6 Best Man Speech Ideas, Examples, and Tips

Are you having trouble crafting your best man speech? It is the subject of thousands and thousands of disturbed forum discussions, alarmed Quora entries, and social media pleas for assistance each year. This guide will help you develop the best-man speech you and the happy couple will love, regardless of how many hours or weeks you have to spare. Read on for crucial best-man speech examples, suggestions, and advice to make the process easy and almost painless.

Do's and don'ts every best man should know before drafting their speech:

• Length: This is the most crucial factor to consider. Try to keep it under five minutes because shorter is preferable. The best time would be three: two minutes for the main story, thirty seconds for the introduction, and thirty seconds for the conclusion and best wishes.
• Tone: For the elderly family members, keep it formal and refrain from using profanity, offensive jokes, or unrepairable anecdotes. According to professional storytellers for the Moth, a well-known storytelling podcast and esteemed competition, a combination of sentimental and humorous elements typically works well, provided they are told in that sequence. Additionally, be truthful. Jokes that are overdone quickly become monotonous.
• Content: Unlike random jokes, stories are always more entertaining. A one-liner should be used at the start of the speech, followed by a return to facts. It should not just be you and your achievements; the pair or relationship with them should be the primary focus.

Explore six foolproof best-man speech ideas, examples, and tips:

1. Take inspiration from those who have gone before you.

You can use these real-life best-man speech examples to make people laugh, cry, or both. Feel free to copy them or take inspiration from them.

An example of a lengthy best man speech: This is an example of a best man speech edited for clarity and conciseness from an older brother to his younger brother.

"Good afternoon to all of you. I'm the most incredible man.

Before I begin, I would like to clarify that flash photography is prohibited during this event. We don't want to startle the shy couple, the bride and groom. If you examine them attentively, you'll notice they're already beginning to feel a little uneasy. It's all the phones pointing at them now, but perhaps they would prefer that I finish my speech.

Is it the speech, then? Alright, let me continue.

Groom and I have been (brothers, friends, etc.) ever since (he was born, he started at Boston University, etc.). Since he isn't the most attractive person, it makes sense that he would ask a friend, a version of himself, or someone older, bigger, and balder to be his best man. Since the beginning of our lives, we have been informed that we (look remarkably identical, are connected at the hip, etc.). I don't see it, but as far as I'm aware, some individuals here are still unable to distinguish between that one's (groom), I'm (best man), and the groom's mother or bride.

The bride and groom have requested that I focus on the good aspects of the groom's life rather than any of his accidents, errors, or embarrassing incidents. I'll try my best, even if you've made this extremely tough.

*Extract a piece of paper* (Groom) is an outstanding individual. He is brilliant, friendly, and hilarious. He's even (learning to rollerblade, studying to be an engineer, etc.)! Furthermore, he's…wait … (groom), but I can't say that, dude!

You look beautiful today, Bride, and you look even more dapper in that suit, Groom! I hope you two have a long and happy marriage! But especially for (the bride), who has a lot on her plate right now. "Cheers!"

• Important lesson: It's always a hit to make fun of oneself more than you make fun of the groom. Also, don't be afraid to use roast-style jokes like "set 'em up to punch 'em down" like these examples.
• Customize it: The duration of this speech is under two minutes. Extend it and add a personal touch by including a tale about your childhood together that you believe reflects something about the groom's current personality, either by contrast or striking resemblance.

Short best-man speech example: Get some quick laughs and an "aww" with something like this. 

"I really should have given my speech first since (maid of honor) 's speech was way better than mine, but this is all your fault (groom), so enjoy! Thank you all for coming and for those who helped make this wedding so beautiful. (Bride), you look absolutely stunning tonight. (Groom), well, you're here tonight. All jokes aside, I'm really happy for you both. I always wanted (a sister, someone to help me wrangle the groom, etc.), and now I finally have one. So here's a toast to the bride and groom!"

• Key takeaway: All you need is a quick icebreaker, thank you, and joke followed by a sentimental thought. 
• Make it your own: Personalize the items in brackets to fit your sense of humor and situation. Reference real stories and moments at the wedding. 

2. Use a template.

Outline your key points and improvise if remembering a script is too much strain. This is a tried-and-true format for any best-man speech.

• Tell them how you know the happy couple and introduce yourself.
• Thank them if the parents or hosts covered the cost of the wedding.
• Express a positive and humorous comment about their relationship.
• Share a brief, humorous tale about your relationship with the groom that relates to the unique qualities of the newlyweds' bond.
• Put your best wishes at the end on a heartfelt note.

Expert advice: List three to five stories you enjoy, consider them, and select your top two.

3. Nail the opening line.

A best-man speech's most memorable beginning line is humorous, attention-grabbing, and ends with a twist. For instance:

The groom had a difficult time selecting his best man. First, he called his most successful friend, but he was told no. Then, he called his most intelligent friend, who declined. He then asked his friend who was the most gorgeous, and he declined. When he called me later, I replied, "(groom), I can't say no to you four times. "

4. Tell great jokes.

Limit the amount of defamation. Instead, concentrate on ridiculing yourself or sharing a story that makes you both feel equally ashamed. Regardless of who wins your speech, you can also use this as an opportunity to be humorously competitive.

Admitting that you're better at something can be humorous, for instance, as long as you follow up with a comment about how they found their partner and ultimately won.

As long as it won't land you in hot water with your partner, you can also use this as an occasion to share an inside joke or a story about something you two did together that no one else has heard.

5. Sprinkle in one-liners.

Before you finish with a heartfelt punch, humorous one-liners are a terrific technique to get the audience excited and involved. These are a few examples that will even please Grandma.

• You look terrific, Bride. You seem stunned, groom.
• (Bride), you're so gorgeous that you make the groom appear... (renowned, wealthy, successful)?
• To lock down someone like my (friend, brother, etc.) makes you the luckiest person alive, Bride. (Groom) is incredibly attractive, thoughtful, and modest, so I apologize, but I cannot read your handwriting here, groom.

6. Consider your relationship.

The most powerful best man speeches consider your relationship with the groom. Below are some pointers for each major type.

Older brother getting married:

• Keep your icebreaker insults to one or two. Your speech becomes a roast if you say anything more.
• For better or worse, emphasize how much of an example the groom has set for you.

Younger brother getting married:

• Give at least one noteworthy example of the groom's development.
• Make a joke about the groom finding their spouse and "finally winning" your sibling feud to benefit their relationship.

Dad getting married:

• Include a significant life lesson your father taught you and make it a part of your main narrative and viewpoint on today's wedding.
• Thank him for what he has done for you. He will greatly appreciate it.

Best friend getting married:

• Mention a positive trait you recall from your friendship's infancy, like their passion for knitting or their skill at field hockey.
• Using a positive narrative, discuss what, in your opinion, sets them apart from the other members of your friend group.

If you and the groom are not close, utilize their hobbies to express your feelings about their marriage. For instance, a comparison between Luke and Leia may be highly appreciated by a Star Wars enthusiast. By trying to learn about their interests, you may demonstrate your concern and give them something to talk about long after the wedding.

Hint: before you start making fun of their ex, find out who is there if it's the groom's second marriage. Let them be the ones who jest about the circumstances.

Now you know how to give an excellent best-man speech! 

With the help of the preceding tips, you now understand how to create and deliver a best-man speech that all will appreciate. Do not hesitate to utilize templates, one-liners, or examples that you have borrowed. Your speech will be unforgettable if you put your heart into it and speak from the heart.

Next up are some creative and entertaining bridal party entrance ideas that can help you make your mark on the big day.