best man speech for brother outline

Brother’s Best Man Speech Example

Oh, boy! You’re the groom’s brother, and now he’s asked you to stand up for him at his wedding as his best man. What a tremendous honor! Brothers have an incredible bond, and we know that you are probably pretty stoked to be asked to perform the best man duties.

Planning the bachelor party is what you are looking forward to most, but don’t forget about the best man speech . If the toast has you a little tense and stressed, we’re here to help. We’ve created the ultimate guide on how to write a kick-ass brother of the groom’s best man speech.

We’re sure you’re going to rock this!

THE MEAT & POTATOES OF A GREAT BEST MAN SPEECH

We know that there is a lot of pressure on the best man for preparing a wedding toast that is funny, memorable, and even a little emotional. After all, it is probably the most anticipated speech of the night. Why?

Well, generally speaking, the best man speech tends to include some hilarious outtakes from your time with the groom. And sometimes even some embarrassing moments. So, sure the pressure is on. Luckily with this guide, you will be able to put the anxiety to the side, quell the nerves and write a best man toast that everyone will enjoy.

WHAT SHOULD YOUR BROTHER OF THE GROOM SPEECH INCLUDE?

• A welcome and a thank you to the guests.
• Memorable stories about your relationship.
• A bit about the groom’s exceptional traits and accomplishments
• About meeting the love of his life
• A message to the bride
• Raising your glass to toast the newlyweds

HOW TO WRITE A ROCKSTAR BROTHER OF THE GROOM TOAST

• Be personal; you are the brother, after all.
• Discover a theme (funny, emotional, heartfelt, inspirational, etc.)
• Follow a brother of the groom speech template or outline to keep you organized.
• Write it down! Don’t just wing it, have your speech written on paper or on your phone.
• Practice, practice, practice! Make sure to practice your speech before the wedding day. You can do it in front of a friend for feedback or just in the mirror. You can thank us later.
• Don’t spend too much time taking jabs, although a few are welcomed and sometimes needed to break the ice.
• Don’t wait until the night before to create a rough draft. Come back to it several times to perfect what you want to convey.
• Practice! You’ll be surprised how much nerves and emotions can take over at the moment, but if you’re familiar with your words, you’ll stay on track!

BROTHER OF THE GROOM, BEST MAN SPEECH OUTLINE EXAMPLE

If public speaking is not your forte, we recommend that you follow a brother of the groom speech outline or template. Nerves are a real thing, we know! Having an outline to follow can help you ease into the speech and dismiss any nerves or anxiety.

It’s such a simple public speaking trick, but it really works because it keeps you organized. Here is an example of an easy-to-follow brother of the groom speech outline.

• Introduce yourself and share your relationship with the groom
• Thank other speakers, guests, and vendors
• Congratulate the newlyweds
• Say some favorable words about your brother’s new spouse
• Add in a joke or funny story about the groom
• Read any messages from guests that could not attend
• Propose a toast to the couple

TIPS FOR KNOCKING YOUR BROTHER OF THE GROOM SPEECH OUT OF THE PARK

If you really want to create a memorable brother of the groom speech, we have a few tips. We don’t think you should roast the groom or embarrass him beyond words, but you can definitely have a little fun with your brother of the groom’s best man toast.

• Find a killer opening line – this will set the tone for the toast
• Quote a few famous quotes or a poem
• Stay sober (at least until after your speech)
• Check your tone. No one wants to hear a boring speech. And since yours is the last toast of the night, make sure it is full of energy; it’s upbeat, engaging, and captivating.
• Avoid inside jokes
• Keep it short! The couple and guests will be ready to get the party started, so keep it short.
• Don’t wing it or write it the night before. Put some real thought and preparation into it. Start writing your brother of the groom speech at least two weeks ahead. This will give you time to perfect it, practice it, and get comfortable presenting it.
• Remember to be yourself.
• Don’t try to be a comedian if you aren’t naturally funny.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL BROTHER OF THE GROOM SPEECH WRITER

Once you get started writing your brother of the groom toast, you may find that you have writer’s block. Or maybe you have plenty that you want to say, but it seems messy, and you’re not sure how to get it to flow seamlessly. If this is where you are, don’t be afraid to hire someone to help. Some freelance writers can help you write a best man speech that you (and the groom) will be proud of. Google it, and we’re sure you will find someone to help.

HOW TO GET A DIG IN ON THE GROOM DURING SPEECH – TACTFULLY

We know most wedding guests expect to hear some funny (or hilarious) dig on the groom during the best man speech. But, please have some heart and make sure you do it tactfully. It is, after all, his wedding day. Here are a few ideas on how to do it.

Won’t Be Winning Any Singing Competition:

“I’d like to tell you that [groom] sings with a lot of feeling. But I can’t lie to you—if he had any feelings, he wouldn’t be singing at all – not even in the shower.”

Culinary Expert He Is Not: 

“We shared an apartment for years during college. When we moved in, we decided that it was his job to cook all of our meals, and my job was to go from room to room removing all the batteries from each smoke alarm.”

Chats A Lot:

“[Groom] has many talents of which I am proud of most. Like his innate and uncanny ability to chat for hours on absolutely any subject —and days if he actually knows something about it. Oh, wait! That’s not one that I’m proud of.”

WHAT NOT TO TALK ABOUT IN YOUR BROTHER OF THE GROOM SPEECH

Just as there are things you “should” include in your brother of the groom speech, there are also things that you should exclude from your toast. If you want your brother to still love you after your speech and your parents to keep you in the will, don’t include any of these things in your brother of the groom’s toast.

• The exes – don’t bring up ANY, and we mean ANY exes
• Nothing negative, especially about marriage
• Inside jokes
• Nothing of a sexual nature

AWESOME EXAMPLES OF BROTHER’S BEST MAN SPEECHES

Staying sentimental.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Nick, I’m Joe’s brother, and I’m honored to be serving as his best man tonight.

Those who don’t know much about me and Joe’s relationship, let me fill you in a bit. I’m the older guy, which means I’ve been around for his entire life. And I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow into the best man I know, aside from our own father.

I like to think that I’ve impacted his life somehow, but really, he’s impacted mine the most. I wanted a little brother so much before he came into my life. I wished, and I wished, and I couldn’t be more thrilled or feel incredibly lucky that God decided to give me Joe. Helping me build my sense of humor and giving me an ego boost along the way, he’s shaped me into becoming a better man myself.

Partners in crime, wingmen, and best friends, I am so happy that he’s chosen to spend his life with Cindy. If I could mold a woman specifically for my brother, it would have been her in every way. You’ve both gotten so lucky.

Let’s all raise our glass to Joe, his beautiful new wife, and the incredible journey they’re about to embark on.”

FUNNY AND UPBEAT

SHORT BROTHER OF THE GROOM SPEECH

“Good evening, everyone; from the moment that [Groom] met [Bride], I knew that this was going to be something special.

The way you two talk to each other, you’re so alike sometimes that honestly, it kind of scares me.

But to quote Mark Twain, ‘To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.’ May your love be timeless.”

HEARTFELT BROTHER OF THE GROOM TOAST

“Most of you here know me, but for those that don’t, I am George, the groom’s older brother. I would like to say that I have been an inspiration to how Gregory has lived his life and the man he has become, but honestly, he has been more of an inspiration to me than I have been to him. His zest for life, undying love for family and friends, and his kind and generous heart are things that I, as his older brother, try to emulate.

As I stand here today, watching my baby brother marry the love of his life, Meghan, I cannot help but dream of the triumphs that we are all about to witness between the two of them.

Meghan, I cannot imagine any more perfect woman and wife for Gregory. Your calm and loving ways compliment him, ways I never knew possible. The way you look at him makes me long for that type of love when I finally find a wife (that’ll put up with me). And I know every best man includes this in their speech, but I can honestly say that I have never seen you look more radiant or beautiful than you do today. My wish for you is that the glow you have today is what you feel every day and what my brother sees every morning and night.

May your love continue to grow and blossom as each year and milestone passes. Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses to toast my baby brother and his wife for life. To Gregory & Meghan!”

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Best Man Speech Outline [Examples + Template]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Being asked to be best man is a great honor, and comes with the added bonus of getting to dance with bridesmaids, and in particular the maid of honor. But, despite the fun and frivolity, the coveted best man role also comes with the pressure of delivering the perfect best man speech.

In this article:

Traditional

Tried and true, complete template, complete template plus icebreakers, complete template plus guide, modern twist, lacking material, from the heart, just the essentials, lots of laughs, brotherly love, best man speech outline template.

Beginning the writing process with an outline is often a good strategy. It helps organize your ideas and create a crowd-pleasing speech without the need for a professional speech writer.

One of the most common ways to create an outline is to use bullet points, with each bullet getting a brief note. When drafting your speech outline, consider the following:

• Audience – This is arguably the most important factor; knowing your audience is the key to gathering appropriate material. Lighthearted or formal? Heartfelt or funny? Whatever the tone, you want to ensure your speech is a crowd pleaser that is neither too dull nor too risque.
• Timing – There are few things more annoying for a wedding guest than listening to a seemingly endless speech. Be considerate and keep it to about 5 minutes or less. It’s a good idea in your speech outline to give each section a time limit so that you know, even before you begin writing, how long you should speak in each section.
• Introduction – Think about how you will begin; this sets the tone for the rest of your speech. Will you acknowledge and thank other guests? Will you begin with a joke or famous quote? Get the intro right and you’ll have the crowd hooked, hanging off your every word.
• Your personality – Is having to speak in front of a crowd one of your biggest fears, or do you enjoy the limelight? Either way, this will have an impact on speech length, topics, and tone.
• Your relationship with the groom – If you are the groom’s brother or best friend, you’ll likely have much more material to draw from than if you are colleagues. You’ll need to decide based on familiarity with the groom’s history whether to highlight his personality traits using humorous anecdotes or to talk generally about the occasion.
• Conclusion – Closing out your speech, it is customary to propose a toast to the bride and groom. When creating your outline, decide whether you will also allow time to include a final thought about the happy couple.

Best Man Speech Outline Examples

To help you create a memorable wedding speech, here is a curated list of 12 sample outlines for a great range of best man speeches:

This simple best man speech outline provides six pointers on how to create a great speech. The tone it sets will please wedding guests who may appreciate the more traditional approach. The outline itself is brief, but a full example is given to show how to address each of the bullet points.

Can We Write Your Speech?

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This outline provides a basic structure consisting of five sections you should cover in your best man speech. Each section includes several questions to help prompt you when writing your speech, plus there is guidance on how long the sections should be, with the focus on talking about the groom.

Using tips from Dominic Bliss, wedding writer and author of Being the Best Man for Dummies , this best man speech outline is touted as the tried-and-true format. Unlike many outlines, it suggests reading messages from invited guests unable to attend as well as quoting famous lines or a poem.

If you would prefer a template in which all you need to do is fill in the blanks, this best man speech outline is for you. The template provides enough information that you don’t need to start from scratch, but also offers the opportunity to incorporate personal anecdotes and examples.

This is another example of a best man speech outline in a template format, perfect if you have left writing your speech to the last minute. As an added bonus, the outline includes icebreakers and opening-line suggestions so you can start your speech with a bang.

The author of this article offers two options—a short “manual” that gives comprehensive steps on how to go about writing a best man speech, or a fill-in-the-blanks speech example. The first option takes you through the complete writing process, from gathering appropriate material to having someone review your speech.

For those who are visual learners, this speech outline uses plenty of graphics and charts to help illustrate how to create a crowd-pleasing best man speech. The author suggests using a chronological flow to build the bride and groom’s love story. For a truly modern twist, the outline includes scouring social media posts to find inspiration for your anecdotes.

A comprehensive speech outline, this template includes lots of useful examples to help you craft an engaging best man speech even if you don’t have much material relating to the groom. If you’re struggling for talking points, this outline gives advice on how to draw attention away from the groom and instead focus on the bride, the occasion, and your role as the best man.

In the knowledge that not every best man wants to crack jokes, this speech outline is aimed at those wanting to give a more genuine and heartfelt speech. The template author encourages the use of emotive and sentimental language within each section and avoids examples of making fun of any members of the wedding party.

If you dread public speaking, this outline is for you. It caters to those who want to give a relatively short best man speech and avoid being center stage for any longer than necessary. Covering the essentials, the outline is split into seven sections, each one with hints and tips on how to keep your speech short and sweet.

If you like to think of yourself as a bit of a stand-up comedian, this humorous best man speech outline is designed to ensure lots of laughs but without turning it into a roast speech (which is reserved for embarrassing the groom). The template includes links to various examples so you won’t be short on things to say on the special day.

As the groom’s brother, with this speech outline you can easily craft a unique best man speech that highlights your special bond. The author includes tailor-made sections designed to delve into your shared history, and has provided lots of writing hints and tips.

You now have lots of great ideas to create a best man speech that will leave a lasting impression on the wedding guests. For other wedding speech outlines and examples, see our [links to other pages]

Here are some best man speech ideas for roasting the groom and a blueprint for the thank yous and the toast proposals at a wedding.

THE THANK YOU’S

1. Open your best man speech with a joke or a funny statement about this day.

2. Introduce yourself briefly – not everyone in the audience will know you.

3. Thank the groom for his words and for asking you as best man.

4. Flatter / thank the female marriage partner on behalf of the maids of honor / bridesmaids and helpers. Compliment her looks.

6. Be grateful to the father of the bride for his kind words.5. Acknowledge the hosts of the party on behalf of the guests, often they are the parents of the newly married woman, and they’ve paid lots of money for this party …

7. Salute the parents of the bridal couple.

8. Thank the couple for their gifts and compliments to the maids of honor or bridesmaids and to all other people who helped making this day a succes.

9. Mention some funny incidents in your best man speech about the preparation for the wedlock. Mix in some averted disasters of this ceremonial day. Reveal some secrets from behind the scenes.

These previous nine speech topics can be covered in one eight to ten word sentence each. Okay, provisional conclusion: you now already have the first 70 to 100 words!

Or about one minute text. (approximately of course, use for a more precise estimating amount my calculator section in the navigation menu on the left)

THE ROASTING PROCEDURE

10. Tell about your dear relationship to the benedict. How did the two of you met? How has your friendship developed, how you became best mates?

11. Why did they choose you? Ask him before and give his answer a nice twist.

12. Address the couple and include anecdotes about themm. Tease a little bit.

13. How did they have met each other?

14. How did he tell you about his new love, what did he exactly say?

15. How has he changed? Did he behave differently? How? Give examples of ordinairy funny situations.

16. Roasting the married male is the heart of your best man speech. You as best man may humiliate him in an  amusing  way in front of all wedding guests. Make a blithe show of it, with lots of laughter! Tell funny stories and embarrassing incidents of his past and use props.

17. Come up with some jokes about his years of study, job skills, sports, hobbies and achievements.

18. Display on a video screen some photos of harmless embarrassing moments for the groom and tell the story behind it.

19. Illustrate your light hearted remarks with props – old toys, sports wear, school awards, and so on. My tips for using nice and funny props:

• Try to put an amusing remark or a joke after each set of 3 or 4 lines in your best man speech. And wait asplt second till they have laughed.
• Do not be offensive, nasty or rude. Do not go too far. E.g. do not mention any of his escapades with women and girls in the past, it might upset him, his wife and the other guests, like children …
• Your text get the appropriate length only if you select the best and funniest stories. Arrange some sort of a try-out with a couple of close friends or relatives to find out what works and what not.

20. What is your perspective on the growing relationship between the newlyweds? Roasting is a nice tradition, but I bet you want to keep it positive in the end. That is all they expect from you.

MARRIAGE ADVICE

21. Give some words of advice about love and marriage. Be somewhat sincere and emotional now.

22. Strengthen your thoughts by using inspirational quotes in your best man speech.

23. Give a little bit of spousal advice if you are married yourself. What have you learned? How do you cope with marriage things?

24. Give some heart felt comments about the blessed duo. Yes, speak from your heart.

TOASTING SPEECH TOPICS

25. Reply to the groom’s salute to the maids of honor or bridesmaids.

26. My last idea for a best man talk: if the father of the bride did not raise a glass to the bridal couple, then you should end your best man speech with such a proposal to the new husband and wife. Congratulate or bless them, and express your best wishes, wish them a long and happy life!

Well, what to do next? If nobody has been appointed to serve as MC or Master of Ceremonies, then you perhaps must be the public speaker who introduces the next activities and highlights of the program.

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Rock Your Best Man Speech Using Our Expert-Approved Advice

• Chapelle writes articles for The Knot Worldwide. She covers all things wedding-related and has a personal interest in covering celebrity engagements and fashion.
• Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Chapelle was an editorial intern for Subvrt Magazine.
• Chapelle has a degree in English writing from Loyola University New Orleans.

Pat yourself on the back—you're the best man. It's a good feeling when one of your loved ones asks you to be their right hand for the wedding. Beyond the fun best man duties , like planning an epic bach party , you'll have to give a rousing best man speech. We believe it's arguably the most meaningful duty, but don't let that get you nervous. Whether you're a public speaking pro or have only delivered speeches while on the eighth-grade debate team, boost your chances of making your best man speech a hit by using our helpful tips, ideas and examples for inspiration.

In this article:

Printable Template | How to Write | Examples | Tips | FAQs

Printable Best Man Speech Template

Delivering a best man wedding speech doesn't have to feel like a chore. Use the template below as a checklist while you're writing your best man speech.

How to Write a Best Man Speech Outline

We're guessing the thought of crafting a flawless best man speech from scratch feels pretty overwhelming right about now. Start by drafting a bare-bones outline (trust us, drawing up a rough outline is way more palatable than writing a fully fleshed-out speech). You don't need to include every element in your wedding speech . Instead, customize it to fit the couple, the event and your relationship with the groom.

1. Have a killer opening line.

Successful best man speeches always start with a good opener. Introduce yourself and explain your connection to the happy couple. Have fun with this part by sharing a quick joke or quoting a poem so your speech doesn't start off stale. For example, "Hello everyone! For those of you who don't know me, thank you so much for coming to my wedding. [pause for laughter] Sorry about that...I'm a little nervous."

2. Thank the other speakers.

Once you address the audience, give props to the previous speaker to help lead into your speech. If you know your speech has a sillier sentiment, now's your chance to warn your audience in the change of direction. Here's an example: "Let's give it up to the amazing speech given by the wonderful maid of honor . If you enjoyed how thoughtful and sweet her speech was, you better get the tissues ready for this one!"

Next, express your gratitude to the couple's parents. Thank the couples' parents for not only raising incredible adults and, if they helped pay for the wedding, for hosting such a great party. Here's an example: "I'd like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to the couples' parents for raising such amazing people, who I'm fortunate to call my best friends. I would also like to thank their parents for hosting such an awesome celebration for all of us to enjoy this evening."

3. Say a few words about your friend's new spouse.

Another writing a best man speech tip is always to give a special shoutout to the new spouse so they feel welcomed and included. Yes, we know you most likely have a closer relationship with the groom, but don't let that stop you from showering them with kind words––it's their big day too. Talk about the qualities you like about them and why you love them in the groom's life. Try this, "I'm so happy [Spouse's Name] fell in love with [Groom's Name]. Firsthand I've seen the grace, intelligence and confidence [Spouse's Name] has, which explains why [Groom's Name] knew he wanted to marry [Spouse's Name] after their first date."

4. Share personal stories.

What's going to make your best man speech stand out are personal stories. We suggest adding one or two anecdotes, like your favorite memories with the groom (and their partner, if you want). Avoid choosing a story that rambles on and has no sentimental or funny ending—keep it lighthearted and short. Here's a silly example, "I remember when we first met in first grade. [Groom's Name] had just glued his hand to his face but still used his free one to shake my hand and ask if I wanted to be his friend."

5. Talk about the couple's relationship.

This is the time to speak about why the groom and their new spouse are a great couple. Share how they first met and how their relationship has grown so other guests can get a better insight into the newlyweds. If you helped the love birds meet, say something like this in your best man speech: "I know I said earlier I'm the best man, but I lied. I'm actually Cupid because I'm the one who introduced these two eight years ago."

6. Propose a toast.

Finally, close out your best man speech with a heartfelt toast. Ask everyone to raise a glass and provide well wishes to the newly married couple. Steal this wedding toast : "Everyone, please join me in raising a glass to such a wonderful couple. I wish you a lifetime of peace, love and happiness. Love you guys!"

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Best man speech examples.

Now that you know how to write the outline, let us provide you with some inspiration. Here are four best man speech ideas for every type of delivery.

Short Best Man Speech Example

Short best man speeches can make the grade just as much as long ones. Try this short but sweet example.

As the poet, Dante once said, 'A great flame follows a little spark.' When [Groom's Name] met [Spouse's Name], there was a little spark. I know because I talked to him the next day.

From the way he talked about [Spouse's Name], this stranger he chatted up at a Halloween party, I could tell this spark was something special.

You two are fantastic together. May the flame burn long, and may sparks continue to fly. Cheers to the newlyweds!

Funny Best Man Speech Example

Funny best man speeches are our favorite. You get to show off your comedic skills while giving loving well-wishes to the happy couple.

Hello! For those who don't know me, I'm [Your Name], the best man. I've known [Groom's Name] since middle school, which means that it was before we learned mullets weren't a good look for either of us.

[Groom's Name] and [Spouse's Name] told me there are some topics I should avoid in this speech so…[Look through cue cards, then shake head and dramatically drop them all to the floor but one.]

[Reading from the remaining cue card] [Groom's Name] is really the best friend I've ever had. He's done so many wonderful things it would be difficult to name them all. Hey, [a Groomsman's Name], I can't read your handwriting here!

But seriously, it's all true. This guy is a great friend, the best I've got, and I'm very proud to stand by his side today.

[Spouse's Name], I was hoping to be the best-looking person in the room today but obviously, I failed miserably. You look beautiful and radiant. I'm beyond happy for the two of you.

May you always find joy in the little things, like your Xbox and 'Star Wars.' Oh wait, that's my personal goal. You should actually find joy in each other, and do everything you can to have a lifetime of happiness together. Let's toast the newlyweds!

Best Man Speech for Brother Example

Need best man speech examples for your brother? Use our speech below as a guide to delivering a sweet message to your older or younger brother.

On my fourth birthday, my parents got me a brother…I wanted a puppy.

But seriously, as a kid [Groom's Name] wanted to do everything I did. He used to follow me around. He used to sneak into my room and play with my Matchbox cars. Our parents could get him to eat his broccoli by making me eat my broccoli.

It wasn't until after I went to college that he started going down his own path. He started doing volunteer work. He found a job he loves, a pretty killer apartment and, of course, he found [Spouse's Name].

[Spouse's Name], you're the nicest person I've ever met, and my brother is so blessed to have someone like you in his life. Thank you for being there for him.

I'm so happy you two found each other especially because I'm gaining a sister today. Oh, and I want to set the record straight. I'm glad I didn't get a puppy that day. I love you, little bro.

Congratulations to both of you. I wish you lots of laughter, love and joy as a married couple. Cheers to the newlyweds!

Best Man Speech for Best Friend Example

For those who need a best man speech sample for their best friend, we got you covered. Here's how to tell your BFF you're happy for them on their special day.

Good evening, everyone! I'm [Your Name], and I'm extremely honored to call myself [Groom's Name]'s best man. Also, please excuse the puffiness under my eyes, I've been happy crying since before the ceremony.

I first met [Groom's Name] while working at a pizza joint called Domenica's while in college. I hated being a server with all my heart, but whenever [Groom's Name] and I were scheduled together, it made it so much more bearable.

We laughed until we cried, ate hundreds of garlic knots and I can't tell you the amount of times we accidentally got pizza dough stuck to the ceiling during our pizza toss competitions. But even after we both quit and moved on to bigger and better things, we still kept in touch and I'm eternally grateful.

One of those bigger and better things was [Spouse's Name]. [Groom's Name] really discovered the perfect piece to his puzzle. [Spouse's Name] laughs at his bad jokes, listens to his long monologues about Batman vs. Superman and most importantly, loves him no matter what. [Spouse's Name] is a phenomenal and caring person who deserves the world, and I know [Groom's Name] will do everything he can to give it to them.

Thank you both for allowing me to be a part of your beautiful wedding, and I can't wait to see what else is in store for you in the future. Love you guys, and cheers to the handsome couple!

Best Man Speech Tips

Good news! We got how to give a best man speech tips from Dominic Bliss, wedding writer and author of Being the Best Man for Dummies. Study up on these helpful pointers below to minimize pre-speech jitters and ensure a smooth delivery.

Plan ahead.

The first tip in our guide on how to write a best man speech is to get started in advance. (As in, do not procrastinate.) "Start writing a best man speech at least two months before the wedding," Bliss says. "As the wedding nears, there are lots of events—suit fittings and a coed shower, perhaps—that could distract you from getting your writing done." Brainstorm and write down any stories, jokes or best man speech quotes you want to include. The more time you have to prepare your best man speech, the better. This way, you'll be able to be fully present at upcoming wedding festivities.

Be genuine.

Whether the wedding guests are strangers or family, it can feel nerve-racking to deliver your best man speech with all eyes on you. To ease the awkwardness, provide anecdotes and stories about your relationship with the couple. Everyone loves a bit of nostalgia, and the guests get to know you better.

With that said, stay true to how you normally act while making your speech. There's no need for you to change who you are for some made-up public speaking persona. If you feel more comfortable cracking jokes throughout your speech, do it. If you are better at being sentimental and don't mind leaving everyone misty-eyed, take that approach. Remember, the couple chose you to speak at their wedding because they felt you could add something special to their big day. As long as you deliver a heartfelt speech, the newlyweds and guests will love it.

Know what topics to avoid.

There are a few topics to omit from the best man speech. No matter how funny you (and even the groom) might think they are, someone is bound to be offended or put off if you mention:

• Negativity about marriage in general.
• Past relationships.
• Previous marriages/divorces.
• Drinking, drugs, gambling.
• "Adult" humor or any other mention of sex.

After all, your best man speech should celebrate the newlywed couple and their love rather than causing future friction. Keep it PG.

Consider adding jokes.

If you want to deliver a funny best man speech, consider poking some fun at the groom. "Every groom will have some funny characteristic or quirk you can ridicule," Bliss notes. "As long as it's something everyone can appreciate, it's sure to get a laugh. Avoid obscure references or inside jokes. You want older guests and those who don't know him well to see the funny side too." Be strategic about your jokes too. You can make jokes about the groom but leave their new spouse alone.

Write it down.

Even those with a great memory will feel more confident with a written speech or at least a few bullet points to keep them on track. Nerves can mess with your memory, so don't think you're a failure if you have to bring notes with you. (Even CEOs do this at corporate events.) Bliss suggests using small note cards instead of a sheet of paper since they "won't flap around."

And yes we know many groomsmen will want to read off their cell phones out of convenience, but wedding planners recommend against it. The lighting from your phone screen can ruin the wedding photographer's photos and can be distracting to guests. Practice writing down your speech instead—it's quite soothing.

Practice with an audience.

This tip is a must when it comes to writing a best man speech. Even if you think you have this whole thing in the bag, practice delivering your wedding speech aloud at least three times. When you're by yourself, take a video and watch the playback to get a feel for how your speech is going. (Do you say "um" between every sentence? Are your gestures a little robotic?) If your friends can't offer critiques in person, "send [the video] to a close friend who won't be going to the wedding and who can give you honest feedback," Bliss recommends.

Finally: don't mumble. A great best man speech becomes boring if it's monotonous or guests are straining to hear you. Speak confidently and slowly.

Best Man Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time giving a best man speech, you might have a lot of questions. Here are answers to the top wedding speech inquiries.

How Long Should a Best Man Speech Be?

In general, the best man speech length should be at least three minutes, but no more than five minutes. This is enough time to say something meaningful before guests get too antsy. Of course, you should adjust your speech length to the event. If you're speaking at a last-minute wedding, it might require a brief speech, while a formal affair could call for a longer toast. But you might also be wondering, "how many words should a best man speech be?" We suggest between 700 to 1000 words.

How to Start a Best Man Speech

Begin your speech by addressing the audience and thanking them for attending the wedding. Here's an example, "Hello, everyone. On behalf of the newlyweds, I want to thank everyone for attending this amazing celebration." You can even butter up the crowd by saying how lovely everyone looks this evening. Then, introduce yourself and how you know the groom or couple. This is a great opportunity to add a funny story or memory you have with them that can lead you into the rest of your speech.

How to End a Best Man Speech

Raise your glass and offer a toast wishing the couple a lifetime of happiness, excellent health and success. Your toast can include one final joke or be a marriage quote from your and the groom's favorite movie. Either way, take this chance to sincerely express the newlyweds well. Remember, concluding the speech is the easiest part.

Does the Best Man Have to Give a Speech?

It's not required, but it's expected that the best man gives a speech—especially if the other honor attendants are giving one. If speaking in public makes your stomach turn, consider showing your appreciation for the couple in a different way. We've seen best men do upbeat choreography, sing the couple's favorite song or even present a wedding video they made.

When Does the Best Man Give His Speech?

Following the traditional wedding speech order , the best man speaks after the maid of honor and is the last speech during the reception. There's no need to use this itinerary since the speech order depends on your reception timeline and wedding party size. The to-be-weds might even ask you to deliver your speech during the rehearsal dinner, which most likely will be in front of a smaller audience (score!). Before the wedding and during, double-check with the couple to ensure you know when to give your best man speech so no one has to hunt you down when it's your turn.

How to Write a Best Man Speech for Your Brother

Not only do you get the pleasure of being the brother of the groom, but you also get to wear the best man title too. Now all that's left is to nail your best man speech.

Delivering a wedding speech can seem daunting at the best of times, but when you're tasked with writing a best man speech for your brother , the stakes are even higher.

But fear not, we're about to make your life  so much easier with a complete guide to best man speeches for a brother, or a friend so close, you feel like you're related. 

The best man speech is a highly anticipated one, as it's your job to get the guests laughing and give people additional insight into who the groom  really  is - keeping it light, of course. 

But when the best man is your brother, you have a whole new realm of stories, anecdotes and memories to use as material.

With so many years side-by-side, you're privy to so much more about the groom than just the college or university days, allowing you to write a best man speech for your brother that no one else could deliver. 

A Complete Guide on Writing a Best Man Speech as a Brother

Packed full of best man speech tips for brothers, here you will find examples  and advice to ensure you nail your big moment. 

How to Structure a Best Man Speech for a Brother

Tips on delivering a best man speech for a brother, best man speech examples for a brother.

When it comes to structuring a best man speech for a brother, the structure is very similar to a regular best man speech for a friend. Whether you're planning on delivering a short best man speech , or a longer one, these are the things you need to include and a baseline structure to follow. 

1. Introduce Yourself

Just because you're the groom's best man  and brother, doesn't mean you get away with not introducing yourself. Every speech, (unless you're a bride or groom) should start with an introduction. It doesn't have to be super long, in fact, we encourage you to keep it short and sweet. 

Tell the room who you are, and start with a bit of background about your relationship with your brother. Are you super close? Have you been attached at the hip since birth? Or has he asked you as more of a formality?

If the latter is the case, that's definitely something you can make light of, saying something like, "We all know [X] should have been best man, but being a blood relative means I take the win here. Although, I don't feel like much of a winner. [X] got to have fun planning the stag do, and I win the less sought-after prize of speaking in front of a room full of people I barely know. Thanks mate [looks at groom]. Anyway, about that stag do..."

2. Share Some Stories

All good speeches are centred around a small handful of brilliant stories and memories. The trick here is to remember 'less is more'. Pick one or two stellar stories, ones perhaps only you could tell as the best man  and brother. 

This is also a great moment to bring your parents into the fold. As a family member, you can speak to the groom's childhood and family set-up better than anyone. Lean into stories that make the groom who he is, but keep things funny versus embarrassing. You don't want anyone in the audience wincing now, do you? 

3. Congratulate the Couple

Congratulating the couple and raising a toast to the newlyweds is an important part of any best man's speech, but even more so when you're giving a best man speech as a brother. 

If you and your siblings are close, it's likely you'll have known your brother's partner almost as long as they have. If you're super close, you could touch on the fact that they've always felt like family and say something like, "As the groom's brother and best man, this is where I'm supposed to welcome [X] into our family, and tell you how happy I am to have gained another sibling, but the truth of the matter is, you've felt like family since the day [X] first brought you home."

For something a little funnier and a bit cheeky, you could say, "Tina, you're a really good person. You value a person's character and personality over the way they look. And if you're wondering how I know this, it's obvious isn't it? Because if you were into looks over personality, you'd have picked the other brother [points at self]."

With the structure down, here are some pointers on how to write and deliver a cracking best man speech for your brother. 

1. Avoid Too Many In-Jokes

As brothers, you're bound to have dozens of inside jokes and things only the two of you understand, and there's no harm in shedding some light on one or two of these, but the problem with including too many in-jokes in a best man speech is that, only the two of you are likely to find it funny. With this, you run the risk of losing the room. 

If you want to touch on more of these, consider writing a letter to give to your brother on the morning of the wedding instead and stick to jokes and stories everyone can relate to for the main speech. 

2. Keep it Clean

One of the biggest mistakes so many people make when delivering best man speeches is going dirty when it's not necessary. You don't have to be rude or crude to be funny, and if one guest feels uncomfortable with stories you're telling, it's one guest too many!

On that, it's bad enough when any of your pals stand up and tell sex stories or crude tales about you in front of your friends and family - so having someone related to you say things like that is  even worse . 

If you're unsure whether or not any of your stories cross the line, sense-check them with someone whose opinion you trust. 

3. Less is More

As the best man and brother, you will likely have more stories and memories than anyone in the room, but that doesn't mean you have to tell every single one. Pick two or three (at the most) to share with the crowd and only spend a minute or two on each.

4. Sentiment is Key

A bit of sentiment and emotion in any speech is golden, but even more so when you're giving a best man and brother speech about the groom. Jokes are great, but they land even better when a bit of emotion is peppered in-between. Trust us! Don't be afraid to say some sweet things too, we guarantee the audience will love it and so will your brother. 

5. Remember the Jokes

Like we said, a mixture of heartfelt words and funny one-liners is golden when it comes to best man speeches - but to nail that balance, you need jokes! Not every line needs to be a joke, but you need some in your introduction, one or two within the story, and one to end on. 

Jordanna Marston Photography

Need some practical inspiration for your best man speech as a brother? If so, you've come to the right place. 

No one can write a speech about your brother better than you can, but we can give you some starting points which you can build on. 

Best Man Speech for a Brother: Introduction Examples

• If you’re a bit of a joker: “I’m Tom, Paul’s best man and also his big brother. I think it says a lot about a man when he chooses his brother to be his best man…. Mostly, of course, it says: 'I have no friends'.”
• Another one for the jokers: “For those of you who don`t know me, I'm Andrew, Charlie's younger brother. It's great to be stood up here today because, after all these years, Charlie has finally admitted that I am the best man.”
• If your brother has two best men: “For those who don’t know me, my name is Sam and I’m today’s best brother. I say best brother, as there’s less competition in that category than in the best man competition, and if you like Craig’s speech better then at least I still win at something.”
• If two brothers are giving a speech: "Hi, I'm Callum and this is Cameron. We're Scott's brothers, [pause] and we know what you're thinking, how are his brothers  so much better looking than him. And trust us, we've been asking ourselves the same question for years."
• If you’re feeling sentimental: “For those that don’t know much about mine and Steve’s relationship, let me fill you in a bit. I’m the older one, which means I’ve been about for his entire life. I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow into the best man I know, aside from our own father.”

 Best Man Speech for a Brother: Family Story Examples

• “Our parents have always had an almost uncanny ability to know what’s going on in our lives. When Paul found me smoking in the back garden when I was 13, our parents were the first to know. When he spotted me setting off fireworks from my bedroom window, our parents were the first to know. When Paul saw me taking… Hey! Wait a minute! My brother’s a snitch!”
• “Other than the couple themselves, I don’t think anyone here is more happy to see Paul getting married than our parents. They’ve been an amazing role model for me and Paul. They’ve been married for thirty years, and they are still as loving and loyal as ever. It’s their love that forms the bedrock of the happy, supportive and loving family before you now. The only thing that was missing, until today, was [brother's partner].”
• “Brothers remember staying up late with dad and then rushing to bed when we heard mum come home. Brothers understand that what mum doesn’t know won’t hurt her and that nobody likes a turtle tail. Brothers understand that farting at the dinner table will earn you dish duty but then if you make it silent you can blame it on someone else. Andrew. Though if you blame it on mum, that will definitely earn you dish duty. Brothers share childhood memories and grown up dreams.”

  Best Man Speech for a Brother: Sibling Story Examples

• “There's three of us brothers, I was planned, Jack was an accident and the groom, Mike, was the girl they always wanted, but never got.”
• “Brian and I have been brothers for 35 years now. In the course of 35 years, you really get to know someone well. I’ve seen him go from an annoying little kid to the slightly less annoying guy you see today.”
• “Michael took his role as my big brother very seriously when we were kids. He beat me up, stole my stuff, embarrassed me in front of my friends and told our parents whenever I did anything wrong. Anyway, it’s a real honour to be giving this best man’s speech today… or as I call it, pay back.”

 Best Man Speech for a Brother: Joke Examples

• “A recent study has revealed that 66% of people in Britain are addicted to puzzles – which means at least two-thirds of you must be trying to work out what on earth Jack sees in Mark.”
• “One of my earliest memories of Joe was him telling jokes that made absolutely no sense. Those of you who knew Joe as a kid will understand what I’m saying. He’d say something like… ‘Why did the chicken cross the road? Because granddad doesn’t like ice cream.’ FYI, Joe’s jokes today aren’t much funnier.”
• “We all know [brother's partner] is a wonderful person who deserves the perfect guy. Too bad you don’t always get what you deserve.”
• “Myself and Tom were lucky enough to be taken on lots of exciting holidays and day trips when we were younger. They’re where some of my most embarrassing stories come from…”

 Best Man Speech for a Brother: Examples Talking About the Partner

• "[Partner's name], welcome to the family. You really have hit the jackpot, gaining the family surname, a season ticket to Crystal Palace and a lifetime supply of political debates at the dinner table. That's what dreams are made of!"
• “I’m over the moon to be welcoming [partner's name] into the family. We all love you very much and I’m sure you’ll find us to be a warm and supportive bunch. Just – and I can’t stress this enough – steer clear of Monopoly. Seriously. If the box comes out, just run.”
• “[Partner name] is something of a miracle worker. They took the misshapen lump of human Play-Doh that I call my brother, and moulded him into a man. Let’s hope it lasts. And if he does start to get brittle or droopy in his old age, just sprinkle him with water, roll him around a bit, and draw a smiley face on him with a sharp stick.”
• “[Partner name], you look absolutely beautiful tonight, I can think of no-one else that I’d rather have join our family or who would be a better spouse to Brian than you. You are generous, selfless, loving and kind.”

To guarantee the laughs, check out these best man speech jokes - we promise, they're better than the ones you've heard before! 

Related Hitched articles

• Bridal Shower
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• Rehearsal Dinner
• Wedding Checklists
• Wedding Hairstyle Ideas
• Wedding Vows Readings
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In This Article

• Top Speech Examples
• How To Write The Perfect Speech
• Speech Template

Best Man Speech Ideas

• Opening Lines
• Toasts Examples
• Speech Jokes
• Speech Delivery Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

• Wedding Party & Reception

Best Man Speech Magic: Crafting Words that Resonate and Inspire

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Hey there! Your friend’s wedding is just around the corner, and he’s chosen you to be the best man? Crafting the perfect best man speech might seem daunting, but trust us, it’s simpler than you imagine.

Below, you’ll find a wealth of tips and examples from Wedding Forward team to guide you through crafting a best man speech that will leave a lasting impression. Moreover, our editorial team interviewed two distinguished experts in the field: Mindy Weiss, the founder of Mindy Weiss Party Consultants and a best-selling author, and Steven Greitzer, a wedding tech entrepreneur and officiant, serving as CEO of Provenance . Their invaluable tips and advice also have been integrated into this article.

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Top Best Man Speech Examples

It is much easier to write a best man speech when you have some examples to draw upon for inspiration. That’s why Wedding Forward team have prepared variety collection of inspired best man speech to help you craft your own!

Best Man Speech For Friend

Best Man Speech for Brother

“Good evening, hope everyone is having a good time tonight. I feel very privileged and honored to be standing here tonight celebrating this lovely union. Two years ago, Matt gave the best man speech at my wedding and made a lot of awkward jokes. So needless to say, I’ve been waiting for this moment for a really long time! For those who don’t know, I am Matt’s brother, Mike. I first met Matt when I was two years old at our parent’s house in Boston. To be quite honest, I wasn’t thrilled because I really wanted a sister. And I think he knew because Matt would do ridiculous things like throw my toothbrush in the toilet, pour water at me when I was asleep and run across the room naked when I had any friends over. This made me less popular than I already was. Matt always excelled in school, was captain of the debate team (apologies to Cara, but he can argue his way out of anything!) and can make a mean steak. The truth is, despite him being an annoying brother at the time, I came out winning in the end. Because of him and this beautiful night, I am getting the sister I always wanted. Cara, you’re beautiful and our family loves you so much. Thank you for making my brother so happy. Let’s celebrate this amazing union and raise a glass to the newlyweds ! On behalf of the groomsmen and bridesmaids, we’d like to wish you a life full of love, happiness, and joy. To everyone who made tonight happen, thank you. You’ve made this night very special.” Source

Short Best Man Speech

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please? As the best man, I stand here today to say a few words about the remarkable love story between my incredible friend, [groom’s name], and his beautiful bride, [bride’s name]. [Groom’s name] and I have been through thick and thin together, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his growth as a person. But it wasn’t until [bride’s name] came into his life that I saw a change I can only describe as transformative. Their love is like a beacon, guiding them through life’s ups and downs. So here’s to the newlyweds—a couple who have found not just love, but true companionship. May your journey be filled with happiness, passion, and an everlasting bond.”

Funny Best Man Speech Examples

Best man talk for adam and kate.

“Adam and Kate – What a great day to get married! Marriage carries new responsibilities. Kate – from now on, you should never argue or disagree with Adam, because he is now the head of the family and the king of his castle. You will be expected to keep your hair and make-up perfect at all times – to dress in a way that pleases Adam. You should cook his favorite meals every night and encourage him to go out with his friends on a regular basis. Do these simple things and your marriage will be blessed with many years of happiness. Kate – I know that Adam loves you very much… because he spent a long time writing this speech for me. Congratulations to the both of you!” Source

Best Man Presentation for Sarah & Simon

“Sarah & Simon – every great relationship starts with rings. In the beginning, the phone would ring and just the thought of speaking to one another was exciting. Your love grew and so did your commitment to each other. The engagement ring soon came after. There were no doubts… your love was true. The engagement ring has now turned into a wedding ring and we are all here today to celebrate your marriage. Now of course… the suffer-ring begins. (smile and raise your glass) Peace and happiness to the new bride and groom!” Source

Speech for Neil and Claire

“Hi my name is Paul and Neil has asked me to be his best man for this wonderful occasion. I would like to say it is a very special honor but with it, comes the responsibility of giving the bloody speech. I would not say it is very comfortable to wear a tuxedo in a 30-degree church, which is not air-conditioned. The church ceremony I’m sure you’ll all agree was a wonderful, wonderful occasion. Maybe a little hot, but I’m glad to see so many of you have replaced your electrolytes with fuel of the alcoholic kind since the reception began. I have known Neil and Claire for_________ [how many years] years. You might say Neil and I met by accident, but it is no accident that Neil met Claire. If you know Neil you know he is an excellent athlete, in fact I noticed his Athletes foot right away. This was a man who had his knees and ankles shaved, for easy taping. I knew this was a hard-core sports fanatic. We both share a tremendous love of football and basketball. For many years, we have had a running bet during the season as to who will score more goals or more runs which of course, I always won. Neil is a ______________ [Groom’s Occupation] in Truro, and I thought__________________________________[Funny or quirky aspect about grooms occupation] Neil is a man who has dedicated his life to __________________[Grooms occupation] And now I’m sure will use his experience with ___________________________[what the Groom does in his occupation] in his marriage with Claire. It is great that Neil found Claire. He has always been looking for someone young, dynamic, intelligent, attractive, and with good health insurance. Neil and Claire met_________________________ [where they meet], But I have it on good authority that Neil started looking for a wife on the internet. And with a multitude of resources at his fingertips, he found some really great stuff, but sadly was unable to find himself a suitable partner. That is, until I mentioned to him that the correct category to be looking should be Woman Seeking Man. I explained the way it works, send an old picture when you still had lots of hair, lie about your height and weight, and at all other times be sincere and honest. I imagine that when Neil and Claire met and introduced each other he said I’m Neil and she said, “I need a Diamond.” So, Neil said, sure let’s pick one out. Claire is a Diamond. Neil is a gem; I think together they make beautiful jewellery. No Marriage would be complete without some brotherly advice to help set you on your way… So I canvassed the room and got some really good stuff for you! Love, honor and cherish each other, and don’t forget to take out the garbage. Your wife is always right. Just in case she is not right, refer back to #2. Always, yes always, notice every new hairstyle or dress. Do something nice for each other every single day. If she asks if something makes her look fat the answer is categorically, NO. Flowers are always a good Idea, even if you are not in trouble. There is really nothing better than a good foot rub or massage. Your wife is more important than sports. I guess. Even the cup final. It is a great joy for me to see Neil and Claire so happy. You learn things when you get older. Hmmm, I mean more mature. You make better decisions, isn’t it great that two people would entwine and commit to each other for life. Love, isn’t that what it is all about? We are here to celebrate that glorious event and this ceremony is all about letting the world know how much Neil and Claire’s love for each other is a reflection of one’s own soul in another’s. Anyway, it is time to celebrate the joyous and unbridled love that these two spectacular people will share the rest of their lives. Would you please stand now and join me in a toast. To love and laughter and happily ever after.” Source

What are the key elements that should be included in a memorable and heartfelt best man’s speech?

That is what Steven Greitzer, wedding tech entrepreneur and officiant, CEO of Provenance, said:

“There are many key elements to take into account when pulling together a great toast:

• Include 2-3 stories in your speech that capture the essence of the groom and your friendship.
• Make sure your speech is appropriate by discussing “no-go’s” with the couple beforehand.
• Acknowledge the groom’s partner in your speech and speak about how the relationship has helped the groom grow (more on that below).
• Offer a thematic takeaway, such as the importance of friendship or the strength of the couple’s love.
• Be sure to practice

The Provenance Toast Builder is the best and easiest way to make sure your wedding toast captures what you’re trying to say.”

Try the Toast Builder

How to Write a Best Man Speech

For a great wedding speech, there are some simple rules you have to follow. Here you will find examples of best man speeches Dos and Don’ts from our editors.

• Plan your speech ahead (think about your best man speech structure, choose formal or funny style) and practice.
• Tell a short story ( keep the speech to about 5 minutes or less ) with jokes (2 or 3 will be enough).
• Get sentimental at some point, make compliments to the bride.
• Finish on an optimistic note (end your speech with love quotes or wishes for the happy couple).
• Be thankful (express gratitude towards the couple, their family, and anyone who helped make the wedding happen).

Don’ts

• Do not cross the 2-5 mins time limit.
• Do not make it about you.
• Avoid dirty jokes.
• Do not ignore the bride. Let her know how happy you are, that she is ending up with your friend.
• Avoid rude remarks. Keep your manners in check, even if it’s for a day.

Infographic

Best Man Speech Templates

Click here to download free printable templates of best man speech!

When creating the Best Man speech outline for your talk, include the following elements to involve everyone, making one and all feel that they are important participants in the merrymaking for the newlywed couple:

Use a Magnetic Opening Line

The opening words of your Best Man presentation should grab everyone’s attention. If you favor a romantic approach to start off a speech, you can start with a statement like, “True love wins all,” and then list the various ways the Groom, through his true love for his Bride, has won all her attention and affections.

• If some of the Groom’s favorite hip singer-songwriters date back to the 1960s and ’70s, you can quote from Bob Dylan: “ Love is just a four-letter word ,” going on to mention the many words of just four letters that relate to feelings of true love like “ kiss, hold, keep and ever. ” Be intent and clever with the use of language, and you will achieve better engagement with your audience.
• If your tastes (or the tastes of the newlyweds) are somewhat more classical, you can start by quoting the familiar line from Elizabeth Barrett Browning: “ How do I love thee, Let me count the ways. ” This popular line has been repeated in many variations by countless poets and songwriters ever since, so have no fear of labeling yourself as an egghead when quoting it. This opening line will also give you a chance to mention the main virtues and attributes of the Bride.

Thank the Other Speakers

It is always appropriate and appreciated if you thank the other speakers for the occasion. These speakers usually include the Maid of Honor and the Bride’s Father as well as any other members of the wedding party that the Bride and Groom ask to speak.

It is always good form to express your gratitude for their contributions to this special moment and event. Never criticize or make jokes about what they say or how they say it. Just thank them politely and continue with your own remarks since you know very well how to write a best-man speech.

Congratulate the Newlyweds

Congratulate the wedding couple on this exciting first chapter in their lives together. This is the ideal time to tell the guests how you met your great friend, the Groom. If you happen to be the Groom’s brother or cousin, you can recreate moments of hilarity from your younger years together or shared experiences of suspense or intrigue.

Recalling funny incidents or telling best man speech jokes involving the Groom is totally acceptable, so long as you keep the format and content clean and respectable.

Expert tip from Steven Greitzer:

“A great best man speech strikes the perfect balance of humor and sincerity. You want it to be memorable, but for the right reasons. Check with the couple to see if there are any topics you need to avoid or any topics that might be of particular concern to anyone in the audience. In the Provenance Toast Builder , the couple has the option to call out any topic they do, or don’t, want you to include. If you have any jokes in your speech you are unsure about, run them by someone who is close to the couple who you trust. And if you have a feeling that a joke might upset them or not land well with the audience – err on the side of caution. It’s their big day, not yours! There’s a way to have a funny best man speech that doesn’t upset grandma. Find the balance.”

Compliment the Bride

Now it is time to pull out the stops and give high praise to the Bride using your knowledge of how to write a best man talk. Highlight and emphasize her finest qualities, talents, and accomplishments.

Let them know just how overjoyed you are to celebrate the marriage of these two special people of whom you think so highly. Then give the Bride another charming compliment using top-quality speech writing tips.

Read Messages from Absent Guests

Take time to read some messages from invited guests who could not attend the wedding. This gesture is always appreciated by the absent guests and the Bride and Groom, alike. It also includes their congratulatory thoughts and best wishes for the newlyweds in the day’s special events.

Include a Famous Quote or Poem

Enchant your attentive audience of wedding guests further by reciting a well-known quote or poem that suits the occasion. This adds a creative literary element to the post-wedding celebration for the honored couple. You may want to consult other templates, including a listing of groomsman speech examples.

Best Man Speech Quotes

Choose Best Man speech quotes that reflect the couple’s personality, add humor, and keep them relevant.

Love is like war: easy to begin but very hard to stop. H. L. Mencken

Marriage is a workshop where husband works and wife shops.

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Mignon McLaughlin

Propose a Toast to the Wedding Couple

Raise your glass of champagne so the guests can eagerly follow your example as you deliver a heartfelt toast of optimistic good wishes for the excellent health, increasing wealth, and everlasting happiness of the newlyweds.

The toast should be given with gusto and true sincerity and may include mild best-man speech jokes. Remember that you speak for all the well-wishers in the room who want all the best for this newly married Bride and Groom, so put your best energy, spirit, and talents for convincing elocution into this featured Grand Finale.

The “Thankful” Speech

“Hello everyone, it’s such a pleasure to be here tonight as [Groom’s] best man. And I want to begin with saying what an honor it is that I was chosen to stand by your side today. You’ve always been someone that I looked up to and I am just beyond grateful that I get to share in this moment with you and [Bride]. [Groom] is someone that I’ve come to care for greatly over the years and I am so happy that he’s found someone to share his life with and start a family with. [Groom] has always been my right hand throughout the biggest moments of my life and I can’t wait to be able to watch everything beautiful unfold for the two of you. Cheers to a lifetime of happiness!”

The “Smart Move” Speech

“There’s an old saying about friendship that reads, “It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them,” and goodness that couldn’t be more true for me and my boy, [Groom]. I could go into all the funny stories that include some of that stupidity but instead I’d rather focus on all the smart moves he’s made. His friendships, the relationship he has with his family, his career, it’s all a reflection of the incredible man he’s become. But really, the smartest move he’s made is marrying you, [Bride]. Let’s toast to the best decision [Groom’s] ever made. I wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and success.”

The “She Was the One” Speech

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming out tonight to celebrate the wedding of two people we all love, [Bride] & [Groom]! When I first met [Bride], I knew that she was the woman [Groom] would end up marrying. Even if it hadn’t dawned on him quite yet, it was obvious to everyone around just how smitten he was with her. They talk about a bride’s glow, but this man was shining since the moment he met [Bride]. He changed for the better without realizing it. And we all could see it. He couldn’t stop talking about her. We’d go out with the boys and [Bride’s] name would be brought up every two minutes. So, when he came to me to tell me that he would be proposing my only response was, ‘Well, it’s about time!’ There’s something special about these two. They go together without forcing it. They love each other without fighting it. And they care about each other without thinking about it. She was the one from the very beginning [Groom], and we’re all so happy to be able to take part in your big day. Cheers!”

Best Man Speech Opening Lines

Your opening lines are your best-man speech icebreakers, so it’s important that they are good. Grab the attention of your guests with witty best man speech openers such as these.

• “I would like to begin by congratulating the groom on his excellent taste in best men. He has really outdone himself this time, and I’m pleased.”
• “I have been asked by the bride and groom not to share any embarrassing stories, crude jokes, or pranks during my best man’s speech… so I guess that’ll be it from me! Thank you all for listening.”
• “If you cannot hear me at the back, nothing to worry about. By the complete silence in the front row here, you can rest assured that you’re really not missing much.”
• “Is anyone here this afternoon feeling nervous and queasy at the thought of what lies ahead? If you are, it’s probably because you’ve just married (groom’s name).”
• “All of you here who really know the bride must know that she is a wonderful person who deserves a good husband. Thank goodness (groom’s name) married her before she found one.”

Best Man Speech One-Liners

I am about to make the groom cry. I just received the food bill.

He is smart, tall, kind, generous….. Who am I actually talking about?

Hi, the groom is a great friend. Our friendship is 2hours old. I was hired as he’s got no friends.

His colleagues describe him as a first-class banker – I may have misheard them.

I heard some time that marriage is a 50/50 affair. Believe that at your own peril. We have factors called women and improper fractions.

One-liners are sharp jokes delivered in one sentence. A good one-liner is concise and meaningful. It is instant but loaded with humor that can keep the guests laughing for a while. It is important that the best man speech jokes contain one-liners.

Best Man Toasts Examples

“It’s been an emotional day, even the cake is in tiers.”

“Folks, I have been told I am not allowed to have a drink until AFTER my speech. If I seem like I’m in a hurry to finish, it’s because I am.”

“I hope the two of you have the two essential things it takes to have a successful marriage 1) a sense of humor 2) selective hearing.”

“Psychiatrists say that girls tend to marry men like their fathers. That must be why mothers cry at weddings.”

“Love is not about how often you say I love you, but how often you show that it’s true.”

Best Man Speech Jokes

“They say marriage is a journey, and tonight we celebrate the beginning of an epic road trip for the bride and groom. Just remember, guys, never forget to ask for directions!”

“They say the key to a successful marriage is patience, understanding, and a remote control with fresh batteries. Groom, make sure you always keep that remote handy!”

“Let’s raise our glasses to the newlyweds: may their love be like Wi-Fi, strong and never disconnecting, even in the midst of Netflix binges!”

“As the best man, it’s my duty to share a piece of advice with the groom: in marriage, always remember that a happy wife means a happy life… and also remember to nod and agree, even when she’s wrong!”

“Marriage is a lifelong commitment, just like the gym membership the groom signed up for and rarely uses. But this time, there are no cancellation fees!”

Best Man Speech Delivery and Presentation Tips

When delivering your best man speech, it’s essential to captivate the audience with your words and presence. Here are some tips to ensure a memorable and engaging delivery:

• Maintain good eye contact with the audience: Look directly at the guests while speaking. Eye contact helps establish a connection and shows that you are genuinely engaged with them.
• Speak clearly and at a moderate pace: Enunciate your words clearly and avoid rushing through your speech. Speaking at a moderate pace allows the audience to understand and absorb your message effectively.
• Use appropriate gestures and body language to enhance your delivery: Use hand gestures and body movements to emphasize key points and add energy to your speech. However, be mindful of not going overboard and distracting from your message.
• Incorporate pauses for comedic timing and to allow the audience to react: Timing is crucial, especially when delivering humorous anecdotes or punchlines. Pause before and after delivering a joke to build anticipation and give the audience time to laugh and react.

By implementing these delivery and presentation tips, you’ll engage the audience, leave a lasting impression, and make your best man speech a memorable highlight of the wedding celebration.

Are there any common mistakes to avoid, and how to overcome nervousness or stage fright?

According to wedding planner Mindy Weiss, “speeches can help make or break a wedding” . And we agree with this opinion. Speeches have the power to elevate the celebration, bringing tears of joy and laughter to guests, while also creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. However, poorly delivered speeches can disrupt the flow and energy of the event, leaving guests feeling disconnected and the couple disappointed.

Steven Greitzer convinced that one of the biggest mistakes is when the person giving the wedding speech only talks about the partner they’re closest with, unintentionally making the other partner feel left out and unimportant: “To help remedy this, the Provenance Toast Builder gives you the option to either talk about each partner 50/50, or to talk 70% about your person and 30% about their partner (which is a good rule of thumb). The Toast Builder also has thoughtful prompts to encourage you to share why they’re both 1) good people and 2) a great match for each other.

What is the best man supposed to say in his speech?

The best man should share anecdotes about the groom, praise the couple, thank everyone, and propose a toast. Keep it lighthearted and sincere.

What do you say in a short speech for Bestman?

In a short best man speech, express gratitude, share a memorable moment about the groom, and toast to the couple’s happiness. Keep it concise and impactful.

How do I write a good man speech?

Write a good best man speech by including humor, expressing genuine sentiments, avoiding inappropriate content, and keeping it focused on the couple. Practice for smooth delivery and timing.

There is truly something for everyone today to create the perfect Best Man Speech for that very special couple and their after-wedding reception, dinner, and celebration. Fond remembrances, amusing stories and anecdotes, humorous quotes, and emotional phrases end with the joyful ring of a clever, yet heartfelt Best Man Toast to the Bride and Groom. The contemporary wedding is truly a work of love and art with all the trimmings and enticing treats for one and all to treasure and enjoy.

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Brother Of The Groom Speech

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(*Of course, if you’re looking for more than ‘advice’, check out all the different ways the Speechy team can help you write & deliver a great speech. Or check out our new AI-powered team member, SpeechyAI .)

Why Is A Brother of The Groom Speech Special?

It’s all about the ammunition you have. Yes, you’re the best man, so you inevitably have the drunken stories and questionable fashion sense to bring up. But you’ve also got the childhood anecdotes; the ones that will put the father of the bride’s potty training tales to shame.

Even if you live in different countries these days, you have decade’s worth of evidence on this dude, so your first job is to collect it.

Get your folks involved. Shove dad up the loft and get out the old report cards. Have a brainstorm with your mates over some Magners. Find his beloved old teddy. Consider yourself a Scandi-noir detective hunting down the most embarrassing anecdotes known to man.

Of course, ask yourself some probing questions…Did you grow up squabbling or were you always as thick as thieves? Was one of you ALWAYS the favourite growing up? Or who was it who got all the grubby hand-me-downs? Who was always the funnier / smarter / sportier brother? It’s time to dish the dirt and get your own back.

Of course, it’s not only an opportunity to tease your brother, feel free to also make fun of your parents and the way they brought you both up. Remember how they wouldn’t let you watch Hollyoaks or eat sugar after 4 pm? ‘Well, mum, there’s a three-tier cake over there with our name on it, and YOU can’t do anything about if we choose to shove our faces in it later.’

Brother of the Groom Etiquette

As a glorified, best man speech, there aren’t any of the boring, administrative speech things for you to concern yourself with.

The groom or father-of-the-bride will deal with welcoming the guests and thanking individual members of the wedding party. Yours is PURELY about the fun. You have almost free-rein to write the perfect, ten-minute toast to your brother.

Ignore the idea of ‘telegrams’ if you can. What can’t be said by text isn’t worth saying really.

Find out if the groom and the father are already mentioning the bridesmaids. If so, there’s no need to mention how gorgeous they are unless you fancy them.

Of course, there is a MUST DO for any best man. Compliment the bride and try to do it sincerely. Extra points if you can talk about her awesome personality, drunken party tricks, and ability to put up a tent quicker than you can, rather than just saying the normal best man cliches about her looking gorgeous (though she will appreciate that too!).

How To Structure Your Speech

Firstly, as there’s so much to learn from the typical best man speech, it’s more than worthwhile to read Speechy’s Best Man Advice Page on writing the ULTIMATE version. Here’s a summary…

• Prove , don’t just tell. Don’t just use adjectives. If he’s a sensitive chap, reveal how he always cries at ET – even in his 30s.
• Find the qualities that make him unique – his photographic memories of the Nando’s menu, his unusually short T-rex arms. It may seem like you’re taking the mick but that’s how us blokes show we care.
• You don’t need to put every story in. You’ll hopefully f i nd a common theme , a narrative thread, so only use the ones that fit, rather than go off on several tangents.
• About two-thirds of your speech should be roasting your brother, but that final section is when you get nice . Pay tribute to what a stellar bloke he is. Again, prove, don’t just tell. When you say he’s always there for you, remind him of the time he picked you up from the train station at 3 am after you lost your wallet. For the second time that year.
• Of course, you have to talk about how pleased you are he’s got married and what a wonderful woman the bride i s . Don’t feel you have to pretend she’s a princess if she isn’t. Celebrate her for who she actually is – even if it’s a Jagerbomb fanatic with terrible taste in hip-hop music. As long as it’s said in a genuinely loving way, it’s okay.
• Your speech, of course, needs to end with a toast . It should be directed to the bride and groom but make it personal if you can.   ‘Here’s to the bride and groom – and a love made from Jagerbombs’. Whatever suits it.

The Do’s and Don’ts

DO – talk slower than seems natural

It will make you appear more confident and will allow people to get the jokes easier

DON’T – talk over the laughter

You’ve worked so hard to get the laughter, why would you cut it short?!

DO – Get some humour in within the first few sentences of your speech

It will immediately relax you and your audience.

Read our How To Make Your Speech Funny Guide to make sure you deliver original humour and don’t resort to wedding jokes or googled gags. 

DON’T – push it

While it’s tempting to roast your brother to the point of a nervous breakdown, remember to some this might come across as bullying. So, if you think you’re pushing things a little close to the edge, rein it in.

DO – use quotes

While you shouldn’t Google gags (even granny’s heard the one about honeymooning in Bangor these days!), you are allowed to use funny, witty or sentimental quotes from people smarter than you. Just make sure you credit the author or someone else will! Check out our best man quotes blog  for inspo. 

DON’T – make the bride cry

Unless it’s happy tears obviously. No ‘edgy’ humour directed at her. Nothing about your brother’s ex-girlfriends.

DO – keep an eye on the time

The speech should be around ten minutes long. Practice it a lot before the big day and if it feels like it’s dragging, don’t just speak faster. Edit your speech!

DON’T – resort to stag do stories 

Boring. All grooms are meant to be an utter embarrassment on their stag do. 

DO – prepare to deliver

A confident delivery is essential for your speech to be well received. Read our ultimate guide to delivering your speech like a pro .

The Speechwriting Experts

The Speechy team  are TV-trained scriptwriters/comedians by trade & we’ve helped 1,000s of speakers around the world deliver their dream speech.

Our advice has been quoted everywhere from  The New York Times  to  Grazia  and from Forbes to The Observer . Our founder has also featured on the  BBC Sounds’ Best Men podcast with Jason Manford and written ‘ The Modern Couple’s Guide to Wedding Speeches’ , published by Little, Brown.

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Best Man Speech Examples for Your Brother

Jan 4, 2018

So you’ve read our blog on how to write a best man speech for your brother ?  You’ve come to the right place for more inspiration.  Here, you will find real-life examples of best man speeches written by one brother to another, including those written for older brothers, younger brothers and even twin brothers.  They are long, medium and short in length so whatever your situation you will find some inspiration here that can help you in constructing your brother’s best man speech.

1. Best Man Speech for Older Brother  

As this is my first time being best man, I was a little worried as to how long the speech should go on for. I asked around and the accepted norm seemed to be that it should go on for as long as it takes the groom to make love to his wife on their wedding night…. So on that note ladies and gentlemen, thanks very much, you’ve been a great crowd. SIT DOWN pause STAND UP Seriously now Ok ok the real speech now.

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen – For those of you who don`t know me, I`m Andrew, Paul’s younger brother. It`s great to be stood up here today because, after all these years, PAUL has finally admitted that I am the best man.

I would firstly like to thank both Paul & Gerri for giving me time to prepare this speech, well two weeks anyway.  First, let me start by saying that Gerri looks absolutely beautiful today and it is a real pleasure to welcome her into our family. pause Today, I feel like I’m gaining a new sister and losing a brother. It is such a mix of emotions: happiness, joy… relief!

So lets start with the traditional bit, on behalf of the bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers I’m sure they would like me to thank Paul for his kind words and I have to agree with him they all look wonderful, they asked me to tell you they thought your not too bad yourself mate. I’m sure you all agree that Gerri looks fantastic.. One in a million and Paul looks like he always does …. Won in a raffle!  And he’s copied my outfit today! No really they are a great couple, Pure and Simple… Gerri’s pure…..

You will probably not be aware that Paul and Gerri had great trouble over the seating plan. Fortunately, Paul gave the room layout some serious thought and took the weight of the decision away from Gerri as any supportive partner should do. What Gerri doesn’t know is that Paul decided the seating should be according to the cost of your present, so the more expensive your present, the closer the person would be seated to the front. So I hope you at the back heard Paul when he thanked you for the teaspoons!

During my research on the internet into best mans role I also looked into weddings in general, I looked at the three key elements of the wedding service itself: – The AISLE – it’s the longest walk you’ll ever take The ALTER – the place where two become one The HYMN – the celebration of marriage.  I think Gerri must have done the same research as I did, because as she was walking past me, I’m sure I heard her whispering to herself, Aisle…altar…hymn, aisle altar hymn, I’ll alter him etc…

All I can say on that Gerri is good luck your gonna need it.  Before I launch into a deluge of secret tales about Groom’s shady past, I have more…  On leaving school Paul’s teenage years can be defined as several years of drinking, throwing up, and sleeping in the toilet cuddling up to the bowl…something sadly he still hasn’t grown out of yet.

It shouldn’t be too hard to believe that my brother was a deeply ugly baby. So ugly in fact, that when he was born the midwife had to be restrained from slapping our parents. And come to think of it, I recall my mum telling me she suffered badly from morning sickness ……. right up until Paul’s 1st birthday.

Paul’s been suffering from a terrible headache all day. He was going for the wet hair look and the toilet seat fell down. 

Some advice before I finish, I would like to give Paul some advice on what people thought were the ingredients to a long and happy marriage so here are a few. Turn and look at <groom>.  Firstly, set the ground rules and establish whose boss…and then do everything Gerri says!  Secondly, never be afraid that Gerri will leave you – she’s spent time training you, she’s not going to throw that away lightly! Thirdly, never forget to say those 3 little words every day for the rest of your life – “YOU’RE RIGHT DEAR!”.  Whenever you’re wrong, be a man and admit it …

Whenever you’re right, just “SAY nothing!” As they say a man who gives in when he is wrong is a wise man. A man who gives in when he is right is married.  And finally – there seems to be a bit of confusion over where Paul and Gerri are going on their honeymoon. I thought, perhaps like many of you that they were off to the sunny climes of Mexico but now I’m not so sure. After speaking to Paul just before we sat down for the meal I think they’re going to North Wales ………. Or at least I think that’s what he meant when he said that straight after the wedding he was going to Bangor for a week!  Toast Joking aside though, knowing the feeling that you get when you realise you have met the person you are going to spend the rest of your life with, it’s a feeling that you want to make the most of, and we are here to celebrate that with you both…long may it continue…

I’d like to finish up by saying what a great honour it’s been to be best man today. On behalf of the bride and groom, I’d like to echo what I said earlier and thank everyone for sharing their special day. On behalf of myself, I would just like to say that if you have enjoyed this speech half as much as I’ve enjoyed giving it, then I can only apologise. I started planning it about a month ago and you must feel that I’ve been delivering it for equally as long. So then, Ladies and gentlemen, it gives me immense pleasure, not to mention relief, to invite you all to stand……

I’d like you to raise your glasses in a toast to Paul and Gerri, the new Mr and Mrs Bailey who we wish well for the future, and hope they enjoy a long and happy marriage. Paul and Gerri. 

2. Best Man Speech for Younger Brother

Good afternoon Ladies Gentlemen girls and boys! We have arrived at that point in the day where we must rise from the comfort of our chairs and make fools out of ourselves, well some of us anyway! I will however try and postpone mine for as long as possible and hand you over to David, Kathy’s father to say a few word

Thank you David.

I would now like to hand you over to Nigel to make his excuses/say a few words. Well Nigel, I hope you made the most of your speech as now you’re a married man, that’ll be the last time you get to speak for 3 minutes without being interrupted or corrected!

Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and Girls I hope you are having a wonderful time, For what seems to be the tenth time today I find myself rising from a warm seat with a piece of paper in my hand.

I would like to read some messages from those who could not make it to this auspicious occasion. Now I will read a few cards which Nigel and Kathy have requested that I read.

To Kathy I’m Sorry I could not marry you myself so I got one of my mates to do it, but best wishes on your special Day. From the Pope …

Congratulations on your special day Nigel we will miss you.  All the girls from the fantasy lounge XX

I have never actually been a best man before and I am not renowned for my speech writing. I promise you though that I’ll try my best, because Nigel has promised that if I do a good job today, I can be Best Man at his next wedding, too.

It is really a great honour ladies and gentlemen but in all honestly I’m actually a little bit nervous doing this. I do feel a bit comforted by the fact I’ve actually already rehearsed this speech in front of a live audience. – Yep it was Nigel’s geriatric home – and I think it went well – they all peed themselves.

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Tom and for those of you that do … well I apologise. My full name is actually ‘Tom would-you-like-a-drink’. For those of you who I meet in the bar later, I’d appreciate it if you could use my full name. [pause] I am Nigel’s older brother and isn’t it good to see that I am finally receiving the recognition I deserve by being named as Best man. It is well known that I can talk and I couldn’t help but notice that there is a bet on about the length of my speech. Well, just to let you know, having backed myself at 2 hours 38 minutes and with the kitty currently standing at around £50, I must apologise in advance, so please try to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the ride.

I would like to thank the bridesmaids Lynn, Sheryl, Claire and Alison whom I’m sure you will agree all look radiant. And how nice it is to see Claire out of her emo/hippy outfit.

I would also like to thank Harry and Nick for carrying out the really difficult task of telling people where to sit in church, Nana Julie for laying on the horse and carriage, Rob for doing the invitation inserts and Uncle Jim for doing the video.

I would also like to thank Auntie Pam, Auntie Sue and Sarah for the glorious flowers in the church and everyone else who has helped with the hall.

Now it gives me great pleasure to ask you all to raise your glasses for some very important people, with out them here today the day would not be the same, Would you raise your glasses to toast. The bar staff!!

Before I begin, Kathy could you please place your right hand on the table, Nigel place your left on top of Kathy’s. All will be revealed in good time.

I can confirm to you all that last night Nigel slept like a baby………that is to say he wet the bed twice………..and woke up many times crying for his Mummy!

The only problem i think we have encountered so far is that Nigel and Kathy had a bit of an issue with the seating plan, because they really couldn’t decide where everyone should sit. So, true fashion, Nigel decided to link it to the wedding present list He decided to put those who brought the biggest items nearest the front, and work back from there…So ***** [“pause” and look around at the back for ******* ] Nigel and Kathy wanted to say thanks for the oven glove!

Nigel and Kathy have been together for a few years now and seem to have found their soul mates in each other.

In life, it’s difficult to imagine Morecambe without Wise, tom without jerry, Romeo without Juliet, Del without Rodney, and of course Nigel without Kathy.

As I have mentioned before, it is a great honour to be Best Man, but with the role comes the job of writing this speech, and to be honest I wanted to make the process as easy as possible.  So where do you begin for ideas.

The first and most obvious place seemed to be the Internet, so with a multitude of resources at my fingertips I dutifully began searching the web.

After a couple of hours searching I found some REALLY good stuff on the net, but ….then I remembered I was supposed to be looking for Best Man tips!

I was actually able to locate tons of ready-prepared speeches on the internet…. but sadly, not one of them were about a couple called Nigel and Kathy ….so it looks like it’s down to me after all. All this research lead me to discover that according to tradition, I am supposed to sing the groom’s praises, and tell you all in detail about his many good points. Sadly I can’t sing and I will not lie.

Kathy is a lovely person. She deserves a good husband. Nigel, you should be on your knees thanking God you married her before she found one!

Seriously Nigel, you are really lucky. You will leave here having gained a wife that is warm, loving and caring. A wife who is entertaining, funny, intelligent, and who radiates beauty wherever she goes. [pause] [face Kathy] And Kathy[pause] how lucky you are as well [pause] you leave today having gained a .[pause] Gorgeous dress and a lovely bouquet of flowers. [pause]

Nigel has had a chequered life and it started some 27 years ago when quite small he entered our family and joined Mark and me. This was a sad day and a real disappointment to us, we now had to share our toys with one more person. However it was not long until Nigel was exposing himself to the whole country literally sitting on a potty in the middle of the countryside as the world went on by. Later he went on to school and by the age of sixteen he finally left primary school.

Now instead of stories you will all have to listen to my martial advice instead. I’m not sure I’m the best person to dish out advice! But I do have the following words of wisdom for the happy couple.

Firstly, set the ground rules and establish who is the boss:

Then do everything Kathy says.

Always remember to tell your wife those three important little words [pause] ‘You’re right dear’.

Kathy A husband is like a tiled floor [pause] lay it right first time and you can spend years walking all over it.

A happy marriage is a matter of give and take the husband gives and the wife takes. [pause]

Remember the 5 rings: the engagement ring, the wedding ring, the suffering, the torturing and the enduring

Don’t forget Nigel if you buy her flowers, she knows you are guilty, and she will remember to the second the last time you bought her some … and the reason why!

Are any of you are wondering why I asked Nigel to place his hand on Kathy’s? Well I can now reveal that Nigel, as my final role, it is with great pleasure that I have been able to give you the last 10 minutes in which you have had the upper hand on Kathy. I hope you enjoyed it, as it will almost certainly be the last.

May your love be modern enough to service the times and old fashioned enough to last for ever.

Here’s to love, to laughter, and happily ever after. As Nigel and Kathy start their new life, please stand and toast the new husband and wife,

If you would all be up standing in my toast

To the new Mr and Mrs Wood

Nigel and Kathy!

3. Best Man Speech for Twin Brother

There comes a time in every person’s life when they meet their one true love, their soulmate, their destiny. The person, who will know and understand them for the rest of their life. That moment came for Alan, 32 years ago when he met me. Hello.

I suppose I should introduce myself. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Stephen, Alan’s younger sibling. To be asked by Alan, on this important day, to the best man is an honour for me and honourable of him, after all these long years, to finally admit that I am the best!

Firstly, thanks to the others for their speeches and for keeping them mercifully short. I hope to follow their example with my own. Rest assured though, unlike most traditional best man speeches, which are full of sexual innuendo, I’ve promised Alan and Aileen that if there is anything slightly risqué, I’ll whip it out immediately.

I would like to say how lovely and well turned out everyone looks today. It’s nice to see that most of you have made the effort. Of course none more so than our lovely bridesmaids who look fantastic in their beautiful dresses. Thanks also to them for their invaluable contribution to today’s events and for getting Aileen here on time. No mean feat, as I understand she put up quite a struggle.

Speaking of beautiful, our bride looks simply stunning. It is easy to see how Alan has come to be so enchanted. If I may say, your beauty makes Alan look more handsome than he actually is. Of course I jest, as Alan looks dazzling today although it could just be the light reflecting off his hair. There is so much silver in there now that he doesn’t wash it so much as polish it these days. But I think she’s made a wonderful choice … for her first husband.

So as I said before, Alan is my brother, twin brother to be precise, so we met long before we can both even remember. We were always and still are very close. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for him and likewise, there”s nothing he wouldn’t do for me. In fact, we spend most of our time doing nothing for each other.

Looking back on our childhood, Alan displayed 10 important character traits, which I believe have moulded him into the man he is today:

• Honesty – He always told on me.
• Generosity – He was a picky eater so I always got his leftovers.
• Integrity – We only did what he wanted to do.
• Kindness – Every year he always, always gave me half his birthday cake.
• Courage – He cleaned the top windows while I did the bottom.
• Thriftiness – He was always very careful with money. I once saw him drop a fifty pence piece and he was down so quickly it hit him on the back of the head.
• Discipline – He always did his homework.
• Reliability – He always let me copy it.
• Endurance – I’ve spent 32 years trying to convince him he was adopted.
• Trustworthiness – For years he has taken care of the family silver though why he chooses to wear it on his head I do not know.

He was also very clever as a kid. When I was younger I always heard everyone say ”oh that Alan, he’s so smart. What a brilliant boy – he”s so gifted”. At that time I was under the delusion that I was smart too but after our school days, Alan went off to University while I went off to the DSS to sign on every fortnight. Obviously after this we never saw quite so much of each other but I did ask some other people their opinion and how they would describe him:

Charming, urbane, witty and entertaining are all words. . But no-one said them so I won’t either. One actually told me they thought he was arrogant, conceited, selfish and insensitive. So thanks for that … Aileen. Only joking… it was his Mum. No, of course it wasn’t, because he was adopted.

Joking aside, Alan has been a great friend to me and while it would be impossible to summarise the last 32 years I would like to say that over this time he has been the best anyone could hope for in a brother, a companion and a best friend. I trust him implicitly so I know I can go to him for advice and support in the dark hours or just for frivolous stupidity. There is no better way I would like to pass the day than in his company doing nothing in particular.

When he told me he was getting married I was obviously delighted and I wish them both all the happiness in the world. While not being married myself, I like to think I’ve picked up a few things over the years.

* You should never go to bed on an argument – always stay up and argue.

* The woman should always get the final word in an argument. Anything after will be  the next argument.

* The best way to remember your anniversary is to forget it once.

* Whenever you’re right, say nothing! It’s not worth it.

* Buy flowers only occasionally as it becomes suspicious otherwise.

* If asked the old classic: ”Do I look fat?” – Do not hesitate, do not say ”where?” and under no circumstances say ”stand back so I can get it all in”.

And finally, consider the words of Oscar Wilde “Women are meant to be loved, not to be understood”.

You will be happy to know that we are nearing the end of the speech so before the toast I will now take this opportunity to congratulate the happy couple. Anyone who has been lucky enough to spend time in their company, know what a great pair they really are. It seems everyone here today is having a great time and this is mainly down to the weeks and months of planning by Alan & Aileen. They have done an incredible job, and spent an incredible amount of money to make this such a special day. So from myself, my family and everyone here, thank you for the wonderful memories.

Now it gives me great pleasure to ask you all to stand and raise you glasses to the newly wedded couple.

”May you live as long as you like and love as long as you live”.

To Alan & Aileen.

Want More Best Man Speech Examples for your Brother?

To get even more examples then download our PDF where you’ll lots more. There is long form copy, shorter versions and speeches tailored to younger, older and twin brothers.

If you’re struggling with your brother’s best man speech and want some help, right now, then take a look at SpeechMate –  a professional speech writing tool designed specifically for best men. It creates personalised speeches for your brother, tailored just to you. Not only that it also comes with an online video series of short step-by-step tutorials that will teach how to deliver your speech it like a professional. Take your free trial today.

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How to Write a Best Man Speech

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How to write a memorable Best Man speech for your brother

Introduction

Being the Best Man at your brother's wedding is both an honor and a responsibility. Your speech is a highlight of the reception, a chance to entertain, celebrate, and touch the hearts of everyone present. As the groom's older or younger brother, you might feel the pressure to craft a speech that strikes the perfect balance between humor, emotion, and unforgettable memories. Worry not, we're here to show you how to create a Best Man speech for your brother that will make him beam with pride and leave a lasting impression on the guests.

If you're looking for assistance to make your speech truly amazing while saving time, try our AI-powered speech writing service . It's designed to help you craft a unique and captivating toast for your brother, allowing you to deliver an outstanding speech in just minutes.

Now, let's dive into this comprehensive guide for all you need to deliver an exceptional Best Man speech for your brother's special day. This guide includes expert advice, DOs and DON'Ts, answers to common questions, 15 handpicked quotes to enrich your speech, and a perfect template to build your speech upon. So, let's get started and make your brother's big day truly unforgettable!

Expert Tips for Your Best Man Speech for Brother

Tip 1: start with a plan.

The first step in writing a great brother of the groom speech is to plan it out. You don't want to just wing it and hope for the best. Take the time to think about what you want to say and how you want to say it. Start by brainstorming ideas for your speech, such as funny anecdotes or heart-warming memories. Don't do it alone - get your folks involved. This will help to get the ideas flowing and give you a sense of what ideas resonate or might get a laugh. Consider what kind of tone you want to strike, and whether you want to include any quotes or jokes. Once you have a rough outline, you can start fleshing out the details.

Tip 2: Introduce Yourself

The opening of your speech is the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to the guests. Even if most of the guests know who you are, it's still a good idea to give a brief introduction that establishes your relationship to the groom. You can use this as a chance to inject some humor into your speech, such as a funny anecdote about growing up together or pointing out something funny about being the older or younger brother.

Tip 3: Share Some Childhood Memories

As the brother of the groom, you have a wealth of childhood memories to draw on for your speech. Think about some of the funniest, most embarrassing, or most heart-warming moments you shared growing up. Maybe you have a story about a family vacation or a special moment that the two of you shared. Sharing these memories can help to establish a connection with the guests and create a sense of nostalgia for the happy couple.

Tip 4: Acknowledge the Bride

Don't forget to acknowledge the bride in your speech. After all, she is the reason for the celebration! Share some kind words about the bride, her relationship with your brother and how she has positively impacted his life. You might also want to share a funny story or two about how the two of them met or what they're like as a couple. Just be sure to keep it light and positive.

Tip 5: Share Some Anecdotes in Your Brother's Best Man Speech

Everyone loves a good story, and you’ve got plenty to choose from when it comes to your brother. Share some anecdotes that show his personality or character, highlight some of his quirks, or just make the audience laugh.

Make sure you pick stories that are appropriate for the audience and don’t embarrass your brother too much. It's a balancing act and you want to get it right. Remember, you’re here to celebrate his special day, not to make him feel uncomfortable.

Here are some examples:

"Growing up, my brother was always the more responsible one. I remember this one time, when I was 10, I had climbed up the tallest tree in our backyard, and, of course, got stuck. Without hesitation, my brother climbed up and rescued me like a superhero. Little did I know back then that he would continue to be my hero throughout our lives, always looking out for me."

"One thing that has always stood out about my brother is his perseverance. I remember when we were teenagers, he taught himself to play the guitar. He practiced day and night, determined to become good at it. And sure enough, he did. This same determination is present in every aspect of his life, including his relationship with [bride's name]."

Tip 6: Toast the Bride and Groom in Your Brother's Best Man Speech

At the end of your speech, it’s customary to toast the newlyweds. Raise your glass and offer your congratulations and best wishes for their future together.

You might also want to say a few words about how much the couple means to you and how happy you are to see them together.

“Here’s to the happy couple. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Paul, you’ve found your soulmate in Linda, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both.”

Tip 7: Keep It Short and Sweet

When it comes to delivering a great Best Man speech, less is often more. You don't want to bore the guests with a long, rambling speech that goes on and on. Keep your speech short and sweet, and focus on delivering a few key messages that will resonate with the guests. Aim for a speech that lasts around five minutes or so, and be sure to practice your delivery so you can deliver it confidently and without stumbling over your words.

Tip 8: Practice Makes Perfect

Finally, be sure to practice your speech before the big day. This will help you to get comfortable with the material and ensure that you're able to deliver it confidently and smoothly. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend, and be sure to time yourself so you don't run over. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll feel when the big day arrives.

The DOs and DON’Ts of Writing a Best Man Speech for your Brother

• Personalize the speech : Share genuine anecdotes and memories that highlight your relationship with your brother and showcase his personality.
• Focus on the couple : Be sure to keep the focus on the newlyweds, not yourself or others.
• Balance humor and sentiment : Keep the audience entertained with some light humor, but also include heartfelt moments that convey the special bond you share.
• Be concise : Aim to keep your speech between 5-7 minutes, ensuring it's engaging without being too lengthy.
• Practice, practice, practice : Rehearse your speech multiple times to become more comfortable and confident in your delivery.
• Express gratitude : Thank the newlyweds, their parents, and the guests for being a part of this special day.

DON'Ts:

• Avoid controversial topics : Steer clear of politics, religion, or any potentially sensitive subjects that might make guests uncomfortable.
• Don't overshare : Refrain from sharing embarrassing or overly personal stories that could make your brother or the audience uneasy.
• Don't bring up ex-partners: Definitely don't bring up ex-partners or anything negative from the past.
• Don't get too intoxicated : While it's natural to enjoy the festivities, ensure you remain composed and coherent for your speech.
• Don't forget your audience : Remember that guests of all ages and backgrounds will be present, so keep your speech appropriate and inclusive.
• Don't wing it : Take the time to prepare and organize your speech in advance to ensure a smooth and memorable delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing a Best Man Speech for a Brother

How long should my best man speech be.

Aim for 5-7 minutes, which is long enough to engage the audience without overstaying your welcome.

How can I make my Best Man speech for my brother unique and memorable?

Focus on personal anecdotes and genuine compliments. Share stories about your relationship with your brother and his partner. Be sincere and speak from the heart.

Can I add humor to my Best Man speech for my brother?

Absolutely! Including humor can make the speech more enjoyable for the audience. Be careful to strike a balance between humor and sincere, emotional moments to create a well-rounded and engaging speech.

What is the appropriate structure for a Best Man speech?

Start with a brief introduction, share anecdotes about your brother, mention his partner, thank the couple and their families, and conclude with a toast to the newlyweds.

15 Exceptional Quotes for a Best Man Speech for Your Brother

Incorporate these carefully selected quotes into your Best Man speech to add a layer of depth, emotion, and thoughtful wisdom. To make your speech genuinely unforgettable, be sure to personalize it with cherished anecdotes and shared memories that celebrate your unique bond with your brother.

• "A brother is a friend given by Nature." – Jean Baptiste Legouve
• "There's no other love like the love for a brother. There's no other love like the love from a brother." – Astrid Alauda
• "Because I have a brother, I'll always have a friend." – Unknown
• "Brothers are what best friends can never be." – Unknown
• "A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams." – Unknown
• "Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero." – Marc Brown
• "A brother is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit." – Unknown
• "I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother and I found all three." – Unknown
• "The greatest gift our parents ever gave us was each other." – Unknown
• "Brothers don't necessarily have to say anything to each other – they can sit in a room and be together and just be completely comfortable with each other." – Leonardo DiCaprio
• "The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life." – Richard Bach
• "A sibling represents a person's past, present, and future." – John Corey Whaley
• "A friend is a brother who was once a bother." – Unknown
• "Our paths may change as life goes along, but the bond between us remains ever strong." – Unknown
• "Brothers are like streetlights along the road; they don't make the distance any shorter, but they light up the path and make the walk worthwhile." – Unknown

The Ultimate Best Man Speech for Brother Template

In this section, we'll provide you with a comprehensive template/example to craft the perfect Best Man speech for your brother. This guide covers key conventions while also offering tips on personalizing the speech, ensuring you deliver a heartfelt, engaging, and entertaining tribute to the happy couple on their special day. You can modify the anecdotes and personal details to suit your own experiences and relationship with the couple.

Brother of the Groom Speech Template:

Ladies and gentlemen,

1. Introduction: Introduce yourself and express gratitude Good evening, everyone. For those of you who don't know me, my name is [Your Name], and I have the immense honor of being [Brother's Name]'s Best Man today. I want to begin by thanking [Brother's Name] and [Bride's Name] for inviting us all to be a part of their special day. It's truly a privilege to be here, surrounded by so many loved ones.

2. Praise the couple: Compliment the bride and groom I must say, [Bride's Name], you look absolutely radiant today. And [Brother's Name], you've never looked better! I can genuinely say that the two of you make a perfect match, and we couldn't be happier for you both.

Share memories and anecdotes: [3. Share a story that highlights your brother's character] Growing up with [Brother's Name], we shared countless memories and adventures. One story that stands out in particular is when we were just kids, and we decided to create a secret hideout in the woods behind our house. Despite my initial doubts, [Brother's Name] showed unwavering determination and resourcefulness, transforming a simple idea into a haven for our childhood dreams. This memory has always reminded me of [Brother's Name]'s ability to make even the most ordinary moments extraordinary.

Acknowledge your brother's partner: [4. Share what you appreciate about the bride] When [Brother's Name] first introduced us to [Bride's Name], it didn't take long for us to see just how special she is. Her kindness, intelligence, and sense of humor have made her a cherished addition to our family. [Bride's Name], thank you for bringing out the best in my brother and for filling his life with happiness and love.

Highlight their relationship: [5. Share a story or observation about the couple] One thing I've noticed about [Brother's Name] and [Bride's Name] is how they truly bring out the best in each other. Watching them grow together, support each other, and face life's challenges hand in hand has been nothing short of inspiring. It's clear to me that their love is built on a strong foundation of trust, respect, and friendship.

Offer advice or well-wishes: [6. Share a piece of advice or a heartfelt wish for their future] As you embark on this exciting new chapter in your lives, my advice to you both is to always cherish the little moments, communicate openly, and never forget to laugh together. I have no doubt that your love will continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.

Toast to the couple: [7. Conclude with a toast] So, without further ado, I'd like to ask everyone to please raise their glasses in honor of [Brother's Name] and [Bride's Name]. Here's to a lifetime of love, laughter, and endless adventure. Cheers to the newlyweds!

Writing a Best Man speech for your brother can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of preparation and some creativity, you can deliver a speech that will be remembered for years to come. To make your speechwriting journey even smoother, try our AI-powered speech writing service .

When delivering your speech, it's important to remember to introduce yourself and get your parents involved, try some healthy sibling rivalry, crack some jokes, mention your new sister or brother, share some anecdotes, and toast the happy couple.

By following these tips and structuring your speech in a way that engages the audience, you’ll have everyone in the room laughing, crying, and cheering for the newlyweds. So, take a deep breath, raise your glass, and let the celebration begin!

For more comprehensive guidance on speech writing, preparation, and delivery, check out our article on Mastering the Art of the Best Man Speech .

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Best Man Speech Structure: Creative Examples & Ideas

A good Best Man speech structure will flow, get more laughs and make the speech seem shorter than it is. It also will help you write it. When you’ve got your outline, it’s a great guide as to what to include and what to leave out.

Another advantage of a clear Best Man speech structure is that it’s like a hidden clock. As you pass from story to story or section to section, the guests can intuitively feel at what point they are in the speech. “Ah. It’s a stag do story…we’re probably nearing the end of the anecdotes.”

Knowing they are in good hands – and the speech won’t last till hell freezes over – the guests will relax. And relaxed listeners are more likely to laugh on the big day .

Now we’ve established that, what’s the best order of a best man speech ?

Well, let’s read on. This blog post will cover the basics of best man speech structuring, some fun ideas of what to include, and some creative ways to structure your best man speech .

How To Structure A Best Man Speech : The Basics

Before thinking about your best man speech format, you need to know your building blocks. What to include and what to leave out.

Things to include:

•       A decent range of stories so they are not all “one-note” e.g. wall-to-wall drinking stories.
•       Some heartfelt lines about what the groom’s friendship means to you.
•       The bride! Even if you don’t know her well, do include at least a line or two about her or directed towards her. It doesn’t need to be poetry, just complimentary.
•       A toast to the bride and groom

Things you DON’T need to include:

•       A long list of thanks – the Father of the Bride and/or Groom will have already welcomed and thanked everyone.
•       Toast to absent friends. Again, usually done by the Father of the Bride or Groom.
•       Last thing , the stag do – don’t feel obliged to cover it. If there’s a fun and repeatable story or two to relate, great. If not, no one will notice or care.

OK. We can move on to how to structure a best man speech . In a nutshell, you should save the schmaltz till last. It’s the dollop of sweetened cream the groom deserves after the preceding roast.

Here’s an outline for a traditional best man speech :

•       Light-hearted remarks at the top of the speech
•       Who you are and how you know the groom
•       Your main stories, including some embarrassing stories – see below for how to order these
•       The bride entering the groom’s life and why they are a great couple
•       Some heartfelt lines about the groom
•       A best man toast to the bride and groom

A winning best man speech template really can be as simple as that.

How Long Should A Best Man Speech Be?

The old joke is a speech should be like a dress – short enough to be attractive and long enough to cover the bare essentials. Here are some hard numbers on how long a best man speech should be.

If you have 10 – 15 minutes of bitingly funny, well-structured material, that length is probably fine. If you’re confident with public speaking , don’t know the groom so well or are one of a huge roster of speakers, then 5 – 6 minutes is fine too. In the majority of cases, I’d default to the average length of a best man speech , which is 7 – 9 minutes . This will allow you to cover lots of stories, without the fear of overstaying your welcome.

If there are lots of speakers at the wedding, you might be asked to restrict the length of your speech. This is usually to stop the speeches lasting into the middle of the night. So, if your 5 minutes becomes 6.5 minutes, don’t worry. It’s not the end of the world.

A Classic Best Man Speech Format That Always Impresses

What’s the best Best Man speech format? Easy. It’s the one that works for you and the guests. It could be slightly higher concept (see next section for examples) or it could be the classic best man speech layout below.

Let’s run through it.

Light-hearted remarks at the top of the speech

So first, we need some opening jokes or humorous one-liners . It’s here you establish who you are – friend or brother – and what you intend to do. Will you slowly roast the groom; is this revenge for when he was your Best Man? Set out your parameters early and be ruthless. Cut out all the fluff. It’s here you’re showing this speech will be lean, mean and keen.

Things to consider include:

Does the groom have a nickname? You could start with his formal name then switch to how you’d usually address him and why. It’s a good chance for an early gag.

Are you one of two Best Men? Perhaps there’s a joke about his decisiveness.

Is his timekeeping terrible? Near the top of the speech could be a good place to drop this in.

Things you don’t need to include:

Thanking people for the organisation. This feels like padding and will have usually been covered by others. Unless you’re going to turn it into a joke, of course. Thank goodness the groom didn’t get involved in the planning…!

Check out our blog on best man speech opening lines for some more inspiration.

How you know the groom

If you’re friends, how and when did you meet? For example, did you meet at school and you’re still trying to shake him off? If you’re brothers, are you older or younger, with any inside jokes ? We’re still near the top of the speech so turn this info into humour where you can.

Your main stories

Ordering your stories is one of the key elements of your Best Man speech format. Essentially you need focus and flow. Here are some ways to nail your Best Man speech layout.

• From cradle to rave

Everyone loves a funny story of infant silliness, teenage surliness and early adult adventures. Ask for stories from his parents or siblings and put them in rough order.

It could be the time he somehow broke a collarbone while sitting down. Or how he would not be separated from this teddy bear till the age of 12. Then there’s that time he thought wrestling was real. Wait till he finds out about Santa Claus…

It’s a bite-size biography that can be introduced as: “ Ladies and gentlemen , buckle up as I now present to you: the uncensored life and times of Joe Bloggs/John Doe.”

• Groom’s qualities

Write a list of various aspects of the groom’s personality. They could be positive, negative, serious or comical. For example, hardworking, scatter-brained, ambitious, accident-prone, frugal, sensitive.

Now brainstorm your stories and link them to the most appropriate quality. You now have ready-made sections for your structure.

Start your main section explaining how the groom is a great guy with a kaleidoscope of qualities, a jewel of many facets, a total nightmare! Then clearly introduce each section, e.g., “It’s now time to look at “John The Scatter-Brained.”

The virtue of this Best Man speech format is that it comes 100% from the groom’s qualities and won’t feel forced.

The bride entering the groom’s life and why they are a great couple

After your main stories, you can introduce the groom meeting the bride. Was it at work, online dating or in a bar? Is everyone still pinching themselves he’s managed to find such an amazing woman?

This section is a great chance to mix the sincere and the humorous. You could talk about how the bride has been a great influence on the groom. Or you could say she has basically had to domesticate a wild animal.

You might also have stories about how the groom has or hasn’t changed after he was struck down by Cupid’s arrow. Has the club monster become a sofa-dweller? Does he now have young kids? Perhaps he still goes to bed with sick on him, just no longer his own.

If you know the bride and groom well as a couple, you could even include some stories that involve both of them.

Some heartfelt lines about the groom

Come on, he has earned it. He really has. You’ve mocked his manners and exaggerated his eccentricities. It’s now time to show some love. The extent to which you do this is obviously dependent on the nature of your friendship. But there’s one big note here: less is more. One or two short paragraphs on what a great person, friend or brother he is will have more effect than a mini-essay.

A toast to the bride and groom

And to round off any Best Man speech format, it’s the toast. You could use it as an opportunity to squeeze in another line, e.g., “Before GROOM starts bursting into tears at all these kind words said about him, I think it’s time to raise a toast….”

The simple option is just to ask people to be upstanding as you raise a glass to the newly weds / to the bride and groom / to NAME and NAME.

A Creative Way To Order Your Best Man Speech

If you’re looking for something a bit higher concept, here are some other best man speech outline ideas.

One of the simplest is the Best Man CV as it doesn’t take too much set up.

Best Man speech CV

So, how does the Best Man CV idea work in a speech?

Start your speech as you normally would. Introduce yourself and use an icebreaker or opening line to get people warmed up. It’s now time to introduce the idea of the Best Man CV.

The bride is clearly a catch. She’s lovely, funny and kind. And the groom is… well, he’s the groom. So how on earth did he manage to get such a wonderful woman to sign on the dotted line? It’s time to take a look at his skills, talents and gifts and ask ourselves – do any of those words deserve to be used in the plural?

Generate your raw material

Brainstorm your ideas about the groom. Whether it’s big or small, just get it down. It could be the time he fell asleep in a pub toilet. His obsession with true crime documentaries. His joy at beating an 8-year-old child at table tennis.

The more ideas you generate, the more potential patterns will appear. For example, the groom might always seem to set himself the challenge of getting home with no money, no co-ordination and no spatial awareness.

So, we now move on to the next stage: linking the ideas to Best Man CV headings.

Best Man CV examples

You could draw up a list of typical qualities you see on a CV or profile. Things like attention to detail, team player, highly qualified or problem solver. Alternatively, you can look at the material you’ve got then think up a skill, talent or quality that matches it.

If he’s always late, you could have a section about how he is a “Creative timekeeper”. Most conventional people think “meet at 7pm” means 7pm. The groom thinks it means leave the house at 7pm then leave it to fate.

Here are some ways to match a heading with an idea.

• Always goes the extra mile

Forget self-sacrifice, the groom knows this means falling asleep on the train or night bus and missing his stop.

• Attention to detail

Like light from a black hole, nothing escapes the groom’s brilliant mind. His memory is the eighth wonder of the world. Just ask him what things he’s left behind in the pub and he’ll dazzle you with his recall: gloves, sunglasses, an iPad, his passport, his dignity.

• Excellent budgeting

The groom loves to explore the boundaries and possibilities of finance. Like how much you can spend on things which aren’t food or rent. He is a man who knows how to restrict his spending to the essentials, such as video games, vinyl, golf equipment and beer.

The groom is a man of such focus and determination that he sometimes forgets about the everyday things. Like having food in the fridge or remembering his friends’ birthdays. He much prefers to concentrate on life’s higher more spiritual goals like watching the latest Netflix documentary: “America’s Hottest Female Shoplifters”.

• Likes a challenge

In his 20s, he clearly realised he was such a catch that when he went out on a Saturday night, he insisted on wearing the worst clothes imaginable to give the other guys a chance.

• Putting others before himself

Nowhere is this more evident than in the pub. When it is suggested that it might be the groom’s turn to buy a round of drinks, his nobility shines through: “No. I believe it is others first.”

• Work-life balance

Groom’s approach to this is admirable. Start each week with 100% leisure time then slowly introduce small amounts of work. On one occasion, it was so successful he managed an entire day in the office – albeit his lunch break lasted three hours.

• Best Man speech CV conclusion

When it comes to your Best Man speech structure , the beauty of the Best Man CV is that it’s simple and flexible. You have a natural end point too. All these “qualities” mean the groom DOES deserve the bride. Especially when you end with some sincere remarks about what a good friend or brother he is.

Rules about the groom

This is another simple Best Man speech outline . Imagine the groom is like an exotic pet. What are the rules needed to deal with and look after him? Take some of your main stories and extract a simple Do or Don’t from each one.

For example:

•       Don’t give him alcohol after 11pm – into nightclub story where he ended up sleeping in the toilets.
•       Don’t encourage his ambitions – into story where he bid a tearful farewell to all common sense
•       Do buy him clothes… as often as possible – a chance to discuss some of his crimes against fashion

If you list the number of rules near the top of the speech, you’ve got an automatic way for everyone to know if they’re near the middle or the end. This does make a big difference.

Whichever Best Man speech format you use, remember this: it’s to serve the material and the stories, not to gain you kudos for being clever. If in doubt, ask yourself this about your layout: Does it add clarity? Does it aid the humour? If you don’t get a “yes”, give your potential layout a “no” and choose another one.

Need Help Structuring Your Best Man Speech ?

Even with tips on how to structure your Best Man speech , it can still feel daunting. Or perhaps you feel you can do it, but just don’t have the time. Either way, no problem. I offer a best man speech writing service where I can write you a speech that flows from top to bottom.

You give me the info, I write and structure the material and you get a speech you can’t wait to deliver. So why not take a look at my Best Man speech writing packages or get in touch now ?

Would you like some support with your speech? Why not check out my services?

Writing a Best Man Speech: Outline and Guide (+3 Examples)

• by Marisa Jenkins
• January 24, 2024

Being chosen as a bridal party member —especially as a best man or maid of honor —is a big deal. You have been given the opportunity to support someone in such a momentous part of their life. Your role comes with plenty of responsibilities, including making a speech at the reception.

Having an outline for your speech as a best man can be really helpful when you start writing the draft. Here is a classic and timeless example of an outline:

• Self-introduction
• Short icebreaker ( optional )
• Stories about the groom
• Talk about the partner
• Talk about their relationship
• Well-wishes and advice

Below is a more detailed explanation of each part of a best man speech outline, followed by a step-by-step guide—with tips—for writing the speech itself. Some examples are also provided to help you in the process. 

Best Man Speech Outline: Easy Template to Use

Greet everyone present (1–3 sentences).

Before anything else, make sure to greet the guests, bridal party, and vendors at the venue. Acknowledge their presence and the effort they put into being there on the newlyweds’ special day.

You can keep this part brief but upbeat to get your guests engaged and listening to your speech as a best man.

Example : Hey everyone! Thank you for making the time and effort to attend Ben and Stephanie’s wedding.

Introduce Yourself (1–2 Sentences)

At the reception, odds are most people—but not all—will know who you are. For everyone’s benefit, briefly introduce yourself and your relationship with the newlyweds.

Example : For those of you who don’t know me—first of all, how dare you? Kidding aside, my name is Ryan Drews, Mike’s best friend and life coach. We’ve known each other since high school.

(Optional) Short Icebreaker (1–3 Sentences)

If you feel like you still need to capture your guests’ attention, consider adding a short joke or anecdote before you get into the body of your best man speech. You can get a good laugh and set the tone for the rest of the speech. 

Example : Honestly, I was a bit nervous about giving this speech. People said it should only be as long as Gavin’s attention span. So… I guess that’s all for my speech, goodnight!”

Personal Stories and Memories With the Groom (1–3 Paragraphs)

Share a personal story that showcases your relationship and closeness with the groom. It does not necessarily have to be relatable, but make sure the memory will highlight the groom’s personality and positive traits.

You can also talk about the groom’s growth and development over the years. How much has he changed? How has he changed? Shed light on the positive changes you have observed since he and his partner got together .

Example : [Compare the groom’s personality during high school and today. He might be more mature, patient, and mentally strong than before. If you have one, share a story that illustrates these changes.]

Talk About the Partner (1–2 Paragraphs)

Do not forget about the star of the night—the other newlywed. Talk about your first impressions, the day you were first introduced, and any striking memories you have with them.

Example : [Where did you meet each other for the first time? Did you have dinner somewhere? What did you think of her initially, and how did this impression change?]

Talk About the Newlyweds (1–2 Paragraphs)

Compliment the couple and talk about their relationship. Highlight their strengths, share how you think they complement each other, and tell them how they make you—and everyone around them—feel.

Example : You two are an example of how a healthy dose of annoying each other can actually go a long way in making a relationship better. But all jokes aside, you guys inspire everyone around you to be kinder to one another and themselves.

Conclusion: Well-Wishes and Advice (1–2 Paragraphs)

The last part of a best man speech’s outline can contain well-wishes, advice, or both. Share any wisdom you have regarding marriage, and tell them that you are praying for the best for their future.

Example : Always remember that marriage is a two-player game: both of you must put in the same amount of effort to keep the game going. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Linnehan! May the future be bright and boundless for you. 

Writing a Best Man Speech: Steps and Tips to Follow

Step 1: Gather Material by Reflecting

Take a trip down memory lane and think about your relationship with the groom over the years. Write down any funny stories, milestones, and incidents that come up.

At the same time, think back on what you know about the groom’s relationship with his partner. How did they meet? How did you meet his partner for the first time? What makes their bond and journey special?

As you reflect, think about their qualities as individuals and as a couple. These traits will be a great addition to your best man speech.

Tip: Start Early

Do not leave your speech as a best man to the last minute. Ideally, start brainstorming and thinking of what to say as early as a few weeks before the wedding day. This will give you plenty of time to write, revise, and revise some more.

Step 2: Structure Your Speech

The outline above will help you structure your speech. However, feel free to add any personal touches or make changes to the order.

Tip: Decide What Tone You Want to Use

Spend a moment to decide how you want to deliver your speech. Do you want to be funny and witty? Do you want to sound casual? Do you want to flex your poetic muscles? Do you want to incorporate multiple styles and tones?

Step 3: Start the First Draft

Eventually, you have to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Write everything that comes to mind, letting your past reflections guide you as you compose your best man speech.

Do not worry about making it perfect on the first try—no one ever gets it perfect on the first try. Let yourself word vomit until you have written everything you have in mind.

Tip: Do Not Go Too Heavy With Inside Jokes

Although you understandably want to show how well you know the groom and make your guests laugh, avoid sharing inside jokes. Everyone will not get it without explaining the necessary context; you simply may not have the time to do so.

Step 4: Edit and Refine Your Draft

Start with any obvious grammatical errors. Fix faulty subject-verb agreements, incorrect uses of prepositions, and whatnot. You can use apps like Grammarly or built-in grammar checkers to help you with this part.

As you go along, read the speech aloud or in your head to see if there are any awkward spots. You may have to rephrase certain parts or rearrange sentences to make your speech flow better.

Be patient with yourself, as it might take multiple revisions before you get a speech you are satisfied with.

Tip: Keep It Concise

Aim for a best man’s speech that does not exceed 4–6 minutes. Any more than that and you risk losing your guests’ attention.

Step 5: Practice Giving the Speech

After a few revisions, start practicing the speech out loud. One benefit of this is that you will spot more ways to revise your speech to make it better. 

At the same time, a practical tip is to mark points in your speech where you will pause for a moment and take a breath. This will make the delivery more relaxed and natural-sounding.

If possible, ask for a close friend or another bridal party member to listen to your speech. They can give you constructive criticism and feedback to further improve the content and your delivery.

Tip: Read the Room

As you practice your delivery to a test audience, pay attention to how they react to what you wrote. They might think that a certain anecdote is too embarrassing for the groom or that your speech has more humor than sincerity.

You might unintentionally humiliate yourself or the groom if you include stories that are too personal. Likewise, you might come across as insincere or performative if you try too hard with your speech.

Adjust your speech and delivery accordingly. As mentioned above, the revision process never stops—even as you give the speech at the reception, odds are you will make a few changes off the cuff.

Step 6: Make the Final Preparations

Print a few copies of your speech on high-quality stationery, as it is good to have extras in case something happens. If nothing else, it can be a wonderful keepsake for the newlyweds.

Make sure to have some positive coping mechanisms for stress as well. Look into breathing practices to help you manage your anxiety and stage fright.

Tip: Engage the Audience

Do not just read off your copy, since this will make you sound robotic. Pay special attention to making eye contact with guests, pausing for reactions, and ad-libbing when the opportunity presents itself. 

Speech from the Best Man: Heartwarming Examples

1. Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention for just a few moments? Before I continue with my speech, I want to thank everyone for being here tonight. We know it isn’t cheap to attend a destination wedding, so we do want to make it clear that we will not be offering any rebate or cashback.

Anyway, for those of you who don’t know me, I’m Brian Mills. Nolan’s my cousin, and he has given me the honor—and stress—of being his best man. We actually only became close in high school when we both tried out for the basketball team.

Needless to say, both of us didn’t get in. We did continue practicing in our free time. These games allowed me to get to know Nolan better.

A lot has changed since then, huh? In high school, Nolan was wild, impulsive, and a bit irresponsible—we both were. Now, though, Nolan is reliable, clever, and puts everyone’s needs before his.

I remember when Nolan first introduced me to Lisa. His eyes were lit up in a way that I’d never seen before… not even when the Lakers won that championship in 2020! The more I got to know Lisa, the more I understood how perfect they are for each other; they’re both kind, adventurous, and passionate.

Lisa, I want to officially welcome you to the madness that is our family. We promise not to share too many embarrassing stories… at least until after your first anniversary.

Kidding aside, I have never seen Nolan as happy as he is with Lisa. You both bring out the best in each other, and it’s clear to all of us here that you share a love that is deep, genuine, and enduring.

So, let’s raise our glasses in a toast to Nolan and Lisa. May your love be modern enough to survive the times and old-fashioned enough to last forever. Cheers!

Thank you, everyone. Enjoy the rest of your evening!

2. Good evening, everyone! How’s your night going so far? I hope the food and drinks are all to your liking; we worked very hard tasting every dish our lovely caterer had to offer.

I’m Alex, and I have the great privilege of being David’s best man. Before I start, let’s give another round of applause to the beautiful couple. David, my man, you look sharp tonight! But I think I speak for everyone when I say: Emily, you’ve definitely stolen the show.

I’ve known David for almost 20 years now. We first met in middle school, and our friendship has been a rollercoaster ride ever since. From camping trips that turned into survival missions to late-night study sessions that rarely involved studying, I can say we’ve had our fair share of memorable moments.

But today, I want to focus on the biggest adventure David has had: his adventure with Emily. I still remember the day David told me about Emily. He said, “There’s this incredible woman.” And he was right. Emily, your kindness, intelligence, and sense of humor make you a perfect match for David. And David, well, I guess he isn’t too bad.

Together, you two are like a fine wine—you just keep getting better with time. David, you’ve found your soulmate in Emily. Your partnership is a testament to what every love should have—support, laughter, and a lot of patience (especially when David tries to cook or crack a joke).

Emily, welcome to our small, silly, but very loving friend group. You bring out the best in David, and for that, we are all grateful.

David, I have one piece of advice for you as you enter this new chapter: a happy wife is a happy life. Always remember that.

As we stand here in this beautiful venue, surrounded by friends and family, I am reminded of a quote I once heard: “Love isn’t about finding the perfect person. It’s about realizing that an imperfect person can make your life perfect.”/

So, let’s raise our glasses to David and Emily. May your life together be filled with endless love, laughter, and luck. Cheers!

Thank you, everyone. Let’s make this a night to remember!

3. Hi, everyone! I just want to take a few minutes of your time to say some words about our lovely newlyweds. My name is Charles, and Manny chose me as his best man.

The love story I’ve witnessed over the past six years is nothing short of magical. First of all, their growth as individuals is very laudable; I’ve seen Manny go from a slightly reckless and clueless college student to a calm and collected man. I can confidently say that Jenny’s presence has been transformative to Manny.

Jenny, it is clear that you and Manny are soulmates. Thank you for taking care of him, keeping him in check, and humbling him whenever he needs it.

May your love be a sturdy lighthouse amidst a rough and rowdy sea, shining a light that will guide you through the darkness and unpredictability of life.

Congratulations to you two! Cheers to the future!

Final Thoughts

Being someone’s best man is a huge honor; it means you occupy such a special part of their life they wanted you to have this major role in their wedding.

When preparing a best man speech outline, the most important thing to keep in mind is authenticity—stay true to yourself. If you want to write an amazing, unforgettable speech, just focus on pouring your heart onto paper. Everything else will follow.

Marisa Jenkins

Marisa Jenkins is a wedding planner and event coordinator. Her main goal for WeddingFrontier.com is to simplify the wedding planning process by sharing her years of expertise in the industry.

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• Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception? How to Write a Wedding Toast Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech How to Write a Best Man Toast Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech What to Know About a Newlywed Toast Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips 60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

How to Write the Perfect Best Man Speech

Two experts share the best tips for writing a winning toast.

Photo by Sydney Noelle Photography

In This Article

First of all, congratulations on being asked to be the best man. You, of course, have many important responsibilities —like groomsmen shepherding and bachelor party planning , among others—but there's only one task that will secure your proud ascension into the ranks of becoming the MVP: Giving a killer toast.

The best man's speech traditionally follows the groom's speech and is a chance for you to say some sweet words about your relationship with the couple and your best friend. But, if the thought of public speaking has your kneecaps sweating, we found you two coaches with years of experience to help ease your nerves.

Ahead, with the help of President Barack Obama's former speechwriter David Litt, and Pete Honsberger, author of Wedding Toasts 101: The Guide to the Perfect Wedding Speech , here are the best tips for writing a perfect man speech, in order to pull off the most amazing toast ever.

The Best (and Worst) Best Man Speech Ever

Meet the Expert

• David Litt was the speechwriter for President Barack Obama from 2011 to 2016 and is the author of the New York Times best-selling book Thanks, Obama.
• Pete Honsberger has been a serial groomsman, speaker, and wedding toast advisor for most of his adult life. When it comes to wedding toasts, he's seen just about everything—you can read about it in his book, Wedding Toasts 101: The Guide to the Perfect Wedding Speech .

Best Man Speech Template 

Getting all your thoughts and feelings down on paper can be overwhelming, especially if you're not used to sharing those sentiments with the guys. And for those who are unsure of what to write for the big day, here is a guideline to help you find your flow.

Find a Theme

A theme is a unifying idea that ties the whole speech together. Think of it as the takeaway of your speech, or the one thing you want guests to remember. The best way to identify your theme is by making a list of your favorite stories. "You’re not going to just write a speech from scratch. Start by brainstorming stories. Most importantly, what you’re looking for is the theme that comes out of those anecdotes," says Litt.

Build a Framework

The best way to organize your thoughts is to create a blueprint of the key points you want to hit first, sort of like a toast skeleton. After you've established the roadmap, fill it in with pertinent details and memories while still ensuring you're staying on point. "Think about it in terms of ideas," says Litt. "You can get in one or two short anecdotes, maybe three, and one big idea. If those are good, you don’t need more."

Instead of thinking of yourself as the speaker, imagine that you're actually standing in the audience. Think about what the audience would like to hear, rather than what you want to do.

Focus on the Newlyweds

Most best men will include a story or two about their friendship with the groom, but don't center the whole speech on it. "Remember the relationship that you’re celebrating is the one between the two people getting married. You’re giving the speech because you can shine some unique light on that relationship," says Litt. "If the relationship that you’re really giving the speech about is the one between you and the groom, things [will get] awkward."

Share Your Feelings

Deliver something more meaningful than one joke after another. "Generally speaking, men think of the best man speech as a funny speech to give because we’re very uncomfortable sharing how we actually feel. But, what makes a good best man speech is the part where somebody shares how they feel. Humor is just the icing on the cake," says Litt. The newlyweds chose you to speak because you have something notable to add to their big day. Embrace your personal insight into their bond and don't try to dilute it by just being funny.

Best Man Speech Tips

Ahead, find our best tips for making sure your speech is as polished as possible.

Consider Your Audience

You can't nail a speech if you have no idea who to tailor the content to. "Feel free to ask beforehand. When I was writing speeches for the president, we had a point of contact where the speech was happening to say who exactly is in the audience. You can do a smaller-scale version of that. Your point of contact is probably your friend getting married . But, the nice thing about giving the best man speech is that, ideally, it’s both specific to you and universal to the couple," says Litt.

"I would say almost never start with talking about how nervous you are. I’d also say just relax. That’s a hard thing to tell someone to do. But remember, you’re not putting on a show," says Litt. "You're simply talking about your best friend and the love of their life, two people that you've probably spent a lot of time with. In the end, it should just flow and come out easily." Litt also suggests, "imagine you’re just telling a story to a group of friends because, really, you are."

Stay True to Yourself

Stick with who you are and how you would normally act around your friends; you don't need to adopt a character just because you're giving a speech. For example, if you aren't normally the comedian in the group, don't try to tell a bunch of jokes. If you're not usually a super-sentimental person, don't force it. There's nothing wrong with keeping your speech more lighthearted . The couple already knows (and loves) your personality, so the more genuine you are, the better your speech will be received by both the newlyweds and their guests.

Don't Rely Solely On Humor

While a few jokes sprinkled in can be a great tool for loosening up the crowd, don't make these the meat of your toast—especially if comedy doesn't come naturally to you. "Let me put it this way. There’s such a thing as too many bad jokes, and that number is about one. The more you treat it as an open-mic night, the less happy everyone involved is going to be. You don’t need to go in thinking, 'How do I get invited back next week?'" explains Litt.

Keep Things Positive

Even if you think it's well-meaning, don't turn the toast into a roast or make jokes at the couple's expense. "I’ve seen best man speeches where someone thinks, 'Oh, my job is to roast the groom .' Unless the couple specifically told you that’s your job, that’s not your job. The way to think about jokes is that you don’t want people to be laughing at the groom or at the couple. You want people to be laughing because they suddenly know the groom better than they did before." says Litt.

Don't Upstage the Newlyweds

Litt's previous boss (former President Obama) really enjoyed telling other people's stories at speaking engagements, and this ultimately strengthened his messages. "His speeches are not really about him. They’re about other people," says Litt. Channel Obama by keeping your speech focused on the couple. "You’re not performing. You’re there because you know someone and care about them, and you’re sharing that with a bunch of other people. Even a great best man speech is not supposed to steal the show. If somebody says, 'That speech was nice but almost forgettable because we were so focused on the bride and groom,' that’s a win. You don’t need to be the star," advises Litt.

Keep Things Appropriate

"My general rule for wedding speeches is: If you have to ask yourself, 'Is this appropriate?' it’s not. And if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t know, ask a friend. If they give you that slightly horrified look, listen to that look," explains Litt. Keep in mind that your audience will include guests of various generations and cultures, like your friend's grandparents, boss, and colleagues. Refrain from mentioning anything that you wouldn't want your grandma or boss to know.

Get a Second Opinion

Remember, you'll be delivering this toast in front of an audience (as if you could forget, right?). So it doesn't hurt to get some feedback on what you're planning on saying. "If you’re the kind of person who has a track record of going a little too far with your surprises, you should be self-aware enough to run this by a third party—maybe another close friend or a friend of the bride ," says Litt.

The last thing you want to do is stand up and give a speech that you've never said out loud. "The best thing to do is practice with a friend. Anybody giving a big speech rehearses beforehand. If you’ve already gotten good feedback from field-testing your remarks with a smaller group, then you’re going to come out on the wedding day comfortably knowing you have a good speech. It's that uncertainty that can be scary when you’re up there speaking," says Litt.

Keep It Short

Let's be realistic: Super-long wedding toasts annoy guests. "I’ve never been to a wedding where anyone said, 'That was a great wedding, but the best man speech was just too short and that ruined it.' I would say five minutes is the absolute maximum. Three minutes is fine. There’s no question that if you’re reading this, you’ve sat through a speech that was too long. But when you start writing a speech, you almost never think, 'Is this going to be too long?'" explains Litt.

Limit Your Drinks

Don't embarrass yourself by slurring through your toast. "Being one drink in works for some people, but being more than one drink in is never a good idea. At that moment when you’re like, 'You know what I need? Another couple of shots.' That is never what you need," advises Litt.

Best Man Speech Openers

Now that you understand the fundamentals of creating a great toast, your next step is to sit down and start writing. If you need a little help getting your speech going, though, our experts share a few ideas to kick-start the process.

Introduce Yourself With a Twist

Want to tell the crowd exactly why you're the best man? Honsberger says to get straight to the point and tell them how you know the groom . Most importantly, add some flavor to the first few lines. Spice it up a bit, as anyone can do the standard, “For those of you who don’t know me….” Simply put, ask yourself what a twist would look like in your own introduction. 

“Good evening, if you’re in this room and don’t know me by now, then you’re probably at the wrong wedding. I am, of course, [your name], and I’ve been best friends with [groom] for 25 years…”

“Hello and welcome to tonight’s reception. [name of groom], YOU truly are MY biggest fan. Wait, that didn’t come out right…As I was saying…”

Crack a Joke, Even a Corny One

Remember the audience when determining whether your joke should be said, but ultimately, try and see if you can get the crowd to laugh in the first 30 seconds. To achieve this, Honsberger says to simply reach into your own bag of jokes or look one up online. "I’d encourage you to first spend a little time reflecting on your own comedic ability. If you’re coming up empty, then consult outside resources," he notes.

"Hello, I’m the best man [your name]. This entire day has been beautiful so far. In fact, I’m getting emotional. The wedding cake has me in TIERS. (looking at a three-tiered cake).” 

"You’re probably wondering why I asked you all here tonight…well, I can promise it’s not for my 'Magic Mike' performance. You’ll have to stick around to the last song for that."

Be Hilarious With a Straight Face

While still technically a joke, this is you working hard to sound serious while saying something absurd. And if you get this right, you’ll hear a little giggle immediately, followed by laughter from the rest of the crowd once they figure out what you said was a joke.

“Good evening, I am [your name], the best man and [relationship to groom] of [name of groom]. Tonight we’re in a room full of great men –doctors, lawyers, military veterans, and successful businesspeople –yet I am the 'best.' His words, not mine.” 

"As Abraham Lincoln once said, [say something outrageous than Lincoln obviously never said—an inspirational quote, movie line, piece of advice, etc.] … and that’s what brings us all together tonight to celebrate [couple's name].”

Introduce a Recurring Theme

Choosing an overall toast theme can help you start strong. If you decide that your relationship with the groom can be summed up by sports, college, vacations, a mutual love of running, or whatever fits you, that can be your theme. And if that’s the case, your opener is simply the first, or the best, story you have related to that specific topic. 

“Hello and welcome, my name’s [your name], and I’m here to talk about my amazing friends Mike and Liz. They are truly a story of opposites attracting. 

For example, Liz’s favorite food is french fries, and Mike is allergic to potatoes. Mike has an obsession with ice cream, and Liz is lactose intolerant (pause for laughter).

Thankfully, things have a way of working out, and we are gathered tonight to celebrate the most important thing they have in common…incredibly good looks. I mean, LOVE.”

Just like that, you’ve captured the audience, let them into the world of the married couple, and got them excited for the rest of your toast. 

Ask a Question to Answer Throughout

If you’re questioning your toast opener, try leaning into that approach. Instead of looking for the answer, embrace the question. Think about what you would want to know about the groom if you were a distant relative or family friend sitting in the audience, says Honsberger. What would be an interesting question to explore about the couple? Use that. 

“Good evening. My name is [your name] and I’ve known [groom] for more than [#] years. As I was preparing this toast, one question consistently rang in my mind: How do I summarize a friendship that has lasted since we [when you met]? Believe it or not, [groom] was [name a quirk or characteristic about him] back then, too.” 

“But really, how can I possibly speak to all of our experiences in just a few minutes without turning it into one big inside joke? Do I talk about …?” 

Then, spend the rest of the speech answering that question, and you’ll never lack information to share. 

Rhyme-Master Flex

Really want to capture the intrigue of everyone in the room? Start rhyming your sentences. Honsberger says he tried this in his first-ever wedding toast, and the result was an audience hanging on every sentence, wondering what the next line would be.

“Good evening ladies and gentlemen, I am Dan's younger brother, Pete. Many of you, I already know. Some, I have yet to meet.

Dan and Kate, thank you so much for this amazing chance, to speak on your special day … by the way, I call first dance. (crowd boos in jest) Sorry, but I called it! 

I’ve looked up to Dan ever since I’ve had sight. He was always bigger than me, and he was always right. 

Being the oldest of four boys couldn’t have been an easy thing. But in a house full of hyenas, Dan was the Lion King."

Read a Definition from the Dictionary

Here’s a chance to leverage one of the most straightforward and honest resources in existence: the dictionary. All you need to do is find one word that defines the couple’s relationship , says Honsberger. This can be serious and sentimental or funny—your choice. Just make sure it's relevant to the couple. 

“Google’s second definition of the word ‘love’ says, ‘A great interest and pleasure in something or someone.’ I think this is beautiful and an understatement when I think of [bride] and [groom]’s marriage. Although I was a little concerned when, under the definition, the word “love” was used in a sentence as ‘His love for football.’ Hmm, strange…”

“Who’s ready to dance tonight? Wikipedia defines the word ‘dance’ as ‘a performing art form consisting of purposefully selected sequences of human movement,’ and those words have honestly never come to mind when I think of [groom] dancing. I might be kidding, but there’s only one way to find out!” 

Tell a Story of How You Met

If the groom is a friend, chances are you have a good story of the first time you met or early in your friendship. If it’s your brother or family member, simply use one of your first memories together, whether playing, adventuring, or getting into trouble.

“The year was 1993, the class was kindergarten. I was building a beautiful tower of blocks when out of nowhere, they were knocked to the ground by a classmate without mercy or even an apology. That classmate was Matt, and we’ve been best friends ever since. And Matt, I’m sorry for throwing the blocks at your head after that.” 

Begin With a Quote

Simple and overused? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely. If you want to make the groom smile immediately during your toast, use a quote that you both recognize. If there’s one that his partner appreciates, too, even better. 

The most important reminder when using a quote is to ensure the audience feels like they’re part of it, too. Unless the quote is universally known, briefly mention its origin right after saying it. Let them into the joke and they’ll be with you for the rest of the toast. 

“Good evening everyone, my name is [your name], and I’m the best man tonight. When coach [name] used to tell you to ‘Be an Athlete,’ this is what he meant. When anyone on our team missed a tackle, it was ‘be an athlete,’ when our jerseys weren’t tucked in, same saying. We’ve adopted that as a cure for any issues in life. When [groom] really wanted to introduce himself to [bride], the solution was simple. ‘Be an athlete.’ And he was. So if you see [groom] miss a step on the dance floor later, be sure to remind him to ‘Be an athlete.’"

Read Something in a Different Language

Looking for a way to involve international members of the  family  in your toast? Look no further than practicing a phrase and reciting it in their native language to begin your toast. If that doesn’t apply in your situation, yet you still want to shake things up and be unique, you can translate a wedding-related sentence into another language. It will be intriguing, and you’ll sound smart! 

“Hello and welcome to everyone in both families on such a beautiful day. Me llamo Pedro y necesito que te diviertas porque esta boda es muy cara (wait for laughter from Spanish speakers). If you don’t speak Spanish, I said that I need everyone to have fun because this wedding is really expensive!” 

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, this speech is about the couple getting married, why you love them so much, how happy you are for them, and why you're honored to have this role in the wedding party. Keep things light, positive, and succinct—and also remember that the celebration is all about love, and no one is here to make you feel nervous. Make time to practice the speech, take a few deep breaths before you begin to speak, and focus your attention on the couple. Before you know it, you'll have given a speech for the books!

The best man traditionally speaks at the wedding reception following the maid of honor, though some couples may schedule the speeches during the rehearsal dinner instead.

The best man gives one speech either at the wedding reception or, less commonly, the rehearsal dinner.

The best man's speech serves as a special lens for the audience to better understand the groom, and the newlyweds, through his significant position in their lives. The focus should be to highlight the relationship of the newlyweds rather than the relationship between the best man and groom.

A Guide to Wedding Reception Toasts

Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception?

How to Write a Wedding Toast

Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech

How to Write a Best Man Toast

Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech

What to Know About a Newlywed Toast

Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips

60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

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Follow This Perfect Best Man Speech: Tips + Examples

Written by  Shutterfly Community Last Updated: Oct 12, 2018

You’ve been chosen as the best man. Congratulations! It’s a great feeling to know that your friend or relative wants you to take part as his right-hand man in one of the best days of his life.

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One of the most important duties as best man is the best man speech. Traditionally the speech is given during the reception before the guests eat. Whether you are great with public speaking or a little intimidated by standing in front of a large group, we have all the tools you need in order to be best prepared, so don’t sweat it.

The Do’s and Don’ts For Preparing Your Best Man Speech

Don’t wing it..

Find a time a couple of months before the wedding to think about the things you want to talk about and write an outline. Most likely you’ll get caught up in best man activities with the groom and it will leave you with less time as the date approaches.

Do write a great intro.

The intro is the most important part of the speech because it grabs the audience’s attention. Try a funny one-liner, a story about you and the groom or even a compliment to his lovely new wife.

Don’t bring up past relationships.

Not only is it disrespectful to his wife but his wife’s family will also be there and will not want to hear about the groom’s litany of ex-girlfriends.

Do have a plan B.

Make sure you have the speech written down or outlined and have some jokes or points to cover if you are facing a tough crowd.

Don’t make negative jokes about marriage.

Even if you and the groom have an inside joke or if you have negative ideas about settling down, the audience doesn’t need to know. Also, don’t use curse words at any point during the speech, as you don’t know who in the audience you might offend.

Do practice.

Practice makes perfect. Going over the speech several times will ensure that you are comfortable with what you are saying and it will sound more natural.  Pro tip: record your speech on your phone’s voice memos and play back.

Don’t talk about the groom in compromising situations.

So you’ve seen the groom embarrass himself but you should keep that to yourself. You don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable or upset his wife.

Do congratulate the couple.

Make a toast, congratulate them and say what your wishes are for them in their new life.

Don’t make it longer than 7 minutes.

Although speeches are a fun part of the reception, making it too long can bore the hungry guests. If it’s a casual reception keep it to about three minutes, for a more formal setting seven minutes is more than enough time.

Do thank the guests.

As the groom’s right-hand man, make sure you thank everyone who attended and even the people working the event. It’s a nice gesture that will be appreciated.

A Simple Best Man Speech Outline

If you want a speech that is short, sweet and simple that is perfectly acceptable as well. This works well for smaller wedding receptions, weddings that will have more than two speakers or those that are a little more private. Following these simple steps will ensure a great and memorable speech:

• Opening line
• Introduce yourself
• Talk about groom/Compliment bride
• Propose a toast
• Thank the couple

Short and simple speech

Since I have everyone’s attention I’d love to say a few words to this amazing couple sitting right in front of me. For those who don’t know me, I’m Ed. Mike’s closest friend and sidekick.  We’ve known each other for about 11 years and have been on many adventures together. During that time, I got to know him well and can honestly say, he is the most selfless and stand-up guy I’ve ever met. I am thrilled to be standing here and celebrating him and his beautiful bride, Linda.

I am sure this union between two honest and caring people makes you all smile. Let’s raise a glass for everlasting love! Thanks for making us all part of this beautiful day.

Best Man Speech Template

Typically, a best man speech should last about 4-7 minutes depending on the party. While short and sweet is welcomed, a best man speech can also include more details such as how you know the groom and the bride, funny jokes, heartfelt stories and your well wishes.

Whether you want your speech to make the crowd laugh or shed a little tear, you may be wondering how to get started. We’ve pointed out several tips in our template below. Remember, a speech should always come from the heart.

How to Write the Perfect Best Man Speech

1 Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. It’s lovely to see some familiar faces. On behalf of the gorgeous bridesmaids and not so gorgeous groomsmen, we’d like to thank you all for coming. 2 It’s amazing to see how far people will travel for free cocktails.

3 For those who don’t know me, my name is Adam. I am the best man and Sam’s very best friend. It’s an honor to be here and to be part of such a beautiful event. 4 I met Sam 20 years ago. We grew up together as neighbors in San Diego and attended the same school all throughout college. 5 He was the nice kid on the block who would go home and do his homework while all of us were out doing, well, the things we shouldn’t be doing. Can you believe it took me two months to convince him to toilet paper Mrs. Carter’s house? Mrs. Carter isn’t here, is she?

Luckily, as we grew up, he started making better decisions; one of them being this very special day. He is marrying his best friend 6 and the most beautiful girl he’s ever laid eyes on. Sarah, he said this to me just the other night and I promise no more than three drinks were involved.

7 When Sam introduced us to Sarah , we knew right away she was the one. For starters, she made him get rid of that horrible, beer-stained couch that he had since college. That alone got our stamp of approval. But mostly, we saw how happy she made him and how every time he talked about her, he would have a huge smile. We started seeing a little less of him, but that’s okay because we were getting tired of buying his drinks anyway.

For that reason, and the reason we are all here today, 8 I’d like to raise a glass to Sam and Sarah. May you have the life you always dreamed of, continue to fight over the remote and cherish making beautiful memories together. Find joy in the small things like Portlandia and expensive coffee and may sparks continue to fly forever. 9 Thank you guys for allowing me to be part of this special day and for trusting me not to ruin this beautiful moment (phew!). I’d also love to give a huge thanks to the staff who have helped make this night memorable.

10 Cheers, everyone! Continue to have a great night and come hang out with me on the dance floor.

Always address the audience and welcome them.

A quick opening sentence to welcome guests helps everyone feel at ease.

Throw in a silly joke.

A wedding should be fun and enjoyable. A joke will help to break the ice.

Introduce yourself.

It’s best to not assume that everyone knows who you are. A short and simple introduction will allow everyone to get familiar with the wedding party.

Talk about how you know each other.

Whether you are a relative or friend, talk the audience through how you got to be a special person in the groom’s life.

Talk about groom’s personality.

Use this time to make a joke about the groom or share a sweet sentiment. Mention any sports, skills or funny stories that people will appreciate.

Compliment his bride.

Acknowledging the bride is a must, especially because she makes the groom so happy. A mention of her dress, personality or the first time you met her is ideal.

Talk a bit about them as a couple.

Share things you like about them as a couple. It helps the audience get to know their dynamic a little better and it will make the couple smile as well.

Give a toast.

Raise a glass and cheers to the new couple. Including a bit of tradition makes the speech much more special.

Thank the couple and staff.

Everyone spent a lot of time preparing for the special day. Make sure to thank the couple for allowing you to be part of it and the staff for making it all happen.

This closing allows for any sort of instruction such as dancing, dessert or simply to tell them to enjoy the party.

Best Man Speech for Brother

Good evening, hope everyone is having a good time tonight. I feel very privileged and honored to be standing here tonight celebrating this lovely union. Two years ago, Matt gave the best man speech at my wedding and made a lot of awkward jokes. So needless to say, I’ve been waiting for this moment for a really long time! For those who don’t know, I am Matt’s brother, Mike. I first met Matt when I was two years old at our parent’s house in Boston. To be quite honest, I wasn’t thrilled because I really wanted a sister. And I think he knew because Matt would do ridiculous things like throw my toothbrush in the toilet, pour water at me when I was asleep and run across the room naked when I had any friends over. This made me less popular than I already was.

Matt always excelled in school, was captain of the debate team (apologies to Cara, but he can argue his way out of anything!) and can make a mean steak. The truth is, despite him being an annoying brother at the time, I came out winning in the end. Because of him and this beautiful night, I am getting the sister I always wanted. Cara, you’re beautiful and our family loves you so much. Thank you for making my brother so happy.

Let’s celebrate this amazing union and raise a glass to the newlyweds! On behalf of the groomsmen and bridesmaids, we’d like to wish you a life full of love, happiness, and joy.

To everyone who made tonight happen, thank you. You’ve made this night very special.

Sentimental Best Man Speech

If I can have your attention everybody, I’d like to say a few words. Thank you all for being here to celebrate this lovely couple. Now I would like you all to take out some tissues, because you are going to need them after this. For those of you who have not met me I am Rich, Joe’s best man. Rich and I have known each other for over 30 years, we met when we were both just two years old. We lived on the same street and our mothers were friends so naturally we also became friends.

I am an only child so Joe was like a brother to me. We became inseparable. We played in T-ball together and then graduated on to baseball throughout high school. When we weren’t throwing the ball we were skateboarding, watching movies or challenging each other in video games.

Joe was always hanging out at my house and I grew up thinking he was just part of the family. I remember asking my mom why Joe never goes home and mom would always say “Rich, Joe is the brother you never had, take good care of each other.”

What my mom didn’t tell me at the time was that Joe’s mom was really sick and his dad worked double shifts just to stay afloat with all the medical bills. So, having Joe around was our way of helping out.

Even though we were only in high school, Joe made it very clear that he wanted to have a wife and family of his own. His mother’s death at such a young age was really challenging and in some ways, he learned to cherish the women he had in his life more.

He knew he wanted a strong, nurturing and kind woman to be his wife. When Joe met Sarah he almost broke it off with her because he was afraid of losing her. I remember Joe coming to me and saying, “I’m in trouble, I’ve met the one but don’t know what to do.” “Scared is good”, I said, “It means you won’t mess this up”.

Sarah’s greatest strength comes from losing her father to cancer at a young age. When Joe and Sarah met, their commonalities bonded them immediately. Both missing the connection with their parents and understanding each other’s experiences brought them very close. I’ve never seen two people more meant for each other. From the moment they met in college, there has been an incredible and magical bond.

When I look at both of you I can see how your experiences have led you to one another. It’s as if your parents were orchestrating this all along. Even though your parents are not here with us tonight, they are in spirit and will continue to guide you in the right direction and are so very proud of you.

As we all gather here to enjoy this dinner tonight, I’d like to make a toast to Joe and Sarah. Two souls meant to meet and fall in love. I want you to know that mom misses you hanging out at the house and she told me to tell you that you are always welcome in her home.

Joe, thank you for being my friend and brother all these years. You are the very best friend a guy could ever have and I love you so much.

Sarah, Thank you for loving this great man and for taking Joe to be your husband. I know you both will take care of each other and keep the memories of your parents alive together.

Now that our napkins need replacing, I’d like to thank all the staff and event coordinators for taking care of this beautiful event.

Cheers to everyone, enjoy your night and if you have a chance, come find me and say hi.

Funny Best Man Speech

Ladies and gentlemen if I can have your attention for a few moments, I would like to give a toast to Mark and Melissa. I was a little surprised that Mark asked me to be his best man, after all, he knows how much I love to embarrass him. I’m thinking, “what a great time to leave a lasting impression of who Mark really is” in front of all his closest friends and family. If for some reason you did not know, Mark was chosen as the class clown in high school. He even got his picture immortalized in our class yearbook for this very title. Let me tell you, having Mark as a best friend was very entertaining!

He was always laughing, pulling pranks, and sometimes getting us in trouble (I certainly won’t tell them how we barely made it out of jail because you thought streaking through the grocery store parking lot was a good dare). We all had a bit of clowning around within us, but the one thing Mark always had over any of us was his way of making girls laugh. And I mean really laugh, not just a quick chuckle but downright laugh out loud, spit-up-your-drink kind of laugh. While we were all worried about how we looked to girls, Mark’s concern was always how to make them crack up. I remember Mark saying “how come you get all the girls and I don’t?” I never had a straight answer for him. Looking back now though, my track record only lasted a few months and for Mark? Well, what he didn’t know was that his “clowning around” was preparing him for the show of his life.

When Mark introduced me to Melissa I knew she was special. I knew this was who Mark was going to marry. She not only has a very infectious laugh, but she gets Mark to laugh just as much.

They say a marriage can’t truly survive without laughter and I don’t believe there will be a shortage of that with these two. Mark, remember when you asked me why you don’t get all the girls? Well, the answer is right there next to you. While you were out figuring out jokes and funny one-liners, Melissa was saving up for the greatest show on earth!

If anyone tells you that you’re a bunch a clowns just smile and say….who’s got the last laugh now? Let’s raise our glass to Mark and Melissa! Here’s to a lifetime of love and laughter! You are both class acts and I am proud to call you my best friends. I love you both very much and thank you for having me here.

To all who were in charge of organizing this awesome night, great job on making this wedding shine. I challenge everyone to a dance-off later tonight.

Hopefully these tips will have you on your way to writing a heartfelt speech. If you still need a little more inspiration, don’t forget to check out our wedding quotes . These are great to incorporate into your speech, write in a card or simply share as advice to the newlyweds.

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