Why leave all the talking to the men? Modern brides are taking their turn at the mic

Brides giving speeches - and why not? After all, you've gathered together all your best mates and closest family, you look fabulous, you're glowing with happiness. You're unlikely ever to find a more receptive audience.

It's the perfect opportunity to share a few well-chosen words about your new husband and personally thank your friends for their support. Don't waste it.

Rachel Barclay, 33, was determined not to. She made sure she was first to the microphone at her wedding reception.

'I wanted to go first. Maybe there was an element of getting it over with, and I was a bit nervous when I first got up there. But once I got going I really enjoyed it,' she says.

'I had never thought I would want to make a speech but then I thought I didn't want to have all those people there and not say anything. I also felt it was a bit old-fashioned to let all the men have their say and me keep quiet.'

Rachel adds: 'It went very well. Even now there are still people who say how good my speech was, how it was really funny and touching.'

Unlike the best man, who is expected to entertain the crowd, a bride faces no pressure to be either particularly funny or insightful, and her speech can be as short or long as she wishes.

Most viewed

iVillage Recommends Sexy bras

RATE IT

Loading ....

Delicious

Digg

Facebook

StumbleUpon

You need the newest version of Macromedia Flash Player to view this feature. Download the Flash plug-in at http://www.macromedia.com.

kalimocho diet another day astrology

© iVillage Limited 2000-2009. All rights reserved. | © iVillage inc. 1995-2009. All rights reserved Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB

ivillage uk

Blushing brides have their say