Elevate Your Best Man Speech: 10 Examples To Made a Mark
Posted on Tuesday, 8th October 2024 by Matt
If you're standing in front of a room full of wedding guests, ready to give a best man speech, the pressure can feel intense. But it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach, you can deliver a speech that leaves a lasting impression on the couple, their family, and friends. Whether you're nervous about public speaking or unsure of what to say, these ten best man speech examples will help you craft something unforgettable.
Firstly, let's talk about what makes a great best man speech. It's not about being the funniest person in the room (although humour certainly helps), and it's definitely not about trying to one-up the groom or drag out every embarrassing story you know. Instead, a great speech is heartfelt, thoughtful, and celebrates the couple. You'll want to strike a balance between personal anecdotes, meaningful reflections, and of course, a few jokes to keep everyone smiling.
So, let's dive into the 10 examples that will inspire your best man speech, and we'll also give you some advice on how to make them your own. Remember, the goal is not to copy these examples word-for-word but to use them as a guide to create something unique that reflects your relationship with the groom.
The Classic Speech
One of the most popular approaches to a best man speech is keeping things classic. Start by thanking everyone for coming, acknowledge how beautiful the bride looks, and then launch into a few funny but respectful stories about the groom. Finish up with a heartfelt message about how much he means to you and how happy you are for the couple.
Something like: "Ladies and gentlemen, it's an honour to stand here today as Steve's best man. I've known him for 14 years, and I can honestly say he's one of the best blokes I know. Sarah, you've truly got yourself a gem. I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness."
It's a safe approach but always appreciated when done right.
The Humour-Focused Speech
If you're a bit of a joker and you know the groom has a great sense of humour, a light hearted speech packed with laughs can be a winner. Just be mindful not to cross any lines - keep it appropriate for all audiences. Focus on funny stories that show the groom's quirks in a loving way, then wrap it up with a sincere note of happiness for the couple.
For instance: "Now, I've known Steve for years, and if there’s one thing I can tell you, it's that he's always late - so let's all take a moment to appreciate that he actually showed up on time today! But in all seriousness, I couldn't be happier to see him with someone who's just as wonderful as Sarah. You two are perfect together."
The Sentimental Speech
If humour isn't your thing, a heartfelt, sentimental speech can be incredibly moving. Reflect on the groom's character, your friendship, and how happy you are for him and the bride. Share a personal story that highlights his best qualities and emphasise how much their relationship has changed his life for the better.
You could say: "I've had the privilege of calling Steve my best mate for over a decade, and in all that time, I've never seen him as happy as he is when he's with Sarah. The way he looks at her says it all - he's found his soulmate. I'm truly honoured to stand here today and witness this incredible love."
The Short and Sweet Speech
Not a fan of long speeches? That's perfectly fine. A short, sweet, and to-the-point speech can be just as powerful. You don't need to drag it out - just say what you mean and leave the rest to the celebratory atmosphere.
Here's an example: "Ladies and gentlemen, I'll keep this brief. Steve, you're one of the best friends I could ever ask for, and seeing you marry Sarah today fills me with so much joy. I know you two are going to have a fantastic life together."
The Storyteller's Speech
If you're a natural storyteller, lean into that strength. Paint a picture with your words - tell a memorable or touching story about the groom, something that really illustrates his character or your friendship. It could be how you met, a funny trip you went on, or a time he went out of his way to help someone.
For example: "I remember the first time I met Steve. We were both at university, and I thought, 'Who is this guy trying to outdo me at every sport?' Well, turns out, not only is he fiercely competitive, but he's also the most loyal friend I've ever had. And now, seeing him marry Sarah, I can see he's finally met his match."
The Light Roast Speech
A gentle roast can go over well if you know the groom has a good sense of humour and the audience will appreciate it. Tease him, but don't be mean. Keep the mood fun, and remember to bring it back to a place of love and respect at the end.
Try this: "Now, I'm not going to stand up here and say that Steve is perfect. We all know that would be a lie. But seriously, Sarah, you must have the patience of a saint! Joking aside, we all know he's a good one, and I'm sure you two will be as happy as you deserve to be."
The Quote-Heavy Speech
Incorporating quotes into your speech is a great way to add depth and resonance. Whether you’re drawing from literature, movies, or even the couple's favourite songs, a well-placed quote can bring extra meaning to your words.
For example: "As the great poet once said, 'Love is not just looking at each other, it's looking in the same direction.' Steve and Sarah, you both have your eyes on the same horizon, and I know you'll walk the path ahead with love and joy."
When crafting your speech, the key is to stay authentic. Speak from the heart and let your unique relationship with the groom shine through. These examples are here to inspire you, but the most important part is your personal touch.
If you're still feeling stuck, don't worry - you can find thousands of lines and examples to guide you here at Ultimate Wedding Speech. We offer an extensive collection of ideas for your best man speech, whether you need jokes, heartfelt lines, or creative ways to structure your speech. With our help, you'll be ready to make your mark and deliver a speech that will be remembered for all the right reasons.
Sign up today and gain instant access to a wealth of wedding speech inspiration that will take your words to the next level.
Crafting the perfect wedding speech can be a challenging task. But you don't have to do it alone. Sign up to Ultimate Wedding Speech for only £4.99 and gain access to the world's largest collection of example content for wedding speeches. With our diverse and extensive library, you'll find inspiration that perfectly matches your style, sentiment, and message. From funny anecdotes to heartfelt passages, traditional toasts to modern musings, we've got it all. Don't miss out on the opportunity to move your audience and make an unforgettable impact on the special day. Join the ever growing list of satisfied speechmakers who have found their perfect words with us. Let us help you create a wedding speech that is as unique and memorable as the love story you're celebrating.
