Secrets of a Successful Wedding Speech

Over my many years attending Weddings as a Photographer I've seen (and endured in some cases!) hundreds of speeches. Unless you're a confident public speaker my advice is 'keep it simple!' There are formal duties each of the key speakers has to carry out on the day and you should remember these as part of the etiquette of the day.
Basically, the Bride's Father wellcomes guests and thanks them for coming before toasting the 'health and happiness' of the Couple. Next up is the Groom who replies on behalf of himself and the Bride (Key Point: You must include the line 'my wife and I...' This always gets a cheer!). The Groom can say something about his Parents, thanking them for his up-bringing, and to complete formal duties thank the Bridesmaids and say how lovely they look. Traditionally the final speaker (see below!) is the Best Man, who thanks the Groom on behalf of the Bridesmaids. He will go on with some light hearted stories and anectdotes - Please read on!
I often watch the Wedding speeches and feel the Bride is missed out. I'm amazed at how many times the Groom fails to pass a compliment and to publicly tell his guests how he loves her. Often, the speeches become too 'laddish' and can simply be the Best Man and Groom sharing tales of 'Remember the time that we!...' Don't forget your audience - unless everyone knows all the characters in these stories - and unless you have the confidence and ability to make them universally entertaining - they can fall very flat. And a Golden Rule - Never mention ex-girlfriends in the speeches!
In terms of timing, anything over 5 minutes per speech will seem a very long time for the audience unless you are an experienced stand up comedian. One idea to consider is making the speeches before the meal - the downside is your guests are kept waiting a little longer but for the speakers this means you can then relax and enjoy the meal without what mybe sheer terror of what's to come! Quite often the Bride can now be called upon by guests or actually volunteer to make a speech and this is of course personal preference.
It's traditional to hand out gifts to Bridesmaids, Best Man and Parents and the Bride can at least take part in this even if you want to be 'traditional.' In terms of jokes, try to be original and don't just read someone else's material. How many times have I heard the old classic from the Best Man as he stands to do his bit - 'This isn't the first time today I've risen from a warm seat with a piece of paper in my hand...' Pictures of the Bride and Groom as kids etc do go down well but don't rely on slide shows and audio visual equipment. You will hear the audience groan as you set these things up! Again, keep it simple - get pictures printed or photocopied and pass an envelope to each table to open at approporiate moments in the speech.
That headline advice again - Keep It Simple. Do the formal part of the speech, remember your audience, be yourself ... and don't forget to complment the Bride!