Hello Brides and Grooms!  Let’s dive into one of the true highlights of any wedding reception… the toasts!  This can often be one of the most joyous, endearing, and humorous moments of your special day.  However, we often find that our couples have a lot of questions when it comes to reception speeches, and rightfully so!  If not planned for properly, toasts can be painfully long and potentially awkward.  But don’t worry, we are here to help!

 

  • Who should toast?  This should never be Open Mic Night!  Generally, you will find that the Best Man and Maid/Matron Of Honor are perfect for this moment.  They likely know the Bride and/or Groom better than anybody, and can share special stories that paint a portrait of their lives and personalities for your guests.  Next would be the Parents, who can add loving childhood memories and insights, as well as struggles and triumphs.  That being said, there is no obligation or expectation for any of the above people to speak.  If your best friend, mom, or dad doesn’t feel comfortable with a mic in front of people, that’s OK!

 

  • How long should a speech go?  A good rule of thumb is about three to five minutes.  You can certainly make it shorter, and possibly longer if there are only a couple of speakers (or if Dad is just a great storyteller!).  Just remember, toasts (and often cake-cutting) are the last things before the dance floor party begins.  Let’s not keep them waiting too long!

 

  • Notes are your friend!  It’s easy for anybody to lose their train of thought or concept of time when standing in the spotlight.  But just reading a speech can lack passion and emotion.  Plan your speech with some simple bullet points in written form and just elaborate on each one… it will help you tremendously to keep on track!

 

  • Cater to the crowd.  If you have a wedding reception with young children’s impressionable minds (and ears), maybe a “Friars Club Roast” of the Groom by the Best Man isn’t a good idea!  Also, trying to incorporate both the Bride and Groom into your speech will win both families over.

 

Now that your “toastmasters” are ready to go, you only need an experienced DJ to help facilitate the moment.  At your planning session, SE Events will ask all the right questions to make sure your DJ is prepared.  Is champagne being served?  If so, the DJ will know to coordinate with catering or venue staff to insure that it is passed out prior to announcing the toasts.  Or is it a drink-in-hand toast?  Your DJ will make an announcement like “Ladies and gentlemen, toasts will begin in about 10 minutes; this would be the perfect time for you to make your way to the bar for a drink so you don’t miss out!”.

Then we will lay out exactly who will be speaking and in what order.  The DJ will make sure that everybody who is toasting is present and ready to go before starting, and will announce each speaker and make sure that the transition between them runs smoothly.

Let us help make your wedding reception and all its moments as perfect as you imagine.  REQUEST A QUOTE FOR YOUR UPCOMING WEDDING.