What Do We Talk About To Our Guests?!

[almostmarried2015]

Hi!

We are getting married in 4 weeks time and myself and my hubby to be were wondering what we say to guests!

We are both painfully shy, keeping ourselves to ourselves socially and a little anxious.

Yes it will be our family, but even so, we are nervous.

What do we say to guests? Referring mostly to during the reception meal when you talk to tables during courses?

Please don't say ''you should be able to talk to your family fine'', as it won't help, we know we should, but we struggle.

TIA

I wouldn't worry about it. People will mainly gush over you, the dress, the ceremony... you could chat a little about the planning and your reflections on the day, why you chose certain things etc. Where people have come from, what they've been up to etc. If there are loads of people you won't be able to speak to anyone for more than a few minutes before you get whisked away to see someone else / respond to things that need doing etc.

General chit-chat.

Thank you for coming.

I love your outfit - where did you get it? (You can go into detail about shoes etc).

Do you have any holidays booked?

How's work?

How is x getting on at school/uni?

Also wedding stuff:

Did you like the readings? (Perhaps how proud you/they are of anyone else playing a part).

How's your meal?

What was your wedding like? (Or remenice about it if you were there).

You need a stock of questions to ask people/phrases to say eg
thanks for coming
nice to see you
how was the drive here
did you enjoy the meal

Most people will say congratulations and probably compliment your dress. All you need to say to that is thank you.

Good luck

Forgot to say, depending on how many guests you have you won't get more than a few minutes per person. People won't expect a full conversation from you.

Thanks everyone, we are just very nervous! I didn't want to go with little chit chat if I was expected to say more but it sounds like thats enough! :)

Ask if they are enjoying the day, complement them on something they are wearing and ask a question about the item- like where did they get it.
Ask about their well being and if they went away during the previous year on holiday.
Asking questions is a good way of letting someone else do the talking, so asking about their holidays can lead to was the place nice, what sort of temperature was the food good etc.

Weddings are the easiest social situations for small talk:

Thank you for coming, how lovely to see you. How are you?

How was your journey?

You look wonderful - I love your dress/shoes/bag

Wasn't the weather awful/wonderful

Wasn't the minister awful/wonderful

Are you enjoying your meal?

How are the rest of your family?

How is work/school/hobby?

Thank you for your thoughtful present.

And that's just for you to say to them!

They will ask you about:

Dress/cake/venue/flowers/honeymoon/band/speeches/future plans so have some answers prepared if you are shy.

Mostly you will just have to look happy together and everyone will beam at you!

Good luck!