Lyla Dejesus
Wedding speeches are a key part of the reception, offering guests an insight into the couple and their relationship. But when is the best time for them to take place? There are three options: before the meal, after the meal, or in between courses. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, speeches before the meal allow the speakers to relax and enjoy the wedding breakfast, but there is a risk that the speeches will run on too long and ruin the meal. On the other hand, speeches after the meal can create a more relaxed flow to the day, but guests may be too busy thinking about when the food will be served to pay attention to the speeches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pros of speeches before dinner | Speakers can relax and enjoy the wedding breakfast, have a drink and get into the proceedings of the wedding |
| Speakers may be nervous and hungry | |
| Can act as an icebreaker | |
| Cons of speeches before dinner | May ruin the quality of the food |
| Guests may be too busy thinking about when the food will come out | |
| May be too long for guests who just want to eat and talk to each other | |
| Pros of speeches after dinner | Guests are more relaxed, happy to sit back and listen to the speeches on a full stomach |
| Speakers have plenty of time to enjoy the reception once they're done | |
| Cons of speeches after dinner | Speakers may not enjoy their meal |
| May be too long for guests who are already full and just want to dance |
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What You'll Learn
Before dinner: Speakers can relax and enjoy the meal
There are various opinions on whether wedding speeches should be done before or after dinner. One advantage of holding the speeches before dinner is that the speakers can relax and enjoy their meal without the burden of an upcoming speech hanging over them.
A wedding planner suggests that having the speeches before dinner relaxes all involved and reduces the chance of drunken speeches. They also point out that leaving a speech until after dinner could mean it hangs over the speaker for the whole meal. Another planner agrees that nervous speakers should go first so that they can relax and enjoy the wedding breakfast and get into the proceedings of the wedding.
One couple chose to have their speeches before dinner because the photographer's contract stated they would not shoot photos during dinner. Another couple had their speeches during the salad course, with speakers eating either before or after they had spoken.
However, some people argue that having the speeches before dinner can ruin the meal, as guests are hungry and may be more interested in eating than listening to speeches. One wedding supplier points out that photographers, planners, and videographers often use the wedding breakfast as their only chance for a break, which isn't possible if the speeches are split up.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments for both options, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference, and the couple should do what feels right for their special day.
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After dinner: Guests are more receptive and relaxed
There are several advantages to having wedding speeches after dinner. Firstly, guests are more likely to be relaxed after they have eaten, especially if they have travelled a long distance to attend the wedding. This means they will be more receptive to the speeches and happy to sit back and listen.
Having speeches after dinner also ensures that the quality of the food is not affected. If speeches are given before or during the meal, there is a risk that they will run over, causing the food to get cold or delaying its service. This can ruin the meal for guests who are hungry and eager to eat.
Additionally, giving speeches after dinner allows nervous speakers to relax and enjoy their meal beforehand. They can also use the time to gather their thoughts and prepare for their speech. This approach may result in more effective speeches and a better overall experience for the speakers.
Some people prefer to split the speeches, having one or two before the meal and the rest after dessert. This can be a good way to break up the speeches and provide a talking point for guests during the meal. However, it can be challenging from a logistical standpoint, particularly for caterers who need to coordinate the timing of food service.
Ultimately, the decision of when to have wedding speeches is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer. However, considering the advantages of having speeches after dinner, this approach may result in a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for both guests and speakers.
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During dinner: Can be a talking point for guests
Wedding speeches are a key part of a wedding reception. They give guests an insight into the couple and their relationship and are a chance for the hosts and the couple to thank everyone for attending.
Some people suggest that having speeches during dinner can provide a great talking point for guests as they progress through the meal and can help to break the ice. This approach can also give nervous speakers the chance to relax and enjoy the wedding breakfast, have a drink, and get into the proceedings of the wedding.
However, there are some drawbacks to this approach. Speeches during dinner can interrupt the natural flow of the meal and may be frustrating for guests who just want to eat and talk to each other. It can also be challenging for caterers to get the timing right, especially if the speeches go on longer than expected, which can ruin the meal. Additionally, it can impact the only break that some wedding suppliers, like photographers and videographers, get to have during the long day.
Ultimately, the decision of when to have wedding speeches is a personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some couples may choose to have all the speeches before or after the meal, while others may opt to split them up, with some before and some after, or even between courses.
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Before and after: Break up the speeches and relax speakers
There are various opinions on whether wedding speeches should be done before or after dinner. Some people suggest having them before dinner so that the speakers can relax and enjoy the wedding breakfast, have a drink, and get into the proceedings of the wedding. This option is also preferred by nervous speakers, as they can relax and enjoy their meal after the speech is done.
On the other hand, having the speeches after dinner is the more traditional approach, rounding off the meal and giving guests something to look forward to. Guests are also more relaxed after they have eaten, and this option ensures that the quality of the food is as expected. Additionally, having speeches before dinner might affect the quality of the food and guests are usually hungry by this time.
A third option is to split the speeches, having some before and some after dinner, which can help to relax nervous speakers and break up the speeches. However, this option can be a logistical nightmare for caterers and may disrupt the natural flow of the speeches for videographers. It can also be frustrating for guests, who may want to get on with eating and socializing.
Ultimately, the decision of when to have wedding speeches is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer. It is important to consider the preferences of the speakers and guests, as well as the potential impact on the catering and photography teams.
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Logistics: Consider photographers, caterers, and videographers
When deciding on the timing of wedding speeches, it is important to consider the logistics, especially when it comes to photographers, caterers, and videographers. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Photographers and Videographers:
- Wedding photographers and videographers need to work together seamlessly to capture the best angles and moments. It is essential to ensure that they can coordinate effectively and share shots.
- Discuss any special requests or unique ideas for the wedding video with your photographers and videographers. This ensures they do not miss anything important and can capture the moments that matter to you.
- Ask about their experience with your venue. While not a deal-breaker, a videographer familiar with the venue may be more confident and able to suggest the best spots for filming.
- Inquire about their process for capturing audio of the speeches. Clear audio is essential for reliving those special moments.
- Understand their turnaround time for delivering the final photos and videos. This can range from a few weeks to a year, so be sure to set clear expectations.
- Discuss the editing style and any music preferences for the final video. Some videographers may allow you to choose the music, while others prefer to select it themselves.
Caterers:
- Consult with your caterers to determine the best timing for the speeches. They can provide valuable insight into how the speeches may impact the flow of the meal and the timing of food service.
- Consider the potential impact on the quality of the food if the speeches are delivered before the meal. Hungry guests may be more focused on the food than the speeches, and long speeches could affect the timing of the meal.
- If you decide to have the speeches before the meal, keep in mind that it may be a long day for your guests, and they may be eager for the food to be served.
Ultimately, the decision on the timing of the wedding speeches is a personal choice, but considering the logistics and input from your photographers, videographers, and caterers can help ensure a smooth and memorable experience for all.
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Frequently asked questions
Doing speeches before dinner means that speakers can get them out of the way and then relax and enjoy the wedding breakfast. It also gives nervous speakers a chance to calm their nerves.
Guests are often hungry at the start of the wedding breakfast and may be more focused on food than speeches. Doing speeches after dinner ensures guests are relaxed and receptive and creates a more relaxed flow to the day.
Doing speeches between courses can provide a great talking point as guests progress through the meal and help break the ice. It also means the first speech can be done early on.
It can be a logistical nightmare for caterers and photographers. It can also be frustrating for guests, who may feel interrupted and wish they could just get on with eating and talking to each other.
