The Best Man's Guide To Complimenting The Bride

The best man's speech is one of the most memorable moments of a wedding reception. It is a chance to make the bride feel special and appreciated. While it can be tricky, especially if you don't know the bride well, it's important to go beyond generic compliments. A good best man speech should include heartfelt sentiments, funny stories, and specific examples of the bride's awesomeness. It should also touch on her stunning appearance and acknowledge her supporting cast, or family.

- Share her amazing qualities: Highlight her best qualities, such as her kindness, intelligence, sense of humour, or compassion. Be specific and give examples.

- Tell embarrassing but endearing stories: Share funny or embarrassing stories that showcase the bride's incredible qualities. For instance, a story about how she organised a surprise party can show her thoughtful and sneaky personality.

- Compliment her appearance: You don't need to be a fashion expert to make her feel like a million bucks. Simply speak from the heart and let her know how amazing she looks.

- Give a shout-out to her family: Acknowledge the love and support of her family, especially her parents, and share any funny or heartfelt stories you may have about them.

- Be genuine, clean, and practised: Ensure your words come from a place of sincerity, keep the speech clean, and practise beforehand to boost your confidence.

Compliment the bride's appearance

Complimenting the bride is an important part of the best man's speech. Here are some ideas on how to do this:

Compliment her appearance

Complimenting the bride's appearance is a great way to make her feel special and boost her confidence on her big day. Here are some ways to do this:

• "You look absolutely stunning/beautiful/gorgeous/radiant/elegant today."
• "You are glowing with happiness, and it is clear that you are meant to be together."
• "You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen."
• "Your dress is exquisite/breathtaking/stunning. It showcases your unique style and beauty perfectly."
• "You two look perfect together. It's clear that you were made for each other."
• "Your smile lights up the room, and your joy is contagious."
• "The groom is a lucky man, and he knows it. He hit the jackpot with you!"

Remember to be sincere and genuine in your compliments. The bride will appreciate your kind words, and it will add a touch of warmth and charm to your speech.

Share a funny story about the bride

Sharing funny stories about the bride is a great way to make your best man's speech memorable and engaging. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a humorous and heartfelt tribute to the bride:

Share Endearing Embarrassing Stories

Embarrassing stories can be a great source of humour in your speech, but it's important to ensure they are good-natured and won't cause any offence. One idea is to share a story that showcases the bride's thoughtfulness and her fun-loving personality:

> "I'll never forget the time [Bride] organised a surprise party for [Groom]. She spent weeks planning every detail, from the guest list to the decorations. And on the big day, she even managed to keep him distracted by sending him on a wild goose chase around town while we all snuck into their flat. The look on his face when he walked in and saw all of us there? Priceless! That's just the kind of thoughtful and sneaky girlfriend she is."

Compliment Her Appearance

Complimenting the bride's appearance is a traditional element of the best man's speech. Even if you're not an expert on fashion or makeup, you can simply speak from the heart and let her know how amazing she looks. You could say something like:

> "When [Bride] first walked down the aisle, I swear the whole room gasped. She looks absolutely breathtaking in that dress – like a real-life princess. [Groom], I don't know how you managed to keep your cool up there. I would've been a blubbering mess!"

Share a Story of How You Met the Bride

If you have a fun story about how you met the bride, this can be a great way to add a personal touch to your speech. It could be a story about a mutual friend, an adventure you went on together, or even a funny first impression. For example:

> "I first met [Bride] when [Groom] and I were in primary school. To be quite honest, I wasn't thrilled about having a sister. And I think [Groom] knew because he would do ridiculous things like throw my toothbrush in the toilet, pour water on me while I was asleep, and run across the room naked when I had friends over. This made me less popular than I already was. But now, thanks to [Groom] and this beautiful night, I am getting the sister I always wanted. [Bride], our family loves you so much. Thank you for making my brother so happy."

Incorporate Her Family

Including a shout-out to the bride's family is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for their support and celebrate their joy. You can share a funny anecdote or simply express your gratitude for their presence:

> "I've got to give a special shout-out to [Bride]'s parents, [Names]. Not only have they raised an incredible daughter, but they've also been like a second family to [Groom]. I'll never forget the time they took us all on a camping trip and taught us how to fish. Well, they tried to teach us, anyway. I'm pretty sure the only thing we caught was a cold!"

Balance Humour and Sincerity

While humour is an important part of your speech, it's also essential to include sincere sentiments. Share how you truly feel about the bride and express your happiness for the couple. This will add a heartfelt touch to your funny stories and create a well-rounded tribute.

Thank the bride's family

As the best man, you will likely be expected to give a speech at the wedding reception. This is your opportunity to thank the bride's family for their contribution to the wedding. Here are some tips and suggestions for how to do this effectively:

Structure of the Speech:

Firstly, it is important to craft a well-structured speech. Begin with a strong introduction that grabs the audience's attention. You could use a funny one-liner, a story about yourself and the groom, or a compliment for the bride. Remember to introduce yourself, especially if there are guests who might not know you.

Then, move on to thanking the other speakers, such as the father of the bride and the groom. This is a polite gesture and will be appreciated by the couple and their families.

Complimenting the Bride:

When it comes to complimenting the bride, it is essential to be sincere and heartfelt. Mention how beautiful she looks and how happy she and the groom are together. You could also share a memory or anecdote about the groom's first impression of the bride, which is sure to evoke emotions from the audience.

Thanking the Bride's Family:

Now, it's time to specifically address the bride's family and express your gratitude for their contribution to the wedding. Here are some suggestions for what to include in this section:

• Begin by directly addressing the bride's family, expressing your appreciation for their presence and support on this special day.
• Acknowledge the efforts and contributions made by the bride's parents, especially if they played a significant role in financing the wedding. This gesture will be well-received and appreciated.
• Share any personal interactions or experiences you've had with the bride's family that have left a positive impression on you. It could be their warmth, hospitality, or any specific acts of kindness they have shown you.
• If there are any particular family members who have gone above and beyond, such as aunts, uncles, or cousins, take the time to recognise their efforts individually.
• Conclude by raising a toast to the bride's family, wishing them all the best, and thanking them once again for their invaluable role in making the wedding a success.

Example Excerpt from the Speech:

"To the bride's family, your support and presence today mean so much to the happy couple. I want to extend a special thank you to the bride's parents, [names of parents], for their incredible generosity and dedication in making this day so memorable. Your hard work and attention to detail have created a truly magical atmosphere. On behalf of the groom and myself, we are forever grateful for your contribution and the love you have shown towards your daughter and now son-in-law. We raise our glasses to you and wish you all the best."

Congratulate the couple

Congratulating the couple is a key part of the best man's speech. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a meaningful and engaging message:

Do's and Don'ts

• Do write a heartfelt and sincere congratulation. Avoid making it overly long or insincere by keeping it concise and focused on the couple.
• Do thank the couple for letting you share in their special day and wish them well in their new life together.
• Don't make negative jokes about marriage or the groom's past relationships. Keep the tone respectful and tasteful.
• Do practice your speech beforehand to ensure you are comfortable with what you are saying and to sound more natural.

Examples

"I'd like to raise a glass to Sam and Sarah. May you have the life you always dreamed of, continue to fight over the remote, and cherish making beautiful memories together. Find joy in the small things like Portlandia and expensive coffee, and may sparks continue to fly forever."

"I'd like to make a toast to Joe and Sarah, two souls meant to meet and fall in love. Your experiences have led you to one another, and it's as if your parents were orchestrating this all along. Even though they aren't here tonight, their spirits guide you, and they are so proud of you. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness!"

"Congratulations to the newlyweds! You have found not just love, but true companionship. May your journey be filled with happiness, passion, and an everlasting bond."

"To the groom and his new life partner, thank you for giving me the honour of being the best man. May your marriage be as smooth as your pick-up lines and as exciting as our infamous trip to Munich. Here's to love, laughter, and a happily ever after!"

"Congratulations, [Bride] and [Groom]! We are so glad that you have found one another, and this day is a reminder that the best is yet to come. We wish you both a lifetime of happiness!"

Wish the couple well for the future

As the best man, it is your duty to deliver a speech that is not only funny but also sincere and complimentary towards the newlyweds. Here are some tips and tricks to help you craft a meaningful and well-rounded speech that wishes the couple well for the future:

The Structure of Your Speech

Begin your speech with a killer opening line to grab the attention of the audience. You could start with a funny one-liner, a story about yourself and the groom, or even a compliment for the bride. Make sure to introduce yourself as the best man, especially for those who don't know you. This is also a great opportunity to pay compliments to the bride and her bridesmaids.

Complimenting the Bride

When complimenting the bride, it is important to be sincere and specific. Avoid generic adjectives like "kind" or "funny". Instead, mention how she has positively influenced the groom. For example, you could say something along the lines of:

> "I've known the groom for a number of years, and I must say, his life has been transformed since meeting his bride. Their love is a beacon, guiding them through life's ups and downs. So, here's to the newlyweds—a couple who have found not just love, but true companionship. May your journey be filled with happiness, passion, and an everlasting bond."

Congratulating the Couple

Offer your sincere congratulations to the couple and wish them well for the future. You can include some advice for a happy marriage, such as:

> "Love, honour and cherish each other, and don't forget to take out the garbage. Your wife is always right. Always notice every new hairstyle or dress. Do something nice for each other every single day."

You can also include some blessings for their future together:

> "I wish you both health and happiness and may God bless your marriage."

The Best Man's Toast

End your speech with a toast to the couple, tying together everything you've covered. This is a great opportunity to refer back to some earlier jokes and leave your best jokes for the end to ensure your speech finishes on a high note. You could say something like:

> "So, I ask you all to join me in a final toast to the future happiness of the bride and groom. To Mr and Mrs [surname]; may their life together bring them much happiness and many children."

Remember to keep your speech short and sweet, lasting around 4-7 minutes. This will ensure you hold the attention of the audience and the hungry guests!

Frequently asked questions