Giving a best man speech is both an honour and a responsibility. It’s your moment to celebrate the couple, entertain the guests, and share your heartfelt sentiments about the groom. But what exactly should you say? Here’s a guide to crafting a memorable best man speech that hits all the right notes.

1. Start with a Warm Welcome

Begin your speech by introducing yourself and your connection to the groom. This sets the stage for your speech and helps guests who may not know you understand your perspective. A simple, light-hearted opening works wonders:

“Good evening, everyone! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], and I’ve had the privilege of calling [Groom] my best friend for [number] years.”

2. Thank Key People

Express gratitude to those who made the day possible, including the bride and groom’s families, the wedding party, and the guests for attending. Acknowledging their efforts shows appreciation and sets a respectful tone.

“Let’s take a moment to thank [Bride’s Parents] and [Groom’s Parents] for raising such incredible individuals and for hosting this beautiful celebration.”

3. Share Stories About the Groom

This is your chance to tell some funny, heartwarming, or meaningful stories about the groom. Choose anecdotes that highlight his character, his quirks, or memorable moments you’ve shared.

• Keep it appropriate: Avoid embarrassing stories that might cause discomfort.
• Connect it to the occasion: Share something that ties into his qualities as a partner.
  “I’ll never forget the time [funny or touching story about the groom]. It showed me just how loyal and caring he really is—qualities that I know he’s bringing into this marriage.”

4. Celebrate the Couple

Shift your focus to the bride and groom as a pair. Compliment their relationship and what makes them a great team. If you’ve seen their love grow, share an observation.

“Watching [Groom] with [Bride] has been nothing short of inspiring. He’s more thoughtful, more patient, and somehow even worse at punctuality, but that’s how you know he’s in love!”

5. Offer a Piece of Advice or a Wish

As the best man, it’s traditional to share a nugget of wisdom or a heartfelt wish for their future. This can be sincere, humorous, or a mix of both.

“My advice to you both is simple: Never stop laughing together. Even in the tough times, let your love and humor keep you strong.”

6. Propose a Toast

End your speech with a strong finish by raising a toast to the couple. Keep it concise and enthusiastic.

“So, please join me in raising your glasses to [Bride and Groom]. May your love be modern enough to survive the times but old-fashioned enough to last forever. To [Bride and Groom]!”

Bonus Tips for a Stellar Speech

• Keep it short and sweet: Aim for 5–7 minutes.
• Practice: Rehearse your speech to boost confidence.
• Speak clearly and smile: Enjoy the moment—this is a celebration!

Being the best man is a special role, and delivering a heartfelt speech will make the occasion even more memorable. With these tips, you’ll have everyone laughing, crying, and cheering as you celebrate the happy couple.

Looking for more tips on public speaking?

At The Occasional Speaker, we help you craft speeches that leave a lasting impression. Check out our resources and let us help you shine at your next big moment!