No Speeches

My brother didn't have any speeches at his wedding.
There's really no point stressing all day about something you're so uncomfortable with and not enjoying the day as much, I'd say just leave them out
I haven't seen anything like the pre recorded message but it's a lovely idea, and you'll thank people individually anyway without the stress of speaking in front of everyone. I think you should leave them out and enjoy a stress, worry free day!

Hi, I've been to a couple of weddings where there were no speeches and it was fine. I think the idea of a photo montage and pre-recorded message sounds brilliant. It's not worth having speeches if the nerves are going to ruin the enjoyment of the day. It's such a special day you just want to relax and enjoy it.

Thats a relief!

My mum was like 'you can't not have speeches!!' But its our day, we are known for being a shy quiet couple so I am sure alot of people would not be surprised at no speeches. Plus like you say, it gives us chance to talk to everyone and thank them directly for being there.

They way I think of it is that it's your wedding and you can have, or not have, anything you like!!

Yes my family dont have speeches but they tend to just have a party (kids party style) after the offical bit

I didn't want speeches either but OH vetoed it because he want his brother to do a speech

yep not to mention cringe worthy unfunny jokes (usually sexual or at the brides expense) or horrible groom anecdotes about how much of a whore him and the groomsman was at 17

Hiya. We are not having speeches for same reasons. I dont want anyone feelinv nervous and my h2b is shy. We are just simply thanking ppl for sharing our day :-) x

Im so glad I asked the question now! As I was worrying about it and what people expect etc. but its nice to see so many going down this route!! It does mean that we will both get to enjoy our day without anymore added stress!!

The speeches are usually my favourite part of attending a wedding! The vows are obviously the most important part, but for most weddings are are not personal so I enjoy hearing more personal stories relating to the couple during the speeches.

Though, that being said, if the bridal party is uncomfortable with the idea of speeches, I wouldn't want them to put themselves through the anxiety and I imagine your guests would feel the same.

I think your idea about a pre-recorded message is great! I say go for it!

If we have speeches, they are likely to be impromptu and probably mightily embarrassing! My dad isn't giving me away, my kids are and so he's not giving a speech. We're not having a sit down meal so would have to interrupt the evening entertainment to do them which would not be easy - knowing our friends and their loud, lewd behaviour!!!! I suspect there may be drunken and loud grabbing of the microphone from the DJ at various points - I have warned him!!!!

All of ours are really nervous too but we didn't want to cut them out entirely. We're doing them before dinner so that at least they can enjoy their meals afterwards.

I think it's getting more common to leave out speeches now so I don't see why it should be an issue. I like the photo montage idea.

We aren't having speeches and the reaction from each person I've told has been "Good"! I think a photo monage may be nice, but I don't think you need a recorded message. I think it may draw attention to the fact that you were too shy to do a speech. As has been mentioned, just say to people that you'd much rather thank them individually and in person, they'll like that.