Timing for Speeches

View quoted message How did that timing work out for you? We have 120 on our guest list but will probably have closer to 100/110, I was planning on 30 minutes into dinner but should I change it to 45 minutes?

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No! That we don't have to worry about, buffet tables will be in the foyer where the cocktail hour, just outside the main doors to the reception area!

We're going to be playing a slideshow of pictures of us (from childhood to present) while the guests are grabbing their food (we're also doing a buffet style). We'll be doing speeches near the end of dinner, as most people will be finishing up.

Something to note, if your caterers are taking your buffet tables away for your dance floor, you won't want that done during speeches!

Personally, I would avoid having the speeches while people are getting their food, once people are seating, eating, I think would be a good time to continue speeches!

I'm not having a buffet but I'm thinking of having speeches throughout plated dinner (i.e. in between courses) however, I know guests also like having dinner time to talk amongst themselves but I think it would be nice to break up the speeches instead of all at once too!

View quoted message That's not a bad idea too!!! Oooo I'll think that one over with him thank you!

I really like the idea of having a couple of speeches after your first dance.

If you are worried about keeping your guests entertained while getting their food, then why not have small games, like trivia. After each round (2-3 questions), the MC would call for a table to get their food.

Once everyone is seated with their meals, you could start the rest of the speeches.

View quoted message Yeah that's fair! I'm just worried about nothing happening while people are getting food too... so I thought throwing 1 speech in that time would be good and then the quickie one from us! Thanks for the timing! I've been seeing different times everywhere

View quoted message I'm more concerned about people in line missing the speeches.... the buffet is just outside the reception hall, the doors in between will be open but yeah I'll make sure the mic is good and loud Haha!

I was told while making my timeline you can start speeches while everyone is eating, but give them quite awhile to get their food and sit down if you're doing a buffet. I have 118 guests and I was told to leave a full 45 mins at least before starting speeches. So you will want to wait longer possibly. It will take the last few tables awhile to get their food and sit down again.

Speeches during the dinner time should be avoided since everyone will be hungry and want to eat peacefully. For the most part, have the speech time for the wedding party to 2 minutes each and more time for the parents and yourselves. Before the dinner is served is the best time for the wedding party to make their speeches and after the dinner, both parents and you both speak to finish the speeches. Then the dancing can start and all the guests can party with you.

I think it’s a good idea to take a break from speeches while people are getting dinner. People likely won’t be paying attention to the speeches if they’re lining up for food and that’s not fair to the speaker(s).

id start speeches either after everyone has finished eating, or once they’ve settled into their meal.

I agree with Leah! Having someone talking while people are getting food could be a ton of noise happening all at once.

I like the idea of doing a couple speeches before the meal. But you can also have the bridesmaid speech during dinner once majority of people have sat down to eat. Then you and your FH can do your thank you etc, when everyone is almost done eating, or during dessert.

I like your idea of having spreading out the speeches!

Just make sure mosts guests are sitting so as not to create too much noise from being in line at the buffet.