Your Wedding Day: A Celebration To Cherish Forever

There are so many things to write to the happy couple on their wedding day, and it can be hard to come up with fresh ideas. If you are writing a card, it's a good idea to reflect on how you met the couple, remind them of some key moments over the years, and share some funny memories. You can also let them know that you are excited to be at their wedding and that you are feeling happy. It's also nice to give your best wishes for the future and to say what you're looking forward to. If you can't attend the wedding, it's good etiquette to send a card of congratulations to let the couple know that you are thinking of them and celebrating with them.

Speeches and toasts

Pre-Wedding Planning

In the lead-up to the wedding, it's a good idea to decide on a speech order and allocate time for each speaker. Traditionally, the father of the bride speaks first, followed by the groom, then the best man, and finally, the bride and the groom together. However, modern weddings often include other speakers such as the maid of honour, a friend of the couple, or other family members. Decide on a diverse lineup that represents both sides of the family and the couple's friend group.

The Father of the Bride

The father of the bride's speech is a blend of humour, sentiment, and welcome. He can kick things off by welcoming everyone and thanking them for being a part of this special day. Sharing a few anecdotes about the bride and any funny or heartwarming stories from her childhood will add a personal touch. It's also customary for him to offer a toast to the happy couple and express his wishes for their future.

The Groom

The groom's speech is a chance to express his love and gratitude. He should begin by thanking the father of the bride for his kind words and welcoming spirit. Then, he can move on to expressing gratitude to his own parents for their unwavering support and guidance. It's also a lovely gesture for him to share a few words about his new in-laws and how happy he is to officially become a part of their family. The groom might also choose to open up about the moment he first met his bride and the impact she has had on his life. Finally, he should raise a toast to his new wife and her wonderful family.

The Best Man

The best man's speech is often the most entertaining, as it typically involves humorous stories and light-hearted anecdotes about the groom. He should introduce himself and explain his relationship with the groom. A few well-chosen jokes or mildly embarrassing stories about the groom's past will have everyone laughing, but it's important to keep things tasteful and respectful. The best man might also share a few heartfelt words about the couple and their friendship. Finally, he should propose a toast to the newlyweds, wishing them all the best.

The Maid of Honour

The maid of honour's speech is similar to that of the best man, but from the bride's perspective. She can share stories of their deep friendship, offer light-hearted advice for a happy marriage, and even include a few jokes or witty one-liners. Her speech should be a blend of emotion and humour. She should also raise a toast to the happy couple, celebrating their unique bond.

The Couple

Finally, the bride and groom can speak together, closing off the speeches with gratitude and love. They can thank their guests for joining them in this celebration, as well as express appreciation for their bridal party and family members for their endless support. They might also choose to share a special memory, such as their first date or a funny story from their relationship journey.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and each speech should be tailored to reflect the unique personalities and dynamics of the couple and their loved ones. Enjoy crafting these special speeches and toasts, and savour every moment of the wedding day!

Cake-cutting

The cake-cutting ceremony is one of the most anticipated moments of any wedding celebration and is often considered the traditional conclusion to the wedding festivities. Here are some tips to ensure this special moment is memorable:

• Timing is crucial: Traditionally, the cake-cutting ceremony signals the end of the formal festivities of the wedding reception. It usually takes place after the main course and before the dancing begins. This moment often gives the caterers and venue staff a cue to start clearing tables and preparing for the departure of the guests. To ensure all your guests are present for this special moment, use your MC or DJ to make an announcement a few minutes before the cake cutting.
• Choose a song: Select a song that holds a special meaning for you and your partner to be played during the cake cutting. This will add a personal touch to the moment and create a lasting memory.
• Prepare the cake: Ensure your cake is properly displayed and easily accessible for the cake-cutting ceremony. If your cake has multiple layers, ask your caterer or baker to provide a sturdy cake stand or platform. Also, confirm with your venue that they have the necessary equipment, such as a cake knife and server. Practice cutting the cake beforehand to ensure a smooth and elegant cut.
• Involve your wedding party: Make the moment more festive by inviting your wedding party to join you during the cake cutting. They can cheer you on, pop some confetti, or even hold a sparkler send-off as you cut the cake. This will create a fun and celebratory atmosphere.
• Capture the moment: Ensure your photographer and videographer are ready to capture the cake-cutting moment from various angles. Discuss your expectations beforehand, including specific poses or compositions. Don't forget to include close-ups of the cake itself, especially if it has intricate details or decorations.
• Feed each other: One of the most anticipated moments is the feeding of the cake between the newlyweds. This playful tradition often makes for adorable photos. Don't be afraid to get a little messy and have fun with it!

First dance

The first dance is a significant moment in any wedding celebration and an opportunity to set the tone for the rest of the evening. Here are some ideas to make your first dance as a married couple unforgettable:

Choose a Song That Reflects Your Journey: Select a song that holds a special meaning for both of you. It could be a tune that reminds you of the early days of your relationship, or perhaps a song that captures the essence of your love story. Take some time to discuss and decide on a song that represents your unique bond.

Choreograph a Special Routine: Consider choreographing a custom dance routine to your chosen song. Whether you're both experienced dancers or complete beginners, creating a routine specifically for your first dance will make it truly yours. You can add personal touches, such as a dip, a spin, or even a fun twist that surprises your guests.

Take Dance Lessons: If you want to feel confident and graceful during your first dance, consider taking dance lessons beforehand. Seek out a professional dance instructor who can guide you through the process. They will help you learn the basic steps, improve your rhythm, and perhaps even teach you some impressive moves to incorporate into your routine.

Incorporate Props and Effects: Add some extra flair to your first dance with creative use of props and special effects. This could include anything from sparklers to dry ice, customized lighting, or even a fog machine. You can also involve your bridal party or guests by providing them with simple props, such as glow sticks or colourful streamers, and inviting them to join in the fun.

Make it an Interactive Moment: Instead of a traditional first dance where all eyes are on you, make it a group affair by inviting your bridal party or even all the guests to join you on the dance floor halfway through the song. This can help ease any nerves and create a more relaxed and celebratory atmosphere for everyone.

Remember, your first dance should reflect your personalities and your relationship. Whether you choose a classic waltz or a modern routine, the most important thing is to enjoy the moment and savour the memories you're creating together.

Music and dancing

Create a personalized playlist: Work with your partner to create a playlist that reflects your musical tastes and preferences. Include a mix of fast and slow songs, as well as a variety of genres, to appeal to all of your guests. Don't forget to include your favourite songs as a couple—they can serve as a special moment during the reception.

Hire a live band: Consider hiring a live band to perform at your wedding. They can bring energy and interactivity to the celebration, creating a unique and memorable experience for your guests. Look for bands that specialize in wedding performances and have a versatile repertoire that can cater to different musical preferences.

First dance: Make your first dance as a married couple extra special by choosing a song that holds significant meaning for both of you. Take dance lessons together beforehand to choreograph a routine that showcases your style and love for each other. This can be a romantic, fun, or even humorous moment that your guests will remember.

Involve your guests: Encourage your guests to join you on the dance floor by creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Include them in cultural traditions or rituals you plan to incorporate, such as circle dances or group performances. You could also organize fun activities, like a line dance or a friendly dance-off competition, to get everyone moving and having a good time.

Surprise your guests with an unexpected performance, such as a flash mob involving your bridal party or even a secret talent showcase by the couple. It will break the ice and create a memorable moment that your guests will talk about long after the wedding.

Remember, music and dancing are all about celebrating love and creating joy. Choose options that reflect your personality and taste, and don't be afraid to think outside the box to make your wedding celebration truly unique.

Games

Outdoor Games

• Ring Toss: Paint wine bottles in your wedding colours and use them as targets for a fun wedding twist on this classic game.
• Giant Dominoes: Make your own giant dominoes out of plywood and paint. Set aside an area for guests to play and include simple instructions on a nearby chalkboard.
• Lawn Bowling: Use tape to mark out a bowling lane on a flat area of your outdoor venue. Use large wooden pins and a wooden or plastic ball to keep things playful.
• Giant Connect Four: Drill out 35 large holes (five down and seven across) to create this giant version of the childhood favourite.
• Lawn Yahtzee: Make your own giant dice by slicing 2x4s into even squares and marking each side with the appropriate number of dots.
• Mini Golf: Build or rent a mini-golf course and encourage guests to have a go while they sip their cocktails.
• Croquet: Set up a croquet course and get guests competing in teams.
• Corn Hole: Angle two large rectangles of plywood and cut a hole at the top of each. Players toss sandbags and try to sink them into their opponent's target.
• Wedding Pinata: Hang a wedding-themed pinata and let guests take turns trying to break it open to release the goodies inside.
• Hopscotch: Use chalk or tape to mark out a hopscotch course and let the kids (and adults!) show you how it's done.
• Bouquet and Garter Toss: This tradition has many variations, but the basic idea is that the bride and groom toss the bouquet and garter into a crowd of single guests.
• Bocce Ball: Each team of up to four players throws four balls, trying to get as close as possible to the "jack" ball.
• Ladder Golf: Teams of one to two people toss two balls connected by a string, aiming to hook them onto their opponents' ladder rungs.
• Wedding Hopscotch: Use chalk or tape to create a hopscotch course and let guests of all ages join in the fun.
• Painted Rock: Combine hand-painted rocks with a DIY tic-tac-toe board for a simple outdoor game that's easy to transport and play.
• Giant Chess and Checkers: Create a DIY chess or checkers board using checkered black and white fabric. For a rustic look, cut and paint your own checker pieces from wood slices.

Indoor Games

• The Shoe Game: The bride and groom sit back-to-back and hold one of their own shoes and one of their partner's. A host reads out questions and the couple holds up the shoe of the person whom the answer best represents.
• Photo Scavenger Hunt: Provide guests with a list of photo-worthy moments to find and capture on their cameras or phones. Include a prize for the fastest team.
• Wedding I Spy: Provide kids with a list of items to find and encourage them to draw or write about their findings in a notebook.
• Freeze Dance: The DJ abruptly stops the music and the bride and groom act as judges to decide which dancers freeze in the most creative poses.
• Couple Coloring Books: Turn a favourite photo into a colouring book page and provide coloured pencils for guests to get creative.
• Stand Up, Sit Down: A host asks a series of funny questions and guests stand up or remain seated depending on their answer.
• DJ Name that Tune: The DJ plays a short snippet of a song and guests have to guess what it is.
• Guest Guess Who: Create a customised Guess Who? game with small pictures of your wedding guests.
• Cake Smash Bets: Guests place bets on whether the bride or groom will end up with cake on their face. The jar with the most bets decides who gets a face full of cake!
• Couple's Crossword: Create a crossword puzzle with clues and answers based on your relationship. Include one at each place setting for guests to puzzle over.
• Jenga Guest Book: Set out a Jenga tower and ask guests to write a message on a block before placing it on top.
• Paper Fortune Teller: Provide instructions and art supplies for guests to make their own origami fortune tellers.
• Marriage Advice Cards: Include a stack of cards at each table for guests to write down their marriage advice.
• Wedding Toast Bingo: Provide bingo boards with common sentiments from wedding speeches and let guests play along during the toasts.
• Dance Challenge: Name each dinner table after a song and challenge them to rush to the dance floor when their song plays.

Table Games

• Lego Creations: Put a box of Legos on each table and challenge guests to build creative centrepieces.
• Marriage Mad Libs: Provide customised Mad Libs at each table and ask guests to fill them in with random nouns, adjectives and verbs.
• Life-Sized Jenga: Create your own giant Jenga set and challenge guests to take turns removing blocks without toppling the tower.
• Children's Interactive Placemats: Provide kids with placemats featuring puzzles, art and word games to keep them entertained during dinner.
• Spin the Wheel: Create a prize wheel with instructions like "the bride and groom kiss" or "give a speech".
• Date Night Jar: Leave a spot for guests to suggest date night ideas for the newlyweds.
• Couple Trivia: Leave a fill-in-the-blank trivia card at each table with questions about the newlyweds. The first person or couple to complete it wins a prize.

Frequently asked questions