Are you having speeches before or after meal??

We are having ours before so that people are free to enjoy their meal! Not sure they would be able to eat much with their nerves!!

How long do you think the speeches should be each?

I totally agree that the thank you presents should be done another time. I also went to a wedding where they took ages handing presents out and the guests just started talking amongst themselves - nobody was paying the speakers any attention. I felt really bad for them but it was just so boring!