Best Man Quotes: Asking Your Best Mate To Stand By You

Asking your best friend to be your best man is a nerve-racking task. You know the answer will most likely be yes, but you still want to impress your pal and mark the moment. There are many ways to ask your mate to be your best man, from cards and gifts to dramatic proposals. You can even add a funny twist to your request with a card that says, You're going to be my best man. Ok, good talk.

Best Man Proposal Cards

The "will you be my best man?" chat can be nerve-racking, but with a well-chosen card, you can impress your pal and mark the moment memorably. Whether you're playing it cool or planning a dramatic proposal, there are plenty of creative ways to pop the question.

Card Ideas

Scratchcard

Add your best man's name and choose between a grey, pink, or blue balloon to make it personal.

Chalkboard Card

This card's textured finish and brown envelope make it feel more formal.

Calligraphy Card

An affordable yet elegant card, you can tailor both the script and envelope colour to your wedding theme.

Top Job Card

Like a best mate appraisal, this card conveys what your best man means to you.

Secret Message Card

Why limit your best man to one envelope-opening experience? This card has two!

Simple Card

Contemporary hand lettering makes this elegant card stand out.

Gentleman Notecards

Fancy yet understated, these notecards can be sent to everyone from other groomsmen to colleagues.

You'd Rock It in a Suit Card

A tongue-in-cheek card that will bring a smile to your best man's face.

Simply the Best Card

Seranade your best man with this Tina Turner-inspired card.

Tips for Using Best Man Proposal Cards

• Opt for a card that reflects your relationship and suits your friend's personality.
• Include a personal message inside the card. Handwritten notes are ideal for conveying how important their support is to you.
• Pair the card with a small gift or send it as a surprise in the mail.
• If you know your wedding date, include it in the card.
• Keep the card light-hearted and save any pre-wedding event details and attire expectations for a phone call or email.
• Don't forget to express your gratitude! Send your best man a thank-you card shortly after the wedding.

Best Man Gifts

When it comes to asking your best mate to be your best man, you want to impress your pal and mark the moment. While the answer is almost certainly 'yes', it's still an important question to pop. There are plenty of ways to ask, from cards to gifts, and you can choose something that reflects your relationship. Here are some ideas for best man gifts to accompany your request:

Gifts for the Foodie

• Charbonnel et Walker Mini Heart Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Caramel Truffles
• A gourmet basket of treats
• A selection of cookies with their name on
• A selection of their favourite food to last the weekend
• A meal at their favourite restaurant
• A book of recipes

Gifts for the Whisky Lover

• Whisky glasses
• A hip flask
• A whisky decanter
• Whisky marmalade
• A bottle of their favourite whisky

Gifts for the Outdoorsy Type

• A personalised portable camping fire pit
• A personalised cooler backpack
• A leather duffel bag
• A personalised pocket knife
• A personalised camping gift
• A leather wallet
• A personalised watch

Gifts for the Stylish

• Cufflinks
• A tie
• A pocket square
• A tie clip
• Socks
• A money clip
• A credit card holder
• A shave kit
• Beard oil

Gifts for the Bookworm

• The Penguin Book of Modern Speeches
• A book that reflects your friendship
• A book about a shared interest

Gifts for the Sentimental Type

• A photo frame with a photo of the two of you
• A personalised print
• A scratchcard with their name on
• A handwritten note
• A card with a photo of the two of you
• A pocket watch

Best Man Speech Quotes

Being the best man at a wedding is a big responsibility. You have to be the groom's right-hand man and give a memorable speech. The right quote can set the tone for your entire speech, whether it's humorous, sentimental, or a mix of both. It helps the audience understand the kind of relationship you share with the groom and what they can expect from your toast.

Choose Quotes Relevant to the Couple

Select quotes that resonate with the couple's relationship and shared experiences. For example, if the bride and groom are high school sweethearts, you could say, "In high school, you find your tribe. In marriage, you choose who you want to run with for the rest of your days."

Balance Humor and Sentimentality

Depending on the couple's preferences and the overall mood you want to create, blend humor and sentimentality in your speech. You can lighten the mood with a funny quote like, "Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is the husband." On the other hand, a sentimental quote such as, "A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences," sets a heartfelt tone.

Keep Quotes Concise and Impactful

Opt for concise and impactful quotes rather than lengthy or complex ones. Short quotes, like "You don't marry someone you can live with—you marry someone you cannot live without," are easier to remember and deliver effectively.

Engage the Audience

Choose quotes that will resonate with a diverse range of attendees and avoid anything offensive or controversial. A quote like "Where there is love, there is life," by Mahatma Gandhi is relatable to people from all walks of life. You can also use popular movie or TV show references, such as "You're my lobster" from Friends, to create an instant connection with the audience.

Reflect Your Relationship with the Groom

Your bond with the groom is unique, and the quotes you choose should reflect that. If you have a long history together, consider a quote that highlights the enduring nature of your friendship, like "In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine" by Maya Angelou.

Best Man Speech Quote Examples:

Humorous Quotes:

"Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is the husband."

"Love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener."

"A good marriage would be between a blind wife and a deaf husband." – Michel de Montaigne

Sentimental Quotes:

"To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides." – David Viscott

"You come to love not by finding the perfect person but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly."

"In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine." – Maya Angelou

Inspirational Quotes:

"To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with." – Mark Twain

"Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone; it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new." – Ursula K. Le Guin

"Love is not about how many days, weeks, or months you’ve been together; it’s all about how much you love each other every day."

Romantic Quotes:

"If I know what love is, it is because of you." – Hermann Hesse

"I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride; so I love you because I know no other way." – Pablo Neruda

"You are the finest, loveliest, tenderest, and most beautiful person I have ever known, and even that is an understatement." – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Philosophical Quotes:

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies." – Aristotle

"Love is a friendship set to music." – Joseph Campbell

"Love is an untamed force. When we try to control it, it destroys us. When we try to imprison it, it enslaves us. When we try to understand it, it leaves us feeling lost and confused." – Paulo Coelho

Best Man Speech Tips

Being the best man at your friend's wedding is a big deal and giving a speech is an important part of the role. It can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right preparation, you can deliver a speech that is memorable, engaging, and truly honours the couple. Here are some tips to help you craft an outstanding best man speech:

Choose Relevant Quotes:

Select quotes that are meaningful to the couple and reflect their relationship. Opt for quotes that are personal and showcase the unique bond they share. For instance, if the couple are high school sweethearts, consider a quote like, "In high school, you find your tribe. In marriage, you choose who you want to run with for the rest of your days."

Balance Humour and Sentiment:

Depending on the couple's preferences and the overall mood you want to create, blend humour and sentimentality in your speech. Humorous quotes can lighten the mood, while sentimental quotes can evoke feelings of love and happiness. For instance, a funny quote could be, "Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is the husband." On the other hand, a sentimental quote like, "A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences," sets a heartfelt tone.

Keep Quotes Concise and Impactful:

Opt for concise and impactful quotes that are easy to remember and deliver effectively. Short quotes are more likely to leave a lasting impression on the audience. For example, "You don't marry someone you can live with—you marry someone you cannot live without."

Engage the Audience:

Choose quotes that will resonate with a diverse range of attendees and avoid anything that could be offensive. Opt for universally understood quotes, such as, "Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies," by Aristotle, or a popular TV or movie reference like, "You're my lobster," from Friends.

Practice Your Delivery:

Rehearse your speech multiple times to ensure a confident and polished delivery. Practise pausing for effect before and after key quotes, and don't rush through them. Consider getting feedback from trusted friends or family to refine your speech and improve your delivery.

Best Man Speech Examples

Being the best man at your friend's wedding is a big deal and giving a speech is an important part of the role. The right quote can set the tone for your entire speech, whether it’s humorous, sentimental, or a mix of both. It helps the audience understand the kind of relationship you share with the groom and what they can expect from your toast.

Example 1:

"Good afternoon everyone. For those of you who don't know me, I'm [your name], the best man. I've had the privilege of being [groom's name] best friend since we were in diapers, and I can honestly say that he is one of the most incredible people I know.

[Groom's name], I've seen you grow into the amazing man you are today, and I couldn't be prouder to stand here as your best man. You've always been there for me through thick and thin, and I know that your marriage will be just as strong.

[Bride's name], you are an amazing person, and I can see how much you and [groom's name] love each other. Your relationship is built on a foundation of trust, respect, and unconditional love. It's clear to everyone here today that you are perfect for each other.

So, I want to raise my glass and propose a toast to the happy couple. May your love continue to grow stronger each day, and may your marriage be filled with joy, laughter, and endless happiness. Congratulations!"

Example 2:

"Hello everyone, I'm [your name], the best man. It's an honour to be standing here today as [groom's name] ties the knot with the love of his life.

[Groom's name], I've known you for [length of time], and in that time, we've shared countless adventures and memories. We've travelled the world, taken on new challenges, and supported each other through thick and thin. You've always been there for me, and I'm so happy to be here for you on your special day.

[Bride's name], you are an amazing addition to our friend group. Your kindness, intelligence, and humour won [groom's name] over, and it's easy to see why. You complement each other perfectly, and your love for each other is evident to everyone around you.

So, I want to propose a toast to the happy couple. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and endless adventures. Congratulations, [groom's name] and [bride's name]!"

Example 3:

"Hi everyone, I'm [your name], the best man. I want to start by saying what an honour it is to stand here today as my best friend [groom's name] marries the love of his life, [bride's name].

[Groom's name], I've known you for [length of time], and in that time, we've been through a lot together. We've shared countless memories, supported each other through tough times, and celebrated the good times. You've always been there for me, and I'm so grateful to have you as my best friend.

[Bride's name], you are an incredible person, and it's clear to see why [groom's name] fell in love with you. Your kindness, compassion, and intelligence shine through, and it's easy to see why [groom's name] is so smitten. Your relationship is built on a strong foundation of love, trust, and mutual respect.

So, I want to raise a toast to the happy couple. May your marriage be filled with joy, love, and all the best that life has to offer. Congratulations, [groom's name] and [bride's name]! Here's to a lifetime of happiness!"

Example 4:

"Good afternoon everyone, I'm [your name] and I'm the best man at this wonderful wedding. I've known [groom's name] for [length of time], and it's been an honour to watch his relationship with [bride's name] blossom into the beautiful love story we're celebrating today.

[Groom's name], you are one of the most incredible people I know. Your kindness, generosity, and loyalty know no bounds, and it's been a privilege to be your friend. I've seen the way you love and care for [bride's name], and it's clear that you two are perfect for each other.

[Bride's name], you are an amazing person, and you bring out the best in [groom's name]. Your love for each other is evident to everyone around you, and it's an honour to stand here today as you begin your married life together.

So, I want to propose a toast to the happy couple. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and endless happiness. May your love continue to grow stronger each day, and may you always support and uplift each other. Congratulations, [groom's name] and [bride's name]!"

Frequently asked questions