Best Man's Speech: Guide To Words Of Wisdom

Being the best man at a wedding is a huge honour, but it also comes with a lot of pressure. The best man's speech is often one of the most memorable parts of the wedding, so it's important to get it right. Here are some tips to help you deliver a great speech that will have the guests laughing and maybe even shedding a tear or two.

First of all, keep it short and sweet. A best man's speech should ideally be no longer than 10 minutes, with some sources suggesting 7 minutes is the perfect length. Any longer and you risk losing the attention of your audience.

Begin with a killer opening line to grab the guests' attention. This could be a joke, a quote, or a light-hearted anecdote about yourself and the groom. Thank the previous speakers and the couple's parents, and express your gratitude for being part of the special day.

Share some personal stories and anecdotes about the groom, but avoid anything too embarrassing or humiliating. If you can, include a story about how the couple met, especially if you played cupid! Keep things light-hearted and respectful, and avoid controversial topics such as previous marriages, drinking, drugs, or adult humour.

Give a special shout-out to the new spouse and talk about the positive impact they've had on the groom. Compliment them and share your well-wishes for their future together.

Finally, close with a heartfelt toast, wishing the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness. You can even include a marriage quote from a movie or poem to add a unique touch.

Remember to practice your speech beforehand and consider recording yourself to get feedback from friends. Good luck!

Introduce yourself and your friendship with the groom

Hello everyone, my name is [Your Name] and it is an honour to stand here today as [Groom's Name]'s best man. For those of you who don't know me, I [briefly explain your relationship to the groom]. I've known [Groom's Name] since [explain how you know the groom] and I can honestly say he is one of my best friends. I remember when we first met [share a brief story about when you first met].

[Groom's Name] is the kind of guy who [talk about the groom's good qualities]. He's always been there for me when I needed him and I know he will be a wonderful husband to [Bride's Name]. I remember when he first started dating [Bride's Name] and [share a story about their relationship]. It's clear to see how happy they make each other and I wish them all the best for their future together.

[Groom's Name], I know your parents are so proud of the man you've become and I want to thank them for raising such an incredible person. I know today is a day you've been looking forward to for a long time and I'm so happy to be a part of it.

Thank the other speakers

Thanking the other speakers is an important aspect of a best man's speech. It is a way to show gratitude and acknowledge the contributions of those who came before you. Here are four to six paragraphs on how to effectively thank the other speakers:

Thanking the Previous Speaker

Firstly, it is customary to thank the previous speaker and acknowledge their speech. This can be done by simply stating something like, "Let's give a round of applause for the wonderful maid of honour. I have big shoes to fill, so bear with me!" This will help create a smooth transition between speeches and show your appreciation for their words.

Expressing Gratitude to the Couple's Parents

Another important aspect of thanking the other speakers is to acknowledge the couple's parents. They are often the hosts of the wedding and have played a significant role in the couple's lives. You can say something like, "I want to express my sincere gratitude to the couple's parents. Thank you for raising such incredible individuals and for hosting this wonderful celebration. We are all here today because of your love and support."

Acknowledging the Couple's Siblings

If the couple has siblings, it is thoughtful to acknowledge them as well. They often play a significant role in the wedding and the couple's lives. You can say something like, "I also want to thank the couple's siblings, [names of siblings]. I know that [groom/bride] wouldn't be the person they are today without your love, support, and sibling rivalry! Thank you for being a part of this special day."

Thanking the Wedding Party

The wedding party, including the bridesmaids and groomsmen, deserve a special mention as well. They have likely put in a lot of time and effort to make this day special for the couple. You can say something like, "I want to extend my gratitude to the entire wedding party. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Your support and presence here today mean so much to the couple, and we are all grateful."

Recognising the Couple's Friends and Family

It is also important to acknowledge the presence and support of the couple's friends and family. They have likely travelled and made an effort to be here today. You can say something like, "I want to thank all of you, the friends and family of the couple, for being here today. Your presence and well-wishes mean the world to [groom/bride]. We are so glad to have you here to celebrate this special occasion."

A Final Thank You

Finally, as you conclude your speech, you can give a general expression of gratitude to everyone involved. This can be done by saying something like, "Once again, I want to thank everyone who has played a part in making this day so special. From the couple's parents to the wedding party, and all of you here today, thank you for your love and support. We are truly grateful."

Share a story about the groom

Sharing stories about the groom is a key part of a best man's speech. Here are some tips for this section of the speech:

Keep it Lighthearted

The stories you share should be amusing and lighthearted. Avoid choosing a story that rambles on and has no sentimental or funny ending—keep it lighthearted and short. For example:

> I remember when we first met in first grade. [Groom's Name] had just glued his hand to his face but still used his free one to shake my hand and ask if I wanted to be his friend.

Avoid Embarrassment

While you want to share amusing anecdotes, avoid telling stories that are too embarrassing or humiliating. You want the groom to be able to listen to your speech without cringing!

Focus on Friendship

Share stories that highlight your friendship and the type of person the groom is. For instance, you could talk about how the groom has always had your back:

> John, you have been a good friend to me ever since we first met, and not just in the form of free shots and hosting parties. We’ve had great times going to games, hanging out and making that journey from college to adult life.

Include Childhood Stories

If you've known the groom since he was a child, include some funny childhood stories. For example:

> On my fourth birthday, my parents got me a brother…I wanted a puppy. But seriously, as a kid [Groom's Name] wanted to do everything I did. He used to follow me around. He used to sneak into my room and play with my Matchbox cars. Our parents could get him to eat his broccoli by making me eat my broccoli.

Share How the Groom Met Their Partner

If you played a part in the couple getting together, definitely include this in your speech! You could say something like:

> 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.

Include a Mix of Stories

Share a range of stories that give an overview of the groom's life and personality. Include some from his childhood, others from his adult life, and, if possible, one about how he met his partner.

Compliment the couple

Complimenting the couple is a crucial part of your best man speech. Here are some ideas on how to do it:

Highlight the positive impact the couple has had on each other

Talk about how the couple has influenced each other for the better. Mention how the bride has changed the groom's outlook on life, pushed him to be more responsible or outgoing, or helped him discover new passions and interests. Discuss how the groom has become a better person because of the bride's presence in his life. This will show that they bring out the best in each other and are a perfect match.

Share a story about their relationship

If you were involved in how the couple met, this is your time to shine! Share a funny or heartwarming story about how they first crossed paths and the spark that was ignited between them. If you weren't there when they met, you can still talk about a memorable moment you shared with them as a couple. Did they go on an adventurous trip together? Did they conquer a challenging situation as a team? Choose a story that showcases their unique connection and the strength of their bond.

Comment on how stunning the couple looks on their special day. You can say something like, "You two look absolutely radiant and made for each other. It's clear to see the love and happiness between you." This will not only make the couple feel special but also delight the guests who are witnessing this celebration of love.

Express your admiration for their relationship

Share how their relationship has inspired you or others. You can say something like, "Your love and commitment to each other are an inspiration to all of us. You embody the true meaning of love and partnership." This will not only flatter the couple but also convey your sincere appreciation for their relationship.

Wish them a bright future together

Conclude your compliments by wishing the couple a lifetime of happiness, love, and joy. You can say something like, "May your love continue to grow and flourish, and may your future be filled with endless blessings. Cheers to the beautiful couple!" This will leave the couple and the guests with a warm and uplifting sentiment.

Raise a glass to the newlyweds

Today, we celebrate the union of two people who are perfect for each other. I've known [Groom] for [amount of time] and in that time, I've seen him [talk about the good qualities of the groom]. I know that [Spouse] brings out the best in him and completes him.

[Groom] and [Spouse] are a fantastic couple, and their relationship has gone from strength to strength since they first met. I remember when [Groom] first met [Spouse]—the spark between them was undeniable. Their connection was instant, and it's only grown since.

[Groom], I know your life has changed for the better since meeting [Spouse]. You've found your soulmate, and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.

[Spouse], you are an amazing person, and I can see how happy you make [Groom]. Thank you for being there for him and supporting him.

Please join me in raising a glass to the newlyweds! Here's to a lifetime of love, joy, and laughter for [Groom] and [Spouse]!

Frequently asked questions