You’ve planned this day for the last 12 months (at least). You’ve pinned, you’ve researched, you’ve shopped, you’ve crafted and glued. You have spent hours researching, shopping, budgeting, planning, decorating – you’ve got this. Its sorted, you’re ready… this is going to be perfect. Or is it?

See, a fairly major part of your perfectly planned day is out of your control. Forget the weather, you’re on top of contingencies for that aren’t you? No, in fact a big part of the entertainment is in the hands of Johnny, your future husbands beloved best friend. Yes lovable Johnny, always keen for an open bar, gets some pretty serious facetime at your wedding – he has the key role of giving the best man speech. Its at least 5 minutes of unbridled ‘wingin’ it’ glory. Johnny isn’t so big on preparation and after yet another story without notes or a point, he ends in blaze of, ‘but I’m so happy for you dude, umm, good luck haha, better you than me, eh? Cheers’. For your sake, and your guests, I think Johnny needs a hand with this speech gig, don’t you?

Speeches are a hugely overlooked part of any wedding. Whilst they’re scheduled in to the run sheet, how much time actually is spent ensuring they are worthy of the time given to them? Between the MC, the father of the bride, maid of honour, best man, father of the groom, and the groom, you’re realistically looking at an hour of your reception dedicated to the speeches – and that’s before the mothers step up, or god forbid, you the bride might want a chance to say a few words.  Its an important hour that sets much of the tone for the evening and how it is viewed by your guests. A cringe worthy performance can put a sour taste in the mouths and opinions of guests, whereas a genuine, positive and heartfelt speech keeps the joy and focus right where it should be – on the honoured couple.

So what will a professional do? A professional can help write, steer and give an organised voice to the various speeches of the day. Services can range from editing a speech that is already prepared through to preparation of a full speech from scratch using your words and stories to capture your tone. After an initial interview and consult, a speech is drafted for your review and comment on the way to a final product, which is yours to keep. A speech should always be tailored to the person giving it – if you can’t read it out loud without stumbling or don’t feel like its you, the editing stage is your chance to get it right.

Once the speech is ready, you can also get coaching to make sure your performance matches the prose – confidence sells and a good coach can provide even the most timid orator with the skills to exceed all expectations for the big day and beyond.

And don’t just think all this is for the boys. A maid of honour might also need a hand and more and more, mothers and Brides are wanting to have a say too.

So what have you got to lose? If you are worried when Johnny says ‘don’t worry, I’ll just wing it’ or you know that your Dad will ramble, or mum will just cry, get back the control and ask them if they want a hand – from an impartial adviser with your best interests at heart – no bridezilla required.