Wedding Etiquette: Speeches

This week we’re talking about speeches, and as someone who hates public speaking, this topic pretty much terrifies me. But I know that when I am asked to speak at a friend’s wedding, I will rise to the challenge and have a glass (or two) of bubbly before to calm my nerves.

Here are my top four suggestions for having the perfect wedding speech:

Say Yes: First and foremost, if you’re asked to speak at a wedding, you have to say yes. If you’re like me, from the moment you agree to it, to the moment you are standing up their speaking you will be freaking out, but you have to do it! You have to support your friends and family on their wedding day.

Let Your Personality Shine Through: Just be you! If you’re not funny, don’t try to be, if you’re not a crier, don’t worry about it! The bride and groom know you and want you to speak at their wedding so don’t worry about putting on a show. If you share your feelings about the couple and wish them the best of luck in their marriage your speech will be perfect!

Be Conscious of Time: This is one of the most important elements to writing a good wedding speech. Don’t make it too long, there are a lot of things to do during a wedding reception and there are most likely multiple speeches to get through so don’t hog the microphone! And on the other hand, don’t make it too short, you don’t want it to seem like you have nothing to say about the couple! Find a happy medium, usually somewhere between 2 and 3 minutes.

End with a Toast: Don’t forget your ending, encourage everyone to raise their glass and toast the happy couple!

And just like that, cheers, you are don’t with your public speaking for the evening!

Real Wedding | Double Wedding Ceremony | Bella Luna Farms

When Smita + Johann first brought us into the planning process, they were deciding between two venues for their September 2015 Wedding. What it came down to was Bella Luna Farms up in Snohomish had everything and then some.

What we loved about this wedding was all the cultures melting together between these two families and that started with two wedding ceremonies, a Hindu Ceremony in the morning followed by a Western Ceremony in the afternoon.

There were some many pieces that went with this wedding not to mention the two ceremonies and it took a village to make this couples' vision come together. We had been dying to do a wedding with Sail Tents and it didn't let us down. Unsure of the weather, we chose to have a Tent for the ceremony area. We loved the seating and the florals that created an experience as guests entered that morning.

For the Western Ceremony, we wanted to give area a different look so the team from the venue who also served as the florist added some different touches to the arbor. Then after they took down all the flowers and created a whole new floral piece to welcome the guests into the dinner tent.

What this venue excels at are the lush grounds and European-style outbuildings including livestock (we loved the goats and donkeys the best). And the color palette only created more beauty around the venue.

With the amazing team of vendors that Smita + Johann put together we had the best time along with their friends and family.

Vendors
Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs
Venue + Florist: Bella Luna Farms
Photographer: Julie Harmsen Photography
Videographer: Ryan Warner Photography
DJ: Bamboo Beats
Caterer: Lisa Dupar Catering
Hair + Make-up: Erin Skipley
Valet: Bulter Valet
Transportation: Beeline
Floral Leis: Hawaiian General Store

Let there Be Light!

Photo by Van Wyhe Photography. Lighting by Vintage Ambiance.

Are you looking for different ways to light up your big day without straying from your original vision? Don’t limit yourself to one particular lighting choice to brighten your ceremony and reception. There are many unique, romantic ways to lighten up your big day without losing your original theme. Here are a few of our favorites!

Chandeliers. During the process of choosing a venue space, make sure you tour venues with and without chandeliers already existing. If there aren’t any in a space you truly love, there are ways to incorporate them into your décor. Vintage Ambiance is one of our favorite resources when it comes to looking for an artist to create beautiful hanging decorations that you can add candles to for a little extra twinkle. They will install their creations for you as well!

Photo by Corliss Photography

Candlesticks. Groupings of candlesticks, either throughout your venue and/or used in centerpieces, draw soft, romantic light upward without being extended overhead from the ceiling. This is an easy atmosphere to create, aesthetically stunning and easy pack up, too.

Photo by The Popes

Lanterns. Whether hanging or placed throughout a venue, lanterns are a gorgeous addition to broaden your lighting décor. They are usually on the brighter side, so make sure you know their full lighting capability before deciding to include them on your big day. Because of this, also consider placing them in darker corners unless you prefer a softer, candlelit glow.

Photo by Jerome Tso Photography

Floating candles. One option we’ve been loving lately at Elegant Affairs is the use of floating candles in various sizes of elongated glass vases. This is a more modern approach to lighting up your big day while still holding true to that cozy, romantic atmosphere. 

Edison bulbs. Edison bulbs are great for outdoor and indoor ceremonies and receptions! If you are looking for a splash of light to brighten up from overhead, consider stringing up a few Edison bulbs to create a sparkly wonderland. This is sure to brighten the space without being overpowering.

Photo by Sara Parsons Photography

LED Dancefloor. This is probably the most unique idea, and so incredibly fun! If you are looking for an outstanding dance party without a spotlight shining down from overhead, try renting an LED dancefloor. These can be set up at different venues and guests LOVE it.

Photo by Scott Drexler Photography

You can use any of these ideas individually, or combine them to create your own perfectly lit event! All of these options will contribute to a beautiful atmosphere for your special day—you can’t go wrong!