Outsource Your Best Man Speech, Stress-Free

Being asked to be someone's best man is a tremendous honour, but it's also a role that comes with a number of important responsibilities. One of the big tasks you'll have is giving a memorable best man's speech. It's a chance to celebrate the groom, entertain the guests, and show your support for the happy couple. While there's no requirement for the best man to give a speech, it is expected. If public speaking makes your stomach turn, consider showing your appreciation in a different way, such as performing a song or presenting a wedding video.

Best man speech structure

The best man's speech is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding. It is a chance to celebrate the couple, share some funny stories, and offer some words of wisdom. Here is a guide to help you structure your best man speech and deliver a memorable performance.

Begin with a light-hearted icebreaker or a joke to warm up the guests and calm your nerves. You can also start with a quote or a lively anecdote about your relationship with the groom. This sets a friendly tone for the rest of your speech.

Introduce Yourself and Your Friendship

Share how you met the groom to establish your connection with the audience, especially those who may not know you well. You can also include some humorous observations about the wedding day, the venue, or the couple's attire.

Messages from Afar

Read out messages from friends and family who couldn't attend the wedding. This adds a thoughtful touch, and you can even include some funny fake messages to lighten the mood.

Story Time and Anecdotes

Share amusing anecdotes and stories about the groom. This is the perfect time to playfully roast the groom while keeping it friendly and respectful. You can also include childhood stories, memories from school, or any silly reasons they always ended up in detention.

Words of Wisdom

Offer some light-hearted yet sincere advice to the newlyweds. If you are married, you can share some tips from your own experience. Alternatively, ask married friends or family members for their advice on love, compromise, and everyday living.

Praise the Partner

Compliment the groom's new spouse and share why you think they are a great couple. You can include a memory of when you knew they were meant to be together or reflect on your favourite things about their relationship.

Acknowledge the Bridal Party

Thank the bridesmaids for their role in the wedding and their support during the preparations.

Final Toast

Conclude your speech by raising a glass to the couple and wishing them happiness and success in their future together.

Additional Tips:

• Keep your speech lighthearted, sincere, and focused on celebrating the couple.
• Avoid inside jokes or offensive material that may embarrass the couple or offend the guests.
• Practice your speech in advance and consider recording yourself to refine your delivery.
• Keep the speech concise, with a length of around 5-10 minutes to maintain the guests' attention.

How to start a best man speech

So, you've been asked to be the best man at a wedding and now you need to write your speech. This can be a daunting task, but there are some steps you can take to make the process easier. Here are some tips on how to start your best man speech:

Know Your Audience

It's important to remember that your speech is not just about the groom but also about the bride and the couple's family and friends. Keep in mind that there will likely be children and older guests present, so avoid inappropriate jokes or stories. Your speech should be engaging and entertaining for all guests, not just those who know the couple well.

Start with an Introduction

Begin your speech by introducing yourself, especially if there are guests who don't know you. You can also explain your connection to the couple and share a quick joke or anecdote to break the ice and make the audience feel more comfortable. For example, you could say something like, "Hello everyone! For those who don't know me, I'm [your name], the best man, and I've known [groom's name] since middle school. I'm deeply honoured to be standing here today, and I'm sure he chose me because I was the only one available for the job!"

Thank the Previous Speakers

It's customary to thank the previous speakers, such as the maid of honour, and the couple's parents for raising such wonderful people and hosting a great celebration. This is also an opportunity to warn the audience if your speech will take a more light-hearted or humorous tone.

Share a Story or Two

The best man speech is a chance to celebrate the groom and share stories about your friendship. Think of funny, heartwarming, or embarrassing experiences that showcase the groom's personality and your relationship with him. You can also ask mutual friends for stories or anecdotes if you need more material. Just make sure to keep the stories lighthearted and avoid anything that might embarrass the couple or their families.

Compliment the Couple

Share a few words about the couple's relationship and why they are perfect for each other. If you played a role in introducing them, be sure to mention that as well. You can talk about how the groom has changed for the better since meeting their spouse and how their partner brings out the best in them.

Keep it Short and Sweet

A best man speech should typically be around 3-5 minutes long. This is enough time to share some meaningful thoughts and stories without losing the attention of the guests. Focus on quality over quantity, and make sure to practice your speech beforehand to ensure it stays within the appropriate time frame.

Remember, the key to a great best man speech is to be yourself, keep it lighthearted, and celebrate the happy couple. With some preparation and a bit of creativity, you'll be well on your way to delivering a speech that will be remembered for years to come!

How to end a best man speech

So, you've crafted the perfect best man speech, but how do you end it? Here are some tips to help you deliver a memorable conclusion:

Keep it Short and Sweet

Best man speeches should typically be kept concise, with a length of around 3-5 minutes. The same principle applies to the ending of your speech. You want to leave a lasting impression without overstaying your welcome. Aim for a brief and impactful conclusion that captures the essence of your message.

Include a Toast

A traditional and effective way to end your speech is by including a toast to the newlyweds. Raise your glass and invite everyone to join you in wishing the couple a happy and prosperous future together. This can be a simple and heartfelt gesture, such as:

> "Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple—to [Groom's Name] and [Bride's Name]. May your love continue to flourish, and may your lives be filled with joy and endless adventures. Cheers to the lovely couple!"

Incorporate a Quote

If you want to add a touch of creativity or inspiration to your ending, consider incorporating a meaningful quote about love or marriage. For example:

> "As William Shakespeare said, 'Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments.' Here's to [Groom's Name] and [Bride's Name], whose true minds have come together in perfect harmony. May your bond only strengthen with time. Cheers!"

Reference an Earlier Joke or Story

Bring your speech full circle by referencing an anecdote or joke from earlier in your speech. This creates a sense of cohesion and leaves the audience with a satisfying conclusion. For instance, if you mentioned the groom's love for adventure, you could say:

> "Once again, let's raise our glasses to the happy couple—to [Groom's Name] and [Bride's Name]. May your journey through life be filled with excitement and shared adventures. Here's to new beginnings and everlasting love. Cheers!"

End on a Positive Note

Regardless of the tone of your speech, it's essential to conclude on a positive and uplifting note. Wish the newlyweds well and express your happiness for their future together. For example:

> "As I conclude, I want to extend my warmest wishes to the newlyweds, [Groom's Name] and [Bride's Name]. May your love continue to grow and inspire those around you. Remember to always cherish each other and never lose sight of what brought you together. Cheers to the happy couple!"

Remember, the ending of your best man speech should be heartfelt, concise, and leave the audience with a lasting impression of your message. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be well on your way to delivering a memorable conclusion.

Best man speech tips

Being chosen as the best man for a wedding is an honour, but it also comes with great responsibility. One of your main tasks will be to deliver 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

The key to a great best man speech is careful planning and preparation. Start by jotting down your thoughts, feelings, and memories about the groom. Write down every story, anecdote, or event that involves the groom, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Then, use a template as a guide to structure your speech.

Opening and Closing Lines

The opening and closing lines of your speech will leave a lasting impression, so make sure they are compelling and memorable. Grab the audience's attention from the start and set the tone for your speech. End with a memorable closing that ties back to the theme of your speech and expresses your well-wishes for the couple.

Sharing Stories and Personal Touches

People love stories, so make sure to include funny, heartwarming, or embarrassing experiences that showcase the groom's personality and your relationship with him. Ask mutual friends if there are any stories or anecdotes they can contribute as well. Share what the groom means to you and why you were chosen to be the best man.

Delivery and Practice

It is essential to practice your speech as much as possible. Rehearse it 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. Remember, the more you practice, the more confident you will become.

Calming Your Nerves

It's normal to feel nervous before delivering your speech. To calm yourself down, take deep breaths and slow down. Visualise yourself as a great speaker, and focus on your breathing to relax.

Connecting with the Audience

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

Timing

While there is no set time limit for speeches, shorter is usually better. Aim for around 4-7 minutes to keep the guests engaged and avoid dragging on.

Addressing the Couple

Don't forget to talk directly to the couple and wish them a happy future and life together.

Toasting

Finally, raise your glass and make a toast to the couple, asking everyone to lift their glasses and join you in celebrating their special day.

Bonus Tip:

While it is not necessary to memorise your entire speech, it is a good idea to memorise the opening and closing lines. This will allow you to begin and end your speech confidently, without relying on notes.

With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to delivering a memorable and engaging best man speech that everyone will remember!

Best man speech examples

The best man's speech is one of the most eagerly awaited parts of a wedding. It is usually packed with jokes, embarrassing stories about the groom, and heartfelt words for the wedding party. Here are some examples to inspire your own best man speech:

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].

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.

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.

[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.

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."

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.

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].

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.

[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.

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 Remote Work Warriors Toast

"Good evening everyone, I’m joining you live from the head table – and no, you can’t mute me or turn off your camera for this one! I met [Groom] during the grand era of virtual happy hours and “you’re on mute” became our most-used phrase.

Our friendship flourished in the digital age, where “hanging out” meant Zoom calls with questionable backgrounds and “getting coffee” meant synchronizing our Starbucks mobile orders. [Groom] was the guy who always forgot to unmute himself before telling a joke, but his reactions in the chat were legendary.

Then [Bride] came into the picture, upgrading his life from standard to premium. Suddenly his background wasn’t a virtual beach – it was actual travel photos. His cooking upgraded from microwave meals to actual recipe attempts, though the fire alarm still makes guest appearances.

[Bride], you’ve done what no amount of productivity apps could – you’ve turned him into someone who actually schedules things in advance and occasionally remembers to charge his devices. Though I notice he still hasn’t figured out proper lighting for video calls.

To the ultimate power couple: may your bandwidth be unlimited, your connection never buffer, and your love life have zero latency. Here’s to a marriage that’s always online and never needs a reset!"

Best Man Speech for Brother

"On my fourth birthday, my parents got me a brother…I wanted a puppy.

But seriously, as a kid [Groom] wanted to do everything I did. He used to follow me around. He used to sneak into my room and play with my Matchbox cars. Our parents could get him to eat his broccoli by making me eat my broccoli.

It wasn't until after I went to college that he started going down his own path. He started doing volunteer work. He found a job he loves, a pretty killer apartment, and, of course, he found [Spouse's Name].

[Spouse's Name], you're the nicest person I've ever met, and my brother is so blessed to have someone like you in his life. Thank you for being there for him.

I'm so happy you two found each other especially because I'm gaining a sister today. Oh, and I want to set the record straight. I'm glad I didn't get a puppy that day. I love you, little bro.

Congratulations to both of you. I wish you lots of laughter, love and joy as a married couple. Cheers to the newlyweds!"

Best Man Speech for Best Friend

"Good evening, everyone! I'm [Your Name], and I'm extremely honored to call myself [Groom]'s best man. Also, please excuse the puffiness under my eyes; I've been happy crying since before the ceremony.

I first met [Groom] while working at a pizza joint called Domenica's while in college. I hated being a server with all my heart, but whenever [Groom] and I were scheduled together, it made it so much more bearable.

We laughed until we cried, ate hundreds of garlic knots, and I can't tell you the amount of times we accidentally got pizza dough stuck to the ceiling during our pizza toss competitions. But even after we both quit and moved on to bigger and better things, we still kept in touch, and I'm eternally grateful.

One of those bigger and better things was [Spouse's Name]. [Groom] really discovered the perfect piece to his puzzle. [Spouse's Name] laughs at his bad jokes, listens to his long monologues about Batman vs. Superman, and most importantly, loves him no matter what. [Spouse's Name] is a phenomenal and caring person who deserves the world, and I know [Groom] will do everything he can to give it to them.

Thank you both for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful wedding, and I can't wait to see what else is in store for you in the future. Love you guys, and cheers to the handsome couple!"

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