Delivering A Sentimental Best Man Speech: Heartfelt Tips

Being the best man at a wedding is a tough tremendous honour, but it can also be nerve-wracking. A great best man speech should be funny, heartfelt, and memorable. Here are some tips to help you write and deliver a sentimental best man speech that will leave a lasting impression:

Start with a Clear Intent

Make it clear to the guests from the outset that your speech will be heartfelt and genuine, rather than just a bag of laughs. Begin with a sentimental icebreaker, such as a famous quote about marriage or love. You could also thank everyone for being present and compliment those who have already spoken or will be speaking later.

Share Sentimental Stories

The core of your speech should be sentimental stories that reveal something meaningful about the groom. These stories can be about your relationship with the groom, his relationship with the bride, or both. For example, you could share how the groom has inspired you or helped you through difficult times. You could also talk about how you knew the bride was the one for him and pay her a warm compliment.

Express Gratitude

Be sure to express your gratitude to the groom for choosing you as his best man and let him know what an honour it is for you. Thank the bride and groom's families for hosting the wedding and making the day possible. You can also thank the bride and groom for inviting you to be a part of their special day.

Keep it Balanced

While your focus is on creating a sentimental speech, it's important to balance this with some humour. You can include playful banter or witty jokes, as long as they are appropriate and won't embarrass the couple or guests. Avoid inside jokes that only a few people will understand, and stay away from risky or inappropriate topics.

Practice and Prepare

Don't wing it! Prepare your speech in advance and practice it several times. Rehearse in front of a mirror, or with friends and family, to get feedback and help calm your nerves. You can use index cards to help you remember your speech, but try to memorise it if possible.

Keep it Concise

Aim for your speech to be around 3-5 minutes long. Any longer and you risk losing the attention of your audience. Focus on a central theme or story about the groom, and edit out any unnecessary details.

Structure your Speech

A clear structure will help your speech flow smoothly. Start with an introduction and a funny or complimentary one-liner. Then, lead into a short story or two about the groom. Express your admiration for the couple and summarise your key ideas. Finally, end with a genuine toast to the bride and groom, wishing them a happy future together.

Start with a sentimental icebreaker

Starting your best man speech with a sentimental icebreaker is a great way to capture the audience's attention and set the tone for the rest of your speech. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a heartfelt and engaging introduction:

Begin with a Warm Greeting

Start your speech by addressing the audience and thanking them for being a part of the special day. This is a simple way to express your gratitude and make everyone feel welcomed. For example, you could say something like, "Good evening, everyone! It's an honour to be standing here today as the best man. Thank you all for coming and sharing in this joyful celebration."

Introduce Yourself and Your Connection to the Groom

It's important to introduce yourself, especially if there are guests who might not know you well. Share your name and explain how you know the groom. This is a great opportunity to add a bit of humour or a personal anecdote. For instance, "For those who don't know me, I'm John, the groom's older brother. I've known the groom since he was just a little rascal getting into mischief. And I must say, I never thought I'd see the day when he'd be standing here, all grown up and getting married!"

Share a Sentimental Quote or Poem

Including a meaningful quote or poem in your introduction is a great way to set the tone for your speech. Opt for something that reflects the couple's relationship and speaks to the beauty of love and marriage. For example, you could say, "As the poet Maya Angelou once wrote, 'In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.' That's how I know my brother has found his soulmate in you, and it fills my heart with joy."

Express Gratitude to the Couple and Their Families

Take a moment to thank the couple for including you in their special day and for the honour of being chosen as the best man. You can also extend your gratitude to the couple's parents or families for raising such wonderful people and, if applicable, for hosting the wedding celebration. For instance, "I want to express my deepest thanks to the bride and groom for allowing me to share in this momentous occasion. I am truly grateful to be standing here as the best man. I'd also like to thank the couple's parents for their warmth and generosity in hosting us today and for raising such kind and remarkable individuals."

Share a Heartwarming Anecdote

A great way to capture the audience's attention is to share a sentimental anecdote about the groom. It could be a funny or touching memory from your childhood together, a story about how you met, or a reflection on the groom's journey to finding love. Keep it lighthearted and relatively short, and try to include a sentiment that ties into the theme of love and marriage. For example, "I still remember the day I met the groom. We were just kids, and he had glued his hand to his face, but he still managed to shake my hand and ask if I wanted to be his friend. That's just the kind of person he is—always reaching out, always ready to welcome someone into his life. So, it's no surprise that he found someone as wonderful as his new spouse."

Remember, when crafting your sentimental icebreaker, it's important to be genuine and heartfelt. Speak from the heart, and don't be afraid to let your emotions show. Your introduction sets the tone for the rest of your speech, so take the time to craft something meaningful and engaging.

Thank the guests for being present

Thanking the guests for their presence is an important part of a best man's speech. Here are four to six paragraphs you can use as inspiration for this section of your speech:

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. It's an honour to be standing here today as the best man. On behalf of the newlyweds, I want to thank everyone for attending this amazing celebration. It's beautiful to see so many loving family members and friends here to share in this occasion, especially those who have travelled a long way to be with us. Thank you all for being here and helping to make this day so special."

"I want to take a moment to thank everyone for being here today. It's not every day that we get to celebrate love and commitment on such a grand scale. Your presence means a lot to the happy couple, and I know they are incredibly grateful to have you here. So, from the bottom of their hearts, thank you for sharing this momentous day with them."

"To all the guests who have joined us today, thank you for your presence. Your support and well-wishes mean the world to the newlyweds. They are thrilled to have you here to witness and share in their joy. Your presence adds to the happiness and love that fill this room. So, thank you for being a part of this special day and helping to make it memorable."

"A wedding is a celebration of love, and we are so grateful to have all of you here to share in this joyful occasion. Your presence today is a testament to the love and support you have for the newlyweds. They are truly blessed to have you in their lives, and your presence here today means more than you know. So, thank you for being a part of this wonderful day."

"I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of you for being here today. Your presence means the world to the happy couple, and they are honoured to have you here to share in their special day. Thank you for your love, support, and well-wishes. Your presence adds to the joy and happiness of this occasion, and we are all grateful to have you here."

"On behalf of the newlyweds, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of you for being here today. Your presence means more than you know, and the happy couple is truly touched by your support. They are grateful to have you here to witness and celebrate their union. So, thank you for being a part of this memorable day and for helping to make it so special."

Compliment the couple

Complimenting the couple is a key part of a best man's speech. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft this section of your speech:

Start with a Compliment

Kick things off with a sincere compliment for the couple. This can be a great way to capture the audience's attention and set a positive tone for the rest of your speech. For example:

• "You two are fantastic together. May the flame burn long, and may sparks continue to fly."
• "You've found your Player 2 for life."
• "They say you can't choose your family, but I chose you as my brother years ago."

Highlight Their Positive Attributes

Talk about the qualities you admire in the couple and why they work so well together. Mention how they complement each other and bring out the best in each other. For example:

• "Jeff and Anne are a perfect pair, and it seriously warms my heart to see a couple so amazingly in love. They complement each other in every way and radiate joy when they are together."
• "You've brought so much joy and laughter into [Groom's Name] life. Thank you for being his perfect match."
• "I've watched you both overcome so many obstacles. With [Bride] by your side, I know you can conquer anything."

Share a Sentimental Quote

Incorporate a meaningful quote about love or marriage to add a touch of sentimentality to your speech. For example:

• "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." - Aristotle
• "A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences."
• "Love is not about finding the perfect person, but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."

Express Your Support for Their Marriage

Strengthen your bond with the newlyweds by expressing your support for their union. Wish them a lifetime of happiness, love, and joy. For example:

• "I wish I could say I predicted this day would come, but Jeff's incredible character and charm won Anne over. I am so grateful to be friends with both of them and to join you all in this celebration."
• "I'm so happy you two found each other, especially because I'm gaining a sister today."
• "May your love story be longer than this speech. Here's to decades of happiness and centuries of friendship."

Close with a Heartfelt Toast

Conclude your speech by raising your glass and offering a heartfelt toast to the couple. This is your chance to sincerely express your well-wishes for their future. For example:

• "Please join me in raising our glasses to a lifetime of happiness and espressos for Jeff and Anne Allison!"
• "Everyone, please join me in raising a glass to such a wonderful couple. I wish you a lifetime of peace, love, and happiness. Love you guys!"
• "Congratulations to both of you. I wish you lots of laughter, love, and joy as a married couple. Cheers to the newlyweds!"

Share a sentimental story

Sharing a sentimental story is a great way to add a personal touch to your best man speech and make it memorable. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a heartfelt and meaningful tribute:

Choose a Sentimental Story:

Select a story that is meaningful and showcases your unique bond with the groom. It could be a childhood memory, a college adventure, or a significant event that brought you closer together. Opt for a story with sentimental value and avoid anything that might be inappropriate or embarrassing.

Set the Tone:

Begin your speech by setting the tone. You can start with a funny icebreaker or a heartfelt introduction. Let the guests know that your speech will be genuine and heartfelt. You can also use a famous quote about love or marriage to add a touch of sentiment.

Express Gratitude:

Take the time to thank the groom for the honour of being his best man. Let him know how much it means to you and share your delight in his happiness. You can also thank the bride and groom's parents for raising such wonderful people and for hosting the wedding celebration.

Share the Sentimental Story:

This is the heart of your speech. Share a story that reflects your friendship and the groom's character. It could be a lighthearted anecdote or a more serious tale. For example:

"I remember when we first met in primary school. We built blanket forts and helped each other through life's challenges. He's been more than a friend – he's been like a brother to me. I recall the day he called me about meeting the bride. His voice held a kind of excitement I'd never heard before. He said, 'I've met someone special,' and it was clear she had captured his heart."

Admire the Couple:

After sharing your story, express your admiration for the couple's relationship. Talk about how the bride has positively influenced the groom and how they complement each other. You can also share your wishes for their married life together.

Summarize and Toast:

Before wrapping up your speech, summarize your key points and offer a heartfelt toast to the couple. Raise your glass and wish them a lifetime of love, happiness, and joy.

Remember to keep your speech concise, typically under 5 minutes, and practice beforehand to ensure a confident delivery. Good luck with your best man speech!

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 heartfelt and meaningful tribute to the newlyweds.

Express Your Admiration for the Couple

It is important to showcase your support and admiration for the couple and their marriage. You can highlight what you admire about their relationship and how they complement each other. Here are some examples:

> "Jeff and Anne are a perfect pair, and it seriously warms my heart to see a couple so amazingly in love. They complement each other in every way and radiate joy when they are together."

> "You two are fantastic together. May the flame burn long, and may sparks continue to fly. Cheers to the newlyweds!"

Share a Sentimental Quote

Including a sentimental quote about love and marriage can add a special touch to your speech. Opt for something that is concise, meaningful, and relevant to the couple. Here is an example:

> "Love is not about finding the perfect person, but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly."

Talk About Their Relationship Journey

Share how the couple first met and how their relationship has grown. If you played a role in bringing them together, you can also mention that. This will give the guests a glimpse into the newlyweds' love story. Here is an example:

> "I know I said earlier that I'm the best man, but I lied. I'm actually Cupid because I'm the one who introduced these two eight years ago."

Offer Well-Wishes for Their Future

Conclude your speech by offering heartfelt well-wishes for the couple's future together. You can also include a final joke or a marriage quote to end on a positive and uplifting note. Here is an example:

> May your love story be longer than this speech. Here's to decades of happiness and centuries of friendship. Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Frequently asked questions