Speech Practicalities
- In a large venue, the speeches should be made with a microphone - preferably a roaming one - that has been sound-checked before the guests arrive.
- The photographer should be briefed in advance and then signalled by the best man when the speeches are about to begin.
- An usher should notify any guests not in the vicinity of the speeches - for example, people outside smoking - that the speeches are about to take place.
- If the bride and groom are of different nationalities, it is a good idea to provide a screen with a translation so that all the guests feel included.
- The caterers should be briefed to serve all guests with a glass of champagne for the toasts before the speeches begin. The speechmakers should receive their drinks last to inform them that the guests are ready for them to begin.
- Some couples ask the master of ceremonies or toastmaster to announce the first speaker. However, it can break the flow of the speeches if every speaker is announced.
