Best Man's Rehearsal Dinner Speech: To Give Or Not?

The best man's speech is one of the most memorable moments of a wedding. Traditionally, the best man delivers a speech at the wedding reception, but many modern couples opt for the best man's speech to take place during the rehearsal dinner instead. The best man's speech typically includes introducing themselves, explaining their relationship with the groom, congratulating the couple, sharing anecdotes, and ending with a toast. While it is not required for the best man to give a speech at the rehearsal dinner, it is a great opportunity to share more detailed and story-based speeches in a more intimate setting.

Best man's speech at the rehearsal dinner vs. wedding

The best man's speech is a highlight of any wedding, but where it takes place is up to the couple. Traditionally, the best man and maid of honour give their speeches at the wedding reception, but many modern couples opt for these to happen at the rehearsal dinner instead.

The rehearsal dinner is usually a more intimate setting, with only the couple's closest friends and family in attendance. This means that the best man can share more "inside" jokes and heartfelt stories that might not be appropriate for the wider group of guests at the wedding. It also means that the best man can get their speech out of the way and then relax and enjoy the wedding celebrations.

On the other hand, the wedding reception is the main event, and the best man's speech is one of the most memorable moments. The best man's speech at the wedding is a chance to introduce themselves and their relationship with the groom, share anecdotes, and offer congratulations and best wishes to the couple. It is usually lighthearted and heartwarming, as the best man is one of the people who know the couple the best.

Whether the best man speaks at the rehearsal dinner or the wedding, it is important to keep the speech brief and to the point. It is also a good idea to check with the couple beforehand to see if they have any preferences or requirements for the speech.

Who else speaks at the rehearsal dinner?

The rehearsal dinner is a more intimate setting for speeches, with the wedding party and close family in attendance. It is a great opportunity for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and any other friends or family members who aren't speaking at the wedding to give a speech.

The host(s) of the rehearsal dinner, usually the couple's parents, will often speak first, welcoming everyone and saying a few words. This is traditionally the groom's parents, but whoever is hosting the event should be given the option to give a speech.

The maid of honour and best man may also give a speech at the rehearsal dinner, especially if they are not speaking at the wedding. Their toasts should be short and sweet, perhaps sharing a story that didn't fit into their main speech. If there are co-maids of honour or multiple best men, those who aren't speaking at the wedding should be given the opportunity to speak now.

Extended family members may also be given the option to speak, but it is not recommended to have an open mic situation. It is important to have a plan in place for the number of guests who will speak and to communicate this to guests when the allotted time for speaking is up.

The rehearsal dinner is a chance for the couple to spend uninterrupted time with their VIPs and to thank them for their time, money, and emotional support during the wedding planning process. It is also an opportunity for guests to share inside jokes and heartfelt stories.

Should the best man give a speech at both events?

Wedding speech customs and traditions vary, and ultimately, whoever gives a speech at a wedding reception is up to the couple. However, the best man's speech is often one of the most memorable moments of the wedding.

The best man may choose to give a speech at both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception. At the rehearsal dinner, the best man's speech can be more detailed and story-based, sharing inside jokes and heartfelt stories with the couple's closest friends and family. At the wedding reception, the best man's speech is typically more structured, introducing themselves, explaining their relationship with the groom, congratulating the couple, sharing an anecdote, and ending with a toast.

If the best man chooses to speak at both events, they should ensure that their speeches are distinct and tailored to the audience and setting. The rehearsal dinner speech can be more casual and intimate, while the wedding reception speech should be more formal and structured.

It is also important to consider the couple's preferences and the overall flow of the events. The couple may prefer to have shorter speeches at the wedding reception and suggest that longer toasts be given at the rehearsal dinner. Alternatively, the couple may wish to keep the rehearsal dinner brief and intimate, without any speeches.

In conclusion, the best man may give a speech at both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding reception, but it is not a requirement. The best man should communicate with the couple and other speakers to ensure a well-coordinated and enjoyable experience for all.

What should the best man's speech include?

The best man's speech is a chance to say some kind words about your relationship with the couple and your best friend. It should be quick, lighthearted, and positive, focusing on the couple's relationship rather than your own with the groom. Here is a general structure you can follow:

• Break the ice: Start with a light-hearted joke or icebreaker to warm up the guests and calm your nerves.
• Introduce yourself and your friendship: Share how you met your best friend and how long you've known each other. If there's a humorous tale about your first encounter, now is the time to tell it.
• Read out messages: Read out messages from friends and family who couldn't attend. You can also include some funny, fake messages to make it more light-hearted.
• Share stories and anecdotes: Share some amusing anecdotes and stories about the groom and the couple. Keep it friendly and respectful, and consider using props or stunts to enhance your story.
• Offer words of wisdom: Share some light-hearted yet sincere advice for the couple. If you're not married, you can ask married friends or family for tips.
• Praise the partner: Compliment the groom's partner and reflect on your favourite things about them and their relationship.
• Acknowledge the bridal party: Thank the bridal party for their role on the day and in the lead-up to the wedding.
• The final toast: Conclude by raising a glass to the couple and wishing them a happy future.

• Keep your speech around seven minutes long to hold the attention of the guests.
• Avoid drinking too much beforehand to prevent going off-script or ad-libbing.
• Stay true to yourself and your usual style. There's no need to be a comedian or overly sentimental if that's not who you are.
• Focus on the couple rather than trying to be the star of the show.
• Practice your speech beforehand and consider getting feedback from a trusted friend.

How long should the best man speak for?

The best man's speech at the rehearsal dinner should be short and sweet. It is an opportunity to share a story that might not fit into the main reception speech. The rehearsal dinner is a more intimate setting, and the best man can share more "inside" stories and jokes with the couple's closest family and friends.

There is no set time limit for the best man's speech at the rehearsal dinner. However, it is important to be mindful of the time, especially if there are other speakers. Keeping the speech concise and entertaining is key. The best man should aim for a duration that feels comfortable and allows for a natural flow, ensuring that the speech does not become too long or drawn out.

The rehearsal dinner speech should be shorter than the best man's speech at the wedding reception. It is an opportunity to share a quick anecdote or a lighthearted story about the groom or the couple. The tone should be heartwarming and encouraging.

The best man's speech is a chance to set the mood for the evening and get everyone excited for the upcoming wedding. It is a great way to honour the couple and share a few personal words before the big day.

Frequently asked questions