Speeches

Traditionally they are after the meal. It also depends on your timings. Our meal is starting at 4pm and our ceremony is at 12, (there is an hour drive between venues) we will do the meal first as people will be hungry and then they can relax after food and listen to the speeches. I feel that having them after the meal gives you time to over run and people will be more relaxed as they are fed, and it fills the gap between the meal and turning around for the evening. Speak to your venue and see if they can accommodate it first if you want, but for them it could cause timing issues getting food ready if your speeches over run or run short as you will have a gap before food arrives so could be awkward silences.

Recently many of the weddings I’ve been to have spread them through the meal, so having one or two between each course. I personally prefer this, as a guest you’ve at least been fed and watered somewhat and not half thinking about when your food is coming. I would have preferred this too when I gave my best woman speech that was after the meal - great for the rest of the guests, but I spent most of the meal a nervous wreck and couldn’t face eating a thing!

We are having ours before the meal. Our ceremony is at 2.30pm, we have canapés at the venue from 4pm, speeches at 5.15pm and then cutting the cake before we sit down to eat. This way, my dad and partner can enjoy their meals without being super nervous!

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That's why I thought of doing them beforehand so that people aren't worried about their speech and can actually enjoy their meal

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I figured that, as long as people aren’t starving, it would be fine. The canapés will help stave off hunger Andy, if anyone isn’t getting really hangry, their place settings include a smallish chocolate bar they can eat! Plus the alcohol, I think we will be okay 😊

We had ours before the meal as groom, fob and best man were all nervous. We had ceremony at 1pm, canapes & drinks whilst photos were being done 2-3.30, speeches around 3.40 and meal served at 4pm. It worked really well :-)

Background music playing quietly would have covered any gaps, not that I think there were any really as everyone would have been chatting also between speeches and food being served.

We are doing ours after because we thought guests might listen more rather than wishing the time away wondering what and when they will be eating! It also brings a clear "end" to the sit down meal part so guests know they are free to move around etc once they are done.