Delivering a speech to many people can be the makings of a nightmare, especially if it means performing a wedding speech.

You’re standing in front of friends and family, the microphone has been handed to you and suddenly the room has become as hotter than an oven.

Not to fear, because these handy tips can help you see it through from start to finish.

Gather your ideas together

Create a mind map of all the things you wish to say in your speech. Even if some of the ideas seem ridiculous, write them down and then reduce the list until you have your few favourite ideas.

We would say that a speech should last 10 minutes at most, so make sure you include the most important bits.

Highlight some of your most fond memories

Every relationship has quirky memories to share, whether it’s the time you tripped over the pavement on your first date to the time you both came back from holiday sunburnt.

Pick out two or three of your most treasured memories that you want to share with friends and family.

We suggest staying away from revealing any embarrassing moments, unless your bride gives you permission. The last thing you need is wedding cake in the face!

Avoid mentioning your stag do

Rule number one of stag dos; don’t talk about the stag do.

None of your friends and family need to hear about the time you downed 10 shots and got up dancing on the bar table in your underwear. No matter how funny it seems, this will not be appreciated by the younger guests or father-in-law.

Don’t insult

Unless you’re an absolute genius when it comes to making a joke, we advise you stay away from this potentially wedding speech fail.

Some jokes will be hilarious to some guests, but there’s nothing worse than delivering it only for the whole room to go awkwardly silent. Keep it clean and you can’t go wrong.

Limit alcohol consumption until after the wedding speech

By all means have a drink to get some Dutch courage before your speech, but be careful you don’t get too carried away.

It’s always nice to say thank you

If members of your friends and family have gone out of their way to help your prepare the wedding, it’s only appropriate to mention them in your speech.

Traditionally, presents can be handed out to people who have offered their help for your special day, but if you’re on a tight budget they will still feel touched that you acknowledged them.

Practise makes perfect

Try and compose your wedding speech as early as possible, so you can perfect it to the point where you can say it without looking at your notes.

Be confident, speak up and relish in the moment!