I've been fortunate just recently in seeing both my daughters get married to good men. The only thing was it raised two issues: does this mean I'll become a grandfather (heck at 56 I'm too young - grandfathers are old aren't they?) and I would have to give two wedding speeches!

So here's my formula for a great wedding speech:

1. You must want to do it;
2. You must prepare your wedding speech very well;
3. You must prepare yourself very well and
4. You must make sure you enjoy it.

So it's quite straightforward really; just 4 easy steps that anyone can follow.

1. I really did want to do it; I relished the challenge of preparing something from the heart that would be memorable for my daughters and entertaining for the gathered family and friends.

2. Preparing the wedding speech well is key to your whole success as a wedding speaker. As I was 'Father of the Bride'it would fall to me to speak first after which I could relax and see how well the other speakers would get on. There is a formula for a great wedding speech which if followed makes everything so much easier.

* Introduce yourself and the other parents and welcome family and friends of both sides.

* A couple of mild humorous references to your daughter's childhood and teenage years.

* Say how proud you are of her and her choice of husband.

* Make a joke or two at his expense.

* Offer some worldly advice about marriage, being experienced in these matters.

* Give some serious thoughts or a prayer for their future together.

* Propose the toast to the happy couple then hand on quickly to the next speaker.

3. Prepare yourself well by writing out your speech and practising often. The best way to practise a wedding speech is to read it aloud in front of the mirror until you feel comfortable with the words. When you feel a need to change a word or two - do so! You'll soon feel it becoming a natural flow and you will be able to memorise it easily. But take a copy with you!

4. Enjoy it - it's your daughters big day, something to be proud of so savour the day and lock it in your memory.

Follow the 4 easy steps and you have the formula for a great weeding speech. You can see the full text of my wedding speeches, starting with wedding speech one by clicking Wedding Speech One. Good luck! If you need help with other public speaking events visit my website.