Best Man Speech: Guide To Supporting The Groom

A best man's speech is a chance to say something meaningful about the happy couple, and your relationship with the groom. It's an honour to be asked, but it can be a daunting task, so preparation is key. A good best man's speech should be lighthearted, positive, and relatively short. It should focus on the couple's relationship and the groom's good qualities, and avoid any stories or jokes that might cause embarrassment or offend the guests.

Focus on the couple's relationship, not just your own

The best man's speech is a chance to celebrate the groom, entertain the guests, and show your support for the happy couple. While it's natural to want to focus on your friendship with the groom, it's important to remember that the speech is ultimately about the couple and their relationship. Here are some tips and suggestions for crafting a best man speech that focuses on the couple's relationship:

Share Stories About the Couple

Share stories and anecdotes that showcase the couple's relationship. Talk about how they met, how their relationship has grown, and any special or intimate moments that you were a part of. For example, you could share a story about when the groom first realized the bride was "the one". These stories will not only make the couple smile but will also pull at the heartstrings of the guests. Just be sure to strike the right balance and avoid embarrassing the couple too much on their special day!

Highlight the Bride's Positive Qualities

Take some time to highlight the bride's positive qualities and how she has influenced the groom's life. Express how happy you are for the newlyweds and wish them all the best for their future together. This will show that you recognize the importance of their relationship and that you are truly happy for them.

Avoid Making it All About Yourself

While it's fine to include some stories about your friendship with the groom, avoid making the entire speech about yourself. Don't fall into the trap of recounting stories where you are the main focus. Remember, the speech is about the couple, so make sure they remain the focus of your stories and anecdotes.

Reflect on Your Friendship with the Groom

While the focus should be on the couple, you can also reflect on your friendship with the groom and how it has changed since he met his partner. Talk about how you've supported each other through the trials and triumphs of life and how your friendship has grown and deepened over the years. This will show that you recognize the impact the bride has had on the groom and their relationship.

Close with a Toast to the Couple

Finally, close out your speech with a heartfelt toast to the couple. Thank the guests for attending, express your gratitude to the couple's parents, and end on a sincere note before raising your glass to the happy couple. This is your chance to leave the couple and the guests with a lasting impression.

Share personal stories

Sharing personal stories is a great way to make your best man speech memorable and entertaining. Here are some tips and ideas to help you craft this section of your speech:

Choose Meaningful Stories

Select anecdotes that showcase the groom's personality and your unique relationship with him. These stories can be funny, heartwarming, or even a bit embarrassing. Think about specific incidents that highlight his best qualities and the special bond you share.

Involve the Bride

While the best man speech traditionally focuses on the groom, including the bride in your stories is a great way to win bonus points. Share positive anecdotes about their relationship and how they complement each other. Avoid inside jokes or stories that might make the bride uncomfortable.

Keep it PG

Ensure your stories are appropriate for all ages. Avoid inappropriate anecdotes, adult humour, or references to drinking, drugs, or gambling. You want your speech to be enjoyable and memorable for all the right reasons.

Make it Concise

Keep your stories concise and to the point. Aim for one or two anecdotes that are lighthearted and have a clear ending. You don't want to ramble on and lose the attention of your audience.

Include a Variety of Topics

In addition to sharing stories about the groom, you can also talk about how the couple met, their relationship journey, and how the bride has positively influenced the groom. This adds depth to your speech and showcases your support for both the groom and the bride.

Ask for Help

If you're struggling to come up with stories, don't hesitate to ask mutual friends or family members. They might have some great anecdotes or insights that you can include in your speech.

Remember, the key to sharing personal stories in your best man speech is to focus on the groom's best qualities, celebrate his relationship with the bride, and keep your anecdotes appropriate and concise. With careful selection and crafting, your stories will leave a lasting impression on the couple and the guests.

Talk about the groom's good qualities

The best man's speech is a chance to celebrate the groom, entertain the guests, and show support for the happy couple. While the maid of honour's speech tends to be more emotional, the best man's speech is usually funnier. It's an opportunity to share stories and showcase the groom's personality and your relationship with him.

• Share stories and anecdotes that highlight the groom's positive traits, such as his generosity, friendliness, or adventurous spirit.
• Talk about the impact the groom has had on your life. Mention how he has always been there for you and share a short, sweet, or funny story to illustrate this.
• Discuss the groom's good qualities and connect them to the bride. For example, "He has always been there for me, and I know he will be there for you too, [Bride]."
• If the groom has any quirks or embarrassing habits, you can gently poke fun at them, but be careful not to embarrass him or the bride.
• Share how the groom has grown and changed for the better since meeting the bride. For example, he might have started showing an interest in things outside of pubs and football.
• Mention the groom's accomplishments, but be careful not to make the speech sound like a resume. Instead, focus on a few key achievements that showcase his character.
• If the groom is your brother, you can talk about your childhood together and how your relationship has evolved over the years.
• If the groom is your best friend, share how you met and the funny or heartwarming moments you've had together.
• Wish the couple a happy future and life together.

Discuss the positive effects the new spouse has had on the groom

A best man's speech is an important part of the wedding reception. It is a chance to celebrate the groom, entertain the guests, and show support for the happy couple. While the maid of honour's speech tends to be more emotional, the best man's speech is usually funnier. It is an opportunity to showcase your relationship with the groom and for others to learn more about him.

Increased Confidence

Speak about how the new spouse has boosted the groom's self-esteem and encouraged him to be more confident. Perhaps they have helped him to believe in himself and his abilities, or supported him in taking risks and trying new things. This could be in his career, hobbies, or personal life.

Encouraging New Experiences

Discuss how the new spouse has encouraged the groom to step out of his comfort zone and try new things. Maybe they have introduced him to new hobbies or activities that he now loves, or perhaps they have a shared passion that they enjoy together. Talk about how the groom has grown and changed as a result of these new experiences.

Improved Social Life

The new spouse might have a positive impact on the groom's social life. Perhaps they have helped him to expand his social circle and connect with new friends. They may have also improved his relationships with existing friends and family members by encouraging him to spend more time with them or helping him to resolve conflicts.

Personal Growth

Focus on any personal growth or self-improvement that the groom has experienced due to the influence of their new spouse. Maybe they have helped him to become more patient, empathetic, or open-minded. Perhaps they have encouraged him to be more adventurous or spontaneous, or supported him in pursuing his goals and dreams.

Emotional Support

Discuss how the new spouse has been a source of emotional support for the groom. Maybe they have helped him through a difficult time, offered a listening ear, or given him a new perspective on life. Talk about how their presence in his life has made him happier, more fulfilled, and emotionally stronger.

Remember to keep your speech focused on the couple, add personal touches, and practice beforehand for a memorable and well-received best man's speech.

Congratulate the couple and finish with a toast

The best man's speech is a chance to celebrate the groom, entertain the guests, and show your support for the happy couple. It is an important part of the wedding reception and a great toast can be an emotional moment for the couple and the guests.

The best man speech should be short and sweet, lasting no more than 5-7 minutes. It is also important to practice the speech beforehand and to avoid drinking alcohol before delivering it.

Begin by introducing yourself and explaining your connection to the couple. You can also share a quick joke or quote to grab the audience's attention.

Thank the Previous Speakers and the Couple's Parents

Express gratitude to the previous speaker and the couple's parents for raising such wonderful people.

Talk About the Couple's Relationship

Share how the couple met and how their relationship has grown. If you played a role in bringing them together, be sure to mention that. Speak about why they are a great couple and why the groom is a great guy.

Share Personal Stories

Add one or two anecdotes or fond memories about the groom (and their partner, if you want). Keep the stories lighthearted and short, and avoid rambling.

Compliment the Couple

Highlight the couple's strengths and wish them well in their future together. You can also include a marriage quote from a movie or a book.

Conclude by congratulating the couple and offering a toast to their lifetime of happiness. You can make this personal, witty, or use a quote. Ask the guests to raise their glasses and celebrate the newlyweds.

Remember to keep the speech sincere, concise, and focused on celebrating the couple's relationship.

Frequently asked questions