It’s another week of #CoffeeWithCalluna and we’re so excited to share a few more tips and tricks. Each week we’ll answer questions we receive from our readers. Send your questions about weddings, planning, style, or anything really and we’ll answer them!
XO, Calluna
- Who traditionally gives the wedding toasts, and do you have any tips on how to make the speeches run smoothly?
The Welcome
This is a great question! Traditionally the host of the wedding would open with a welcome toast. Often this would be the brides parents or father, but all depends on how the couple wants to do it! If this grooms parents are equally contributing, all of the parents could come together and do a welcome toast. Some couples choose to leave this toast out, but we think its a great way to start the evening off! We suggest keeping this one short and sweet, and using it as an opportunity to thank guests for coming out.
Dinner Toasts
Traditionally the maid of honor and the best man give the speeches during dinner, after all of the guests have their entrees. It is important to communicate with the venue and their staff to let them know if you want service to continue or halt during the speeches. We also suggest giving your speech givers a time limit, three to five minutes is ideal to keep your wedding flowing smoothly.
The Newlywed Toast
Of course this is optional, but we always think its nice when a couple does a quick toast to all of their guests. You can do this right after the cake cutting or after your maid of honor and best man speeches!
Tips & Tricks
-We suggest having no more than four speeches, and giving plenty of advance notice to the people that you want to speak. You want them to feel prepared and comfortable!
-Let everyone know when exactly they will be giving their speeches so that they can plan accordingly, and maybe hold off on that next cocktail!
-Make sure to coordinate with the staff at your venue and be clear with them if you want them to stop or delay food and drink service during your speeches.
- I still haven’t received some RSVP’s for my wedding, how do I reach out to guests who haven’t responded yet?
Another great question! We know this can be incredibly frustrating when trying to wedding plan…so here are some tips to keep your guests RSVP’s on track!
- Set a RSVP deadline. Let your guests know exactly when to respond by. (Set the deadline even earlier to allow for some wiggle room.)
- Gently follow up. Sometimes everyone just needs a friendly reminder, so don’t be afraid to reach out to guests and say “we hope you can make it!”
Featured Image : Sara Hasstedt Photography
