Who Should Speak At Weddings? Beyond The Best Man

Wedding speeches are not exclusive to the best man. While the best man's speech is one of the highlights of a wedding, other people in the wedding party may also give speeches. This includes the groom, the maid of honour, the father of the bride, and the bride herself.

Who gives the best man speech?

The best man gives a speech at a wedding. This is a long-standing tradition and one of the duties involved in being a best man. The speech is usually light-hearted and humorous, and it is an opportunity for the best man to share anecdotes about the groom and offer well-wishes to the newlyweds.

Who is the best man?

The best man is usually a close friend or relative of the groom. He is chosen by the groom to be his main companion and aide throughout the wedding planning process and on the wedding day itself. The best man often has other responsibilities, such as planning the bachelor party and holding the wedding rings during the ceremony.

The best man's speech is a chance to celebrate the groom and his new spouse. It typically includes stories or jokes about the groom's past, compliments the couple, and offers well-wishes for their future together. The speech usually ends with a toast to the newlyweds, where guests are asked to raise their glasses and drink to the couple's happiness and future together.

While it is traditional for the best man to give a speech, there may be circumstances where this is not possible or comfortable for the individual. In such cases, it is acceptable for another member of the wedding party, such as a groomsman or the groom's father, to give the speech instead. Ultimately, the decision of who gives the speech should be made by the couple, taking into account the comfort and preferences of the individuals involved.

The delivery of the best man speech can vary depending on the style and tone of the wedding, as well as the personality of the best man. It is generally advisable to keep the speech concise, lasting around 3-5 minutes. The speech should be well-prepared and practiced beforehand to ensure confident delivery. It is important to maintain a balance between humor and sincerity, with a focus on celebrating the couple.

A best man speech typically includes an introduction and anecdotes about the groom, followed by compliments and well-wishes for the couple. It may also include a nod to the bridesmaids and other members of the wedding party. The speech should be tailored to the audience and the overall vibe of the wedding, with classy and age-appropriate content. Inside jokes should be limited, and embarrassing secrets or stories about the groom's ex-partners should be avoided.

Any final tips for delivering a great best man speech?

• Keep it authentic and speak from the heart.
• Avoid using props, as they can make the speech longer and less effective.
• Practice extensively and work on body language and nervous tics.
• Include a mix of humor and sentiment, tailoring the tone to the style of the wedding.
• Keep it short and sweet, leaving the audience wanting more.
• Start with an introduction, share anecdotes, offer well-wishes, and end with a toast to the couple.

What to include in a best man speech?

Being chosen as the best man at a wedding is an honour that comes with great responsibility. One of the most important tasks is delivering a memorable speech. It's a chance to celebrate the groom, entertain the guests, and show your support for the happy couple. While the maid of honour's speech tends to be more emotional, the best man's speech is usually funnier. It's an opportunity to share your relationship with the groom and for others to learn more about him. A well-crafted toast can be an emotional moment for the couple and the guests.

How to Start Crafting Your Best Man Speech

Before you begin writing, it's a good idea to do a free write, where you simply write down all your thoughts, feelings, and memories about the groom. This will help you gather your ideas and ensure you don't forget anything important.

Using a Template as a Guide

Most people have never written a best man speech before, so it's normal to have no idea where to start. Using a template can be a helpful starting point, giving you an idea of what to include while still allowing you to add your own personality and experiences.

Unique Opening and Closing Lines for Your Best Man Speech

The opening and closing lines of your speech will leave a lasting impression, so it's important to make them compelling. Find an opening that grabs the audience's attention and sets the tone, and end with a memorable closing that ties back to the theme of your speech and expresses your well-wishes for the couple. This could be a quote or an inside joke relevant to the couple.

Adding Personal Touches to Your Best Man Speech

#### Share Stories About the Groom

Sharing stories is the best way to keep the audience entertained and connected. Share funny, heartwarming, or embarrassing experiences that reveal the groom's personality and your relationship with him. Ask mutual friends if there are any stories you may have forgotten.

#### Share What the Groom Means to You

Express the reasons why you were chosen to be the best man. Talk about how he's always had your back, gives great advice, or any other qualities you admire.

Tips for Delivering a Stellar Best Man Toast

#### Practice As Much as Possible

Practising your speech is crucial. While some people can wing it, most of the time, it doesn't go well. Rehearse your speech multiple times to familiarise yourself with the content, timing, and flow. Practising in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend can help refine your delivery for a polished performance. Remember, the more you practice, the more confident you'll become.

#### Calming Yourself Before and During the Speech

You might feel nervous before giving your speech, but there are a few things you can do to calm your nerves. Having a drink or two may help, but be careful as this can also lead to disaster. Taking deep breaths and slowing down can help you relax and focus. Visualising yourself as a great speaker can also boost your confidence.

#### Connect with the Audience

Remember, the wedding day and the speeches are not just for the couple but also for the guests. Make sure to connect with them by maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly, using hand gestures, and expressing your emotions genuinely.

#### Keep it Short

There isn't usually a set time limit for speeches, but shorter is generally better. Aim for around 4-7 minutes.

#### Address the Happy Couple and Wish Them Well

Don't forget to talk directly to the couple and wish them a happy future and life together. Then, make the toast, either by saying something clever or simply asking everyone to lift their glasses "to the couple."

How to close a best man speech?

How to Close a Best Man Speech

The best man's speech is one of the highlights of any wedding, but it's also a daunting task. Here are some tips and examples to help you deliver a memorable and effective closing to your best man's speech:

Keep it Brief and Snappy

It's important to be concise and to the point when ending your speech. Your closing toast should be short and snappy, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

End on a Positive Note

Make sure to conclude your speech by celebrating the newlyweds and wishing them well. This is your chance to leave the couple and the guests with a heartfelt message of love and happiness.

Tie Your Speech Together

Your closing toast should tie together the stories and jokes from your speech. Think of it as the punchline to a great story, leaving the guests with a smile on their faces and warmth in their hearts.

Traditional Best Man Toast Ideas

If you're unsure what to say, here are some traditional and safe options:

• "Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple – to [NAME] and [NAME]."
• "I’d like you all to join me in wishing the new Mr and Mr/Mrs [NAME] all the wealth, health and happiness in the world. To the newlyweds!"
• "To my best friend and his beautiful partner: the new Mr and Mrs/Mr [NAME]."

Funny Best Man Toast Ideas

If you want to end on a lighter note, try one of these humorous toasts:

• "Time to raise our glasses to the happy couple because I like both of you—do you have any idea how rare that is?"
• "For one more time, I’m going to ask everyone to charge their glasses and – for those who still can – stand, and raise a glass to the newlyweds".
• "To the happy couple. May your marriage be as strong as the drinks in your hand. Cheers!"
• "To [NAME] and [NAME] – we all knew [NAME] had found the one when he/she started spending more time with [NAME] than he did playing on his/her Xbox!"

Quotes for a Great Best Man Toast

Using a quote can be a powerful way to end your speech and leave a lasting impression. Here are some options:

• "I would like to end on some wise words from Socrates: 'My advice to you is to get married. If you find a good wife/husband, you’ll be happy; if not, you’ll become a philosopher.' To the happy couple!"
• "Here’s one of my favourite Oscar Wilde quotes: 'The man who says his wife/husband can’t take a joke forgets that she/he took him.' To [NAME] and [NAME]."
• "Before we raise a glass to the newlyweds, I’d like to share a Pauline Thomason quote with you: 'Love is blind – marriage is the eye-opener.' To the happy couple!"

Remember, the key to a successful best man speech is to keep it warm, funny, and meaningful. Avoid edgy jokes or embarrassing stories, and always make sure to celebrate the couple and wish them well. Good luck!

Best man speech examples

The best man's speech is usually the most eagerly awaited of all the wedding speeches. Traditionally, the best man's speech comes last, and it's a chance to pack in jokes, embarrassing stories about the groom, and heartfelt words for the happy couple. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a memorable and meaningful speech.

Structure and Content

• Keep it concise. As a rule of thumb, aim for a speech duration of 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the number of speakers and cultural context.
• Begin by introducing yourself and your relationship to the groom.
• Share anecdotes and memories of the groom, focusing on his positive qualities and how he has grown as a person.
• Mention the bride and the impact she has had on the groom. Avoid bringing up ex-girlfriends or past relationships.
• Include a toast to the happy couple, wishing them a long and happy marriage.
• End with a heartfelt message about your friendship with the groom and your well-wishes for their future together.

Tone and Delivery

• Balance humour with sincerity. While it's important to be funny, make sure your speech is also heartfelt and meaningful.
• Avoid inside jokes and inappropriate stories that might alienate or embarrass certain guests.
• Practise your delivery to build confidence and ensure your speech is well-paced and engaging.

Example Best Man Speeches

The Gaming Enthusiast's Speech

> Ladies and gentlemen, for those who don't know me, I'm Mike, and I've known [Groom] since we were fighting over the Nintendo controller in primary school. Back then, his idea of a perfect match was beating the final boss in Mario. Now he's found his perfect Player 2 in [Bride].

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> I've watched [Groom]'s character development over the years – from someone who thought "commitment" meant pre-ordering a game to someone who plans date nights and remembers anniversaries. Though I notice he still uses "just one more level" as an excuse for being late.

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> Their love story is like the perfect gameplay. The tutorial phase: awkward first dates and learning each other's controls. The main quest: moving in together and discovering that "clean" means more than just pushing everything under the bed. And now they've reached the boss level: marriage.

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> [Bride], you've achieved what no game guide could – you've got him to put down his controller without having to cut the power. You're the cheat code he needed to win at life, and I've never seen him happier.

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> To the happy couple: may your marriage have unlimited lives, no game overs, and plenty of save points along the way. And remember, like any good game, communication is key – especially when one of you has the map and the other’s too stubborn to ask for directions.

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> Please raise your glasses to the newest co-op team in town!

The Lifelong Friendship Tribute

> Ladies and gentlemen, when I think about my friendship with [Groom], I’m reminded of all the moments that have led us here. From building blanket forts in primary school to helping each other through life’s challenges, he’s been more than a friend – he’s been my brother.

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> I remember the day [Groom] called me about meeting [Bride]. There was something different in his voice – a kind of excitement I’d never heard before. He said, “I’ve met someone special,” and for once, he wasn’t talking about a new PlayStation game.

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> Watching their love story unfold has been like watching your favorite book come to life. Every chapter has been better than the last. [Bride], you’ve brought out the best in him. You’ve taken my best friend – someone who once tried to cure a cold with pizza and energy drinks – and helped him become the man standing before us today.

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> [Groom], you’ve been there for every important moment in my life. Today, I get to stand here and celebrate the most important moment in yours. Your happiness means the world to me, and seeing you with [Bride] makes my heart full.

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> To the happy couple: may your love continue to grow deeper with each passing day. May you always find reasons to laugh together, dream together, and cherish each other. Here’s to a lifetime of beautiful moments.

The Coming of Age Story

> Good evening everyone. They say true friendship is like a fine wine – it gets better with age. Well, I’ve known [Groom] since we were both grape juice, and I can confirm this theory is accurate.

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> I’ve watched him grow from a carefree boy who thought microwaving anything made it “cooking,” to a man who now owns actual kitchen utensils – even if he’s still not entirely sure what all of them do. But the real transformation began when he met [Bride].

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> It’s been incredible watching their relationship blossom. [Bride] brought grace to his chaos, direction to his wandering, and love to his life in a way that has transformed him completely. She accepts his quirks, celebrates his successes, and supports his dreams – even the questionable ones involving that garage band.

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> [Groom], you’ve been my best friend through every up and down. You’ve been there for late-night talks, emergency pizza runs, and countless adventures. Seeing you this happy, seeing you loved this completely by someone as wonderful as [Bride], fills me with more joy than I can express.

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> To my best friend and his beautiful bride: may your love story continue to be an inspiration. May you face every challenge together, celebrate every victory as one, and always remember the love that brought you here today.

The Classic Gentleman's Toast

> Distinguished guests, family, and friends, it is my great honour to stand before you today as [Groom]'s best man. As tradition dictates, I’m here to sing his praises, share a few carefully selected stories, and raise a toast to the happy couple.

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> I first met [Groom] fifteen years ago at university, where his impeccable character and steadfast friendship quickly became apparent. Though I must say, his ability to sleep through morning lectures was equally impressive. However, it wasn’t until he met [Bride] that I saw him truly flourish.

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> [Bride], you have brought out the very best in him. Where once stood a young man who considered cereal a proper dinner, now stands a gentleman who makes dinner reservations – and occasionally even remembers to keep them. Your grace, kindness, and patience have transformed him in the most remarkable ways.

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> To my dear friend: you have been a brother to me through the years. Your loyalty, integrity, and friendship have enriched my life immeasurably. Today, as you embark on this new chapter, I couldn’t be prouder to stand by your side.

>

>

Best man speech tips

Being chosen as the best man for a wedding is an honour that comes with great responsibility. One of your big tasks will be giving a memorable speech. It's a chance to celebrate the groom, entertain the guests, and show your support for the happy couple. Here are some tips to help you craft a standout speech:

Planning and Preparation

• Start by jotting down your thoughts, feelings, memories, and anecdotes about the groom. Search your memory for humorous, interesting, or endearing stories that showcase the groom's personality and your relationship with him.
• Use a template as a guide to structure your speech. This will help you know what to include and ensure a logical flow.
• Craft unique opening and closing lines that leave a lasting impression. Grab the audience's attention from the start and end with a memorable closing that ties back to the theme of your speech.
• Prepare your speech in advance and practice as much as possible. Rehearse in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend to refine your delivery and build confidence.

Content and Delivery

• Share stories and anecdotes about the groom that showcase his character and your relationship. This could include funny, heartwarming, or embarrassing experiences.
• Talk about what the groom means to you and why you were chosen as the best man. Express the things you appreciate about him and how he has impacted your life.
• Acknowledge the bride and speak about the positive impact she has had on the groom. You can also share a short, sweet story about your interactions with her.
• Include a special segment to make your speech fun and imaginative. For example, share "three life lessons" you've learned from the groom or write a tongue-in-cheek poem about his best qualities.
• Address the couple directly and wish them a happy future together. Look at them while speaking and propose a toast to their health, wealth, and eternal happiness.
• Connect with the audience by maintaining eye contact, speaking clearly, using hand gestures, and expressing your emotions genuinely.
• Keep your speech concise. A good length for a best man speech is typically between 2 and 7 minutes.

Remember, your speech is a chance to celebrate your friend's special day, so focus on being genuine, heartfelt, and enthusiastic!

Frequently asked questions