Introducing The Groom: Best Man Speech Essentials

The best man's speech is a significant part of the wedding festivities and a great opportunity to introduce the groom to the audience. It is a formal and celebratory address, usually delivered after the meal and before the cake-cutting ceremony. The best man should start with a warm greeting to the audience, followed by a self-introduction and a brief overview of their relationship with the groom. It is also essential to thank the couple for choosing you as the best man and offer congratulations on their marriage. The speech should include entertaining stories and light-hearted moments about the groom while maintaining a balance between humour and sentiment. One can also compliment the bride, highlighting her positive influence on the groom. Finally, the best man should offer well-wishes for the couple's future, propose a toast, and end with an uplifting statement.

Introduce yourself and explain your relationship with the groom

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, my name is [Name], and I am [Groom]'s best man. For those of you who don't know me, I've had the honour of being the groom's [insert relationship here, e.g. best friend] for [insert number] years. I first met [Groom] [insert number] years ago when [explain how you met]. It was clear from the start that we would become close friends, and I have so many fond memories of our time together. From [share a brief, appropriate anecdote about your friendship], to [share another brief, appropriate anecdote], [Groom] has always been there for me, and I am so grateful to be standing here today as his best man.

[Groom] is [describe the groom's positive qualities], and I know that he will always be there for me, no matter what. I remember one time when [share a story that demonstrates the groom's positive qualities]. That's just the kind of person he is—always ready to help and support those around him.

I also want to take a moment to thank [Groom] for choosing me as his best man. It is a true privilege to be a part of this special day and to celebrate the love between [Groom] and [Bride]. I wish them both a lifetime of happiness, love, and laughter.

Share a funny story about the groom

Sharing funny stories about the groom is an essential part of a best man's speech. Here are some examples of how you can introduce the groom with a humorous anecdote:

The "We Go Back" Speech

> "For those who don't know me, [Groom] and I go way back to middle school. This means we go back to a time when [Groom] looked more like Chunk from The Goonies, and less like the suave man sitting before us, tricking [Bride] into thinking that watching him do the Truffle Shuffle in the mirror isn't in her near future.

>

> [Groom] really is the best friend I could have ever asked for. Growing up, we lived across the street from each other, so he was always really more convenient than anything else. The fact that there was an inground pool in his backyard didn't hurt the relationship either.

>

> But now we sit here [X] years later, [Groom] has grown into a wonderful man, and he's sure to be a wonderful husband to you, [Bride]. As long as you can get past his infatuation with Teletubbies and the fact that he went as Tinky Winky for Halloween in the fourth grade, I think you'll make it through anything!"

The "Reasons to Marry the Groom" Speech

> "Good Evening, everyone! I trust that you're having a superb night racking up the bar tab. Sorry about that, [Groom].

>

> You know, the best man speech is known for throwing out some of the most embarrassing aspects of the groom's past. Funny stories from middle school or bringing up bad haircuts, but that's not really my style. Instead, I'd rather make it clear to everyone just why [Bride] has decided to marry [Groom].

>

> There are three rather simple reasons.

>

> Firstly, he's got great taste. He did choose me as his best man, after all. He even decided to wear the same outfit as me today.

>

> Secondly, when he loves, he loves hard. There's nothing this man wouldn't do for me. In fact, he's spent 20 years doing nothing for me. See what you have to look forward to, [Bride]?

>

> And finally, he's a handsome fellow. Although, standing up here looking at him next to [Bride], you could have done a bit better, hun."

The "Brother" Speech

> "[Groom] is my brother, so naturally, I have a long list of blackmail-quality ammunition to scatter throughout this speech tonight. Don't get scared, though, [Groom]; I'll keep 2005 under wraps and not mention it.

>

> But seriously, when we were younger, we'd do everything together. Attached at the hip, even when we were in a fight, it wasn't until college that we parted and went down our separate paths. We grew up, started our careers, and he found [Bride]. And I couldn't be more thankful for you, [Bride], and couldn't be happier for the two of you.

>

> We're gaining such a beautiful new family member today. You look stunning tonight, sister. Congratulations, I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness. Cheers!"

The "Great Man" Speech

> "What a night it has been! Will everyone please raise their glasses as I toast to [Bride] & [Groom]?

>

> Although my first thought today was, if I'm the best man here, why is [Groom] getting to marry [Bride]?

>

> On a more serious note, [Groom], you're not only a great man, you really are the best man for [Bride]. And she is the best woman for you. I could sing both your praises all evening, but since I'm a terrible singer, I'll leave that up to the band and allow everyone to keep their eardrums intact. I'm honored to be by your side today, [Groom]; I wish you many years of happiness. Salute!"

Compliment the groom

Complimenting the groom is an essential part of your best man speech. Here are some ideas to help you craft this section of your speech:

Highlight the groom's positive qualities

Talk about the groom's positive traits and how he has grown and changed for the better since meeting the bride. Is he more caring, thoughtful, or happy? Has he expanded his horizons or developed a greater sense of adventure? Has he become more mature, responsible, or generous? Mention specific examples of how the groom has demonstrated these qualities to showcase his character.

Share a story that showcases the groom's character

Choose a funny or touching story that reveals the groom's personality and your bond with him. It could be a story from your childhood, a memorable trip or adventure, or a time when he was there for you during a difficult period. Make sure the story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, and include sensory details to transport the audience to that moment. Perhaps you can share a story about a time when the groom demonstrated exceptional loyalty, kindness, or a strong work ethic.

Express your admiration for the couple

Talk about how well-suited the bride and groom are and how their relationship has positively impacted both of them. You can mention how the bride brings out the best in the groom and vice versa. Highlight how their relationship has blossomed and strengthened over time and express your support for their marriage.

Summarize your thoughts on the groom

After sharing stories and compliments, summarize your key ideas about the groom. List the essential qualities you have discovered about him over the years and emphasize how lucky the bride is to have found such an incredible partner. You can also mention how the groom has been there for you through thick and thin and how his friendship has enriched your life.

Congratulate the couple

First and foremost, I want to congratulate [groom] and [bride] on their wedding. It's clear to see how perfect you are for each other, and I couldn't be happier for you both.

I've known [groom] for many years, and one thing that always stands out to me is his [positive trait]. For example, [give a brief story that illustrates this trait]. That's the kind of person [groom] is – always [reiterate positive trait].

[Bride], you truly bring out the best in [groom]. Since meeting you, I've seen him grow and change in [explain how the groom has changed for the better]. You complement each other so well, and it's wonderful to see the joy you bring to each other's lives.

Well-Wishes

[Groom] and [bride], may your life together be filled with [give well-wishes for their future together]. My advice to you both is to always [offer light-hearted or sincere advice].

Toast

So, let's raise our glasses to [groom] and [bride]. Here's to a future filled with [give further well-wishes]. Cheers!

Offer advice to the groom

As the best man, your speech is a chance to offer the groom your heartfelt advice as he embarks on married life. Here are some ideas to include in your speech:

Keep it light-hearted

You could offer the groom some light-hearted advice, such as:

• "Remember, men are like tiled floors. Lay them right the first time, and you can spend years walking all over them."
• "Always remember to tell your wife those three important little words: 'You're right, dear'."
• "A happy marriage is a matter of give and take: the husband gives, and the wife takes."
• "Whenever you're wrong, be a man and admit it. Whenever you're right, say nothing!"
• "Never be complacent. Always keep an eye out for those little tell-tale signs, like if the milkman is wearing your socks."
• "Remember, men are like fine wines. They start out as grapes, and it is your job, Emma, to stamp on them until they mature into something you would like to have after dinner."

Give sincere advice

On a more sincere note, you could offer the groom advice such as:

• "May your life together be filled with love, laughter, and countless joyful moments. My advice to you both is to always communicate, support each other, and never forget the love that brought you together."
• "May your days be filled with sunshine and your nights with stars. My advice to you is to always be each other's rock and to never go to bed angry."
• "I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, love, and countless adventures. My advice is to always make time for each other and to never stop dating."
• "May your marriage be filled with more love than you can ever imagine. My advice is to always be honest with each other and to never forget to say 'I love you'."

Frequently asked questions