Documentary Wedding Photography in Mid Wales
As a wedding photographer, one of the most common questions I get from couples planning their big day is about the best time to schedule the speeches. Should they happen before or after dinner? My advice? Always go for speeches before the food! You might be wondering why a photographer has such a strong opinion on this topic, but hear me out. Over the years, I've seen countless weddings and I've learned a few things about what works best for creating unforgettable memories. Here's why I believe speeches before dinner keep the day on track...
All Your Guests Are Present and Attentive
Let's face it—after a long day of celebration, your guests are eagerly waiting to eat. (But they've probably had a load of canopies so they'll be fine) By putting them speeches before dinner, you ensure that everyone is in their seats and paying attention. (Not popping off to the toilet o to the bar) Once the food is served & eaten, people tend to focus more on getting to that bar, getting some fresh air or stretching their legs. When speeches happen before food, you have a captive audience who is fully engaged in the moment, ready to laugh, cry, and cheer with the speakers.
Speakers Can Relax and Enjoy Their Meal
Public speaking is nerve-wracking, especially at a wedding where emotions are high and the pressure to deliver a meaningful speech is intense. By placing speeches before the meal, you allow your speakers to get their words out of the way early & not guzzling the table wine to kill them nerves. Once they've finished their speeches, they can relax, breathe a sigh of relief, and fully enjoy their meal without the looming stress of having to speak in front of everyone. This not only makes for a more enjoyable dining experience for them but also allows them to be more present and relaxed throughout the rest of the evening.
Your Tables Look Their Best
From a photography standpoint, having speeches before the food is served means the tables look immaculate in your photos. The centrepieces are untouched, (yeah, I know, why are people playing with the decor? who knows!) the glasses are full, and there’s no clutter from half-eaten meals or empty plates. (Or wait staff in the backgrounds of ever shot) This pristine look enhances the elegance and beauty of your wedding day and ensures that the photos capturing these moments reflect the stunning setting you've worked so hard to create. You've spent big bucks on creating a beautiful set up, let's make the most of it!
Capturing Genuine Emotions and Reactions
As a wedding photographer, my goal is to capture the raw, genuine emotions of your day. When speeches happen before the meal, guests are fresh and attentive. They are more likely to react naturally to the heartfelt words being spoken, whether it’s shedding a tear during a touching tribute or bursting into laughter at a funny story. These candid reactions are priceless, and having everyone focused on the speeches allows me to capture those authentic moments without distraction and unaware I am capturing their most natural and real self. The smiles, the tears, the hugs—these are the moments that tell the story of your day, and I want to make sure none of them are missed.
Creating a Seamless Flow to Your Evening
Logistically, having speeches before dinner can help set a smooth rhythm for the evening, because people haven't tended to drink too much so they stay focused and keep to their timings. Once the speeches are over, the meal can be served without interruption, allowing guests to relax and enjoy their food and each other's company. This also keeps the energy up, as the speeches often evoke strong emotions that can set a joyful and heartfelt tone for the rest of the night. With the formalities out of the way, everyone can then fully immerse themselves in the celebrations, from enjoying their meal to dancing the night away.
Making the Most of Your Timeline
Weddings are often a whirlwind, and making the most of your timeline is crucial. Having speeches before dinner ensures that they happen while the light is still good (if you’re having a daytime or early evening wedding) and that any delays don’t push into the dance floor time. It also helps in maintaining a lively pace to the evening. You don't want speeches dragging late into the night when people are tired or, in some cases, have had a bit too much to drink! Or even worse, delaying the turn over of rooms, which leaves bands/dj's unable to set up when they need to or if they go over soooo much, that evening guests start arriving before any of the speeches have finished feeling like they're unwelcome.
Shrewsbury Candid Wedding Photographer
So, when you're planning your wedding day schedule, consider the benefits of having speeches before the meal is served. It keeps your guests engaged, helps your speakers relax, maintains the beauty of your table settings, allows for the best candid moments, and creates a seamless flow for your evening. Most importantly, it ensures that your photographer can capture the full range of emotions that make your wedding day uniquely yours.
