How long should a wedding speech be?
By the speechwriters.ai editorial team · Last updated
Recommended lengths for every wedding speech converted into word counts, why shorter usually lands better, and practical ways to cut your draft.
The short answer: 3–7 minutes for most wedding speeches, with 5 minutes the sweet spot. Across a typical British wedding with three or four speeches, that keeps the whole lot under about half an hour – roughly as long as a room full of well-fed, slightly merry guests will listen happily.
The longer answer depends on which speech you're giving, how many other people are speaking, and what kind of wedding it is. Here's how to work out the right length for yours.
Recommended lengths by speech
| Speech | Aim for | Approx. words at 130 wpm |
|---|---|---|
| Father of the bride | 5–7 min | 650–900 |
| Mother of the bride | 3–6 min | 400–780 |
| Groom | 4–6 min | 520–780 |
| Bride | 3–5 min | 400–650 |
| Joint couple's speech | 5–7 min | 650–900 |
| Best man | 5–7 min | 650–900 |
| Maid of honour | 3–5 min | 400–650 |
| Short toast or reading | 1–2 min | 130–260 |
Why 130 words per minute?
Normal conversation often runs at 150 words a minute or more. A good speech is slower: it has pauses for laughter, for emotion, and for the room to catch up. Most people who rehearse at a natural pace deliver between 120 and 140 words a minute on the day. Nerves speed you up, so writing for 130 gives you a little safety margin. You can change the pace in our speech timer if you know you're a fast or slow talker.
How long should all the speeches be in total?
Aim for 20–30 minutes for the full set, including introductions and toasts. That means:
- Three speeches (the traditional set): 5–7 minutes each.
- Four or five speeches (adding the bride, maid of honour or mother of the bride): 3–5 minutes each.
- Speeches between courses: shorter still, as the kitchen is waiting.
Talk to the other speakers in advance. If the father of the bride is planning ten minutes, the best man may need to trim.
The real cost of a long speech
- Your best material gets diluted. The funniest story in a four-minute speech is a highlight; in a twelve-minute speech it's buried.
- Attention drops quickly. Guests have usually had a long day and a few drinks. After six or seven minutes, even good speeches start to feel long.
- The kitchen is waiting. Caterers plan around speeches. A long overrun can mean cold food or a rushed evening.
- Photographers and bands have schedules too, and a late finish eats into the first dance and the party.
Nobody has ever left a wedding saying, "I wish the best man had talked for longer."
How to cut your speech
- Keep your three best stories and cut the rest, however fond you are of them.
- Remove duplicated thank-yous. If the groom thanks the venue, the father of the bride doesn't need to.
- Delete backstory. Any sentence beginning "For those who don't know…" can usually be shortened to a few words.
- Cut adjectives. "He's a kind, generous, loyal, thoughtful friend" becomes "He's the most loyal friend I have".
- Read it aloud. Any line you stumble over can usually go.
- Trim the ending. When you reach the toast, toast and sit down. See how to end a wedding speech.
What about very short speeches?
Two minutes can be plenty, especially for a toast, a second parent speech or a nervous speaker. A short speech with one good story and a sincere line beats a long one every time. See our guide to the short wedding toast.
Eulogies and other speeches
Different occasions have different norms. A eulogy is usually 3–8 minutes, depending on the funeral slot; a retirement tribute 3–5 minutes; a leaving-do speech 2–3. See our eulogy writing guide and retirement speech tips.
Paste your draft into the free speech timer to see exactly where you are.
Frequently asked questions
How many words is a 5-minute wedding speech?
About 650 words at a relaxed 130 words per minute.
Is a 10-minute wedding speech too long?
For most weddings, yes. Ten minutes is usually too long unless you're the only speaker. Aim for 5–7.
How long should all the wedding speeches last in total?
Around 20–30 minutes, including introductions and toasts.
Can a wedding speech be too short?
Rarely. Even a one- or two-minute toast is fine if it's warm and personal.
Related guides
- Wedding speech order in the UK: traditional and modern
- Short wedding toasts: examples for every speaker
- Best man speech structure: a UK template that works
- How to end a wedding speech (with example closing lines)
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