For most of us, public speaking isn’t easy, and if your friend or loved one asks you to deliver a speech at their wedding, it may be a bit scary. However, the great honor of speaking at their wedding can be a beautiful experience that you and all those in attendance will remember forever. If you prepare ahead of time, you can be the one who nails the toast and impresses the bride, groom, and the room full of their guests that you may or may not have met before this gathering. If you have found yourself stuck trying to write the perfect speech that is equally heartfelt as it is entertaining, here are some tips to help!
It can be helpful to start off the writing process by listing out some of your favorite memories of the bride and/or groom, what you admire about them as a couple (and as individuals), and why they make such a great pair. Listing these ideas can get the brainstorming process flowing in full swing before you start writing out the speech.
Once you have gathered your stories and other thoughts for your speech, you can start putting it together. A good time frame for your speech is 2-5 minutes; any longer and you might begin to lose your audience. Plus, yours is most likely not the only speech of the day! A nice speech should include the following:
1) Introduction: Chances are not everyone in the room knows who you are or what your relationship to the bride and groom is, so take a moment to introduce yourself. This is an important part of any speech you may give as it will give your audience context and will ultimately make your speech more well-received.
2) Words of Thanks: Before you get into your speech, this would be a good time to acknowledge and thank the hosts, members of the wedding party, and anyone else who had a hand making the wedding happen! It may also be nice to thank guests for traveling from near and far to be a part of the newlywed’s special day.
Lastly, you can take this time to officially congratulate and share your well-wishes with the bride and groom since they are the whole reason for the celebration and your speech.
3) Get Personal: Since you were asked to deliver a speech, you must have a close relationship and connection with one or both of the newlyweds; this is your time to share stories about your friend or loved one that will give your speech a personal and heartfelt touch. Guests will enjoy hearing these stories, especially since it can help those who only know one half of the couple to get to know the other! Keep in mind, this is not a good time to embarrass the couple by sharing stories that they probably don’t want their family members and friends hearing about on their special day. Remember, there is funny and there is embarrassing — ask yourself what you would want to hear in a speech at your own wedding.
When working on this part of your speech, look back on your brainstorming ideas and write from the heart!
4) Address and Praise Both Partners: Now, you can bring your speech back to what the day is all about– their relationship and celebrating their marriage. You should be addressing both of the newlyweds at this point; that means that even if you’ve only met one half of the couple once or twice before the wedding, you should find a way to include them in your toast!
5) Toast: You should wrap up your speech by inviting guests to raise their glasses to the happy couple. You can also include any final wishes or quotes that you wish to share.
Now that your speech is written, it’s time to practice! You should rehearse your speech as much as you can until you feel comfortable and confident with the material and your delivery. It’s also totally acceptable to have notecards or a written speech to follow, but try not to rely on those too heavily. Allow yourself to enjoy the moment and speak naturally when the time to deliver your speech comes.
Try not to stress too much about your speech, you’ll do great if you prepare ahead of time! Remember, you were asked to speak because you are a special person in the lives of the newlyweds and they want to hear your meaningful thoughts and wishes for them, so take the honor and make the most of the opportunity.
Let Occasions4.us help!
If you’re looking for the peace-of-mind of an elegant Las Vegas wedding miles from the gimmick of The Strip, contact us at Occasions4.us. Get married at one of five fabulous venues (Aliante Golf Club, Primm Valley Golf Club, Spanish Trails Country Club, The Legacy Golf Club and Wildhorse Golf Club) in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, or Primm, and let our team of planners, caterers, photographers and more design a tasteful and elegant wedding package for you and your partner. Book your wedding today with Occasions4.us.
A celebration of life event is one way to honor a loved one after they pass away, in addition to many other events and services that can be held in their memory. Celebration of life events are becoming increasingly more popular as the event gives families the most freedom to decide how they wish to honor and remember their loved one. The event is typically more joyful and focused on the celebration of the person who has died, rather than focusing solely on the sorrow surrounding their passing.
It can be extremely difficult to speak at your loved one’s celebration of life, but preparing a written eulogy, speech, or general outline ahead of time will help make it easier when the day comes. The writing process can also bring you closer to the deceased and help you honor them by reflecting on their life, the things that made them great, and the impact that they had on those around them.
1. Share the history and origins of your loved one. While many of those in attendance at the celebration of life may have known the deceased for a long time, some may not know their full history. It’s always nice to share a bit about where they came from and how they got to the different places and stages of their life. A beautiful way to honor your loved one is to tell guests the little details that they may not know about their journey and the little steps along the way. Writing this part of your speech or eulogy is also a good way to reflect and perhaps learn more about the deceased.
2. Share your favorite stories and memories of them. The easiest way to speak about your loved one at their celebration of life is to speak from the heart and share stories and memories that you remember and loved during your time with them. These stories can help to illustrate the love you shared and really highlight some of their best qualities. Share stories of their determination or generosity, but also, share stories about the direct impact they had on your life, even if in small ways. These memories can be the most touching and beautiful to share with those who knew them during different times in their life.
3. Talk about their legacy. Chances are the deceased left behind an important legacy and impact on their family and community. This is the perfect time to share all of the ways in which your loved one changed their world and the lives of others. If they were involved in community service or philanthropy, you can discuss their favorite organizations and what they did to help. Sharing their efforts is a beautiful way to inspire and appreciate who they were in life, and the lasting impact that made.
4. Share their passions and loves. If your loved one had specific passions or favorite hobbies, it would be nice to talk about those things during your speech. This can help illustrate who the deceased was during his or her life and the kind of life they led. Nothing is really off limits during this time, and whatever you feel would help honor and celebrate the deceased is good to share.
5. Thank everyone. Be sure to thank everyone for coming and supporting you and your family, as well as everyone involved in the planning process. At the beginning or end of your speech would be great times to thank anyone that helped in any way! You can also share how much it would have meant to your loved one to see all of the people that impacted their life in some way in one room together. Remember, this is not just a celebration of your loved one, but also, a celebration of their experiences, relationships, and memories that so many have an appreciation for.
If you’re looking for a venue for an upcoming celebration of life, let Occasions4.us be your guide. We’ve partnered with five venues in the Las Vegas area — including The Legacy Golf Club and Wildhorse Golf Club in Henderson, the Spanish Trail Country Club in Las Vegas, Aliante Golf Club in North Las Vegas, as well as Primm Valley at the California-Nevada border — and our relationships with caterers, event coordinators and photographers means that you won’t have to spend the day organizing and ensuring that everything goes off without a hitch. Our facilities include private meeting rooms and banquet space, equipment rentals (projectors, tv’s, screens, microphones), unobtrusive staff, catering and banquet menus, and packaging and pricing options available based on setup requirements.
Your wishes will be honored and respected as we seek to lighten your load at this delicate time. Remember, Occasions4.us event consultants are here to help make this celebration special in every way.
Las Vegas is a place like no other and it’s no wonder that so many people
choose its one-of-a-kind atmosphere as the setting for their wedding. Whether
you’re planning a traditional wedding, eloping, or renewing your vows, Las Vegas
is an amazing place to celebrate your love. Not only is it a beautiful place to hold
your wedding ceremony, but also a one-stop shop for bachelor/bachelorette
parties, reception, and honeymoon too. Plus, your friends and family will love the
fun that comes with visiting the city, in addition to the festivities of your wedding.
The town is so much more than what you see in the movies, as any Las Vegas
local will tell you!
Many people choose to have their wedding in Las Vegas to give their guests a
fun vacation destination. Friends and family can enjoy celebrating your wedding
during the ceremony and reception, then have fun exploring the endless activities
and excitement that the city has to offer. Las Vegas has plenty of fun for all– both
family-friendly and adult-only fun. There are hundreds of restaurants on the Strip
and beyond to enjoy after your ceremony and endless amounts of entertainment,
like Cirque du Soleil, magic and comedy acts, and concerts from iconic artists.
Additionally, Las Vegas is, of course, known for its amazing nightlife with several
clubs and bars in almost every hotel on the Strip and Downtown. While your
wedding will be the main event and reason for your guests’ visits, they will not
struggle to fill the down-time between your events– keeping them entertained
definitely won’t be a problem.
When your wedding festivities are over, if you decide not to travel elsewhere, Las
Vegas is a great location for your honeymoon too. The city is full of romantic and
luxurious experiences that can make your honeymoon everything you have
always dreamed of. For example, newlyweds can enjoy a Gondola ride at the
Venetian or even take a hot air balloon ride over the city.
Las Vegas is also a wonderful place for a wedding photoshoot, with scenery and
locations ranging from desert backdrop to city lights. The Strip is a quick drive
away from beautiful and unique backdrops like Red Rock Canyon and Downtown
Las Vegas, which is full of amazing wall murals and other artwork. You and your
guests will have the opportunity to take pictures in front of iconic backgrounds,
like the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, the Bellagio fountains, the Neon Museum and the
flashing lights of the Strip.
In addition to the Strip and its nightlife, Las Vegas is often known for its blistering
summer heat. While the temperatures do get very high during the summer, that
doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful ceremony in Vegas year round. The
weather is dry and mostly clear year-round, with the obvious hot summers and
mild winters with cold nights.
The summer heat might have you questioning whether or not Las Vegas is really
the best place to have your wedding if you have always dreamed of a summer
wedding, but locals know better than anyone that if the right steps are taken, the
summer can still be a beautiful time to have a wedding in Las Vegas. Outdoor
weddings may be unconventional, but if an air-conditioned building is waiting
nearby or other measures are taken, a short ceremony outside is possible. Better
yet, many venues have beautiful views that can be enjoyed in the same way, but
from a cool, air-conditioned indoor setting. If there is anything that Las Vegas
venues and event planners are prepared for, it’s a hot day.
In a town famous world-wide for all types of weddings, Las Vegas has the best
venues and event planners to help you plan your dream wedding. The options
are endless when it comes to selecting every detail of your special day. If you
have any questions about which Las Vegas wedding venue is right for you,
contact the experts at Occasions4.us. Our five fabulous venues are a perfect
way to ring in your new union, and the best part is that we do it all — from
ceremony to reception and everything in between — so that you can truly enjoy
your big day. Contact us today to see how we can help you realize the wedding
of your dreams.
Your daughter’s quinceanera will be one of the most memorable days of her life, and in many Hispanic cultures, signifies and recognizes her entry into womanhood. The coming of age event that coincides with her 15th birthday is often recognized as the first time that she is officially granted permission to wear makeup and heels, and oftentimes, have a date. Quinceaneras are rooted in Latin culture, but are performed all over the world. Regardless of where the celebrations are set, the quinceanera is rich with traditions and core values that you should consider in order to make the big day all that it should be!
The Ceremony
The ceremony is traditionally the first part of the quinceanera and is usually a Catholic mass, with the reception following shortly after. Accompanied by her family, her court, and her godparents, the quinceanera enters the church and the mass begins. She will choose readings and renew her Baptismal vows.
The Gown
Traditionally, the quinceanera wears a ballgown, along with many accessories, like sashes, tieras, and high heels. The color of the grown will typically decide the color theme for the rest of the party, her family’s attire, as well as her court’s attire. The gown symbolizes an “adult dress” and is supposed to be extremely lavish– it is her birthday and arrival into womanhood after all!
The Court
The quinceanera gets to invite her closest friends to be a part of her special day as a member of her Court of Honor, similar to a bridal party at a wedding. The members of her court are called “damas” (the girls) and “chambelanes” (the boys); they are oftentimes with the quinceanera through the entirety of the day until her other guests have left. Additionally, the court’s outfits and dresses are typically matched with the dress of the quinceanera, and it is typical that the court and their friend will perform a choreographed waltz together at the celebration.
The Father-Daughter Dance
In addition to the court, the father-daughter dance is another similarity between a wedding reception and a quinceanera. This dance is one of the most memorable and emotional parts of the celebration, as it represents that the father is the first man in the quinceanera’s life. The song can be any song that holds deep meaning for the father and his daughter. The father-daughter dance is usually followed by the court’s choreographed waltz.
The Changing of Shoes
An important symbol of the transition into adulthood that will take place during the reception is the changing of shoes. This is usually performed by the father or another male relative, who changes the quinceaneras shoes from flats to high heels.
The Last Doll
The presentation of the last doll is a special moment that sees the quinceanera transition into adulthood as she offers the doll to a younger girl who has not yet turned fifteen. This tradition shows that the quinceanera is leaving behind toys to take on new adult roles, interests, and responsibilities, and become more independent.
All of these traditions hold great meaning and symbolism for your daughter’s transition and arrival into adulthood. A lot of time and energy will go into planning your daughter’s quinceanera, and it’s important to keep all of these traditions in mind in order to make the day everything that it should be!
Let Occasions4.us take care of it all!
If this all sounds like a lot of work, it’s because it is! We know that most families don’t have months set aside to plan and decorate a quinceanera hall. But that’s where we come in. We have partnered with five fabulous venues in Nevada to bring you the best quinceanera experience your daughter and your family deserves.
From the Legacy Golf Club and Wildhorse Golf Club in Henderson to the Spanish Trail Country Club in Las Vegas, the Aliante Golf Club in North Las Vegas and Primm Valley Golf Club at the California border, we’ll do it all from decor to catering to entertainment and more so you don’t have to lift a finger.
Call us today to request a proposal before all the halls are taken!
A celebration of life can be the perfect way to honor the life and legacy of your loved one, and help to pay a well-deserved tribute that is as special as the life that the event represents. Every family will go about planning their loved one’s services and memorial events differently, and a celebration of life is no different. A celebration of life can be fully inspired by the life and passions of your loved one; the possibilities are endless. If you’re having a hard time with the process, here are some unique ideas that can help you get started.
1. Music: Something as simple as the music at the event can represent an aspect of the life of the deceased. You can create a playlist of their favorite songs and styles that plays in the background of the celebration, or you may want to consider having live musicians perform for the event. There are no rules regarding music, it’s a matter of what your family wants and what you think would best represent your loved one and their wishes.
2. Releases: Like at many other events or celebrations, you may want to incorporate a release as a symbolic gesture. Some options include releasing doves, butterflies, balloons, or lanterns into the sky or onto water.Releasing a balloon or lantern is a ritual that many families have used to symbolize releasing a lost loved one’s spirit or sending love to their spirit or memory. Those in attendance to help celebrate your loved one can also write personal notes of remembrance into the balloons and lanterns– though, you may want to keep those too!
3. Theme and Decorations: Many families may choose to keep the event simple, while others may choose to have a specific theme for the celebration. A factor that is important to decide on with or without a theme is the decorations. While it doesn’t have to be extravagant, decorations are as important a detail as they would be at any other gathering. Simple decoration ideas include balloons, flowers, memory cards, place settings, photographs, and others. If your loved one had one or many specific passions or hobbies that would represent their life and spirit well, you may want to consider tying it into the celebration in some way– decorations with that passion in mind are a great way to make the event personal to the deceased.
4. Tribute video: Many families like to make tribute videos or slideshows for their loved one. This is where you can really reflect on the memories made over the years and maybe even learn more about the life they led as you search for photographs and/or videos to include. While you may have a large enough archive of photographs of and with your loved one, you might try asking others that were close to them to share some of their favorite memories and pictures with you to include. You can make the video extra personalized and special by adding music that was a favorite of your loved one.
5. Memory table/board: A popular celebration of life idea is to create a memory display to display the person’s life. Like a tribute video/slideshow, this is another opportunity to share photographs that share the memory of your loved one’s life. The table can also include beloved items or anything else that showcases who they were in life. For example, if they loved to garden, placing some flowers or gardening tools can show off that side of them. Personal memorabilia can bring a unique and sentimental touch to the celebration.
If you’re looking for a venue for an upcoming celebration of life, let Occasions4.us be your guide. We’ve partnered with five venues in the Las Vegas area — including The Legacy Golf Club and Wildhorse Golf Club in Henderson, the Spanish Trail Country Club in Las Vegas, Aliante Golf Club in North Las Vegas, as well as Primm Valley at the California-Nevada border — and our relationships with caterers, event coordinators and photographers means that you won’t have to spend the day organizing and ensuring that everything goes off without a hitch. Our facilities include private meeting rooms and banquet space, equipment rentals (projectors, tv’s, screens, microphones), unobtrusive staff, catering and banquet menus, and packaging and pricing options available based on setup requirements.
Your wishes will be honored and respected as we seek to lighten your load at this delicate time. Remember, Occasions4.us event consultants are here to help make this celebration special in every way.
