One of the most common (and surprisingly tricky) wedding-planning questions is: should wedding speeches be before or after dinner?

There’s no single “right” answer—but there is a smart one depending on what you care about most on your wedding day. And if your wedding décor, tablescapes, and overall reception aesthetic are high on your priority list, the timing of speeches matters more than you might think.

Let’s break it down.

Wedding Speeches Before Dinner: Best for Décor Lovers

If you’ve invested time, money, and creative energy into your wedding décor, doing speeches before dinner is the better choice.

Here’s why:

Your Tables Look Their Absolute Best

Before dinner, tables are pristine—no empty plates, half-finished meals, napkins on chairs, or glassware cluttering the look. Candles are glowing, florals are untouched, and the room feels intentionally styled.

This is especially important if:

You care about wedding photography and videography
Your décor includes styled place settings, menus, chargers, or statement centrepieces
You want that “wow” moment when guests see the reception space

Speeches often come with emotional reactions, laughter, and guests looking around the room—so it’s nice when everything looks as polished as possible.

Guests Are More Attentive

Before dinner, guests are seated, focused, and not mid-conversation or halfway through a main course. Speeches tend to land better, feel more meaningful, and flow more smoothly.

Cleaner Photos and Video

If your photographer or videographer is capturing speeches, doing them before dinner means:

No plates blocking faces
No guests chewing or distracted
A more elevated, timeless look overall

Wedding Speeches After Dinner: Totally Fine If Décor Isn’t a Priority

If you’re not too concerned about how the tables look later in the night, speeches after dinner are completely valid.

This option works well if:

You want a relaxed, informal reception vibe
You’d rather let guests eat first and settle in
Your décor is minimal or not a major focus

Many couples choose after-dinner speeches because it feels traditional or because it fits better with their timeline—and that’s okay. At that point, it really comes down to personal preference.

So… Should Speeches Be Before or After Dinner?

Here’s the simple answer:

If you care about your wedding décor, tables, and overall visual impact → do speeches before dinner.
If décor isn’t a big priority → either option works, and after dinner is totally fine.

Your wedding should reflect what you value most—whether that’s aesthetics, atmosphere, or just keeping things easy.

Final Tip: Talk to Your Planner or Photographer

If you’re still unsure, ask your wedding planner or photographer. They’ve seen how different timelines affect the flow of the evening—and how your reception space will look in photos you’ll keep forever.

When in doubt: pretty room first, plates later. ✨

Wedding Speeches - Before or after Dinner?