Greetings and Speeches: How to Effectively Mind the Right Timing – What is the Ideal Length for a Wedding Speech?

How long do you talk at a wedding?

There are many moments during a wedding where a microphone is used for speeches, such as the [welcome speech], [congratulatory remarks from honored guests], and the [bride's letter], which are all scenes that draw the attention of the guests.

One concern when speaking in front of a large audience is the [speech duration]. When it's your turn to speak, you may wonder, “How long should I talk...?” and when asking guests to give speeches, you might think, “How much time should I ask for...?” There are so many uncertainties, right?

This time, we will introduce the appropriate lengths for [speeches and greetings] that occur during the reception.

@keiko_marry

How many minutes is good? / Length of wedding speeches and greetings ① Welcome Speech

At the start of the reception, the bride and groom make a brief greeting to the guests in a [welcome speech]. How long should this welcome speech be, which expresses the sentiment, “Thank you for coming. Please enjoy yourselves!”?

The ideal length for a welcome speech is about [1 minute], which equates to around 400 characters on a sheet of writing paper. Two to three sentences should be just right when written down.

A welcome speech that is too long can lack excitement. It’s even better if you can convey your feelings of gratitude while looking at each guest without relying on your notes.

⇒ Here’s how to give a wonderful welcome speech to kick off the wedding! ♡

@wd_1223_mk

How many minutes is good? / Length of wedding speeches and greetings ② Guest Speech

At weddings, it’s common to receive congratulatory remarks from honored guests, such as bosses or mentors. How long should you ask these guests to speak?

The appropriate time for a guest speech is said to be [3 to 5 minutes]. A speech shorter than 1 to 2 minutes may feel rushed and unsatisfying, while anything over 5 minutes might bore the guests.

However, even if 5 minutes is the standard, it feels a bit strange to say, “Please keep it to 5 minutes...”.

When asking for a speech, it’s best to leave it up to the speaker and graciously accept it, regardless of whether it's long or short. If they ask, “How long should it be?” a good response is, “I would appreciate it if you could aim for around 5 minutes.”

How many minutes is good? / Length of wedding speeches and greetings ③ Bride's Letter

The climax of the wedding is when the bride reads a letter addressed to her parents, known as the [bride's letter]. The heartfelt gratitude for her parents who raised her may bring tears to some guests. How long should this letter be?

@amamomo0728

The ideal length for the bride's letter is [3 to 5 minutes], equating to about 2 to 5 standard-sized letter pages. The emotions conveyed in the letter are more important than its length. While you may have many things to express, aim to keep it readable and easy to listen to.

@salty_wedding

Following the letter visually can lead to reading too quickly. Make sure to read slowly and with heartfelt intention.

⇒ Here’s how to write an emotional bride’s letter! ♡

@a.bride9

How many minutes is good? / Length of wedding speeches and greetings ④ Father of the Bride (Father of the Groom) Speech

At the end of the wedding, there is a speech of gratitude from the [father of the groom (father of the bride)] representing both families. Although the bride may not often be brought up, it’s a good idea to be prepared to answer, “How long should this be?”

The father's speech is said to be appropriate at around [3 minutes]. A speech that is not too long but also not too short, delivering a sense of dignity, will impress the guests, making them feel that the groom (or bride) has been raised well. If asked, you can reply, “I’ve heard that about 3 minutes is good.”

@nagisa_marry

How many minutes is good? / Length of wedding speeches and greetings ⑤ Groom's Speech

The groom's speech is an important moment where he expresses gratitude to the guests on behalf of himself and the bride, as well as discusses their future. How long should the groom's speech be, which can be considered the culmination of the reception?

The ideal length for the groom's speech is about [2 minutes], which is approximately equivalent to 2 sheets of 400-character writing paper. It’s perfectly fine to look at notes, so conclude confidently and stylishly.

⇒ Here’s how to write the perfect groom's speech, the culmination of the reception! ♡

@nagisa_marry

Being aware of the [appropriate time] for greetings and speeches can be effective.

There are many instances where a microphone is used to speak at a wedding. By being mindful of the appropriate time for each scene, your speech will be more impactful and easier for guests to listen to.

While being [mindful] of the time is important, it's also natural for the length to fluctuate after careful consideration. Make your wedding, a once-in-a-lifetime event, a memorable one with speeches that [engage] your guests!