Crafting An Unforgettable Best Man Speech

Being asked to be the best man at a wedding is a huge honour, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important duties is delivering a memorable best man speech. This can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, you can knock it out of the park. Here are some tips to help you write an epic best man speech that will leave a lasting impression.

Outline and Practice

Crafting an outline for your speech is crucial. Start by introducing yourself and explaining your connection to the couple. Include a killer opening line, such as a joke or a quote, to hook the audience. Share personal stories and anecdotes about the groom, but keep them light-hearted and appropriate for all ages. Avoid controversial topics, super personal stories, and inside jokes. Instead, opt for crowd-pleasing jokes that will have wide appeal. Practice your speech ahead of time, memorise it if possible, and aim for a length of around 3 to 5 minutes.

Congratulate and Celebrate

Your speech should focus on celebrating the couple and expressing your love and support for them. Congratulate the newlyweds and wish them luck for their future together. Include a special shout-out to the new spouse, as it's their big day too. If you played a part in bringing the couple together, don't forget to mention it!

Thank and Toast

Be sure to express your gratitude to the couple's parents and anyone else who has contributed to making the day special. Thank the guests for their presence and, finally, close your speech with a heartfelt toast, wishing the couple happiness, love, and health. Raise your glass and invite everyone to join you in celebrating the new Mr and Mrs!

Introduction: Start with a killer opening line and a fun fact about yourself and the groom

The introduction is your chance to hook the audience and get them excited for the rest of your speech. It's also an opportunity to introduce yourself, especially if there are guests who don't know you. You can start with a joke, a quote, or a fun fact about yourself and the groom. Here are some examples:

• "Good evening, everyone! I'm [Your Name], [Groom's Name]'s best man, and I'm pretty sure I'm only up here because I know where all the embarrassing photos of him are hidden."
• "There comes a time in everyone's life when they meet their soulmate. The person who will love them and put up with them for the rest of their life. That moment came for [Groom] 15 years ago when he met me."
• "As [Groom's] brother, I'm here tonight to tell you three things you never knew about [Groom]. Sorry in advance, mom and dad."
• "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. For those of you who I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, my name is Chris, and I am officially Paul's second best man... second best, ladies and gentlemen... nobody likes to be second best, do they? Well, Paul, looking at his career, he should know better than most. Anyway, where were we?"
• "Hello everyone! For those of you who don't know me, thank you so much for coming to my wedding. [pause for laughter] Sorry about that... I'm a little nervous."

Keep the tone light-hearted and fun, and try to avoid talking about how nervous you are. It's also a good idea to avoid inside jokes that only a small part of the audience will understand. Instead, opt for jokes and stories that will have wide appeal and include everyone in the celebration.

After your killer opening line, you can transition into sharing a fun fact or two about yourself and the groom. This is a great way to give the audience some insight into your relationship and set the stage for the rest of your speech. Here are some ideas:

• "I first met [Groom's Name] while working at a pizza joint called Domenica's while in college. I hated being a server with all my heart, but whenever [Groom's Name] and I were scheduled together, it made it so much more bearable."
• "I've known [Groom's Name] since middle school, which means that it was before we learned mullets weren't a good look for either of us."
• "I first met [Groom] [Number] years ago when we [Describe how you met]. Little did we know that this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship."
• "Over the years, [Groom] and I have shared countless adventures. From [Describe one or two specific adventures], we've created memories that will last a lifetime."
• "One thing you might not know about [Groom] is his passion for [Describe a unique hobby or interest of the groom]. Whether it's [Describe how he pursues this interest] or [Describe another aspect of this interest], his dedication to this hobby has always inspired me."

Remember to keep your introduction concise and engaging. You want to capture the audience's attention and give them a glimpse into your relationship with the groom, but you don't want to ramble on for too long. The ideal length for a best man speech is typically around 3-5 minutes, so use your time wisely!

Thank the previous speaker and the couple's parents

Thanking the Previous Speaker and the Couple's Parents

It's customary to thank the previous speaker and the couple's parents during your best man speech. This is a way to acknowledge their contributions to the wedding and express your gratitude for their support. Here are some tips and examples to guide you in this section of your speech:

• After addressing the audience and delivering your killer opening line, take a moment to thank the previous speaker. This can be done in a lighthearted manner, especially if you plan on taking a more sentimental or humorous route in your speech. For example, "Let's give a round of applause to the maid of honor for her wonderful speech. If you enjoyed her thoughtful and sweet words, you might want to grab a tissue for this one!"
• Express your gratitude to the couple's parents for raising such incredible individuals. Thank them for their role in making the wedding possible, whether it's through their emotional support or financial contribution. For instance, "I want to express my sincere appreciation to the couple's parents for raising such remarkable individuals. I am fortunate to call them my best friends. I also want to thank their parents for hosting this fantastic celebration that we are all enjoying tonight."
• If you have a close relationship with the couple's parents, you can share a brief anecdote or compliment about them. This adds a personal touch to your speech and showcases the importance of family in the newlyweds' lives.
• In some cases, the couple may have individuals other than their parents who played a significant role in their lives or the wedding. Feel free to include them in your speech as well. It's a nice way to recognize their presence and support.
• Keep this section warm and heartfelt. You can use humor sparingly, but remember that the focus is on expressing your gratitude and setting the tone for the rest of your speech.
• Depending on the structure of your speech, you can also use this opportunity to transition into the next part, such as sharing stories about the groom or highlighting the couple's relationship.

Share a story about the groom and his partner

Sharing a story about the groom and his partner is a great way to make your best man speech more personal and engaging. Here are four to six paragraphs with tips and examples to help you craft this section of your speech:

Choose a Theme:

When selecting stories to share about the groom and his partner, consider choosing a theme that ties your anecdotes together. This could be how they first met, funny stories from their dating life, or how they complement each other. For example, if you want to highlight the couple's shared sense of adventure, you might say:

> "I still remember the first time [Groom] and [Partner] went hiking together. We all knew [Groom] hated the outdoors, but he was determined to impress [Partner]. Despite the bugs, the blisters, and the bear sighting, they made it through the weekend with only a few scratches and a newfound appreciation for nature. Their willingness to take on new challenges together is just one of the many reasons they're perfect for each other."

Include Specific Details:

When sharing stories about the couple, try to include specific details that will make your speech more engaging and memorable. For instance, you could recount a funny incident that occurred during one of their early dates:

> "One of my favorite memories of [Groom] and [Partner] is from the early days of their relationship. They had just started dating and decided to go out for a fancy dinner. [Groom], always the gentleman, offered to drive and pick [Partner] up. But on his way to her place, he got a flat tire! Instead of letting it ruin their evening, they laughed it off and ended up taking the bus to the restaurant. It was a small hiccup, but it showed how well they handled life's little surprises together."

Highlight Their Unique Connection:

Your speech should celebrate the couple's unique bond and the ways they bring out the best in each other. Think about the qualities you admire in the groom and his partner, and share stories that showcase these traits. For example:

> "[Groom] and [Partner] have always been there for each other through thick and thin. I remember when [Partner] was going through a difficult time, and [Groom] dropped everything to support her. He has a way of making her smile, even on her toughest days. Their relationship is built on a foundation of love, mutual respect, and unwavering loyalty."

Include a Sentimental Moment:

While humor is important in a best man speech, don't be afraid to include a heartfelt moment or two. Share a story that showcases the couple's emotional side and the depth of their connection. It could be a challenging time they supported each other through or a sweet gesture that demonstrates their commitment:

> "Not long ago, [Groom] faced a difficult decision regarding his career. [Partner] was there every step of the way, offering encouragement and a listening ear. Their ability to lean on each other during life's challenges is a testament to their deep love and commitment. It's clear that they are each other's rock, and their relationship is stronger because of it."

Share a Funny Anecdote:

Including a lighthearted or humorous story about the couple can help keep your speech entertaining and engaging. Look for stories that showcase the couple's dynamic and sense of humor. For example:

> "One of the things I admire most about [Groom] and [Partner] is their ability to laugh together. I remember one time when we were all out to dinner, and [Partner] accidentally sent her drink flying across the table, soaking [Groom] in the process. Instead of getting upset, they both burst out laughing. It's moments like these that remind me of the joy they bring to each other's lives."

Remember, when sharing stories about the groom and his partner, always keep it classy and appropriate. Avoid anything that might embarrass the couple or their families. Focus on stories that showcase their unique bond and the love they share. Good luck with your speech!

Talk about the couple's relationship and how they met

The couple's relationship and how they met is a key part of your best man speech. It's a chance to give the guests some insight into the newlyweds and share a few funny stories or anecdotes. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft this section of your speech:

• If you played a part in how the couple met, feel free to mention it. For example, "I know I said earlier I'm the best man, but I lied. I'm actually Cupid because I'm the one who introduced these two eight years ago."
• Share how the couple first met and how their relationship has grown. If you have a funny story about their first interaction, now is the time to tell it! "Apparently, the magic began at Buzz nightclub, where Julie, ever so subtly, pinched Alex on the bottom. A move that left quite the impression on Alex—quite literally, as it gave him a bruise that lasted for weeks."
• Talk about the early days of their relationship and any funny or heartwarming stories from that time. "It took a whole year before they crossed paths again. I guess Julie’s pinch wasn’t as powerful as she thought! But then came the fateful text from Julie, 'Do you remember me? We met at Buzz.' Alex, after some deep thought (and probably food), remembered."
• If the couple met online, it's okay to mention it! "Before I continue, I wanted to give a quick shout-out to tonight’s sponsor: Tinder. Without you, we wouldn’t all be here this evening. So, cheers to Tinder, and [groom’s partner] swiping right on [groom’s] fishing picture!"
• Share the story of when the groom first realized that their partner was "the one." "When [the couple] first met, I knew they were made for each other. It was obvious that first night when we were at a karaoke bar, and they both sang Disney songs. Actually, I think the only person who didn't know was [groom]. We suffered through months of googly eyes and hearing [partner’s name] in every sentence, just waiting for him to catch on."
• If you have a funny story about the groom asking their partner out on their first date, now is the time to share it!
• Talk about how the couple is perfect for each other. "They wake up early to go to the gym together, come home and cook healthy meals, and make financially sound decisions for every part of their life. Now that you’re married, you guys can probably stop showing off."

Remember to keep the stories light-hearted and appropriate for all ages. Avoid anything that might embarrass the couple or their families, and steer clear of inside jokes that only a few guests will understand.

Congratulate the newlyweds and offer them well-wishes

The best man's speech is a chance to share your love for the newlyweds and offer them your heartfelt congratulations and well-wishes. This part of the speech should focus on the couple as a whole, rather than just the groom. It's a great opportunity to include a sweet anecdote or two about their relationship and express your admiration for their love story.

• "May your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day, and may you never run out of things to laugh about. Cheers to the newlyweds!"
• "Congratulations on finding each other. I wish you a lifetime of peace, love, and happiness. Love you guys!"
• "To a lifetime of unconditional love and unforgettable experiences. Cheers to the newlyweds!"
• "May your journey together be filled with endless joy and adventure. May you face every challenge with courage and love. Let's raise our glasses to the newlyweds, to love, laughter, and happily ever after!"
• "You've found someone who loves you for who you are, and that's a beautiful thing. I know your marriage will be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of bad dad jokes. Congratulations!"
• "So let's raise a glass to [the couple's] love. John Lennon said, 'A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.' Cheers to all your dreams coming true."
• "I wish you both a lifetime of excellent health and success. May your love burn bright and your happiness know no bounds. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name]!"

Frequently asked questions