Make Your Wedding Day Memorable: Evoke Guests' Tears

Weddings are an emotional affair, and it's not uncommon for guests to shed a few tears during the ceremony. While the couple and their families are usually the most emotional, all guests can be affected by the wedding blues. Music is a common trigger, with the right song striking an emotional chord and the bride's entrance reinforcing this. The groom's reaction to seeing their partner can also set off the waterworks, as can the exchange of vows, especially if they refer to past hardships. If you want to make your guests cry at your wedding, consider incorporating a meaningful song during the processional, or include a heartfelt message in your vows.

Play an emotional song as the bride walks down the aisle

Music is a key factor at weddings, and the bride's entrance song is one of the most important songs of the day. The right music can make the moment even more special, and choosing an emotional song as the bride walks down the aisle is a surefire way to make guests cry. Here are some tips and song suggestions to achieve this:

Tips for Choosing an Emotional Song:

• Opt for a song with meaningful, heartfelt, or romantic lyrics that reflect your love story.
• Consider the pace of the song. A fast-paced song might make the bride feel the need to rush down the aisle, while a very slow song could make the walk feel longer.
• Practice walking down the aisle to different songs to find the perfect fit.
• If you're considering live musicians, communicate your desired timing and pace to them.
• If using a stereo system, ensure someone is assigned to start and stop the song smoothly.

Emotional Song Suggestions:

• "Make You Feel My Love" by Adele
• "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding
• "Songbird" by Fleetwood Mac
• "Your Song" by Ellie Goulding
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "At Last" by Etta James
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley
• "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
• "All of Me" by John Legend
• "Marry Me" by Train
• "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
• "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" by Frankie Valli
• "La Vie en Rose" by Édith Piaf
• "A Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay
• "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong
• "At Your Best (You Are Love)" by Aaliyah
• "A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin
• "Here, There and Everywhere" by The Beatles
• "She" by Charles Aznavour
• "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley
• "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding
• "Turning Page" by Sleeping at Last
• "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack
• "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri
• "I See You" by Leona Lewis
• "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton
• "Your Song" by Elton John
• "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
• "How Sweet It Is" by Marvin Gaye

Write personal vows, referring to past hardships

One of the most memorable and emotional days of your life is your wedding day. It can be challenging to take in every sight and sound when you spend the entire day in tears. Here are some tips to make your guests cry at your wedding by writing personal vows that refer to past hardships:

Share your story

Begin your vows by sharing how you met, your first impressions of each other, and when you knew you were in love. This will help set the scene and give your guests a glimpse into your unique love story. You can also talk about the things you love about your partner, including their traits, habits, behaviours, and qualities. Be specific and descriptive to show that you know your partner deeply.

Reflect on past hardships

As you share your story, reflect on any past hardships or challenges you have faced together. This could be a difficult period in your relationship, a time when you had to overcome obstacles, or a personal struggle that your partner supported you through. Talk about how these experiences made your bond stronger and reinforced your love for each other. You can also share any funny incidents or hilarious nicknames that came out of these challenging times to add a touch of humour to your vows.

Express gratitude

Use your vows as an opportunity to express your gratitude for having your partner in your life. Thank them for their support, love, and presence in your life. You can also thank them for specific things they have done for you or ways in which they have changed your life for the better. For example, you could say, "Thank you for always being there for me during the tough times. Your love and support have helped me become a stronger person."

Make promises for the future

In addition to reflecting on the past, look towards the future in your vows. Make promises to your partner about how you will continue to support and love them through any challenges that may lie ahead. For example, you could say, "I promise to always be by your side, no matter what life throws our way. I will continue to love, support, and uplift you every day." These promises will not only make your guests cry but will also reinforce the strength of your commitment to each other.

Be authentic and speak from the heart

When writing your vows, it is important to be authentic and speak from the heart. Use your own words and language that feels natural and comfortable to you. Your vows should reflect how you and your partner talk to each other in everyday life. Don't worry about making them sound formal or grammatically correct. The most important thing is that they are sincere and genuine.

Remember to give yourself plenty of time to write your vows and practice reading them aloud before the big day. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable when the time comes to share them with your partner and guests.

Have the groom show lots of emotion

If you want to make your wedding guests cry, the groom playing on their heartstrings is a sure-fire way to do it. Here are some ways to achieve this:

Firstly, the groom's reaction when he first sees his bride is a pivotal moment. The groom's face is often the first thing guests will look at when the bride walks down the aisle. If they see tears of joy and emotion on his face, it will likely trigger their own tears. The groom should feel free to express his emotions and not hold back.

Secondly, the vows are a perfect opportunity for the groom to showcase his feelings. Writing personalised vows and infusing them with heartfelt emotion will undoubtedly stir something in the guests. Recounting the couple's journey, including any hardships overcome, and expressing gratitude and love for his partner will have guests reaching for the tissues. Practising the vows beforehand can help the groom manage his emotions and deliver them with clarity and impact.

Additionally, the groom can carry a token item with him, such as a photograph or a memento, that reminds him of a cherished memory with his partner. If he discreetly glances at it during the ceremony, it may evoke emotions and create a tender moment that guests will surely respond to.

Finally, the groom can engage in some spontaneous displays of affection throughout the ceremony. A loving gesture, like wiping away his bride's tears, holding her hand, or giving her an unexpected kiss, will showcase his emotions and create a heart-warming atmosphere that guests will find difficult to resist.

By embracing and expressing his emotions, the groom can play a pivotal role in creating a touching and tear-jerking wedding ceremony.

Give a speech that will make guests think of their own lives

A wedding speech is a cherished tradition that allows loved ones to express their joy, share meaningful memories, and offer heartfelt wishes to the newlyweds. A well-crafted wedding speech has the power to set the tone for the celebration, bringing laughter, tears, and a sense of unity to the gathering.

Know Your Purpose and Audience

It's important to tailor your speech to the couple and the audience. Are you the best man, the maid of honor, or a parent of the bride/groom? Your role sets the tone. Read the room and be mindful of cultural sensitivities. Avoid inside jokes that only a few people will understand, and steer clear of stories that might embarrass the couple or offend the guests.

Structure Your Speech

Think of your speech like a sandwich: start with a tasty introduction to grab attention, fill the middle with juicy stories and heartfelt moments, and conclude with a satisfying ending that leaves everyone feeling warm and fuzzy. Aim for a length of 3-5 minutes to hold the audience's attention.

Share Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Include personal anecdotes and specific memories that showcase the couple's unique love story. Talk about how they met, the first time you noticed their connection, and the ways they support and bring out the best in each other. Share stories that highlight the couple's positive qualities, such as loyalty, compassion, and thoughtfulness.

Make it Relatable

Share stories and themes that guests can relate to and that reflect on the beauty of love, marriage, and long-lasting relationships. Talk about the couple's ability to compromise, prioritize each other, and put each other first. These are universal themes that guests can reflect on in their own lives and relationships.

Express Gratitude and Well-Wishes

Express your gratitude for being part of the special day, and wish the couple a happy and fulfilling life together. Thank the couple's families, the wedding party, and the guests for their attendance and contributions to the celebration.

Speak from the Heart

Don't be afraid to show emotion. Share your sincere thoughts and feelings about the couple and what their relationship means to you. Your authenticity and vulnerability will touch the guests and make your speech memorable.

"Hello everyone, my name is [Name], and I am the [Relationship to the Couple], I'm sure many of you know me as [Nickname or Fun Fact]. Today, we celebrate the union of [Couple's Names], and it's an honor to stand here and share my thoughts and wishes for them.

I've known [Bride/Groom] since we were kids, and I can still remember the first time they told me about [Partner]. I saw a spark in their eyes that I had never seen before, and I knew this was something special.

[Partner], from the moment you came into [Bride/Groom]'s life, everything changed for the better. You bring out the best in each other. [Bride/Groom] has always been a generous and caring person, but with you by their side, their compassion and thoughtfulness have grown even more.

I want to share a quick story that really showcases the kind of people they are. [Share a heartfelt or funny story that reflects their positive qualities].

[Bride/Groom] and [Partner], your love and commitment to each other inspire all of us. You embody the beauty of love, compromise, and mutual support. May your lives together be filled with joy, laughter, and endless adventures.

To the happy couple, cheers!"

Remember to speak from the heart, be authentic, and focus on the unique qualities and stories that reflect the couple's relationship. Your speech is sure to touch the guests and leave a lasting impression.

Play music with sentimental value during the father-daughter or mother-son dance

Music has the power to evoke strong emotions, and playing sentimental songs during the father-daughter or mother-son dance at your wedding is a surefire way to tug at your guests' heartstrings. Here are some tips to help you craft a tear-jerking playlist for this special moment:

Choose Songs with Meaningful Lyrics

Select songs with lyrics that speak to the love and bond between a parent and child. Songs like "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts, "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw, "I Loved Her First" by Heartland, and "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle capture the joy, pride, and bittersweet emotions of seeing a child all grown up. These types of lyrics will resonate with parents and children alike, evoking memories and feelings that may bring tears to their eyes.

Opt for Nostalgic Tunes

Consider choosing songs that hold personal significance for you and your parent. Perhaps there's a song that was played frequently during your childhood or one that reminds you of a special memory you shared. Including these nostalgic tunes will not only make the dance more meaningful for the two of you but also give your guests a glimpse into your unique relationship.

Evoke Emotions with Slow Ballads

While upbeat songs can be fun, slow and sentimental ballads are more likely to evoke emotions and encourage tears. Opt for songs with emotional melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Songs like "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong, "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole, "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion, and "When You Need Me" by Bruce Springsteen are sure to create a tearful atmosphere.

Include Personal Favourites

In addition to widely popular songs, consider including some of your parent's favourite tunes, especially if they hold sentimental value for them. It could be a song that reminds them of their own childhood, a song that has helped them through difficult times, or simply a song that always makes them feel emotional. Involving your parent in the selection process can also make the dance even more meaningful for them.

Create a Mix of Old and New

A mix of classic and modern songs can cater to a diverse range of guests' musical preferences. While older guests might appreciate traditional ballads, younger guests may connect more with contemporary songs. By including a variety, you can ensure that the dance moment resonates with a broader range of ages, increasing the likelihood of happy tears all around.

Remember, when selecting songs, it's essential to choose ones that hold personal significance and speak to the unique relationship between a parent and child. While some guests may shed tears during the dance regardless of the music, a well-chosen playlist will enhance the emotion of the moment, creating a memorable and touching experience for everyone.

Frequently asked questions