Best Man Shift: From Buddy To Best Man

Asking someone to be your best man is a big deal. The best man is expected to be by your side throughout the entire wedding process, from attending pre-wedding events to planning the bachelor party and providing support to the couple. So, how do you pop the question?

There are plenty of ways to ask your best mate to be your best man, from planning an activity you both love to giving them a card or a gift that pops the question for you. If you're feeling nervous about asking in person, a card is a great way to express how much you care about them and why you want them to be your best man. You can also add a fun element to your proposal with a personalised card or a gift box filled with treats.

If you want to ask in person, planning an activity you both enjoy is a great way to make your request more personal. Whether it's a round of golf or watching a football game, asking your best mate to be your best man while doing something you both love will make the moment more special.

So, whether you go for a simple card, a funny gift, or a grand gesture, your best man will be touched that you asked them to be a part of your big day.

Icebreakers and jokes

As the best man, you can use icebreakers and jokes to break the tension and make the audience feel more comfortable. Here are some ideas for icebreakers and jokes that you can use in your best man's speech:

• "I always knew the groom's speech would be hard to follow. In fact, I couldn't understand a word of it."
• "If there's anyone here this afternoon who's feeling nervous, apprehensive, and queasy at the thought of what lies ahead, it's probably because you've just married [groom's name]."
• "I've been instructed to keep this speech smut-free, so if I come across any innuendo as I'm reading through, I'll whip it out immediately."
• "I've been asked by many how I'm going to cope with my best friend being married and spending all of his time loved up at home. I'm thrilled! I'll finally be able to talk to women without him cramping my style."
• "Firstly, I'd just like to say how nervous I am to be making this speech. I've lost count of the number of times I've stood up from a warm seat with warm pieces of paper in my hand today."
• "I read somewhere that the perfect best man speech should last as long as it takes for the groom to make love. So ladies and gentlemen, please raise a glass to the happy couple!"
• "I did ask for a microphone but was told there weren't any available. So if you can't hear me at the back, the silence at the front should assure you that you're not missing out on anything."
• "I have no problem admitting to you all that I'm extremely nervous right now. And as the people sitting near the front of the room can attest, it is actually possible to smell fear."
• "The groom and I share a common sense of humour. So if this speech is in any way unfunny, feel free to blame him."
• "I have been the groom's mate since Wednesday this week. I was the successful applicant to an ad he put online asking to pose as his friend. Apparently, I got the position by default, having been the only one to apply."
• "I'm glad you're my biology partner." "But we have chemistry..." "I'm glad you feel it too."
• "What is a pirate's favorite letter? You'd think it'd be the Rrrrrr, but he's really fond of the Ccccccc..."
• "I recently started speed reading. So far, I can read 'War and Peace' in ten seconds. It's only three words, but it's a start."
• "I bought the world's worst thesaurus yesterday. Not only is it terrible, it's terrible."
• "I just wrote a book on reverse psychology. Do not read it."
• "What did the green grape say to the purple grape? Breathe!! Breathe!!!!"
• "A man tells his doctor, 'Doc, help me. I'm addicted to Twitter!' The doctor replies, 'Sorry, I don't follow you...'"
• "A bear walks into a bar and says, 'Give me a gin and... tonic.' 'Why the big pause?' asks the bartender. The bear shrugged. 'I'm not sure; I was born with them.'"
• "My email password has been hacked. That's the third time I've had to rename my cat."
• "What washes up on very small beaches? Microwaves."
• "What did the rug say to the floor? Do not move! I have got you covered!"
• "What did the duck say to the woman who bought lipstick? Put it on my bill!"
• "What did the man say when he slipped and fell on the ice? Nothing, he just gave everyone the cold shoulder!"
• "What did the right eye say to the left eye? Just between you and me, something smells!"
• "What did the duck get kicked out of rehab? He couldn't lay off the quack."
• "What did the gum cross the road? Because it was stuck to the chicken's foot."
• "What did the traffic light say to the car? Don't look at me. I'm changing!"
• "What did the necktie say to the hat? You go on ahead. I'll hang around for a while."
• "What did the big furry hat say to the warm, woolly scarf? You hang around while I go ahead!"
• "What did the man put in his freezer? His money, because he wanted cold hard cash!"

Remember to keep the jokes light-hearted and avoid topics that might be considered offensive. You can also adapt these jokes to fit the groom's personality and your relationship with him.

Introducing yourself

Asking someone to be your best man is a big deal. The best man is expected to be by your side throughout the entire wedding process, from attending pre-wedding events to planning the bachelor party and providing support to the couple. So, how do you ask? Here are some ideas to introduce yourself and pop the question:

Plan an Activity

If you and your best man share a favourite activity, this can be a great way to make your request more personal. For example, if you both love golf, ask him while enjoying a round, or if you're both fans of the same football team, invite him over to watch a game and pop the question at halftime. This approach adds a special touch and showcases the importance of your relationship.

Send a Card

If you're not comfortable with emotional conversations or want to ensure you get all your thoughts across, sending a card is an excellent option. You can find cards with funny messages, personalised designs, or elegant styles. Include a heartfelt message expressing your feelings and why you want him to be your best man. Cards also make wonderful keepsakes to commemorate this special moment.

Give a Gift

You can find a variety of "proposal" gifts, from personalised items to whiskey glasses, that directly ask the question. Alternatively, give a gift that ties into your relationship, like a personalised coffee mug for a coffee lover or a wine glass for a wine enthusiast. If you're looking for something more traditional, consider a hip flask or a stylish watch.

Keep It Simple

Remember, your best man will be honoured just to be asked. You don't need an elaborate plan or a grand gesture. Sometimes, a simple, heartfelt conversation is all it takes. Share how much you value your relationship and how important it is to have him by your side on your big day.

Reading out messages

The Setup

If you're planning a grand gesture to ask your best mate to be your best man, you could incorporate reading out messages as part of the surprise. Here are some ideas to get you started:

The Telegram

For a vintage twist, send your best mate a telegram asking him to be your best man. This idea from Hitched.co.uk is a fun way to pop the question and will surely be a memorable keepsake. You can even include vintage stamps for an extra touch of nostalgia.

The Card

A simple yet effective way to ask your friend to be your best man is through a thoughtful card. You can opt for a personalised card with a funny message or a stylish design. If you're feeling creative, you can write your own message inside, expressing your appreciation for your friendship and asking for their support on your big day.

The Gift

Pairing a gift with a handwritten note is another way to go about it. You can choose a gift that suits your friend's interests, such as a book, a hip flask, or even a cool bag with their initials. Include a heartfelt message along with the gift, letting them know how much their presence would mean to you on your wedding day.

The Speech

If you're known for your public speaking skills, why not make a speech to ask your friend to be your best man? You can gather your thoughts and rehearse what you want to say beforehand. Make it lighthearted and fun, sharing memories and inside jokes. End your speech with a heartfelt request for them to be your best man, and don't forget to pop the champagne!

The Surprise

For an element of surprise, you can plan a special moment where you read out a series of messages or a letter asking your friend to be your best man. Here are some ideas for how to craft a meaningful message:

"Hey [Friend's Name], I know we've been through a lot together, and I can't imagine anyone else standing by my side on my wedding day. Would you do me the honour of being my best man? I truly value your friendship and all the crazy adventures we've had. I know you'll be an incredible support, and I can't wait to make more memories with you by my side. So, will you be my best man? I really hope the answer is yes!"

"To my best mate [Friend's Name], our friendship means the world to me, and I can't picture getting married without you by my side. I am asking you to be my best man because you bring out the best in me, and I know you'll keep me grounded and laughing throughout this whole wedding journey. I trust you, and I know that together, we can navigate this exciting but nerve-wracking experience. So, what do you say? Will you be my best man and help me create memories that will last a lifetime?"

"Dear [Friend's Name], as my wedding day approaches, I find myself thinking about all the people who have shaped my life and made me who I am. You, my friend, are at the top of that list. Our bond is unbreakable, and I know that life's biggest moments are better when shared with you. I am honoured to have you in my life, and I would be truly grateful if you would stand by my side as my best man. It would mean the world to me to have your support and camaraderie on this special day. So, will you be my best man? I sure hope so!"

Remember, when crafting your message, speak from the heart, and don't be afraid to inject some humour and inside jokes that only you and your friend will understand. Good luck with your best man proposal!

Storytelling and anecdotes

Asking someone to be your best man is a big deal. It's a big job, and the person you choose will be the one to support you during wedding planning, throw your bachelor party, and stand next to you when you say your wedding vows. So, how do you go about popping the question to your best mate?

One way to ask is to plan around your favourite shared activity. For example, if you and your best man-to-be share a love of golf, why not ask them while you're enjoying a round? Or, if you're both fans of the same football team, invite them over to watch a game and pop the question at halftime. Asking your friend to be your best man while doing something you both love is a great way to make your request feel more personal and special.

If you're not much of a wordsmith, or you're worried about getting tongue-tied, you could always ask through a card. Cards can be funny, personalised, or sentimental, and they're a great way to show your friend how much you care. You could use the card to highlight your favourite memories together or to explain why they're so important to you. Plus, a card makes a lovely keepsake for your best man to remember the occasion by.

If you want to go all out, you could create a best man proposal gift box filled with goodies. Some gift ideas include personalised best man bottle tags, a hip flask, a pint glass, or a pair of fun socks. If you want to splash out, you could go for a Hugo Boss gift set or a personalised wooden box filled with their favourite drink.

No matter how you choose to ask, the most important thing is that you're asking your friend to be a part of your special day. So, whether you go for a grand gesture or a simple question, your best man is sure to be honoured and excited to stand by your side on your wedding day.

Advice and compliments

Asking someone to be your best man is a big deal, so you should consider what you're asking of them and whether they're the right person for the job. It's a big responsibility, so you should be thoughtful and direct in your approach. Here are some ideas for advice and compliments to give when asking the question:

"I know this is a big ask, and I know you have a lot on your plate, but I truly value our friendship and want you by my side as my best man." This approach acknowledges the commitment and highlights the importance of your relationship.

"You've always been there for me, and your support means the world to me. I can't imagine anyone else I'd want as my best man." This statement emphasizes the depth of your connection and conveys that you see them as a vital source of strength.

"I know wedding planning can be a daunting process, and I really want you to be a part of it. Your insights and perspective are important to me, and I think your presence will make it more enjoyable and manageable." Here, you're being considerate of their time and energy while also expressing your desire for their involvement.

"Your presence in my life brings me so much joy, and I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have as my best man. Your friendship is invaluable to me, and I know your support will make this journey even more special." This approach emphasizes the value you place on your relationship and how their involvement will enhance the experience.

"I know we've been through a lot together, and your loyalty and dedication have always inspired me. I truly believe that your presence as my best man will make this journey even more memorable and meaningful." This statement acknowledges your shared history and highlights their positive influence on your life.

Remember, the key is to be thoughtful, considerate, and direct. Express your appreciation for their friendship and the significance of their potential role in your wedding.

Frequently asked questions