Best Man's Guide: Words For The Bride

The best man's speech is a big moment, not just for the groom, but for the bride too. It's an opportunity to make her feel special and show her how much she means to the groom. While it's important to avoid clichés, it's also a chance to make her laugh, cry, and feel like the most important person in the room. The key is to be genuine, clean, and practice beforehand.

When talking about the bride, it's essential to share her amazing qualities, such as her kindness, intelligence, and sense of humour. Tell embarrassing but endearing stories that showcase her incredible qualities and make the guests feel more connected to her. Compliment her appearance and give a shout-out to her family, sharing any funny or heartfelt anecdotes.

Remember, this is your chance to make the bride feel appreciated and absolutely chuffed. Put in the effort, speak from the heart, and watch her light up with joy.

Share her amazing qualities

Sharing the bride's amazing qualities is a great way to make your best man's speech memorable and to make the bride feel special. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Her Kindness and Compassion

Is the bride always ready to lend a helping hand? Does she go out of her way to support others? Share a story or example that showcases her selflessness and thoughtfulness. For instance, you could say something like, "I've seen Sarah drop everything to help a friend in need. She's always the first to offer a shoulder to cry on or join in on a wild adventure. Her compassion knows no bounds, and it's one of her most admirable qualities."

Her Intelligence and Wit

If the bride is known for her intelligence and quick wit, be sure to mention it in your speech. You can say something like, "Not only is Sarah stunning, but she's also brilliant. She has a sharp mind and a killer sense of humour. She can turn any dull moment into a hilarious one with her witty remarks. I'm sure she'll keep you on your toes, mate!"

Her Generosity and Big Heart

If the bride is known for her generosity and big heart, highlight this in your speech. You can say, "Sarah has a heart of gold. She's always thinking of others and finds joy in giving. Whether it's her time, help, or a listening ear, she gives freely and abundantly. Her generosity has made a lasting impact on so many people, and it's one of the things I admire most about her."

Her Strength and Resilience

Has the bride overcome challenges or shown exceptional strength during difficult times? Share a story that showcases her resilience and determination. For example, "Life hasn't always been easy for Sarah, but she faces challenges head-on with courage and grace. Her strength and resilience inspire me, and I know she'll be there for you through thick and thin, mate. She's a force to be reckoned with!"

Her Fun-Loving Spirit and Positivity

If the bride is known for her fun-loving spirit and positivity, bring this up in your speech. You can say, "Sarah brings joy and laughter wherever she goes. Her positive outlook on life is contagious, and she always finds a way to make the best of any situation. She's the life of the party and knows how to keep things light and fun. She's definitely someone you want by your side during life's ups and downs!"

Remember, when sharing the bride's amazing qualities, be genuine, and speak from the heart. These examples can be tailored to the unique qualities of the bride you're honouring. Good luck with your best man speech!

Tell embarrassing but endearing stories

Sharing embarrassing but endearing stories about the bride is a great way to showcase her incredible qualities. It adds a personal touch to your speech and makes it more memorable. Here are some examples:

"I'll never forget the time Kate threw a surprise party for Steve's birthday. She spent weeks planning every detail, from the guest list to the decorations. On the big day, she even managed to distract him with a wild goose chase around town while we sneaked into their flat. The look on his face when he walked in and saw all of us there? Priceless! That's just the kind of thoughtful and sneaky partner she is."

"I'll always remember the time Julie and Alex first met. At Buzz Nightclub, Julie, ever so subtly, pinched Alex on the bottom. A move that left quite the impression on Alex—a literal bruise that lasted for weeks! Julie, however, immediately blamed one of her friends. According to Alex, she pointed to Jane, but after a few drinks, who knows how accurate his memory is!"

"I remember when Julie and Alex first started dating. Alex's nerves got the better of him on their first date. His hands were shaking so much that it took him an hour to eat his jacket potato. And without his mum around to cut his food, it was quite the challenge! But he clearly got over those nerves, or they wouldn't be here today."

"When Julie met Alex's parents, Fran and Andy, everything went well, until Andy made a comment about Julie having 'big eyes' after she left. Phew, that was a close one! Those big, brown eyes clearly made a lasting impression."

"Julie, you've always been a wild one. I remember when you and Alex went on a double date with my partner and me. We went to a karaoke bar, and you and Alex performed a duet of 'A Whole New World' from Aladdin. It was clear you two had been practising, and we were so impressed! It's amazing to see how your relationship has blossomed since then."

Remember to keep the stories light-hearted and respectful, ensuring that any humour comes from a place of love and respect.

Compliment her appearance

Complimenting the bride's appearance is a key part of the best man's speech. It's a great opportunity to make her feel truly special and appreciated. Here are some ideas on how to do this effectively:

Start with a Simple Compliment:

• "When [Bride] first walked down the aisle, I swear the whole room gasped. She looks absolutely breathtaking in that dress – like a real-life princess."
• "Firstly, I would just like to say how beautiful the bridesmaids look, but they have only been outshone by the bride herself, who looks absolutely stunning today."

Highlight Her Radiant Smile:

"Her smile lights up the room, and her happiness is contagious."

Mention Her Happiness:

"Her happiness is infectious, and it's clear to see how much this day means to her."

Acknowledge Her Effort:

"It's clear that [Bride] has put so much effort into making this day special, from the flowers to the favors. She deserves all the praise for creating such a perfect day."

Make a Comparison:

"I've never seen Groom so nervous. His hands were shaking, and he even needed his mum to cut his food! But seeing Bride today, I understand why. She looks incredible, and I don't blame him for being a nervous wreck!"

Remember, it's important to be genuine and sincere in your compliments. Avoid being overly sycophantic, but don't hold back on expressing your admiration for the bride's stunning appearance.

Give a shout-out to her family

Giving a shout-out to the bride's family is a great way to show your admiration and respect. It's also a chance to share some funny or heartfelt stories that will bring the family closer to the groom. Here are some tips on how to give a shout-out to the bride's family in your best man speech:

Know the Family Dynamics

Before writing your speech, take some time to understand the bride's family dynamics. Know the names of her parents, siblings, and any other close family members who may be present at the wedding. This will help you personalise your speech and avoid any awkward moments.

Share Heartwarming Stories

One of the best ways to give a shout-out to the bride's family is to share heartwarming stories or anecdotes about them. These stories can showcase the bride's close bond with her family and how they have supported her throughout the years. For example, you can talk about a time when the bride's parents went above and beyond to help her or a funny story from the bride's childhood that involves her siblings. These stories will not only honour the bride's family but also add a personal touch to your speech.

Acknowledge Their Contribution to the Wedding

If the bride's family has played a significant role in the wedding planning or organisation, be sure to acknowledge their contribution. This can include anything from financial support to hands-on involvement in the wedding preparations. By recognising their efforts, you will not only honour the family but also show your appreciation for their role in making the wedding day possible.

Share a Funny Anecdote

Adding a touch of humour to your shout-out can lighten the mood and make your speech more engaging. Share a funny story or incident involving the bride's family, as long as it is appropriate and tasteful. It could be a lighthearted memory from your own interactions with them or a story that showcases the family's dynamic and sense of humour. Just be sure to keep the humour respectful and avoid any embarrassing or offensive jokes.

Express Gratitude

Take the opportunity to express your gratitude towards the bride's family for raising such an incredible daughter. Thank them for their love, support, and contribution to the bride's life. You can also extend your gratitude specifically to the bride's parents for welcoming the groom into their family. This will not only honour the bride's family but also showcase your own thoughtfulness and appreciation.

Include Them in Your Toast

When you raise a toast to the happy couple, be sure to include the bride's family in your wishes for the future. Wish them continued happiness, love, and all the best in their new chapter as a blended family. This simple gesture will make them feel valued and appreciated, creating a lasting memory of your thoughtful speech.

Include the impact she's had on the groom

The impact the bride has had on the groom is a fun way to showcase how the groom has changed for the better. It's a great opportunity to welcome the bride into your crew and show her how much she means to the groom. Here are some ideas to include in your best man's speech:

Upping His Game

Share examples of how the groom has improved his lifestyle since meeting the bride. For instance, "Thanks to his beautiful new wife, the groom now enjoys globe-trotting and immersing himself in different cultures, rather than sticking to the bar during his two-hour flight holidays." This shows that the bride has encouraged the groom to broaden his horizons and try new things.

Change in Wardrobe

Mention any noticeable changes in the groom's fashion sense after meeting the bride. For example, "I've known the groom for a long time, and I've never seen him dress so sharply. It's clear that the bride has an excellent sense of style, and she's helped the groom step up his fashion game." This light-hearted comment acknowledges the bride's positive influence on the groom's appearance.

Expanding His Interests

Talk about how the bride has introduced the groom to new interests and hobbies. For instance, "Before meeting the bride, the groom's idea of a perfect weekend was spending all day at the pub. Now, thanks to the bride's influence, he's discovered a passion for hiking and spends his Sundays exploring nature trails." This demonstrates that the bride has brought positive changes to the groom's lifestyle and encouraged him to try new activities.

Support Through Tough Times

Share an anecdote about how the bride has been a source of support for the groom during challenging periods. For example, "The groom went through a difficult period when he lost his job. The bride was his rock during that time, providing unwavering emotional support. She helped him navigate the challenges and emerge stronger on the other side." This illustrates the bride's caring nature and commitment to the groom's well-being.

Planning the Wedding

Acknowledge the bride's efforts in planning the wedding. For instance, "I want to give a special shout-out to the bride for her dedication in organising this amazing wedding. It's evident that she has put her heart and soul into making today perfect, from the stunning floral arrangements to the thoughtful favours for each guest." This recognises the time and effort the bride has invested in creating a memorable day for everyone.

Remember to keep your speech genuine and heartfelt. Share specific examples and anecdotes to showcase the bride's positive impact on the groom. By including these elements in your best man's speech, you'll not only honour the bride but also create a touching and memorable moment for the happy couple.

Frequently asked questions