How to Write the Perfect Best Man Speech

Being asked to be the best man at a wedding is a huge honour, but with that responsibility comes the expectation of delivering a killer best man speech. If you want to make a lasting impression and create a memorable moment for the bride, groom, and guests, it’s essential to craft a speech that is engaging, heartfelt, and funny. In this guide, we’ll explore how to write a best man speech and walk you through every aspect of writing and delivering it.

How to Write a Killer Best Man Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

A great best man speech balances humor, emotion, and sincerity. By following a simple structure and taking the time to personalize your speech, you can ensure it leaves a positive impact on everyone present. Here’s everything you need to know to write a killer best man speech.

1. Opening Lines: Start Strong

The opening of your speech sets the tone for everything that follows. You want to grab the attention of the guests from the moment you speak. A good best man speech opener can be humorous, sentimental, or even a bit self-deprecating, but whatever you choose, it should make people want to listen.

A classic opening line could be something like, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to thank [Groom’s Name] for giving me the honour of being his best man today. But, to be honest, when he first asked me, I thought he was going to pick someone who actually had their life together!” This kind of light humour breaks the ice and establishes your tone. You could also begin with a quote, such as a romantic or funny one that relates to love, marriage, or friendship.

2. Structure: Keep it Simple and Organized

To ensure your speech flows smoothly, it’s important to follow a clear structure. The typical best man speech structure includes an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Keeping this in mind will help you stay focused and organized as you write.

• Introduction: Start with a warm greeting and introduce yourself, especially if not everyone knows who you are. Then, thank the bride and groom for choosing you as the best man.
• Body: The heart of your speech should highlight your relationship with the groom, share personal stories, and offer some fun insights into his character. You can also mention the bride and their relationship, especially how happy the groom is with her.
• Conclusion: Wrap up the speech with a heartfelt toast to the newlyweds. Keep it short and sweet, but make it memorable.

This simple structure will help you organize your thoughts, ensuring that the speech feels cohesive and logical.

3. Where to Add Jokes: Balance Humor with Emotion

A killer best man speech often includes several jokes or funny anecdotes, but it’s important not to overdo it. You want your humour to feel natural and appropriate for the occasion, so aim for jokes that highlight your relationship with the groom without offending anyone.

Here are a few tips on where to add humour in your speech:

• Early in the speech: The beginning is a good place to add a humorous anecdote or a self-deprecating joke about your relationship with the groom. This will set the tone and let people know you’re here to have fun.
• Personal stories: Share a funny, light-hearted story from your past with the groom. Maybe it’s a shared experience, a funny mistake, or a hilarious adventure. Just make sure it’s something appropriate and won’t embarrass the groom.
• Balance with sincerity: After the jokes, make sure to touch on some more serious notes about the groom’s character, the couple’s relationship, and your genuine feelings for them.

If you’re unsure whether a joke is appropriate, ask a trusted friend or family member for feedback before the big day.

4. Stories: Personal Touches Make It Special

Telling stories is one of the best ways to make your speech personal and memorable. By sharing a meaningful or funny story about the groom, you’ll give the audience a glimpse into your friendship and the moments that have shaped your relationship.

When choosing a story, consider these guidelines:

• Relatable: Choose a story that people can relate to or understand, whether it’s funny, heartfelt, or touching.
• Positive: Focus on stories that highlight the groom’s positive qualities, such as his kindness, humour, or loyalty.
• Keep it brief: Avoid going into too much detail. You don’t want to drag out the story—just give enough context for people to appreciate the punchline or emotional moment.

Remember, a good story doesn’t have to be elaborate or over-the-top. Sometimes, the simplest stories are the most powerful.

5. The Bride: Acknowledge the Bride and Her Impact

While the best man speech primarily focuses on the groom, it’s important to acknowledge the bride as well. This is a celebration of their union, so make sure to mention how beautiful the bride looks and how happy the groom is with her.

For example, “We all know [Groom’s Name] is a great guy, but I’ve never seen him as happy as he is with [Bride’s Name]. You can see the love between them, and it’s truly a joy to witness.”

This shows respect and admiration for the couple and makes the bride feel included in the speech.

6. Length: Keep It Concise

One common mistake in best man speeches is making them too long. While you may have plenty of memories and jokes to share, it’s important to remember that guests want a speech that is short, sweet, and to the point. Aim for a speech that lasts between 5 and 7 minutes.

You don’t need to fit everything you know about the groom into the speech. Focus on the key moments and stories that are most relevant, and leave out the excess. This will help keep the energy high and the audience engaged.

7. Closing Lines: End on a High Note

The conclusion of your speech is just as important as the opening. Your closing should bring everything together and leave the guests feeling uplifted. A classic way to end is with a toast to the newlyweds.

For example: “To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], may your love continue to grow and may you both always find joy in each other’s company. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness. Cheers!”

This is a simple yet heartfelt way to wrap up your speech and transition to the toast.

8. Delivery: Confidence Is Key

No matter how well-written your speech is, its impact will depend on your delivery. Confidence is essential, but don’t overthink it. Here are a few tips to help you deliver a killer best man speech:

• Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse your speech several times before the wedding day. The more familiar you are with the words, the more confident you’ll feel in delivering them.
• Pace yourself: Speak slowly and clearly. You don’t need to rush through your speech—let the audience appreciate your words and timing.
• Make eye contact: Engage with the audience by making eye contact, especially with the groom and bride. This helps to build a connection with your listeners.
• Stay calm: It’s natural to feel nervous but try to stay calm. Take deep breaths and remember that everyone is there to support you.
• Use humour wisely: If you’re nervous, humour can be a great way to break the ice. But make sure it’s appropriate and doesn’t take away from the sincerity of your words.

Final Thoughts

Writing and delivering a killer best man speech doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following a clear structure, incorporating humor and personal stories, and delivering your speech with confidence, you can ensure that your speech will be one to remember. Take the time to craft your words, and don’t forget to enjoy the process—it’s an incredible honor to stand by your friend on one of the most important days of his life. With a little preparation, your best man speech will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the bride, groom, and all the guests.