Not having speeches?

gwapenut

I am getting married in june and don't really want to have the normal speeches, apart from my own groom's speech. I just want my friends and family to feel comfortable and enjoy themselves without the stress of making a speech or being on best man duty.

I know this is unusual, but will it be ok without too many raised eyebrows?

Macca83_2

Your guests are not gonna turn round and say lovely wedding, shame about the speeches...

74jax

Its not unusual.

We aren't having any, including no groom speech. I hadn't thought what guests would think of this.

I think more and more weddings are becoming more relaxed and less formal.

gwapenut

thanks, I agree, I think there's too much bowing to tradition and the demands of family or friends if you're not careful. we're quite lucky, no one's too demanding, but my view is we arrange the wedding to reflect us, how we like to do things, and the atmosphere we like to set.

I want to give a speech for my bride, I don't expect everyone to but I want to, and as for the rest of the guests I want them ALL to relax and enjoy the day

BugglyB

Obviously do what suits you best, however, if thats the only reason, do check with your best man/brides father as I know both of ours have already written their speeches and are genuinely looking forward to that part of the wedding.

continualdiamond

My wedding was very informal in that we had no speeches and no 1st dance.

It was a very relaxed wedding, a buffet menu and wedding cupcakes with little pots of ice cream for afters.

My now husband felt uncomfortable 'having' to give a speech and dance and I didn't want him feeling he had to do something because it was deemed as tradition.

If people did say behind our backs, shame they didn't have speeches, oh well. Was our day and we did it our way that made us happy and have the wedding we wanted.

con1888

Not unusual, brother didn't have speeches at his wedding, no one mentioned it and most didn't even realise.

Tbh I find them all boring anyways.

ampafc

At our wedding, I (groom) gave a speech, as did the best man and father of the bride. They all went down very well, and I couldn't imagine the wedding without speeches.

We had around 200 guests, all having a nice sit down meal. They had taken the trouble and cost to come to our big day, so the least I felt Ic ould have done was thank them for doing so.

Also, I wanted to thank the many people that did their own little bit to help us out (flowers, table decorations, drivers, etc etc), and it's nice to give them that bit of recognition for doing so by thanking them in front of your guests.

The three of us were all pretty confident public speakers, so I guess we did not have the hurdle to overcome. But I do think doesn't hurt to stand up for a couple of mins to say some thank yous...

MrsDrink

I wrote 'no speeches allowed' on our invites.

CupcakeLisa

We didnt have any speeches at our but my father in law and my mother said thank you to all our guests

Dekazer

Speeches are my second favourite part of weddings. I really enjoy them, whether they're long or short, funny or solemn, well delivered or *ahem* nervously.

It really is up to you what you do. Beware, however, the feelings of your wedding party. We decided to walk 'up the aisle' together, and I inadvertently upset my father quite a lot. He would have been gutted if he hadn't been able to make a speech either!

We only had two speeches - me and my father. Hubby didn't want to do one (I was pretty disappointed but his nerves would have ruined the rest of his day) and neither did his best man (his father). FiL later told me that he'd regretted not doing one, because he felt his family hadn't said an official thank you and congratulations.

It can be sticky Good luck with whatever you decide, and have a brilliant day!