Planning your wedding at Chapman Hill, a stunning 17-acre event venue near Jefferson, is an exciting journey filled with decisions. One crucial aspect of your reception that deserves attention is the speeches. Knowing when to schedule them and how long they should be can greatly impact the flow of your celebration. In this blog, we’ll discuss tips for speeches, including timing and duration, to ensure your wedding day runs smoothly.
The Importance of Wedding Speeches
Wedding speeches provide an opportunity for family and friends to share their love and support for the couple. They often include heartfelt stories, well-wishes, and advice for the new journey ahead. These moments can add a personal touch to your celebration and create lasting memories for everyone involved.

Timing: When to Schedule Speeches
During the Rehearsal Dinner: A great time for speeches is during the rehearsal dinner, often after the meal. This is an intimate time with your closest friends and immediate family. The likelihood that the whole group will get the inside jokes is really high! Be sure to ask the people doing the speeches to keep them under 2 minutes each.
During the Reception: The most common time for speeches is during the reception, often after the meal. This allows guests to relax and enjoy their food before the speeches begin. Consider starting speeches about 15-30 minutes after the meal service to allow for comfortable digestion.
Following the First Dance: Some couples choose to have speeches after their first dance. This timing can help keep the energy high and ensure guests are engaged and attentive.
Before Cake Cutting: Scheduling speeches before the cake cutting is another popular option. This ensures that guests are still in a celebratory mood and provides a nice transition into dessert.
You can't go wrong with a little humor in your wedding speech
Duration: How Long Should Speeches Be?
Best Man and Maid of Honor Speeches: Typically, these speeches should be under 2 minutes. This timeframe allows for heartfelt messages without losing the attention of the audience.
Parents’ Speeches: If parents wish to speak, aim for a duration of 2-4 minutes. This allows them to share their thoughts and feelings without going too long.
Couple’s Speech: If you choose to address your guests, a brief 2-5 minute speech is appropriate. This is your moment to express gratitude and share your excitement for the future.
A heartfelt speech brings laughter and joy to the bride and groom during their wedding reception. photo - @johnandkymcreativeco | floral - @bloomandivyweddings | planner - @georgiadollevents
Tips for Successful Speeches
Prepare Ahead: Encourage speakers to write their speeches in advance. This preparation helps reduce nerves and ensures they stay within the recommended time frame.
Practice Makes Perfect: Suggest that speakers practice their speeches aloud to gain confidence and smooth out any awkward phrasing.
Keep It Light: While heartfelt moments are important, it’s also nice to include humor. Remind speakers to keep the tone light and fun, ensuring everyone feels included.
Bride and groom share smiles during a heartfelt wedding toast, surrounded by friends and celebration
Creating Memorable Moments at Chapman Hill
At Chapman Hill, we understand that speeches are a vital part of your wedding celebration. By carefully considering the timing and duration of speeches, you can create a memorable experience for both you and your guests.
If you’re ready to start planning your dream wedding and want to learn more about our venue, we invite you to schedule a tour of Chapman Hill. Our team is here to answer any questions when booking a venue and help you create a celebration filled with love and joy.
Welcome to the Chapman Hill family!
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Chapman Hill is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book your wedding venue & vendors. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
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