Ready to toast the newly engaged couple? Credit: Getty Images
Wondering about correct engagement party etiquette? Engagement parties are normally fun and exciting events. The celebrations often include great food, dancing and congratulations for the happy couple. For engagement party attendees who are called upon to make speeches, however, shaky nerves can often overshadow the festivities. Giving meaningful speeches doesn't have to be scary if you employ a few simple tactics to ensure success.
Keep it Short
Engagement speeches do not have to be long in order to be effective. By keeping them brief, you will be able to memorize the words easily and avoid losing the crowd's attention. Ideally, the etiquette for the engagement party speech or toast should be three to five minutes long. It should convey your best wishes for the couple and express gratitude for being included in their special celebration.
Keep it Relevant
When giving an engagement party speech, be sure it is relevant. The wording of your toast should not be geared toward only one side of the family and should avoid confrontational topics. Make sure you discuss both the future bride and groom and stay away from inside jokes. Additionally, employ the classic mom advice: "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."
Keep it Appropriate
When drafting your engagement party speech, you should always keep it appropriate. No couple wants their grandparents to know about the night they drank too much and fell asleep in the yard. Be sensitive to the varying ages and backgrounds of the guests in attendance. The last thing you want to do is spill the couple's secrets or embarrass them in front of their friends and families.
Follow Proper Etiquette
Engagement party etiquette normally requires that both the father of the bride and the father of the groom make speeches first. Dads should say a few words, thank guests for attending and offer heartfelt congratulations while welcoming the new member to the family. Mothers and grandparents do not traditionally make speeches, but can if they wish. Friends and associates are welcome to say a few words, but should keep comments brief and to the point.
Enlist Help if Necessary
If you are having trouble with speech ideas, ask for help. Friends of the couple can provide great ideas or provide insight into their romantic history together. If you prefer to make a more formal engagement party speech, scour the Internet for ideas. Websites such as Ultimatespeeches.com offer pre-written customizable speeches and toasts. If you have most of the speech already written on your own, consider adding a meaningful quote to enhance it. Sites such as Theknot.com and Quotegarden.com offer numerous free quotes that are applicable to engagement party speeches.
Calm Your Nerves
When the time comes to deliver your speech, remember to calm down. By remaining calm, you will avoid speaking too quickly and appearing nervous. Remember that everyone, even corporate executives, gets nervous when delivering speeches. Fear will only consume you if you allow it to do so. Breathe deeply, smile and deliver your lines in a confident manner.
While giving engagement party speeches can be scary, it can also be rewarding. The future bride and groom will surely appreciate your heartfelt words and sentiments. By employing a few simple techniques, you are sure to deliver an appropriate and meaningful speech at your next event.
