Ask friends, family, colleagues, instructors and teachers for memories and stories; either meet up with folks over drinks or ask them to email you.

Everyone’s got an archive of memories; look through old photo albums, letters and school reports.

What are their interests? Who was their childhood hero? Who do they admire or aspire to now? Who are their favourite sports or movie stars?

What star sign or Chinese animal sign are they? How do the associated characteristics compare? What do the stars say about the union between the bride’s and groom’s signs? For a last minute inclusion, what do their star signs say for today?

Track down a newspaper for the day they were born or the day they got engaged. What other momentous event took place that day?

Jot down ideas. It should have a beginning, middle and an end. Write it out in full and practice it in front of a friend and ask for an honest opinion.

• Write your speech on easy-to-read cue cards
• If computer savvy, prepare a slide-show to accompany it
• Check beforehand to see if your venue has a microphone - it would be a pity if you are inaudible
• It's a good idea to move small children into a separate room. Make arrangements for supervision and entertainment beforehand
• Breath deeply beforehand to calm your nerves
• On the day, dont drink too much before your speech, afterwards is fine
• Keep it short, no more than 10 minutes
• Leave the audience smiling

Best man calls for first speech, or the Toastmaster calls for each.