Wedding speeches, also known as toasts, are an integral part of any wedding celebration. They add a personal and emotional touch to the festivities and allow the bride and groom’s loved ones to express their joy and love towards the couple. However, when it comes to the timing of wedding speeches, there are often questions. One of the most popular questions is: are wedding speeches before or after dessert? In this blog post, we will explore the answer to this question and discuss the best timing for wedding speeches.
Traditionally, Speeches Are Given After Dinner
In most wedding traditions, speeches are given after dinner, and before dessert. This is because it’s essential to give guests time to enjoy their meal without any interruptions. After dessert, people tend to get up and mingle, and it becomes more challenging to keep everyone’s attention. Therefore, the speeches are usually given towards the end of the main meal, after everyone has had a chance to relax and enjoy the company at the table.
Why You Should Have Speeches Before Dessert
While it’s traditional to have speeches after dinner, there are some advantages to having them before the dessert course. Firstly, speeches before dessert allow for a smoother transition to the dance floor and other post-dinner activities. This is especially true if the wedding program is running late, and there isn’t much time left. Instead of rushing through speeches and delaying dessert, this order allows guests to enjoy their meal, speeches, and then enjoy dancing and other activities without feeling rushed.
Secondly, speeches before dessert give time for digestion. After having a big meal, it’s often challenging to focus on a lengthy speech. However, having speeches before dessert gives guests time to digest their food and creates a much better listening environment for the speaker. Besides, it also helps prevent any digestive distaste some guests might feel after sticking around for speeches, only to have dessert served afterward.
Lastly, speeches before dessert also make it easy to capture those once-in-a-lifetime shots. Photographers and videographers can capture guests toasting while they still have food on their plates, giving an authentic look to the photos and videos.
Factors to Consider
While there are advantages to having speeches before dessert, it’s essential to consider your specific wedding schedule, the number of speeches, and your guests. If you only have a few speeches and your wedding schedule is running smoothly, it’s perfectly fine to have them after dinner. However, if you have multiple speeches and are pressed for time, you might want to consider moving the speeches before dessert.
It’s also helpful to consider your guest list. Are there elderly guests who might prefer an earlier night? Or are there partygoers who want to dance the night away? Always keep in mind the needs and preferences of your guests, and tailor your schedule accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the timing of wedding speeches depends on several factors. While it’s traditional to have speeches after dinner and before dessert, there are advantages to having speeches before dessert. Before making a decision, it’s crucial to consider the wedding schedule, the number of speeches, and the needs and preferences of your guests. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your wedding speeches are well-received and enjoyed by all.
FAQ
Do speeches come before or after cake?
The timing of speeches and cake-cutting during a wedding reception can vary depending on the couple’s preferences and the schedule of events. Traditionally, speeches or toasts are given to honor the couple and their families and can be delivered by guests, members of the wedding party, or the couple themselves. The speeches may include memories, advice, humor, or heartfelt sentiments.
As for whether speeches come before or after the cake, it is important to consider the timing of events. At many weddings, the cake-cutting is one of the highlights of the reception and is often done as a photo opportunity. The couple can choose to have the cake-cutting before or after speeches. However, it is common for the cake-cutting to be done after the main meal or during dessert.
In terms of speeches, it is typical for them to be given during the Wedding Breakfast (also known as the wedding reception meal), which usually takes place after the ceremony. The speeches can be given by the father of the bride, the groom, the best man, and the maid of honor. The speeches may include thanking the guests, expressing appreciation to the families, and offering words of wisdom to the newlyweds.
If the couple is having an evening wedding reception or party, the speeches can still be given during a meal, although the timing may be adjusted accordingly. Alternatively, toasts can be given before the first dance, which usually kicks off the evening party.
The timing of speeches and cake-cutting is up to the couple’s discretion and should be planned according to their preferences. Some couples may choose to have speeches during the evening party or decide to have the cake-cutting ceremony before the main meal. The important thing is to make sure that both events are given the proper time and attention to ensure that the reception runs smoothly and is memorable for all.
Do toasts happen before dinner wedding?
The timing of toasts typically varies depending on the wedding style and the preferences of the bride and groom. However, traditionally, toasts are given after dinner during the reception. This is because during a sit-down dinner, it is considered polite to let your guests enjoy their meal without interruptions.
It is also worth noting that the order of events during a wedding reception may be slightly different depending on the cultural norms of the couple and their families. For instance, in some cultures, toasts may occur before dinner to welcome and honor guests. However, the most common practice in Western cultures is to have the toasts after dinner.
In addition to providing a better environment for toasts, holding them after dinner can also ensure that more guests are present to witness them. If the toasts were held before dinner, some guests may not have arrived yet or may be preoccupied with their hunger and may not be fully engaged during the speeches.
The decision of when to hold the toasts is up to the couple. They should consider their wedding style, the preferences of their guests and family members, and any cultural traditions that they want to incorporate into their wedding celebration. Proper planning and communication with all parties involved can ensure that the toasts occur at the most appropriate time and are well-received by all attendees.
What is the correct order for a speech?
Giving a speech can be a daunting task for many people, but organizing your thoughts into a clear and concise structure can make the process much easier. The correct order for a speech typically consists of three main parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion.
The introduction is the first impression your audience will have of you and your speech. It is important to grab their attention and set the tone for the rest of your presentation. In your introduction, you should greet your audience, state your topic, and include a brief overview of what you will be discussing. You can also include an attention-grabbing statement, a quote, or even a joke to engage your audience and make them want to listen further.
After the introduction comes the body of your speech. This is where you will dive into your topic and provide your audience with the information or persuasive points you want to convey. It is essential that your body is well-structured and logically organized. One way to do this is by using the “three-point” method. This means that you should have three main ideas or points to support your topic and each point should be presented in its own paragraph. To make your speech more engaging, you can include stories, examples, anecdotes, or even visual aids to support your main points.
Finally, the conclusion of your speech is critical. It is your chance to leave a lasting impression on your audience and ensure that your message is received and retained. A good way to conclude your speech is to summarize your main points and reinforce your thesis. You can also include a call-to-action or a thought-provoking question to inspire your audience to take action or continue thinking about your topic.
The correct order for a speech consists of three main parts: the introduction, body, and conclusion. By organizing your thoughts and ideas into this structure, you can deliver a clear and concise speech that engages your audience and leaves a lasting impact.
