How long should a best man speech be?
Short answer: 3–4 minutes. Paste your draft and we'll tell you where you land. Nothing saved, nothing sent to a server.
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Target ranges at a glance
Why 3–4 minutes?
Wedding planners converge on the same answer for a reason. Under two minutes and the speech feels thin — like you couldn't be bothered. Past five and the room starts checking phones and refilling drinks. The sweet spot is enough time for a real story and a real toast, short enough that every guest stays with you.
In word count: 450–600 words at a normal conversational pace (~140 words per minute). If you speak fast when you're nervous, aim for the lower end. If you pause for laughs, plan for the upper end.
What to cut if you're over length
- The second story. One specific story always beats two summary ones.
- "For those who don't know me" intros. Just start.
- The section where you list the groom's qualities. Replace with one line of specific evidence.
- Anything that tells the room it's about to end ("without further ado," "I'll keep this short," etc.). Cut it — just keep going.
What to add if you're under length
- One more sensory detail in your main story (what the weather was, what he said, how he looked).
- One specific observation about the couple together — the kind only someone close would notice.
- One line where you address the bride directly.
Not sure your draft is right?
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