How To Write The Perfect Best Man’s Speech

Being the best man is a big deal, and there are a variety of duties that you will be required to do, including coming up with the best man’s speech. How to write the perfect best man’s speech?

Traditionally, the best man has to give out a speech during the reception. Thus, it is time for you to prepare one that will stand out. Avoid the generic speeches witnessed at many weddings. With a little forethought as well as enough practice, you will wow the crowd with your speech for the best man.

These tips will help you figure out how to write the perfect best man’s speech!

• Plan your best man’s speech, at least four weeks to the wedding day

You need to give yourself enough time. Think at least, a month before the wedding to come up with your best man’s speech. The weeks to the wedding day, especially if you are the best man, tend to be hectic. Thus, you might not have time to draft the speech. With the events which you are supposed to attend or organize on behalf of the groom, you might end up losing sight of time. It will be best if you think ahead of time to relieve some pressure.

• Start the speech with an expression of gratitude

If you still don’t know how to start your best man speech, you will need to start by introducing yourself. You can also express your appreciation to those you think have contributed to this special day. Thank the parents the couple for bringing up the couple in such a great way. Moreover, you can thank the groom for believing in you to be his best man. Don’t forget to thank the guests for sacrificing their time to attend your friend’s wedding. Though it sounds low key, it is the best way to ease yourself into the main speech as the best man. Also, you’re ensuring that everyone present feels appreciated.

• Talk about the relationship you have with the groom

After introducing your name, a big part of writing a best man’s speech is talking about the relationship you have with the groom. Talk about the way you met and what type of person he is. You can add an anecdote that can summarize the personality of the groom.

If you decide to start with the anecdote of his forgetfulness, and then, later on, talk about his partner’s organized skills that help him big time. Maybe that is the time you knew that they were meant to complement each other?

• Stop focusing on your relationship, but focus more on the couple’s relationship

If you have known the groom for a longer time than the time he has known his partner, you can start your toast by recalling how your friendship started. Then, fast-forward to the time when the two love birds met. Think of any story that you think might epitomize their relationship.

You can tell a story where you thought that he had found the right partner for marriage Maybe after they met, your groom told you a week later that they were going to get married, and here you are now, witnessing their marriage.

Maybe you have known the groom for quite a while. If, for example, you happen to be his brother, you always had an idea of who his perfect partner will be like, but the bride exceeds your expectations. You should put more emphasis on how happy you are for the groom and his bride.

• Finish the speech with a congratulatory message and then toast

It is the best way to end your best man’s speech. Ensure you congratulate the couple on their special day and then offer a toast. It can be a quote, witty, or personal. Maybe there is a love line from the groom’s favorite novel, a movie, or comedy that you happen to know, share it. You can simply wish the couple the best of luck and ask the guest to raise their glasses to toast the newlyweds.

• Keep your speech as a best man short

Just like the father of the bride speech, ensure your speech is short. At the point you are giving your speech, the guests are restless. People are hungry and want to drink, eat, and make merry. Your speech should not take more than five minutes.  It should be between three minutes and five minutes. Ensure that you know how long your speech is going to take by practicing it beforehand.

• Practice

There is a need for you to practice the best man’s speech. Go through it at least three times before your presentation at the wedding reception. Record it with your phone, then listen for mistakes and improve on them.  Apart from practicing being critical, it brings out the best performance in you. It will enhance your confidence when you give it out. You can send a copy to a friend or a relative to give you an honest review and feedback.

• Write down

Though it is essential to memorize your best man’s speech, you will be less anxious if you also have a hard copy of the same. Do a lot of practice so that you don’t keep on staring at the cards to know your next line. You can consider utilizing note cards or a notepad.

With these tips on how to write the perfect best man’s speech you will master it! Want to learn more wedding planning tips? Check out the ultimate bride’s survival guide!

Header Image Credit: @kyliefarmerphotography