The Best Man: Heartfelt Words For A Special Friend

Being asked to be someone's best man is a tremendous honour, but it's also a role that comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the most important duties of a best man is to give a rousing speech at the wedding reception. This can be a daunting task, but with some planning and practice, it is possible to deliver a speech that will be well-received by the couple and the guests.

The best man's speech should focus on the couple's relationship and how the groom has changed for the better since meeting their spouse. It should also include personal stories and anecdotes that are lighthearted and meaningful. The speech should be kept short and sweet, with a length of around three to five minutes. Practising beforehand and avoiding alcohol before the speech are also key to a successful delivery.

While it is expected that the best man will include some humour in their speech, it is important to avoid inappropriate anecdotes, negative comments about marriage, and any mention of exes or adult humour. Instead, the best man should aim to capture the essence of the groom and their friendship, offer a thematic takeaway, and speak about how the relationship has helped the groom grow.

Thank the couple, their parents, and the guests

As the best man, you've got an important role to play in bringing everyone together to celebrate the happy couple. It's a chance to thank the people who have made this day possible and to share your appreciation with the guests.

First and foremost, say thank you. Thank the couple for inviting everyone to share this special day and for putting on such a wonderful celebration. Thank the bride and groom's parents for their contribution to the day and for raising such incredible children. You could share a funny anecdote about the parents, perhaps recalling a time when their support and love were particularly evident. This is a great way to bring some warmth and humour to your speech.

Thank the guests for being there and for their well wishes. You could even share a story about the impact the guests have had on the couple, such as their support during difficult times or their presence at significant events in the couple's relationship. This will make the guests feel valued and appreciated.

You can also express gratitude for the couple's relationship and the impact it has had on the groom. You might want to share a story about how the groom has changed for the better because of the bride. This will show that you recognise the importance of their relationship and that you're happy for your friend.

Finally, raise a toast to the couple and wish them all the best for their future together. Ask everyone to raise their glasses and join you in celebrating the newlyweds. This is your moment to bring everyone together in a collective show of love and support for the happy couple.

Share a funny story about the groom

Sharing funny stories about the groom is a great way to loosen up the crowd during your best man speech. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft a humorous and engaging speech:

Tips for Sharing Funny Stories:

• Focus on the groom's quirks, eccentricities, and unique characteristics. This could include their passions, hobbies, or unusual habits.
• Recall specific incidents or anecdotes that are bound to get a laugh. For instance, an embarrassing poolside incident or a story about how they lost their ring in a public toilet.
• Exaggerate the groom's traits or habits. For example, if the groom is known for being a bit messy, you could imagine what their room would look like in its most extreme state.
• Use self-deprecating humour. Make fun of yourself or share a story where you were on the receiving end of the groom's prank or witty remark.
• Keep it light and good-natured. Avoid crude humour or jokes that might offend or embarrass the groom or the guests.

Examples of Funny Stories:

• "I've watched [Groom]’s relationship status update from 'single' to 'in a relationship' to 'married' with the same excitement as watching a software upgrade – wondering what bugs would be fixed in this new version. Thankfully, [Bride] turned out to be the perfect operating system to his occasionally glitchy hardware."
• "Their love story is like a perfect recipe: take one hopeless romantic, add one amazing woman, sprinkle in some laughter, and season with just the right amount of crazy. Mix well, and you get what we’re celebrating today."
• "I've watched him grow from a carefree boy who thought microwaving anything made it 'cooking' to a man who now owns actual kitchen utensils – even if he’s still not entirely sure what all of them do."
• "Their first date was like watching a rookie’s debut match – plenty of nerves, a few fumbles, but ultimately a game-changing performance. He was so nervous, he actually wore a tie – though we later found out it was technically a Christmas decoration."
• "I first met [Groom] during freshman orientation, when we both thought ramen noodles counted as a food group and doing laundry once a month was perfectly acceptable. Our friendship was forged in the trenches of all-night study sessions, questionable dining hall decisions, and that one memorable incident with the campus security that we’re still not allowed to talk about."

Compliment the bride

So, the big day is here, and you're the best man at your friend's wedding. Congratulations! Now, it's time for your speech. You might be feeling nervous, but don't worry, I've got some tips to help you deliver a speech that's both memorable and meaningful.

First of all, remember to compliment the bride. She's chosen a wonderful partner, and you can express your approval of her choice. You can say something like, "I can't imagine a couple more ready for this blessing. And I couldn't ever have imagined a bride more perfect for [groom's name] – thank you, [bride's name], for bringing him and all of us so much happiness." This will not only make the bride feel special but also show your support for the newlyweds.

Additionally, you can pay tribute to the bride's efforts in organising the wedding. Planning a wedding is no easy feat, and it's only fair to acknowledge the hard work that has gone into making this day a success. You might say, "The splendid day we are all enjoying is a result of the love between [groom's name] and [bride's name] and their decision to commit to each other. [Bride's name], you have done an incredible job with the planning, and your attention to detail has ensured we are all having a wonderful time."

You can also suggest how the bride's influence has improved the groom. This is a great way to honour both the bride and the groom and speak to the positive impact they have had on each other's lives. For example, "It's clear to see how happy [groom's name] is today, and it's all thanks to [bride's name]. Since they met, he has been a changed man, and I wish them both a lifetime of happiness together."

If you want to add a touch of humour, you could say something like, "I know [groom's name] is usually a calm and collected person, but today, he's a bundle of nerves! It just goes to show the power [bride's name] has over him, and I'm sure their married life will be full of joy and laughter."

Remember, it's essential to strike a balance between humour and sincerity in your speech. You want to make the audience laugh, but you also want to express your genuine wishes for the couple's future. So, feel free to compliment the bride and honour her role in this special day. Cheers to a wonderful wedding celebration!

Share a story about how the couple met

Sharing a story about how the couple met is a great way to make your best man's speech stand out. Here are some ideas to get you started:

How It All Began

"For those who don't know, I'm [your name], and it's an honour to stand here today as the best man. I first met [groom] [number] years ago when we [explain how you met]. Little did I know that my life was about to change forever. Fast forward to [date/year], and [groom] met [bride] and it was love at first sight. I still remember the day [groom] called me and said, 'I've met the one.' And he was right; [bride] and [groom] are truly a match made in heaven."

A Fateful Encounter

"Not many people know this, but I was there when [groom] and [bride] first met. It was [date/year] at [location], and I could tell something special was happening. I saw the way they looked at each other, and I just knew this wasn't an ordinary encounter. From that moment on, their love story began, and here we are today, celebrating their journey together."

Love at First Sight

"It's not every day that you witness a love story unfold right before your eyes, but that's exactly what happened when [groom] and [bride] met. It was like something out of a movie. They locked eyes across the room, and in that instant, they both knew they had found something extraordinary. That moment was the beginning of a beautiful romance, and I'm so grateful to have been a part of their journey."

A Modern Love Story

"In today's world, love can find you in the most unexpected ways, and that's exactly what happened with [groom] and [bride]. They swiped right, sent a few messages back and forth, and before they knew it, they were on their first date. It didn't take long for them to realise they had something special. The rest, as they say, is history. It just goes to show that love can be found in the most modern of ways."

Meant to Be

"Some people spend their lives searching for their soulmate, but for [groom] and [bride], it was as if fate brought them together. They met [explain how they met], and it was as if the stars had aligned. From that moment on, they were inseparable. Their connection was instant and intense, and it was clear to everyone around them that this was something truly special. It gives me goosebumps to think about how two people were meant to find each other and build a life together."

Close with a toast to the couple

As the best man, you'll be expected to give a speech at the wedding reception, so it's time to start preparing! Here are some tips for closing your speech with a toast to the couple:

• Raise your glass and propose a heartfelt toast to the newlyweds, wishing them a lifetime of happiness, excellent health, and success. This is your chance to sincerely express your well-wishes for the couple.
• Include a marriage quote or a funny one-liner in your toast. For example, "It's been an emotional day, even the cake is in tiers!".
• If the couple has a favourite comedian or movie, you could include a line about love and relationships from one of those sources.
• Keep it short and sweet. A good best man speech is concise and memorable, so aim for a maximum of five minutes.
• Practice your speech beforehand, especially the toast. You want to sound confident and sincere when proposing the toast, so make sure you're familiar with what you're going to say.
• Avoid inappropriate or offensive jokes or stories. Keep your toast lighthearted and suitable for all guests, from young children to elderly grandparents.
• Make it about the couple. While it's fine to include a funny anecdote or two about the groom, the focus of your toast should be on the couple and their future together.

Frequently asked questions