Best Man Speech: Ideal Word Count

The best man's speech is one of the most important duties of the role, and it's essential to get it right. While there's no exact formula for the ideal length, the general consensus is that it should be short and sweet. A good best man's speech should last between two and ten minutes, with some sources recommending a maximum of five or seven minutes. This gives you enough time to share a few funny stories or crack a few jokes, without taking up too much time or losing the attention of the wedding guests. It's also important to remember that you're not the only speaker at the wedding, so aim to keep your speech concise and punchy, and avoid rambling or telling long, complex stories.

Length: The ideal length for a best man's speech is between two and ten minutes

The ideal length for a best man's speech is between two and ten minutes. This gives you enough time to say what you want to say without losing the attention of the guests.

A good best man's speech should be punchy and sharp, not meandering and complex. You want to keep the guests' attention throughout, so aim for a speech that is concise and to the point. It is also important to remember that you are one of many speakers, so you don't want to hog the limelight!

As a rule of thumb, a best man's speech should be between 700 and 1,300 words. This will ensure that you can deliver your speech in under ten minutes, allowing for laughter from the audience. Of course, if you've been asked to keep your speech short, you can go for a minimum of 750 words, which should take you about six minutes.

If you are giving a speech, it is a good idea to practice beforehand. This will help you to get a sense of the timing and make any necessary adjustments. You may also want to consider having some notes or cue cards with you to keep you on track.

Remember, the most important aspect of your speech is what you say, so make sure that you convey all the love and well wishes you have for the happy couple.

Opening: Start with a killer opening line

The opening line of your best man's speech is crucial for setting the tone and capturing the audience's attention. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a memorable and engaging introduction:

• Humorous Opening Lines: Humor is an effective way to break the ice and relax the audience. Opt for self-deprecating humour or playful teasing of the groom. For example, "Good evening, everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I have the honour of being the best man. Some of you may know me as [Groom's Name]'s better half. For those who don't know me, I apologise in advance for whatever embarrassing stories I might share about our past."
• Heartfelt and Sincere Openings: If you have a deep connection with the groom, consider an honest and sentimental opening. For instance, "I've known [Groom's Name] since we were kids, and I've never seen him as happy as he is today, standing here on his wedding day with [Bride's Name]."
• Quoting Wisdom on Love and Marriage: Using quotes can add depth and elegance to your speech. Choose quotes that feel authentic to the couple's relationship, such as, "As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said, 'Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction.' I think that perfectly describes [Groom's Name] and [Bride's Name] on their wedding day."
• Personal Anecdotes and Stories: Sharing a brief childhood memory or a fun shared experience is a unique and genuine way to introduce your friendship with the groom. For example, "I remember when [Groom's Name] and I were seven years old, and we made a pact that we'd always look out for each other. Seeing him here today with [Bride's Name] by his side, I know he has someone who will do just that."
• Engaging the Audience: Involving the guests in your opening line adds an interactive touch. Try interactive questions or welcoming family and friends with a warm sentiment. For example, "By a show of hands, how many people here thought [Groom's Name] would settle down before 30? Just me? Well, I guess he surprised us all by finding the love of his life in [Bride's Name]!"
• Blending Humor with Sincerity: Combining humour and sincerity can strike the perfect balance. Start with a light joke and then transition to something more heartfelt. "Good evening, everyone! I'm [Your Name], the best man. I've been warned to keep this speech short and sweet—like [Groom’s Name]. But on a more serious note, it’s an honour to stand here with one of the best friends anyone could ask for."

Some practical tips for choosing your opening line:

• Opt for a style that feels natural and suits your personality.
• Consider your audience and what they are most likely to connect with.
• Rehearse your speech out loud to get comfortable with the delivery.
• Avoid inside jokes that only you and the groom will understand.
• Keep your opening concise and to the point, setting up the rest of your speech effectively.

Gratitude: Thank the previous speakers and the couple's parents

Firstly, thank the previous speakers. It's always good to acknowledge the people who have spoken before you and to give a little nod to the maid of honour's speech. You could say something like: "Let's give it up for the amazing speech given by the wonderful maid of honour. If you enjoyed how thoughtful and sweet her speech was, you better get the tissues ready for this one!"

Next, express your gratitude to the couple's parents. Thank them for raising such incredible adults and, if they helped pay for the wedding, thank them for hosting such a great party. Here's an example: "I'd like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to the couple's parents for raising such amazing people, who I'm fortunate to call my best friends. I would also like to thank them for hosting such an awesome celebration for all of us to enjoy this evening."

You could also mention any other people who have helped make the day special, such as the catering staff or anyone who has gone out of their way to ensure the day runs smoothly.

Finally, don't forget to wish the newlyweds all the best and raise a toast to them. This is your chance to sincerely express your well wishes for the couple and to thank them for having you. You could say something like: "I wish you both a lifetime of peace, love and happiness. Love you guys!"

Couple: Share a few words about the couple's relationship

Sharing a few words about the couple's relationship is an essential part of a best man's speech. Here are four to six paragraphs you can use as a starting point for this section:

Paragraph 1:

It was clear to everyone that the groom was over the moon when he met his partner. I remember him telling me about their first date and how he knew right away that this was someone special. The way he talked about his now-spouse was unlike anything I had heard before. It was evident that their connection was unique and that they were meant to be together.

Paragraph 2:

The groom and his partner complement each other perfectly. They balance and support each other through life's ups and downs. They share a deep love and respect for each other, and their relationship is built on a strong foundation of trust and understanding. Together, they have created a beautiful life and a loving home.

Paragraph 3:

One of the things that stands out about their relationship is their shared sense of adventure. Whether it's exploring new countries or trying new hobbies, they embrace life's adventures with open arms. Their willingness to step out of their comfort zone and try new things has brought them closer together and strengthened their bond.

Paragraph 4:

The groom and his partner have a deep respect for each other's interests and passions. They encourage and support each other to pursue their dreams, and this has created a strong foundation for their relationship. Whether it's the groom's passion for sports or his partner's love for art, they always make time for what matters to them.

Paragraph 5:

Their relationship is built on a shared love for family and friends. They value the people in their lives and always make an effort to maintain strong connections. Whether it's organising get-togethers or being there for their loved ones during difficult times, they prioritise the people they care about. This has created a strong network of support and love around them.

Paragraph 6:

The couple's relationship is an inspiration to all who know them. They embody the meaning of true love and commitment. Their journey together has been filled with joy, laughter, and a deep sense of companionship. They bring out the best in each other and have created a life together that is filled with love and happiness.

Stories: Include one or two short, lighthearted anecdotes

When it comes to best man speeches, it's important to keep things concise. Generally, a best man speech should be between 700 and 1300 words, or around 5 to 10 minutes long. Any longer, and you risk losing your audience.

Now, let's get into the fun part: the stories! Including one or two lighthearted anecdotes is a great way to make your speech memorable and engaging. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft your stories:

Keep them short and lighthearted

As tempting as it may be to launch into a lengthy tale, remember that your audience's attention span is limited. Aim for anecdotes that are short, sweet, and to the point. Focus on a specific incident or memory that captures the groom's personality or your friendship. For example:

"I still remember the first time I met [Groom]. It was in the second grade, and he had just glued his hand to his face. But that didn't stop him from reaching out and shaking my hand, asking if I wanted to be his friend. That's the kind of person he is—always ready to extend a hand of friendship, even with glue stuck to his cheek!"

Make them relatable

Your audience may include people from different walks of the groom's life, such as school friends, work colleagues, and relatives. Choose stories that will resonate with a broad range of people and avoid inside jokes that only a select few will understand. For example:

"One of [Groom]'s most defining characteristics is his unwavering loyalty. I remember one time when we were in high school, and he stood up for me against a group of bullies. It wasn't the first or last time he'd have my back, and I know he'll be just as loyal to his new spouse."

Exaggerate for comic effect

Feel free to embellish the details of your story to make it funnier. If he tripped, say he "went flying." If he spilled his drink, claim he "drenched half the pub." Just be careful not to bend the truth so much that it becomes a fabricated story. For example:

"There was this one time we went camping together, and [Groom] woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of rustling outside our tent. Convinced it was a bear, he grabbed the nearest object—a can of bug spray—and charged out of the tent, screaming at the top of his lungs. Turns out it was just a raccoon, but we still laugh about [Groom]'s bug spray warrior impression to this day!"

Include the bride

While the majority of your stories will likely centre around the groom, try to include one that involves the happy couple. It could be about how they met, a funny memory from a double date, or a moment when you realised they were perfect for each other. For example:

"I knew [Groom] had found 'the one' when he started talking non-stop about [Bride]. We'd go out with the guys, and every other sentence out of his mouth was her name. So when he came to me to tell me he was going to propose, I just said, 'Well, it's about time!' Because we all knew she was the one for him."

Remember, when crafting your stories, it's essential to keep them appropriate and avoid anything that might embarrass the couple or cross the line. Keep your anecdotes lighthearted, and you'll be well on your way to delivering a best man speech that's both entertaining and memorable!

Frequently asked questions