Why speeches before your meal can be a game changer!

Hey lovelies! Let’s chat about something that’s been gaining traction—speeches before the meal. I know it’s not the traditional route, but more couples are choosing this option, and honestly, it makes so much sense. Here’s why…

1. Timing During Drinks

After your ceremony, when guests are mingling with drinks in hand and that post-“I do” glow, it’s the perfect time to dive into the speeches. The atmosphere is still buzzing, and the energy is high. Whether outside or in, the setup with everyone gathered around feels intimate and relaxed. Plus, it’s lovely for your photographer to capture all those genuine reactions while everyone’s attention is still fresh.

2. Relief for the Speakers

Getting the speeches out of the way before the meal means your speakers can breathe easy. Let’s face it, not everyone loves public speaking, and having the speeches done early means no one has to sit through dinner stressing about their speech. Once the speeches are over, everyone can relax and really enjoy their meal, rather than poking at their plate out of nerves.

3. Avoid the Post-Meal Slump

After a delicious meal (and a few glasses of wine!), your guests are likely feeling pretty “food-stoned.” The energy dips, people settle into their chairs, and it’s a lot harder to keep everyone’s attention. By having speeches before the meal, the focus remains sharp and you avoid the dreaded post-dinner drowsiness. Plus, you can jump straight into the fun and festivities, keeping the momentum up with music and dancing rather than long speeches.

4. Avoid the Catering Chaos

When speeches happen between courses, things can get messy. Caterers are bustling around, putting plates down, clearing dishes, and trying to keep everything running smoothly while someone’s speaking. It’s distracting for guests, stressful for staff, and takes away from the impact of the speeches themselves. Not to mention, it can throw off the kitchen’s perfectly timed meal service. By having speeches before the meal, everything runs more seamlessly – the food stays on point, and there are no interruptions with servers moving around while someone’s delivering heartfelt words. Keeping speeches separate from dinner lets the kitchen and the speeches both shine.

5. Keeping it Short and Sweet

Let’s be real—when speeches come before dinner, there’s a natural tendency to keep things on time. No one wants to be “that person” who waffles on when the room is waiting to eat! It helps ensure the speeches stay meaningful, but concise, without losing any of the heart.

All in all, opting for speeches before the meal can really elevate the flow of your day. It keeps the energy high, the nerves low, and ensures that your celebration runs smoothly and stress-free. Plus, I’ll be there, ready to capture every smile, tear, and laugh along the way.

Louise x