses and when to make eye contact. As the big day approaches, ask someone (not the bride or groom) to listen to your speech. Remember the notes you took? Formulate it all into one copy. If you prefer not to read on the night, write a few points down in bullet form, so if you do stumble, you’ll be able to look down and get back on track.
4. Don’t mumble and remember the basics
This goes without saying – people need to be able to hear you. Open your mouth when you talk and project your voice. Introduce yourself and explain how you know the bride and groom. Thank the guests for coming and congratulate the newlywed couple.
5. Anecdote
People enjoy listening to stories but not when it’s long and dragged out. Try keeping the speech under five minutes. The stories have to be interesting and funny, and if you’re not sure on how to make it funny, then aim for just putting a smile on the guests faces. You don’t always have to have people in stitches – people appreciate a sweet ‘awww’ moment too.
6. Avoid at all cost
Don’t say anything negative about marriage, even if you think it’s funny. This newlywed couple have just entered their marriage and shouldn’t feel regretful. Ex-partners should not be mentioned and this includes girlfriends, boyfriends and ex-spouses. Sexual humour should be avpided completely, because it’s downright inappropriate and may be awkward for the happy couple as their family and close friends are there.
7. Content
Just a basic outline of what should or can be mentioned include:
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- Introductions
- Thanks and congratulations
- How you know and met the bride and groom
- Something nice about the groom that people may not know
- Why the bride and groom make a great couple and how you’ve witnessed their love
- Relevant quote or poem
- Champagne time!
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The cost of a wedding can be quite, well, costly. Most things – from the wedding dress to the venue – can be quite expensive. Opting for a…
Whether the big day is approaching or you just enjoy a happy romantic ending, make sure these wedding movies are on your watch list. When watching these movies you can enjoy beautiful backdrops and exquisite ceremonies. Be sure to get some tips and take notes on what not to do.
1. Mamma Mia! (2008)
Sophie Sheridan is getting married. Not knowing her father she is determined to meet her father and have him walk her down the aisle. She invites three men from her mother’s past hoping that one of them may be her dad. The jukebox musical romantic comedy is based on songs from Swedish pop group ABBA.
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2. 27 Dresses (2008)
The woman who has been a bridesmaid 27 times. Who can forget the scene of Jane Nichols trying on and posing with all of her dresses.
3. Breaking Dawn: Part One (2011)
After three movies of the famous love triangle between a human, vampire and werewolf, Edward and Bella finally tie the knot. Their beautiful forest wedding ceremony will be stuck in heads forever.
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4. The Proposal (2009)
Technically the engagement and marriage was fake but who doesn’t love a happy ending? Margaret Tate is an executive editor-in-chief of a publishing company. Andrew Paxton is her assistant. Margaret is told that she is going to be deported to Canada. She then persuades Andrew to marry her and he agrees. The ‘couple’ travel to Alaska to visit his family and encounter many awkward situations.
5. Bride Wars (2009)
A classic tale of two best friend ‘bridezillas’. Since Olivia and Emma were little they have been planning their dream wedding. Both women get engaged around the same time. Issues arise when both brides-to-be have their eye on the same location, same month and only one date available.
6. Made of Honor (2008)
Tom and Hannah have been best friends for over 10 years. He has issues with committing to one woman and she’s dedicated to her job. When Hannah finally gets engaged she asks Tom to be her maid of honour. He then realises that he is in love with Hannah.
7. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Who can forget the Windex on everything and the very loud family? It is one of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time. Fotoula Portokalos and Ian Miller fall in love. Tension rises when the family finds out he is not Greek (and doesn’t eat meat but that’s okay there’s lamb!).
8. Bridesmaids (2011)
Prepare to have a laughing fit. This funny film is about a woman who is getting married, her unstable best friend, an annoying new friend and the other unusual bridesmaids.
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You wake up on the day of your wedding and your skin is on fire. Although it’s not ideal, there are easy ways to soothe and calm skin…
After the joy of getting engaged comes the wedding planning. It’s time to start figuring out your budget. Weddings can be quite costly and dresses are not cheap. Especially when you’ve had your eye on something elaborate. As lovely as it may be to have something custom made or ‘fresh out the box’ have you considered buying or renting a second-hand wedding dress?
Google is everyones best friend but if you’re looking for places to find a second hand wedding gown, have a look at some of these options.
This online service offers pre-loved wedding dresses. You are able to select your province and city. There are various styles and prices.
Not just your average wedding shop. This store offers the option to buy or hire a wedding dress.
3. House of silk bridal studio
Offering a massive collection of gowns to hire. This store ensures that previously owned wedding dresses are still in great condition.
4. Innovine
Have a look at all their previously loved wedding dresses. Offering various styles and sizes.
5. Vintage Lace
This online wedding dress directory helps brides to be find their perfect gown. Have a look at all the second-hand dresses.
Purchase your dream dress for a fraction of the price. Find second-hand wedding dresses on this online wedding directory.
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The big day is coming up and you’ve found the perfect dress. Make-up artist is secured and you’re hoping to turn heads. You’re most likely picturing your grand…
Gatecrashing, party crashing or wedding crashing is the act of pitching up to an event uninvited. After watching The Wedding Crashers (2005) one assumes that crashing a wedding is a great way to meet single people. One woman in Texas has a different approach when crashing weddings.
The Comal County Sheriff’s Office shared a post on Facebook explaining, “this elusive suspect has been dubbed “The Wedding Crasher.” The Wedding Crasher has been frequenting wedding events not only in Comal County, but surrounding counties as well, preying on unsuspecting families and friends. The suspect arrives uninvited to weddings, poses as a guest and then steals the gifts.”
She’s known as ‘the wedding crasher’ and has hit four nuptials so far. She arrived at the weddings uninvited and poses as a guest. So how does she walk out with big boxes and beautifully wrapped gifts?
It has been reported that she’s only stealing envelopes and gift cards. ‘The wedding crasher’ has already gone shopping with the vouchers and all the footage has been sent to authorities.
The Comal County Sheriff’s Office is offering a reward of $4000 (R61 000) for any information about the woman that may help with her arrest.
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