Best Man's Guide To Crafting The Perfect Wedding Speech

Being asked to be the best man at a wedding is a huge honour, but it's also a role that comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important tasks is delivering a memorable wedding speech. This can be a daunting prospect, especially if you're not used to public speaking, but there are plenty of tips and tricks to help you write and deliver an incredible speech.

The best man's speech is usually the most eagerly awaited of all the wedding speeches and traditionally comes last. It should be packed with jokes, embarrassing stories about the groom, and heartfelt words for the wedding party. The focus should be on the couple and their relationship, rather than your relationship with the groom. Keep the tone lighthearted and positive, and avoid anything that could be seen as offensive or inappropriate.

Start by introducing yourself and explaining your connection to the couple. Include a funny opening line or a compliment to break the ice and capture the audience's attention. Share a few stories or anecdotes about the groom, but try to keep things concise. You don't want your speech to drag on, so aim for around 3-5 minutes. Practice beforehand and consider using notes or index cards to help you stay on track.

Remember, this is your chance to send your friend or brother your best wishes on their wedding day. So, don't be afraid to show a bit of vulnerability and sincerity. Congratulate the couple and offer them your well-wishes for a happy future together.

Start with a killer opening line

How to Make a Wedding Speech as the Best Man: Start with a Killer Opening Line

The best man's speech is a highly anticipated part of the wedding reception. It usually comes last and is packed with jokes, embarrassing stories about the groom, and heartfelt words for the wedding party. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a memorable and engaging opening line for your best man speech.

Introduce Yourself with a Twist:

Add a creative twist to the standard introduction. For example, "Good evening, if you don't know me by now, then you're probably at the wrong wedding. I am, of course, [your name], and I've been best friends with the groom for 25 years."

Crack a Joke, Even a Corny One:

A lighthearted joke can help break the ice and put the audience at ease. For instance, "Hello, I'm the best man. This entire day has been beautiful so far. In fact, I'm getting emotional. The wedding cake has me in tiers."

Be Hilarious with a Straight Face:

Deliver a humorous line with a straight face, such as "Good evening, I am the best man and the groom's brother. Tonight, we're in a room full of great men—doctors, lawyers, military veterans—and yet I am the 'best.' His words, not mine."

Introduce a Recurring Theme:

Choose a theme that sums up your relationship with the groom, such as sports, college, vacations, or a mutual interest. Start your speech with a story or anecdote related to this theme. For example, "Hello, my name is [your name], and I'm here to talk about my amazing friends, the newlyweds. They are a story of opposites attracting. The bride's favourite food is french fries, and the groom is allergic to potatoes."

Ask a Question to Answer Throughout:

Pose a question that piques the audience's curiosity and sets the tone for your speech. For instance, "Good evening, my name is [your name], and I've known the groom for more than [#] years. As I was preparing this toast, one question kept coming to mind: How do I summarise a friendship spanning decades? So, let me take you back to when it all began."

Read a Definition from the Dictionary:

Find a word that defines the couple's relationship and share its definition as an intriguing opening. For example, "Google's second definition of the word 'love' says, 'A great interest and pleasure in something or someone.' I think this is beautiful and an understatement when describing the bond between the bride and groom."

Tell a Story of How You Met:

Share a brief story of how you met the groom, especially if it's lighthearted or amusing. "The year was 1993, and we were in kindergarten. I was building a tower of blocks when out of nowhere, they were knocked down by a classmate. That classmate was the groom, and we've been best friends ever since. And yes, I did throw blocks at his head after that."

Read Something in a Different Language:

If you want to include international family members or simply add a unique twist, start your speech by reciting a phrase in their native language. For instance, "Hello and welcome to everyone in both families. In Spanish, I'd like to say, 'Me llamo Pedro y necesito que te diviertas porque esta boda es muy cara' (which means, 'My name is Pedro, and I need you to have fun because this wedding is very expensive!')".

Thank the other speakers

Thanking the other speakers is a crucial part of a best man's speech. It is good etiquette to thank the previous speaker to help lead into your speech. You can also thank the couple's parents for raising such wonderful people and for hosting a great party. Here is an example:

> "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, get your tissues ready for this one! I'd also like to express 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 us all to enjoy this evening."

You can also thank the couple for inviting you and making you a part of their special day. For example:

> "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."

If you want to be humorous, you could thank the best man for choosing you as his best man. For example:

> "I'd like to begin by congratulating the groom for his superb taste in choosing the best man."

Share a personal story

Sharing a personal story is a great way to make your best man's speech stand out. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a memorable and engaging story for your speech:

Choose a Meaningful Story

Select a story that is not only entertaining but also highlights the groom's positive qualities and the impact he has had on your life. It could be a funny anecdote, a heartwarming moment, or an adventure you both embarked on. Ensure the story has a clear beginning, middle, and end, with a punchline or an emotional twist that will leave the audience captivated.

Keep it Lighthearted

While it's essential to be genuine and heartfelt, avoid stories that are overly sentimental or embarrassing. Opt for lighthearted and positive tales that showcase the groom's best traits. Steer clear of stories that involve drugs, alcohol, or any illegal activities.

Include Sensory Details

Engage the audience's senses by incorporating sensory details into your story. Describe the scenery, the smells, the sounds, and the tastes associated with the moment you're recounting. This will transport the audience to that time and place, making your story more vivid and immersive.

Involve the Audience

Make your story interactive by bringing the audience into the narrative. Address specific guests, such as the groom's parents, or share a memory that involves other members of the wedding party. This creates a sense of inclusion and makes your story more dynamic and engaging.

Keep it Concise

Edit your story to ensure it's concise and to the point. A long-winded tale will cause your audience to lose interest. Aim for a story that is short and sweet, lasting no more than a few minutes. You can even use photographs or props to enhance your story, but be mindful of not making your speech too lengthy or tedious.

Examples:

"I first met John when we were in college, working together at a pizza joint called Domenica's. We laughed until we cried and consumed countless garlic knots. We even accidentally stuck pizza dough on the ceiling during our pizza-tossing competitions! Those were the days when we were just trying to make ends meet, but our friendship endured and grew beyond that college job. John, you've been a true friend, and I'm honoured to stand here today as your best man."

"There's one particular story that comes to mind when I think of John and his unwavering loyalty. A few years ago, I found myself in a bit of a pickle. I won't go into the details, but let's just say it involved a mischievous puppy and a very expensive pair of shoes. John didn't hesitate for a second before coming to my rescue. He dropped everything to help me fix the situation, and we spent the entire day cleaning, repairing, and coming up with creative solutions. That's the kind of friend John is—always ready to lend a helping hand."

"One of my fondest memories with John was when we decided to take a spontaneous road trip across the country. We packed our bags, filled up the tank, and set off with no particular destination in mind. We sang at the top of our lungs, shared stories, and created unforgettable memories along the way. We even ended up accidentally joining a parade in a small town! It was a trip filled with laughter, beautiful scenery, and a deeper bond between us. It's a trip I'll always cherish and one that truly showcases John's adventurous spirit."

Remember, when sharing personal stories, it's essential to respect the groom's privacy and avoid any sensitive topics that might cause embarrassment or discomfort. Keep the stories light and fun, and always get the groom's approval if you're unsure about the content. Happy speechwriting!

Talk about the couple's relationship

When talking about the couple's relationship, it's important to keep a few things in mind. First, consider the traits that make each person special and how those traits influenced their relationship. For example, you can talk about the groom's nervousness and how the bride's confidence balanced that out. You can also mention specific anecdotes that showcase these traits, such as the groom's nerves on their first date or how they first met.

Additionally, think about how the couple has grown and changed since being together. For instance, you can mention how the groom has developed some interesting habits since moving in with the bride. You can also share your thoughts on how they make each other feel and the kind of influence they have on each other. For example, you can say something like, "I've never seen [groom] as happy as when he met you."

If appropriate, you can also welcome the bride or groom to the family and express your gratitude that they have found each other. Speak about how their personalities compare and how they bring out the best in each other. For example, "She's the yin to his yang – they complete each other."

Finally, consider the length of time they have been together. If it's been a long time, you can say something like, "We've been waiting so long for this day." If it's been a shorter time, you can mention how happy the couple has been in the time they've been together.

End with a heartfelt toast

The best man's speech is a meaningful duty and a chance to send your friend the best wishes for their married life. It is also a chance to shine a unique light on the couple's relationship.

Raise a Glass to the Couple's Future

You can ask everyone to join you in raising a glass to the couple's future. For example:

> "Please join me in raising our glasses to a lifetime of happiness and espressos for Jeff and Anne!"

Congratulate the Couple

You can offer a simple and heartfelt congratulations to the couple, expressing your hopes for their marriage. For example:

> "There is nothing more noble or admirable than watching two incredible people come together as one in the unity of marriage. As your friends and family, we delight in your marriage and offer our encouragement and support. Here is a toast to a long life filled with adventure, love, and cherished moments."

Wish the Couple Happiness, Health and Success

You can wish the couple a lifetime of happiness, excellent health and success. For example:

> "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!"

Thank the Wedding Party and Hosts

You can use your toast to thank the wedding party and hosts. For example:

> "Lift your glasses to thank Mr. and Mrs. [Bride’s Parents] for hosting this beautiful wedding. Let us all toast to the perfect union of the bride and groom. We wish you a bright and beautiful future. Cheers!"

Toast to the Past, Present and Future

You can wish the couple well by reflecting on the past, present and future. For example:

> "Here’s to the past, for all you’ve learned. Here’s to the present for this beautiful moment we all share. Here’s to the future for all you’ve got to look forward to. Cheers to the happy couple!"

Frequently asked questions