The Perfect Length: Crafting Memorable Wedding Slideshow Moments

A wedding slideshow should be kept brief to avoid boredom among guests. A good video montage should be between 8 and 10 minutes long, any longer and the guests become bored. A 15-minute slideshow before the ceremony is considered too long, but a 6.5-minute slideshow during the reception is considered appropriate.

Keep it brief

A wedding slideshow should be kept brief to avoid boredom among guests. A good video montage should be between 8 and 10 minutes long, any longer and the guests become bored. 4-5 minutes is the ideal length and budget 45 seconds per slide.

Before the ceremony, a 15-minute slideshow is considered acceptable. However, during the reception, a 6.5-minute slideshow is recommended.

The rehearsal dinner is an exception to the 10-minute rule. Rehearsal dinners are usually attended by close friends and family who are eager to see more of the couple.

The number of pictures included in the slideshow is also important. A coordinator suggested 3 minutes of childhood, 3 minutes of his childhood, and then 3 minutes of us together.

4-5 minutes

A good video montage should be between 8 and 10 minutes long, but 4-5 minutes is ideal for a wedding slideshow. No one has ever left a wedding thinking “wow, I sure wish they’d have shown MORE slides!” Remember that most folks didn’t know you at every stage of your life, and it’s very difficult to enjoy someone else’s nostalgia for more than a very short while. Budget 45 seconds per slide and keep it brief! If you are playing it at the rehearsal dinner it can be longer as everyone there will be close friends and family and will be eager to see more.

Rehearsal dinner

The length of a wedding slideshow can vary depending on the venue and the type of slideshow. For a rehearsal dinner, it is generally recommended to keep the slideshow brief and engaging. A good rule of thumb is to limit the duration to 8-10 minutes, as guests may become bored if it is too long. However, at a rehearsal dinner, where close friends and family are present, the slideshow can be slightly longer to accommodate more content.

When creating a slideshow for the rehearsal dinner, consider the following:

• Curate a selection of photos that tell a story or showcase significant moments from the couple's lives. Aim for a balanced representation of childhood and shared experiences.
• Keep the pace brisk by budgeting 45 seconds per slide. This ensures that the slideshow moves along smoothly and does not drag on.
• Incorporate music to enhance the visual experience and set the desired tone. Choose songs that complement the slideshow's theme and create a cohesive narrative.

During the rehearsal dinner, the slideshow can be a great way to engage guests and create a memorable experience. It provides an opportunity to share personal stories and set the tone for the upcoming wedding ceremony. By keeping the content varied and captivating, you can ensure that the slideshow is enjoyed by all attendees and leaves a lasting impression.

Remember, the key is to strike a balance between storytelling and pacing to create a engaging and entertaining slideshow that will be enjoyed by your guests.

Don't bore your guests

A wedding slideshow is a great way to show your guests a montage of your life together, but it's important to keep it brief! No one wants to sit through a half-hour of your baby pictures!

A good video montage should be between 8 and 10 minutes long, any longer and the guests become bored. If you are playing it at the rehearsal dinner, it can be longer as everyone there will be close friends and family and will be eager to see more.

Remember that most folks didn’t know you at every stage of your life, and it’s very difficult to enjoy someone else’s nostalgia for more than a very short while. I would aim for 4-5 minutes and budget 45 seconds per slide.

No one has ever left a wedding thinking “wow, I sure wish they’d have shown MORE slides!”

If you want to include 3 minutes of your childhood, 3 minutes of your partner's childhood, and then 3 minutes of you together, it will feel like ages to most folks. 9 minutes of slideshows is too long.

Play it at the reception

Keep it brief! A good video montage should be between 8 and 10 minutes long, any longer and the guests become bored. If you are playing it at the reception, it can be longer as people will be free to mingle, watch and eat. A 15-minute slideshow was shown before the ceremony at one wedding, and another was played at the reception while people were eating. 4-5 minutes is ideal, budgeting 45 seconds per slide. No one has ever left a wedding thinking “wow, I sure wish they’d have shown MORE slides!”

Frequently asked questions