best man speech examples childhood friend

Ultimate Guide to Crafting the Perfect Best Man Speech: 75 Examples to Inspire You

May 29, 2024

• Founder of Bridesmaid for Hire
• Creator of the #1 Speech & Vow Writing Tools
• Author of Always a Bridesmaid (for Hire)
• Creator of 1-800-Bridesmaid

Hi! I'm Jen Glantz

Hi, Friend!   Jen Glantz here. I’m a bestselling author, the first ever bridesmaid for hire and have written over 1000 best man speeches for people all around the world! Let’s dive into some best man speech  examples to get you inspired for your own!

This blog provides 75 best man speech examples to inspire you, along with tips for personalizing them.

Whether you’re a jokester, a storyteller, or a man of few words, you’re sure to find a style that suits you.

By the end, you’ll be delivering a toast for the ages that will leave the bride, groom, and guests laughing, crying, and clinking their glasses.

Use these resources: Our #1  Best Man Speech Generator l Best Man S peech Guide

Table of Contents

TL;DR: Key Takeaways

• Choose a best man speech example that matches your personality, relationship to the groom, and comfort level with public speaking.
• Consider the wedding atmosphere and audience when selecting tone and content.
• Keep it concise, usually under 5 minutes.
• Balance humor with sincerity.
• Practice extensively for confident delivery.
• When in doubt, speak from the heart.

How to Write a Best Man Speech: Quick Tips

Not all best man speeches are created equal. What kills at a bachelor party may bomb at a conservative family wedding. Before diving into our extensive list of examples, let’s cover some key factors to help you choose wisely for your specific situation.

Quick Best Man Speech Tips:

Authenticity.

First and foremost, your speech needs to sound like it comes from you . Don’t force yourself to be a standup comedian if that’s not your style. The most memorable speeches incorporate personal stories, inside jokes, and your genuine emotions about the groom and couple. If it feels fake or forced, scrap it.

Audience Appropriateness

You may have hilarious stories about the groom’s wild frat boy days, but Grandma Ethel probably doesn’t need to hear them. Keep the content classy and relatable to all ages. Avoid too many inside jokes that will alienate people. And definitely don’t spill any embarrassing secrets or bring up the groom’s ex-girlfriends!

Keep it short and sweet. Aim for 3-5 minutes. Any longer and you risk losing the audience’s attention or delaying dinner. If you have a lot of content, ruthlessly edit it down to the essentials. It’s always better to leave them wanting more.

Are you going for laugh-out-loud funny, sentimental and nostalgic, or a mix of both? Consider the overall vibe of the wedding and match your tone accordingly. A lighthearted roast may work for a relaxed backyard bbq wedding, while a black tie affair calls for a more eloquent approach. When in doubt, keep it classy.

Every great speech has a beginning, middle, and end. Start by introducing yourself, then launch into a few anecdotes or memories of the groom. Express how happy you are for the couple and what an honor it is to be Best Man. Wrap it up with well wishes for a long and happy marriage. Close with a toast that gets everyone to raise their glass.

Preparation Time

Don’t wait until the last minute to write your speech. Give yourself at least a few weeks to brainstorm, write an outline, and practice. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel during delivery.

Confidence and Delivery

No matter how well-written your speech is, the delivery can make or break it. Practice extensively in front of a mirror, friends, or family members. Record yourself to see how you sound. Watch your body language and eliminated any nervous tics like fidgeting or saying “um.” Speak slowly, clearly, and with enthusiasm.

Emotional Balance

Weddings are emotional events and it’s okay to show your sentimental side. That said, inside jokes and memories should be balanced out with more general content that everyone can enjoy. Avoid getting too mushy or you risk losing the audience. Save the tears for the hugs after.

Now that you’re armed with the key considerations for selecting and delivering your speech, let’s dive into the good stuff – the examples! The following 75 speeches are grouped into four categories: Funny, Short, Sentimental, and Unique & Creative. Browse the categories that best fit your vibe and relationship.

Quick Resources:

• Use our best man speech generator.   Write an engaging best man speech that’s guaranteed to be memorable (for the right reasons).
• Book a 30-minute speech delivery session . Get expert help on how to deliver your speech so the jokes land and the audience listens.
• Read our best man speech guide . Get all the details, in one place, on what to include in your best man speech.

Best Man Speech Examples

1. the childhood friend.

Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m Jake, [Groom’s name]’s best man and oldest friend. We’ve known each other since we were in diapers, and I’ve had the dubious honor of witnessing every embarrassing moment of [Groom’s name]’s life. Don’t worry, [Bride’s name], I won’t share all of them… just the really good ones.

I remember the day [Groom’s name] and I met. We were both three years old, and he stole my favorite toy truck in the sandbox. Instead of crying about it, I hit him with a plastic shovel. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Growing up with [Groom’s name] was never dull. There was the time we decided to be “adventurers” and ended up lost in the woods behind his house for hours. His mom was furious, but [Groom’s name] somehow managed to charm his way out of being grounded. That silver tongue of his has gotten him out of more scrapes than I can count.

Then there was our first attempt at cooking when we were twelve. We wanted to surprise his mom with breakfast in bed for Mother’s Day. Let’s just say, the fire department was very understanding, and [Groom’s name]’s mom got breakfast in bed at the local diner instead.

But for all his misadventures, [Groom’s name] has always been the most loyal friend anyone could ask for. He was there for me when my dad passed away, sitting with me in silence for hours because he knew I didn’t want to talk. He helped me move into my first apartment, even though it was a six-floor walk-up and he complained the entire time.

I’ve watched [Groom’s name] grow from that mischievous kid into the amazing man he is today. [Bride’s name], you’re getting a wonderful husband. He’s kind, he’s funny (though don’t tell him I said that), and he loves with his whole heart.

[Groom’s name], I’ve never seen you as happy as you are with [Bride’s name]. The way your face lights up when you talk about her, the way you look at her when you think no one’s watching – it’s clear you’ve found your perfect match.

To [Bride’s name], welcome to the family. You’ve not only gained a husband but also a bunch of crazy friends who come as a package deal. We promise to only mildly embarrass [Groom’s name] in front of you… most of the time.

To the happy couple, may your love continue to grow stronger every day. May you face life’s challenges together with the same determination [Groom’s name] showed when trying to beat my high score in Mario Kart. And may your life be filled with as much laughter and joy as you’ve brought into the lives of everyone in this room.

Let’s raise our glasses to [Groom’s name] and [Bride’s name]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventures. Cheers!

Create your own personalized best man speech >>

2. The College Roommate

Good evening, everyone. I’m Alex, [Groom’s name]’s best man and former college roommate. When [Groom’s name] asked me to be his best man, I was honored. When he asked me to keep this speech PG, I was challenged. But I’ll do my best to share only the mildly incriminating stories.

[Groom’s name] and I met on our first day of college. I walked into our dorm room to find him trying to fit an entire pizza into our mini-fridge. That’s when I knew we were going to get along just fine.

Our college years were a blur of late-night study sessions, questionable fashion choices, and even more questionable diet choices. [Groom’s name] was the king of instant ramen, and I’m pretty sure he single-handedly kept the local coffee shop in business.

But amidst the chaos of college life, [Groom’s name] was always the voice of reason. Well, most of the time. There was that one incident with the inflatable pool in our dorm room, but in his defense, it was finals week and we were all a little delirious.

I remember the night [Groom’s name] met [Bride’s name]. We were at a party, and he spent the entire evening talking to her, completely oblivious to everything else going on around him. When he came back to our room that night, he couldn’t stop smiling. He said, “Alex, I think I just met the girl I’m going to marry.” I laughed it off at the time, but look at us now.

[Bride’s name], you’ve been a wonderful addition to our friend group. You’ve somehow managed to get [Groom’s name] to eat vegetables willingly, which is a miracle in itself. You’ve brought out the best in him, and it’s been amazing to watch.

To [Groom’s name], my friend, my brother, thank you for all the memories. From pulling all-nighters for exams to being your wingman at parties (not that you needed it after you met [Bride’s name]), it’s been an honor to be by your side. I’m so proud of the man you’ve become.

To the happy couple, may your love be as eternal as [Groom’s name]’s student loan debt. May you support each other’s dreams, comfort each other during tough times, and never stop making each other laugh. And [Bride’s name], if [Groom’s name] ever tries to convince you that he can fit an entire pizza in the fridge, just smile and nod. Trust me on this one.

Let’s raise our glasses to [Groom’s name] and [Bride’s name]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and maybe a few more culinary adventures. Cheers!

3. The Work Buddy

Good evening, everyone. I’m Mike, [Groom’s name]’s best man and colleague. For those who don’t know, [Groom’s name] and I have been working together for the past five years, and I can honestly say that he’s the best cubicle neighbor a guy could ask for.

When [Groom’s name] first started at our company, he was this quiet, shy guy who barely said a word. Fast forward a few months, and he was the life of the office. He’s the guy who organizes the office fantasy football league, brings in donuts every Friday, and somehow manages to make our mundane Monday meetings bearable with his quick wit.

I’ve had the pleasure of watching [Groom’s name] grow both professionally and personally over the years. He’s gone from the new guy who couldn’t figure out how to use the copy machine to the one we all go to when we need help with… well, anything really.

But the biggest change I’ve seen in [Groom’s name] came when he met [Bride’s name]. Suddenly, our lunch conversations went from complaining about deadlines to him gushing about this amazing woman he’d met. The light in his eyes when he talked about [Bride’s name] was unmistakable.

I remember the day [Groom’s name] told me he was going to propose. He was so nervous, he must have practiced his speech to me at least a dozen times. He even made me role-play as [Bride’s name], which, let me tell you, was an interesting experience. But all that practice paid off, because look where we are now!

[Bride’s name], you’ve not only gained a husband today, but you’ve also gained an entire office of in-laws. We promise to only share mildly embarrassing stories about [Groom’s name] at the company Christmas party.

To [Groom’s name], my friend, my colleague, thank you for making work feel less like work. Your positivity and humor have gotten us through many stressful projects and tight deadlines. I’m honored to stand by your side today.

To the happy couple, may your love be as strong as the office coffee and as sweet as the donuts [Groom’s name] brings in every week. May you support each other’s dreams, comfort each other during tough times, and never stop making each other laugh.

Let’s raise our glasses to [Groom’s name] and [Bride’s name]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and maybe a few less hours at the office. After all, [Groom’s name], you’ve got something much better to come home to now. Cheers!

4. The Brother

Good evening, everyone. I’m Tom, [Groom’s name]’s older brother and best man. It’s a bit surreal standing here today, watching my little brother get married. It feels like just yesterday he was following me around, trying to copy everything I did.

Growing up with [Groom’s name] was… interesting, to say the least. As the older brother, I felt it was my duty to teach him all the important things in life. Like how to sneak cookies from the cookie jar without Mom noticing, or how to blame the dog for any suspicious noises. Sorry, Mom and Dad, the truth finally comes out.

But for all the trouble we got into, [Groom’s name] was always the kinder, more compassionate one. I remember when he was eight, he spent his entire allowance buying a get-well card and flowers for our elderly neighbor who was in the hospital. That’s just who he is – always thinking of others.

As we grew older, our relationship evolved from just being brothers to being true friends. [Groom’s name] has been there for me through thick and thin, offering support, advice, and the occasional well-timed joke to lighten the mood.

I’ve watched my little brother grow into an amazing man, and I couldn’t be prouder. [Bride’s name], you’re getting a wonderful husband. He’s kind, he’s loyal, and he has an uncanny ability to remember obscure movie quotes that he’ll no doubt use at inappropriate times.

[Bride’s name], welcome to our family. You’ve not only gained a husband but also a slightly dysfunctional but loving family. We promise to only mildly embarrass [Groom’s name] at family gatherings… most of the time.

To [Groom’s name], my brother, my friend, thank you for all the memories. From building pillow forts in the living room to standing beside you on your wedding day, it’s been an honor to be your big brother.

To the happy couple, may your love continue to grow stronger every day. May you face life’s challenges together with the same determination [Groom’s name] showed when trying to beat my high score in every video game we ever played. And may your life be filled with as much laughter and joy as you’ve brought into the lives of everyone here.

Let’s raise our glasses to [Groom’s name] and [Bride’s name]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and maybe a few more pillow forts. Cheers!

5. The Teammate

Good evening, everyone. I’m Chris, [Groom’s name]’s best man and former teammate. [Groom’s name] and I have been playing soccer together since we were knee-high to a grasshopper, and I can honestly say he’s the best right-wing man I’ve ever had – both on and off the field.

I first met [Groom’s name] at soccer tryouts when we were ten. He was this scrawny kid with oversized cleats and a determination that was bigger than he was. I remember thinking, “This kid’s got spunk.” Little did I know, he’d become one of the best players on our team and one of my closest friends.

Over the years, we’ve been through countless practices, games, wins, and losses together. [Groom’s name] has always been the heart of our team. He’s the guy who rallies everyone when we’re down, the one who stays late to help others practice, and the one who organizes team gatherings off the field.

I remember this one game, we were down 2-0 with ten minutes left. [Groom’s name] gathered us all together and said, “Guys, we didn’t come this far to only come this far.” He then proceeded to score two goals and assist the winning goal in those last ten minutes. That’s [Groom’s name] for you – always pushing, always believing.

But as great as [Groom’s name] is on the field, he’s an even better friend off it. He’s been there for me through injuries, breakups, and career changes. He’s the kind of friend who shows up unannounced with a six-pack when you’re having a bad day.

I’ve seen [Groom’s name] take on many roles – teammate, captain, friend – but I’ve never seen him happier than when he’s with [Bride’s name]. [Bride’s name], you’ve got a real MVP here. He’ll always have your back, he’ll push you to be your best, and he’ll celebrate your victories as if they were his own.

To [Groom’s name], my friend, my teammate, thank you for all the memories on and off the field. From scoring goals to standing beside you on your wedding day, it’s been an honor to be on your team.

To the happy couple, may your love be as strong as [Groom’s name]’s left foot and as beautiful as his right-wing crosses. May you support each other’s dreams, pick each other up when you fall, and never stop cheering each other on.

Let’s raise our glasses to [Groom’s name] and [Bride’s name]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and maybe a few more soccer games. Cheers!

6. The Cousin

Good evening, everyone. I’m David, [Groom’s name]’s cousin and best man. [Groom’s name] and I have been causing trouble at family gatherings since we were in diapers, and I’m honored to stand beside him on this special day.

Growing up, [Groom’s name] was more like a brother to me than a cousin. We spent every summer together at our grandparents’ farm, getting into all sorts of mischief. There was the time we decided to give grandpa’s tractor a “paint job” with mud, or when we thought it would be a good idea to use grandma’s good tablecloth as a cape for our superhero adventures. Sorry about that, Grandma.

But for all the trouble we got into, [Groom’s name] was always the one with the golden heart. I remember when we were teenagers, and he spent an entire summer helping our elderly neighbor, Mr. Johnson, repair his old pickup truck. That’s just who [Groom’s name] is – always ready to lend a helping hand, always putting others before himself.

As we grew older, our bond only grew stronger. [Groom’s name] has been my confidant, my partner in crime, and my biggest supporter. He was there for me when I bombed my first job interview, offering words of encouragement and a much-needed laugh. He was the first person I called when I got into grad school, and his excitement rivaled my own.

I’ve watched my cousin grow from a mischievous kid into an incredible man, and I couldn’t be prouder. [Bride’s name], you’re getting a wonderful husband. He’s kind, he’s loyal, and he has an uncanny ability to find humor in any situation.

[Bride’s name], welcome to our crazy family. You’ve not only gained a husband but also a bunch of cousins who come as a package deal. We promise to only mildly embarrass [Groom’s name] at family reunions… most of the time.

To [Groom’s name], my cousin, my friend, my brother – thank you for all the memories. From our summer adventures to standing beside you on your wedding day, it’s been an honor to be part of your journey.

To the happy couple, may your love continue to grow stronger every day. May you face life’s challenges together with the same determination [Groom’s name] showed when trying to convince Grandpa that the tractor looked better with a mud paint job. And may your life be filled with as much laughter and joy as you’ve brought into the lives of everyone in this room.

Let’s raise our glasses to [Groom’s name] and [Bride’s name]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and maybe a few more family adventures. Cheers!

7. The Childhood Neighbor

Good evening, everyone. I’m Mark, [Groom’s name]’s best man and childhood neighbor. [Groom’s name] and I grew up on the same street, and I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him since we were both running around in Superman capes and rubber boots.

Our childhood was like something out of a sitcom. We built treehouses that were more like death traps, started a lemonade stand that lasted all of two hours before we drank all our inventory, and created elaborate schemes to stay up past our bedtimes. [Groom’s name] was always the mastermind behind our adventures, with an imagination that could turn our quiet suburban street into a world of endless possibilities.

I remember the summer we decided to dig to China in [Groom’s name]’s backyard. We were convinced that if we dug deep enough, we’d pop out on the other side of the world. [Groom’s name]’s parents were surprisingly supportive, probably because it kept us busy and out of trouble. We didn’t make it to China, but we did create a pretty impressive hole that later became the foundation for [Groom’s name]’s dad’s new shed. You’re welcome, Mr. [Groom’s last name].

As we grew older, our adventures changed, but [Groom’s name]’s spirit remained the same. He was always there, ready with a joke to lighten the mood or a crazy idea to make life more interesting. When we were teenagers and I was going through a tough time, [Groom’s name] showed up at my window at midnight with a bag of marshmallows and insisted we go stargazing. That night, as we lay on the grass talking and laughing, I realized what a truly great friend I had in him.

[Groom’s name], you’ve been my partner in crime, my confidant, and my brother from another mother. Watching you grow from that imaginative kid into the amazing man you are today has been an incredible journey.

[Bride’s name], you’re marrying a man with a heart of gold and a spirit of adventure. Get ready for spontaneous road trips, elaborate birthday surprises, and a lifetime of laughter. Just a word of advice: if he suggests digging to China in your backyard, maybe suggest a nice gardening project instead.

To the happy couple, may your love be as enduring as our childhood friendship and as exciting as our backyard adventures. May you always find magic in the ordinary and face life’s challenges with the same creativity and determination [Groom’s name] showed when trying to convince me that eating grass would give us superpowers.

Let’s raise our glasses to [Groom’s name] and [Bride’s name]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and maybe a few more neighborhood adventures. Cheers!

8. The Sports Buddy

Good evening, everyone. I’m Steve, [Groom’s name]’s best man and longtime sports buddy. [Groom’s name] and I have been playing, watching, and arguing about sports together since we were old enough to hold a ball.

I first met [Groom’s name] on the little league baseball field. He was the scrawny kid with glasses who couldn’t hit a ball to save his life, but man, could he talk strategy. Even at eight years old, [Groom’s name] knew more about baseball stats than most adults. We bonded over our shared love of the game, and a friendship was born.

Over the years, our sports adventures have taken us from Little League to high school varsity, from tailgating at college games to road-tripping to see our favorite pro teams. [Groom’s name] has always been the heart of our group, the one who organizes the fantasy leagues, plans the game-day parties, and never gives up hope on our perpetually underperforming hometown team.

I remember one particularly memorable football game where we were down by 20 points in the fourth quarter. While the rest of us were ready to call it quits, [Groom’s name] rallied us with a passionate speech about the power of belief and the unpredictability of sports. Sure enough, our team made a miraculous comeback. To this day, we’re convinced [Groom’s name]’s unwavering faith had something to do with it.

[Groom’s name], your passion and loyalty in sports is matched only by your dedication to friendship. You’ve been there through the wins and losses, both on and off the field. When I tore my ACL and thought my playing days were over, you were there with encouragement, terrible sports puns, and a detailed plan for my comeback.

[Bride’s name], you’re marrying a man with the heart of a champion and the spirit of a true team player. Get ready for Sundays filled with game-day snacks, passionate yelling at the TV, and endless sports trivia. But also know that you’re getting a partner who will support you with the same fervor he supports his favorite teams.

To the happy couple, may your love be as strong as [Groom’s name]’s grip on the remote during playoffs and as enduring as his belief in the Cubs. May you always be each other’s biggest fans and face life’s challenges with the same teamwork and determination that [Groom’s name] brings to every game.

Let’s raise our glasses to [Groom’s name] and [Bride’s name]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and maybe a World Series win for the Cubs. Hey, with [Groom’s name]’s optimism, anything is possible! Cheers!

9. The Travel Buddy

Good evening, everyone. I’m Alex, [Groom’s name]’s best man and fellow globetrotter. [Groom’s name] and I have been exploring the world together since we met in a hostel in Bangkok ten years ago, and what a journey it’s been.

I remember our first encounter vividly. [Groom’s name] was trying to decipher a Thai map upside down, insisting he knew exactly where we were. Spoiler alert: we were completely lost. But that’s [Groom’s name] for you – always confident, always adventurous, and always ready with a plan… even if it’s the wrong one.

Since that fateful meeting, we’ve backpacked through Europe, camped in the Sahara, hiked Machu Picchu, and got chased by monkeys in Bali. Through all our adventures, [Groom’s name] has been the perfect travel companion – always up for trying the local delicacy (even if it’s deep-fried tarantulas), always ready with a joke when things go wrong, and always able to make friends with locals despite impressive language barriers.

I’ll never forget the time we missed our train in Italy and ended up hitchhiking with a group of nuns. [Groom’s name] not only got us a ride but also managed to learn a hymn in Italian by the end of the trip. His ability to find the silver lining in any situation is truly remarkable.

[Groom’s name], your sense of adventure and your ability to find joy in the journey have made you an incredible friend. You’ve taught me to step out of my comfort zone, to embrace the unexpected, and to always, always pack extra socks.

[Bride’s name], you’re marrying a man with an insatiable curiosity and a passport full of stories. Get ready for spontaneous weekend getaways, conversations in badly accented foreign languages, and a lifetime of adventures. Just a piece of advice: when [Groom’s name] says he knows a shortcut, it’s probably best to stick to the main road.

To the happy couple, may your love be as vast as the oceans we’ve crossed and as high as the mountains we’ve climbed. May you always find new horizons to explore together and face life’s journey with the same spirit of adventure that [Groom’s name] brings to every trip.

Let’s raise our glasses to [Groom’s name] and [Bride’s name]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and passport stamps. May your biggest adventure yet be the one you’re starting together today. Cheers and bon voyage!

10. The Bandmate

Good evening, everyone. I’m Jason, [Groom’s name]’s best man and former bandmate. [Groom’s name] and I have been making music together since we were teenagers with more angst than talent, and I’m honored to be here on this high note of his life.

I first met [Groom’s name] at a high school battle of the bands. He was the lanky kid with a guitar too big for him, playing power chords with more enthusiasm than skill. But man, could he work a crowd. Even then, [Groom’s name] had a charisma that could make a room full of angsty teenagers put down their phones and pay attention.

We formed our band, “Cosmic Llama” (don’t ask about the name, it was [Groom’s name]’s idea after a late-night burrito binge), and spent countless hours in [Groom’s name]’s parents’ garage, trying to find our sound. We went through various phases – punk, grunge, even a brief and regrettable foray into country. Through it all, [Groom’s name] was our fearless leader, always pushing us to try new things and never giving up on our rock star dreams.

I’ll never forget our first gig at the local coffee shop. [Groom’s name] was so nervous, he drank six espressos before we went on stage. Needless to say, it was the most energetic acoustic set that coffee shop had ever seen. Despite the jitters, [Groom’s name]’s passion for music shone through, and we actually got invited back.

[Groom’s name], your creativity, your drive, and your ability to find harmony in chaos have made you an incredible friend and bandmate. You’ve taught me to never stop pursuing my passions, to always hit that high note even if my voice cracks, and to find the music in everyday life.

[Bride’s name], you’re marrying a man with the soul of a rock star and the heart of a poet. Get ready for impromptu serenades, passionate discussions about obscure bands, and a lifetime of beautiful melodies. Just a word of advice: when [Groom’s name] says he’s written a song about you, brace yourself. It’s going to be overwhelmingly sweet, probably a little cheesy, and absolutely from the heart.

To the happy couple, may your love be as enduring as a classic rock ballad and as exciting as a guitar solo. May you always find your rhythm together and face life’s discords with the same passion and creativity that [Groom’s name] brings to every song.

Let’s raise our glasses to [Groom’s name] and [Bride’s name]. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and sweet, sweet music. Rock on!

Best Man Speech Examples – Short Examples

Funny best man speech examples, best man speech example 1: the comedic roast.

Welcome everyone! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m the brother John never had… because he had me instead! John and I go way back. So far back that I have photographic evidence of the horrendous bowl cut his mom gave him in 3rd grade. Don’t worry John, I won’t show them… yet. John was always the responsible one, making sure I didn’t get into too much trouble. But there was this one time in college, when John decided to let loose. He streaked through the quad wearing nothing but his girlfriend’s skirt! Luckily that girlfriend is now his lovely wife, so she’s already well aware of what she’s getting into. All joking aside, John is one of the most stand-up guys I know. He’s always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I know he’ll be an incredible husband because I’ve seen firsthand how he treats Sarah. The love and respect they have for each other is truly inspiring. Sarah, you’re a lucky woman. John may not be much to look at, but you’ll never find a more loyal and loving partner. Please join me in toasting the happy couple! To John and Sarah, may your love be modern enough to survive the times, but old-fashioned enough to last forever. Cheers! Customize your funny best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 2: The Storyteller

I’ve known Ethan since we were five years old. Even back then, he was the sweetest kid on the playground, always sharing his fruit snacks and defending anyone being bullied. That’s the kind of stand-up guy Ethan is. Fast forward to high school, and not much had changed. Ethan was still everyone’s best friend. But he was also an incredible athlete. I’ll never forget the time he scored the winning touchdown at our Homecoming game. The crowd went wild, and all the cheerleaders wanted his attention at the dance afterwards. But Ethan only had eyes for one girl – his high school sweetheart and now bride, Ava. I asked Ethan when he knew Ava was the one. He told me it was on their first date. He had saved up for weeks to take her out to a nice restaurant. But when they got there, Ethan realized he had forgotten his wallet! Ever the gentleman, he offered to wash dishes in the back to pay for their meal. And what did Ava do? She put on an apron and said “I’ll dry.” That’s when Ethan knew she was a keeper. Ava, thank you for continuing to be Ethan’s rock and biggest cheerleader. Ethan, thank you for continuing to be the amazing man we all know and love. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and teamwork. Let’s raise our glasses! To Ethan and Ava – proof that true love isn’t just in fairy tales. Cheers! Customize your funny best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 3: The One-Liner Specialist

Hi everyone, I’m Patrick – Tom’s best friend and the one who gets to spill all his most embarrassing secrets today! Just kidding, I would never do that… again. Tom and I have been through a lot together. From our first little league team, to being college roommates, to co-founding our company. We’ve definitely seen each other at our best… and worst. Like the time Tom walked into an important investor meeting with toilet paper stuck to his shoe. He really knows how to make a first impression! But in all seriousness, Tom is the kind of friend everyone needs in their corner. He’s a great listener, gives the best advice, and is always down for an adventure, even if it’s just trying a new food truck downtown. And now he’s found his perfect match in Lisa. Lisa, I’ll never forget when Tom first told me about you. He had that classic “Tom in love” puppy dog look. But as he started sharing stories about your hiking trips, cooking experiments, and laid-back approach to life, I knew you were the yin to his yang. You both just “get” each other in a way that’s rare and special. As Tom’s best man, I’m supposed to give you marriage advice. But the truth is, you two don’t need it. Your love is easy, fun, and unbreakable – just like our friendship. Though I do recommend investing in some good ear plugs, because Tom’s snoring could wake the dead! Let’s toast to the perfect pair! Tom and Lisa, may your marriage be as strong as Tom’s haggard dance moves, and as sweet as Lisa’s homemade cinnamon rolls. Congrats you crazy lovebirds! Customize your funny best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 4: The Prop Comedian

When Ryan first asked me to be his best man, I was honestly a little surprised. Not because I’m not honored, but because Ryan is one of the most meticulous planners I know. I figured he would have sent me a 10-page best man handbook with diagrams! But all joking aside, Ryan’s organization and attention to detail are just a couple of the many qualities I admire about him. He’s hardworking, loyal, and always up for a good time. Though sometimes that good time involved a few too many shots of tequila, as evidenced by this sombrero from our trip to Cabo! [hold up sombrero prop] Over the years, I’ve watched Ryan navigate the ups and downs of life with poise and determination. From acing his MCAT exams, to securing his dream residency, to buying his first house, he’s always had a plan and followed through. But there was one thing Ryan couldn’t seem to get a handle on – his love life. He was unlucky in love for a while there, enduring a string of bad Tinder dates and awkward set-ups. But that all changed when he met Mia. From the moment Ryan told me about the beautiful, whip-smart lawyer he met at a work conference, I knew she was the one. The way his eyes lit up when he talked about their spirited debates, shared love of sushi, and dreams of traveling the world together – it was unlike anything I’d seen from him before. And when I finally met Mia, I understood why. Her warmth, humor, and beauty immediately put you at ease. She was the yin to Ryan’s yang. Over the past three years, I’ve watched Ryan and Mia’s relationship blossom into something truly special. They challenge each other intellectually, support each other emotionally, and make each other laugh constantly. And now they’re making the ultimate commitment in front of all their loved ones. So Ryan, [put on stethoscope prop] my diagnosis is that you’re one lucky man. You found the love of your life and best friend in Mia. And Mia, [put on judges gavel prop] the evidence shows, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you’re the only one who can keep Ryan in line! [raise glass] Join me in toasting the brilliant bride and groom! Ryan and Mia, may your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of sushi dates. Thanks to you two, I finally believe in soulmates. L’chaim! Customize your funny best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 5: The Improv Artist

Hi everyone, I’m Daniel, Jake’s brother from another mother and partner in crime…but don’t tell our parents that last part! You know, standing up here, it all feels a bit surreal. It seems like just yesterday Jake and I were making mud pies in the backyard and betting on how many marshmallows we could fit in our mouths. For the record, it’s ten. We still have the polaroids somewhere… Jake has always been the ride-or-die kind of brother. The kind who bails you out when you crash Dad’s car, but never lets you live it down. The kind who knows all your most embarrassing secrets, but keeps them under lock and key…for a price. The kind who’s always up for an adventure, whether it’s backpacking through Europe or just seeing how many free samples you can snag at Costco. So when Jake met Sophie, I was curious to see what kind of girl could tame my wild big bro. Turns out, Sophie is just as adventurous and fun-loving as Jake. But she’s also his perfect counterbalance. She’s the voice of reason to his impulsivity, the calm to his storm, the one who makes sure he looks before he leaps…at least most of the time. I remember when Jake called me after their first date. He described this epic 12-hour day that included brunch, an escape room, paddle boarding, hibachi, and late night karaoke. He was practically gasping for air recounting it all. I asked him what they could possibly do for a second date after that. Without skipping a beat he said “I’m going to marry her.” And here we are. Customize your funny best man speech now >>

Short Best Man Speech Examples

Best man speech example 6: the concise complimenter.

Good evening everyone. I’m honored to be here tonight as Parker’s best man. Parker is a true gentleman – kind, intelligent, and always putting others before himself. He deserves the very best in life, and he’s found that in his beautiful bride Isabel. Isabel, you are Parker’s perfect match in every way. You share the same core values of integrity, generosity, and love of community. It’s been a joy to watch the two of you grow together and create a relationship that is built on a foundation of friendship, respect, and unwavering support. Parker and Isabel, your love for each other shines through in everything you do. I know you will continue to lift each other up and bring out the very best in one another. May the joy and love you feel today be with you always. Let’s raise a glass to the happy couple! Customize your short best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 7: The Poetic Toast

A toast to my brother of another and the light of his life: A union like yours is very rare. In your togetherness, you find strength. In your passion, you find peace. Connected by an unbreakable friendship, You are two souls that shine more brightly together than apart. Jonathan and Miranda, as you become one today, Know that your love has already left a mark on us all. By your example, we are inspired. We are reminded what it means to love fully, Enthusiastically, and without reservation. As you embark on this new chapter, Know that you go forward with our full love and support. To a lifetime of happiness, Customize your short best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 8: The Quote Master

“The highest happiness on earth is marriage.” – William Lyon Phelps Kevin, truer words have never been spoken to describe the joy on your face today as you wed your soulmate, Jessica. Your love story is one for the ages – a serendipitous meeting at a coffee shop, a whirlwind romance that took you around the world, and now, a commitment to spend the rest of your lives together. As your best man and longtime friend, I couldn’t be happier to stand by your side today. I’ve watched you grow into the caring, responsible man you are, and I know you and Jessica will build a beautiful life together filled with laughter, adventure, and endless cups of coffee. Congratulations to you both. Never stop pursuing your dreams together. “Love recognizes no barriers.” – Maya Angelou Customize your short best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 9: The Heartfelt Haiku

Groom beaming with pride Bride glowing with love and joy Two hearts become one Adam, Melissa, your love radiates through this room and warms us all. May your marriage be blessed with that same light and warmth. Kanpai! Customize your best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 10: The Brief Narrator

Boy meets girl. They become best friends. Best friends become soulmates. That’s the short version of Sam and Emma’s love story. But of course, there’s so much more to it. The late night talks, the inside jokes, the “I can’t imagine my life without you” moment. The proposal with the puppy. And now the wedding of the century, surrounded by everyone who loves you. Sam, you’re the kind of guy who would give someone the shirt off his back. And Emma, you’re the girl who makes everyone feel welcome and loved. Together, your generosity and care for others knows no bounds. So let’s raise a glass to the newlyweds. Sam and Emma, thank you for reminding us all about the power of love and the joy of finding your perfect teammate in life. May your marriage be a grand adventure filled with puppy snuggles. To the happy couple! Customize your best man speech now >>

Sentimental Best Men Speech Examples

Best man speech example 11: the emotional tribute.

Good evening everyone, I’m Patrick, Daniel’s little brother and best man. This is an emotional day for me, because I’ve always looked up to Daniel. He’s been my protector, my role model, my partner in crime…and today he’s the groom. Growing up, Daniel was my superhero. He stood up to my bullies, taught me how to throw a perfect spiral, and convinced me that broccoli would turn me green like the Hulk, which I still kind of believe. He was always in my corner, cheering me on and making me believe I could do anything. Daniel, as I stand here today I want you to know how proud I am to be your brother. You’re one of the bravest, most honorable men I know. An incredible son, sibling, friend, and now, husband. You’re my best man today and every day. And my new sister Chelsea, where do I begin? From the first time we met, it was clear you were Daniel’s perfect match. Your warmth, humor, and huge heart immediately put me at ease. I’ve loved getting to know you through the years and watching the incredible love you and Daniel share. You truly bring out the best in my brother. Thank you for loving him as fiercely as we do. As you two begin this new chapter, I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and broccoli. May you always be each other’s superhero. Join me in toasting the bride and groom! To Daniel and Chelsea! Customize your best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 12: The Nostalgic Reminiscer

Jack and I go way back. All the way to Mrs. Murphy’s kindergarten class, with the finger painting and alphabet posters on the wall. Even at five years old, Jack was the guy everyone wanted to be friends with. He was kind, funny, and always up for sharing his 64-pack of crayons, which is how you knew he was a really good guy. Fast forward a few decades, and so much has changed… but Jack hasn’t. He’s still the most loyal, generous friend a guy could ask for. The one who’s by your side for every milestone. The one who’s got your back, no matter what. The one who gives the world’s best bear hugs. So when Jack met Priya, I knew she had to be someone truly special. And was she ever. Priya, you came into Jack’s life like a beam of sunshine. Your positive energy, sense of adventure, and heart of gold were a perfect complement to Jack’s steadiness and determination. Suddenly my 64-pack of crayons friend had a skip in his step and was smiling wider than I’d ever seen. I knew pretty quickly that what you two had was the real deal. Priya, thank you for loving Jack the way he deserves. For always being up for trying a new restaurant, or taking a last minute road trip, or hosting a legendary 4th of July BBQ. For understanding and appreciating all the things that make Jack so unique and wonderful. He’s the luckiest guy in the world. So let’s raise a glass to the happy couple! Jack and Priya, my wish for you is crayon-colored days, bear hug nights, and a lifetime of love and happiness together. May you always find home in each other’s arms. Cheers! Customize your best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 13: The Romantic Realist

Hi everyone, I’m Nathan, Ethan’s best friend and best man. Now, you might be expecting me to tell you about all the crazy shenanigans Ethan and I got into over the years. Like the time we decided to road trip to Mexico on a whim, with no map and no plan. We ended up lost, sunburned, and out of gas in the middle of nowhere. But we also had the adventure of a lifetime, because that’s just how Ethan rolls. But as much as I love a good roast, that’s not why we’re here today. We’re here to celebrate something far more incredible – the love between Ethan and Ava. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. Love is a many-splendored thing, right? All romance and roses and euphoric montages. But here’s the thing. Love is also a choice you make every single day. It’s a promise to be your partner’s bodyguard, cheerleader, and personal comedian, even when life gets messy. It’s being able to ugly cry in front of each other after a hard day and waking up the next morning knowing that person is still your favorite human. It’s committing to forever even when you’re dealing with job stress, dirty dishes, and really bad morning breath. That’s the kind of real deal love these two have. When I think about Ethan and Ava’s relationship, a few words come to mind. Friendship. Laughter. Adventure. Unwavering support. A rock-solid foundation to weather any storm. That’s what you’re signing up for today. And let me tell you, it’s worth it. Because when you find someone who makes you laugh until you pee a little, kisses your nose even when it’s runny, and promises to always be your co-pilot on the highway of life, you hold on tight and never let go. So Ethan and Ava, as you exchange rings today, know that your love inspires the rest of us. Not because of some cheesy rom-com fantasy, but because you’re a real couple, with real struggles, who choose each other every day, through better and worse. A couple who’s not just in love, but who IS love, in all its honest, messy, beautiful glory. Join me in toasting the bride and groom! Here’s to a lifetime of adventure, forgiveness, belly laughter, and really great sex. May you always be each other’s home. To Ethan and Ava! Customize your best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 14: The Family Man

Hello everyone, my name is Andrew and I have the honor of being the best man today. I’m also Matt’s older brother, which means I have plenty of embarrassing stories to share! But I’ll save those for the next family reunion. In all seriousness, today is particularly emotional for me, because I’ve had a front row seat to Matt and Emily’s love story. I’ve watched my little brother grow from an awkward, video-game obsessed teenager into the confident, caring man he is today – and so much of that is thanks to Emily. From the first time Matt brought Emily home to meet the family, we knew there was something special about her. The way she jumped right in to help mom with the dishes, cracked dad up with her witty one-liners, and asked me thoughtful questions about my job – it was clear she wasn’t just a girlfriend, but a true partner. Over the years, Emily has become more than just a sister-in-law to me – she’s family. The kind of family who shows up, no questions asked. The kind who remembers every birthday, hosts the best Thanksgiving, and gives the warmest hugs. Matt, you really hit the jackpot with this one. And Emily, I want to thank you. Thank you for loving my brother the way he deserves. For seeing past his corny jokes and occasionally questionable fashion choices to the heart of gold underneath. For pushing him to be his best self while accepting him as he is. For being such an incredible daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to our crazy clan. We love you so much. So to Matt and Emily, as you formally become family today, I wish you a love as strong as mom and dad’s, a home filled with as much laughter as our childhood, and a marriage that makes you each feel as cherished as you are. May you always be each other’s haven and biggest fans. We love you! Everyone please raise your glass to Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name]! To Matt and Emily! Customize your best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 15: The Inspirational Speaker

Good evening, friends and family. I’m David, the groom’s best man. When Raj asked me to stand up for him on his wedding day, I didn’t hesitate. Because if there’s one thing I know about Raj, it’s that he shows up for the people he loves. He shows up for the big things, the small things, and everything in between. And today, he’s showing up for the biggest commitment of all – marriage. I’ve known Raj for 20 years. We’ve been through a lot together – highs, lows, and a whole lot of cheap beer in between. But through it all, Raj has been a constant source of support, wisdom, and inspiration. He’s the friend who picks up the phone at 2am when you need to talk. The one who helps you move apartments in 100-degree heat. The one who never lets you give up on yourself, even when you want to. Raj: You live life with such passion and purpose. You don’t back down from a challenge. You stay true to your values. And you love with your whole heart. It’s no wonder that when Anjali came into your life, you knew pretty quickly she was your person. Anjali, you are a force of nature. Brilliant, driven, kind, and drop-dead gorgeous to boot. But what I admire most about you is your strength. The quiet kind of strength that powers through med school exams and overnight hospital shifts. The graceful kind of strength that juggles family responsibilities and your own aspirations. And the joyful kind of strength that lives life to the fullest. Raj is a lucky man. When I see you two together, I see a couple committed to building something meaningful, both in your marriage and in the world. I see best friends and true partners. I see two people who not only accept each other’s strengths and flaws, but actually love each other more because of them. So as you exchange vows today, I want to remind you that love isn’t just flowery words. It’s ACTION. It’s showing up, even when it’s not easy. It’s choosing compassion over being right. It’s growing together through change. It’s saying I love you, I’m here for you, I choose you, every single day. Raj and Anjali, never stop fighting for each other. Never stop challenging each other. Never stop finding new reasons to fall in love with each other. Because the world needs more couples like you – couples who lead with love. Join me in toasting the bride and groom! Raj and Anjali, thank you for letting us witness the incredible love you share. May you always be each other’s strength and inspiration. To a lifetime of showing up! Customize your best man speech now >>

Unique and Creative Best Man Speech Examples

Best man speech example 16: the musical maestro.

*best man takes the mic and breaks out into song* (To the tune of “I’ll Be There For You” by The Rembrandts) So no one told you life was gonna be this way (wedding bells chime 4x) Your job’s a joke, you’re broke, love life DOA Well, it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month, or even your year, but… Ethan will be there for you (When the rain starts to pour) Natalie will be there for you (Like she’s been there before) They’ll be there for you (‘Cause you’re there for them too) *Ethan pulls the mic away, laughing* Alright, alright, I’ll spare you the rest of my pipes. But everything I said in that little ditty is true. Ethan and Natalie, you two are the real deal. I’ve seen you support each other through job losses, family dramas, and yes, even unfortunate haircuts. Seriously though, that frosted tips phase, bro? But all jokes aside, you two have something special. You’re not just lovers, you’re best friends. And yeah, marriage is a big, scary, wonderful adventure. But it’s so much better when you’ve got your person by your side. Natalie, thanks for making an honest man out of my boy. Ethan, thanks for being the kind of friend who feels more like family. I know you’ll both continue to be each other’s rocks, through all of life’s crazy plot twists. So, without further ado… *grabs the mic again* (To the tune of “Marry You” by Bruno Mars) It’s a beautiful night, we’re looking for something fun To celebrate this love that’s just begun Well I know this little chapel on the boulevard we can go No one will know Oh, come on, let’s go! I think they wanna marry each other! Sh*t, I know they wanna marry each other! Here’s the ring, it’ll fit like a glove, g-glove, glove You know it’s time you two say “I do”, yeah it’s true Who cares if we’re all dressed up, right? Got wedding cake, champagne for tonight (hey!) They want the rest of their lives To start as soon as possible It’s time, you two, let’s do the damn thing! I know they wanna marry each other! Please be upstanding for Mr. and Mrs. McNally! We love you, crazy kids! Cheers! Customize your best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 17: The Tech-Savvy Speaker

Good evening ladies and gentlemen. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Josh, Alex’s best man and partner in crime since middle school. When Alex asked me to be his best man, I was thrilled, honored… and a little bit terrified. How could I possibly sum up a friendship that has spanned over half our lives? How could I put into words the incredible man that Alex is and the amazing husband I know he’ll be to Sophia? But then it hit me – a picture is worth a thousand words. Or in this case, an embarrassing Facebook memory is worth at least a solid 5 minutes of roasting. *pulls up old photo of groom on screen* Oh yes. This gem is from our sophomore year spring break trip. I’m talking bleached tips, puka shell necklace, the works. Alex, my man, what were we thinking? *flips through slideshow of funny photos of groom growing up* From questionable fashion choices to that time we thought we could start a boy band, Alex and I have been through it all together. But make no mistake, beneath the goofball exterior is one of the smartest most driven people I’ve ever met. This is the guy who taught himself to code in high school, who started his own successful tech company in college, and who never shies away from a challenge. Alex, your determination and resilience have always inspired me. *changes slide to collage of Alex and Sophia* And then you met Sophia. From the moment you two started dating, I watched my best friend become the best version of himself. Sophia, you are Alex’s perfect match in every way. Brilliant, compassionate, and an absolute knockout to boot. But beyond that, you two share a love that is truly special. The kind of love that evolves and grows stronger over time. *changes slide to interactive timeline of couple’s love story* In fact, feel free to scan the QR code in your programs to scroll through Alex and Sophia’s relationship milestones – from their first date at that quirky VR cafe to their epic around-the-world adventure last year. You two have built an incredible life together already, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. *changes slide to heartfelt candid of couple* Alex and Sophia, as you enter this new chapter, I have no doubt that your marriage will be a beautiful one, filled with love, laughter, and all the latest and greatest tech gadgets. Because in a world of constant upgrades, you two have found something timeless – true partnership and unconditional love. Join me in raising a glass to the newlyweds! Alex and Sophia, may your love continue to be the one thing in life that never needs an update. We love you! Customize your best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 18: The Theatrical Performer

*best man enters in a dramatic fashion* Welcome, welcome, one and all, to the wedding of the century! I am your host for the evening, the dashing, debonair, and undeniably humble best man, Luke. Now, you may be wondering, how did a specimen like myself end up with a best friend like Noah? Well, let me take you back to act one, scene one of our epic bromance. *lights dim, spotlight on Luke* It was a dark and stormy night… just kidding, it was a perfectly average day in 10th grade English class. I was the new kid, fresh meat, trying to find my place in the adolescent jungle. And there was Noah, the class clown with a heart of gold, cracking jokes and making even our grumpy teacher crack a smile. Long story short, we bonded over our mutual love of The Office and the rest is history. From late night study sessions fueled by energy drinks to road trip singalongs to “Bohemian Rhapsody”, Noah has been my partner in crime and my confidant. The Maverick to my Goose, the Ferris to my Cameron, the Patrick to my Spongebob. But little did Noah know, his real leading lady was waiting in the wings. Enter stage right: the luminous, hilarious, drop dead gorgeous Olivia. *gestures grandly to bride* From the moment these two met at that improv class freshman year of college, it was clear their love story was one for the ages. The way Olivia could match Noah’s wit and humor, the way Noah looked at Olivia like she hung the moon… it was like watching a real life rom-com unfold. *switches to sincere tone* But in all seriousness, Olivia, thank you. Thank you for loving my best friend the way he deserves. For seeing the caring, loyal, brilliant man beneath the class clown persona. Noah, thank you for showing me what a healthy, happy relationship looks like. You two are the real deal. So without further ado, I present to you the maîtres d’amour, the crème de la crème of couples, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson! *pulls bride and groom to their feet and into a group hug* Everyone join me in raising your glasses to the leading lady and man of the hour! Noah and Olivia, may your marriage be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of standing ovations. We love you! *cue end scene applause and music* Customize your best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 19: The Cultural Celebrant

Namaste and good evening to the beloved friends and family of Priya and Aakash. I’m Rohan, the best man and pseudo-big brother to the groom. As many of you know, Aakash and I go way back – to the days of Little League cricket matches, weekend sleepovers filled with too much junk food and Bollywood movies, and of course, those awkward preteen years navigating our Indian-American identities together. Aakash, you have always been the yang to my yin. The rational to my impulsive, the calm to my chaos, the mild butter chicken to my spicy vindaloo. But through it all, you’ve been my constant. My fellow ABCD (American-born confused desi), my understanding ear, my brother from another mother. And then along came Priya. From your very first date, which Aakash was adorably nervous for, by the way – I knew she was something special. The way you talked about her smile, her intelligence, her passion for social justice – it was clear this was no ordinary crush. As I got to know Priya better, I saw how seamlessly she fit into Aakash’s life and our tight-knit community. Here was a woman who could hold her own in a heated debate on politics, rock a saree like a runway model, and make a mean biryani to boot. Aakash, you met your match. *Speaks a few lines in Hindi* Translation: When two hearts unite as one, their love shines brighter than a thousand suns. And today, we have the joy of witnessing the sacred union of Aakash and Priya, two souls who were destined to find each other. *Switches back to English* Priya and Aakash, as you embark on this new journey, I wish for your love to be like a beautiful Madhubani painting – intricate, vibrant, and steeped in tradition and devotion. May you always find refuge in one another, navigate life’s ups and downs as a team, and nurture a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the mouth-watering scent of spices. So family, please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple! To Priya and Aakash – a match made in the stars. May you forever dance through life to the beat of the dhol drum. We love you! To forever and always, Saat Phere ki jai ho! Customize your best man speech now >>

Best Man Speech Example 20: The Interactive Host

Alright, who’s ready to celebrate the life, love, and marriage of the one and only Isaac and Gabrielle? Come on now, I said ARE YOU READY?! *hypes up crowd* My name is Marcus and I’ve been Isaac’s best friend, wingman, and occasional voice of reason since our freshman year as roommates at Howard University. I’ve seen this man at his best, his worst, and everything in between. But through it all, one thing has remained constant – his incredible capacity to love. Isaac, my brother, you have the biggest heart of anyone I know. From our late-night talks about our dreams and fears, to the way you show up for your friends and family, to how you pour your soul into your music – you live and love fully. And then, in walks Gabrielle. This radiant, whip-smart, drop-dead gorgeous woman who just so happens to be Isaac’s perfect counterpart. When you two are together, it’s like watching poetry in motion. The laughter, the banter, the way you challenge and inspire each other to be better – it’s a beautiful thing to witness. *turns to crowd* But don’t just take my word for it – let’s hear from some of the other VIPs in their lives! By a show of applause, who’s got a favorite “Isaac and Gabrielle” moment to share? *selects a couple audience members to share stories* See? These two have built a love that is truly one-of-a-kind. A love that has already left an indelible mark on all of us gathered here. So I want to try something. Isaac, Gabrielle, will you join me up here for a second? *couple stands up* Alright y’all, on the count of three, I want everyone to shout out a word or short phrase that describes the love you see between these two. Ready? 1, 2, 3 – GO! *audience shouts out adjectives like “inspiring”, “soulmates”, “joyful”, “unbreakable”, etc.* Wow. Do you feel that energy? That, right there, is the power of your love. *turns to couple* Isaac and Gabrielle, never forget this moment. The love, the support, the sheer joy that surrounds you today. Bottle it up and save it for a rainy day. Let it be a reminder that no matter what life throws your way, you’ve got an army of loved ones cheering you on, and an unshakable foundation in each other. *raises glass* So family, let’s make some noise for the newlyweds one more time! Join me in toasting to a lifetime of love, laughter, and happily ever after. To Isaac and Gabrielle! *cues DJ to start the party with couple’s favorite song* Customize your best man speech now >>

55 other Best Man Speech Examples – Coz why not?

1. the childhood best friend.

John and I have been best friends since we were in diapers. We’ve seen each other through all of life’s ups and downs, from learning to ride a bike to our first heartbreaks. I never thought I’d see the day when John would settle down, but then he met Sarah. Sarah, you’ve brought out the best in John and I couldn’t be happier to welcome you into our crazy little family. John, I love you like a brother and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. Customize your best man speech now >>

Mike and I were randomly assigned as college roommates freshman year, and let’s just say it was a bit of an adjustment period. Between Mike’s snoring and my late-night study habits, we definitely had our moments. But somewhere along the way, we became best friends. Mike, you’ve always been there for me, and I know you’ll be an amazing husband to Emily. Emily, thank you for loving Mike for who he is and for putting up with us crazy college boys. Cheers to a lifetime of love and happiness! Customize your best man speech now >>

3. The Older Brother

As Jack’s older brother, it’s my job to embarrass him a little bit today. But truthfully, there’s not much to embarrass him about. Jack has always been the kind of guy who puts others first, who works hard and loves deeply. And when he met Lisa, it was clear he had found his perfect match. Lisa, thank you for joining our family and for making Jack so incredibly happy. I wish you both all the love and joy in the world. Customize your best man speech now >>

4. The Younger Brother

Growing up, I always looked up to my big brother Chris. He was the cool one, the funny one, the one who always knew what to say. And while I may have been the annoying little brother at times, Chris never made me feel that way. Chris, you’ve been my role model and my best friend, and I’m so proud of the man you’ve become. Jess, you’re the sister I always wanted and I’m so happy to officially welcome you to the family. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and maybe a few more annoying little brother moments. Customize your best man speech now >>

5. The Fraternity Brother

When Steve joined our fraternity, I knew he was going to fit right in. He had a contagious laugh, a kind heart, and could outdrink pretty much anyone. Over the years, Steve has been more than just a frat brother to me – he’s been a true friend. And when he introduced me to Karen, I knew he had found someone truly special. Karen, thank you for being such an amazing partner to Steve and for putting up with all of us crazy frat guys. To Steve and Karen, may your love always be as strong as our brotherhood. Customize your best man speech now >>

6. The Co-Worker

When Mark joined our office, I knew we were in for a treat. His wit and humor brought a much-needed lightness to even the most stressful days, and his hard work and dedication were an inspiration to us all. Mark, you’ve been an amazing friend and colleague, and I’m so happy to be here celebrating your marriage to Julie. Julie, you are Mark’s perfect match in every way and I know you’ll bring each other so much happiness. Cheers to the happy couple! Customize your best man speech now >>

7. The Future Brother-In-Law

When my sister first introduced me to David, I’ll admit I was a little skeptical. No one was ever going to be good enough for my big sister in my eyes. But David, you quickly proved me wrong. Your love and respect for my sister were evident from day one, and I’ve watched you two build a beautiful life together. I’m so grateful to be gaining a brother today, and I couldn’t be happier for you both. To my sister and my new brother, may your love story be one for the ages. Customize your best man speech now >>

8. The High School Friend

Jason and I have been friends since high school, which means I’ve seen him through some pretty questionable fashion choices and hairstyles. But through it all, Jason has always been the best kind of friend – loyal, dependable, and always up for a good time. When he met Amy, it was like a lightbulb went off. Suddenly, Jason was more focused, more driven, and more content than I’d ever seen him. Amy, thank you for bringing out the best in Jason and for loving him as much as we all do. To the happy couple, may your love only grow stronger with each passing year. Customize your best man speech now >>

9. The Childhood Neighbor

Growing up next door to Matt was like having a built-in best friend. From catching frogs in the creek to late-night video game marathons, Matt and I did it all together. And while we may have grown up and gone our separate ways, our friendship has only gotten stronger. Matt, you’ve been a constant in my life and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Sarah, thank you for making Matt so incredibly happy and for fitting into our crazy little neighborhood crew so seamlessly. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and maybe a few more frog-catching adventures. Customize your best man speech now >>

10. The Sports Teammate

When you spend as much time together as teammates do, you really get to know a person. And let me tell you, Tom is one of the best guys I know. He’s hardworking, dependable, and always puts the team first. So when he met Emily, it was no surprise that he approached their relationship with the same dedication and commitment. Emily, thank you for being Tom’s biggest cheerleader and for supporting him both on and off the field. To Tom and Emily, may your love be a grand slam. Customize your best man speech now >>

11. The Work Spouse

In our office, Ryan and I were known as the work spouses. We finished each other’s sentences, knew each other’s coffee orders by heart, and could always count on each other for a good laugh or a listening ear. But as close as Ryan and I were, it was nothing compared to the bond he shared with Megan. Megan, you truly are Ryan’s other half and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. Thank you for being such an amazing partner and friend. To Ryan and Megan, may your love be as strong as our spreadsheets and as sweet as our morning coffee chats. Customize your best man speech now >>

12. The Cousin

Growing up, Andrew and I were more like brothers than cousins. We spent every summer together at the family lake house, getting into all sorts of mischief and making memories to last a lifetime. And while we may have gone our separate ways as we got older, our bond has never wavered. Andrew, you’ve always been there for me and I’m so grateful to have you as not just a cousin, but a true friend. Katie, thank you for making Andrew so incredibly happy and for fitting into our crazy family so perfectly. To the happy couple, may your love be as endless as those summer days at the lake. Customize your best man speech now >>

13. The Childhood Rival Turned Friend

If you had told me when we were kids that one day I’d be standing up as Alex’s best man, I would have laughed in your face. Alex and I spent most of our childhood as rivals, competing over everything from sports to academics to who could eat the most hot dogs at the county fair. But somewhere along the way, that rivalry turned into friendship. Alex, you’ve challenged me and pushed me to be my best self, and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Samantha, you are Alex’s perfect match and I’ve never seen him happier. To Alex and Samantha, may your love be as fierce as our childhood competitions and as enduring as our friendship. Customize your best man speech now >>

14. The Former Roommate

Living with Eric was an adventure, to say the least. From late-night philosophical discussions to epic video game battles to that one time we thought it would be a good idea to adopt a pet snake, there was never a dull moment. But through it all, Eric was always the best kind of friend and roommate – supportive, understanding, and always down for a good time. Eric, I’ve watched you grow and mature so much over the years and I couldn’t be prouder of the man you’ve become. Laura, thank you for bringing such joy and love into Eric’s life. To the happy couple, may your home be filled with as much laughter and love as our old apartment was. Customize your best man speech now >>

15. The Study Abroad Buddy

When Brandon and I decided to study abroad together, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. From navigating foreign public transportation to trying to order coffee in broken Spanish, every day was a new adventure. But through it all, Brandon was the best travel companion and friend I could have asked for. Brandon, your curiosity, kindness, and zest for life inspire me every day and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Sophie, you share those same amazing qualities and I know you and Brandon will have a lifetime of adventures together. To Brandon and Sophie, may your love be as limitless as your wanderlust. Customize your best man speech now >>

16. The Fraternity Pledge Brother

Pledging a fraternity is an experience like no other, and going through it with Nate created a bond that will last a lifetime. From late-night study sessions to epic prank wars to learning the true meaning of brotherhood, Nate was always right there with me. Nate, your loyalty, integrity, and humor are unmatched and I’m so grateful to call you my brother. Emily, you’ve been such an amazing addition to our fraternity family and I’ve never seen Nate happier. To Nate and Emily, may your love be as strong as our fraternal bond. Customize your best man speech now >>

17. The Bandmate

Making music with Sam has been one of the greatest joys of my life. From late-night jam sessions in his garage to playing our first gig to recording our debut album, Sam’s talent and passion have always inspired me. But as much as I love making music with Sam, what I love even more is seeing the incredible man and partner he’s become. Ashley, your love and support have been the perfect harmony to Sam’s melody. To Sam and Ashley, may your love be as beautiful and enduring as the music you make together. Customize your best man speech now >>

18. The Wingman

Every guy needs a wingman, and Tyler was the best wingman a guy could ask for. From talking me up to my crush to helping me pick out the perfect outfit for a first date, Tyler was always there with the assist. But little did I know, Tyler’s true soulmate was right there by his side all along. Megan, you and Tyler have been an unstoppable duo since day one and I’ve never seen two people more perfect for each other. To Tyler and Megan, may your love story be even better than the ones we used to make up at the bar. Customize your best man speech now >>

19. The Gym Buddy

There’s nothing like a shared love of fitness to bring two people together, and that’s definitely the case for me and Kyle. From early morning workouts to post-gym protein shakes, Kyle has been my constant motivator and friend. Kyle, your dedication and discipline in the gym are only matched by your dedication and love for Sara. Sara, you bring out the best in Kyle and I’ve never seen him happier. To Kyle and Sara, may your love be as strong as your deadlift game. Customize your best man speech now >>

20. The Travel Buddy

When Jared and I decided to backpack through Europe after college, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. From missed trains to language barriers to that one time we got lost in the Swiss Alps, it was an adventure to say the least. But through it all, Jared was the best travel companion and friend I could have asked for. Jared, your curiosity, adaptability, and zest for life inspire me every day. Stephanie, you share those same incredible qualities and I know you and Jared will have a lifetime of adventures together. To Jared and Stephanie, may your love be your greatest adventure yet. Customize your best man speech now >>

21. The Childhood Best Friend

Michael and I have been attached at the hip since we were five years old. From building forts in the backyard to navigating the ups and downs of adolescence, Michael has been my constant through it all. And while a lot has changed since those fort-building days, one thing never will – the incredible bond and friendship we share. Michael, you’re more than just my best friend, you’re my brother. Anna, you’ve been such a beautiful addition to Michael’s life and our friendship. To Michael and Anna, may your love be as enduring and unbreakable as the bond we share. Customize your best man speech now >>

22. The High School Teammate

Playing football with Ethan in high school taught me a lot about hard work, dedication, and the power of teamwork. But what it taught me most of all was the value of a truly great friend. Ethan, your work ethic and loyalty on the field were only matched by your kindness and compassion off of it. Olivia, you bring out the very best in Ethan and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Ethan and Olivia, may your love be a touchdown in the game of life. Customize your best man speech now >>

23. The College Study Partner

When it came to surviving organic chemistry, I couldn’t have asked for a better study partner than Dan. From late night cram sessions to celebrating our hard-earned grades, Dan’s intelligence, determination, and humor got me through some of the toughest academic challenges of my life. But more than just a great study partner, Dan has been an incredible friend. Dan, your brilliance is only outshone by your huge heart. Sarah, you’re Dan’s perfect match and I’ve never seen him happier. To Dan and Sarah, may your love be as strong as your combined brain power. Customize your best man speech now >>

24. The Work Confidant

In the high-stress world of corporate finance, having a colleague like John to lean on has been a game-changer. From celebrating big wins to commiserating over tough projects, John has been my go-to confidant and friend at the office. But as much as I appreciate John’s professional support, what I appreciate even more is his friendship outside of work. John, your integrity, compassion, and wicked sense of humor make you an incredible friend and partner. Lisa, you bring so much love and light into John’s life. To John and Lisa, may your love bring you the same joy and support you’ve brought to so many others. Customize your best man speech now >>

25. The Roommate Turned Best Friend

When David and I signed the lease on our college apartment, we had no idea we were also signing up for a lifelong friendship. From late-night heart-to-hearts to epic Super Smash Bros battles, living with David was an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, growth, and more than a few dirty dishes. David, your creativity, kindness, and unwavering loyalty inspire me every day. Karen, you perfectly complement David’s wonderful qualities and I’ve never seen him happier. To David and Karen, may your love and friendship be the stuff sitcom dreams are made of. Customize your best man speech now >>

26. The Cousin Turned Best Man

Growing up, Ben and I were more like brothers than cousins. From family vacations to holiday gatherings to just hanging out on a lazy Saturday, Ben has been a constant presence in my life and one of my greatest friends. Ben, your compassion, humor, and dependability make you an incredible cousin and an even better man. Emily, you’ve been such a wonderful addition to our family and I’ve never seen Ben happier than he is with you. To Ben and Emily, may your love be as strong and enduring as our family bond. Customize your best man speech now >>

27. The Childhood Neighbor

Living next door to Alex as a kid was like having a built-in best friend. From backyard baseball games to sneaking out for late-night adventures, Alex and I were inseparable. And while we may have grown up and gone our separate ways, the bond we share has never wavered. Alex, your loyalty, humor, and zest for life have always inspired me. Samantha, you perfectly complement Alex’s wonderful qualities and I’ve never seen him happier. To Alex and Samantha, may your love be as enduring as the memories we shared growing up. Customize your best man speech now >>

28. The Camp Counselor Turned Friend

When I first met Chris as a camper, I looked up to him as the coolest counselor around. Little did I know that our friendship would extend far beyond the camp years. Chris, your leadership, compassion, and sense of adventure inspired me as a camper and continue to inspire me to this day. Laura, you bring out the very best in Chris and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Chris and Laura, may your love be as fun and exciting as a summer at camp. Customize your best man speech now >>

29. The Fraternity Brother

Joining a fraternity gave me more than just a few Greek letters to wear – it gave me a brother in Ryan. From pledging together to living in the house to all the unforgettable moments in between, Ryan has been by my side through it all. Ryan, your loyalty, integrity, and humor embody the true meaning of brotherhood. Jessica, you’ve been such an incredible addition to our fraternity family and I’ve never seen Ryan happier. To Ryan and Jessica, may your love be as strong as our bond of brotherhood. Customize your best man speech now >>

30. The Bandmate

Making music with James has been one of the greatest joys of my life. From late-night jam sessions to playing our first gig to recording our album, James’ talent and dedication have always inspired me. But as much as I love playing music with James, what I love even more is seeing the incredible man and partner he’s become. Sarah, your love and support have been the perfect harmony to James’ melody. To James and Sarah, may your love be as beautiful and enduring as the music you make together. Customize your best man speech now >>

31. The Business Partner

Starting a business with your best friend is not for the faint of heart, but I couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Mike. From late nights working on pitches to celebrating our first big win, Mike’s creativity, drive, and unwavering support have been the backbone of our success. But as proud as I am of our professional accomplishments, I’m even prouder of the man and partner Mike has become. Emily, you bring out the very best in Mike and I’ve never seen him happier. To Mike and Emily, may your love and partnership be as successful as our business endeavors. Customize your best man speech now >>

32. The Travel Companion

Backpacking through Europe with Matt was the adventure of a lifetime. From navigating foreign cities to trying new foods to making unforgettable memories, Matt was the perfect travel companion. Matt, your curiosity, adaptability, and endless positivity made our trip an experience I’ll never forget. Anna, you share Matt’s adventurous spirit and zest for life, and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Matt and Anna, may your love be the greatest adventure of all. Customize your best man speech now >>

33. The Childhood Rival Turned Friend

Growing up, Josh and I were fierce competitors in everything from academics to sports to video games. But somewhere along the way, that rivalry turned into an unbreakable friendship. Josh, your drive, integrity, and loyalty inspire me every day, and I’m so grateful to have you as a friend. Rachel, you perfectly complement Josh’s wonderful qualities and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Josh and Rachel, may your love be as strong as our friendship and as exciting as our childhood rivalries. Customize your best man speech now >>

34. The College Roommate

Living with Andrew in college was an unforgettable experience filled with late-night study sessions, impromptu dance parties, and more than a few debates about whose turn it was to do the dishes. But through it all, Andrew was more than just a roommate – he was a true friend. Andrew, your intelligence, compassion, and humor made those college years some of the best of my life. Karen, you bring out the very best in Andrew and I’ve never seen him happier. To Andrew and Karen, may your love be as strong as our friendship and as full of laughter as our college days. Customize your best man speech now >>

35. The Work Mentor Turned Friend

When I first started my job, I was intimidated by Ryan’s success and expertise. But it didn’t take long for that intimidation to turn into admiration and friendship. Ryan, your guidance, support, and incredible work ethic have been instrumental in my professional growth, and I’m so grateful for your mentorship and friendship. Lisa, you bring so much joy and love into Ryan’s life, and I’ve never seen him happier. To Ryan and Lisa, may your love be as inspiring as Ryan’s leadership and as enduring as our friendship. Customize your best man speech now >>

36. The High School Best Friend

Jason and I have been best friends since the first day of high school, when we bonded over our mutual love of terrible puns and hatred of gym class. Since then, Jason has been by my side through all of life’s ups and downs, always ready with a joke, a hug, or a listening ear. Jason, your humor, loyalty, and huge heart make you an incredible friend and an even better partner. Stephanie, you perfectly complement Jason’s wonderful qualities and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Jason and Stephanie, may your love be as enduring as our friendship and as full of laughter as our high school days. Customize your best man speech now >>

37. The Grad School Study Buddy

Surviving grad school would have been impossible without Eric by my side. From late nights in the library to commiserating over endless papers, Eric’s intelligence, determination, and humor got me through some of the toughest academic challenges of my life. But more than just a study partner, Eric has been an incredible friend. Eric, your brilliance is only matched by your kindness and compassion. Laura, you bring out the very best in Eric and I’ve never seen him happier. To Eric and Laura, may your love be as strong as your combined intellect and as enduring as our friendship. Customize your best man speech now >>

38. The Childhood Next-Door Neighbor

Growing up next door to Mark was like having a built-in best friend. From backyard adventures to late-night video game marathons, Mark and I did it all together. And while we may have grown up and gone our separate ways, the bond we share has never wavered. Mark, your creativity, loyalty, and zest for life have always inspired me. Emily, you perfectly complement Mark’s wonderful qualities and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Mark and Emily, may your love be as fun and enduring as the memories we shared growing up. Customize your best man speech now >>

39. The Sports League Teammate

Playing on the same softball team as Chris for the past five years has been an absolute blast. From celebrating big wins to laughing off tough losses, Chris’ positivity, sportsmanship, and killer curveball have made him an incredible teammate and friend. But as much as I love sharing the field with Chris, what I admire most is the man he is off the field. Chris, your kindness, integrity, and unwavering support for your loved ones are truly inspiring. Amanda, you bring out the very best in Chris and I’ve never seen him happier. To Chris and Amanda, may your love be a grand slam. Customize your best man speech now >>

40. The Fraternity Little Brother

When I first met Dan as my fraternity little brother, I had no idea that I was also gaining a lifelong friend. From late-night heart-to-hearts to ridiculous prank wars, Dan’s humor, compassion, and loyalty have made him an incredible brother and an even better man. Dan, your dedication to your friendships, your passions, and your values is truly inspiring. Sarah, you’ve been such a wonderful addition to our fraternity family and I’ve never seen Dan happier than he is with you. To Dan and Sarah, may your love be as strong as our bond of brotherhood. Customize your best man speech now >>

41. The Coworker Turned Best Friend

When Tom and I first started working together, I had no idea that I was gaining more than just a colleague – I was gaining a true friend. From collaborating on projects to sharing inside jokes to supporting each other through the ups and downs of work and life, Tom’s creativity, humor, and empathy have made him an incredible friend and confidant. Tom, your talent and dedication are only matched by your huge heart. Rachel, you bring out the very best in Tom and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Tom and Rachel, may your love be as strong as our friendship and as full of laughter as our days at the office. Customize your best man speech now >>

42. The Travel Buddy

Exploring the world with James has been the adventure of a lifetime. From getting lost in foreign cities to trying exotic new foods to making unforgettable memories, James’ curiosity, adaptability, and endless sense of wonder have made him the perfect travel companion. But as much as I love sharing adventures with James, what I admire most is his adventurous approach to love and life. James, your courage, compassion, and zest for life inspire me every day. Sarah, you share James’ adventurous spirit and kind heart, and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To James and Sarah, may your love be the greatest adventure of all. Customize your best man speech now >>

43. The Cousin Turned Best Friend

Growing up, Nate and I were more like brothers than cousins. From family vacations to holiday gatherings to just hanging out on lazy summer days, Nate has been a constant presence in my life and one of my greatest friends. Nate, your humor, loyalty, and unwavering support have gotten me through some of life’s toughest moments, and I’m so grateful to have you as a cousin and a friend. Emily, you’ve been such a wonderful addition to our family and I’ve never seen Nate happier than he is with you. To Nate and Emily, may your love be as strong and enduring as our family bond. Customize your best man speech now >>

44. The High School Lab Partner

Being assigned as lab partners with Alex in chemistry class was the start of a beautiful friendship. From late nights studying for exams to inside jokes about our eccentric teacher to bonding over our shared love of science, Alex’s intelligence, humor, and kind heart made those high school years some of the best of my life. Alex, your brilliance and compassion continue to inspire me every day. Jenna, you perfectly complement Alex’s wonderful qualities and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Alex and Jenna, may your love be as strong as your combined brainpower and as enduring as our friendship. Customize your best man speech now >>

45. The College Intramural Teammate

Playing intramural soccer with Ryan in college was an absolute blast. From early morning practices to hard-fought games to post-win celebrations, Ryan’s athleticism, sportsmanship, and endless enthusiasm made him an incredible teammate and friend. But as much as I loved sharing the field with Ryan, what I admire most is the man he is off the field. Ryan, your dedication, loyalty, and huge heart inspire me every day. Lisa, you bring out the very best in Ryan and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Ryan and Lisa, may your love be a goal for the ages. Customize your best man speech now >>

46. The Carpool Buddy

Sharing a commute with Kevin for the past few years has been a highlights of my work days. From early morning coffee runs to belting out car karaoke to deep conversations about life and love, Kevin’s humor, empathy, and endless positivity have made him an incredible friend and confidant. Kevin, your kindness and zest for life are truly inspiring, and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Sarah, you bring out the very best in Kevin and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Kevin and Sarah, may your love be as joyful and enduring as our morning carpool sessions. Customize your best man speech now >>

47. The Language Exchange Partner

When I signed up for a language exchange program, I had no idea I would be gaining a lifelong friend in Javier. From practicing our language skills over coffee to bonding over our shared love of travel and culture, Javier’s intelligence, curiosity, and kind heart have made him an incredible friend and cultural guide. Javier, your passion for life and learning inspire me every day, and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Isabella, you share Javier’s adventurous spirit and warm heart, and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Javier and Isabella, may your love be as beautiful and enduring as the languages and cultures that brought us together. Customize your best man speech now >>

48. The Book Club Buddy

Joining a book club was one of the best decisions I ever made, not only because it introduced me to some incredible reads, but also because it brought Mike into my life. From spirited discussions about our favorite characters to bonding over our shared love of storytelling, Mike’s intelligence, wit, and endless curiosity have made him an incredible friend and literary companion. Mike, your creativity and compassion inspire me every day, and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Emily, you bring out the very best in Mike and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Mike and Emily, may your love be as beautiful and enduring as the stories we’ve shared. Customize your best man speech now >>

49. The Gym Buddy

When I first started going to the gym, I was intimidated and unsure of myself. But then I met Alex, and everything changed. From spotting each other on heavy lifts to pushing each other to reach our fitness goals, Alex’s dedication, encouragement, and endless positivity have made him an incredible friend and workout partner. Alex, your strength and determination inspire me both in and out of the gym, and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Jennifer, you bring out the very best in Alex and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Alex and Jennifer, may your love be as strong and enduring as the bond we’ve built through sweat and iron. Customize your best man speech now >>

50. The Music Festival Buddy

Attending my first music festival with Chris was an unforgettable experience. From discovering new bands to dancing until dawn to bonding over our shared love of live music, Chris’ passion, energy, and adventurous spirit made him the perfect festival companion. But as much as I love sharing musical adventures with Chris, what I admire most is his approach to life and love. Chris, your creativity, authenticity, and huge heart inspire me every day, and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Laura, you share Chris’ artistic spirit and kind soul, and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Chris and Laura, may your love be as wild and beautiful as the music that brought us together. Customize your best man speech now >>

51. The Volunteer Buddy

When I started volunteering at the local animal shelter, I had no idea I would be gaining a lifelong friend in James. From caring for the animals to bonding over our shared passion for making a difference, James’ compassion, dedication, and incredible heart have made him an amazing friend and role model. James, your selflessness and love for all living creatures inspire me every day, and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Sarah, you share James’ kind soul and generous spirit, and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To James and Sarah, may your love be as beautiful and enduring as the difference you make in the world. Customize your best man speech now >>

52. The Trivia Night Teammate

Trivia night at our local bar wouldn’t be the same without Ryan by my side. From obscure history facts to niche pop culture references, Ryan’s endless knowledge, quick wit, and competitive spirit have made him an incredible teammate and friend. But as much as I love dominating trivia with Ryan, what I admire most is his intelligence and humor in all aspects of life. Ryan, your brilliance and humor inspire me every day, and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Lisa, you perfectly complement Ryan’s wonderful qualities and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Ryan and Lisa, may your love be as strong as our trivia skills and as full of laughter as our nights at the pub. Customize your best man speech now >>

53. The Running Club Buddy

When I joined a local running club to train for my first marathon, I had no idea I would be gaining a lifelong friend in Mike. From early morning training runs to pushing each other to reach our goals, Mike’s determination, encouragement, and endless positivity have made him an incredible friend and running partner. Mike, your strength and resilience inspire me both on and off the trail, and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Emily, you bring out the very best in Mike and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Mike and Emily, may your love be as strong and enduring as the miles we’ve logged together. Customize your best man speech now >>

54. The Cooking Class Buddy

Signing up for a cooking class was one of the best decisions I ever made, not only because it improved my culinary skills, but also because it brought Alex into my life. From mastering new techniques to bonding over our shared love of food and culture, Alex’s passion, creativity, and warm heart have made him an incredible friend and cooking companion. Alex, your talent and zest for life inspire me every day, and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Jenna, you share Alex’s adventurous palate and kind soul, and I’ve never seen him happier than he is with you. To Alex and Jenna, may your love be as delicious and enduring as the meals we’ve shared. Customize your best man speech now >>

55. The Karaoke Buddy

Karaoke night wouldn’t be the same without Chris by my side. From belting out classic rock anthems to laughing through forgotten lyrics, Chris’ energy, humor, and fearless spirit have made him an incredible friend and duet partner. But as much as I love sharing the stage with Chris, what I admire most is his approach to life and love. Chris, your authenticity and huge heart inspire me every day, and I’m so grateful for our friendship. Customize your best man speech now >>

Related Blogs About Best Man Speeches

Now that you’ve gotten a comprehensive crash course in speech styles and structures by looking through those best man speech examples, check out these related blogs for even more tips and inspiration:

• How to Write a Funny Best Man Speech
• Try Our Best Man Speech Generator 
• The Ultimate Guide to Being a Best Man in 2o24
• Crafting an Unforgettable Best Man Speech for Your Brother: A Comprehensive Guide

How Bridesmaid for Hire Can Help Write Your Best Man Speech

At Bridesmaid for Hire , we’re all about helping you navigate the wonderful (and occasionally stressful) world of weddings. From being a professional bridesmaid to delivering a killer maid of honor speech, we’ve got your back every step of the way.

Remember, being asked to give a wedding speech is an incredible honor – and you’ve totally got this. Stay true to yourself, speak from the heart, and let the love and laughter flow. We are here to help. Try Our Best Man Speech Generator 

Let’s do a quick review of the key best man speech takeaways:

• Choose an authentic speech style and structure that fits your personality and relationship to the groom.
• Keep the speech concise (aim for 3-5 minutes), unless you’re really nailing those sentimental or comedic elements.
• Consider your audience and the overall wedding vibe to ensure your speech is appropriate and well-received.
• Balance humor and sincerity, always bringing it back to your love and support for the groom and his bride.
• Practice, practice, practice for confident and engaging delivery on the big day.

Final Thoughts on our Best Man Speech Examples

Phew, that was a lot of best man speech content! I hope you’re feeling more empowered than ever to knock your toast out of the park. Just remember, there’s no one “right” way to give an incredible best man speech. The magic ingredients are your authentic perspective, genuine sentiments, and a hefty dash of preparation (and maybe a shot of liquid courage – you’ve earned it).

Also, know that Bridesmaid for Hire  is here to help along the way:

• Here’s more in-depth guidance on how to write a best man speech .
• We also have a popular  best man speechwriting tool  that writes you a personalized toast in minutes.
• Finally, our  best man speech coaching sessions   teach you ditch shaking hands and best man jokes that don’t land so you can give a confident best man speech.

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Best Man Speech Examples for Friends

Oliver Lucas

Published 12 Sep 2023

Welcome! Looking for a bit of inspiration for your friends best man speech? You’re in the right place.  Here you will find real-life examples of best man speeches written by one friend to another.  There’s a selection to choose from depending when the friendship was formed and whether your style is a brief or longer.  Whatever your situation, you will find some food for thought here that can help you in constructing your friend’s best man speech. There’s also a link where you can download even more like this at the end of the page. Hope this helps!

Best Man Speech for a School Friend

Thank you Norman and Nick for your excellent speeches or as some would see them, my warm up act.

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen sit back, relax and make yourself comfortable as I intend to speak for roughly an hour…

For those of you that don’t know me I’m Scott, one of Nick’s close friends and today I have the honour and pleasure of being his best man.

Can I start by thanking everybody here today, coming together to share in what has been a truly special occasion, witnessing Nick and Simelia becoming Mr and Mrs Taylor.

I would also like to thank Keaza on her wonderful reading and the Chuckle Brothers also known as Dan and Lee on not making too much of a mess of directing people to their seats before the ceremony, well done boys.

I think everybody sat in this room will agree when I say that the bridesmaids Kirsty, Neesha and Kelly look truly amazing today.  And well Simellia, I always knew you would look stunning but wow you look beautiful today Sim. As for Nick, well what can I say, we tried our best……I’m only human. No really ….You don’t scrub up too badly mate, although I am slightly annoyed that you copied my outfit.

It is of course a great honour to be asked to be asked to be best man, But from the moment Nick asked me it was clear that the best man’s speech would be the most challenging part of the day for me personally….. So I had to prepare…. I took the standard approach which most men do when faced with a task they know little about and looked on the internet for ideas…. well I’m sure I’m not the only bloke in the room who has found far more interesting things to look at on the internet. So I drew a blank.

But I did read somewhere that a best man speech shouldn’t take any longer than it takes the groom to make love. So ladies and gentlemen – I give you Mr and Mrs Taylor. (Take drink and sit down).

I did however find a list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to writing a best man’s speech, which rather narrowed down my options:

Don’t mention ex-girlfriends *throw away card*.

Don’t swear *throw away card*.

Don’t tell rude jokes *throw away card*

Don’t tell lies *throw away card*

Do tell mostly positive stories about the groom.  *throw away card*.

Another thing I read whilst doing my research, was that I should now give you Nick a few tips and pointers to start you off in married life. Being a married man myself, I thought I’d be perfect for the job, so please remember the following simple rules:

First, set the ground rules and establish who is boss…………. Then do everything Simelia says from now on.

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

From this day forward your wife always knows a better way of doing things.

Also, it is very important to get on with your mother-in-law. I haven’t spoken mine for two years, not because I don’t like her, I just don’t like to interrupt.

So where do I start with my friend Nick?

Well for starters he’s… Handsome, Witty, Intelligent. He’s Char… Charm…. Sorry…Nick …. I’m having trouble reading your handwriting here pal, you can tell me the rest later.

I first met Nick in March 1998 in Italy on a school ski trip, Stoke had just been thrashed 5-1 by Oxford, and I can vividly remember Nick coming off the phone from his dad, Andy, and telling anybody that would listen that Stoke had just taken a beating! Our friendship really started to begin though a year later in 1999 at Fenton 6th form college as we found ourselves classmates studying A level geography – this was short lived though as we were then moved to separate classes for fear of giving our teacher at the time a nervous breakdown with our foolish and rowdy behaviour. Hard to believe I know.

In the following 17 or 18 years that we have known each other, we have found many a common interest – music, food and if any of you knew the Nick Taylor from his university days, boy could he pack away the food!

Enjoying a good night out and of course football – from playing the game or, should I say, our best interpretation of it.

This is how Nick’s ex-football manager described his game: “I have found Nick to be useless in every position.”

I just hope Simellia has more luck later.

To watching Stoke at home, usually courtesy of Andy Taylor getting us in via the back door – thanks Andy!

Over the years we have had some memorable away trips to places such as Highbury, Villa Park, and Cardiff’s Millennium stadium – where a rather heavily built Nick managed to nearly crush a young child to death who was sitting two rows in front, celebrating Stoke scoring against Brentford. This was partly down to the excitement of the goal but more down to the fact that he had drunk a bottle of vodka and orange while tucking into his hearty breakfast at Hanley bus station earlier that day! To Istanbul, Wembley, Germany (I won’t tell the tale of the sunglasses and the 6 stone Chinese waiter) to Thun in Switzerland where Nick thought it was good idea to jump into the fast flowing river wearing the only pair of trousers that he had for the entire trip. To Valencia – the pigeon episode… Lee our animal loving friend is still scared to this very day by that! The list goes on and on… You get the picture. The guy’s a bit of an idiot.

Seriously though, anybody who knows Nick will know that what you see is what you get. There are no airs or graces about him, he is a real decent guy with decent values and he cares for the people around him. He will go out of his way to help others and he can be a very generous guy – BUT get 5 pints of beer down Nick’s neck and all that goes out of the window as you have just heard!

Nick, I would like to use your love of football, mate, to point out that you can base your marriage around football by following these simple tips:

• Ensure you are fully committed every week.
• Try your best to score every Saturday.
• Don’t put your tackle in too hard – you may get injured.
• And no tackling from behind – especially on your wedding night.

We have all, of course, been brought here today to celebrate the wedding of Nick and Simelia. They were first brought together, though, through work, around 5 years ago while working at Phones 4 U. I can remember having conversations with Nick at the time about a girl at work who he was friends with who turned out to be Simelia. It was quite clear how he spoke about Sim that he was very smitten with her also. Over time he plucked up the courage to try and move from just being friends to starting a relationship with Simelia. As the saying goes, what is meant to be, is meant to be and I think that Nick and Simelia are definitely meant to be together. They make a great warm and loving couple and bring out the best in each other. They are both really positive people to be around and are great with children. I am sure that when the time comes and they are ready to start a family they will make brilliant parents together.

It has to be said Nick, you are really lucky to have found a beautiful, loving and caring wife in Simelia. And Simelia how lucky you are also… Well the rain held off for the ceremony.

So here we are ladies and gentleman, Nick and Simelia are married, for better or worse. Which is quite appropriate really, because Nick couldn’t have done any better and Simelia couldn’t have done any worse.

On a more serious note, Nick, we have had some excellent times together and I know that we will continue to have more in the future. You have been more like a brother to me over the years and it’s been a real privilege to be your best man today… so thank you. I know how much Simelia means to you and that you will always be there for her. I know you will make a great husband and I’m sure that you will be extremely happy for many more years to come.

And on that note, ladies and gentlemen, could I ask you to stand with me, and raise your glasses in a toast to Nick and Simelia, the new Mr & Mrs Taylor.

Best Man Speech for a Recent Friend

Ladies and gentlemen, if there’s anybody here this afternoon who’s feeling nervous, apprehensive and queasy at the thought of what lies ahead…… it’s probably because you have just married James Rank.

To those of you who don’t know me yet. My name is Stu and I would like to thank James for finally confirming that I am actually the BEST man!

I’ve actually looked forward to this moment for a long time. It will be the first time I’ve been able to speak for five minutes in James’ presence without being interrupted!

Now it’s not that I’m saying that James is loud but he does seem to break a fundamental law of physics that light travels faster than sound…. because with James, you very definitely hear him before you see him.

It’s great to see that everyone is enjoying the wedding today, but I have to say that being best man you get to see behind the scenes – and let me tell you it isn’t pretty. Tears, hissy fits, chucking lipstick and mascara all over the place… luckily, I’ve heard that Sam was better behaved than the groom.

Quite clearly, no expense has been spared in creating this wonderful occasion for us all to enjoy. And by the way, please don’t worry if you have heard any unusual noises during the speeches…..  it’s only James’ wallet groaning in agony.

Looking around this packed room, it’s surprising just how far some people are prepared to travel for a free lunch. It’s a good job James didn’t choose the menu, otherwise you would have been very disappointed to have come all this way for cheese sandwiches washed down with ALDI lager.

Now I am supposed to use this opportunity to recall embarrassing moments to ridicule James. But I’ve been put under strict instructions not to mention the time James’ fiesta door changed colour, the time that we had the winner’s podium from Northwood stadium on our heads or the time that James’ Nova started smelling of fish.  

Of course… James….. I won’t say a thing. My lips are sealed. The theme of my speech is this: why marry James Rank? What is so special about him?

Over the last few months I’ve made extensive investigations and I think I’ve found the answer.  One reason to marry James is that he’s exceptionally thoughtful – he’s always thinking about friends and family. In fact, he starts thinking from the moment he gets up…… and doesn’t stop until he opens his mouth!

I’ve been told that at School, his sporting prowess was legendary. In fact, when he graduated he was recognised as having made a major contribution to the School’s football first team..… by sticking to swimming.

He’s academically bright. I once visited him when he was at Imperial College.

“I’m done here,” he told me, confidently, “They can’t teach me any more.”

Now, initially, I put that down to his inflated ego. But, curiously enough, one of his Uni mates knew the Dean of the University at the time and when he asked him about James’s leaving his words were exactly the same,…..

‘We simply couldn’t teach him any more’.

Another reason to marry James is that he’s very caring – especially about his appearance. It’s easy to see from today that James, impeccably dressed, has always been an image-conscious sort of guy. You know, he once admitted to me that his favourite forms of entertainment were TV, Football and mirrors ….  In reverse order.

He is most known however for his care of money. As he has often told me: ‘The safest way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it back in your pocket’.

But marriage changes a man and his approach to spending is shifting. Just yesterday, while mulling over a purchase, he blurted out,

‘Well, if you’ve got it why not spend it! I’m not extravagant enough!

It’s a lot of money, but hey, you only live once! I’m going to buy this right now! I don’t care how much it costs!”

I was really impressed by this. And dramatically James threw the packet of Jaffa cakes in the shopping trolley and marched off.

Now I’m not saying James is a skin flint but it’s a well known fact that when he suggested getting married at Alton Towers it was because he thought he could pay using his Merlin Pass and his family’s local residents tickets.

I can only assume that the reason for Sam choosing James was that opposites attract. I mean, one of my fondest memories is walking into their garden for a party to see James in the kitchen wearing a floral apron making cocktails and Sam in the garden chopping firewood with an axe…… They certainly are opposites…

If the theme of my speech had been: why marry Sam? It would have been straightforward. She is beautiful, intelligent and funny. She can cook like Nigella Lawson and she’s got the patience of a saint. James, I can say with my hand on my heart that you’re one of the luckiest men alive. And she writes a cracking best man speech as well.

Joking aside, it’s a wonderful honour being best man today as James is a very special person to me. He is a true friend who never ceases to amaze me with his kindness. He has listened to me through many a crisis. He gives without any thought of reward. He is a super guy and a role model of a friend. And yes, we’ve had our differences… but nothing that two lawyers and a judge couldn’t sort out.  I’d like to wish the happy couple well and toast their future happiness.  Ladies and gentlemen, to the bride and groom.

Best Man Speech for a Film Buff Friend

Hello, I’m Ben, I’m Jack’s Best Man.

Amy has told me about the timings of the speeches so much like the Groom, I’ll keep it short.  

*High Five Bride*

Of Course I would like to Thank Jack & Amy for asking me to do this and giving me this amazing opportunity to wear a suit in August.

Just a quick reminder that there is a wedding guest book so feel free write some nice messages to the happy couple,  but be warned, as a teacher, Amy will be checking your spelling later on.

Aww Amy, The Beautiful Bride: Amy always reminds me of a Swan: Graceful, Elegant, a vision in white………and if you annoy her she will break your arm.

Now Jack & Amy are two of biggest movie Geeks you’ll ever meet. At home they’ve got over 450 DVDs and everything up until now can be retold from all those films

Jack & Amy: Beauty and The Beast, The Fox and the Hound and on some days ‘Lady and the Tramp’

Amy: Little Miss Sunshine, My Fair Lady, Pretty Woman

and Jack ….a Footloose, Clueless, Desperado. But Hey Looks Who’s Talking

So for them the story goes they were Just Friends but it was Fatal Attraction then 28 Weeks Later they are having Cocktails, Dirty Dancing, Risky Business, Every Which Way But Loose. (Shame!)

So now they have decided to Hitch, Brave ! Some call it Entrapment, others Judgment Day But not me, No, No, this is My Best Friends Wedding and all The Usual Suspects are here:

The Father of the Bride, Bridesmaids, Layer Cake, The Ring.

Tonight will be BIG but T he Day After Tomorrow , The Hangover .  

Amy, We all know that there are A Few Good Men and Jack may very will be Dumbo and The Littlest Hobo but he’s also your Last Action Hero , your Dark Knight and your Batman Forever , he’s also your ‘ Iron Man 2 ’

Jack, for you Amy is now For Your Eyes Only as she is Taken , She is your Cinderella , your Princess Bride and your National Treasure .

However, if you have a Death Wish and Amy has a Short Circuit and goes Psycho then she’s your Apocalypse Now and she’ll probably take your Face/Off with a Lethal Weapon .

There Will Be Blood so remember She’s The Man .

The two of you together are The Incredibles, The Untouchables and Unstoppable . Simply they are in A League of Their Own .  

And as you go on your Never Ending Story and your Excellent Adventure always remember this trilogy.  

It’s a Wonderful Life, So Love Actually and Kick-Ass.

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10 Good Best Man Speeches Examples to Inspire Your Memorable Toast

Discover good best man speeches examples that are heartfelt and humorous. Get tips and tricks to craft a memorable speech that wows the crowd!

By Juan C Olamendy · Updated: September 10, 2024

Ever wondered how to deliver a best man speech that leaves the audience in stitches and the groom in tears of joy? Picture this: you’re standing in front of a sea of expectant faces, the spotlight is on you, and you’re about to give the speech of a lifetime. No pressure, right? Fear not! In this article, we’ll explore good best man speeches examples that will help you strike the perfect balance between humor and heartfelt moments. By the end, you’ll be equipped with tips and tricks to craft a speech that not only celebrates the groom but also entertains the guests, ensuring your words are remembered for years to come. Ready to become the best best man ever? Let’s dive in!

Good Best Man Speeches Examples

Introduction.

When you’re chosen as the best man, it’s a huge honor and responsibility. One of the most significant duties you’ll have is delivering the best man speech. This speech is your chance to celebrate the groom, share memorable moments, and entertain the guests. But how do you craft a speech that’s both heartfelt and humorous? In this article, we’ll dive into good best man speeches examples, tips, and tricks to help you deliver a memorable speech.

Importance of a Best Man Speech

Role of the best man.

As the best man, you play a crucial role in the wedding. You’re not just the groom’s right-hand man; you’re also a key figure in the ceremony. Your speech is an opportunity to highlight your relationship with the groom and share stories that showcase his character. It’s a moment to express your support and happiness for the couple.

Impact of a Memorable Speech

A memorable best man speech can leave a lasting impression on everyone present. It can make people laugh, cry, and feel a deeper connection to the couple. A well-delivered speech can elevate the entire wedding experience. It’s not just about the words you say but how you say them. A great speech can turn an already special day into an unforgettable one.

How to Write a Great Best Man Speech

Craft an outline for your best man speech, structure of a best man speech.

Creating an outline is the first step in writing a great best man speech. A well-structured speech typically includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Start with a warm welcome and a brief introduction of yourself. Move on to the main content, where you share stories and anecdotes. Finally, wrap it up with heartfelt sentiments and a toast to the newlyweds.

Key Elements to Include

Your speech should include several key elements to make it engaging and memorable. These elements include personal anecdotes, humor, and heartfelt messages. Make sure to mention the bride and acknowledge the couple’s journey together. Incorporate a mix of light-hearted and emotional moments to keep the audience engaged.

Opening Lines

Nail the opening line.

The opening line of your speech sets the tone for the rest of your delivery. It’s essential to grab the audience’s attention right from the start. Consider starting with a funny or heartfelt quote, a personal story, or a witty remark. For example, you could say, “Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been given the honor of being the best man, which means I get to tell you all the embarrassing stories about the groom.”

Craft an Opener That Hooks Them

Crafting an opener that hooks the audience is crucial. You want to make sure everyone is paying attention and eager to hear more. A good opener could be a humorous observation about the wedding or a touching story about the groom. For instance, “I’ve known [Groom’s Name] since we were kids, and I can honestly say he’s one of the most genuine people I know.”

Talk About Being the Best Man

Your relationship with the groom.

One of the most important parts of your speech is talking about your relationship with the groom. Share how you met, how your friendship developed, and what makes your bond special. This personal touch will make your speech more relatable and heartfelt.

How You Know the Groom

Explain how you know the groom and why he chose you as his best man. This could include stories from your childhood, college days, or any significant moments you’ve shared. For example, “I met [Groom’s Name] in college, and we instantly became best friends. We’ve been through thick and thin together, and I’m honored to stand by his side today.”

Stories and Anecdotes

Personal anecdotes.

Personal anecdotes are the heart of a best man speech. Share funny, touching, or memorable stories that highlight the groom’s character. These stories should be relatable and entertaining for the audience. For instance, “I remember the time [Groom’s Name] tried to impress a girl by cooking dinner. Let’s just say, we ended up ordering pizza.”

Triumphs and Disasters

Include stories of both triumphs and disasters to add depth to your speech. Talk about the groom’s achievements and the challenges he’s overcome. This will show the audience different facets of his personality. For example, “Despite burning the dinner, [Groom’s Name] didn’t give up. He’s always been determined and resilient, qualities that make him a great partner for [Bride’s Name].”

The Impact the Bride Has Had on the Groom

The bride's influence.

Discuss the positive impact the bride has had on the groom. Share how she has brought out the best in him and how their relationship has grown. This will show your appreciation for the bride and acknowledge the couple’s journey together. For instance, “Since [Bride’s Name] came into his life, [Groom’s Name] has become a better person. She’s his rock and his inspiration.”

Acknowledge the Happy Couple

Acknowledge the happy couple and their love for each other. Express your happiness for them and your best wishes for their future. This is a great way to wrap up your speech and lead into the toast. For example, “I’ve never seen [Groom’s Name] as happy as he is with [Bride’s Name]. They truly are a perfect match.”

Closing Lines and Toast

Heartfelt sentiments.

End your speech with heartfelt sentiments that convey your genuine feelings. Express your love and support for the couple and your excitement for their future together. For instance, “I’m so happy for you both and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.”

Congratulate the Newlyweds and Wish Them Luck

Finally, congratulate the newlyweds and wish them luck. Raise your glass and lead the guests in a toast to the couple. For example, “Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising a glass to the newlyweds. Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventure. Cheers!”

Best Man Speech Examples

Speech example 1: best friend’s journey.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve known [Groom’s Name] for over 20 years, and I can honestly say he’s one of the best people I know. We’ve been through so much together, and I’m honored to stand by his side today. [Bride’s Name], you’ve found a gem, and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.”

Speech Example 2: The Brother’s Tribute

“Good evening, everyone. As [Groom’s Name]’s brother, I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow into the amazing man he is today. [Bride’s Name], you’ve brought so much joy into his life, and I’m thrilled to welcome you into our family. Here’s to a lifetime of love and laughter.”

Speech Example 3: The Childhood Shenanigans

“Hello, everyone. I’m [Groom’s Name]’s childhood friend, and I have a treasure trove of stories to share. From our mischievous adventures to our heartfelt conversations, we’ve shared it all. [Bride’s Name], you’ve found a partner who will always keep you laughing. Cheers to the happy couple!”

Speech Example 4: The Unbreakable Bond

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve had the honor of being [Groom’s Name]’s best friend for over a decade. Our bond is unbreakable, and I’m so happy to see him find his perfect match in [Bride’s Name]. You two are a beautiful couple, and I wish you all the best in your journey together.”

Speech Example 5: The Lifelong Journey

“Good evening, everyone. I’ve known [Groom’s Name] since we were kids, and I’ve seen him grow into the incredible man he is today. [Bride’s Name], you’ve brought out the best in him, and I’m so happy to see you both so in love. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness and adventure.”

Speech Example 6: The Dynamic Duo

“Hello, everyone. I’m [Groom’s Name]’s best friend, and I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing his journey with [Bride’s Name]. Together, they make an unstoppable team. [Bride’s Name], you’ve found a partner who will always have your back. Cheers to the dynamic duo!”

Speech Example 7: The Epic Bromance

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been [Groom’s Name]’s partner in crime for years, and I can’t imagine a better person to stand by his side today. [Bride’s Name], you’ve found a gem, and I’m so happy for you both. Here’s to an epic bromance and a beautiful marriage.”

Speech Example 8: Ride or Die

“Good evening, everyone. I’m [Groom’s Name]’s ride or die, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing his journey with [Bride’s Name]. Together, they make a perfect match. [Bride’s Name], you’ve found a partner who will always be there for you. Cheers to the happy couple!”

Speech Example 9: The Comedy Duo

“Hello, everyone. I’m [Groom’s Name]’s best friend, and I’ve had the pleasure of sharing countless laughs with him. [Bride’s Name], you’ve found a partner who will always keep you smiling. Here’s to the comedy duo and a lifetime of happiness.”

Speech Example 10: The Supportive Sidekick

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve had the honor of being [Groom’s Name]’s supportive sidekick for years. [Bride’s Name], you’ve found a partner who will always be there for you. I’m so happy for you both and wish you all the best in your journey together. Cheers!”

Tips for Delivering a Great Best Man Speech

Practice your best man speech, aim to put it to memory.

Practicing your speech is crucial for a smooth delivery. Aim to put your speech to memory so you can speak confidently without relying on notes. This will help you maintain eye contact with the audience and engage them more effectively.

Run Your Speech By Someone Else

Before the big day, run your speech by someone else to get feedback. This could be a friend, family member, or even the groom. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your speech. For more tips, check out Top Tips for Delivering a Great Best Man Speech .

Consider the Formality of the Wedding

Tailor your speech accordingly.

Consider the formality of the wedding when crafting your speech. A formal wedding may require a more polished and elegant speech, while a casual wedding allows for a more relaxed and humorous approach. Tailor your speech to match the tone of the event.

Choose Jokes with Wide Appeal

When incorporating humor, choose jokes with wide appeal. Avoid inside jokes that only a few people will understand. Instead, opt for light-hearted and universally funny anecdotes. This will ensure that everyone in the audience can enjoy your speech.

Use Props and Quotes

Incorporate props.

Incorporating props can add a fun and memorable element to your speech. Props can help illustrate your stories and make your speech more engaging. For example, you could bring a photo of you and the groom from your childhood or a funny item that represents a shared memory.

• Inspirational Wedding Speech Quotes

Using inspirational quotes can add depth and meaning to your speech. Quotes about love, marriage, and friendship can resonate with the audience and enhance your message. For some great ideas, check out Inspirational Wedding Speech Quotes .

Handling Hecklers and Jokes

Dealing with hecklers.

Handling hecklers can be challenging, but it’s important to stay calm and composed. Acknowledge the interruption with a light-hearted remark and continue with your speech. For example, “Looks like someone’s had a bit too much champagne! Now, where was I?”

Sprinkling in One-Liners

Sprinkling in one-liners can keep your speech entertaining and engaging. These short, witty remarks can break up the longer stories and keep the audience laughing. For example, “Marriage is like a deck of cards. In the beginning, all you need is two hearts and a diamond. By the end, you wish you had a club and a spade.”

Do’s and Don’ts Every Best Man Should Know

Be sincere in your speech and speak from the heart. Your genuine emotions will resonate with the audience and make your speech more impactful. Share your true feelings about the groom and the couple’s relationship.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Keep your speech short and sweet to maintain the audience’s attention. Aim for a speech that’s around 5-7 minutes long. This will ensure that you keep the audience engaged without dragging on.

Avoid Inappropriate Topics

Avoid inappropriate topics that could make the audience uncomfortable. Steer clear of controversial subjects, ex-partners, or embarrassing stories that could offend the couple or their families. Keep your speech positive and respectful.

Don’t Overdo the Jokes

While humor is important, don’t overdo the jokes. Too many jokes can overshadow the heartfelt moments of your speech. Strike a balance between humor and sincerity to create a well-rounded speech.

FAQs on Best Man Speeches

Is the best man required to give a speech on the wedding day.

Yes, traditionally, the best man is expected to give a speech during the wedding reception. It’s a key part of the best man’s duties and an opportunity to celebrate the couple.

At what point in the wedding day does the best man speech happen?

The best man speech typically happens during the wedding reception, usually after the meal and before the cake cutting. It’s often one of the last speeches, following the father of the bride and the groom.

What kind of topics should you cover in a best man speech?

Cover topics like your relationship with the groom, memorable stories, the groom’s character, and the positive impact of the bride on the groom. Include heartfelt sentiments and well-wishes for the couple’s future.

What topics are off-limits during a best man speech?

Avoid topics like ex-partners, controversial subjects, and overly embarrassing stories. Steer clear of anything that could offend the couple or their families. Keep your speech positive and respectful.

How long should a best man speech be?

A best man speech should be around 5-7 minutes long. This length is enough to cover all the key points without losing the audience’s attention.

Does your best man speech have to be funny?

While humor is a great addition, your speech doesn’t have to be funny. It’s more important to be sincere and heartfelt. A mix of humor and genuine sentiments works best.

Who does the best man thank in his speech?

The best man should thank the hosts of the wedding, usually the bride’s and groom’s parents. He should also thank the guests for attending and the couple for allowing him to be part of their special day.

Useful Links

• Wedding Speech Time Calculator
• Best Man Speech Template
• Top Tips for Delivering a Great Best Man Speech

Good best man speeches examples can serve as a valuable guide for crafting a memorable and impactful speech. By focusing on personal anecdotes, humor, and heartfelt sentiments, you can create a speech that resonates with both the groom and the guests. Remember to keep your speech concise, practice it multiple times, and stay genuine in your delivery. Ultimately, the best speeches are those that reflect your unique relationship with the groom and celebrate the joyous occasion. With these tips and examples, you’re well on your way to delivering a speech that will be remembered for years to come.

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• Professional Best Man Speech Writer

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Best Man Speech: The Ultimate Guide (5 Examples & Templates)

Whether you’re standing up for your brother, cousin or best friend, being the best man is always an honor. The first thing that may come to mind when thinking about your best man duties is planning a bachelor party the groom will never forget. But it’s your best man’s speech that is, by far, your most important task.

The perfect best man speech will not only talk about what makes the groom such an amazing guy, it will grab and hold the attention of the audience. It may bring about some laughter or maybe even a few tears depending on the style of speech you choose. But here’s the kicker: you have to accomplish all of that in under three minutes.

We get it, it sounds like a pretty tall order and not everyone is a gifted speech writer. If you find the idea of writing a best man speech that does the groom justice to be rather unnerving, you’ve come to the right place. Our guide not only walks you through the ins and outs of best man speech writing, we’ve even penned some great examples & templates for your inspiration.

In This Article

Best Man Speech Structure

Our structure includes the seven things every best man speech should have. Remember, the goal of your speech is to honor the bride and groom (while keeping things fun with some light ribbing).

• Introduce yourself and break the ice with a funny opening line.
• Briefly share how you met the groom.
• Transition to a funny story about you and the groom (with emphasis on the groom).
• Follow up with sincere comments about the groom.
• Touch on when you first met the bride and why you think they’ll be a great fit.
• Finish off with a closing round of sincerity and best wishes on their future together.
• Wrap it up with a toast to the bride and groom.

Best Man Speech Tips

Whether this is your first wedding speech or you’ve done this before, our tips can help you write a tribute to the groom that he and all of his wedding guests will appreciate. Here are twelve things to keep in mind when writing your best man speech.

• Brainstorm (the best way to get rid of writer’s block).
• Keep your speech concise (under three minutes).
• Talk about the groom and his new bride.
• Don’t talk about yourself (remember, it’s their day).
• Never talk about exes.
• Avoid inside jokes.
• Be funny (in moderation).
• Don’t be afraid to show emotion.
• Try to use a common theme.
• Don’t talk too fast.
• Practice makes perfect.
• Introduce the next speaker (if applicable).

Read More: Best Man Speech Tips or Best Man Speech Tips (For Brothers)

Best Man Speech Themes

Finding a theme to use for your speech is a great way to keep it cohesive and easy-to-follow. Think about the best qualities the groom possesses and then choose one characteristic to craft a speech around . Here are ten themes to get you started.

• His reliability
• His sense of humor
• His empathy for others
• His thoughtfulness
• His resilience
• His optimism
• His self-reliance
• His intelligence
• His cooking skills
• His athleticism

Whatever trait you choose, find a way to tie it all together.

For example, if you decide to talk about how funny the groom is, find a way to bring his love interest into the speech on that same topic.

Perhaps you can talk about the groom winning his love’s heart with his sense of humor or how she laughs at every single one of his jokes — even when they’re not funny.

Best Man Speech Examples

If you need some inspiration before writing, these best man speech examples are just the thing to get your creative juices flowing.

“Good evening everyone. My name is Zak, and my long-time friend Scott had the good sense to make me his best man.

They say good things come to those who wait, and for Scott that is certainly true. He had to wait until his freshman year in college to meet the best and most modest friend he’ll ever have (and in case it isn’t obvious who I’m talking about, that would be me) and he had to wait until the tender age of 30 to meet the love of his life, Natalie.

In the 15 years I’ve known him, Scott has always been a patient man and has never been afraid to wait for what is best or what is right. His marriage to Natalie is certainly an example of that. He waited for what was best and what was right and now has a beautiful, smart and talented woman to call his wife.

I don’t know if she’s as patient as he is, but Natalie, for your sake I hope you are because Scott can be trying. As his college roommate I can certainly attest to that. During our freshman year, Scott hated doing laundry so much that instead of heading to the laundromat he’d just go to Wal-Mart to buy new socks and underwear. There was such a huge pile of dirty laundry in our room that I was worried about it collapsing and burying me while I slept.

Then there was the time that he decided to do his chem lab experiment in our dorm room. Our room stunk like rotten eggs for a week straight.

Despite his questionable laundry and homework habits, Scott is the very definition of the word friend. He’s always the first one to offer a helping hand or a kind word and he’s always there to help people through hard times or to celebrate their successes.

And that is how I know that Scott and Natalie will be so great together. In the three years I’ve known her, I’ve come to realize that she and Scott were cut from the same mold. They are unfailingly kind and compassionate people who are always there when someone needs them. 

Scott and Natalie, you are great examples of what real love looks like and I wish you all the best for your future as husband and wife. So raise your glasses with me and toast this awesome couple — to the bride and groom!”

“Good evening. My name is Caleb, the best man and younger brother of the groom. 

Everyone I know has always been impressed by Rob. As a kid, he was the kind of boy that everyone liked. Teachers adored him, other kids’ parents said “why can’t you be more like Rob.” Even our parents thought he was pretty great. But I would like to point out that as great as Rob is, my parents’ quest for the perfect kid didn’t end with Rob — it ended with me three years later.

As the younger child, I always considered it my job to tease my big brother. He was a good student and athlete. I was the comedian. He was the brains and the brawn. I was the looks and the wit.

Seriously, though, I’ve always looked up to Rob. Not just because he is older than me, but because he’s one of the best people I know. Rob is the kind of guy that everyone likes. He’s super smart, but not arrogant. He’s a talented athlete, but also the most sportsman-like. He’s nice, but not in the ordinary way. He’s the type of guy who has true empathy for people. 

I’m happy to say that the lovely Laura is just as kind-hearted as my big brother. And it was their concern for others that brought them together as volunteers at the same group for inner city kids. 

It was there that they discovered that she was the yin to his yang and they’ve been inseparable ever since. Laura, we are so glad to welcome you to our family. Your cheerful, fun-loving personality and ability to make people laugh has made us love you almost as much as Rob does.

I know you two will have many wonderful years together as husband and wife. To Rob and Laura!”

“Hi everyone, my name is Greg, the best man, best brother and best keeper of secrets for our groom and my younger brother Mason. 

He may regret giving me the microphone after an introduction like that, but Mason, I promise not to share all of your embarrassing secrets tonight. Your lovely bride Jocelyn told me I only had a few minutes to speak, so I’ll only be able to share one or two of your finer moments with our family and friends.

When I was a kid, I always wanted a younger brother and was thrilled when my parents brought him home from the hospital when I was five. Well, let me tell you, over the years there were a few times I regretted that wish, like when I was 10 and Mason used my finished book report as his personal artistic canvas for painting or when I was 12 and he decided to take apart my scooter so he’d know how it worked. The problem was, he wasn’t very good at putting it back together.

I think my favorite childhood memory of Mason, however, was the time he decided it would be a great idea to be like Tarzan and swing from tree-to-tree in our backyard. As his older, and much wiser brother, I, of course, tried to talk him out of it. 

When that didn’t work, I went and got the camera so I could document this wonderful memory. I may also have helped him find and tie ropes to a few of the trees. Anyway, as you can imagine, he didn’t have quite the same athletic prowess at the age of 8 as Tarzan did, although I must say he did a pretty good job on the Tarzan yell.

Well, when he grabbed the rope and leaped from our treehouse, he did indeed sail through the air just like Tarzan but instead of letting go and grabbing for the next rope he went sailing back toward the treehouse. I noticed his screams were much less Tarzan-like by this point. 

He crashed into the tree that our tree house was built in and fell toward the ground. Luckily for Mason, but not for our Golden Retriever, Lucky happened to be laying under the tree watching the entire process and when Mason fell, he landed right on Lucky’s back. Fortunately neither one of them was hurt, but even more importantly, I got a lot of great pictures.

Twelve years later, Mason, who clearly had learned nothing from the whole Tarzan incident, tried to talk me into going bungee jumping with him to celebrate graduating from college. Like the good big brother I am, I offered to be there to take a video of the experience. Luckily the bungee jumping went a lot more smoothly than his first Tarzan experience. 

Mason, as many of you already know, and the rest of you have likely already guessed, is a bit of a daredevil and now he has the perfect partner to try crazy things with: Jocelyn. They both have the same adventurous spirit and zest for life. And while I’m really pleased that Mason and Jocelyn have found happiness together, I’m even more happy to say that he’s finally quit pestering me to do crazy stuff with him — he’s found a new and much braver partner in crime.

Jocelyn, I am so happy to welcome you to our family — and not just because I didn’t want to be the one to go skydiving with Mason this year. You have made Mason so happy and that’s all I’ve ever wanted for my little brother. 

My hope for you both is a long and happy life together with many adventures — and no injuries.

To the bride and groom!”

Read More: 5 Best Man Speech Examples

Best Man Speech Templates

If you need some help getting started, these best man speech templates are perfect for smashing through writer’s block.

“Hi, my name is [Best Man], the best man and the groom’s best friend. I would like to thank [Groom] for choosing me to be his best man if for no other reason than that he’s finally admitting that I am the best.

We’ve enjoyed a long and competitive friendship, ever since meeting in the third grade. We competed over a lot of things. When we were eight, it was about who had the best rock collection. When we were 12 it was about who could do the best 180 skateboard rotation. When we were 15, it was all about who was the better football player. Even though I had the better arm and eventually became quarterback in our senior year, it was [Groom] who was the star of the team as the left tackle. He was the ultimate protector on the field and he always had my back and kept me from getting sacked more times than I can count.

One thing I can definitely say about [Groom] is that on the field or off, he’s the type of guy you want to have in your corner. And not just because he’s 6’4 and can bench 300 pounds. [Groom] may have been a great football player in our high school and college days but he’s an even better friend. 

He’s fun-loving and always up for a good time but he also has a big heart and is always there for his family and friends. He’s not one to give advice or tell people what to do, but if you need someone to listen, you won’t find a better listener than [Groom]. I can’t even begin to count the number of times he played that role for me and, even though he never actually says a lot, when he does speak, everyone listens. That’s p[Groom]ably what makes him such an amazing football coach today. Each and everyone of the young men he coaches look up to him and consider him a mentor.

[Groom], I want you to know how lucky I feel to call you friend. But you are even luckier — not just because you have me as a best friend — but because you found [Bride]. [Bride]’s not just beautiful, but she’s the kind of woman you’d want in your corner. And that’s what makes [Groom] and [Bride] so perfect for each other. They truly are the dream team and have the kind of relationship we should all aspire to.

To [Groom] and [Bride] — two of the best people I know. Cheers!”

“Good evening everyone. My name is [Best Man], and my older brother saw fit to make me best man for the day. It is truly an honor to stand with him on this special day.

During our childhood I always looked up to [Groom] both literally and figuratively. And while I eventually caught up to him when it comes to height, I still look up to him as a role model and a friend.

Being six years his junior, I always admired him. When I was 4 and he was 10 I thought I would never be as good as him when it came to riding a bike or tying my shoes. But it was he who taught me to do both of those things. When I was 9 and he was 15, it was [Groom] who helped me learn long division.

When I was 10 and he was 16, I thought there could be no one cooler than my big brother. He had a girlfriend and a car, which I thought was pretty darn impressive. 

Looking back, I’m sure I was a bit of a nuisance, asking question after question of him and following him around. But he never made me feel that way. He was unfailingly patient and kind to me and always made me feel important. Unlike so many of my friends who were told by their older siblings to get lost, [Groom] always had time for me.

[Groom] has been there for every big moment of my life: high school graduation, college graduation and getting my first job. That is why I am so happy that I can be here for him on this most special of days: His wedding to the love of his life, [Bride].

When I first met [Bride], I could see not only how much they love each other, but how good they are together. Just like [Groom], [Bride] is kind and patient and truly values family and relationships. And while she only officially became a member of our family today, we have considered her part of our clan for a long time.

[Groom] and [Bride], I consider your love for each other a true inspiration and I wish you many wonderful years together as husband and wife. I love you both!

Read More: 5 Best Man Speech Templates

Best Man Speech Opening Lines

The key to delivering a fun and memorable speech is by starting it off with a great opening line. Here are seven openers that are perfect for starting your speech with.

• Hello everyone. I’m Liam, the groom’s best friend. I’d like to start by congratulating Rick on his excellent taste in best men. He really couldn’t have picked a better man for the job.
• Rick had the honor of being my best man last year. He spent months writing a perfect, tender and charming speech. Everyone agreed it was funny and beautiful. Unfortunately I’m a married man, so I haven’t had the time to do all that. Sorry, Rick!
• Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate something truly magical. Something so rare and wondrous that it simply must be celebrated. I am, of course, talking about the free food and booze.
• One of the biggest responsibilities of the best man is to toast the bride and groom, so Rick and Liz, I want you to know that I came prepared. (Take two pieces of toast out of your pocket and hand them to the bride and groom).
• I was told by a speech expert to picture everyone naked if I got nervous. Obviously, I can’t do that where the beautiful bride is concerned or the groom might punch me, but, I have to say, picturing him naked isn’t really helping much, so I don’t think the expert knew what he was talking about.
• What can I say about Rick? I guess I may as well start at the beginning. He was born Nov. 3, 1993. My parents had been hoping for a girl, but like I’ve always said, close enough.
• Good evening everyone. My name is Liam, Rick’s older brother and his best man. I’ve known Rick for, (turns to look at groom), how old are you again? (Wait for the groom to respond) Right, I’ve known him for 26 years and I’ve liked him for maybe five or six years of those years.

Read More: 70 Best Man Speech Opening Lines

Best Man Speech Jokes

Best man speeches are best known for being the funniest speech of the night — but don’t go over board! Remember to balance your jokes with at least a bit of flattery (especially if the joke is at the groom’s expense).

Opening Jokes

• I’d like to start by congratulating Scott on his excellent taste in speech givers.
• Good evening everyone! I’m Mike. I’m sure you all know me as Scott’s younger brother, but if you don’t, well done on sneaking into the wedding unnoticed!
• Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate something truly magical. Something so rare and wondrous that it simply must be celebrated. I am, of course, talking about the free booze.

Jokes Involving the Groom

• Loyal, caring, sincere, honest, a great man… but that’s enough about me, I’m here to give a speech about Scott!
• Where do I start with Scott? He’s kind, intelligent, gorgeous, charming… sorry, I’m having trouble reading Scott’s writing, (turn to groom) you’ll have to tell me the rest later.”
• Let me tell you about the groom. I’ve known him for 15 years, he’s handsome, intelligent, witty, charismatic… Oops, sorry, wrong wedding.

Jokes Involving the Bride

• Claire is a bright, charming, wonderful woman, who deserves a good husband. It’s such a shame Scott swooped in before she could find one.
• Scott, you’re leaving tonight with a beautiful wife. Claire, you get to go home with a beautiful new dress. So it’s win-win.
• Claire did actually tell me Scott has always brightened up her life. Well, she actually said he never turned the lights off.. but it amounts to the same thing, right?

Advice Jokes

• Scott, once you get married remember that when you have a discussion with your wife, always get the last two words in: “Yes, dear.”
• Husbands are the best people to share your secrets with. They’ll never tell anyone because they aren’t listening anyway.
• Never laugh at your wife’s choices, you are one of them.

Read More: 80 Best Man Speech Jokes

Best Man Speech Quotes

Quotes are a great way to enhance your speech (regardless of your speaking style). Here are seven of our favorites.

• “There are friends, there is family and then there are friends that become family.”
• “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.”

— Irish proverb

• “There is no remedy for love but to love more.”

— Henry David Thoreau, American philosopher and poet

• “Love is a lot like a backache. It doesn’t show up on X-rays, but you know it’s there.” 

— George Burns, American comedian

• “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.”

— Barbara Johnson, American literary critic

• “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”

— Ephesians 4:2

• “It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect, as long as they are perfect for each other.”

— Robin Williams, “Good Will Hunting”

Read More: 99 Best Man Speech Quotes

Best Man Speech Toasts

Here are seven toasts that are perfect for finishing your speech with.

• Please join me in raising a glass to the happy couple — to John and Rachel!
• To my brother and his beautiful bride — the new Mr and Mrs Smith!
• Here is to love, laughter and happily ever after. John and Rachel, your fairy tale is only beginning.
• Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in toasting John, and his beautiful bride, Rachel. May the love you two share today grow stronger as you grow older. To the bride and groom!
• Here’s to John and Rachel. May you share joy that grows deeper, friendship that grows closer and a marriage that grows richer through the years. Cheers!
• Let us raise our glasses to the beautiful couple. And may I remind you, no one will judge if you get more than a bit tipsy — so cheers!
• Here’s to the husband and here’s to the wife. May their love last for the rest of their life. Cheers!

Read More: 39 Best Man Toasts

Frequently Asked Questions

How many speeches does the best man give.

The best man traditionally gives one speech.

Does the best man have to give a speech?

No, but it’s highly recommended you do so.

Why does the best man give a speech?

The best man gives a speech because there’s no better way of paying tribute to the bride and groom on their special day. It’s fun, entertaining, and a life-long memory that you don’t want to miss out on.

When does the best man speech take place?

The best man speech traditionally takes place during the wedding reception (following the groom’s speech). Depending on how the timeline has been organized, it may also be the last speech of the day.

How long should a best man speech be?

A best man’s speech should take a minimum of three minutes but last no longer than five. This range is ideal for holding your audience’s attention, and keeps you accountable to delivering a concise speech that resonates with guests.

What should you say in a best man speech?

A best man’s speech should cover: • Who you are & how you met the groom • A funny story about the groom and you • Why the bride & groom will be a great fit • Best wishes followed by a final toast

Who does the best man thank in his speech?

Contrary to what you might read online, the best man does not need to thank multiple people during his speech (outside of the bride and groom). With that being said, you can ask the groom if there’s anyone he’d like you to thank on his behalf.

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End your speech the right way.

Childhood friend

Displaying 1 to 2 of 19 example lines

Living just around the corner from Paul was fun. We'd often hang out in the street and throw stones at each other. Sometimes I'd tell the other kids that Paul had fleas and in return he'd kick me. But as well as the highs in our friendship, there have also been some lows.

I don't really remember the first time I met Paul, seeing as I was less than two years old at the time. I am told he was little, bald and a bit dribbly. Well, he's grown up, has some hair and, provided he doesn't have too much to drink, should be OK on the dribbling front, too.

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It’s best to memorize your speech, but there is no shame in bringing a few index cards in your pocket to reference if you get nervous. Don’t forget to prepare and rehearse in advance. 

For a more in-depth speech, see our step-by-step guide below. 

What to Say in a Best Man Speech (Do’s and Don’ts)

A best man’s speech traditionally takes place at the wedding reception after the maid of honor gives her speech. The best man’s speech should be positive, respectful, and congratulatory. It can last 3 to 5 minutes and should focus on a central theme or story about the groom. 

Remember, a best man speech is not the time to “wing it.” If you do that, there may come the point when everything suddenly goes silent, and a crowd of 50-100+ people is staring at you, waiting for what you’re going to say about the groom. You probably don’t want to end up with a cringing audience while telling a story about the groom’s previous relationships:

Instead, remember these key best man speech tips for a successful toast: 

Here are a few examples of what you should say in a best man speech:

• How did you meet the groom?
• What is one of your favorite memories with him?
• How did the groom meet the bride? Were you there?
• What is special about the groom?
• What do you like most about him? 
• What are his positive traits? 

Playful banter : You don’t want to be too corny and cheesy with your bro. Depending on your relationship with the groom and the culture of the wedding, you may want to throw in a little banter with your dude. For example, you might make a funny joke about how much the groom loves going out to eat:

You should also avoid some key topics in a best man speech (more on what to avoid later). 

Do not mention:

• The groom’s past relationships
• Sexual jokes
• Drugs, alcohol, or past mistakes
• Insecurities of the groom
• Financial or personal information 
• Insults to the bride or the wedding guests 
• Overly embarrassing stories
• Teasing the bride
• Anything that could potentially harm your friendship

Keep things positive and lighthearted. While a little witty banter or playful teasing can be fun (depending on your relationship with the groom), you should avoid insulting him or highlighting any major insecurities. The “playful” part of the speech is an excellent fun icebreaker, but it shouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings or make them feel publicly embarrassed in front of their wedding guests.

8 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to stumble into some common pitfalls when giving a best man speech. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Let’s dive into some frequent faux pas and how to sidestep them like a pro.

Open mic night

Remember, you’re not auditioning for a stand-up comedy gig. While humor is great, trying too hard to be funny can lead to crickets… or worse, uncomfortable silence.

How to avoid it:

• Aim for a balance of humor and sincerity
• Test your jokes on a friend or family member beforehand. This part is key!
• Remember, it’s okay if not every line gets a laugh

Roasting, and roasting, and roasting…

Sure, you’ve got dirt on the groom. But his wedding day isn’t the time to air all his dirty laundry.

• Keep stories lighthearted and positive
• Avoid mentioning exes or embarrassing moments
• When in doubt, ask yourself: “Would Grandma approve?”

Rambling rambo

Nothing makes guests check their watches more than a speech that just. Won’t. End.

• Stick to your planned 3-5 minute timeframe
• Practice with a timer
• If you see eyes glazing over, wrap it up

Me, myself, and I

Remember, this speech is about the happy couple, not your life story.

• Focus on stories that involve the groom (and ideally, the bride too)
• Limit personal anecdotes to those relevant to the couple’s relationship
• Use “you” and “we” more than “I” and “me”

Too much liquid courage

A drink might calm your nerves, but too many can turn your speech into a disaster.

• Limit yourself to one drink before the speech
• Hydrate with water
• Save the real celebrating for after your speech

Inside jokes

That hilarious moment you shared might have the groom in stitches, but if no one else gets it, you’ll lose your audience.

• Explain the context of inside jokes
• Choose stories that have universal appeal
• Read the room – if people look confused, move on

Just wingin’ it, bro

Spontaneity is great for improv comedy, not so much for wedding speeches.

• Plan and write your speech in advance
• Practice, practice, practice
• Bring notes or index cards as a backup

Tech failure

Relying too heavily on technology can backfire spectacularly, even if it’s the latest Apple or Microsoft tech.

• If using slides or videos, have a backup plan
• Test any tech elements beforehand
• Be prepared to deliver your speech without aids if necessary

Remember, the goal is to celebrate the couple and their love. Keep that in mind, and you’ll knock it out of the park!

Pro Tip: After writing your speech, run through this checklist to make sure you’ve avoided these common pitfalls.

How to Write a Best Man Speech for Best Friend or Brother: Step-by-Step

If you’re ready to prepare something more in-depth than the quick ideas above, this step-by-step guide can help you write a thoughtful speech that the groom may remember forever. After all, being named the best man at your friend or brother’s wedding is a tremendous honor. But like any honor, it comes with some responsibilities. After you finish all your bachelor party and wedding duties, an epic best man speech can be like the fireworks at the show’s end. 

Here are 5 simple steps to make it count:

Start with a theme

Before you start writing and rehearsing your speech, it helps to decide on a theme for your talk. This will give a nice flow to the speech. A theme ensures that you stay on track to communicate your congratulations and appreciation to the groom. 

What is the main message you want to get across? A few theme ideas include:

• Family Anecdotes : Best man toasts center around storytelling. This theme is the easiest way to stay on track because you are telling a simple story from beginning to end. Since you are a close friend or family member share anecdotes no one else would be able to share. Consider using pictures from childhood with a slideshow.
• Humor : Whether you’re naturally funny or working on your jokes ,  your speech is the perfect opportunity to get the audience laughing. Best man speeches are known for getting a little saucy, but you must be careful about offending the crowd or making crude jokes that might insult the bride and groom. If you want to tease the groom with some witty banter, it helps to make fun of yourself or reference an appropriate inside joke.
• Inspirational : Have you and the groom achieved an important business goal or accomplishment together? Do you have a shared role model or favorite motivational book you both read in college? This speech theme can leave the audience feeling inspired.
• Morality : Use your speech to highlight the great person the groom is. Perhaps you give examples of his integrity, trustworthiness, or generosity. You can emphasize how lucky you are to know the groom and how glad you are that he found a woman to spend his life with. 
• Sentimentality : When humor and storytelling aren’t your fortes, it doesn’t hurt to get a little corny. Sentimental speeches require a level of emotional vulnerability, but they can leave a huge impact on the newlyweds and their attendees. Here is an excellent example of a sentimental-themed speech where the groom’s big brother brings him to tears with a story about their father’s last words: 

Create an outline

You wouldn’t go on a road trip without a navigation system, so don’t go into your speech without a plan. The best toasts and speeches follow the same structure. Pull out a piece of paper and brainstorm some ideas using this format, then use the following steps to fill in the details:

• Hook/Opening statement : The opening statement should be a 1 to 3-line description about the groom. The first 7 seconds of the speech should hook the audience immediately. It warms them up to you and makes them want to pay attention to the amusing stories. You’ll find an abundance of opening-line ideas in the next section. 
• Background context : Now comes the why of your speech. This is where the context of your relationship with the groom comes in. You can throw in some funny jokes and a few details about your experience with him. Use this intro to build up the anticipation for the story to come. Write down a few ideas of stories you can tell. 
• Tell the story : Choose 1-3 short stories about the groom that is funny, slightly embarrassing, or interesting. Jot down a few of the sensory elements you want to reference, like the smelly locker room or the squeaking of tire wheels. Most stories follow a bell-curve pattern—they start with an intro, lead to rising action, peak with a capstone moment, then tie back to the beginning. Keep this in mind as you brainstorm and follow the story-planning steps below. 
• Take-home message : After you get a good laugh or “awww” out of the audience, you’ll want to bring the story back to the beginning. What do you want them to remember about your speech and friendship with the groom? 
• Thank the wedding party : Use a quick sentence to thank the wedding party and hosts. Express your genuine gratitude for being invited. 
• Closing toast and congratulations : After wrapping up the story and thanking the wedding party, you should invite the audience to toast the bride and groom with you. For an extra cheery finale, act as if you are speaking on their behalf and include lots of well-wishes for the newlyweds. 

Pro Tip : Before filling in your outline details, watch this video for an overview of how to give a memorable toast. Human behavior expert Vanessa Van Edwards explains the most common mistakes (don’t start with “I,” “me,” or “my”) and a few secrets to getting the audience to perk up in their seats. 

Opening line ideas for your best man speech

Once you have your outline, it’s time to dig into the details. People decide their first impression of you within 7 seconds, so it’s extra important to nail the opening line of your speech. Best men use this opportunity to crack a joke, compliment the wedding, or set a sentimental tone for the speech. 

Avoid making the first lines about you. No “me”, “I”, or “my”. Instead, start with a juicy or mysterious line about the groom, for example:

If you need a little inspiration, here are some hilarious and quirky best man speech opening lines: 

• “Caring, loyal, honest, good-looking, and an all-around-great guy… OK, enough about me, onto the groom…!” 
• “This is the perfect chance to tell you about [Groom] and how talented, special, smart, good-looking, and… sorry, man, I can’t read your handwriting here.” 
• “I’d like to give a toast to the bride and groom.” [pull a piece of toasted bread from your pocket and give it to them]
• “[Groom’s name] is the kind of person you call when you lock yourself out of the dorm bathroom without any clothes on.” 
• “The bride and groom asked me not to share embarrassing stories or crude jokes during my speech… so that’s it from me! Thanks for listening, everyone.”
• “I’d like to start by congratulating the groom for his excellent taste in choosing the best man.” 
• “[Groom] had a tough time choosing his best man. First, he called his most handsome friend, but he said no. Then, he called his smartest friend, and he said no. Then, he called his most successful friend, who also said no. Then he called me, and I said, ‘Bro, I can’t say no to you four times.'”
• “What can I say about [Groom]? I guess I’ll start at the very beginning. He was born on [groom’s birthday]. Our parents were hoping for a girl, but I’ve always said… close enough.”

Here is a genuinely funny opening line from a best brother wedding speech:

Pro Tip : Don’t forget to pause for laughter. If it doesn’t come, you can chuckle at yourself and cue the audience that they are supposed to laugh by saying, “This is where you are supposed to laugh,” or joking, “Sound guy, can you please cue the laugh track?” Then, keep going with your speech.

Don’t worry. You need not be a jokester to give a great opening line. If you want to go the nostalgic or tearjerker route, be sure it is highly personalized and thoughtful. Here are some sentimental opening line ideas:

• “There are friends, and there is family, but friends also become family. This is so true for [Groom] and me. We’ve been best friends since we were X years old, and I’ve always considered him my brother.” 
• “There’s an old Irish proverb that says a good friend is like a four-leaf clover—hard to find and lucky to have. I think that’s true. Good friends are hard to find, and I’m lucky to have called [Groom] my best friend for the last X years.” 
• “I’ve heard that the best relationships come from the foundation of a deep friendship. Experts say that laughter, mutual respect, and enjoying each other’s company are the ingredients for a long-lasting, joyful marriage. After knowing [Groom] and [Bride] for X years, there is no doubt in my mind that they will make a great pair.” 
• “In Good Will Hunting , Robin Williams said, ‘It doesn’t matter if the guy is perfect or the girl is perfect as long as they are perfect for each other.” Anyone who has seen [Groom] and [Bride] together can agree that this is true for them. I haven’t seen a perfect pair, and I’m happy to be part of this celebration of their love.” 

To learn more about the best speech openers, use this guide on How to Start a Speech: The Best (and Worst) Speech Openers . Some top tips include:

• Avoid starting with a lackluster nicety like “thanks for having me.” 
• Don’t mention your nervousness.
• Avoid mentioning technical difficulties like the microphone or saying, “Can you hear me?” 

Background context

Now that you’ve grabbed the audience’s attention, it’s time to give them a little background on why you are giving a speech in the first place. This is another sneak peek at some details you’ll cover in the speech. 

The whole point of this part is to tell them how you know the groom—but it isn’t about you. You’ll often hear wedding speeches that start with a drab, “I met the groom in college” or, “My name is ___, and I’m the best man.” You can do better than that! Try saying:

• “The groom was the first friend I made on the high school football team. I had no idea we would become roommates in a bachelor pad throughout college.” 
• “As little kids, the groom and I were known to be a dangerous duo in the neighborhood. He always carried the eggs and toilet paper, then instructed me where to throw them. But you can guess who always took the blame for his antics….” 
• “The groom and I have been friends and business partners for X years, and as you’ll hear shortly, he is the main reason I broke my arm during the last office basketball game. But first, I want to tell you a less embarrassing story….” 

Pro Tip : Focus on the groom, and don’t make it about you. One of the biggest mistakes people make during wedding speeches is talking too much about themselves. Your speech shouldn’t discuss where you’re from, what you think, or how you ended up at the party. The best man’s speech is a time to focus on the groom and his bride. 

Tell the story  

After your punchy opening line and background info, it’s time to tell the perfect story about the groom. Depending on the length of your speech and the details of your story, some best man speeches cover 1 to 3 short stories. 

Reference back to the memories you wrote when brainstorming. Pick a story that includes the most of these captivating elements:

• A little bit of embarrassment : Whether it’s you, the groom, or a mutual friend, it helps to poke some fun at someone in the story. If you fear being offensive, the best person to joke about is yourself.  
• Audience member references : You can get major bonus points if you bring wedding guests into the storytelling moment. You might say, “Mom, you might want to close your ears on this one!” or, “Brian, we’re talking about you!” 
• Sensory details : What did the scenery look like? What were the prominent smells, sounds, and tastes at the moment? A great story should make the audience feel like they were with you. Don’t forget to mention the frigid cold lake you jumped into or the outrageously spicy food that left you both panting and crying for water. 
• A final punch line : Ideally, the best story ends with a shocking moment or funny line. It should leave the audience laughing, crying, surprised, or even gasping. For example, in an epic adventure story about you and the groom on a hunting trip, you may end with, “Just as the shark was about to bite the line, Joe reeled in the massive bluefin and yelled, ‘I think we’re gonna need a bigger boat!’”

Pro Tip : If you have to ask, “Is this appropriate?” it probably isn’t. Some stories are better for late-night beers than they are for weddings. Avoid telling stories related to sexual topics, drugs, alcohol, illegal activities, or anything you wouldn’t want grandma to hear. 

Take-home message

When the story finishes, you’ve hopefully elicited some laughter or maybe some tears. All jokes aside, there is a reason you were the best man, and you are probably a significant person to the groom. This is a great time to emphasize the best qualities of the groom and why you’re so happy for his new love. 

Here is an excellent example of tying together the opening and closing lines with a heartfelt message about finding the perfect soul mate:

End your speech with a heartfelt toast

We’ve all heard “let’s raise a glass to [Bride] and [Groom]” before. You can do better than that! The final toast is like the fireworks at the end of your best man speech. Instead of something mediocre, invite the audience to join you in a genuine, thoughtful congratulations. Examples include:

• “Please join me in raising our glasses to the beautiful bride and handsome groom. May your lives together be long, healthy, and happy. We love you so much and are excited for you. Cheers!” 
• “Lift your glasses to thank Mr. and Mrs. [Bride’s Parents] for hosting this beautiful wedding. Let us all toast to the perfect union of the bride and groom. We wish you a bright and beautiful future. Cheers!”
• “Here’s to the past, for all you’ve learned. Here’s to the present for this beautiful moment we all share. Here’s to the future for all you’ve got to look forward to. Cheers to the happy couple!” 

Pro Tip : Make your toast inclusive and communal, so the audience feels like they’re cheering for the couple with you. Use words like “we”, “lets”, and “us”. This congratulation invites them to join as if you are speaking on their behalf. 

Use a best man speech template

A template makes things simple if you’re still feeling uneasy about writing your best man speech. You can take the structure of an example speech and incorporate your ideas and stories to make it your own. 

Best man speech example for a best friend :  

“Tonight, you’ll learn why the groom was destined to marry [Bride]. The year was 2002, and we were all in a bar with friends on New Year’s Eve in New York City. Snow was falling outside, and we were sipping champagne, waiting for the big ball to drop. Seemingly out of nowhere, a woman with a red dress entered the room, and everything seemed to stop. All the bachelors in our group were captivated, but only [Groom] had the guts to walk up to her. Rumor has it that his first opening line was ‘

Everyone talks about a woman’s glow when she’s falling in love, but I swear that [Groom] was smiling from ear to ear from the second they met. We could hardly get him to stop talking about her by the following week. We’d be watching football and drinking beers only to have [Bride’s] name brought up every 5 minutes. 

Fast forward 3 years, and we’ve all seen how much [Bride] has positively impacted his life. When he came to me to tell me he was proposing, my only response was, ‘ Finally, dude !’

There’s something extra special about these two. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. They love and respect each other so much. [Bride] was the one for [Groom] from the second they locked eyes in that hazy NYC bar. We are all so happy to be here for your big day. Let’s raise our glasses to the beautiful bride and groom! Cheers!” 

Another Best man speech example for a best friend :  

“The groom was the first friend I made on the high school basketball team. He wasn’t very good [pause for laughter]. I was the tallest player and obviously had the best free throw, but I was majorly lacking in the ladies department. Thankfully, [Groom] took me under his wing and showed me how to be a true gentleman. That includes opening doors for women and carrying their bags instead of just running in with my own. What would I have done without you, man?

Even though he was no good at basketball, [Groom] always had his head on his shoulders. He’s a respectful, intelligent, and relatively clean-cut guy. All joking aside, it’s no surprise that he ended up with a woman as intelligent and beautiful as [Bride]. You both deserve a lifetime of love, happiness, and success together. Please raise your glasses and join me in congratulating the bride and groom! We love you!” 

Practice your body language

Public speaking isn’t only about what you say but how you carry yourself. Your body language can drastically affect your confidence, your delivery, and how the audience perceives you. Use these body language hacks to take your speech to the next level: 

• Signal “friend” : Smile and show your open palms to send the message that you are the audience’s friend. This makes people feel more comfortable with your presence and more likely to listen.
• Stand up straight : When you look confident, you also feel more confident. Check your posture if your voice is a little shaky before the speech. Roll back your shoulders and tuck your shoulder blades down towards your back. Slightly lift your chest and chin as you speak. 
• Make eye contact: Throughout the speech, you should change your eye contact with different audience members. As you mention specific compliments or thanks, make eye contact with the bride, groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and the bride’s father.
• Genuinely smile : Smiling may seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you feel so focused on a perfect delivery. At the same time, you don’t want to look like you’re fake smiling throughout the speech. Use these 9 Simple Tips to Smile Better (in any situation!)
• Use your hands : It’s easy to let your nerves get the best of you and feel like a “deer in the headlights.” Instead of tucking your hands in your pockets, widen your stance and take up space. Use your hands and gestures while you talk to show that you are comfortable and happy during the speech. 

Want more tips? Here are 17 Body Language Presentation Cues to Use in Your Next Speech . 

Rehearse before the big day

Experts say you should rehearse a speech 10 times before performing it. Research also shows that people who mentally prepare themselves before a speech by imagining it going well are more likely to perform fluently and easily. So before you get in front of an audience, be sure you’ve gone over your speech at least 10 times, either in your head or out loud. Better yet, practice in the mirror, on camera, or in front of a trusted friend. 

It also helps to review the gist of the speech with the groom (without giving away any secret details) to make sure it’s alright with him. A few weeks before the wedding, you may pull him aside and ask, “Hey man, is it OK if I tell the story about ____ in my best man speech? I think it’ll get some good laughs.” 

Although this example is long, this best man very clearly rehearsed his speech for a near-perfect performance without any notes:

10 Expert Tips for Delivering a Killer Best Man Speech

Want to go beyond the ordinary? With just some tricks of the trade, you can keep the audience engaged and the laughs coming in the best speech you’ll ever write. Check these tips out!

Use the “Rule of Three”

Comedians and public speakers often use the “rule of three” because our brains are wired to remember things in threes.

Action Step: Structure your main points or jokes in groups of three. For example: “John is smart, kind, and only slightly obsessed with his cats.”

Use contrast to spark interest

Contrast creates interest and can make your points more impactful.

Action Step: Set up a contrast in your speech. For instance: “While most of us were struggling to figure out how to do laundry in college, Jacob was already starting his first business.”

Incorporate a callback

A callback refers to mentioning something from earlier in your speech, bringing it full circle.

Action Step: Plant a funny anecdote or phrase early in your speech, then reference it again at the end for a satisfying conclusion. For example:

Opening of the Speech:

“Hi everyone, I’m Mike, Jeff’s best man. Jeff always said he’d only get married if he found someone who could put up with his terrible singing in the shower. Well, today he found her!”

End of the Speech:

“Jeff, you found someone who loves you, even with your singing. Let’s raise a glass to Jeff and Anne. Cheers!”

Use the “Vowel Method” for Improvising

If you blank out, remember the vowels: A, E, I, O, U.

• A: And another thing…
• E: Excuse me, I just remembered…
• I: I just noticed…
• O: Oh, I almost forgot…
• U: Unbelievable, I can’t believe I didn’t mention…

Action Step: Practice using these phrases to smoothly transition if you lose your place.

Engage the senses

Help your audience visualize your stories by engaging their senses.

Action Step: For each anecdote, include at least one sensory detail. “The smell of burnt popcorn filled our dorm room as Jordan attempted to ‘cook’ for the first time.”

Use the “Bookend Technique”

Start and end your speech with the same theme or phrase for a polished feel.

Action Step: If you start with a quote about friendship, end with the same quote, but add how it applies to the couple’s relationship.

The “Pause and Punch” method

Build anticipation for your punchlines by pausing before you deliver them.

Action Step: Practice inserting a brief pause before your key jokes or points. It’s like adding an ellipsis (…) in written text.

Use different voices

When telling stories, use different voices for different characters to make your speech more engaging.

Action Step: Practice imitating the groom’s voice or mannerisms for one short quote in your speech.

Hint at something early in your speech that you’ll fully reveal later.

Action Step: Mention a mysterious object or event at the beginning, then explain its significance towards the end of your speech. Example:

“Hello everyone, I’m Mike, Jeff’s best man. Before I get into it, let me just say one thing: there’s a reason I’m holding this old, worn-out baseball cap.”

Middle of the Speech:

“Jeff and I have been friends since we were kids, and this baseball cap has seen us through countless adventures—catching our first fish, sneaking into the movies, and even when Jeff met Anne at the park.”

“So, why am I holding this cap? It’s a symbol of all the great memories Jeff and I have shared, and now, it’s a symbol of the new memories he’ll make with Anne. Here’s to a lifetime of adventures for the two of you. Cheers!”

Use a “Question Hook”

Engage your audience by asking rhetorical questions.

Action Step : Start your speech with a thought-provoking question like, “What makes a perfect marriage? Well, after knowing John for 15 years, I think I’ve figured it out…”

Bonus: Handling Emotions

It’s totally normal to feel a wave of emotion during your speech (but if you’re not the crying type, feel free to skip this section!). After all, your best bud is getting married! But you don’t want to turn into a blubbering mess in front of everyone. Here’s how to keep it together:

• Practice the Trigger Parts: Identify the parts of your speech that are likely to make you emotional. Practice these sections extra hard so you can get through them smoothly.
• Pause and Breathe: If you feel yourself getting choked up, pause and take a deep breath. It’ll give you a moment to compose yourself and will come across as a thoughtful pause to the audience.
• Have a “Reset Phrase” Ready: Prepare a lighthearted phrase to use if you need to regain composure. Something like, “And this is why I don’t watch romantic comedies,” can lighten the mood and give you a moment to recover.
• Keep Water Handy: A sip of water can help if your throat tightens up from emotion. Plus, it gives you a natural pause in your speech.
• Tensing: If you feel tears coming, try tensing your toes or pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth. These physical actions can help distract from the emotional response.

Pro Tip: If you do get emotional, don’t apologize. Simply acknowledge it with something like, “Well, I guess this is what happens when your best friend finds his soulmate,” and continue with your speech.

Key Takeaways: Express Gratitude and Sentimentality in 3-5 Minutes

Ultimately, a best man speech is an opportunity to make your best bro look good in front of all his friends and family. Your speech should demonstrate how much you value your brotherhood or friendship. At the same time, you can enjoy 5 minutes of wedding fame without making things all about you. A great toast can make you a memorable celebrity at the wedding and have people laughing at your

Before jumping up at the reception and speaking off the cuff, remember to:

• Outline and plan your speech ahead of time. Use notecards if needed.
• Focus on the groom and his bride. Don’t go on and on about yourself. 
• Nail the opening line with a funny joke, quote, or teaser that leads into a great story. 
• Avoid inappropriate or cringey topics that could embarrass the groom.
• Express gratitude to the groom and wedding hosts. 

Giving a toast or speech is an essential social skill that can make you one of the most likable people in a room. If you want to learn more about the art of giving showstopping toasts, read this guide on How to Give an Awesome Toast: Advanced Strategies for Speeches .

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Childhood friend speech #1.

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Mark, and for any of you who are still in doubt, I am Dave’s best man.

In short, that means it was my duty and responsibility to ensure he got to the church on time this afternoon, looking smart, and handsome.

The first of these was straightforward enough; the second was thankfully pretty much taken care of by the men’s outfitters, and the last? Well, the job description was ‘best man’ not genie…

I’ve known Dave most of my life, and as you might expect that means he crops up often in my childhood memories, from patrolling the mean streets of Dursley together, pretending to fight crime as Spiderman and the hulk – Dave was the hulk, by the way, I was Spidey – though looking back I think we can all agreed that we had it wrong, as I had the better physique, and he would have looked a lot better in a mask… to our teens and those early adventures in pubs and clubs…

This Does mean that I have many stories that I could share with you which made working out where to begin a difficult task;

Dave has asked me not to reveal certain skeletons he has in his closet, which really rather surprised me, as I thought he would be a lot more concerned about me mentioning the monsters he’s had in his bed!

There were the ‘lads holidays’ abroad…(Off line, but loud enough to hear) …Remind me again Dave, what was it we agreed, eighty quid?…About which, strangely, my memory is now rather vague…

I can safely say it’s well known that Dave is not very sporty and during his school days when teams were chosen he was always last to be picked, Dave was more what I would describe as a lazy academic.

During our 6th form years we had to create business plans and Dave as usual left his till the very last minute and after sitting in front of the telly watching his favourite Arnold Schwartzenegger films, started work on it late one evening. The next day looking rather tired he asked me to have a read through his plan. He had managed to base his entire business plan on a sandwich shop with slogan ‘Arnie’s sarnie’s you’ll be back’. Surprisingly this scrapped Dave a pass, which saw us go our separate ways to uni.

During Dave’s placement & my final year at Uni, Dave worked for a company that specialized in pub mystery customer visits, I was of course happy to assist in any way I could, and so was asked on many an occasion for my help in carrying these out so that we could split the money paid on drinking at the weekends.

Most weekends Dave would drive across from Manchester to Leeds so we could go out to pubs and clubs. As the end of my Uni life approached so did the course work deadlines, so it was with great sadness that on one occassion I tried to cancel our regular weekend session.

I had an assignment that I had to hand in by Monday and it certainly wasn’t my strongest subject, Dave kept trying to convince me that I could still go out, and get the work done, but writing 5,000 words on social behaviour whilst under the influence was not something I relished. Dave then came up with a plan, he would do the assignment for me, reflecting on it now this was right up Dave’s street, and he even managed to blag me a C grade.

This no doubt set him up nicely for a career after Uni in recruitment and then in sales, where thinking on your feet counts. I once witnessed the master in action when he worked for ‘Phones 4 U’. A lady was interested in a particular handset and as she bent down to pick it up she inadvertently let out a little fart, clearly embarrassed and hoping we hadn’t heard she asked Dave ‘How much it was’? Dave replied with a straight face ‘Madam if you farted just touching it you’ll shit yourself when you hear the price’

Hopefully this information might go some way toward explaining to many of you as to  why he’s had 12 jobs, in the past 11 years.

As one of the key Best Man jobs, I recently organized Dave’s stag do, under strict instruction that drinking was the priority and was in no unclear terms informed that valuable drinking time should not be in any way wasted on activities, with this is mind and Dave’s love of board games the monopoly pub crawl was organized. Whilst I’m not going to mention details of what happened in London….. A few quality stories were shared.

For example the story of his trip to V Festival in 2008 when he was so drunk he swapped his brand new camera for a burger as he had lost his money the day before.

And the legendary works fancy dress party in central Manchester, when at the last minute decided to stay over without a change of clothes (think Del in only fools and horses – Xmas 1996). Batman, as he was fully kitted out then as, got chased down Oxford Road the next morning by a group of young kids screaming the theme tune, the phrase ‘what a plonker’ seems rather apt!

I do have a memory featuring Dave that’s particularly special – when he was the best man at my wedding 11 months ago which was very emotional. I must say it is a real treat for me to be able to return the favour here today.

No one was happier than I was when Dave met Anita; seeing their romance blossom was akin watching a fairytale unfold, and, sure, I know what some of you are thinking, ‘what fairytale is that Mark – ‘Beauty And The Beast? Shrek?’

Actually, the fairy tale I had in mind was… ‘Sleeping Beauty.’  Its easy not to see this if you are confused into thinking that it’s Anita who takes the part of sleeping beauty in this, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Shortly before Dave met Anita, we were chatting over a few beers and the topic of relationships came up, so I asked him ‘was he still open to the idea of meeting that special someone?’

Nah, he said.

Absolutely fine being single, thanks.

Don’t have the time for a relationship.

Too many commitments…

Not interested at all. simple as that!

And though I did not for one moment believe a word of that, I think, maybe, he was starting to. Turned out Dave was simply sleeping, he was just waiting for Anita to come along and wake him up. As unbelievable and incredible as it seems there is behind that tough exterior, slightly above and to the left of a liver that must be pickled half to hell, a heart beating of a true romantic.

I really am pleased we are all gathered here today. Dave’s a great bloke and he deserves the wonderful future I know he and Anita are going to share together.

Before I finish I just want to wish Dave and Anita an enjoyable honeymoon to Wales…. as I recall Dave telling me last night over a few beers that he was going to Bangor! On that note, can I really should finish by asking you all to raise a glass and join me in a toast to the happy couple.

* Raise glass *

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