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Wedding vows and speeches are some of the most memorable moments of a wedding, yet they often fall flat due to nerves, lack of preparation, or poor structure. Brian Franklin, co-founder of Vows and Speeches, has made it his mission to help couples and speakers craft heartfelt, engaging, and polished words for their big day. In an insightful conversation on The Wedding Reporter Podcast, Brian shared expert tips on how to create vows and speeches that captivate and resonate.
The Birth of Vows and Speeches
Brian and his wife, Nicole Franklin, founded Vows and Speeches after attending numerous weddings where speeches felt either too long, too short, or simply uninspired. With a background in political consulting, Brian knew how to transform even the driest topics into compelling narratives. In 2021, he floated the idea in a wedding planner discussion group on Clubhouse, and within 24 hours, they had their first client. Since then, Vows and Speeches has helped hundreds of couples, event speakers, and even eulogy writers deliver powerful, well-structured messages.
Why Wedding Vows and Speeches Matter
Vows and speeches are not just formalities—they are emotional highlights of any wedding. Yet, many people struggle with public speaking. In fact, studies show that 76% of people have some level of fear when speaking in front of an audience. When you add in the high stakes of expressing deep emotions in front of family and friends, nerves can get the best of even the most confident speakers.
Brian emphasizes that working with a professional doesn’t mean sacrificing authenticity. Instead, it helps individuals articulate their feelings in a clear and personal way, ensuring their words reflect who they are while still being polished and engaging.
Key Elements of Great Wedding Vows
- Specificity Matters – Generic statements like “You are my person” don’t carry as much emotional weight as personal anecdotes. Instead, highlight moments that define your love story. What small things does your partner do that make them special? What memory stands out as a turning point in your relationship?
- Balance Sentimentality with Humor – A great set of vows will make your audience both tear up and laugh. Every relationship has moments of joy and humor—don’t be afraid to incorporate them. Light-hearted elements keep vows engaging and relatable.
- Keep It Concise – Vows should be around one to two minutes long. Anything longer may lose the audience’s attention. The goal is to make every word count.
Tips for Memorable Wedding Speeches
- Set a Time Limit – No reception speech should exceed four minutes. Anything longer risks becoming rambling or repetitive.
- Structure Is Key – A well-organized speech should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with a meaningful introduction, include personal stories, and end with heartfelt congratulations to the couple.
- Include the Spouse – Best men and maids of honor often focus solely on their friend, unintentionally sidelining the partner. Make sure to acknowledge both individuals and their journey together.
- Practice, Practice, Practice – Even the best-written speech can fall flat without proper delivery. Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself, or seek feedback from a friend. Confidence comes from preparation.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until the Last Minute
According to Brian, about 20% of his clients are panic buyers, reaching out just days before the wedding. While Vows and Speeches can certainly work under tight deadlines, starting early allows for revisions, practice, and greater comfort in delivering the speech or vows. It’s something that can be checked off the to-do list early, reducing stress as the wedding day approaches.
Final Thoughts
Your vows and speeches are moments that will be remembered for years to come. Investing time—or professional assistance—into crafting them ensures they are heartfelt, engaging, and truly reflective of your love story. Whether you’re facing writer’s block, running out of time, or simply nervous about speaking in front of a crowd, companies like Vows and Speeches offer the support you need to make those moments unforgettable.
For more expert wedding advice, tune into The Wedding Reporter Podcast for inspiring conversations with industry leaders like Brian Franklin.
Show Notes
Brian Franklin of Vows & Speeches, a vow & speech writing consulting company, discusses the importance of crafting meaningful wedding vows and speeches. Brian shares insights that help couples articulate their feelings and stories in a heartfelt manner. They explore the common challenges people face when writing vows and speeches, including public speaking anxiety and the tendency to procrastinate. Brian emphasizes the significance of personalization, humor, and brevity in creating memorable vows and speeches. They also touch on the role of AI in speech writing and the irreplaceable value of human connection in this process.
Follow Brian & Vows and Speeches here:
https://instagram.com/vowsandspeeches https://facebook.com/vowsandspeeches https://www.youtube.com/@vowsandspeeches https://www.tiktok.com/@vowsandspeeches
Check out Brian’s podcast here: https://www.vowsandspeeches.com/podcast
See more on this episode here: https://www.nashvillebrideguide.com/how-to-nail-your-wedding-vows-w-brian-franklin-of-vows-speeches
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