Expressing Gratitude To Your Wedding Planner: Speech Etiquette

Wedding planning is a stressful affair, and wedding planners work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the day is perfect for the newlyweds. So, it is only natural that the happy couple would want to thank their wedding planner in their wedding speech. But how do you go about it? Do you need to give a detailed shout-out, or is a simple thank you enough? This article will explore the different ways to express gratitude to your wedding planner and offer tips on how to navigate this aspect of your wedding speech.

When to thank your wedding planner

Your wedding planner has likely been with you every step of the way, from the initial planning stages to the execution of your dream wedding. It is only natural that you would want to express your gratitude and thank them for their hard work and dedication. But when is the best time to do this?

Firstly, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The timing of your thanks may depend on various factors, such as your personal preference, the flow of your wedding day, and the level of involvement of your wedding planner. However, here are some common scenarios to consider:

• During the Wedding Reception: This is a traditional time for the newlyweds to give a thank-you speech, usually before or after dinner. It is an opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to your special day, including your wedding planner. Keep your speech concise, aiming for 5-6 minutes, and express your appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
• At the Rehearsal Dinner: If you are giving a longer toast at the rehearsal dinner, you can also use this opportunity to thank your wedding planner. This is especially meaningful if they have been heavily involved in the planning process and have become a trusted partner.
• In a Personal Conversation: If you want to express your gratitude in a more private and intimate way, you can seek out your wedding planner during the wedding day and have a heartfelt conversation. This could be while you are getting ready, on your way to the ceremony, or after you've changed into your reception attire.
• Before the Wedding: Sending a handwritten thank-you note or a gift before the wedding is a wonderful way to surprise and delight your wedding planner. It shows that you appreciate their efforts leading up to the big day and builds a stronger rapport.
• After the Wedding: A timely thank-you note or gift shortly after the wedding is also appropriate. This allows you to reflect on specific highlights and express your appreciation while the memories are still fresh.
• Online Praise: Sharing your positive experience and recommending your wedding planner on social media or online forums is another meaningful way to show your gratitude. It not only recognises their work but also helps to promote their business and connect them with potential new clients.

Remember, there is no wrong way to thank your wedding planner, as long as your message is genuine and comes from the heart. They will surely appreciate your thoughtfulness and the time you took to acknowledge their contribution to your special day.

How to thank your wedding planner

There are many ways to thank your wedding planner, and it's important to do so as they work tirelessly to ensure your day is perfect. Here are some ideas on how to thank your wedding planner:

Before the Wedding

You can send a thank-you note to your wedding planner before the big day. Planning a wedding can be a thankless job, so taking the time to express your gratitude will go a long way. In your note, you can mention how their dedication, expertise, and thoughtfulness have made you feel and how they have brought your vision to life. You can also mention how much you appreciate their calming presence and how they have made your wedding planning journey stress-free.

During the Wedding

You can choose to give a speech during your wedding reception to thank your wedding planner. This can be done before or after dinner, at the rehearsal dinner, or as the reception begins to wind down. If you're nervous about public speaking, you can follow a simple structure:

• Introduction: Welcome your guests and thank them for attending.
• Describe the Moment: Share what it means to you to have everyone present and how their support has helped you.
• Mention Specific People: Give a dedicated mention to your wedding planner and share how they have helped you.
• Detail a Wish for Your Guests: Insert some humour and levity by wishing your guests a wonderful time for the rest of the wedding.
• Conclusion: Conclude by thanking your guests again and wishing them a wonderful time.

Keep your speech short and sweet, lasting around 2-5 minutes. If you're nervous, you can practice beforehand, maintain eye contact, and speak informally to make it sound more authentic.

After the Wedding

After the wedding, you can send a more detailed thank-you note to your wedding planner, reflecting on specific highlights and their incredible dedication. You can also give them a gift, such as a personal item they mentioned or a wedding keepsake. Another thoughtful idea is to refer your wedding planner to your friends who are getting married, as referrals are a great compliment. Finally, you can share their work on social media by giving them a shout-out and following, liking, and commenting on their posts.

What to include in your speech

• A joke or a short story to lighten the mood.
• A welcome and thank you to your guests for attending.
• A description of what the moment means to you and your partner.
• A mention of specific people, such as those who helped to finance or plan the wedding.
• A wish for your guests to enjoy the rest of the wedding, perhaps mentioning any upcoming highlights.
• A thank you to your partner.
• Instructions for what's coming next, such as the first dance or dinner.
• A toast to your guests, your new spouse, or your family and friends.

You may also want to thank your wedding planner, your parents, your partner's parents, your maid of honour, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, photographer, DJ, cake artist, florist, and other vendors.

How to structure your speech

The structure of your wedding thank-you speech is important to ensure you don't miss out on anyone or anything. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you craft your speech:

Part 1: Introduction

Welcome your guests and thank them for attending your wedding. This part can be simple and straightforward. You can also acknowledge those who have travelled a long way to be there.

Part 2: Describe What This Moment Means to You

Transition into expressing what it means to you and your partner to have everyone present at your wedding. Talk about the support they have provided and how they have been there for you leading up to the wedding. You can also mention how you have waited a long time for this moment and found someone who gives you unconditional love.

Part 3: Mention Specific People

If there are individuals who deserve a dedicated mention, this is the time to give them credit. This could be people who helped finance the wedding or spent time planning it, such as your wedding planner. You can also mention your parents, your partner's parents, the wedding party, and any other vendors you worked closely with.

Part 4: Detail a Wish for Your Guests

Insert some humour and levity by talking about how you want your guests to enjoy the rest of the wedding. Mention any special arrangements, such as a well-stocked bar or a talented DJ.

Closing:

Keep the ending short and sweet. Simply thank your guests again and wish them a wonderful time. You can also invite them to raise a glass and toast to love, life, your new spouse, or your family and friends.

Remember to keep your speech concise, ideally between 30 seconds to two minutes, as there will likely be other speakers as well. Practise your speech beforehand and maintain eye contact with your guests during the delivery.

How to deliver your speech

• Keep your speech short and sweet. Aim for 5 to 6 minutes if your partner will also be speaking, or 30 seconds to 2 minutes if you're the only one speaking.
• You can choose to speak at the wedding reception before or after dinner, at the rehearsal dinner, or as your reception begins to wind down.
• Start by welcoming your guests and thanking them for attending your wedding.
• Transition into detailing what it means to you to have everyone present for your wedding. Explain what their support means to you and how they've been there for you leading up to your wedding.
• Mention specific people who deserve a dedicated thank you, such as those who helped to finance or plan the wedding.
• Detail a wish for your guests and insert some humour. For example, tell them about the well-stocked bar or talented DJ and encourage them to enjoy the rest of the wedding.
• End your speech by inviting your guests to raise a glass and toast to your new spouse, your family and friends, or love and life.
• If you're nervous about public speaking, practice your speech several times beforehand, avoid making direct eye contact with your guests, and don't try to memorise your speech.

Frequently asked questions