How to Have an amazing Open Mic at Your Wedding Reception


We've all been there, Everyone you love and everyone who loves you sitting enjoying the night when suddenly a sweet speech takes an awkward, (usually long lol) winded turn and now on your day you have to quickly pivot mentally and emotionally to keep the mood, and why?


Because the open mic went just a little off! Many couples are opting to skip altogether (I was one of them!) Because they just don't have the tools to maintain the atmosphere without feeling like they are micromanaging the day.


I'd like to take a moment and help.



Bride and groom laughing joyfully at wedding welcome sign reading Brandon and Je, October 7, 2023, holding champagne bottle.

Should You Have an Open Mic at Your Wedding?


The basic question you might have if you're planning an intimate ceremony or a large scale wedding, big or small wether to let your loved ones speak life over you on your most important day together is a big choice!


So I'll just keep the pro-con list short.


Pros

  1. There are family members on your day who won't be around forever to share love and wisdom over both of you, the setting can be emotional, but the results are OFTEN so so sweet.
  2. It fills time in such a wholesome way, giving your family and friends a chance to reminisce over your best times with everyone who loves you!
  3. While your bestie is up there hyping you up for the last time while you're both "Single ladies" You're not looking around at everyone and wondering what they think, you're holding your loves hand and being honored.
  4. There are only so many times that this sort of moment happens in life naturally, to be honest, it's most common at weddings, and well, funerals. Wouldn't it be nice to hear it?

Cons

  1. Someone could share an embarrassing story about me or my fiancé!
  2. I haaaate when people are talking about me in front of everyone.
  3. What if it never ends?
  4. What if NO ONE says anything but my mom?


Tips for the best of Open Mics

I want you to have the best open mic if you are planning one so here are some easy tips to make sure yours is flawless.


Set Time Limits for Wedding Speeches

YES, it's your day and you can defiantly set time limits! You don't have to let it go on for any longer then a minute or two if you like, if someone has more to say encourage them to write it in a letter and drop it off at your gift station (Pro tip: You'll always be able to re-read it this way too!)


Pick someone close to you to guide and run the open mic time

This is probably one of the biggest things...

You don't have to do it all, it would be 1000% simpler to have someone in charge of this area who has zero issue taking over if need be and is calm under pressure. AND THAT DOSN'T NEED TO BE YOU!


How to stop Awkward or Inappropriate Wedding Toasts from happening

This is what your open mic point person is for.


There are a few ways to stop things from getting weird before it get's there but my favorite is for your point person and the two of you to make a list of close friends and family who want to make a speech, (Just have them ask around for you!) and tell everyone to run it past the point person, they hold the mic and hand it off and if they notice someone seems off they can double and triple check with them to keep things going smoothly.


They can also open up the mic for more people subtly by asking the different tables before hand.



Groom giving a toast speech at an outdoor wedding reception dinner table surrounded by lush green trees.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom sitting together reading vows on a floral rug at their wedding venue.
Bride in white lace gown hugging a guest in dark fur coat at a warm, rustic wedding reception venue.

Open Mic Etiquette for guests

Have your point person contact or check in with everyone who is planning to make a speech (wether they submit it or not lol) just to remind them of what's ok to share and what isn't preferred, most people will stick to what's safe for your day but this helps everyone remember!


(And a quick text can just be sent the night before or  announced at a rehearsal dinner if you're feeling anxious)


Alternatives to an Open Mic

You can totally skip if you feel like this isn't you!

Here are a few different options if you still want to give everyone a chance to speak life over you both!


  1. Group prayer, everyone gathers round and, with an appointed starter and closer pop-corn style everyone get's a chance to speak blessings over you both in Jesus name. (You can also limit this to immediate family and Bridal party only easily)
  2. Letters! Encourage your guests to write down what they would have wanted to say and drop it off in a card box for you both to read on your honeymoon, ask for advice and encouragement.
  3. Rent a phone booth set up for your guests to leave voicemail like notes for you to listen to instead of something public.



Guests gather outdoors at a sunny beachside wedding ceremony near palm trees and a pink building.
Red rotary phone beside open guest book and candles on blue tablecloth at outdoor wedding reception.

No matter what you decide have fun and make sure you have plenty of tissues ready for your day! It's gonna be good!


If you found this helpful and are looking for more advice from a seasoned wedding photographer at no cost feel free to follow along on my instagram and let's be friends! (click herrreee)


Planning is hard enough without going it alone!


XX, Jean Estelle

 

Smiling woman in floral dress holding white jacket by a white garden arbor gate with green plants and trees.