Toasts - how long is too long?

jarednmegan

I've heard very long-winded toasts from MOH and GM at the past two receptions I've attended. What's a good rule of thumb for a time limit?

Maggie0829

Short and sweet is always best.  I would say any longer then 2 minutes and you will start losing people's attention fast.  Also, stay away from inside jokes or funny stories that are only funny to the people that were there.

jarednmegan

So the consensus seems to be, no detailed saga of how my MOH met me. Because that seems to be more and more the norm these days.

I'm with @Liatris2010...any longer than a minute and I'm ready for a nap. The MOH at my friend's wedding last fall had a SPEECH that was about two or three pages long. I was one of the BMs and I was looking out at the guests, seeing a lot of "WTF?!" faces. I wanted to throw something at her when she turned the first page.

Jen4948

Keep toasts to about 30 seconds and speeches to about 2 minutes long.

MoxieMickie

Liatris2010 said:

Unless you are a gifted speechmaker, keep it under a minute.

I agree, except even a gifted orator should keep it under a minute (maybe two if they're so gifted that have to pause for laughter, "aws" and applause.)

allispain

We're keeping it under 2 - I doubt anything will go that long, but I didn't want to tell my BMs when they asked "Just say 'Best wishes'," since I don't want to dictate what their toast will be.

NOLAbridealmost

1-2 minutes per speech and a 10 minute absolute max for all toasts, speeches, introductions.