Wedding speeches are some of the most heartfelt moments of a wedding reception. From a parent's words of wisdom to your Maid of Honor’s favorite memories, these toasts give the people closest to you an opportunity to celebrate your relationship and share their well wishes as you begin this next chapter together.
But between deciding who will speak, determining when speeches should happen, and making sure everything fits into your reception timeline, there are a few things couples should consider ahead of the big day. Here's everything you need to know about wedding speeches!
Photographer: Alexis Dimmer
Who Typically Gives a Wedding Speech?
When it comes to wedding speeches, there are a few traditional speakers couples may want to consider. Typically, these include the hosts of the event, often the parents of the couple, along with the Maid of Honor and Best Man.
Parents of the Couple: Traditionally, the parents hosting the wedding offer a welcome to guests and may share a few words before dinner. This is also a common time for a blessing or prayer before the meal begins.
Maid of Honor: The MOH typically shares personal stories, favorite memories, and heartfelt wishes for the newlyweds. It's an opportunity to celebrate the bride and the friendship they share.
Best Man: The BM often incorporates lighthearted stories about the groom, reflects on the couple's relationship, and offers a toast to their future together.
Of course, these are traditions, not requirements! Couples can invite siblings, grandparents, close friends, or other meaningful people in their lives to speak. You can also choose to skip certain speeches altogether. The most important thing is creating a lineup that feels right for you both and your dynamics.
When Do Wedding Speeches Happen?
Timing is an important part of planning wedding speeches, especially when coordinating dinner service and the overall reception timeline. While there isn't one right way to schedule them, there are two common approaches.
Before Dinner: A welcome speech from the hosts of the evening is typically given before dinner service begins. This is a great opportunity to thank guests for attending, welcome everyone to the celebration, and offer a blessing or prayer before the meal.
At the Tail End of Dinner: The speeches often take place toward the end of dinner service. This allows guests time to enjoy their meal while creating a natural transition into the next part of the reception. Depending on the catering style and timeline, speeches can take place after the final course or as guests finish eating.
Photographer: Alexis Dimmer
How Long Should Wedding Speeches Be?
When it comes to wedding speeches, shorter and more meaningful is often better! We recommend keeping each speech between 3-5 minutes maximum. This gives speakers enough time to share a favorite memory, say something meaningful about the couple, and offer a toast without losing guests' attention.
If you have several people speaking, remember that those minutes add up! Four five-minute speeches can quickly turn into 20 minutes of reception time. Encourage your speakers to practice beforehand and keep their remarks focused. A thoughtful, well-prepared speech will always be more memorable than one that goes on too long.
A Few More Wedding Speech Tips
Before the big day, there are a few additional details worth keeping in mind:
Choose your speakers early! This gives everyone plenty of notice so they have time to prepare their remarks.
Decide who will speak and in what order, then share the lineup with your wedding planner/coordinator.
Let speakers know the suggested 3-5 minute maximum ahead of time.
Make sure your DJ or audio team has a microphone ready and knows who will be using it.
Encourage speakers to avoid sharing overly embarrassing stories, inside jokes guests won't understand, or anything that might make the couple uncomfortable.
Photographer: Alexis Dimmer
Wedding speeches are an opportunity to pause, celebrate the people who mean the most to you, and hear a few meaningful words before the party continues. With a little preparation and a well planned timeline, these moments can become some of the most memorable parts of your wedding reception!