How To Give The Best Best Man Speech
The Best Man is usually the brother or close friend of the groom and is trusted to deliver a speech during the wedding reception. The Best Man speech should ideally be funny, heartwarming, and sincere.
First, make sure to personalize your speech to the bride and groom. Talk about how they met, fell in love, and decided to get married. Next, include some funny stories about the couple. Finally, end your speech with a heartfelt message of congratulations.
Here’s the lowdown for writing a Best Man Speech.
Gather information and stories
Start by collecting information and stories about the groom that you can use in your speech. Talk to family members, friends, and the groom himself to get anecdotes, memories, and interesting facts that you can incorporate into your speech.
Mine your mind for material
Start by jotting down stories, inside jokes, or anecdotes about the couple or your relationship with them. These are often some of the most crowd-pleasing moments in a Best Man speech. Just be sure to keep it lighthearted.
- Memorable Date Night Stories
- Proposal Story
- First Meeting Story
- Newlywed Struggles/Triumphs
- Vacation Adventures/Misadventures
- Funny Quotes from the Bride and Groom
- Struggles with Wedding Planning
- Advice on Marriage and Relationships
Keywords to help you tap into your mental archive
Reflect on memories you’ve shared with the couple and cite examples of how they’re perfect for each other. Comment on their personalities and their relationship when writing your speech.
Great Best Man Speeches include the following key elements:
- Friendship
- Relationship
- Inside Jokes
- Love Story
- Funny Stories
- Compliment the Bride
- Appreciation for Groom
- Humor Tribute to the Couple
- Words of Wisdom
- A heartfelt message of congratulations
- Closing Toast
Outline your speech
Create an outline or structure for your speech. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you cover all the important points.
Typically, a Best Man Speech Outline contains:
- an Introduction
- a few Stories or Anecdotes
- some Lighthearted Humor
- a Heartfelt Conclusion
Share A Personal Story About The Groom
A personal story is always a hit at weddings. Just make sure it’s appropriate for mixed company! A funny story about a time when the groom got into trouble is usually a safe bet. Just remember to keep it short—you don’t want to steal away too much of the spotlight from the happy couple.
Pay Tribute To The Bride
While this is technically the bride & groom’s big day, don’t forget to pay extra tribute to the bride. Thank her for joining the family, and express how happy you are to have her as part of your life. This will score you major points with both the groom and his new wife.
Avoid Sensitive Subjects
Keep it appropriate and respectful. This is a family-friendly event, so avoid telling any off-color jokes or stories.
Remember that not everyone at the wedding will be familiar with the groom’s entire history, so avoid telling stories that might be considered too personal or sensitive. Instead, stick to stories that paint him in a positive light and that will make all the guests laugh. After all, this is a celebration of love and happiness, so keep that in mind as you choose which stories to share.
A Few Good Best Man Speech Jokes are Fine – But Don’t Go Overboard
We’ve all been to at least one wedding where the Best Man took things too far with the jokes. And while it might seem like harmless fun at the time, anyone who’s ever had to sit through an endless stream of bad jokes knows that it’s anything but. So if you’re going to add some humor to your toast, make sure it’s actually funny. A few well-placed jokes will do wonders for lightening the mood – just don’t turn your toast into an open-mic night.
Treat the Toast with Respect
Remember, a toast is not the time to air any dirty laundry or embarrassing stories (no matter how “harmless” they may seem). This is a moment to celebrate the happy couple, not make them wish they’d never asked you to be their best man. So if you wouldn’t say it in front of your grandmother, it probably doesn’t belong in your toast.
Keep It Short And Sweet
Time yourself! Your Best Man toast should be around three to five minutes long. Any longer than that, and you risk losing everyone’s attention. So focus on only sharing a few of the most memorable stories or inside jokes that everyone will enjoy hearing.
Short Best Man Speeches are typically the most appreciated. Again, just include a few humorous anecdotes and heartfelt words about the couple. By keeping it brief, you can make a memorable impact without stealing the show.
Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse!
This is not the time to wing it. You want to make sure you have your Best Man toast memorized so you can deliver it flawlessly on the big day. The last thing you want is to get up in front of all the guests and freeze because you can’t remember what you wanted to say. So take some time to practice beforehand to feel confident and comfortable when it’s time to give your speech.
On the Day of the Wedding:
Put The Best Man Speech At The Beginning Of The Night
Giving your speech right at the beginning of dinner is good practice. For example, if this is a plated dinner, the best time to do your speech is when the first course has been just served.
This will take you off the hook and let you enjoy the rest of the night with some peace of mind, and guests are still ready to hear what you have prepared.
Don’t Drink Too Much Before Giving Your Best Man Speech
A little liquid courage may be helpful, but you don’t want to end up slurring your words or saying something you’ll regret later. Remember, this is a special occasion, and you want to be remembered for the right reasons.
Be Yourself
It’s important to be yourself when delivering the Best Man toast. Don’t try to emulate someone else or a movie character; don’t rely too heavily on jokes from other sources. Everyone in the crowd is there for you and the couple, so make sure your words come from your heart.
Best Man Speech Examples
The Best Man speech is one of the most anticipated speeches of the night, next to the Maid of Honor speech, of course.
All eyes are on the Best Man as he steps up to the microphone, so it’s no wonder there’s so much pressure to deliver a great speech.
You don’t want to open with something too cheesy or off-color, but starting with a light-hearted joke is a great way to break the ice and get everyone laughing.
This will help you relax and set the tone for the rest of your speech. Plus, it’ll show everyone that you don’t take yourself too seriously.
Best Man Speech Opening Line
The best man speech opening lines set the tone for a memorable wedding toast. You only have one chance to make a first impression, so start strong! Begin with a funny story that will break the ice and set the tone for the rest of your Best Man toast. Just be careful not to scratch too deep—remember, you want everyone to like you at the end of the night!
For example…
“I’m not going to lie—I was relieved when [groom] told me he was getting married. That way, I wouldn’t have to keep pretending to be his girlfriend anymore when we went out places together.”
“I remember when [groom] first told me he was in love with [bride]. I looked at him and said, ‘Dude, she’s way out of your league.”
“I’m not going to lie; I was a little bit nervous when [groom] told me he was getting married. But, after all, it’s not every day that you see a guy like him settling down.”
“As the Best Man, it’s my solemn duty to provide a speech that is both amusing and respectful.
But more importantly, it’s my honor to toast the groom on this momentous day.
I’ve known [groom] for a long time, and I can say without a doubt that he is one of the most amazing people I have ever had the privilege of knowing.
He is kind and caring and always puts others first. He is also an incredible friend, always there for those who need him.
Most importantly, [groom] has found his true love in [bride], and it is evident that they are meant to be together.
On behalf of all his friends and family, I would like to congratulate them both on this joyous occasion.”
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been ten years since [groom] and I first met. I still remember the day like it was yesterday—he was wearing a brightly-colored shirt and holding a fish tank full of gerbils.”
“When [groom] first told me about his wedding plans, I have to admit that I was a little bit surprised. I mean, who gets married in a place like this?”
“Friends, I’m here to tell you that if anyone deserves this kind of happiness and love, it’s definitely [groom]. He may not have always been the most confident guy in the room, but after meeting his lovely bride, he finally found his way.”
“It’s not often that you get to see two people who are so obviously meant to be together. I mean, they’re like the perfect puzzle pieces—they just fit!”
“When I heard that my best friend was getting married, I must admit I was a little jealous. After all, imagine a life where you don’t have to worry about grocery shopping or doing the laundry!”
“I’ve known [groom] for a long time, and there’s nobody more deserving of this kind of happiness than he is.”
“Good evening, everyone, it’s an honor to be here today, and I’m so proud of my best friend for finding his soul mate.
Let’s all take a quick moment to appreciate the beautiful union between these two amazing people – Congratulations, you two!”
“Hello, my name is [your name], and I am the Best Man. Today has been an absolutely beautiful day so far, and I am getting emotional just thinking about it. The ceremony was lovely, and the reception has been a blast so far. I have never seen the bride and groom look happier. I am honored to have been a part of this special day, and I will never forget it.”
“I’m so honored to be standing here today as the best man for my brother and best friend, [groom’s name]. This entire day has been absolutely beautiful, and I’m getting emotional just thinking about it. My brother and [bride’s name] make such a beautiful couple, and I know they’re going to have a lifetime of happiness together. So I want to thank everyone for being here to celebrate their special day…”
No matter how you open your speech, make sure it comes from the heart. After all, the Best Man’s toast should reflect the bond between him and the groom—and a heartfelt reminder of why they are best friends. With that in mind, good luck with writing your
The Love Story
This is where you get mushy! Share how you met the bride and groom and what made you realize they were meant for each other.
This could be something from their early dating days, a funny story from their time as roommates, or even a sweet moment from their engagement party. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that would mean something special to them.
This is also a great opportunity to share any inside jokes or memorable moments you’ve had with them over the years.
For example…
“When I first met [bride], I knew she was something special. Not only did she put up with [groom] ‘s constant hotel room pranks while they were dating, but she also laughed along with his terrible dad jokes.”
“It’s been amazing watching [groom] and [bride] fall in love over the past few years. And by ‘amazing,’ I mean amazingly awkward because they can’t keep their hands off of each other.
Plus, they’re constantly making googly eyes at each other, and it makes me want to hide under a rock. But I’m happy for them, of course! … seriously, guys…congrats!”
“When I heard about their wedding plans, it only made me more certain that these two were meant to be. There’s just something about them and the way they look at each other that tells me they’re perfect for one another. No matter how long life takes us down different paths, I know that their love will always remain strong.”
“I remember the day that [groom] met [bride] like it was yesterday. We were roommates when one day, he came home with this massive grin on his face, and I asked what was going on. He proceeded to tell me that he had just met the girl of his dreams – it was love at first sight!
It was actually pretty funny because he accidentally bumped into her at the grocery store at the checkout when he noticed her in line and offered her to go ahead of him. It was that moment that …”
A Few Words About the Bride (and Groom)
Now it’s time for some genuine words of admiration and respect—after all, this day is all about them!
Talk about what makes them both unique and how lucky you feel to have them in your life.
For example…
“[Bride], you are kind and compassionate and always see the best in people…even when they don’t deserve it (looking at you, [groom]). You make everyone around you feel important and loved, and I know that [groom] feels incredibly lucky to marry someone as amazing as you.”
“When it comes to [bride], there’s just so much to say! She’s strong, she’s passionate, and she’s beautiful—inside and out. And she has a heart for others that is simply unmatched. There’s nothing she wouldn’t do for her loved ones, and she has a way of making everyone around her feel like family. We are so blessed to have her in our lives.”
“[Groom], we’ve been through a lot together—from childhood pranks gone wrong to that whole ‘incident’ in Vegas (what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas…except when it ends up on Facebook). You’ve always been there for me when I needed you, and I know that you’ll be an amazing husband to [bride].”
“[Groom], I don’t think I’ve ever seen [bride] as happy as she is when she’s with you. You bring out the best in her, and she does the same for you. She’s lucky to have found you, and you’re lucky to have found her. Together, you make a fantastic team—I have no doubt that you’ll be able to overcome anything life throws your way.”
Closing Line + Toast: How To End A Best Man Speech
End your Best Man speech on a high note with another funny story or heartwarming sentiment followed by a toast to the happy couple!
No matter how long or short your Best Man toast is, you’ll want to end on a positive note. Offer some final words of wisdom or thanks, or express how happy you are for the newlyweds.
And if you’re feeling really inspired, you could even close with a poem or quote that perfectly sums up their love story.
For example…
“So cheers to my friend [groom] and his beautiful bride [bride]! May your life together be full of happiness…” (at this point, raise your glass) “…and fewer bachelor/bachelorette parties.”
“I love you guys for more reasons than I can count, but one thing that really sets you apart is your boundless sense of humor, meaning no one can make fun of themselves as you can. Toast to having friends like you forever.”
“Best wishes to you both on this joyous occasion! Your marriage is a beautiful beginning, and I am eager to see what the future holds. You are amazing people individually, and together you will be unstoppable. Wishing you loads of love throughout your journey.”
short best man speech Example
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I’m [Your Name], the lucky guy who got the honor of being [Groom’s Name]’s best man. Our friendship has been an epic journey and seeing him marry [Bride’s Name] today is a highlight I’ll never forget.
[Bride’s Name], you look breathtaking, and [Groom’s Name], well…you did good, buddy! I’ve never seen you as happy as you are right now, standing next to your beautiful bride.
I’ve known [Groom’s Name] long enough to say he’s found his perfect match in you, [Bride’s Name]. Your love for each other shines brighter than any star, and it’s a joy to witness.
So, let’s raise our glasses! Here’s to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], and a future filled with love, laughter, and endless happiness. To the bride and groom!
Thank you.
Plan Ahead
Writing a good Best Man speech starts with sitting down and making a list of what you want to say as soon as you have accepted your Best Man role. The key to any good speech is planning ahead.
Revisit, and fine-tune your thoughts and material over the next couple of weeks. This will help you keep your thoughts together, organized, focused, and as a source of inspiration when you start to write the speech.
Have Fun With It!
Giving the Best Man speech is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so enjoy yourself while you’re up there. This is your chance to show off your wit and humor, so don’t be afraid to have some fun with it. Just relax and let your personality shine through—the groom (and all the guests) will appreciate it!
Besides delivering the most important speech of the night, what else does the Best Man do? Find out by reading our article on Best Man Duties. Good luck writing your Best Man speech! You got this!
