Thanking Bridesmaids: Best Man's Guide To Gratitude

As the best man, you'll want to thank the bridesmaids in your speech. It's an important responsibility, and it's a chance to inject some fun into the proceedings. But be careful not to objectify the bridesmaids or come across as creepy. Keep your comments general and non-specific, veering towards beauty rather than sexuality. You could say something like: I'd like to thank the bridesmaids for all their hard work today. I know that Sam and Kerry also organised the hen party. By all accounts, you had a great time in Blackpool, especially when a 'fireman' called Nick mysteriously appeared in the pub. Something about a magic hose, right, girls?

Be sincere and respectful

Being sincere and respectful is key to a successful best man's speech. While it's important to be entertaining, you don't want to resort to clichés or over-the-top jokes that might offend someone. Here are some tips to guide you:

• Keep it classy: It's essential to strike a balance between paying a compliment and being inappropriate. While it's expected that you'll say something nice about the bridesmaids, be mindful not to objectify them. Avoid making lewd jokes or comments that might make them feel uncomfortable. Remember, they are not your personal harem, and some of them may have partners present. Instead, opt for general, non-specific comments about their beauty and elegance.
• Show gratitude: Express sincere appreciation to the bridesmaids for their contributions to the wedding. Thank them for their hard work, especially if they played a role in organising the hen party or other wedding-related events. Mention their efforts in making the day special for the happy couple. For example, you can say, "I want to thank the bridesmaids for all their hard work and dedication in making today so memorable. Their support and friendship have been invaluable, and we are forever grateful."
• Be respectful to the couple: As the best man, your speech should also include a heartfelt tribute to the groom and his partner. It's essential to be sincere and avoid resorting to meaningless clichés. Do your research if you don't know them well, and share specific examples of how they complement each other. For instance, you can say, "To the groom and his bride, your love and commitment to each other inspire us all. Your unique bond is evident in the way you support and uplift each other. We wish you a lifetime of happiness and love."
• Keep it brief: While it's important to express your gratitude, don't dwell too long on the thank-yous. Aim for a concise and well-crafted speech that is around 8-10 minutes long. This will ensure your message is impactful without losing the attention of your audience.
• Make it personal: Instead of a generic speech, add a personal touch by sharing a story or anecdote about the couple. This could be a funny incident, a heartwarming moment, or how you met the groom. Starting with a story is an excellent way to engage your audience and make your speech memorable. For example, "I still remember the first time I met Tom. He was sitting in a bar, completely absorbed in his book amid the Saturday night chaos. I knew I had to speak to him, and the rest, as they say, is history."
• Be mindful of your language: While it's okay to include some light-hearted humour, be cautious with your language, especially if there are children or elderly relatives present. Avoid offensive jokes or inappropriate stories. A few well-placed mild swear words can add a bit of edge to your speech, but always check with the couple beforehand and read the room on the day.

Avoid lewd jokes

As the best man, you are expected to thank the bridesmaids for their support and hard work during the wedding. Here are some tips on how to do this without making lewd jokes:

Keep it classy and respectful

Avoid making jokes that objectify or demean the bridesmaids. While it is expected that you will acknowledge their beauty and elegance, be careful not to cross the line into lecherous territory. Respect the fact that they may have partners in the audience, and refrain from making any suggestive comments.

Make the joke self-deprecating

If you do decide to include a light-hearted comment about the bridesmaids, make sure the joke is at your own expense rather than theirs. For example, you could say something like, "How fantastic are our bridesmaids today? They look amazing, and they performed their role to perfection. As I was walking past them earlier, I heard them all talking about who will get to have the first dance with the best man. 'You!' 'No, you!' 'No way!' It was all very touching. At least, that's how I'm reading it."

Focus on their hard work and friendship

Instead of solely commenting on the bridesmaids' appearance, acknowledge the work they put into the wedding and their friendship with the bride. For example, you could say, "I know that Sam and Kerry organised the hen party, and by all accounts, you had a great time in Blackpool, especially when a 'fireman' called Nick mysteriously appeared in the pub. Something about a magic hose, apparently. Is that right, girls? Sam, you've turned as red as a fire engine."

Avoid risqué topics

Steer clear of topics that could be considered inappropriate or offensive. This includes sexual innuendos, suggestive comments, and jokes that objectify women. Remember, your goal is to thank the bridesmaids and make them feel appreciated, not to make them feel uncomfortable.

Be mindful of cultural references

Avoid making references that may be considered outdated or offensive. Opt for more modern and inclusive humour that all guests can enjoy and understand.

Keep it brief

You don't need to go on and on about the bridesmaids. A short and sincere thank you is often more impactful than a lengthy speech. Remember, the focus of your speech should ultimately be on the bride and groom.

Thank the bridesmaids for their support

As the best man, it is your responsibility to thank the bridesmaids in your speech. While you can keep it short and simple with a "thanks for all your support" and "don't they look lovely?", it is a great opportunity to inject some fun into the proceedings.

Keep it classy and complimentary

It is important to strike the right balance when paying a compliment to the bridesmaids. You want to avoid coming across as lecherous or creepy. Instead, opt for general, non-specific comments about their beauty and elegance. Here's an example:

> "I'd like to echo what Gary said and thank Mel, Violet, Cathy, and Leah, not only for helping my wife prepare for today but also for making such a huge effort and looking so magnificent. Not that any effort was needed, mind you. Unlike me, who had to spend hours grooming, plucking, waxing, and scrubbing to bring myself up to the standard of your average dole queue."

Make it about self-deprecating humour

Self-deprecating humour is a brilliant tool to utilise when thanking the bridesmaids. It is a safe approach that can add a touch of humour to your speech. Here's an example:

> "How fantastic are our bridesmaids today? They look amazing and performed their role to perfection. As I was walking past them earlier, I heard them talking about who will get to have the first dance with the best man. 'You!' 'No, you!' 'No way!' It was all very touching. Not one of them wanted to see their friends miss out. At least, that's how I'm reading it."

Incorporate a story or a theme

Instead of a simple thank you, you can incorporate a story or a theme into your speech. This adds a personal touch and makes your message more meaningful. For example:

> "I know that Sam and Kerry organised the hen party, and by all accounts, you had a great time in Blackpool, especially when a 'fireman' called Nick mysteriously appeared in the pub. Something about a magic hose, apparently. Is that right, girls? Sam, you've turned as red as a fire engine!"

Acknowledge their hard work and dedication

If you want to highlight the bridesmaids' efforts and dedication, you can structure your message accordingly. Here's an example:

> "Thank you to the bridesmaids for all their hard work today. I know that preparing for a wedding can be challenging, and these ladies have gone above and beyond to ensure today is special. We truly appreciate your support and dedication."

Remember, the key is to be respectful, keep it brief, and inject some humour if appropriate. Good luck with your speech!

Thank the bridesmaids for their hard work

As the best man, you must thank the bridesmaids for their hard work. Here are some ideas on how to do this:

"Now it's my duty to thank the bridesmaids for all of their hard work today. I know that [names of bridesmaids] also organised the hen party. By all accounts, you had a great time in Blackpool, especially when a 'fireman' called Nick mysteriously appeared in the pub. Something about a magic hose, apparently. Isn't that right, girls? [names of bridesmaids], you've turned as red as a fire engine."

"Thank you to both Ian and Liam for their kind words regarding the services of myself, my fellow groomsmen, and the bridesmaids this evening. You were correct; we've indeed done a bang-up job, and it feels good to receive validation. However, Liam, my friend, one thing I would say is that you could've gone further with your compliments towards these beautiful young women. You could've called them sexy, ravishing, titillating, or jaw-dropping, but I respect the fact that you didn't. As a married man myself, I can see you've learned your place faster than I ever did. Well played, sir, well played."

"I'd like to echo what Gary said and thank [names of bridesmaids] for not only helping my wife prepare for today but also making such a huge effort and looking so magnificent. Not that any effort was needed, mind. Unlike myself, who had to spend hours grooming, plucking, waxing, and scrubbing to bring myself up to the standard of your average dole queue."

"How fantastic are our bridesmaids today? They look amazing, and they performed their role to perfection. As I was walking past them earlier, I heard them all talking about who will get to have the first dance with the best man. 'You!' 'No! You!' 'No way!' It was all very touching. Not one of them wanted to see their friends miss out. At least, that's how I'm reading it."

"Thank you to the bridesmaids, who have been a wonderful help to [bride's name], and I know that if the brutally patriarchal wedding customs allowed it, she'd thank you herself. But they don't, so thank you from me instead."

Be creative and funny

As the best man, you'll want to thank the bridesmaids for their support and hard work. While you can keep it simple and sincere, it's also an opportunity to inject some fun into the proceedings. Here are some creative and funny ways to thank the bridesmaids in your speech:

• The Self-Deprecating Roast: This approach involves poking fun at yourself while expressing gratitude to the bridesmaids. For example, "Thank you to the bridesmaids for your tireless efforts in making today so special. And to think, I was worried about competing with you for the best-looking person here today. Luckily, I failed miserably, and you all look absolutely stunning. Cheers to your beauty and dedication!"
• The Competitive Sibling: If the bridesmaids include siblings of the bride or groom, you can tease them about their competitive nature and how it played out during the wedding preparations. "I'd like to thank the bridesmaids, especially the sisters of the bride, for their unwavering support and friendly rivalry. Despite the well-known competition among sisters, they worked together to ensure today was perfect. And I must say, you all look magnificent. Thank you for your hard work and for keeping the peace!"
• The Magical Appearance: If one of the bridesmaids has a talent for magic tricks, you can incorporate that into your speech. "A huge round of applause for the bridesmaids, who have gone above and beyond today. And a special mention to Sarah, our very own magician. Sarah, thank you for keeping us entertained with your tricks, especially when you made the groom's brother disappear during the rehearsal dinner. We're still not sure how you did it!"
• The Fashion Police: If the bridesmaids have a keen sense of style, you can thank them for their fashion advice and keep it lighthearted. "To the bridesmaids, thank you for all your hard work and for always keeping us on-trend. You've ensured that today is not only a beautiful celebration but also a fashionable one. And a special thanks to Emma for saving the day with her emergency fashion kit. We all know that a safety pin and some double-sided tape can be lifesavers!"
• The Dance-off: If the bridesmaids are known for their dance moves, you can thank them while adding a touch of humour. "A big thank you to the bridesmaids, who have been an incredible support system for the bride. And I must say, your dance moves have truly impressed us all. In fact, I've been taking notes because if there's one thing I want to avoid, it's looking like Uncle Bob on the dance floor. So, thank you for the inspiration and for keeping the party alive!"

Remember, while humour is a great way to engage your audience, it's important to keep your jokes tasteful and respectful. Avoid objectifying the bridesmaids or making lewd comments. Keep your speech classy, and you'll be sure to leave a positive and memorable impression.

Frequently asked questions