Crafting A Memorable Best Man Speech: A Guide

Being the best man at a wedding is a big deal. It comes with a lot of responsibilities, from organising the stag do to delivering the biggest speech of your life. While the prospect of public speaking can be daunting, there are several tips you can follow to nail your best man speech and make it a moment to remember. Firstly, prepare in advance by gathering stories about the groom and writing and rewriting your speech until every line is refined. Keep your speech concise, entertaining and well-structured, and practice beforehand to build confidence. On the day, avoid drinking too much alcohol, and be mindful of the content of your speech by steering clear of controversial topics and inside jokes. Instead, opt for humour, anecdotes and heartfelt sentiments that celebrate the couple and make them look good.

Prepare in advance, but don't read from a script

It's important to prepare your best man speech in advance. Start by jotting down ideas and anecdotes about the groom, and then structure your speech. A good best man speech should be fun and imaginative, with a balance of humour and sincerity.

You could begin with a killer opening line, such as a one-liner or a roast. Then, introduce yourself and explain your connection to the couple. Thank the previous speakers and the couple's parents, and give a special shout-out to the bride. Share personal stories and anecdotes about the groom, but avoid anything that might embarrass him or offend the guests.

You could also talk about the couple's relationship and how they met. Include a few jokes, but avoid controversial topics such as politics, religion, or anything else that might be considered sensitive. Keep your speech short and sweet, aiming for around five minutes.

While it's a good idea to prepare in advance, you don't want to sound too scripted. Practise your speech ahead of time, but don't memorise it word-for-word. Instead, write down key points and ideas to guide you and allow for some flexibility and ad-libbing.

Sample Outline

• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself as the best man and set the tone with a "quick win" joke to get the audience laughing.
• Acknowledge the Bride: Thank the bride and any special guests, and contrast the humour with a sincere moment.
• How You Met the Groom: Share stories and anecdotes about how you met the groom and your friendship.
• The Special Something: Do something creative and unique, such as sharing "three life lessons" you've learned from the groom or giving a "top 5 countdown" of their most hilarious moments.
• Bride, Family & Future: Talk about how the groom has changed for the better since meeting their partner and wish them a happy future together.
• Toast to the Couple: Keep it short and sweet, and consider ending with a final punchline.

Keep it short and sweet

When it comes to nailing your best man speech, keeping it short and sweet is a smart strategy. Here are some tips to help you deliver a concise and impactful toast that will be remembered for all the right reasons:

Trim and Focus Your Content

Outline the key points you want to make. Start with a simple framework, such as an introduction, a story or two, a toast to the couple

Compliment the couple

When it comes to nailing your best man speech, one of the most important elements is taking the time to sincerely compliment the couple. This is your opportunity to showcase your support and admiration for the newlyweds, and it's a great way to add a touch of warmth and sentiment to your speech. Here are some tips and ideas to help you craft this section effectively:

Speak from the Heart: Authenticity is key when complimenting the couple. Share genuine thoughts and feelings about their relationship. Think about what makes their connection special, and convey it with sincerity. For example, you might say, "John and Emily, your love for each other is evident in the way you look at each other. The way you support and uplift each other is truly inspiring."

Share a Personal Story: Narrate an anecdote that showcases the couple's compatibility and the strength of their bond. It could be a funny story about how they first met, a challenging situation they overcame together, or a heartfelt moment you witnessed. For instance, "I remember the first time I met Sarah, it was at a mutual friend's party. The room was buzzing, but when Mark walked in, his eyes landed on Sarah, and I could tell in that instant that he was smitten. The rest, as they say, is history."

Highlight Their Qualities: Talk about the unique qualities that make each of them perfect for each other. Perhaps the bride brings out the best in the groom, or they share a similar sense of adventure. You can also mention specific traits that you admire about them as individuals and as a couple. "Jake and Lily, you are the perfect example of a power couple. Your unwavering dedication to your careers is only matched by the depth of your love for each other. Your ambition and drive inspire everyone around you."

Applaud Their Commitment: Weddings are a celebration of love, but they also signify a commitment to face life's challenges together. Recognize and applaud the couple's dedication to one another, especially if they have overcome long-distance relationships, busy careers, or other obstacles along the way. "Sean and Maya, your love has withstood the test of distance and time zones. Your commitment to making it work despite the miles between you is a testament to the strength of your bond."

Wish Them Well: Conclude this section by wishing the couple a happy future together. Offer your heartfelt blessings and good wishes for their married life. This can be a simple yet powerful statement of your support for their union. "As you embark on this new chapter, may your love continue to grow and flourish. May your home be filled with laughter, your lives with joy, and your cups with the finest wine. Cheers to the happy couple!"

Remember, when complimenting the couple, it's important to strike a balance between sincerity and humor (if that's your style). Keep your comments tasteful and respectful, and always ensure that your words align with the tone and sentiment of the occasion.

Avoid controversial topics

While it may be tempting to add a bit of humour to your speech with a controversial joke, it is essential to remember that the wedding day is not about you. It is about the couple and their special day. The last thing you want to do is upset anyone, so it is best to avoid controversial topics altogether.

What Topics to Avoid

• Politics
• Religion
• Gender
• Sexuality
• Race
• Anything else that may be considered sensitive or offensive
• Negativity about marriage
• Previous marriages/divorces
• Drinking, drugs, and gambling
• "Adult" humour or any other mention of sex

Keep it Light-Hearted

If you want to include a joke in your speech, opt for something light-hearted that will appeal to all age groups. Self-deprecating humour is a great way to get the crowd laughing and will make you more relatable and down-to-earth. You could also poke fun at the groom, but be strategic and avoid roasting the bride.

Avoid Embarrassing Stories

Although you might have some hilarious anecdotes about the groom, it is best to avoid sharing stories that might embarrass the couple or their families. This is a celebration of love, not a roast!

Keep it Short and Sweet

A best man's speech should ideally be no more than 5 minutes long. This will help you avoid losing the attention of your audience and will ensure you give the couple the spotlight they deserve.

Be yourself

Being yourself is one of the most important things to keep in mind when delivering a best man's speech. While it's normal to feel nervous about public speaking, staying true to your personality will make your speech more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some tips to help you nail your best man's speech by being yourself:

Know Your Style

Before you begin writing your speech, evaluate your comfort level with public speaking and your natural style. If you're not a naturally funny person, don't pressure yourself to deliver a comedic speech. Instead, focus on sharing heartfelt sentiments and stories that showcase your friend's positive qualities. On the other hand, if you're known for your humour, feel free to incorporate jokes and light-hearted anecdotes, but be mindful of keeping the jokes appropriate and avoiding controversial topics.

Share Personal Stories

The best way to be yourself is to share personal stories and anecdotes about your friendship with the groom. Think about how you met, memorable moments you've shared, and how your friend has enriched your life. These stories will not only showcase your unique relationship but also provide a more intimate perspective on the groom for the audience.

Be Sentimental

Don't shy away from expressing your feelings and emotions during your speech. As the best man, you have a special role in celebrating the couple and their love. Share how much you care about the groom, and if you know the bride well, express your happiness for them as a couple. This is your chance to let your friend know how much they mean to you, so don't hold back on the sentimentality.

Keep It Short and Sweet

While you want to share meaningful stories and sentiments, it's important to keep your speech concise. Aim for a length of around two to seven minutes. This will help ensure that your speech is well-received and that you hold the attention of the audience. A shorter speech will also make it easier for you to deliver it confidently and naturally.

Practice, But Don't Over-Rehearse

While it's essential to prepare and practice your speech beforehand, avoid over-rehearsing to the point where it sounds robotic. You want your speech to sound natural and authentic. Practise delivering your speech aloud, and if possible, record yourself to get feedback and make adjustments. This will help you refine your speech while still allowing your personality to shine through.

Remember, being yourself is about embracing your unique style, stories, and emotions. By following these tips, you'll be able to deliver a best man's speech that is not only memorable but also a true reflection of your friendship and support for the happy couple.

Frequently asked questions