Open mic/open floor

With all of the alcohol being provided/consumed, there is no way in hell I would let this happen.

This sounds like it could be really sweet or it could go painfully wrong. Especially after cocktail hour. I feel like it would be better to tap specific folks that might want to say a few, very quick words than to just have an open mic.

People can give their sentiments to the couple in their guest book. Not hold up the entire event to tell you about how much little Sally has grown up and how you're so happy she found Johnny and you can't wait for the rest of their lives to begin and be as happy as you've been with your spouse, etc.

We did not have open mic and I know of at least 2 people that were pretty drunk and apparently wanted to give a speech. Thank heaven the DJ would not let them take the mic...if you want to risk having drunk people speak or having 20 minutes of less dancing, then go right ahead...but it was not worth it for me

I 100% agree with Reensk. Everyone has a story they would like to tell at your wedding. Everyone would like to tell you how it's been great to watch you grown as an individual and a couple. But not everyone needs to tell their story. That's what cards and guest books are for.

Kalyn...lol

Hilery this is not a good idea...this can get boring to your guests and also take away from your party time. Guests will already be looking out for a photo opt with you. Pay close attention to the amount of party time your friend actually gets next week with/without the multiple toasts.

Some people and be really funny and give a good speech while others may bring up a sad moment. This will create 'hills and valleys' in your reception. Limit the speeches and enough guests to write you a love note or a well wish and place them in your well wishes jar. Later you and your spouse can read them together while drinking wine at home.

**If you are doing a video they can also leave you a message there**

@Kay, the video is a great idea, our videographer did just that with a number of our guests.

I feel like that is asking for trouble. What if someone gets a little too drunk and shares something that should probably not be shared? Also, what if 100 people get in line to talk? Also, I feel like that will also attract people who want to shift the attention to themselves, and since people wouldn't have had time to prepare a written toast, might speak off the cuff. I feel like designating people to do toasts is the best course of action here!

That's what I thought lol It had never crossed my mind to allow an open mic until right now.

I had already turned 1 bridesmaid away from it.

I suppose I'll let her write her little speech and give it at the rehearsal dinner.

As for my best friends wedding, since she informed the bridesmaids, I'm not sure if she's expecting us to speak but, I'm just going to stick with a toast while we are getting ready.

Gah, that sounds terrible. I went to a wedding that had about 14 bridal party members, and they ALL spoke. It was sooooo boring.

I totally want to hear people's anecdotes, but not all night long. So I am setting up a video confessional type area, where they can make their comments. It'll be a fun thing to watch with my honey when we get back fro the honeymoon.

The video thing, is the videographer setting that up? How does that work?

Do you just find them and let them know you want to speak, is there a second videographer that just stands in the corner with a different camera...or what?

5 members of our bridal party gave toasts at our wedding – and I am so glad it wasn’t just H brother, the best man. H gave a speech at his brother’s wedding years ago when H was 19. He did and still does not like H wife…I won’t lie, H best man speech was terrible. For years H brother has been waiting to get H back for his terrible speech and on our wedding day, he had his chance, and it was bad…this was his speech “may all your ups and downs be in bed,” and that was it. Unfortunately for him he spoke first and 4 other amazing speakers went after him, including my brother, with very heartfelt speeches. H brother looked like a jackass idiot. The DJ also had everyone get in a circle at the end of our wedding and have the microphone go around so everyone can say a few words. My little sister literally made every cry in the room with her speech, I’m glad we had a partial open mike otherwise we wouldn’t have got those moments.

I am not a fan. I went to a wedding once where they passed the Mic around after the toasts to everyone in the room to say a few words. I was the date of a (now ex) boyfriend and didn't know the couple at all. My date was only invited because he was a cousin and didn't know the couple at all, yet it was insisted that EVERYONE had to say something. I mumbled something about 'thanks for including me in your big day and may you have a long and happy life together', It lasted an hour and a half and was pretty boring.

It was clear many of the guests weren't comfortable being put on the spot like that.

Dear Lord, no.

Omg no way. People got too drunk at our engagement party and some kid that decided to invite himself that I've met once got up and gave some sloppy, emotional speech about us that was horrible. I just feel like people will start to get repetitive and sloppy and silly and just annoying. I will probably only allow a few people speeches.

One of my BMs was in a wedding this past May...and every single member of the bridal party gave a speech. She wasn't prepared for it and ended up saying something like "Congratulations! Love you both! Cheers!" and was done. No one wants to hear long speeches anyway, so I don't blame her for keeping it short!

No no no. This is a terrible idea. No one wants to listen to this. At its best, it's self indulgent; at its worst, it could be embarrassing; in any case, it's going to be boring.

I was thinking of having everyone write down a memory of me & FH or some words of wisdom & then putting them in a box to be read later. I'd like for my bridesmaids to give speeches, but I think those should be for the bridal shower, only the MOH, parents of each & the Best Man should speak at the reception.

I wouldn't otherwise the reception could go on forever