Best Man's Gratitude: How Do I Show My Thanks?

As best man, your speech should be a witty and entertaining account of the groom, and a sincere reflection on your friendship. It should be warm and affectionate, ultimately acting as an endorsement of the groom's character and the marriage.

The best man's speech is usually the highlight of the post-wedding formalities, so it's important to get it right. It's also a chance to thank the groom for asking you to be his best man.

Your speech should be short and sweet, with plenty of room for creativity and fun. It's your job to provide amusement, so keep it light-hearted and avoid making it all about you.

Thank the groom for asking you to be his best man

Thanking the groom for asking you to be his best man is a crucial part of the best man's speech. Here are some ideas to help you craft your message of gratitude:

Express Your Appreciation

Begin by expressing your sincere gratitude to the groom for choosing you as his best man. Let him know that it was an honour and a privilege to be asked, and that it brought you immense joy and happiness. You can say something like, "I am truly honoured that you chose me to stand by your side today as your best man. It brings me so much joy to be a part of this special day and to share in your joy and happiness." This will set a heartfelt and positive tone for the rest of your speech.

Share the Significance of Your Friendship

Take some time to talk about your friendship with the groom and what it means to you. You can share a brief story or anecdote that highlights the strength of your bond. For example, "John, you have been a good friend to me for many years. From navigating college to adult life together, to sharing countless adventures, you have always been there for me. I am so grateful to have you as a friend, and it means a lot that you wanted me to be a part of this important day in your life." This will add a personal touch to your speech and showcase the depth of your relationship.

Highlight the Groom's Positive Attributes

Use this opportunity to celebrate the groom's positive qualities and characteristics. Speak about his loyalty, kindness, sense of humour, or any other traits that make him a great friend. For instance, "Dave, you are one of the most loyal and trustworthy friends I have ever had. Your calm and sensitive approach to life makes you someone that people are lucky to have in their lives. I am proud to stand here today as your best man, and I know that your friendship is something I will always cherish." By acknowledging his positive attributes, you are not only thanking him but also showcasing his best qualities to the wedding guests.

Recall a Heartwarming Memory

Share a memorable moment or experience you had with the groom that highlights your friendship. It could be a funny story, a challenging time you supported each other through, or a significant event in your lives. For example, "I still remember the first time we met in university, when we pledged the same fraternity. The nights spent pulling all-nighters, upside-down beer bongs, and ritual humiliations—they were all made better because I had you by my side. Our friendship has brought me so much joy, and I am thankful to have you in my life." Recalling a heartwarming memory will not only thank the groom but also entertain and engage the audience.

Offer Well-Wishes and Toast to the Couple

Finally, conclude your message of thanks by offering your best wishes to the newlyweds and raising a toast to their future together. You can say something like, "Thank you, Mark, for trusting me with this important role on your special day. I am so happy that you have found love and happiness with Emily. May your love continue to grow and flourish in the years to come. To the bride and groom—cheers!" This will shift the focus back to the couple and celebrate their union.

Thank the guests for coming

Thanking the guests for coming to the wedding is an important part of the best man's speech. Here are some ideas on how to do this effectively:

Keep it Sincere

It is important to express genuine gratitude to the guests for their presence and their contribution to the wedding celebrations. A simple and heartfelt "thank you for coming" can go a long way. You can also mention how their presence has added to the joy and happiness of the special day, and how much it means to the newlyweds to have them there.

Make it Personal

If you know some of the guests have travelled a long way to be at the wedding, it is worth acknowledging this. You could say something like, "We are so grateful to those of you who have travelled far to be with us today. It means a lot to [groom's name] and [bride's name] that you could join us for this celebration." This adds a thoughtful touch and shows that their effort is recognised and appreciated.

Tie it to the Couple

You can also frame the thanks in relation to the couple and their happiness. For example, "Your presence here today brings joy to the hearts of the bride and groom, and for that, we are all truly thankful." This connects the thanks to the purpose of the occasion, which is to celebrate the newlyweds.

Add a Touch of Humour

If humour is part of your speech, you could incorporate it into the thanks. For example, "On behalf of the happy couple, I'd like to thank you all for being here today. And a special thanks to those who brought gifts – you're making our job of fitting everything into the getaway car a lot harder!" This lighthearted approach can engage the audience and make the thanks more memorable.

Keep it Brief

While it is important to thank the guests, you don't want to spend too much time on this part of the speech. A short and sincere expression of gratitude is usually enough. You don't want to make a long list of thank yous, as this can become tedious for the audience. Keep it concise and meaningful.

Thank those involved in the planning

Thanking those involved in the planning is a great way to acknowledge the people who helped make the wedding day possible. It's a thoughtful way to recognise the effort that went into the occasion and to express your gratitude. Here are some ideas on who to thank and how to go about it:

The Couple

The happy couple will likely be at the top of your list for thanks. You can thank the groom for asking you to be his best man and for giving you the opportunity to be part of this special day. You might also want to thank the bride for welcoming you into the wedding party and for including you in the celebrations. This is a great way to acknowledge their thoughtfulness and make them feel appreciated.

The Wedding Party

The wedding party, including the groomsmen, bridesmaids, maid of honour, and ushers, are also worth mentioning. They have played a significant role in the wedding and supported the couple throughout the planning process and on the day itself. You can thank them for their presence, their contributions, and their unwavering support. It's a nice way to recognise the time and effort they dedicated to making the day memorable.

The Parents

Both sets of parents, from the bride and groom's sides, are often instrumental in wedding planning. From offering guidance to providing financial support, they play a crucial role. You can thank them for their generosity, their hospitality, and their contribution to creating this memorable day. It's a thoughtful way to acknowledge their involvement and express your appreciation.

The Guests

The guests, particularly those who have travelled a long distance to attend, deserve a mention as well. You can thank them for their presence, their well-wishes, and their gifts. It's a way to make them feel valued and appreciated for taking the time to share in the couple's joy and celebrate with them.

The Vendors

If there were any vendors or professionals who went above and beyond, you might want to give them a special mention. This could include the wedding planner, caterers, florists, photographers, or any other individuals who contributed to the success of the day. You can thank them for their hard work, attention to detail, and dedication to making the day special.

A Personal Touch

When thanking those involved in the planning, it's a nice idea to add a personal touch. Share a memorable moment, a funny anecdote, or a heartfelt story about the couple or the people you're thanking. This will make your gratitude more meaningful and create a lasting impression.

Thank the guests for their gifts

Thanking the guests for their gifts is an important part of any wedding speech. It is a way to acknowledge the effort and thought that guests have put into choosing a gift for the happy couple. Here are some ideas on how to thank the guests for their gifts as the best man:

Keep it Light and Fun

Add a touch of humour to your speech when thanking the guests for their gifts. This could be a light-hearted joke or a playful anecdote. For example:

> "It's incredible to see how many people turned up today and brought gifts. I know for a fact that the happy couple wasn't expecting this, and they are incredibly grateful. I mean, who knew the groom had so many friends? I certainly didn't!"

Express Gratitude and Appreciation

Sincerely thank the guests for their generosity and thoughtfulness. Let them know that their presence and gifts are valued and appreciated. For example:

> "On behalf of the newlyweds, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous gifts. Your presence here today and the thoughtful gifts you have given are truly heartwarming. Thank you for celebrating this special day with us and for your incredible support."

Mention Specific Gifts (if appropriate)

If there are any particularly memorable or unique gifts, you can mention them in your speech. This adds a personal touch and shows that you appreciate the effort and thought that went into choosing the gift. For example:

> "I want to give a special thank you to Aunt Margaret for her handmade quilt. It is a beautiful and thoughtful gift that the couple will cherish for years to come. It will surely keep them warm during those cold winter nights!"

Tie it Back to the Couple

When thanking the guests for their gifts, bring the focus back to the couple and how the gifts will contribute to their new life together. For example:

> "The couple is incredibly grateful for the generous gifts that will help them build their new life together. Whether it was kitchen appliances, home décor, or contributions to their honeymoon fund, they are truly appreciative of your thoughtfulness and generosity. Thank you for helping them start this new chapter of their lives."

Don't Forget to Mention Presence

While thanking the guests for their gifts, also remember to thank them for their presence at the wedding. Their attendance is a valuable contribution to the celebration. For example:

> "Your presence here today means the world to the newlyweds, and your thoughtful gifts are the cherry on top. Thank you for taking the time to celebrate this special day with us and for your incredible support and well-wishes."

Thank the bride and groom

Thanking the bride and groom is an important part of a best man's speech. While the best man's speech is mainly about the groom, it's also an opportunity to shine a light on the couple's relationship. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a meaningful and memorable thank-you to the newlyweds.

Express Your Gratitude

As the best man, you can begin by thanking the couple for including you in their special day and for giving you the honour of standing by the groom's side. You can also express your happiness and privilege in being a part of this wonderful occasion. For example:

> "Today is a very special day in the lives of [Bride] and [Groom], and, of course, in mine. By asking me to be his best man, [Groom] paid me the ultimate compliment, and I'm still beaming. It means he wanted me to share in his joy. I am very happy indeed to be part of this wonderful occasion."

Highlight Their Relationship

Instead of focusing solely on your friendship with the groom, shift the spotlight onto the couple's relationship. Talk about how they met, the impact the bride has had on the groom, and how happy they make each other. For instance:

> "Seriously, when [Groom] met you, [Bride], everyone could see just how happy that made him. He's always been a great bloke waiting for the right girl, and everyone who knows you both will tell you just what a great couple you are together. [Groom], I couldn't be happier for you today. We've known each other for such a long time, and I hope that friendship lasts for many more years to come."

Share a Sentimental Moment

If appropriate, you can share a heartfelt story or anecdote that reflects the couple's bond. Perhaps there was a challenging time when they supported each other, or a memorable moment when you witnessed their love for each other. For example:

> "I've seen over the years just how happy you both are together, and I am so thrilled for [Groom] that he's met such an amazing woman to share his life with. I know you've been a support to him through tough times, and I think you are a great couple. I look forward to many more happy times together in the future."

Offer Well Wishes

Conclude your thank-you to the bride and groom by wishing them a long and happy life together. You can also propose a toast to the newlyweds to seal your sentiments. For instance:

> "All that remains for me to say is that I hope you have a great day today and enjoy a long and happy life together. Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses and join me in toasting the bride and groom."

Frequently asked questions