Best Man Speech: The Ultimate Guide for 2024

The Essentials

We’ll start by covering a few of the essentials before going into more details on important topics.

🏹 Main Purpose of the Speech

The main purpose of the Best Man Speech is to give guests an entertaining insight into the Groom’s life and character from the perspective of a close friend.

The speech is also a fond tribute to the Groom and a celebration of a new chapter in his life.

🕐 Timing of the Speech

The Best Man usually speaks last, after the Father of the Bride and the Groom.

📋 Duties to be Covered

In his speech, the Best Man will traditionally:

• accept the Groom’s toast to the Bridesmaids
• raise his own toast to the Bride and Groom

He will usually also:

• thank the Groom for choosing him as Best Man
• thank the Bride and Groom for their presents to the wedding party
• read out messages from absent friends & family

🏛️ Simple Speech Structure

A simple but effective speech structure is:

1. Take over from the Groom

Accept his toast and thank him for his speech

2. Introduce yourself

Say who are you and how you know the Groom

3. Share stories about the Groom

Tell 2 or 3 anecdotes that give us an insight into the Groom

4. Pay tribute to the Bride

Compliment her and say why they make a great team

5. Raise a Toast!

Invite guests to raise their glasses and toast the Bride and Groom.

🎵 Recommended Tone

The Best Man Speech should be:

• warm and humorous
• gently mocking (but not humiliating)

Also remember:

• the language should be suitable for all (i.e. no swearing)
• sensitive topics and more ‘adult’ references should be avoided altogether, or handled very carefully, e.g. with subtle euphemism

🎤 Tips for Delivery

When delivering your speech:

• aim to speak for no longer than 5 - 10 minutes
• keep it conversational – i.e. try to speak as you would normally speak
• take your time – pause between each of your main points
• use small cue cards to prompt you (don’t try to do it all from memory or read from a script)
• And make sure you practice before the big day!

🚫 Pitfalls to Avoid

The Best Man should try to avoid:

• upsetting the Bride
• offending any of the guests
• making ‘in jokes’ not everyone will understand
• relying on all-too-familiar lines and clichés
• drinking too much before the speeches!