Best Man Speech
How to Write the Best Best Man Speech
A best man speech is more than just words; it’s a celebration of friendship, a tribute to the bond you share with the groom, and a memorable part of the wedding day for everyone present. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or have never given a speech before, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about crafting and delivering a best man speech that’s humorous, memorable and awesome.
The Importance of Your Best Man Speech
Your best man speech is an important moment of the wedding. As the best man, you’re representing the groom’s side and offering guests insight into his personality, humor, and life through your words. This is an opportunity to honor your friendship, celebrate the couple, and contribute to the overall warmth of the celebration. A great speech makes people laugh, brings a tear to the eye, and helps everyone feel more connected to the couple.
How to Write a Best Man Speech?
Writing a best man speech can feel daunting, but breaking it down into steps will make the process manageable. Here’s a simple best man speech outline to help you get started.
Start by Thinking of Your Feelings, Experiences and Memories
Before putting pen to paper, take time to reflect on your relationship with the groom. Think about moments that capture his personality, times he’s been there for you, or funny adventures you’ve shared. Consider why he chose you as his best man and what qualities he brings to his relationships. This foundation will help you craft a speech that feels genuine.
Start by organizing your thoughts. Begin with an introduction, share personal stories about the groom, compliment the couple, and end with a toast. Including humor, sentiment, and sincere admiration will help you strike the right balance.
Best Man Speech Template
Using a template can simplify the writing process. Here’s a basic structure of a best man speech outline:
- Opening lines: Begin with a greeting, a humorous comment, or a warm acknowledgment of the wedding and guests.
- Introduction: Introduce yourself as the best man and briefly explain your relationship with the groom.
- Stories and Memories: Share a few anecdotes that showcase the groom’s character, humor, and loyalty.
- Compliments to the Couple: Highlight the groom’s love for the bride and why they make a perfect pair.
- Heartfelt Message: Offer a few sincere words about marriage, love, and what makes their bond special.
- Closing Lines and Toast: Wrap up with a funny or heartfelt line, and lead everyone in a toast to the couple.
Best Man Speech Opening Lines
Your opening lines set the tone. Consider these options:
- “Hello everyone, I’m [Your Name], the best man, and I’m honored to be here today. I’ve known [Groom’s Name] for [X years], so I have a few good stories to share…”
- “When [Groom’s Name] asked me to be his best man, I felt two things: honored and terrified. Honored because he’s like a brother to me, and terrified because I knew I’d have to make a speech in front of all of you!”
How long should a best man speech be?
Aim for a speech that’s between three to five minutes. This keeps it concise, engaging, and respectful of everyone’s attention span.
Adding Personal Touches to Your Best Man Speech
Adding personal touches makes your speech feel unique and memorable. Think about:
- Inside jokes are good but use jokes that everyone will understand to keep your audience engaged
- Special quirks of the groom or the couple
- Nicknames or funny stories that highlight his personality
How to write a good best man speech?
To write a good speech, blend humor with heartfelt moments. Include a mix of anecdotes, a bit of light teasing, and sincere admiration. Keep it genuine, lighthearted, and full of warmth for the couple.
Sharing Stories About the Groom
Stories are the heart of a great best man speech. Choose a couple of short stories that highlight the groom’s character or shared memories. Here are some tips:
- Keep it appropriate: Avoid embarrassing stories that might make the groom uncomfortable.
- Showcase his qualities: Pick stories that demonstrate his loyalty, sense of humor, or how much he loves his partner.
- End on a positive note: Even if your story is humorous, ensure it reflects positively on the groom.
Best Man Speech Examples
Here are a couple of examples to give you some inspiration:
Example 1: Heartfelt and Humorous “Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], and I’ve known [Groom’s Name] since college. We’ve shared countless laughs, adventures, and maybe a few questionable decisions along the way. One thing that’s always stood out to me about [Groom’s Name] is his loyalty. I remember this one time… [share a short story]. Seeing him with [Bride’s Name], I know he’s found someone who understands him in every way, and I couldn’t be happier for them.”
Example 2: Sentimental and Warm “Hello, everyone. I’m honored to be here today as [Groom’s Name]’s best man. When I look at [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], I see two people who genuinely complete each other. They bring out the best in each other, and their love is evident in everything they do. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and love!”
How to end a best man speech?
A strong closing line and a toast are the perfect way to end. Consider saying, “Here’s to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]—may their love grow stronger every day,” and raise your glass for a toast.
What is the best man supposed to say?
As the best man, you’re there to honor the groom, celebrate the couple, and entertain the guests. Share stories, give compliments, and toast the couple’s future.
How do you introduce yourself as the best man?
Introduce yourself by saying something like, “Hi everyone, I’m [Your Name], the best man and [Groom’s Name]’s longtime friend. I’m honored to stand here today to celebrate two incredible people.”
What does a best man have to include in his speech?
A great best man speech includes an introduction, personal anecdotes about the groom, compliments to the bride and groom, and a heartfelt or humorous closing.
Speech Ideas for Best Man
Here are a few unique ideas to make your speech memorable:
- Lighthearted Jokes: Share a quick, family-friendly joke about marriage.
- Favorite Memories: Share one or two favorite memories that show the groom’s best qualities.
- Quotes or Wisdom: Use a quote or a bit of advice on love that feels meaningful.
Best Man Speech Closing Lines (Funny)
If you want a humorous closing, try one of these:
- “Here’s to love, laughter, and a happily ever after—and to [Bride’s Name] for finally making an honest man out of him!”
- “Let’s raise our glasses to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]—may they always be as happy as they are tonight, and may [Groom’s Name] always remember to put the seat down!”
Tips for Delivering a Best Man Speech
- Start with a Plan: Know your main points and have a rough outline.
- Keep it Short: Aim for 3-5 minutes to keep everyone engaged.
- Practice Out Loud: Rehearse in advance to get comfortable with your words.
- Open with a Lighthearted Story: This grabs attention and sets a friendly tone.
- Avoid Inside Jokes: Stick to stories that everyone will enjoy.
- Speak Slowly and Clearly: Take your time to ensure everyone can hear and follow.
- Balance Humor and Sentiment: Too much of either can throw off the tone.
- Thank Everyone: Show appreciation for those who made the day possible.
- Compliment the Couple: Make them feel celebrated and special.
- End with a Toast: Finish by leading a toast to the happy couple.
Reading the Room: Making Sure Your Best Man Speech Lands Well
Delivering a great best man speech isn’t just about what you say; it’s also about how well you connect with the crowd. “Reading the room” means gauging the energy and reactions of your audience to ensure your speech resonates in the best way possible. Here’s how you can make sure your words truly land with your listeners:
1. Observe the Audience’s Mood Before You Speak
Take a few minutes before your speech to watch the crowd. Are people laughing, chatting, or in a more serious mood? This can give you a sense of the energy level in the room and help you adjust your delivery. For example, if the crowd seems relaxed and casual, lean into humor to keep the energy light. If it’s a more formal affair, you might want to add an extra touch of sentiment and keep jokes tasteful.
2. Be Flexible with Your Tone and Jokes
Being adaptable is key to reading the room. If your first few lines or jokes get a great reaction, keep going with that tone. If they don’t, don’t worry! A quick shift to a more heartfelt or neutral approach can help. Remember, the goal is to make everyone feel included and entertained, so be prepared to change things up if the mood calls for it.
3. Watch for Nonverbal Cues
As you’re speaking, pay attention to the audience’s nonverbal cues: are they nodding, smiling, or laughing? These signs show they’re engaged and enjoying your speech. If you see blank stares or people checking their phones, it may be a signal to move to the next part of your speech or wrap up if it’s going long. Responding to these cues keeps the audience connected to your words.
4. Gauge the Balance Between Humor and Sentiment
A great best man speech is a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, but every crowd has a different appetite for each. If the crowd responds well to humor, keep it going but avoid overdoing it. Likewise, if they seem especially moved by a sentimental story or heartfelt compliment, lean into that side of the speech. The balance you strike should feel natural and be driven by the responses you see.
5. Know When to Wrap It Up
Every great speech has an ideal length, and reading the room can help you know when you’ve reached it. If people are engaged and reacting warmly, keep going to finish your planned points. However, if the energy dips, or the audience seems restless, it may be time to wrap up with your closing lines and move to the toast.
Best Man Speeches
Creating a memorable best man speech is all about celebrating the groom and his partner while making guests feel connected and entertained. By organizing your thoughts, sharing personal stories, and focusing on both humor and heartfelt moments, you can craft a speech that genuinely reflects your friendship and honors the couple. Starting with a clear plan helps ensure your speech flows naturally, allowing you to relax and enjoy the moment as you speak.
Remember, the best man speech is your chance to share a unique perspective on the groom, his character, and his relationship with his new spouse. Using a best man speech template can make the writing process easier by breaking it into manageable sections: from your opening line and introduction to the closing toast. Each part of your speech has a purpose—whether it’s making the guests laugh, bringing a sentimental tear, or offering wisdom for the future. Don’t forget to include lighthearted stories that showcase the groom’s personality and your unique bond.
Adding personal touches, like favorite memories or meaningful compliments to the couple, will make your best man speech stand out. Avoiding inside jokes and overly personal details keeps the speech inclusive, ensuring everyone can enjoy it. And, by balancing humor with sincere sentiment, you’ll create a well-rounded tribute to the couple’s relationship.
Finally, practicing out loud is crucial. This builds confidence, helps you master timing, and ensures your speech sounds natural. Aim for a length of three to five minutes, so it’s impactful without overstaying its welcome. Remember to thank everyone involved in the wedding, compliment the couple, and end with a heartfelt toast to their future together.
In the end, the best man speech is an unforgettable way to express your joy and friendship, giving the groom and his partner a beautiful memory from their wedding day. With this guide, you’re ready to deliver a best man speech that’s engaging, meaningful, and, above all, unforgettable.
