How long should a groom speech be?

Keep your speech between 5 and 7 minutes. That is the sweet spot for a warm, personal speech that still holds everyone's interest. Any longer and you risk guests drifting off, especially after a meal.

Start by thanking your guests for coming, then thank both sets of parents, and your own partner. You can share one or two short, kind stories about how you met or a funny moment together. End by toasting your partner, your families, or your guests.

Write your speech out in full first, then trim it. Read it aloud to a friend or in front of the mirror. You will quickly spot parts that drag. It is fine to have notes, but try not to read every word. Practise enough that you can look up and smile.

If you are nervous, keep it shorter rather than longer. A heartfelt 4 minutes is better than a rambling 10. Remember, guests want to see you happy, not hear a performance. A clear structure and a warm tone matter far more than length.