Free wedding speech timer for best man, maid of honour, and toast speeches. 3–5 minutes is the ideal window. Practice with the timer to nail your timing on the day.
Best man speech: 3–5 minutes. Father/mother of the bride: 3–5 minutes. Groom: 3–5 minutes. Maid of honour: 2–4 minutes. Total speeches across a reception should not exceed 20–25 minutes — this preserves the energy of the room and prevents guests disengaging. 5 minutes at speaking pace is approximately 650–700 words.
At a natural speaking pace (130–140 words per minute): 5 minutes = 650–700 words. For a relaxed, audience-engaging pace with pauses for laughter: 550–600 words produces a comfortable 5-minute speech. Write to word count, not time — word count is easier to control during drafting.
The MC or wedding coordinator will typically give a discrete signal (raised hand, catching your eye). If a speech runs over 7–8 minutes, restlessness is visible in the room. The rule of thumb: leave the audience wanting more rather than waiting for you to finish. Cutting 20% from your planned speech almost always improves it.
Minimum: 5–7 complete run-throughs with the timer. Ideal: 10–15 practices. Practice aloud (not just reading silently) from 2 weeks before. Record yourself on video at least twice — watching back reveals timing, filler words, and pacing issues that are invisible in the moment.
Pause 2–3 seconds after a punchline — this gives the audience time to laugh and signals that you expect a reaction. If the laugh doesn't come, maintain composure and continue. In rehearsal, add a 3-second pause after each intended laugh line and note if the speech still flows naturally.