Best Man Speech Timing: When To Deliver The Perfect Address

The best man's speech is a wedding reception staple, and while there's no one-size-fits-all approach, it typically happens after the meal, when guests are almost done eating and still seated. This way, once the speech is over, guests can get up and move around. Traditionally, the best man is the last to give a speech, right after the maid of honour. However, some couples opt for the best man to speak first, followed by the maid of honour.

Best man speech order

The best man's speech is a highlight of the wedding reception, and while there is no one-size-fits-all approach, there are some traditional elements and a typical order of proceedings to follow.

The best man's speech traditionally happens at the wedding reception, after the meal, when guests are almost finished eating. This ensures the speech has the guests' full attention, and once it's done, the tables can be cleared, and the party can begin!

Who Goes First?

The order of speakers is important, as each person is responsible for different announcements and toasts. The traditional order is:

• Father of the Bride/ Parents of the Bride
• Father of the Groom/ Parents of the Groom
• Maid of Honour
• Best Man

However, this is not set in stone, and some couples may switch up the order. For example, the best man may go first, followed by the maid of honour, or the groom may speak after the father of the bride. It's also becoming more common for other members of the wedding party to give a speech, such as the bride, bridesmaids, or the father of the groom.

The best man's speech should include:

• A toast to the bridesmaids, echoing the groom's thanks
• Compliments for the couple, especially the groom's partner
• Anecdotes and playful jokes about the groom
• Reading messages from absent friends and family
• A final toast to the happy couple

The best man should be aware of the audience and keep the speech light-hearted and positive, focusing on the couple rather than himself. It's also important not to upstage the newlyweds or make it into a roast!

Timing

The best man's speech should be brief, lasting no more than a few minutes. It's a good idea to practice beforehand and keep notes to refer to during the speech.

To Summarise:

The best man's speech is a chance to celebrate the couple, share anecdotes, and kick off the party. By following the traditional order of speakers and including the essential elements of a best man's speech, you'll be sure to deliver a successful and memorable toast.

Best man speech content

The best man's speech is a chance to shine a unique light on the relationship between the newlyweds. It's also an opportunity to talk about your relationship with the groom. While the speech should be lighthearted, it's important to be sincere and express how you feel.

Timing

The best man's speech traditionally comes at the end of the wedding reception, after the maid of honour's speech. It can also take place at the rehearsal dinner.

Length

Keep the speech short and sweet. Three minutes is fine, and five minutes is the maximum.

Content

• Echo the groom's toast by thanking the bridesmaids and other key members of the wedding party.
• Compliment the couple, especially the bride.
• Tell anecdotes about the groom, including some playful jokes. Be careful not to bore or confuse the audience.
• Read out messages from absent friends and relatives.
• End with a final toast to the happy couple.

What to Avoid

• Don't upstage the newlyweds. The speech should be about them, not you.
• Don't make it a roast. Keep things positive and don't tell jokes at the couple's expense.
• Don't mention the groom's ex.
• Don't include too many personal jokes.

Best man speech timing

The best man's speech is a chance to say a few kind words about your relationship with the couple and your best friend. It's also an opportunity to share some anecdotes and offer a unique perspective on the couple's relationship. The speech should be quick, lighthearted, and positive.

The best man traditionally speaks at the wedding reception, after the maid of honour. However, some couples may opt to schedule the best man's speech during the rehearsal dinner instead.

The Traditional Order of Speeches

The traditional order of wedding speeches is as follows: the father of the bride, the groom, the best man, and any other toasts. In LGBTQ+ weddings, it is common for both partners to speak, or for only one of them to do so.

Timing of Speeches During the Reception

The wedding speeches usually take place during the meal at the wedding reception, specifically towards the end of the meal when guests are finishing up. This ensures that once the speeches are done, guests can get up, move around, and mingle.

Alternative Timing Options

Some couples choose to mix up the timing of the speeches. For example, you could have the speeches before the meal so that the speakers can relax and enjoy the food without feeling nervous. Alternatively, you can have a speech between each course so that guests don't have to listen to a block of speeches. If you decide to do this, ensure you speak to your wedding venue or caterers to make sure it's feasible.

Best man speech length

The length of a best man's speech is important to consider, as it can impact the overall flow of the wedding reception. While there is no set rule for how long it should be, keeping it concise and engaging is generally recommended. Here are some tips and suggestions for determining the appropriate length:

Timing Guidelines

The ideal length of a best man's speech is often considered to be around 3 to 5 minutes. This duration strikes a balance between providing sufficient time to deliver meaningful content and maintaining the attention of the audience. Aiming for a shorter speech, such as 2 to 3 minutes, can also be effective, especially if you are not comfortable with public speaking. However, it is generally advised to avoid speaking for more than 5 minutes, as guests may start to lose interest.

Number of Speakers

The number of speakers at the wedding can also influence the length of the best man's speech. If there are multiple speakers, such as the father of the bride, groom, and other toasts, it is essential to allocate time efficiently. For instance, with three speakers, the best man's speech should ideally be around 10 minutes or less. For four speakers, aim for a total speech time of about 8 minutes, and for five speakers, aim for 6 minutes. This ensures that the guests do not get bored and that there is a smooth flow to the reception.

Speech Content

When determining the length of your speech, consider the content you want to include. A best man's speech typically includes an introduction, anecdotes about the groom, compliments for the couple, and a final toast. Focus on delivering a concise and well-structured speech rather than trying to cover too much ground. Avoid unnecessary details or filler content, such as talking about your role as the best man or recounting stories where you are the main focus.

Audience Engagement

Remember that the attention span of the audience may vary, and you want to keep them engaged throughout your speech. Opt for a shorter speech if you are unsure about the audience's interest or if there are young children or older guests present. You can always time yourself during rehearsals to get a better sense of the appropriate length for your specific audience.

Rehearsal and Feedback

Rehearse your speech beforehand and time yourself to get a better sense of its duration. You can also seek feedback from friends or family members to determine if the length feels right. They can provide an honest opinion on whether the speech maintains their interest and if the pacing is comfortable.

In conclusion, the ideal length of a best man's speech is generally in the range of 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the number of speakers and the content you want to include. Keep in mind the attention span of your audience and aim to deliver a concise, engaging, and well-rehearsed speech that celebrates the couple on their special day.

Best man speech practice

Being asked to be the best man at a wedding is a huge honour, but it's also a big responsibility. One of your most important tasks is giving a wedding speech. This can be a daunting prospect, but with the right preparation, you can deliver a speech that's memorable for all the right reasons. Here's a guide to help you prepare and practice.

Know the Format

The best man's speech typically comes at the end of the wedding speeches. Traditionally, it follows the groom's speech and the maid of honour's speech. However, the order can vary, so it's a good idea to check with the couple beforehand. The best man's speech is usually lighthearted and expected to be funny, so be prepared to deliver some laughs.

Timing is Key

The timing of your speech is crucial. You don't want to be cut short or, worse still, bore your audience with a rambling monologue. As a guide, aim for around 3-5 minutes. Practise your speech beforehand to get a sense of its length. It's also a good idea to check with the couple about any time limits.

What to Include

Your speech should focus on the couple, especially your relationship with the groom. Share some kind words about the groom and say something about their relationship. You can include a story or two about your friendship, but don't make it all about you. Keep it positive and avoid any jokes at the couple's expense. A few lighthearted anecdotes will go down well, but be mindful of your audience and avoid anything that might cause offence.

Practise, Practise, Practise

Practise your speech as much as possible. Rehearse in front of a mirror, time yourself, and make any necessary edits. Practise in front of a small audience, such as close friends or family, to get a sense of how it lands and to help you overcome any nerves. Ask for feedback and use it to refine your speech. The more you practise, the more confident you'll feel on the day.

On the Day

Before the wedding, make sure you have everything you need, including any notes or props. During your speech, remember to speak clearly and make eye contact with your audience. Take your time, and don't be afraid to pause for effect or to gather yourself. Most importantly, enjoy the moment and savour the experience.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the best man's speech is a chance to celebrate your friend and their partner. Keep it positive, focus on the couple, and don't be afraid to add a touch of humour. With the right preparation and practice, you'll deliver a speech that's both memorable and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions