Best Man Speech: How Long Should It Be?

The best man's speech is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding celebration. However, it is essential to get it right. While there is no exact formula for the ideal length, it is crucial to keep it concise and engaging. As a general rule of thumb, the sweet spot for a best man's speech is between two and ten minutes, or approximately 700 to 1300 words. This allows enough time to share stories, crack a few jokes, and propose a heartfelt toast to the newlyweds without monopolising the reception or losing the audience's attention.

How long should a best man speech be?

The length of a best man's speech is crucial to its success. While there is no exact formula for the ideal duration, it is generally agreed that the speech should not be too long or too short. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a length of between four and ten minutes. This allows enough time to share memories, tell a few funny stories, and express excitement for the couple's future without monopolising the reception or losing the attention of the guests.

A best man's speech that is too long can cut into other important wedding activities and become tedious for the audience. On the other hand, a speech that is too short may feel rushed or impersonal and may not allow enough time to convey all the sentiments and well-wishes for the newlyweds. Therefore, a balanced duration is essential.

When writing the speech, it is recommended to break it down into manageable sections or "chunks" of text, with each part focusing on a specific topic such as an introduction, anecdotes, a tribute to the couple, and a toast. This helps to ensure the speech stays within the desired time frame and maintains a clear structure.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the number of speakers at the wedding may influence the length of the best man's speech. If there are multiple speakers, each speaker should aim for a shorter duration to avoid the speeches becoming overly lengthy.

In conclusion, a best man should strive for a speech that is neither too long nor too short, falling within the sweet spot of four to ten minutes. With careful planning, an engaging delivery, and consideration for the overall flow of the event, the best man can deliver a memorable speech that adds to the joy of the wedding celebration.

What to include in a best man speech

Being the best man at a wedding is an honour and a responsibility. The best man's speech is a chance to celebrate the groom, entertain the guests, and show support for the couple. Here are some tips on what to include in your speech:

Begin by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship with the groom. Grab the audience's attention with a compelling opening, such as a fun quote or an inside joke. You can also add a twist to your introduction to make it more engaging. For example, you can say something like, ""Good evening, if you're in this room and don't know me by now, then you're probably at the wrong wedding. I am, of course, [your name], and I've been best friends with [groom] for 25 years."

A theme is a unifying idea that ties your speech together. Think of it as the main takeaway for your audience. A good way to identify your theme is by making a list of your favourite stories or anecdotes involving the groom.

Stories and Anecdotes

Sharing stories and anecdotes is an excellent way to keep your audience entertained and connected. Opt for funny, heartwarming, or even mildly embarrassing experiences that reveal the groom's personality and your relationship with him. Avoid overly embarrassing or humiliating stories, and steer clear of mentioning exes. If you're having trouble coming up with stories, consider asking mutual friends—they might recall some great tales you've forgotten.

Tribute to the Groom

As the best man, you were chosen for a reason. Express what the groom means to you and highlight his positive attributes. Talk about his good qualities, such as his kindness, adventurous spirit, or how he's always had your back.

Tribute to the Couple

While the focus of your speech should be on the groom, don't forget to include a tribute to the couple. Talk about the impact the bride has had on the groom, such as how she has upped his game, changed his wardrobe, or sparked an interest in new things. Share how happy they seem together and wish them well.

Conclude your speech by directly addressing the couple and wishing them a happy future and life together. Then, it's time for the toast. Be creative and come up with something clever, or simply ask everyone to raise their glasses to the couple.

Remember to keep your speech focused, add personal touches, and practice beforehand. Aim for a length of 4 to 10 minutes, depending on the number of speakers, and make sure to rehearse your timing. Good luck!

How to prepare and deliver a best man speech

Being the best man at a wedding is a big deal and a responsibility. The groom has chosen you because you are an important part of their life, and your speech should reflect that. Here are some tips on how to prepare and deliver a memorable best man's speech.

Length

The ideal length for a best man's speech is between four and ten minutes. Any shorter, and you may not be able to say all you want to say, and it may feel rushed or impersonal. Any longer, and you risk losing the attention of the guests and taking time away from other speakers and wedding activities. As a rule of thumb, aim for the Goldilocks approach: not too long, not too short, but just right.

Content

Your speech should be structured with an introduction, a few anecdotes, a tribute to the couple, and a toast.

• Introduction: Start by welcoming the guests and introducing yourself, especially to those who may not know you. You can also add some humour here, such as a light-hearted joke about your position as the best man.
• Stories about the groom: Share some funny and light-hearted stories or anecdotes about the groom. Avoid anything that might embarrass him or mention ex-partners. Focus on his character, triumphs, and any disasters or funny situations he has experienced.
• Tribute to the couple: Talk about the positive impact the bride has had on the groom and how they are a great couple. You can also mention how happy they make each other and wish them well. Avoid cliches and repetition, especially if the groom has already spoken about how they met.
• Toast: End your speech with a heartfelt toast to the couple, wishing them a happy and long life together.

Delivery

• Preparation: Write your speech in advance and practice it. Time yourself to ensure it falls within the desired length. You can also create cue cards to guide you during the speech.
• Confidence: Remember that most people feel nervous about public speaking, and preparation will help ease those nerves. Stand confidently with your feet planted firmly on the ground, and make eye contact with the audience.
• Pace and volume: Speak clearly and at a volume that ensures everyone can hear you, especially those at the back of the room. Don't rush, and remember to pause for laughter and emphasis.
• Avoid props: Props, such as photos or videos, can make your speech less effective and more tedious. They can also be technically challenging and distract the guests' attention from you.
• Keep it simple and sincere: You don't need to be groundbreaking or unique. Be natural, sincere, and heartfelt. Focus on sharing your happiness for the couple and wishing them well.

Example Outline

• Welcome and introduction: 45 seconds. Introduce yourself and add some humour.
• Stories about the groom: 4-5 minutes. Share 3-4 anecdotes about the groom that showcase his character.
• Tribute to the couple: 1 minute. Say more than just clichés; show that you know the couple and wish them well.
• Genuine tribute to the groom: 1 minute. Share some heartfelt words about your friendship and how much you value him.
• Raise a toast: 45 seconds. Back up your toast with a story or insight from earlier in the speech to make it original and witty.

Remember, the key to a good best man's speech is to keep it punchy, entertaining, and focused on the couple. Good luck!

Best man speech template

Start with a joke or a funny story to grab the attention of your audience. Then, introduce yourself and explain your relationship with the groom. It is also a good idea to thank the people who helped make the wedding possible, such as the wedding party, the guests, and the parents.

Stories about the groom

Share some anecdotes about the groom. You can talk about how you met, memorable moments from your childhood, or funny stories from your time together in college.

Tribute to the groom

Talk about how much the groom means to you. You can mention his positive traits and how he has been there for you through difficult times.

Tribute to the bride and groom

Share a few words about the bride and how she has positively impacted the groom's life. You can also talk about how the couple met and their relationship. It is important to keep this section light-hearted and positive, avoiding any mentions of exes.

Raise a toast to the couple

Conclude your speech by proposing a toast to the newlyweds. Wish them happiness and a long life together.

Timing

The ideal length for a best man's speech is between 5 and 10 minutes. This gives you enough time to share meaningful stories and well-wishes without monopolizing the reception.

Additional tips:

• Keep the speech punchy and concise, avoiding complex or meandering stories.
• Rehearse your speech beforehand to ensure it stays within the desired time frame.
• Avoid using props, as they can make the speech less effective and more tedious for the audience.
• Include a mix of humour and sentiment in your speech.

Tips for making a great speech

Keep it concise

The ideal length for a best man's speech is between four and ten minutes, or 600 to 1300 words. This gives you enough time to say what you need to say without losing the attention of the guests or taking time away from other speakers. Remember, the guests are there to celebrate the newlyweds, not to listen to long speeches.

Structure your speech

A good structure for your speech is to start with an introduction, then share some anecdotes about the groom, followed by a tribute to the couple, and finally, a genuine tribute to the groom. Keep the speech simple and logical, without jumping around in the timeline.

Focus on the groom

While it's tempting to talk about yourself or your role as the best man, the speech should primarily be about the groom. Share stories and anecdotes that showcase his character and personality. You can also talk about how he met the bride and the positive impact she has had on him.

Make it entertaining

The best man's speech is expected to be funny, but avoid trying too hard to be humorous. Keep the tone warm and light-hearted, and avoid anything edgy or risqué. Instead of telling long, complex stories, focus on creating a cohesive narrative with punchy, sharp humour.

Practice and edit

Prepare your speech in advance and practice delivering it out loud. Time yourself to ensure it falls within the desired length. Don't be afraid to edit and cut out parts that are not essential. Remember, less is more when it comes to keeping your audience engaged.

Frequently asked questions