This has to be your call but I'd find the guitar player distracting, personally. Are you going to sing the song or just recite it like a poem?

I am going to recite it, I cant sing. Unfortunately I cant practise it with the guitar playing as we are 3000 miles apart until the wedding.

Boy, I could go either way on this. It might be really cool to have the guitar in the back ground while your speech is going on, especially if s/he can play very softly. And then play just a bit more loudly when you begin reciting the song.

OTOH, if you do think the guitar will be distracting, then skip it.

However, either way I'd want to rehearse. Clearly you can't do that live, but is there any way the guitar player can record something to send to you? Especially as you are reciting the verse of the song, both of you need to be at the same tempo.

IDK, bringing in the guitar may make it feel more like a performance than a MOB speech. It could either be great or a disaster.

golddust comment, no pun intended, struck a chord with me, I think it may feel like a performance and not a heartful speech that I want it to feel like, so I am thinking the music should be only when I recite first verse of the song, it is Sunrise Sunset, from Fiddler on the Roof.

Okay, now I'm tearing up thinking about that little girl playing Momma with her Momma and I don't even know her.

Will there be a box of tissues on every table as part of the centerpiece? Your guests are going to need them. It sounds like it will be a charming and loving speech.

That song was the favorite of my late parents, and was played at my wedding, and I thought it would be nice to somehow include my parents memory in my daughter's wedding as they were very close.

There will definately be lots of kleenex, my family is very emotional!

The best man is actually a comedian so there will be lots of laughter too when he does his speech...not just tears.

It's going to take some great planning to get the microphone and out-put speaker volumes right so that you can be heard and the guitar is background. It's dicey enough to pull it off during the recital of the song, where, if he plays over you, at least people have an idea of what you are saying. But if he plays over your entire speech, no one will hear you.

Factor in the waiters walking around the room filling water glasses, people finding their seats or getting up to go to the bar or bathroom, bad microphones or speakers, people talking among themselves, the bottom line is: don't get fancy.

I would have the guitar play a verse first, as you get up to give your speech (I believe you said you are speaking first). Then have him stop as you begin speaking. Since I am guessing you are ending with the song, he can begin to play again as you give the lead in to why you are quoting the song, then play as you recite the verse. Then have him finish with a repeat of the last two lines of notes after you are done.

I would not use the guitar player. If you decide to go forward and have him play, I would have him play after your speech or before, not during.

DH has been playing guitar since he was a kid. In talking to him about it, he felt it would be distracting for several reasons as noted above by a few others. If I understood your first post correctly, I think you want your speech to be a heartfelt speech to your DD and DSIL. I don't know that you want the playing to be a distraction.

Les' idea of having the guitar player start at the end of your reciting the lines from Sunrise Sunset would be a good way to go as well.

However, I don't know the set up of the reception area, number of guests, etc. You have a better feel for how the guitar player will/won't detract from your speech.

There will be no microphone usage. This is a small wedding, only about 50 guests, DD and DSIL wanted to keep it intimate and invite only those truly special to them. That is one of the reasons it is not in our home town.

I like your idea Les, I will also talk to the guitar player once I get there and see what thoughts he has.

Thanks everyone.

I think you should just speak from your heart and not worry about trying to turn it into a production. Your own words and emotions are far more meaningful than music, reciting words to a song (speaking a song is far tricker than it seems), and so on.

I'd like to see you relax more, creating something meaningful from your heart, as you are doing, but not so worried about how it might come across to some of the attendees. Telling a joke, soft guitar playing while you recite the lyrics from a song dear to your heart, both sound like good ideas and will be enjoyed by most if not all. I've enjoyed live guitar during services or occasions a number of times and enjoyed it immensely. I didn't find it at all distracting. Long as it's soft and complementary in the background.

Just be yourself. And if you get a little long-winded, well, so be it. People are there to share in your family's joy and happy occasion. It's a big, emotional day. Enjoy and share it in your own individual way. Those types of things will make both the celebration and your speech memorable and even more special. Please, just enjoy yourself and this wonderful day with your daughter, family and friends!

Just wanted to update you ladies who were so kind in offering me advice regarding my speech. I was able to do the speech with a few tears, I did better than I thought I would. My reading of the words, accompanied by the guitar playing was very special and went well. I thought my speech would be the most serious and the others would be more on the fun side but every speech was filled with heartfelt stories accompanied by tears from the one giving and tears from the people listening. The ceremony as well was a tearjerker, as the couple wrote their own vows. It was a great tearfest but we made up with great joy and laughter afterward during the dancing. It was a fabulous wedding.

I'm thrilled it work out as you planned. Sounds like it was lovely all the way around.

Wow! Thanks for letting us know. I'm so glad everything went well. Sounds like a wonderful wedding and memorable event for all involved. That's the best kind of wedding!

Beautiful! I love weddings that are individualized more than by the book. I'm sure your guests and family enjoyed everything, and your speech especially.