Near the end of a Ghanaian wedding reception, after the toast, the cake and the speeches, the MC calls someone to the microphone for the vote of thanks. It is short, formal and easily forgotten by the guests, but the families notice when it is done badly. A good vote of thanks makes everyone who helped feel seen, and sends guests to the dance floor in a good mood.
Who gives the vote of thanks?
The vote of thanks is usually given by a representative of the families, often an uncle, aunt, elder sibling or family friend chosen by the couple’s parents. In some weddings, one person speaks for both families; in others, each family has its own speaker.
Some couples give the vote of thanks themselves, either together or with the groom speaking for both. This is more common at smaller weddings and at weddings organised mainly by the couple rather than their parents.
How long should it be?
Keep it short: two to four minutes is enough. By this point in the programme, guests have heard several speeches and are waiting for the dancing. A long vote of thanks that lists every person by name will lose the room.
The speaker should write the speech down or use notes. It is easy to forget someone important in the excitement of the moment, and names, especially of officiating ministers and dignitaries, should be pronounced correctly.
What to include
A wedding vote of thanks follows a simple order. Begin by thanking God, since most Ghanaian weddings are religious occasions. Then thank the officiating minister and the church, the chairperson of the occasion if there is one, the families of the bride and groom, the guests who travelled, the planners, caterers, decorators, the MC and the DJ, and anyone who gave special help.
Then thank the guests for their presence, gifts and prayers, and wish them a safe journey home. Close by inviting everyone to continue the celebration.
A sample vote of thanks
Here is a sample you can adapt. Replace the names and details with your own.
“Chairman, Reverend Minister, the families of the bride and groom, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the families of Ama and Kwame, I have the pleasant duty of saying thank you.
First, we give thanks to the Almighty God, who has brought us together in good health to witness this union.
We thank Reverend Mensah and the leadership of the church for the beautiful service and the counsel given to the couple. We thank our chairman for honouring us with his presence and wise words.
To the family of the groom and the family of the bride, thank you for the love and unity you have shown throughout these preparations. To all our guests, especially those who travelled from far, thank you for leaving your homes and businesses to celebrate with us. Your presence, your gifts and your prayers mean a great deal to the couple and their families.
We are grateful to the planners, the caterers, the decorators, our MC and our DJ, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make today a success.
We pray that God will bless each one of you and grant you journey mercies as you return home. Please stay, eat, drink and dance with the couple. Thank you, and God bless you.”
Tips for delivery
Speak slowly and clearly into the microphone. Look up from your notes when thanking people, and acknowledge the couple at the start and the end. Avoid jokes at the couple’s expense, long stories, and anything that could embarrass the families.
If the reception is bilingual, consider giving the vote of thanks in English with a few lines in Twi, Ga, Ewe or another local language, or ask the MC to translate. Elders will appreciate being addressed in a language they are comfortable with, and it shows that the families have thought of everyone in the room.
