Grooms in Cornwall and Devon

---

Wedding Speeches

---

Timing is everything - and, as a key element of your wedding day, working out when to schedule the speeches is crucial to hitting the right notes

---

---

Timing is everything - and, as a key element of your wedding day, working out when to schedule the speeches is crucial to hitting the right notes

From start to finish, a traditional wedding day might last 12 hours, but ask any groom what the most nerve-wracking part of the day is, and they'll all answer the same way. Not the bride's entrance, not the vows, not the first dance...
The speeches. It's always the speeches.


For men, it is the speeches. Attempting to project their voice to potentially 100+ people. Looking nervous, and probably sweating heavily.  


Before
Of course, most will prefer this option, and wedding planner Jenny Granlund of Jenny Wren Weddings and Events (jennywrenweddingsandevents.co.uk) leans this way when advising her clients.

"I am often asked this question, and usually advise that couples plan to do speeches at the start of the meal, for a couple of reasons. Think of the speech-makers. Will they get nervous? If so, they might be so full of butterflies they don't enjoy their meal properly... or they drink too much to try and steady the nerves! Scheduling first allows them all to relax and enjoy the rest of the day."


After
Wedding planner Tracy Edwards of Blue Fizz Events (bluefizzevents.co.uk) has a slightly different take. "Traditionally, speeches have always been at the end of the meal. Guests look forward it, and a free-flowing handover between the speakers adds a sense of occasion. Plus, by this point everybody is completely relaxed (and fed and watered!), so ready for full interaction!"

For venues and kitchens, this can be the preferred timeslot. With the food all served, it won't matter to them nearly as much if timings run over, and they can quietly clean up (or serve coffee) while the speeches are underway.

During
A relatively modern option! Both Jenny and Tracy agree that this can work well, but liaising with the kitchen will be key!

"This ticks all the boxes as it breaks up the food element very naturally and allows for early speakers to relax," says Tracy. "The critical element is to keep speech times exact, and have clear communication with the venue staff. It can cause a strain with the kitchen and impact food if speeches run on too long."

As well as problems with the kitchen, Jenny also highlights some things to consider in terms of guest concentration (and attendance!).


Top tips for smooth speeches...
1.    Be sure to talk to the speakers - what would they prefer to do? If they're really nervous, go for before, or during. But if they don't seem hugely bothered, just go with what works best for your day.
2.    However, don't be led completely by what they say. Speeches are nerve-wracking no matter how you plan it, so you need to make sure the day works for you (and your venue and suppliers) as well. You have other guests who will be mighty hangry if the speeches are beforehand, and go on forever!
3.    Consider a Master of Ceremonies (MC) to help gather everyone and command focus. Toastmasters can be a colourful addition to the day, or ask another guest to do it - it's a great way of giving someone a key role if they didn't quite qualify as best man!
4.    Don't schedule your ceremony too early. The whole day hangs on this single piece of timing - although it will fly by for you, an 11.30am ceremony means a long day of small talk for your guests! By planning a slightly later start time, you'll have a much more relaxing morning getting ready, and your guests should be able to eat lunch beforehand, meaning they'll be far less food-focused for the rest of the day!