Best Man Speech: Jewish Wedding Edition

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 tasks is delivering a memorable speech. It's a chance to celebrate the groom, entertain the guests, and show your support for the happy couple. A great speech can be an emotional moment for the couple and the guests.

So, what should you include in your best man speech? Well, it's important to start with a compelling opening line that grabs the audience's attention and sets the tone. Introduce yourself and explain your connection to the couple. You can also share a quick joke or quote to lighten the mood.

Throughout your speech, it's a good idea to share personal stories and anecdotes about the groom. These stories should be funny, heartwarming, or even a little embarrassing. They should showcase the groom's personality and your relationship with him.

Don't forget to address the couple's relationship and share how they first met. If you played a part in bringing them together, definitely mention that! It's also a nice touch to say a few words about the groom's new spouse and welcome them into the family.

Towards the end of your speech, be sure to wish the couple a happy future together. Raise your glass and offer a heartfelt toast to the newlyweds.

Finally, don't forget to practice! Rehearse your speech multiple times to refine your delivery and build your confidence.

How you know the groom

The best man's speech is a chance to celebrate the groom, share stories about him, and express what he means to you. It's also an opportunity for others to learn more about him. Here are some ideas for what to include when talking about "How you know the groom":

How You Met

Share a bit about how you first met the groom and became friends. This provides context for your relationship and can be a great way to weave in some humour. For example, you could say something like:

> "I first met [Groom's Name] in an interesting way. It was in the shared house in London that I was staying at. My first mistake was commenting on his hair. As a glass bowl of potpourri flew past my head and smashed behind me, filling the room with a burst of sandalwood fragrance, I realised this was a troubled, sensitive character who didn't take criticism too well. Perfect friend material."

Funny Stories and Embarrassing Moments

Share some funny, heartwarming, or embarrassing stories that showcase the groom's personality and your unique bond. These stories will entertain the guests and give them a glimpse into your friendship. For instance:

> "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. That was the start of many adventures together."

The Groom's Impact on Your Life

Talk about how the groom has impacted your life and what he means to you. This adds a heartfelt touch to your speech and shows the depth of your friendship. For example:

> "John, you have been a good friend to me. Our college days were made better by your presence, and I know there will be less time for me in your life now that you have a small dog called Ben, but I'll always look forward to the time we spend together. Thanks for being a loyal and understanding friend, and I hope our friendship lasts for many more years."

Mutual Friends and Adventures

Include some stories or references to mutual friends and adventures you've had together. This will create a sense of inclusivity and help the audience relate to your experiences with the groom. For instance:

> "I knew I had met a friend for life when we attended the University of Texas and pledged a fraternity together. Amidst the upside-down beer bongs, ritual humiliation, and complete lack of sleep, I knew our friendship would endure. And when I discovered his dad's credit card with no limit, well, who wouldn't want him as a friend for life?"

The Groom's Quirks and Unique Traits

Share some of the groom's funny characteristics or quirks that the audience can appreciate. It could be his sense of humour, his loyalty, or any unique habits he has. For example:

> "[Groom's Name] is always there to lend an ear, offer a shoulder to cry on, or provide a much-needed reality check. He's the kind of guy who remembers your coffee order and your birthday, but somehow always forgets to water his plants. He's the reason I always have a designated driver, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

The impact the bride has had on the groom

You can talk about how the groom has upped his game, changed his wardrobe, and started showing an interest in things outside of pubs, football, and waking up late. For example, if the groom has started globetrotting and immersing himself in new cultures, you can credit the bride for this change.

You can also share a story about the early days of their relationship and how the groom was smitten with the bride. For example, you could share a funny story about how the groom had to make the difficult decision of letting the bride go during a round of redundancies at work.

Additionally, you can talk about how the bride has impacted the groom's life for the better. For instance, you could say something like: "I've seen over the years just how happy you've made my old friend and how much you've helped him change his life for the better. He's always been a great guy, but now he has wider horizons and a greater sense of adventure."

Remember to keep this part of the speech light-hearted and entertaining, focusing on the positive changes and the love between the couple.

Triumphs and disasters

For example, you could talk about how the groom wasn't good at sports, but how he saved up all his skill and enthusiasm for one split second of genius. Talk about how, quite surprisingly, he managed to catch an impossible cricket ball as it left the sports master's bat, winning his side the match. Then, talk about how he immediately retired from all forms of competitive sport, at the very top of his game.

Or, you could mention how the groom wasn't very good with women, and how on one occasion, he glued his hand to his face, but still used his free hand to shake your hand and ask if you wanted to be his friend.

Remember to keep it warm and funny, and never edgy.

Unique opening and closing lines

The opening and closing lines of your best man speech are crucial as they leave a lasting impression on your audience. Here are some unique and creative ideas for opening and closing your Jewish best man speech with impact:

Opening Lines:

• "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! For those who don't know me, I'm [Your Name], the best man, and it's an honour to be standing here today. In the next few minutes, we'll be talking about the man who will soon be asking his English wife if he can go to the pub on the weekends. I can't help but think that an English woman telling a Scottish man he can't go to the pub would be a new low in this country's rich cultural history."
• "Good afternoon, everyone! I'm [Your Name], and it's a privilege to be [Groom's Name]'s best man today. I'd like to start by welcoming all the family and friends here today, both Jewish and non-Jewish. For those attending their first Jewish wedding, you might be curious about some of our customs. For example, earlier at the synagogue, we pelted the happy couple with candy. Some say it's to wish them a sweet life, but if my parents are anything to go by, it's more symbolic—during marriage, people tend to throw things at each other!"
• "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 just a little nervous. But in all seriousness, it's an honour to be here today as [Groom's Name]'s best man. I've known him since we were [age] and shared countless adventures, and I can't wait to tell you more about our journey together."
• "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Before I begin, let me introduce myself. My name is [Your Name], and it is my great honour and privilege to be one of [Groom's Name]'s best men today. Over the next few minutes, I'll be taking you through [Groom's Name]'s life, from his [childhood/adventures/triumphs and disasters], to standing here today as a groom. So buckle up, grab a drink, and let's celebrate this wonderful couple!"

Closing Lines:

• "So, as we raise our glasses and toast the happy couple, let's wish them a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and all the joy their hearts can hold. May they continue to find sparks that ignite their flame and may their love burn bright. L'chaim!"
• "In closing, I want to say that it has been an honour to stand here today as [Groom's Name]'s best man. To the bride and groom, may your love be like a good piece of jewellery: timeless, always valuable, and a perfect fit. May your marriage be filled with happiness, joy, and all the blessings of a life shared together. Congratulations, and L'chaim!"
• "As I finish up, I want to thank the bride and groom for letting me share this special day with them and for giving me the opportunity to stand here as [Groom's Name]'s best man. Your love has brought us all together today, and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, health, and love. Congratulations, and L'chaim!"
• "Finally, I want to thank [Groom's Name] for choosing me to be his best man and for being a wonderful friend. To the happy couple, may your love be like a sturdy ship sailing through calm and stormy seas, always finding its way back to the warmth of the sun. May your marriage be filled with joy, laughter, and endless blessings. Congratulations, and L'chaim!"

Tips for delivering a stellar best man toast

Being chosen as the best man for a wedding is an honour that comes with great responsibility. One of your big tasks will be giving a memorable best man speech. It's a chance to celebrate the groom, entertain the guests, and show your support for the happy couple. Here are some tips to help you deliver a stellar best man toast:

• Practice as much as possible: It's rare for someone to be a natural speaker and entertainer, so your best bet is to prepare your speech early on and practice as much as possible. Rehearse your speech multiple times to familiarise yourself with the content, timing, and flow. Practising in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend can help you refine your delivery for a polished performance. Remember, the more you practice, the more confident you'll become.
• Calm yourself before and during the speech: While practising is a great way to get ready for giving the speech, you might still feel nervous. To calm your nerves, try having a drink or two beforehand (but be careful, as this can also lead to disaster). Take deep breaths and slow down. When you focus on breathing, you won't focus on other things, and you will relax. Visualise yourself as a great speaker, killing your speech. Just seeing yourself that way will help.
• Connect with the audience: Make sure to maintain eye contact, speak clearly, use hand gestures, and express your emotions genuinely. Even the best speech will lose its power if you're looking at the ground and mumbling.
• Keep it short: There isn't a set time limit for speeches, but shorter is usually better. You're unlikely to hear people complain that a speech was too short. Aim for around 4-7 minutes.
• Address the happy couple and wish them well: With all the fun stories and things you'll be sharing, don't forget to talk directly to the couple. Towards the end, make sure to look at them, wish them a happy future and life together, and ask everyone to raise their glasses and say "to the couple."
• Consider adding jokes: If you want to deliver a funny best man speech, consider pokingly fun at the groom. Ridicule some funny characteristic or quirk of the groom that everyone can appreciate and will get a laugh. Avoid obscure references or inside jokes. You want older guests and those who don't know the groom well to see the funny side too. Be strategic about your jokes, though—it's best to leave the new spouse alone.
• Use notes: Even those with a great memory will feel more confident with a written speech or at least a few bullet points to keep them on track. Nerves can mess with your memory, so don't think you're a failure if you need to bring notes with you. Small note cards are better than a sheet of paper, as they won't flap around.
• Practice with an audience: Even if you think you have your speech in the bag, practice delivering it aloud at least three times. Take a video and watch the playback to critique your performance. If your friends can't offer critiques in person, send the video to a close friend who won't be at the wedding for honest feedback.
• Speak clearly and confidently: A great best man speech becomes boring if it's monotonous or guests are straining to hear you. Speak confidently and slowly.

Frequently asked questions