A best man’s speech is a pivotal moment at any wedding, a time when you’re called upon to share your heart and humour with an entire room full of loved ones. Crafting the best man speech that truly captures the essence of your friendship with the groom and the joy of the occasion can be both a cherished experience and, for many, a daunting task. To help guide you through the process of creating a best man speech that will resonate for years to come, we’ve prepared an in-depth guide that covers everything you need to know, from the structure to the delivery.
1. The Significance of the Best Man Speech
At first glance, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of a best man speech. Yet, consider this—it’s one of the few moments during a wedding when all eyes and ears are unequivocally focused on what you have to say. For the groom, it’s a last-minute test of your friendship loyalty; for the couple, it’s the moment when you wish them well on their new adventure as a married duo. Your words can echo in the hearts of the newlywed couple and the guests, creating memories of laughter and joy.
2. The Best Man’s Responsibilities and Expectations
The first thing to understand is whether you’re obliged to speak at all wedding events or just the main reception. Traditionally, the best man’s speech occurs during the wedding reception, following the groom’s speech. Your role is to entertain, uplift, and wish the couple all the happiness they deserve. But beyond these points, there is room for personal touches and creativity that can elevate a standard toast into something magical.
How to write a best man speech
3. Finding the Perfect Theme and Tone
One of the keys to delivering a poignant best man speech is to find a theme or a message that resonates with the couple’s relationship and your shared experiences. Whether it’s celebrating their love story, their adventures together, or the qualities that make them a great pair, crafting your speech around a central theme helps to focus your message and can give you additional inspiration for what to say.
Your tone should match the theme you’ve chosen and the overall vibe of the wedding. If it’s a lighthearted and casual affair, a more pleasant approach including lighthearted anecdotes and roasts might be in order. For a more formal ceremony, a respectful and heartfelt tone might be more appropriate.
4. Content and Structure of the Best Man Speech
A best man’s speech should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with a strong opener that commands attention, perhaps a quote, a meaningful one-liner, or a personal anecdote. Introduce who you are, your relationship with the groom, and what the day means to you.
The middle section is where you can share stories and insights. Aim for a mix of humour and sincerity. Personalize your speech with genuine and appropriate stories about the groom, funny yet suitable for all audiences, and reflect on the couple’s love with warmth. Be careful not to overdo jokes or to be too sentimental; you want to keep the speech balanced and respectful.
Conclude with a well-wish for the couple’s future, a final toast, and a thank you to the hosts and everyone who made the day possible.
Best man speech tips
5. What to Avoid in a Best Man Speech
The adage “you can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs” doesn’t apply to a best man speech. While humour and honesty have their place, certain topics and tones can sour the ceremony. Refrain from any mention of past relationships, inside jokes that not everyone will understand, and embarrassing or overly personal anecdotes about the couple. Also, steer clear of any political or religious comments that could be divisive.
6. How to Include the Perfect Amount of Humor
A well-timed joke can set the entire room into boisterous laughter, but an inappropriate one can lead to awkward silence. When adding humour to your speech, ensure your jokes are in good spirits and at the right person’s expense—often, your own. Remember to keep it light and considerate to the newlyweds and the audience, and never use humour as a way to insult, offend, or bring up sensitive topics.
wedding speech guide
7. Expressing Gratitude in Your Best Man Speech
The opportunity to express gratitude is part of the honour of delivering the best man speech. Thank the couple for letting you play a special role in their day, the families for their kindness and hospitality, and the attendees for their presence. Gratitude is a wonderful way to wrap up your speech and leave a warm feeling in the room as the couple move into the next phase of their life.
8. Preparation and Practice of Your Best Man Speech
The adage “practice makes perfect” has never been truer than for a best man speech. After you’ve written the draft, practice it in front of a mirror and then in front of friends or family. Each iteration will help you identify areas for improvement, polish your delivery, and become more comfortable with your material.
9. Delivering the Best Man Speech
When you’re up there, take your time. Speak slowly and clearly, and remember to make eye contact with the couple as well as with various sections of the audience. Don’t rush through your points; relish the moment and allow others to enjoy your words, too. A well-delivered speech shows that you’ve put thought into your words and that they’re coming from the heart.
memorable best man speech
10. 5 Inspiring Examples of Best Man Speeches
These examples can provide a starting point, illustrating various approaches and tones. Remember, the best speech is authentic to you and relevant to the couple’s story.
The Emotional Tribute
Begin with a heartfelt memory or a touching reflection on the love between the bride and groom. Express how both have impacted your life and the lives of those present. Share a moment where you saw the strength of their bond and their characters. Conclude with a sincere wish for their future happiness, matched with a final toast and a few light-hearted remarks.
The Storyteller
Craft your speech as a narrative, chronicling the couple’s relationship from your first encounter to the wedding day. Pick pivotal moments and story arcs that define their love. Keep the audience engaged with suspense and warmth as you build towards the final congratulatory ending with humour intertwined.
The Life Lesson Imparter
Use the platform to provide wisdom and jokes about the trials and triumphs of love and marriage. Share your ‘top five tips for a long and happy marriage’, with tips ranging from the comical to the sentimental. Pepper your speech with relevant life lessons that match the couple’s adventures thus far and offer a toast that alludes to your shared knowledge.
The Cultural Reference Maven
Play to the crowd with cultural references. Whether it’s a shared passion for a classic movie or book, use popular culture as a lens to focus on their relationship. This approach can make the speech relatable and fun, especially if you can incorporate the theme into the story.
The Roasteur with a Tender Edge
If you have a way with words and want to ensure the crowd has a good laugh, cracking a few well-thought-out jokes can make for an unforgettable best man speech. However, be sure they are light-hearted and respectful. Pair your roasts with heartfelt acknowledgements of the groom’s character, then pivot to the couple’s love, sharing why it’s an inspiration.
With these examples and detailed steps in mind, you’re well-equipped to craft and deliver a best man speech that will stand out for all the right reasons. Remember to speak from the heart, consider the themes and audience, and focus on the love that brought everyone together on this special day. Congratulations, and best of luck in delivering a speech that will be cherished in memory and photos for a lifetime.
