The wedding speech, when well thought out, rehearsed and properly delivered, could bring a wedding reception or dinner to life. A good wedding speech will entertain and make the guests feel great about being present for the celebration.Wedding speeches used to be delivered by the father of the bride, the best man and maid of honor. And while this is still the way most weddings are carried out, it is also not surprising to hear of the bride and groom delivering their own speeches or other members of the wedding party.

A good speech has a good opening and a good closing. Start by introducing yourself. Once you have their attention it would be nice to follow your introduction with something interesting or funny--whatever suits your style. The beginning of your toast is the time that people are focusing on you and really hearing what you say. Often people remember the beginning best because they are well focused on the speaker.

Whoever delivers a wedding speech during the wedding, there are two general guidelines you have to remember - the speech should not ridicule the bride and/or groom and should be conducted in as much 'taste' and 'class' as possible.

Here are a few tips for writing your own wedding speech if you don't have any idea what to say.

Depending on the nature of your speech, start with a personal reflection or anecdote. How the bride and groom met is always a favorite. You can also use humor or a quote to get the speech or toast started.

Humor should be used in good taste. Stories must be appropriate for the audience.

Ask someone to check your speech for unintentional double meanings and for appropriate humor.

Speak in your normal voice. Try to become familiar with the place in which you will speak and practice using the microphone if possible.

Write your speech on index cards. They are less distracting than a piece of paper. Make sure to number the cards.

Practice your speech until you can deliver it with ease and until you are looking forward to delivering it! It is never a good idea to speak without any preparation. We've all been at weddings and witnessed that unfortunate moment!

Practice as many times as necessary to get the phrasing, the pauses and the timing exactly right. It has been said that every minute of the speech requires practicing for an hour. So, for a four minute speech, four hours of practicing is not excessive.

Practice saying it in front of a friend - an excellent way to overcome your fears.

Look around the room at the audience and to the bride and groom as you speak. Eye contact is an important characteristic of a good speaker.