Best Man's Guide: Ending A Wedding Speech

Being the best man at a wedding is a huge honour, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important duties is delivering a memorable speech that celebrates the newlyweds and their union. While it's meant to be light-hearted and fun, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. Here are some tips on how to end a wedding speech as the best man.

First and foremost, it's customary to give a toast to the newlyweds, wishing them a happy and prosperous future together. This is typically done by asking everyone to raise their glasses and proposing a cheerful message. It's also common to include a nod to the bridesmaids in your toast, although this is usually done by the groom.

The ending of your speech should be well-considered, as these will be the lasting words that sum up the occasion. You can opt for a light-hearted or comical note, perhaps with a witty observation about marriage. Alternatively, you might prefer to end on a more sincere and heartfelt tone, expressing your delight and encouragement for the couple's marriage.

Regardless of the style you choose, it's important to prepare and practice your speech beforehand. This will ensure your message is delivered smoothly and effectively, creating a memorable moment for the newlyweds and all in attendance.

Thank the hosts, family, couple, and bride

Thanking the hosts, family, couple, and bride is an important part of a best man's speech. Here are some ideas on how to do this effectively:

Thanking the Hosts

It is important to thank the hosts of the wedding, usually the family of the bride and groom, for putting together the celebration. This can be done with a simple statement such as:

> "I am so grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Zimerman for hosting us here today, and thank you to the bride and groom for inviting me to be part of their special day."

Thanking the Family

When thanking the family, it is a good idea to mention the parents of the bride and groom, as well as any siblings who may be in attendance. Here is an example:

> "Thank you to the bride and groom's families for welcoming us here today. To the parents of the bride/groom, thank you for raising such wonderful children. And to the siblings of the bride/groom, thank you for being a part of this celebration."

Thanking the Couple

The best man should also express gratitude to the couple for choosing him to be a part of their wedding party. This can be done with a light-hearted joke, such as:

> "I'd like to begin by congratulating the groom for his superb taste in choosing the best man [chuckle]. And to the bride, thank you for putting up with him and making him the happiest man alive."

Thanking the Bride

While the best man's speech should focus primarily on the groom, it is important to acknowledge and thank the bride as well. Here are some ways to do this:

> "I want to thank the bride for welcoming me into her family. She is a lucky person to be with this guy, and I know she will bring him so much joy."

> "To the bride, thank you for all the hard work you put into making this day so special. We are all so happy to celebrate with you and wish you and the groom a lifetime of happiness."

Share a funny or embarrassing story about the groom

Ending your best man's speech on a high note is crucial, and sharing a funny or embarrassing story about the groom is a great way to do this. Keep the story light-hearted and ensure it reflects the groom's unique personality and sense of humor. Here are some tips and ideas to help you craft this section of your speech:

Think about a specific incident that captures the groom's essence and can be retold in a humorous way. It could be something from their childhood, teenage years, or adult life, as long as it's appropriate for the audience. For example, you might recall the time the groom tried to cook a romantic dinner for his partner but accidentally set the kitchen on fire, leading to a fire engine arriving and a very embarrassed groom!

Add humorous details and use expressive language to make the story engaging. Describe the groom's expressions, actions, and reactions to make the story come alive. For instance, "I still remember the look of sheer panic on his face as he frantically tried to wave the smoke away, all the while the fire alarm blaring in the background."

Involve other members of the wedding party or guests in your story if they played a part in the incident. This will make your story even more relatable and entertaining. For example, if the groom's brother was the one who called the fire department, mention how he "heroically" rushed to the rescue, only to find the fire trucks arriving at a very minor kitchen mishap.

Use gestures and vary your tone of voice when delivering the story to capture the attention of your audience and make them feel involved. You could even act out some parts to emphasize the humor.

Keep the story relatively short and sweet. You don't want to lose the impact by rambling on for too long. A concise and well-crafted story will leave a lasting impression.

Remember to adapt the story to fit the audience. While it's great to be humorous, be mindful of any guests who may not appreciate a particular type of joke or story. Keep it tasteful and avoid any offensive material.

By following these tips, you'll be able to craft a funny and memorable ending to your best man's speech, leaving the guests entertained and the groom potentially a little red-faced but happy!

Highlight the couple's positive qualities

As the best man, your speech is a chance to make the bride feel special and appreciated. It's also an opportunity to showcase her incredible qualities and welcome her into your crew. Here are some tips to help you highlight the couple's positive qualities:

Share Her Amazing Qualities

Think about the qualities that make the bride stand out. Is she kind, intelligent, or funny? Share specific examples to paint a picture of who she is and why she's so special. For instance, you could say: "I've never met anyone as compassionate as Sarah. She's always the first to lend a helping hand and has a heart of gold. And her wit? She can make even the dullest story hilarious!"

Tell Embarrassing (But Endearing) Stories

Share funny and embarrassing stories that showcase the bride's incredible qualities. For example: "I'll never forget the time Kate threw a surprise party for Steve's birthday. She spent weeks planning every detail, from the guest list to the decorations. And on the big day, she distracted him with a wild goose chase while we sneaked into their flat. The look on his face when he walked in and saw us all? Priceless! That's just the kind of thoughtful and sneaky partner she is."

Compliment Her Stunning Appearance

Compliment the bride's appearance and make her feel like a million bucks. You don't need to be a fashion expert to make her feel special. Simply speak from the heart. For example: "When Sarah walked down the aisle, the whole room gasped. She looks absolutely breathtaking and like a real-life princess. I don't know how you kept your cool, mate!"

Don't Forget the Supporting Cast

Acknowledge the bride's family and share any funny or heartfelt stories about them. This will show your appreciation for the people who have been there for her and will likely earn you brownie points with the in-laws. For instance: "I want to give a special shout-out to Sarah's parents, John and Mary. They've raised an incredible daughter and have been like a second family to Steve. I remember when they took us on a camping trip and taught us how to fish. Well, they tried, anyway!"

Remember to be genuine and sincere in your delivery. Practice your speech beforehand, and keep it clean and free of raunchy jokes. With these tips, you'll deliver a speech that celebrates the couple's positive qualities and leaves a lasting impression.

Congratulate the couple

Congratulations! You've been chosen as the best man, and now it's time to prepare your speech. Ending your speech with a toast to the newlyweds is the perfect way to conclude your words and celebrate the couple's future together. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a memorable and heartfelt congratulation:

Express Gratitude

It's essential to begin your speech by expressing gratitude and saying "thank you." Thank the couple, their families, and the guests for being part of this special day. This sets a positive and gracious tone for your speech. For example:

> "I am so grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson for hosting us here today, and thank you to the bride and groom for inviting me to share in their joy. It means a lot to be able to stand here as the best man and celebrate this wonderful couple."

Share a Story

The "meat" of your speech will be a short story or two about your relationship with the groom. Choose anecdotes that are funny, slightly embarrassing, or heartwarming. If possible, include the bride in your stories as well. For instance:

> "I still remember the first time I met John; we were in college, and he had just transferred to our university. I offered to show him around campus, and little did I know that this shy, awkward guy would become my best friend. We bonded over late-night study sessions, a shared love for basketball, and a talent for getting into harmless mischief. John, you've been an incredible friend, and I'm so happy to see you find your soulmate in Jane. Cheers to the both of you!"

Highlight Their Relationship

Strengthen your bond with the newlyweds by expressing your support for their marriage. Talk about how the couple complements each other and radiates joy when they are together. You can also mention specific ways the bride has positively impacted the groom's life. For example:

> "John and Jane are truly a match made in heaven. They bring out the best in each other and share a deep love for adventure. John, you've always wanted a partner who would join you on your travels, and Jane is the perfect companion for your journeys. Their relationship is built on a foundation of mutual respect and a shared sense of humour. It's clear to see how much they adore each other, and I wish them a lifetime of happiness and new experiences together."

Offer Well Wishes

As you conclude your speech, it's time to offer your congratulations and best wishes to the happy couple. Express your hopes for their future, raise your glass, and propose a toast to their love. Here are some examples:

> "John and Jane, may your love continue to grow and flourish. May your lives be filled with joy, laughter, and all the blessings that life has to offer. Please join me in raising a glass to the wonderful couple—to John and Jane!"

> "To the happy couple, may your marriage be filled with love, happiness, and endless adventures. May you always find comfort and strength in each other's arms. Congratulations, and cheers to the beautiful journey ahead!"

Remember, when crafting your speech, it's essential to keep it positive, respectful, and focused on the couple. Avoid inappropriate topics, and if you're including any inside jokes, ensure they are explained well so that all the guests can understand and enjoy your stories. With preparation and a bit of creativity, you'll be able to deliver a memorable and heartfelt congratulation to the newlyweds.

End with a toast to the couple's future

"As I stand here today, I am truly honored to be the best man at this wedding and to be given the opportunity to celebrate the union of [Groom's name] and [Bride's name]. It has been a joy and a privilege to watch their love story unfold, and I know that their future together will be filled with endless love, laughter, and happiness.

Throughout the years, I have seen first-hand the strength of their bond and the deep love they share. [Groom's name] and [Bride's name] complement each other perfectly, and their relationship is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and mutual adoration. They have created a loving home and a beautiful life together, and I know that their greatest adventures are yet to come.

So, as I raise a glass to the happy couple, I invite you all to join me in wishing them every blessing for the future. May their love continue to grow and flourish, and may they always find comfort and joy in each other's arms. Here's to the wonderful times ahead, the memories they will make, and the lifelong partnership they have forged.

To [Groom's name] and [Bride's name], may your love burn brightly forever, shining light on your path and warming your hearts. May you always find strength in each other, support through life's challenges, and endless joy in the simple act of being together. Your love story is an inspiration to us all, and we wish you a future filled with all the happiness you deserve.

So, once again, please raise your glasses and join me in a final toast to the future of [Groom's name] and [Bride's name]—may it be long, loving, and bright!"

This ending to the best man's speech emphasizes the best wishes and blessings for the couple's future, focusing on the strength of their relationship and the potential for a long and happy life together. It is a heartfelt and uplifting way to conclude the speech, leaving the newlyweds and guests with a warm and positive sentiment.

Frequently asked questions