In the midst of a pandemic, the wedding has been planned, replanned, and replanned again. But now it’s finally on! That also means it’s finally time for you to give that wedding speech.
But how are you supposed to deliver a speech with the COVID elephant in the room?
As a professional wedding speech writer, I’ve helped countless couples and their wedding party prepare custom and heartfelt wedding speeches in the middle of this pandemic.
When it comes to talking about the virus that has derailed so many weddings, I have a lot of opinions on how to and how not to address COVID in your speech.
Here’s my complete guide for how to write a wedding speech during COVID.
Tip #1: Consider the Couple
How has COVID personally affected this couple?
For many engaged couples who’ve had to pivot due to the pandemic, they’ve lost money, their original wedding vision, and probably some of their patience in the process.
If COVID is a point of stress for them, it’s best to leave any mention of COVID out of your speech.
Instead, focus on the couple and their love story. They will likely want nothing more than to have some sense of normalcy after planning during a pandemic, and so a speech that’s free of COVID references could be the answer.
If you don’t think the couple would mind you mentioning COVID in your wedding speech, and that they may even appreciate re-watching your speech and remembering how this world event shifted their plans, then feel free to talk about COVID but keep it brief, light, and thoughtful. More on how to achieve that sentiment in the following tips.
Tip #2: Address COVID in Your Speech and Then Move On
When should you bring up COVID during your wedding speech? Within the first paragraph. This section is also known as the introduction.
What should the introduction include?
Your name and role in the wedding.
Welcoming and thanking guests for attending.
Example of how to mention COVID in your introduction:
Good evening! I’m Mary Potter, the mother of the groom. Welcome and thank you for being here to celebrate Jonah and Gabriel. The past year has been challenging but seeing you all come together to support this couple reminds me that we are still connected...even if Zoom was the main source of connection before tonight.
Notice how we balanced sweet and serious tones with some humor? Strike that balance when discussing COVID in your introduction.
Then don’t linger.
Once you’ve address COVID in a single sentence, move on to the next section of your speech and keep the rest of your speech COVID-free. There’s no need to dawdle on the topic.
Tip #3: Focus on the Couple Instead of COVID
You can bring up COVID without actually going into detail about COVID.
Example:
Hello, I’m Josh Stevens, the father of the bride. It fills my heart with joy and gratitude to finally see all of our family and friends gathered together to celebrate my beautiful daughter’s wedding. The commitment between Sarah and her new spouse is proof that nothing...not even a pandemic...can stop true love.
Notice how the focus is on the couple’s love and how their love conquered the pandemic as opposed to the focus being on how COVID affected their wedding?
How can you indirectly mention COVID while still keeping the focus on the couple and their wedding day?
Tip #4: Remember the Hardships
Many people have lost their lives to the coronavirus. Many have dedicated their careers to fighting it.
Knowing this, there will likely be guests attending the wedding who have strong emotional ties to this virus whether it’s because they personally lost someone or watched someone they love suffer from COVID.
Be cognizant of those in attendance who may not appreciate downplaying the seriousness of the virus.
Tip #5: Honor Loved Ones
Did the couple lose anyone due to COVID?
It’s a nice idea to honor past loved ones through a wedding speech, and so honoring those lives lost due to COVID could also be appreciated.
This sentiment is usually reserved for a parent’s speech rather than a maid of honor or best man speech.
However, it really just depends on your role in the wedding and relationship with the couple.
Example:
We can feel the love in this room as we’re surrounded by the support of you all and those who while not present, are still with us in our hearts. We’d especially like to remember the bride’s aunt, Irene Beach, and her grandfather, Lewis Rogers. May their love and yours carry this couple through each year of their marriage.
Tip #6: Stay Away From Controversial Statements
Keep your personal opinions on things like the virus and vaccines out of your wedding speech.
These three minutes are meant to honor the couple, not to push your perspective.
Even if you think the crowd will find it funny, it’s best to leave any debatable topics out of your wedding speech.
Tip #7: Embrace Humor in a Thoughtful Way
You can lean on light-hearted statements.
But instead of trying to make a joke about the virus itself or how it’s caused the couple extra wedding planning challenges, make jokes about more neutral things that won’t cause anyone to shift uncomfortably in their chair.
Examples:
I think we’ll all be thankful for social distancing tonight...that just means a shorter line at the bar.
Who knew face masks would become such a fashion accessory but I must say, you all look gorgeous tonight!
May your glasses be full of champagne, the couple’s hearts be full of love, and your pockets full of hand sanitizer.
It’s been so long since we all got together and I can’t wait to elbow bump each and every one of you!
Tip #8: Consult with a Wedding Speech Writer
Are you still wondering how to write a wedding speech during COVID times? You don’t have to maneuver this task alone.
As a professional wedding speech writer, I’ve worked with parents of the couple, the best man, and the maid of honor to write thoughtful, meaningful, and light-hearted speeches throughout this pandemic.
Get in touch to see how we can write yours.