How to Make Your Wedding Reception’s Talks and Toasts Sparkle

You might be asking yourself, “what motivates a professional speaker to write some tips on speeches and toasts at wedding receptions?” I guess it’s the result of attending a few too many weddings I felt could use some help in this department.

Wedding receptions are a wonderful part of our lives. They allow us to come together with friends to celebrate new beginnings. When I was younger, I went to the weddings of close friends. Now, it’s the weddings of our dear friends’ children! For the most part, these occasions are rich and enjoyable, but the receptions often give rise to some unnecessary frustration and tension.

I’m positive that you, like me, have sat through receptions that made you say, enough is enough. The speeches went on forever. And they pained you to hear.

I, like you, sat and listened to “Uncle Joe” (who was half in the bag) going on and on at the microphone for a seeming eternity. And I’ve heard jock groomsmen ramble on for 10 minutes using nothing but sports metaphors to describe their relationship with the groom. Worse yet, their speech often focused on how much they drank … and even how many times they watched each other throw up after a night of partying.

Other lowlights: listening to the emcee of the evening deliver a less-than-successful stand-up comedy routine. Or the brother of the bride who insulted his mother in front of the whole crowd, thinking it was all in fun. (Mom didn’t think so.)

How to Make Sure Your Reception’s Both Fun and Classy

The bride and groom should put serious thought into who they ask to emcee their reception, and who they want to speak.

Clearly outline your MC’s duties so they have guidelines to work from.

Establish the order of your speakers, and the length of time you want them to speak. Go over this with them before the reception!

How many toasts do you want, and who do you want to handle them? Select someone who’s at least semi-articulate.

Are you planning to invite other guests to come up and say a few words? — Personally, I suggest you don’t. This can stretch out an already long dinner, and it’s risky. Many of your guests have had drinks before and during the meal. And for some, this transforms them into Robin Williams — though only in their own minds, sadly.

Remember: “The mind can absorb what the rump can endure.” Usually our rumps have endured a lot by the time the speeches and toasts wind up.

Just pay attention to these few details, though, and you’ll find it’s not too hard to have your speeches and toasts go over a treat.

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