How to Write a Great Best Man Speech: Examples and Tips

Giving the best man speech is a great honor, but it also comes with a big responsibility: delivering a speech that celebrates the newlyweds and entertains the guests. No pressure, right?

If you’re feeling nervous about your best man speech, don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many people struggle with public speaking, especially when it comes to expressing their emotions and making people laugh.

But don’t panic. I’m here to help you write a best man speech that will make you look like a star. In this article, I’ll share with you some tips and examples from the weddings I’ve filmed as a professional videographer. You’ll see how other best men have nailed their speeches with humor, sincerity, and style.

By the end of this article, you’ll have everything you need to craft your killer best man speech that will impress the bride and groom, and make the guests smile. Let’s get started!

How to Start the Best Man Speech

The best way to start a best man speech is with a captivating introduction. This could be a humorous anecdote, a heartfelt compliment, or an inspiring quote about friendship or marriage. It’s also a good idea to express gratitude to those who made the wedding possible and to the groom for choosing you as his best man.

Following this, you can share a short, engaging story about your relationship with the groom, perhaps recounting how you met, a memorable shared experience, or when he first met his bride. Remember, the goal is to celebrate the couple, so keep it light, fun, and heartfelt.

• Humorous Anecdote: Share a funny story about the groom or the couple’s relationship that will immediately grab everyone’s attention.
• Thought-Provoking Quote: Begin with a meaningful quote that reflects the essence of love, friendship, or marriage.
• Personal Introduction: Introduce yourself and establish a connection with the audience by sharing a brief personal story involving the groom.

Who does the best man thank in his speech?

The best man is a person who has a close relationship with the groom, such as a friend or a brother. He is usually chosen by the groom to be his right-hand man during the wedding and to give a speech at the reception. The best man’s speech is an opportunity to express his gratitude, admiration, and humor to the people who are important to the groom and the bride. In his speech, the best man should thank the following people:

• The people who made the day possible, especially the bride and groom’s parents by name. He should offer a toast to them for raising two fine people and putting on the wedding.
• The guests for coming and sharing the special occasion with the couple.
• The venue staff for their wonderful service.
• The bride and her attendants for looking gorgeous. He may also compliment the mothers of the newlyweds as well.
• The groom for choosing him as the best man and for being a great friend or brother.
• The groom’s new spouse for making him happy and being a perfect match for him.

Related: How to Write a Funny and Heartfelt Maid of Honor Speech

What do you include in your best man speech?

A great best man speech is a delicate balance of humor, heart, and well-wishes for the happy couple. Here’s what you can include:

Introduction:

• Greet everyone: Start with a warm welcome to the guests and introduce yourself to those who might not know you.
• Explain your connection to the groom: Briefly share how you know the groom and how long you’ve been friends. You can use a funny anecdote or an inside joke to break the ice.

Body:

• Talk about the groom: Share some heartfelt words about the groom’s character, values, and sense of humor. Highlight his strengths and positive qualities.
• Share a personal story or two: Choose a funny or touching anecdote that showcases your friendship and reveals his personality. Remember, keep it appropriate for the audience.
• Mention the bride: Talk about how amazing the bride is and how happy she makes the groom. Share an observation about their relationship or why you think they’re perfect for each other.
• Offer advice (optional): You can offer some lighthearted advice to the groom on marriage, but keep it brief and avoid anything potentially embarrassing.

Conclusion:

• Congratulate the couple: Express your sincere happiness for the newlyweds and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness together.
• Raise a toast: End with a heartfelt toast to the happy couple, inviting everyone to raise their glasses in celebration. You can use a quote, poem, or a simple toast from the heart.

Additional Tips:

• Consider involving the bridesmaids or groomsmen in a lighthearted toast or prank (with their and the couple’s approval).
• If you have a prop or photo that relates to a funny story, use it to add a visual element to your speech.

By following these tips and personalizing your speech with your own stories and emotions, you can deliver a heartwarming and memorable best man speech that the couple and guests will cherish.

What do you say at your brother’s wedding?

If you are going to give a speech at your brother’s wedding, you may want to say something that expresses your love, pride, and happiness for him and his new spouse. You may also want to share some funny or touching memories of your brother, and how he has changed or grown over the years.

In the video, you can see Dylan, the groom’s best man and brother, getting emotional as he shares a touching story from their childhood. He reveals something that Luke did for him that he never forgot, and that shaped his life. I won’t spoil it for you, but you have to watch it for yourself.

“Bar the birth of my children and of course getting married to my beautiful wife, who is here to hear me say that, that moment is one of my most cherished memories.”

“Luke you’re an amazing big brother and it’s incredible to see the man you’ve become. You’ll make an incredible husband and an even better father.”

What makes a good best man speech?

A good best man speech is personal, sincere, and heartwarming. It should be a celebration of the bride and groom’s relationship, and it should express the speaker’s love and respect for the couple.

Here are some specific tips for writing and delivering a good best man speech:

• Start with a strong opening. This could be a funny joke, a meaningful quote, or a personal anecdote about the groom. The goal is to grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for the speech.
• Share stories about the groom. This is your chance to paint a picture of the groom’s personality and character. Talk about his strengths, his quirks, and the things that make him special. You can also share stories about the bride and groom’s relationship, and how they have grown together over time.
• Be sincere and genuine. The best speeches come from the heart. Avoid using clichés or over-the-top language. Instead, focus on speaking honestly about your feelings for the bride and groom.
• Keep it light and upbeat. This is a happy occasion, so your speech should be too. Avoid making any negative or embarrassing comments. If you do tell a joke, make sure it is clean and appropriate for the audience.
• End with a toast. This is your chance to raise a glass to the happy couple and wish them all the best for the future.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Be prepared. Practice your speech beforehand so that you can deliver it confidently.
• Pace yourself. Don’t rush through your speech. Take breaks between sentences and paragraphs to let your words sink in.
• Make eye contact. This will help to connect with your audience and make your speech more engaging.
• Speak clearly and slowly. This will ensure that everyone can understand you.
• Smile and have fun! The audience will be able to tell if you are enjoying yourself, so make sure to smile and let your personality shine through.

With a little preparation and practice, you can deliver a best man speech that will be remembered for years to come.

How do I deliver my speech confidently?

The best way to deliver your speech confidently is to practice it beforehand and know your material inside and out. You should also try to relax and enjoy yourself. Remember, the audience is there to support you and celebrate the couple.

Here are some additional tips for writing a great best man speech:

• Write out your speech in advance and practice it multiple times. This will help you feel more comfortable with the material and less likely to forget what you want to say.
• Visualize yourself giving the speech successfully. Imagine yourself standing in front of the crowd, speaking confidently and clearly. This will help to boost your confidence and reduce your anxiety.
• Focus on the positive. Remember that everyone there is there to celebrate the happy couple, and they want you to do well. Focus on the fact that you are sharing special stories and memories about your friend and that the audience will appreciate your efforts.
• Take deep breaths and relax your body. If you start to feel nervous, take a few deep breaths and focus on relaxing your muscles. This will help to calm your nerves and make it easier to speak clearly.
• Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, and the audience is more likely to forgive you if you make a small mistake than if you stand there awkwardly for a long period of time. If you do make a mistake, simply laugh it off and move on.

Funny & Short Best Man speech example

This short speech example shows that a best man toast can be lighthearted and full of laughs without sacrificing its impact. A quick joke or two about the groom’s quirks, a funny story about your friendship, and well wishes for the couple can leave a lasting impression.

Here are some additional tips for keeping your best man speech short and sweet:

• Keep the jokes clean and avoid anything that might offend the bride, groom, or their families.
• Make sure the humor feels natural to your personality. Don’t try to be a comedian if it’s not your strong suit.
• End on a positive note. A quick toast to the happy couple ensures your speech leaves everyone smiling.

FAQs about the Best Man Speech