Speech and toast guides
Practical advice for American weddings, funerals and retirement parties.
Maid of honor speech: how to write it, with sample lines
A simple five-part structure for a maid of honor speech, sample lines you can adapt, and the mistakes that make guests cringe.
Best man speech: a structure that works, with examples
How to write a best man toast for an American wedding: a six-part structure, sample jokes that land, and how long to talk.
Rehearsal dinner toast: what to say and who gives one
Who usually toasts at a rehearsal dinner, what to say, and short examples for hosts, parents, the wedding party and the couple.
Father of the bride speech: structure and sample lines
How to write a father of the bride speech for an American wedding: welcoming guests, talking about your daughter, welcoming your new son- or daughter-in-law and the toast.
Mother of the bride speech: ideas, structure and examples
How to write a mother of the bride speech or toast, whether you're speaking alone, as host, or alongside the father of the bride.
Groom speech: what to say and who to thank
A short, heartfelt groom speech or thank-you toast for an American wedding: who to thank, what to say about your spouse and how to finish.
Retirement speech: how to write one, for yourself or a coworker
How to write a retirement speech for a coworker, your boss or yourself: structure, sample lines and how to keep it warm and short.
How to write a eulogy: a gentle step-by-step guide
A calm, practical guide to writing and delivering a eulogy at a funeral or memorial service, with a simple structure and example lines.