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How long should a best man speech be?
Three to five minutes, which is about 390 to 750 words. The same goes for a maid of honor speech. Guests remember the speeches that ended while they wanted more.
Work it out
words, at 130 to 150 words a minute
- At 140 words a minute
- 700 words
- Script pages, double-spaced
- 2.6–3
- Pages, single-spaced, Arial 12 pt
- 1.3–1.5
- Reading it silently
- 2 min 56 sec
- Paragraphs
- 3–8
Write it in the word counter with a limit of 750 words.
Open the word counterWords for Best man speech at different speeds
| Pace | Words | Double-spaced pages |
|---|---|---|
| Measured, 130 words a minute | 390–650 | 1.6–2.6 |
| Typical, 140 words a minute | 420–700 | 1.7–2.8 |
| Conversational, 150 words a minute | 450–750 | 1.8–3 |
Estimates for US Letter or A4 with 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins and ordinary paragraphs; reading at 238 words a minute, speaking at 130 to 150.
Why three to five minutes
Weddings usually have several speeches, often between courses, and the room is full of people who do not know the couple’s friends. Three to five minutes is long enough for a real story and a toast, and short enough that nobody looks at their phone. If several people are speaking, ask the couple how long they want you to talk and stay under it.
A structure that works
- Who you are and how you know the couple (20 seconds).
- One or two stories about the person you are standing up for, kind and specific (2 to 3 minutes).
- Something sincere about the couple together (30 seconds).
- The toast: ask everyone to stand and raise a glass (10 seconds).
Leave out stories that need explaining or that the couple’s grandparents should not hear. Read it aloud with a timer, and allow for laughter: a good line can cost five seconds.
Questions and answers
How many words is a 5-minute wedding speech?
About 650 to 750 words. See the 5-minute speech guide.
Is 10 minutes too long for a best man speech?
Usually, yes. Unless the couple asked for it, cut to five minutes or less.
How long is a maid of honor speech?
The same: three to five minutes, about 390 to 750 words.