My job is coordinating weddings. I now try to encourage couples to have their speeches before the meal. Everyone making a speech will be nervous, not enjoy their meal, drink for Dutch courage and the longer they wait the worse it is. Also the photographs taken of the speakers after a meal will include screwed up napkins, half finished glasses of wine and various 'bits' on the top table.
Also works better if there are children as their bordom threashold will be long past by the end of a meal
It might be something the couple haven't considered or realised was an option