Groom doesn't want to make a speech, what do I do?

Good Grief!!!! I don't envy you! Perhaps you can encourage him not to give a speech as such but just a small few words to thank everyone for coming and to the bridal party. Two sentences really!!! If not, you will need to rely on your maid of honour. Actually if everyone knows him, they will understand his shyness. Good luck!!

Yes, get each one to write a page and ask your celebrant to MC your reception and read them out or get an MC like me !

Happy to help

Mario - Treasured Ceremonies

Tell him it's not starting our marriage off well...hahahahaha!

Seriously have a chat with your celebrant, most of the fellas I marry, I like them to be calm and relaxed and I help with not only him writing his vows, but more often that not......helping with his speech.

Most of what he wants to say will be in his vows to you, so that's always a good start.

Enjoy your day and have a great time...let's hope he says at leats a few words! Hahaha

Hi Tara,

Public Speaking can be horrifying. Everyone should be comfortable with the way things evolve on the day including your future husband. If he doesn't want to speak then he shouldn't have to after all it's his wedding too. Maybe you could both talk to one of your guests before hand, and ask them if they would speak on behalf of the two of you. The other alternative is for you to step up and speak on behalf of both of you. You need to talk to your fiance and make a joint decision but nobody should be made to speak in public if they are uncomfortable with it. Hope you both have an enjoyable wedding.

There is nothing worse than being nervous when making a speech. 

Why don't you both stand up together and if you start and then at the end may be he can overcome his nerves enough just to say 'thank you for all sharing our day with us'.  It's nice and simple and he doesn't have to think about what to say or be nervous over a much longer speech.

I also love Del's suggestion of a pre-recorded speech or a thank you card with all you wish to say at each person's plate.

Just remeber to enjoy your day!

Hope this helps, Lianne

Make him do it! lol. I mean it doesn't have to be a long drawn out speech (and your guests would probably appreciate that it's not!). He could literally just thank everybody for coming and then sit down. I'm personally a big fan of the bride making a speech anyway. I don't like it at weddings when the bride doesn't get to say anything. It feels a bit archaic and a bit patriachal. 
I think the perfect compromise would be for your partner to make a super brief speech thanking everybody and then you could do the longer speech! I think it always great to hear from the bride at a wedding. She is silenced too often! 

Hi Tara

First of all, you are not alone.  Lots of grooms, and fathers of the bride, don't want to speak at a wedding.

If you intended to have a Master of Ceremonies, he or she can fill in for any speeches that need to be made.  Otherwise, ask someone else who is comfortable speaking.

There does not need to be any mention that anyone is, or is not, going to speak.

Enjoy the day.

cheers

Blair Fraser

Hi Tara,

I agree with Del. If everyone knows your man is really terrified, (and let's face it, some people are) then make it a fun occasion and recruit your friends who aren't shy!

Traditionally he just has to thank everyone on behalf of you both, so it's thank-you to everyone who just spoke, thank-you all for coming, and just as a joke, thanks to my lovely bride for marrying me! Make it light-hearted and no-one will mind it isn't long-winded!

Hope you have a great celebration!

Public speaking just isn’t for everyone.  The older generation may say that a speech by the groom is tradition and everyone will expect it but nowadays, weddings are more about the couple in love and the way they want to do things.  (1) You could ask someone outside the wedding party to step in and take the groom’s place for this part of the ceremony.  Not only could you make great fun out of this, but why not give the task to someone who will actually enjoy speaking in front of your guests. (2) Both of you could pre-record a speech or even film it.  This way, you could keep it relaxed and personal or you could make a big production out of it with location shots, props, pie-charts and music. (3) You could have your speech printed and framed on each table for the guests to read or even have the speech in an envelope under each guest's plate.  Whether the speeches happen or not, it doesn’t matter.  What matters is you are married and happy and you get to enjoy your wedding day together.