Send me a message or any questions!
Have you ever sat through a wedding speech so painfully long that it made you reconsider your own wedding plans? That's exactly what happened when I witnessed a father of the groom deliver what might be the most uncomfortable wedding toast I've ever experienced.
The speech started with an ill-conceived toilet paper prop (yes, really) before launching into a methodical breakdown of all twelve points of the Boy Scout motto. For each attribute—trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent—he shared lengthy anecdotes about the groom. What could have been a touching five-minute speech ballooned into a fifteen-minute monologue that left guests squirming and groomsmen visibly embarrassed as they were repeatedly called out against their will. The experience was so impactful that I immediately went home and wrote "SPEECH TIME LIMITS" in bold Sharpie in my wedding planning binder.
This episode explores the delicate art of wedding speeches and the boundaries you might want to consider for your own celebration. Should you set time limits? Preview speeches beforehand? Designate someone to intervene if things go off the rails? When you hand someone a microphone on your wedding day, there's always risk involved—even with the most reliable people. I share how I implemented two-minute limits for parent speeches at my own wedding and arranged signals with my DJ to politely cut off anyone who went overtime. Whether you're planning your wedding or have been asked to give a speech, this cautionary tale offers valuable perspective on keeping toasts meaningful without testing your guests' patience.
Have you witnessed (or delivered) a wedding speech disaster? What would you have done in this situation? Share your stories and thoughts—we're listening, and maybe judging just a little.
Thank you for sharing the podcast with others who may enjoy it! Share your funny wedding stories with me at theweddingwherepodcast@gmail.com. Any links referenced are on linktree.
