Crafting A Hilarious Best Man Speech For The Big Day

Being asked to give a best man speech is a huge honour, but it can also be a daunting task. The best man speech is one of the most memorable parts of a wedding, so it's important to get it right. Here are some tips to help you write a funny and engaging best man speech that will leave the bride, groom, and guests laughing and smiling.

- Start with a funny or complimentary introduction. This is your chance to break the ice and capture the audience's attention. It can be a joke, a compliment, or a quote about the groom.

- Lead into a short story or anecdote about the groom. Share a funny or heartfelt story about your friendship and adventures together. Avoid rambling and keep it lighthearted.

- Add a touch of vulnerability. It's okay to show your sentimental side and express your genuine emotions about the groom and the couple.

- End with sincere congratulations and a toast to the bride and groom. Raise your glass and wish them a lifetime of happiness and love.

Remember to keep your speech concise, usually under 5 minutes, and practice beforehand to ensure a confident delivery. Good luck!

Introduction and self-deprecating joke

Hello everyone! I'm [name], and I've known [groom's name] since [how you know the groom], and I can tell you, it's been a wild ride. I remember when we first met, I thought, " [self-deprecating joke about yourself] or [self-deprecating joke about the groom]." But despite my reservations, we quickly became [type of friends you are/were].

One of my earliest memories of [groom's name] is from [setting and time]. [Groom's name] had just [something funny or embarrassing the groom did], and I thought, " [self-deprecating joke about yourself] or [self-deprecating joke about the groom]." But in all seriousness, [groom's name] has always been [compliment about the groom].

Another idea

Hello, hello, hello, everyone! I hope you're all having a wonderful time. My name is [name], and I have the incredible honour of being [groom's name]'s best man. Now, being [groom's name]'s best man is no small feat. I mean, out of all the people he knows, he picked me. So, either I'm the most qualified, or he knew I wouldn't tell his most embarrassing stories. Sorry to disappoint, [groom's name]!

[Groom's name] and I go way back. We met when we were [age], and from the very beginning, I knew he was someone special. [Self-deprecating joke about yourself] or [self-deprecating joke about the groom]. But in all seriousness, growing up together has been one of the greatest gifts of my life.

Another idea

Good evening, everyone! For those of you who don't know me, I'm [name], and I have the pleasure of being [groom's name]'s [relationship to groom]. And as tradition dictates, his best man. Now, when I got the call to take on this prestigious role, I was thrilled. But let's be honest, I probably would have started World War III if I hadn't got it, so...

Growing up as [groom's name]'s [relationship to groom] has been an experience, to say the least. He was always the one with the [compliment about the groom] and the [compliment about the groom]. I remember when we were kids, [groom's name] convinced me that [embarrassing or funny story about the groom]. I won't lie, it was pretty [adjective to describe the experience]. Let's just say, [how the situation was resolved]. That's [groom's name] for you—always full of [compliment about the groom] and a knack for turning an ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure [or complete chaos]!

Another idea

Good afternoon, everyone. Are you all having a good time? For those of you who don't know me, my name is [name], and I'm not only the best man, but the groom's twin brother. Now, if there's one thing you need to know about being a twin, it's that it's a bond unlike any other. Growing up, [groom's name] and I were inseparable. Not by choice, of course—our parents tethered us together with those silly baby reins and dressed us alike until we were old enough to protest. But even after we finally got to pick our own clothes, we were still a team. We've shared everything—birthdays, inside jokes, and more than a few questionable decisions.

It probably goes without saying, but [groom's name] and I are completely identical. Right down to the freckles on our arms. I know you know where this is going, but Mum, Dad—we have a few confessions.

• We swapped places for 5 out of 7 secondary school picture days. Even I don’t know who is who in the Year 10 one.
• [Groom's name] broke up with my ex for me because I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I honestly don’t think she noticed.
• I took [groom's name]'s driving test for him. To be fair, he’d failed twice already, and I thought, “How hard could it be?” Apparently, harder than I thought, because I failed too.

But that’s twins for you—always in it together, even when it’s a total disaster.

Thank the previous speakers

Thanking the Previous Speakers

"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, you better get the tissues ready for this one!"

"I'd like to begin by expressing 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 their parents for hosting such an awesome celebration for us all to enjoy this evening."

"Let's hear it for the father of the bride, who kicked us off with a fantastic speech. I know I'm biased, but I think we can all agree that was a tough act to follow!"

"I'd also like to thank the groom for his kind words. I know he was nervous about speaking, so I'm glad he got through it without any issues. I'm sure the rest of the evening will be a breeze now!"

"I want to thank the bridesmaids for their lovely speech. It was so nice to hear about the bride from their perspective. It's clear to see how much she means to all of you."

"I'd like to thank the previous speakers for their wonderful words. I know the couple is incredibly grateful to have you all here today, and I'm sure the guests have enjoyed hearing from you as well."

Share a personal story about the groom

Sharing a personal story about the groom is a great way to add a sentimental touch to your best man speech. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Childhood Memories

If you've known the groom since you were kids, share a funny or heartwarming story from your childhood together. It could be about a shared adventure, a mischievous plan that went wrong, or how you became inseparable. This will not only showcase your strong bond but also provide a glimpse into the groom's childhood.

University Days

Did you and the groom go to university together? Recount some hilarious or touching memories from your time on campus. It could be about pulling all-nighters, attempting to cook, or even a story about how the groom met his partner at a university party. These stories will add a light-hearted and nostalgic touch to your speech.

"Epic Bromance" Moments

Talk about a time when you and the groom embarked on a wild adventure, like a camping trip gone wrong or an ill-advised karaoke night. These stories will showcase the depth of your friendship and how you've shared experiences that only "brothers-in-arms" would understand.

"Ride or Die" Moments

Share a story about a time when the groom was your "worst influence" but also your "best friend." It could be about getting into trouble together, chaotic situations, or how the groom always managed to talk you out of trouble. These stories will highlight the groom's charisma, charm, and unique ability to turn any situation into an adventure.

"Funny Fail" Moments

If the groom is known for his hilarious failures or quirky habits, don't be afraid to roast him gently. Share stories about his disastrous attempts at cooking, DIY projects, or even his insistence on playing pool despite his lack of skill. These stories will add a touch of humour and show that you love the groom for who he is.

Remember to keep your stories light-hearted, clean, and respectful. Avoid sensitive topics or anything that might embarrass the groom or his partner excessively. Your stories should ultimately celebrate the groom and showcase the positive impact he has had on your life.

Compliment the couple

Complimenting the couple is a crucial part of the best man's speech. Here are some ideas to help you craft this section:

Highlight the Bride's Positive Qualities

Compliment the bride and share why you think she and the groom are so well-suited for each other. Talk about the bride's positive qualities, such as her intelligence, kindness, sense of humour, or how she has positively influenced the groom's life. You can also mention how she has brought out the best in the groom, or how she has joined your friend group and made it even better.

Share How the Couple Met

If you were there when the couple met, you can share that story. You can also talk about when the groom decided to propose or when he first told you that he had found "the one." These intimate moments will make the couple smile and pull at the heartstrings of the guests.

Express Your Happiness for the Couple

Share how happy you are for the newlyweds and how excited you are for their special day. You can also wish them a lifetime of love, health, happiness, and endless adventures together.

End with a toast

The best man's speech is a gift to the bride and groom, so make it memorable and heartfelt. The ending of your speech should be sincere but in the same style as the rest of your speech. Here are some ideas for how to end with a toast:

• "On behalf of [groom] and [bride], I'd like to thank everyone here for sharing their unique and special day, and from me, thanks for your attention. May I say that if you enjoyed listening to my words half as much as I enjoyed saying them, well, I'm sorry."
• "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, and everyone in between—good evening! My name is [best man] and I am so proud to be here today as [groom]'s best man. When [groom] asked me to take on this role, I was deeply honoured. But more importantly, I knew this was my golden opportunity to share a few of the greatest hits from our childhood."
• "So, as we raise our glasses, let’s toast to the incredible bond of love, laughter, and partnership. [Bride], thank you for making my brother happier than I’ve ever seen him. And [groom], here’s to being the best twin, the best friend, and now, the best husband you can be."
• "So, as we raise our glasses, I’d like to toast to friendship, to love, and to the memories that shape who we are. [Bride], thank you for making my oldest friend happier than I’ve ever seen him. And [groom], thank you for being the brother I chose all those years ago in nursery. To [groom] and [bride]!"
• "So, as we raise our glasses, let’s toast to the real dynamic duo—[bride] and [groom]. Here’s to a lifetime of adventures, of laughter, and of teamwork. [Bride], thank you for making my best mate the happiest man in the room. And [groom], thank you for proving that even mop bucket moments can lead to something extraordinary. Here’s to your next chapter. Down in one?!"
• "So, as we raise our glasses, let’s toast to the ultimate partnership. To Mr and Mrs [surname]. Wishing you the world and more—you deserve it."
• "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, please raise a glass to the newly minted Mr and Mrs. [surname]. May your life be filled with love, laughter, and genuine friendship. To Mr and Mrs. [surname]!"
• "So, let’s raise a glass to [bride] and [groom], the perfect team. [Bride], thank you for making [groom] the happiest bloke in the room and for laughing along with all of his antics. And [groom], thank you for being the walking punchline we all know and love. Here’s to a marriage full of love, laughter, and maybe a few more dodgy DIY projects along the way. To [bride] and [groom]—cheers!"
• "Ladies and gentlemen—as the final point of my speech, I’ll ask you to join me in a toast. To love, laughter, and being legally bound to your best mate for life. Look after each other..."
• "So, everyone—please will you join me in a toast to [bride] and [groom]. May your love continue to grow, may your adventures together be endless, and may [groom] finally learn how to put his boxers in the washing basket. To love, laughter, and happily ever after! Cheers!"
• "So, as we raise our glasses tonight, let’s toast to [bride] and [groom]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, health, and adventures—hopefully without any foxes this time. May your lives be filled with joy, your home always be warm, and your ham always stay on the plate, where it belongs."
• "Please join me in raising our glasses to a lifetime of happiness and espressos for Jeff and Anne Allison!"

Frequently asked questions