Who Actually Needs a Mic? The No-Fluff Guide to Wedding Speeches

I have stood through enough wedding speeches to fill a lifetime. I’ve captured the beautiful, tear-jerking tributes—and I’ve also captured the awkward silence when a distant cousin decides to "wing it" for fifteen minutes.

From my side of the camera, a good speech lineup is the difference between a reception that feels like a party and one that feels like a board meeting. Here is my blunt, expert advice on who should speak, who shouldn't, and how to make sure I get the best shot of it.

1. The "Golden Circle" Lineup

Keep it tight. The more people you add to the list, the more your guests’ eyes start to glaze over. The perfect, most photogenic lineup is:

The Parents: (Heartfelt, grounding, and usually the best source of "proud parent" reaction shots).

The Maid of Honor & Best Man: (The humor and the "I knew them when" stories).

The Couple: (A quick thank-you to the guests is becoming the new standard, and it’s a great way to end the segment on a high note).

2. The "Absolutely Not" List

If you want to keep the "vibe" alive, keep the mic away from these people:

Random Guests: This isn't an open mic night at a comedy club.

Exes or "Past Flings": Even if you're "best friends now," it is a visual and emotional landmine. Just don't.

Anyone who hasn't been vetted: If they aren't in the wedding party or a parent, they don't need a platform.

3. The "Power Half-Hour" (All at Once!)

Don't sprinkle speeches throughout the meal. It makes my job harder and interrupts your guests' flow. Do them all at once. It creates a dedicated "storytelling" chapter of the night, allows me to set up my lighting once, and ensures everyone can eat their dinner in peace.

4. A Photographer’s Tip: Ditch the Props

I’ve seen people bring out posters, slideshows, and "funny" hats. Stop. Props rarely photograph well—they usually block your face, create weird shadows, or just plain fail. If you’re giving a toast, the only prop you need is a glass.

5. Positioning for the Perfect Shot

If you are the one speaking, listen closely: Don't hide.

The Angle: Stand to the left or right of the couple.

The Turn: Face the crowd so they can hear you, but stay less than a "half-turn" away from the couple. This allows me to get both you and the couple's reactions in the same frame (or quickly pivot between you).

The Co-Speech: If you’re speaking as a pair, stay glued to each other. If you’re six feet apart, I can’t get you both in one shot, and someone is going to look like an accidental photobomber.

6. Keep it a "Toast," Not a "Ted Talk"

Thirty seconds is plenty. A toast is a sharp, punchy tribute followed by a drink. A speech is a long-form essay. Go for the toast. Your guests (and your photographer) will thank you.

The Bottom Line: Speeches are about connection, not performance. Keep the lineup small, the stories short, and the props in the trash.