Make The Best Man Speech Unforgettable

Being the best man at a wedding is a huge honour, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. From planning the stag do and writing a speech to keeping the wedding rings safe and making sure the groom gets to the venue on time, the best man has a lot on his plate. But one of the most important tasks is making sure he stands out on the day. After all, it's a special occasion for him too. So how can you make the best man stand out?

Give him a different look

Giving the best man a different look is a great way to make him stand out and feel special on the wedding day. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Different Accessories

A subtle yet effective way to make the best man stand out is by giving him a unique accessory. This could be a special tie, jacket, vest, or boutonnière that differs from what the other groomsmen are wearing. Opting for a different colour or pattern can make a big visual impact without altering the overall uniformity of the group.

Mix and Match Ties

If the groomsmen are wearing ties, the best man could wear a bow tie instead. Alternatively, he could wear a long neck tie if the groomsmen are wearing bow ties. This simple change will help the best man stand out while still maintaining a cohesive look with the rest of the wedding party.

Layering Pieces

The best man can also stand out by wearing different layering pieces under his suit or tuxedo. For example, he could wear a vest, suspenders, or a cummerbund, adding a unique touch to his outfit.

Formal Jacket and Vest

The groom will certainly stand out if he is the only one in the bridal party wearing a formal jacket and/or vest. This option is especially great for outdoor weddings, as it allows the groomsmen to stay cooler while still looking sharp.

Different Suit or Tuxedo

One of the latest wedding trends is to give the groom a different suit or tuxedo than the rest of the groomsmen. This is a unique way to make the groom stand out and can be a special request from the groom himself, who may want to find a way to differentiate his look.

Unique Boutonnière

Another modern idea is to have the groomsmen wear the classic white tie and vest while the groom stands out with a black vest or a vest that matches the wedding's colour palette. Alternatively, the groom could have a different colour flower or a completely different boutonnière.

Give him some spotlight

The best man usually offers a toast during the reception, but there are other ways to give him some spotlight and show him how important he is to you. Here are some suggestions:

Ask him to be the witness when you sign your marriage license

This is a great way to involve the best man in the legal side of the wedding and make him feel valued.

Ask him to perform a song or a reading during the ceremony

If your best man is musically inclined or has a talent for public speaking, asking him to perform during the ceremony will surely make him feel special.

Ask him to emcee part of the reception

The best man can be the master of ceremonies, announcing key elements such as the couple's arrival into the reception room, the speeches, and the cutting of the cake. This role will give him a prominent position during the reception.

Give him extra responsibilities on the wedding day

The best man can help with tasks such as rounding up guests for wedding photographs, organising transportation for the couple, and ensuring the wedding party knows where to be and when. These additional duties will show your best man how much you appreciate his support.

Ask him to help with wedding planning tasks

Traditionally, the best man isn't heavily involved in wedding planning, but offering him the opportunity to assist can be a great way to give him some spotlight. He can help with logistical details like booking vendors, managing RSVPs, or coordinating schedules.

Mix and match ties

Mixing and matching ties is an art, and when it comes to making the best man stand out, it's a great way to add a unique touch to his attire. Here are some tips and ideas for mix-and-match ties to elevate the best man's look:

Colour Theory:

Start with the colour wheel, which divides colours into warm and cool tones. Warm colours like red, orange, and yellow are vibrant, while cool colours like blue, green, and purple are calming. To create harmony and a balanced look, pair a warm colour with a cool colour. For a bold statement, opt for complementary colours that are directly opposite each other on the wheel, like blue and orange or red and green. If you want to play it safe, go for a monochromatic colour scheme, pairing darker and lighter variants of the same colour, such as a navy tie with a light blue shirt.

Pattern Mixing:

When mixing patterns, it's crucial to vary the pattern proportions, even if the patterns are similar. For instance, pair a solid-coloured suit with a narrow-striped shirt and a wider-striped tie. You can also mix different patterns, such as stripes with polka dots or florals. Just remember to keep it subtle and avoid mixing more than two patterns to avoid a cluttered look.

Tonal Considerations:

Pay attention to the tonal contrast between the shirt and the tie. A low-contrast shirt appears more muted and usually has one dominant colour. Pairing it with a high-contrast tie creates a striking visual effect. On the other hand, if you want the shirt to stand out more, pair a high-contrast shirt with a low-contrast tie.

Fabric and Texture:

Consider the fabric and texture of the tie to complement the suit and the occasion. For example, silk ties are versatile and can be worn all year round, while woollen ties are ideal for the colder months. Linen and cotton ties are perfect for warmer months but tend to wrinkle easily, so choose those with adequate interlining.

Width and Proportion:

The width of the tie should complement the suit's silhouette. For a slim-fit or trimly-tailored suit, opt for a slimmer tie. Conversely, wider ties work better with wide-lapelled or double-breasted suits to avoid getting lost in the ensemble.

By incorporating these tips, you can create a mix-and-match tie look for the best man that is both stylish and memorable. It's a fun way to add a unique twist to his outfit and make him feel special on the big day.

Formalise the groom

Formalising the groom is a great way to make him stand out on his wedding day. Here are some ideas to achieve this:

Vest and/or Jacket

The groom will stand out when he is the only one in the bridal party wearing a vest and/or jacket. This amps up the groom's personal style and makes his look more formal than the rest of the guys, which is acceptable as he is one of the stars of the show! This option is especially great for outdoor weddings, as it allows the groomsmen to stay cool on hot days.

A lot of grooms will wear a white tie and vest, while his groomsmen wear a different colour. Alternatively, you could put the groomsmen in the classic white tie and vest, while the groom stands out in black or a colour that matches your wedding's colour palette.

Different Suits or Tuxes

This is one of the most recent wedding trends when it comes to making the groom stand out. The groom can wear a different colour or style of suit or tuxedo to the groomsmen. For example, the groomsmen could wear dark grey suits, while the groom wears a light grey suit.

Mix and Match Ties

Letting the groom wear a different style of tie than his groomsmen is a subtle way for him to stand out. Both bow ties and long neck ties are stylish options. Along with this, there are different options for layering pieces underneath the groom's suit or tux, such as suspenders, cummerbunds, or vests.

Unique Processionals

One of the easiest and most efficient ways for the groom to stand out is during the wedding processional. Instead of the groom being led into the ceremony with the officiant and his groomsmen following right behind him, you could have the groom and officiant walk in together up the aisle. Then, one by one, a groomsman and bridesmaid walk in together. An alternative to this is to have the groom and officiant come in together, and then each groomsman walks in solo, greeting the groom with a hug or handshake before filing off. This is special because the groom obviously stands out, and the guests get to see the sentimental and funny interactions between the groom and his best friends.

Give a great best man speech

Being asked to be the best man at a wedding is a toughremendous honour, but it's also a role that comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of the most important tasks is giving a wedding speech. Here are some tips to help you deliver an incredible best man's speech:

Preparation

Before the big day, it's important to prepare what you're going to say. Start by brainstorming stories and anecdotes that you can share. Think about the relationship you're celebrating—the one between the newlyweds—and how you can shine a unique light on that. Focus on the couple rather than your relationship with the groom, and try to include one or two short anecdotes and one big idea.

Practise

Practise your speech beforehand and consider getting feedback from a friend. You can also practise your public speaking skills in everyday life, such as by volunteering to lead a work meeting. Practising will help you feel more confident and ensure your speech is well-received.

Length

Keep your speech concise. Three to five minutes is a good length, and any longer may lose the attention of your audience.

Delivery

On the day, try to stay calm and be yourself. You don't need to adopt a different character or try to be a comedian if that's not you. Make sure you're sober, and consider asking a friend to be a point of contact on the day to help you feel more at ease.

Content

While it's good to include a joke or two, don't make your speech all about humour, especially if that doesn't come naturally to you. Focus on sharing how you feel and embrace your personal insight into the couple's relationship.

Audience

Consider your audience when writing your speech. Remember that your audience will include guests of various ages and cultures, such as the couple's grandparents, boss, and colleagues. Refrain from mentioning anything you wouldn't want your grandma or boss to know.

Body language

Rehearse not just your words but also your body language. Practise standing with open body language and using gestures while you speak to appear more confident. Make sure you also make eye contact with the crowd.

Timing

The best man's speech traditionally follows the groom's speech (if there is one) and the maid of honour's toast. It usually takes place at the wedding reception but may sometimes be scheduled for the rehearsal dinner.

Frequently asked questions