Making Conversation At Weddings: Tips For Engaging Small Talk

Weddings are a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. However, the idea of chatting with strangers can be nerve-wracking for many. If you're anxious about making conversation at a wedding, it can be helpful to prepare some icebreakers and conversation topics in advance. Asking open-ended questions is a great way to get to know someone and keep the conversation flowing. You could ask how they know the couple, pay them a compliment, or ask about their travel plans and recommendations. It's also a good idea to use welcoming body language, such as carrying your drink in your left hand so you're ready to shake someone's hand, and looking people in the eye when talking to them.

Ask how they know the couple

Asking how someone knows the couple is a great way to break the ice at a wedding. It's a simple way to get to know someone and can be the beginning of a longer conversation.

For example, if the person you're talking to says they know the couple from university, you can ask follow-up questions about their time studying, such as what they studied, when they graduated, and if they lived on campus. You can also ask if they knew the couple individually or as a pair, and for how long they've known them. This can lead to questions about the couple's history, like how they met, and how long they've been together.

If the person is a friend of one of the newlyweds, you can ask how they met the bride or groom, and if they have any fun stories or memories to share. You could also ask about the couple's interests, and if they share any hobbies. This can lead to a discussion about the couple's favourite activities, and any fun adventures or trips they've been on together.

You could also ask about the person's relationship to the couple now. Are they still in regular contact? Do they live near each other? Do they have any fun traditions or rituals they do together? Asking about the couple's future plans is also a great way to show interest, such as if they have any trips or big life events coming up.

Remember to listen attentively and ask follow-up questions to show genuine interest in the person you're talking to and their connection to the couple.

Use open-ended questions

Using open-ended questions is a great way to get to know people and build a conversation. Open-ended questions are those that require more than a simple 'yes' or 'no' answer. They encourage people to share more with you, which helps to build a conversation and keep it flowing.

• "How do you know the bride and groom?" This is a classic conversation starter, as you already have something in common—you know the couple! If the person you're talking to says, "from university," you can ask follow-up questions, such as "What was their major?" or "What year did they graduate?"
• "Did you travel to get here, or do you live nearby?" This question is a great way to start a conversation about the person's journey to the wedding, their hometown, or their thoughts on the wedding location. It also helps to acknowledge the time and effort they may have put into attending the wedding.
• "What do you enjoy most about your work?" Instead of asking, "Do you like your job?" which can be answered with a simple 'yes' or 'no', this question encourages the person to share more about their work and what they find fulfilling about it.
• "What are some of your favourite things to do in this city?" This question assumes that the person you're talking to is familiar with the area, and it can lead to recommendations for places to visit or activities to try. It's a great way to get to know their interests and hobbies and share some of your own.
• "What is your favourite memory with the bride or groom?" This question invites the person to share a personal story or anecdote about their relationship with the couple. It's a wonderful way to celebrate the couple and learn more about their lives from the perspective of their guests.

Remember, while using open-ended questions is a great strategy, it's also important to be yourself, smile, and listen attentively to what others have to say.

Ask about their upbringing

Asking about someone's upbringing is a great way to get to know them better and build a genuine connection. Here are some tips and questions to help you navigate this topic in a wedding setting:

Tips for Asking About Their Upbringing:

• Approach the topic in a gentle and non-intrusive manner. Be mindful that some people may have had challenging upbringings, so it's important to be sensitive and respectful.
• Show genuine interest in their history and life experiences. People love to talk about themselves, and it's a great way to make them feel valued and understood.
• Use open-ended questions to encourage deeper conversations. Avoid yes or no questions, and instead, opt for inquiries that allow them to share more about their upbringing and experiences.

Questions to Ask About Their Upbringing:

• Where did you grow up? This question opens the door to a wealth of potential conversations, from their childhood memories to their cultural background.
• What was your family like? Were you close to your parents or siblings? Did you have any family traditions or rituals that were important to you?
• What was your childhood home like? Do you have any fond memories of your neighbourhood or the people who lived nearby?
• What were your favourite things to do as a child? Did you have any hobbies, sports, or activities that brought you joy?
• Were there any significant events or experiences that shaped who you are today? This could include moving to a new place, losing a loved one, or overcoming a challenge.
• What are some of your earliest memories? This can lead to interesting stories and insights into their formative years.

Remember, the key to successful conversations at weddings is to be curious, respectful, and open-minded. By asking about their upbringing, you're not only learning about their past but also creating a space for connection and understanding. Enjoy getting to know your fellow wedding guests and celebrating the happy couple!

Ask about their travel plans

Asking about someone's travel plans is a great way to get to know them and can be a very insightful topic of conversation. It can also be a great way to bond with someone, especially if you share similar interests or have been to the same places. Here are some tips and questions to help you navigate this topic:

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Asking open-ended questions will encourage the person you're talking to share more about their travel experiences and plans. For example, instead of asking, "Do you like to travel?" you could ask, "What do you enjoy most about travelling?" or "What are your favourite travel destinations?" These types of questions will allow the conversation to flow more naturally and give you more insight into their travel interests and experiences.

Be Interested in Their Answers

Show genuine interest in the person you're talking to by actively listening and asking follow-up questions. Focus on them and their experiences, rather than just waiting for your turn to speak. Ask them about their most memorable travel moments, their dream destinations, or any upcoming trips they have planned.

Share Your Own Experiences

If you've been to the places they mention or have similar travel plans, share your own experiences and anecdotes. This will create a sense of connection and make the conversation more engaging. You can offer recommendations or share stories that will add value to the conversation and create a sense of camaraderie.

Ask About Their Travel Style and Preferences

Understanding their travel style will give you insight into their personality and preferences. Ask questions like:

• "Do you prefer relaxed beach vacations or adventurous activities?"
• "Do you like to plan out your trips in detail or go with the flow?"
• "Are you a light packer or do you like to be prepared for every eventuality?"
• "What type of accommodation do you usually go for – hotels, Airbnbs, or hostels?"
• "How do you like to spend your time when travelling – sightseeing, trying local cuisine, or immersing yourself in nature?"

Discuss Travel Companions and Social Preferences

Understanding their travel companions and social preferences can also give you insight into their personality and how they like to spend their time. Ask questions like:

• "Do you prefer travelling solo, with a partner, or in a group?
• "Do you like to spend time with locals and make new friends, or do you stick with your travel companions?"
• "Are there any activities or experiences you wouldn't want to do while travelling?"
• "How do you handle disagreements or uncomfortable situations when travelling with others?"

Remember, the key to making interesting conversation at a wedding is to be curious, ask thoughtful questions, and actively listen to the person you're talking to. Enjoy getting to know the other guests and celebrating the happy couple!

Compliment their outfit

Complimenting someone's outfit is a great way to break the ice and make them feel good about themselves. Here are some tips to keep in mind when complimenting someone's outfit at a wedding:

Be Specific

Instead of a generic compliment like "nice dress", mention specific details that you admire. For example, "That colour looks great on you" or "I love the pattern of your dress". You could also compliment their style, such as "You have a unique sense of style" or "Your outfit is so elegant and suits you perfectly".

Avoid Clichéd Phrases

Try to be creative and avoid overused phrases like "You look flattering". Instead, opt for something more meaningful and genuine. You could say something like, "That outfit brings out your eyes" or "You look so confident and happy".

Be Mindful of the Setting

Consider the wedding venue when giving a compliment. For instance, if it's an outdoor wedding, you could say something like, "Your outfit is perfect for this garden setting. It's so playful and cheerful".

Compliment Their Choice

If you know the person well, you could compliment their choice by saying something like, "I know how much thought you put into your wardrobe, and it really shows. You have impeccable taste".

Ask Questions

Compliments can be a great conversation starter. After complimenting their outfit, you could ask questions like, "Where did you get that dress? It's stunning" or "How did you decide on this outfit? I love the combination".

Remember to be sincere and genuine in your compliments, and avoid over-the-top flattery. Keep the setting and the person's comfort in mind, and you'll be sure to brighten their day with your kind words!

Frequently asked questions