Wedding speeches are one of the best parts of the day for real moments. Proper laughs, proud parents, your mates losing it in the front row, and those little looks between you that you’ll want to remember forever.

They’re also one of the easiest parts of the day to accidentally make… a bit painful. The fix is simple: plan speeches with the timeline, the room, and your guests in mind. Do that, and you’ll get better reactions, smoother timings, and stronger photos or video.

Why speeches matter for photos and video

If guests can’t hear, can’t see, or the room feels stop-start, reactions drop. And reactions are what make speech photos and films feel alive.

Get the basics right and you’ll have:

• Genuine laughter across the room
• Brilliant reactions from parents and mates
• A smoother flow to the wedding breakfast
• Cleaner photos and better audio for video

Who should give speeches

You don’t need loads of speakers. You need the right ones. Of course every wedding is different but as standard the following flow nicely.

Father of the bride or father of the groom

• Perfect to welcome everyone, set the tone, and get the thank yous done early.
• Great for photos or video because you’ll get loads of natural reactions from guests and the couple.
• If your dad isn’t around, doesn’t want to speak, or it just isn’t your thing, it can just as easily be your mum, step-parent, grandparent, sibling, or anyone you choose. The role is about the welcome, not the job title.

Bride / groom or both

• A joint speech is one of the best options for natural moments. Less nerves, more connection, more real reactions.
• If you’re speaking separately, avoid repeating the same thank you list twice.
• Keep it focused: thanks, a quick personal moment, toast.

Best man or maid of honour

• Usually the funniest speech, and often the one with the biggest reactions.
• Give them boundaries so it stays fun for everyone.
• If you have both, do two short speeches rather than two long ones.

Keep speeches short

Long speeches don’t create more good moments, they just create more people staring at plates.

A solid guideline:

• 5 to 8 minutes per speech
• 20 to 30 minutes total

Shorter speeches mean guests stay engaged and reactions stay strong, which makes for better photos or video.

Best time to do speeches

For the smoothest timeline and the best reactions, do speeches either before or after the meal. Personally I always think before the meal is best.

Option 1: Speeches before the meal

• Guests are fresh and paying attention
• Lighting can be better during daytime
• Meal service runs smoothly afterwards

Option 2: Speeches after the meal

• Guests are relaxed and comfortable
• No pressure on the venue team mid-service
• Works brilliantly if you keep speeches punchy
• Make sure all the tables are cleared prior to starting

Why not in between courses

In my opinion and experience, between-course speeches can sound organised, but they often cause problems:

• People are distracted with food, service, and movement
• Reactions drop because guests are looking down
• The meal turns into stop-start chaos
• Timings slip, which can eat into golden hour portraits

Microphone and speaker position

If guests can’t hear, they won’t react.

If the room is big, make sure you have:

• A proper microphone
• A quick sound check
• One clear spot for speakers to stand – I always recommend by the top table. It works best for photos and video.

This gives cleaner angles for photos and clearer sound for video.

Wedding decor tip for better speech photos and video

Avoid:

• Tall flowers or centrepieces that block sight lines
• Top table decor that hides faces
• Reall tall candles or stands in the way of speakers.

If guests can’t see, reactions disappear. And if faces are blocked, photos or video suffer.

Better approach:

• Keep centrepieces below seated eye level
• Keep the area in front of the top table clear
• Place statement florals to the sides or behind, not between guests and the speaker

Lighting tips for speeches

If you want speech photos that look clean and natural:

• Ask the venue to increase ambient lighting if the room is dark
• Avoid harsh spotlights directly on the speaker if possible
• If there are big windows behind the speaker, position them so light is in front of faces, not behind

Give your speakers a simple brief

A quick brief prevents the usual issues and keeps speeches enjoyable. I have been a best man and have photographed hundreds of weddings. I wish I was told of off limit topics in my speech.

Include:

• Time limit
• Tone you want
• Off-limits topics – but don’t be super anal about it.
• Reminder to look up and speak slowly
• Don’t use a mobile phone. Print the speech on cards or paper.

Off-limits should include:

• Exes – if it could cause grief – otherwise it should be fine.
• In-jokes only a few people understand
• Anything that needs a disclaimer – obviously depending on the guests.

Extra advice I give couples as a photographer

Small details that make a big difference:

• Ask the venue to pause service during speeches so guests stay focused
• Have water available for speakers
• Tell your photographer or videographer about surprises in advance
• Keep 10 minutes spare after speeches so the day doesn’t feel rushed
• Resting bitch face – if you’re nervous at this point and have resting bitch face you will look like you’re having the worst day ever.
• If you have children I would ensure at this point they are not on top table as you will become distracted by them and not listen to the speeches properly.

FAQs

How long should wedding speeches be?

Aim for 5 to 8 minutes each, with a total of 20 to 30 minutes.

Should we do speeches before or after the meal?

Either can work. Before keeps the meal flowing, after keeps guests relaxed. Avoid between courses.

Do we need a microphone for speeches?

Yes. Even small rooms benefit. Better sound means better reactions and better video audio.

What decor should we avoid during speeches?

Anything tall that blocks faces or sight lines, especially high centrepieces and cluttered top table decor.

Can someone other than the father of the bride/ groom give a speech?

Absolutely. It can be your mum, step-parent, grandparent, sibling, or anyone you choose.

How do we get better photos or video during speeches?

Plan timing, use a mic, keep speakers in a clear spot, avoid tall decor, and make sure guests can see and hear. Remember avoid resting bitch face.

If you’re planning your wedding and want non-boring wedding photography that captures the real reactions during speeches, I’d love to hear about your plans.

You can get in touch via my contact page, and if you’re still figuring out your timeline I’m happy to help you plan a flow that works brilliantly for photos or video.