By Guest Blogger Chris Easter of TheManRegistry.com

As the groom, planning your wedding speech can be one of the most stressful things you do while planning your wedding. Whether you get stage fright or you just aren’t sure how to structure your speech, there are a lot of things that can create stress.

However, there is no need for concerns. Millions of guys go through this each and every year. The goal is to be prepared by taking the time to write a thoughtful speech. Let’s face it, you only get one shot at this, so go all-out!
Here are The Man Registry’s top five tips for making a memorable toast:

1.)    Remember to thank everyone in attendance for being a part of the big day. Some of your guests will have traveled long distances to be there and you want to be sure to thank them for their trip (and their wedding gifts).

2.)    Don’t over-do the humor. It’s ok to crack a joke or two – but the humorous toasts are better left for the Best Man and Maid of Honor.

3.)    Give a special thanks to those in the wedding party. They’ve dedicated a lot of time and money to being a big part of the wedding. The least you can do is throw them a shout-out in your toast.

4.)    Thank both sets of parents for their support. No question about this one.

5.)    Now who are we leaving out? Oh that’s right, your bride. This is obviously the point of your toast, so think this one out carefully.  Speak from your heart and tell her how much her hand in marriage means to you and explain how you intend to carry out your vows. This portion should take up well over half of your speech and should be the part that brings you and your son-to-be wife to tears. We can’t tell you what to say, you obviously know her better than we do. But speak from your heart and remind her just why you want to spend the rest of your life with her.

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Expert groom blogger Chris Easter is co-founder of TheManRegistry.com  – the leading online resource for engaged men. “TMR” offers a unique wedding registry for grooms, unique groomsmen gifts and a large collection of blogs aimed at helping the groom survive the wedding planning process.