30 Best Man Speech Examples, Tips & Structure 2024

I must say, congratulations! You’ve been declared “best man.” Of course, you have many important responsibilities-groomsmen shepherding, alcohol distribution-but there is only one task that will secure your ascendancy into the ranks of the very best men: giving a killer toast.

Tina helped us create this guide on how to start the process. Here are speech writing tips and even suggestions for what makes the best toast ever.

How To Write A Best Man Speech

Giving a great wedding speech as the best man can be a daunting task, but there are some simple rules you can follow to make sure your speech is a hit. Here are some examples of dos and don’ts for a successful best man speech.

Dos

1. Plan your speech ahead of time and practice it to ensure it flows smoothly. Consider the structure of your speech and whether you want to take a formal or funny approach.
2. Keep your speech short, around 5 minutes or less, and include a few well-placed jokes to keep the audience engaged.
3. Memorize your speech so you don’t have to read from a piece of paper. This will help you deliver it more naturally and with more emotion.
4. Get a little sentimental during your speech, and make sure to compliment the bride on her beauty and her relationship with the groom.
5. End on a positive note with a quote about love or well-wishes for the happy couple.
6. Be thankful for everyone who helped make the wedding happen, including the couple, their family, and anyone else who contributed.

Don’ts

1. Don’t go over the 5-minute time limit for your speech. Keep it concise and to the point.
2. Don’t make the speech all about you. This is the couple’s day, so focus on them and their relationship.
3. Avoid using dirty jokes or making rude remarks. Keep your speech clean and appropriate for the occasion.
4. Don’t forget to mention the bride and express how happy you are that she and the groom have found each other.
5. Lastly, don’t forget to mind your manners and be respectful, even on this special day.

How To Make A Best Man Speech Outline

1. Introduction: Start by introducing yourself as the best man and expressing your honor at being a part of the special day.
2. Groom’s tribute: Share your thoughts on the groom, highlighting his exceptional qualities and characteristics that make him such a wonderful person.
3. Bride’s tribute: Move on to talking about the bride, and express your admiration for her beauty, graciousness, and kind heart.
4. Why the marriage is special: Share why the marriage of the groom and bride is so significant to you and how it brings joy and happiness to those around them.
5. Final words: Encourage the guests to raise their glasses in celebration of the newlyweds, and close your toast by wishing them a lifetime of love, happiness, and companionship.

Let’s discuss the detail of each section so you can fill in the parts of this outline and write your own impressive best man toast.

Introduction- Introduce Yourself

The first step in creating a best man speech outline is to introduce yourself. While many guests at the wedding may already know who you are and your relationship with the groom, there will likely be some guests who are not familiar with you.

To start your speech, you can simply say something like: “Hello everyone, my name is [insert your name] and I am the best man at today’s wedding. I have known the groom for [insert number of years] and we have been great friends ever since [insert how you met or a fun memory]. I am honored to be here today to celebrate the love between [groom’s name] and [bride’s name].”

This introduction serves two purposes: it helps the audience get to know who you are and how you know the groom, and it sets the tone for the rest of your speech. Keep it brief and to the point, and make sure to mention the bride and express your happiness for the couple.

Examples:

• Good evening. My name is [name] and I’m the groom’s older brother.

• Welcome, everyone. My name is [name] and I’ve been friends with [groom’s name] since we roomed together at [location].

Avoid using overly-used cliches in an attempt to be humorous at the start of your speech. Phrases like “I’m the older and better-looking brother” may seem clever, but they are often not unique and can elicit nervous laughter rather than genuine amusement. Instead, try to come up with original, funny jokes that are tailored to the couple and their relationship.

Groom’s tribute – Talk about the Groom

The second step in creating a best man speech outline is to focus on the groom. You can have fun with playful jokes at his expense, but make sure to ground these jokes within more sentimental themes.

In this section of your speech, you should include one to three specific stories about you and the groom. These stories can be from any time period in your relationship, and they should be entertaining and universal, meaning they should not rely on inside jokes or private jokes that only a few people would understand.

For example, you may have a story from when you two were eight years old and then you flash forward to the college years. Telling good stories in this section is one of the most important parts of writing your best man speech. If you can tell strong, engaging stories, you will captivate the audience and leave a lasting impression, especially on the couple.

When choosing stories to include, think about a common theme that ties them together. For example, if you have three different stories – when you played little league, when the groom tried stand-up comedy in college, and when he tried to talk his way out of a speeding ticket – you can tie them together with a theme of the groom’s resilience and determination.

By highlighting this theme in your speech, you can show the audience how the groom has grown and evolved over the years, and how he is now ready to take on the next challenge in his life: marriage. This will add depth and meaning to your speech, and it will help you connect with the audience on a deeper level.

Bride’s tribute – Talk about his New Spouse

While it can be tempting to focus all of your speech on the groom, it is important to include a few words about his partner as well. This will show the groom that you are happy with his choice of spouse, and it will make his new partner feel loved and welcomed.

To come up with ideas for this section of your speech, you can use the following writing prompts:

• Why do you feel this person is a perfect match for the groom?
• In what ways does this person complement the groom?
• What are some of your favorite memories with them?
• When did you first meet? What was your initial impression?

 

Why the marriage is special – Explain Why their Marriage Makes You Happy

The next section of the best man speech outline should focus on the couple’s new marriage. This is an opportunity to tie together the themes from the previous sections of your speech and show how they relate to the couple’s future together.

For example, if you highlighted the groom’s adventurous spirit in the previous sections, you can use this section to describe how you see their marriage being full of adventure as a team. This will show the audience how the groom’s personality and characteristics will make him a great husband, and it will help the couple envision their future together.

To come up with ideas for this section of your speech, you can ask yourself the following questions:

• What makes the couple well-suited for each other?
• What qualities do they both possess that will make them successful in marriage?
• How will their marriage be different from other marriages?
• What do you think their marriage will look like on a day-to-day basis?
• What do you think the couple values most in marriage? How will they achieve that?
• Why are you glad that the groom chose this person to marry?
• Why will the groom have a better life with this person?

Final words – Give Guests an Action to Take and Close with a Wish for the Couple

The final step in the best man speech outline is the closing. One effective way to end your speech is to tell the audience what to do. For example, you can say something like: “May I ask everyone to raise their glass” or “Please join me in toasting the happy couple.”

This not only signals the end of your speech, but it also encourages the audience to participate and show their support for the couple. You can also use this opportunity to make one final toast or wish for the couple, such as: “Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness for the happy couple. Cheers!”

To come up with ideas for your closing, you can ask yourself the following questions:

• What do you want the audience to do at the end of your speech?
• What message do you want to leave the couple with?
• How do you want to end your speech on a positive, memorable note?

This accomplishes two things:

1. Guests understand what their role is and they feel included.
2. Everyone knows your speech is coming to a close and this signals what kind of energy they need to bring.

Finally, your very last line should be a wish for the couple.
Here are some examples:

• May you laugh together and love forever.

• May you both remain as happy as you are today.

• I wish you both a wonderful marriage full of plenty more reasons to celebrate from this day forward.

   

Basics Tips for Giving a Best Man Speech

Here are some basic tips for giving a successful best man speech:

1. Plan ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing your speech. Take some time to plan what you want to say, and think about the structure and flow of your speech.
2. Keep it short: Your speech should be around 5 minutes or less. Any longer than that and you risk losing the audience’s attention.
3. Use humor: A few well-placed jokes can help lighten the mood and keep the audience engaged. Just make sure to avoid offensive or inappropriate humor.
4. Be sincere: Your speech should be heartfelt and genuine. Avoid using cliches or overly-used jokes, and focus on expressing your true feelings for the couple.
5. Practice: Don’t wing it! Practice your speech until you feel confident and comfortable with it. This will help you deliver it smoothly and naturally on the big day.
6. End on a high note: Your closing should be positive and memorable. Consider using a quote or a toast to end your speech on a high note and leave a lasting impression on the audience.

 

Examples Of Effective And Appropriate Best Man Speech Templates

The following are quoted “Heartfelt Best Man Speeches” that are excellent quality templates for contemporary Best Man remarks at any after-wedding reception, dinner, and party:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening and welcome to this celebration of love and commitment. I stand before you tonight as the proud best man of [Groom], my dear friend and confidant. It is an immense privilege to be a part of this momentous occasion and to stand by [Groom]’s side as he marries the love of his life, [Bride].

[Groom] and I have been friends for many years, and I have always been in awe of his kindness, intelligence, and unwavering spirit. He is someone who brings positivity and light into the lives of everyone he meets, and I am honored to call him my friend. And now, as he begins a new chapter in his life with [Bride], I am filled with joy knowing that he has found someone who truly completes him.

[Bride], you are simply stunning, both inside and out. Your grace and beauty are surpassed only by your kindness and compassion. You are a true partner to [Groom] in every sense of the word, and I know that together, the two of you will overcome any obstacle and create a life filled with love and happiness.

So, I ask that you raise your glasses in a toast to the newlyweds. May your love for each other continue to flourish and grow, and may your marriage be filled with laughter, joy, and endless memories.

Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for [Groom] and [Bride]. Congratulations!

 

Example Two:

“Friends are the family we choose for ourselves, and [Groom] is a testament to this beautiful truth. We’ve shared so many memories, both silly and profound, and through it all, our friendship has only grown stronger.

[Groom] is a remarkable person, with a heart of gold and a passion for life that inspires everyone around him. He has built a life filled with love and laughter, surrounded by friends and family who cherish him. And now, as he marries [Bride], the love of his life, he is taking a giant leap forward, into a future filled with even more joy and happiness.

So let us raise a glass in a toast to the happy couple. May your love for each other never fade, and may your lives be filled with laughter, joy, and endless love. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for [Groom] and [Bride].”

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it’s a delight to be here tonight, to celebrate the union of two wonderful individuals, [Groom] and [Bride].

When I first met [Bride], I knew that she was the one for [Groom]. He was head over heels in love with her, and it was clear to everyone around him. He radiated happiness and joy, and it was obvious that she was the reason behind it.

[Groom] would constantly talk about [Bride] to anyone who would listen. No matter where we went or what we did, her name always came up in conversation. So, when he told me he was going to propose, my reaction was, “Finally!”

[Groom] and [Bride] are truly meant to be together. They complement each other in every way, and their love for each other comes naturally. They care for each other without hesitation and love each other without reservation. [Groom], you’ve found the one, and we’re all so grateful to be here to celebrate your big day. Let’s raise a glass to the happy couple!”

 

Funny Best Man Speech Examples

A best man speech is typically seen as an opportunity to provide some comedic relief during the wedding reception. This doesn’t mean that your speech should be full of jokes or lacking in meaning, but rather that it should be lighthearted and fun.

When crafting your speech, avoid using dirty or sophomoric jokes, and avoid making offensive or inappropriate observations. Remember that humor is a highly subjective concept, so what may be funny to some people may not be funny to others. It’s okay if people laugh or groan at your jokes – the important thing is that you are having fun and enjoying yourself.

The key is to strike a balance between humor and sincerity. Your speech should be entertaining and engaging, but it should also convey your genuine feelings for the couple and celebrate their love.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a privilege to be here as the best man on this beautiful day to celebrate the union of [Groom] and [Bride]. I’ve known [Groom] for many years, and let me tell you, he’s been through quite a journey to find true love. But he finally did it, and [Bride], you are the lucky one.

So, [Bride], let me give you a little insight into what it means to be married to [Groom]. First of all, you must always keep your hair and makeup perfect, because, as [Groom] likes to say, he’s the king of his castle. And as the queen, you must always be by his side, cooking his favorite meals and encouraging him to go out with his friends.

But all jokes aside, the love that [Groom] and [Bride] share is truly a beautiful thing to witness. And I have no doubt that they will have a long and happy marriage, filled with love, laughter, and all the happiness in the world.

So let’s raise a glass to the newlyweds! Congratulations, [Groom] and [Bride]!

”

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is an honor to stand here as the best man on this special day to celebrate the love between [Bride] and [Groom]. As we all know, their journey to find true love has been filled with ups and downs, but it has all led to this beautiful day.

[Bride] & [Groom] – you two are the perfect match. From the moment the phone would ring, to the day you got engaged, your love for each other has only grown stronger. The engagement ring was just the beginning, and now we are all here to celebrate your marriage with the exchange of wedding rings.

But let’s not forget, marriage also comes with its challenges. As they say, the suffer-ring begins. (smile and raise your glass) But I have no doubt that [Bride] and [Groom] will overcome any obstacle that comes their way, and their love will only continue to grow.

So, let’s raise a glass to the newlyweds, [Bride] & [Groom]. May your marriage be filled with love, happiness, and laughter. Congratulations!

“Ladies and Gentlemen, today we gather to celebrate the union of [Groom] and [Bride], and as the best man, it is my duty to deliver a speech that does justice to this wonderful occasion. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

I have known [Groom] for many years, and I have to say, the man has come a long way from his days of being a hard-core sports fanatic. [Groom] is now a [Groom’s Occupation] in Truro and has dedicated his life to his work, always striving to be the best. I’m sure his experience with [what the Groom does in his occupation] will come in handy in his marriage with [Bride].

When [Groom] and [Bride] first met, it was love at first sight. [Groom] was looking for someone young, dynamic, intelligent, attractive and with good health insurance, and [Bride] was looking for a man who could handle her diamond needs. And that’s exactly what [Groom] did. He found a diamond in [Bride] and she found a gem in [Groom].

Now, I’d like to share some brotherly advice with the newlyweds. Remember to always love, honor and cherish each other, and don’t forget to take out the garbage. Your wife is always right, and if she’s not, refer back to rule number two. Flowers are always a good idea, and there’s nothing better than a good foot rub or massage. And last but not least, your wife is more important than sports, even the cup final.

It brings me great joy to see [Groom] and [Bride] so happy. Love is what it’s all about, and this ceremony is all about letting the world know how much [Groom] and [Bride]’s love for each other is a reflection of one’s own soul in another’s. It’s time to celebrate the joyous and unbridled love that these two spectacular people will share for the rest of their lives.

So, let’s raise our glasses and toast to love, laughter and happily ever after. To [Groom] and [Bride]!”

Good evening, everyone. I’m honored to be standing here as the best man today. I’ve known [groom’s name] for many years, and I can honestly say that he’s one of the best people I’ve ever met. He’s kind, funny, and always there for his friends.

[groom’s name] and [bride’s name], I want to say how happy I am for the both of you. You truly are meant to be together, and I’m grateful to have witnessed your love story unfold.

I won’t keep you all for too long, but I do want to raise a toast to the happy couple. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness. Congratulations!

“Good evening, everyone. I’m honored to be standing here today as my brother’s best man. Growing up, my brother and I were inseparable. We did everything together, from playing video games to exploring the great outdoors. And now, as I stand here today, I couldn’t be prouder of the man he has become.

To my brother and his beautiful bride, I want to say how happy I am for the both of you. You truly are meant to be together, and I’m grateful to have witnessed your love story unfold.

I remember when my brother first told me about his now-wife. He was so excited, and I could tell from the way he talked about her that she was someone special. And now, as I look at the two of you, I can see how much you truly love and care for each other.

As my brother’s best man, I have a few stories to share. But don’t worry, I won’t embarrass him too much. One of my favorite memories with my brother was when we went on a camping trip together. We got lost in the woods, and it was starting to get dark. But my brother didn’t panic. He took charge, and we made it back to our campsite safely. It was in that moment that I realized how much I looked up to him.

To my brother, I want to say how proud I am of you. You have grown into an amazing man, and I know that you will make an incredible husband. And to my brother’s wife, I want to say thank you for bringing so much joy into his life. You truly are the perfect match for him.

So let’s raise a glass to the happy couple. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure. Congratulations!”

Best Man Speech Writing Tips In Infographic

FAQS