JOINT SPEECH? YAY OR NAY? I thought I might ask my mum and dad to give a joint ‘parents-ofthe-bride speech’. Is this a good idea or not? Absolutely – but proceed with caution. A joint speech can be a brilliant way to showcase your parents’ dynamic, share stories from two perspectives, and give your mum a well-deserved spot in the limelight. But it also has the potential to feel disjointed or overly long if it’s not handled well. Here’s how to make sure it’s more winning double act than awkward relay race. Why it’s a great idea First off, if your parents are comfortable with public speaking and have a natural rapport, this can be a real crowd-pleaser. A joint speech allows them to play off each other’s strengths – maybe dad handles the dad jokes while mum brings the heartfelt moments. It’s also a lovely way to acknowledge their shared journey in raising you and their pride in this milestone moment. It can also solve the issue of choosing between parents if they’re both keen to speak. Why make it a competition when it can be a collaboration? The pitfalls to avoid However, a joint speech comes with its own challenges. If your parents have wildly different speaking styles, it could feel uneven – like one’s delivering a TED Talk while the other’s winging it at karaoke. Similarly, if they try to share everything they want to say, the speech could end up longer than your honeymoon. The keys to success Here are some tips to make sure the speech is seamless and engaging: •Keep it short and sweet: Aim for 7–10 minutes max. This isn’t their wedding, so they don’t need to cover every detail of their lives together. •Divide and conquer: Maybe plan clear sections to each parent. For example, mum could talk about your childhood, and dad could share a funny or touching story about meeting your partner. •Play to their strengths: If mum’s the sentimental one, let her deliver the heartfelt part. if dad’s a natural comedian, he can handle the jokes. A balance of humour and emotion keeps the audience engaged. A quick warning Before asking them, make sure they’re genuinely up for it. If one parent feels nervous or hesitant, they might prefer to stick to a traditional single speaker format. A speech only works if both are equally invested and comfortable. The final word A joint speech can be a real showstopper when done well, offering a unique and heartfelt perspective on your big day. Just make sure they collaborate, practise and, most importantly, enjoy the moment together. Check out www.speechy.com 52 OUTDOOR WEDDINGS For our summer wedding, we’d love to tie the knot outside, but what questions should we be asking potential venues when considering this option? When considering an outdoor ceremony for your summer wedding, there are a few key questions to ask your potential venues to ensure everything runs smoothly: 1. Do you have a licensed outdoor space for ceremonies? Some venues may have stunning gardens but may not be legally licensed for official ceremonies. 2. What is your weather contingency plan? Always ask what backup options are available in case of rain or extreme heat (not often a concern in the UK!) 3. Are there any restrictions for outdoor ceremonies? Check if there are noise restrictions, time limits, or rules about things like confetti, fireworks, or amplified music. 4. How is the outdoor space set up and maintained? Find out how often the space is maintained during the summer months and whether seating, décor, or shade options (like marquees or parasols) are included. 5. What facilities are nearby? Consider how close bathrooms and power supply points etc are to the outdoor area. 6. Do you handle all the logistics, or will we need external suppliers? Some venues include everything, while others might require you to hire additional furniture, generators, or PA sound systems. 7. How private is the outdoor ceremony space? Especially at larger non-exclusive venues or hotels, you’ll want to know if your ceremony will be secluded from other guests or whether there are events happening on the same day. By asking these types of questions, you’ll feel more confident in securing a venue that aligns with your wedding vision and avoids any unwelcome surprises on the day! Check out www.swynfordmanor.com
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