Crafting Memorable Best Man Speeches: A Guide

Being the best man at a wedding is a tremendous honour, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the biggest tasks is giving a memorable speech. It's a chance to celebrate the groom, entertain the guests, and show your support for the happy couple. A great toast can really be an emotional moment for the couple and the guests.

The best man's speech traditionally follows the groom's speech and comes after the maid of honour's toast. It's a chance to shine a unique light on the relationship between the newlyweds. While it should be quick and lighthearted, it's also something that requires careful planning, personal touches, and confident delivery.

There are a few key elements to a best man speech. First, it's important to say thank you and express gratitude to the couple, their parents, and the guests. Next, it's a good idea to share something funny or embarrassing (within reason) about the groom. This can be a story from your friendship or brotherhood that showcases their personality and character. It's also a chance to compliment the groom and, by extension, the family, the parents, and the bride. Finally, you should wish the couple all the best for the future and ask everyone to raise their glasses in a toast.

The best man speech should be kept relatively short, with a maximum length of around 5-10 minutes. It's also important to practice beforehand and to stay true to yourself and your relationship with the groom. While it's good to add a few jokes, the speech shouldn't be a roast or filled with inside jokes that only a few people will understand.

Thank the hosts and guests

When it comes to best man speeches, it's important to take the time to thank the hosts and guests for their contribution to the wedding. This is a crucial aspect of your speech, as it acknowledges the efforts of those who made the day possible and creates a warm and appreciative atmosphere. Here are some detailed suggestions on how to structure this section of your speech:

Thank the Hosts:

Begin by expressing your gratitude to the hosts of the wedding, who are traditionally the parents of the bride and groom. Acknowledge their generosity and hospitality in hosting such a memorable event. You can say something like, "I want to extend a special thank you to [parents of the bride] and [parents of the groom] for welcoming us all today and for their incredible generosity in hosting this celebration. Their support and love have made this day possible, and we are forever grateful." This sets a respectful and appreciative tone for your speech.

Appreciate the Guests' Presence:

Continue by thanking the guests for their presence and contribution to the wedding. Recognize the effort and time they have taken to be a part of this special day. You might say, "To all the guests who have joined us, whether you've travelled near or far, we are honoured by your presence. Your support means the world to [bride] and [groom], and we are delighted to have you here sharing in their joy." This inclusive gesture will make the guests feel valued and appreciated.

Recognize Special Guests:

Take a moment to recognize any special guests who have played a significant role in the couple's lives or who have travelled a considerable distance to attend. This adds a personal touch to your speech and makes the guests feel acknowledged. For example, "I'd like to give a shout-out to [grandparents/close family members or friends] of the bride/groom who are celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. Your enduring love and commitment are an inspiration to us all. And a warm welcome to those who have joined us from abroad, your presence here today means so much to [bride/groom]."

Thank the Wedding Party:

Express your gratitude to the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, and anyone else who has been part of the wedding party and supported the couple. Thank them for their dedication, friendship, and contributions to the wedding. For example, "I also want to thank the incredible wedding party. To the bridesmaids, [names], thank you for your support and sisterhood to [bride] and for adding so much joy to today's celebration. And to the groomsmen, [names], thank you for your camaraderie and loyalty in standing by [groom]'s side."

Acknowledge the Couple:

Finally, direct your thanks to the couple themselves for including everyone in their special day. Thank them for their thoughtfulness in bringing everyone together and for the honour of being a part of their wedding party. You might say, "[Bride] and [groom], your thoughtfulness and generosity in gathering us all here today are a reflection of your loving spirits. Thank you for allowing us to share in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration and for the privilege of standing as your best man/maid of honour." This concludes the circle of gratitude, emphasizing the couple's central role in bringing everyone together.

Share a short, positive anecdote about the groom

Sharing a short, positive anecdote about the groom is a great way to celebrate the groom and entertain the guests. Here are some ideas for what you could include:

How You Met

Share a story about how you first met the groom. This could be a funny story or a heartwarming tale about your instant connection. For example:

> The year was 1993, the class was kindergarten. I was building a beautiful tower of blocks when out of nowhere, they were knocked to the ground by a classmate without mercy or even an apology. That classmate was Matt, and we've been best friends ever since. And Matt, I'm sorry for throwing the blocks at your head after that."

Funny Stories

Share a lighthearted story about a funny experience you had with the groom. 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."

Heartwarming Stories

Share a story that showcases the groom's best qualities. For example, you could talk about a time when the groom went out of his way to help someone or showed exceptional kindness or selflessness.

Adventures and Misadventures

Recount a memorable adventure or misadventure you had with the groom. This could be a story about a trip you took together, a crazy night out, or any other exciting experience. Just make sure the story is appropriate for all audiences and won't embarrass the groom or the bride!

What the Groom Means to You

Share a story that illustrates why the groom is important to you and why you're honoured to be the best man. Talk about the impact he has had on your life and the things you admire about him. For example:

> 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. I know there will be less time for me in your life now that you're married, but our friendship will always be special to me."

Remember to keep your anecdotes short, positive, and entertaining. Avoid stories that are too personal or embarrassing, and always test your material with someone beforehand to ensure it's appropriate and lands well. Good luck with your speech!

Compliment the couple and their relationship

Complimenting the couple and their relationship is a crucial part of a best man's speech. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft this section of your speech:

Express Gratitude

A heartfelt "thank you" is a great way to begin your speech. Thank the couple, their parents, and the guests for being a part of this special day. This simple gesture sets a positive tone for your speech and shows your appreciation for everyone involved.

Example: "First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the happy couple. Thank you for letting me share this momentous day with you and for giving me the honour of being your best man. I also want to thank the couple's parents for raising such wonderful human beings and for hosting this amazing celebration."

Share a Funny or Embarrassing Story

Adding a touch of humour to your speech can lighten the mood and make it more engaging. Share a funny or mildly embarrassing story about the groom, but be cautious not to cross the line into something too personal or humiliating. Remember, it should be "public funny," not "privately embarrassing."

Example: "I remember when we were in college, and [Groom's Name] decided to enter a pizza-eating contest. Little did he know that the pizzas were spicy, and he couldn't handle the heat! It was hilarious to see him frantically chugging milk to cool down his taste buds. That was definitely a memorable night for all of us."

Highlight Their Unique Relationship

Talk about what makes their relationship special. Share how they first met and how their love has grown over time. If you played a role in bringing them together, feel free to mention it. This adds a personal touch and gives guests insight into their love story.

Example: "I still remember the day [Groom's Name] met [Spouse's Name]. It was at a Halloween party, and he was instantly smitten by this stranger in a cool costume. From that spark, their love has grown into something truly special. I feel privileged to have witnessed their journey from the beginning, and I can honestly say they are a perfect match."

Compliment the Couple

This is your chance to praise the couple and express your well-wishes. Highlight the positive impact they have had on each other and how their lives have changed for the better. You can also compliment the bride specifically, as this will make her feel welcomed and valued.

Example: "[Groom's Name], you've always had a way of making people smile, and [Spouse's Name] is no exception. The way you light up a room and bring joy to those around you is truly remarkable. [Spouse's Name], your kindness, intelligence, and beauty have clearly won [Groom's Name]'s heart, and I can see why. You are a wonderful couple, and I wish you all the best."

Offer a Toast

Conclude this section of your speech with a heartfelt toast. Ask everyone to raise their glasses and offer your sincere wishes for the couple's future. This is a great way to end on a positive note and involve the guests in celebrating the newlyweds.

Example: "So, let's raise our glasses and toast to the happy couple! May your love continue to grow and flourish. May your lives be filled with joy, laughter, and all the best that life has to offer. Congratulations, and cheers to the newlyweds!"

Conclude with well-wishes for their future

As the best man, it's important to deliver a heartfelt and memorable speech that not only entertains the guests but also showcases your support and love for the newlyweds. Here are some ideas to help you conclude your speech with sincere and meaningful well-wishes for the couple's future:

Speak from the Heart: Share your genuine happiness for the couple and express your warmest wishes for their journey ahead. You might say something like, "From the bottom of my heart, I wish you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and beautiful memories. May your bond grow stronger with each passing day, and may your love be a beacon of hope and happiness in this world."

Offer a Toast to Their Future: Raise a glass and invite the guests to join you in celebrating the couple's future together. You could say, "Join me in wishing the happy couple a future filled with endless joy, exciting adventures, and all the blessings that life has to offer. To the bride and groom—may your love story be one for the ages!"

Impart a Blessing or Quote: Share a meaningful blessing or quote that encapsulates your hopes and dreams for their future. For example, "May your love be modern enough to survive the times, but old-fashioned enough to last forever. May you always find comfort and strength in each other's arms."

Encourage Their Dreams and Aspirations: Acknowledge their individual dreams and aspirations and wish them success and fulfillment in all their endeavours. "May your love continue to flourish as you pursue your passions and dreams together. May you support and inspire each other to reach new heights and achieve all that you desire."

Speak of Their Future Family: If the couple plans to have children, you can offer well-wishes for their future family. "As you embark on this new chapter, I wish you all the happiness that parenthood brings. May your home be filled with love, laughter, and the pitter-patter of tiny feet."

By concluding your best man speech with sincere and heartfelt well-wishes, you will leave the newlyweds and guests with a lasting impression of your love and support for the couple. Remember to tailor your words to the couple's personality and the overall tone of the wedding to make it truly memorable.

Keep it short and sincere

As the best man, your speech should be short and sincere. You want to give a toast that is memorable, but not one that drags on. Keep the speech concise, direct, and full of sentiment.

Start with an introduction; a simple, warm greeting will do. You could thank the wedding party for having you there and acknowledge the guests. A nice, brief anecdote about the groom, or the couple, is a great way to kick things off. Perhaps share a story of how you met the groom, or recall a funny, yet appropriate, memory. This is a great way to engage the audience and give them a glimpse into the groom's life and your relationship with him.

Now is the time to talk about the groom. Share a few kind words about him and your relationship. You could mention some of his best qualities and perhaps tell a story that illustrates these. It is a nice touch to include a few words about the couple and their relationship. You could share your thoughts on their future together and offer a few words of advice or a wish for their continued happiness.

Keep the tone light and positive, and avoid any controversial topics or off-color jokes. You want the speech to be sincere, so speak from the heart and be genuine. You could also offer a toast to the couple's parents, wishing them health and happiness. Finally, raise a glass to the happy couple, wishing them a lifetime of love and joy. You could end with a meaningful quote or a simple, heartfelt sentiment. Keep it short, sweet, and sincere.

Frequently asked questions