Q+A: Should Someone Give a Welcome Speech at Your Wedding?
Welcome to our wedding Q+A series. From wedding etiquette and vendor needs to guest experience and design advice, we’re here to teach you more about the wedding planning process and inform you of best practices.
Q: “Do we have to have a welcome speech before dinner?”
A: It’s not a requirement to have a wedding welcome speech, but we recommend it and most couples include one in their timeline!
For the flow of the event, it's nice to have some kind of transition from your grand entrance to dinner. Your DJ or emcee should announce the plan for dinner so guests know what to expect (How will guests be released for a buffet? Will servers be bringing meals out?), but it’s exciting for guests to be welcomed more personally.
This doesn’t have to be a long speech, it can be a few quick words given by a parent or yourselves or a blessing/prayer from your officiant or a loved one. Otherwise, it can be a bit awkward after the high energy of your grand entrance when it suddenly quiets down and guests are waiting for a formal welcome which never happens.
Who should give the welcome speech at your wedding?
It’s common for a parent to give a welcome speech.
It’s a proud moment for parents to watch their children get married and they like to acknowledge that! There’s no set rule on which parent gets to speak. Traditionally, the parents of the bride (more specifically, the father) would give a welcome because they were the parents “hosting” the event; but this is 2024 and that old standard is out the window! We should also note, even if a parent gives a welcome/blessing, they can also give a more formal speech after dinner.
Or as the couple, you may want to personally welcome your guests!
You’ve worked hard to plan your wedding and it’s finally time to celebrate! The beginning of dinner is the perfect opportunity to thank your guests for joining you on this special day. It’s likely the only time in your life that all of those nearest and dearest to both of you will be in the same room!
Even if you don’t do so before dinner, we think it’s always a great idea for the couple to say a few words of thanks. Another opportunity to address your guests is after post-dinner speeches; just say a quick thank you to everyone for coming to celebrate with you and tell them to enjoy the party!
HappiLily Events plans crazy-fun weddings for couples in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We specialize in making each wedding day as unique as it is memorable with thoughtful details and personal touches.
Whether you dream of getting married in a modern downtown venue, a romantic barn, or celebrating in your backyard, HappiLily Events is here to support you through the entire planning process.
Rachel Graff Photography
