You’ve been chosen as the best man. Congrats!
Now, all you need is a killer speech that’s going to wow everyone, make the bride’s grandma laugh, and maybe even bring a tear or two.
Don’t worry, though—you don’t need to be Shakespeare to pull this off. We’re going to take you step by step to help you write a speech that’s heartfelt, funny, and everything in between. You’ll be the toast (literally) of the wedding.
Writing an Unforgettable Best Man Speech
Writing a best man speech might feel like a lot of pressure, but just follow these steps, and you’ll be more than ready to make everyone laugh, cry, and cheer.
Step 1: Introduce Yourself with Confidence
- Start with your name and how you know the groom.
- Keep it light: “For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Name], and I’ve known [Groom] since we both thought bleach-blonde hair was a good idea.”
- Be brief here—people want to know who you are, not your life story.
Why this is important: Introducing yourself helps establish your role in the event and gives context for your speech. It sets a friendly tone and ensures that everyone knows who you are, especially if they don’t know you personally. Be sure to keep it brief, as people are there for the couple, not a detailed biography of you.
Aim to start on a positive note that invites people to listen, like a quick, humorous comment about your relationship with the groom.
Tips and troubleshooting: Practice this part in front of a mirror or with friends. If you find you’re rambling, cut out anything that isn’t immediately relevant to establishing your connection with the groom. Confidence is key here, even if you’re nervous. Remember, everyone wants you to succeed.
Step 2: Break the Ice with a Good Story
- Share a funny or touching anecdote about the groom—something that highlights his personality.
- Avoid anything too embarrassing (especially anything involving exes, or college dares that almost ended in a trip to the ER).
- Example: “I remember when [Groom] missed the big game to help me fix my car. That’s just the kind of guy he is.”
- The goal is to show his character not publicly humiliate him.
Why this is important: Sharing a story is a great way to break the ice and connect with the audience. It helps paint a picture of who the groom is, and why he’s someone special to you. The story should illustrate a positive trait about the groom—something that makes people understand why he’s a great friend and partner.
Tips and troubleshooting: Keep the story relatable and steer clear of anything that might make the groom cringe or anyone else uncomfortable. Practice telling the story to make sure it flows naturally. Aim for a balance between humor and sentiment, making sure it’s something the bride’s family will also appreciate.
Step 3: Compliment the Bride (or Partner)
- Genuinely say something nice about the bride or partner. Make it specific, like how they bring out the best in the groom or how they’re always welcoming.
- Example: “When [Bride] came into [Groom’s] life, it was like he discovered a new best friend. And let me tell you, seeing them binge a whole Netflix series in one weekend… they’re clearly meant to be.”
Tips for avoiding clichés: Be sure to make your compliment genuine. Instead of relying on generic phrases like ‘She’s perfect for him,’ try to use specific observations that highlight the uniqueness of their relationship. Mention a particular moment or quality that truly stands out about them as a couple. This will make your speech more memorable and heartfelt.
Why this is important: Complimenting the bride shows respect and appreciation for the couple’s relationship. It highlights how the bride completes the groom and elevates the speech beyond just your friendship. Specific compliments also help make your speech more memorable and heartfelt.
Tips and troubleshooting: Be sure to make your compliment genuine. Avoid clichés and think about something you’ve observed about their relationship that others will recognize too. If you’re unsure, ask the groom about a special quality he admires in the bride—that can help guide you.
Step 4: Focus on the Relationship
- Talk about how great the couple is together. Mention a few things that make them a perfect match.
- “Together, they’re like peanut butter and jelly. It just makes sense.”
- Keep it light, and don’t overthink this—just focus on what makes their dynamic so great.
Why this is important: Highlighting the relationship between the bride and groom allows everyone to see the bigger picture—their love story. It ties your anecdotes together and shows that this isn’t just about your friendship with the groom, but about the amazing couple they’ve become.
Tips and troubleshooting: Avoid going too deep or making it sound rehearsed. Think about a few things that make them click—like how they share hobbies, laugh together, or support each other through challenges. Specific examples will help make this part resonate with the audience.
Step 5: Add a Touch of Sentiment
- Don’t be afraid to get a little serious for a moment. It’s okay to let everyone feel the love in the room.
- “[Groom], you’ve always been there for me, and seeing the happiness [Bride] brings you… I’ve never seen you smile like this.”
- Just one or two heartfelt lines can make all the difference.
Why this is important: Adding a moment of genuine sentiment makes your speech memorable and connects emotionally with the audience. It reminds everyone why they are there—to celebrate love. This part is crucial for balance, offering a brief break from humor for a heartfelt moment.
Tips and troubleshooting: If you’re uncomfortable getting too emotional, keep it short and sweet. One or two lines that convey what you truly feel about the groom and bride are enough. Practice this part a few times to avoid getting overly choked up, but don’t be afraid of a little emotion—it shows you care. To balance sentimentality with humor, consider ending a heartfelt line with a light, playful comment.
This will keep the mood from becoming too heavy and help maintain an uplifting tone throughout your speech.
Step 6: The Cheers & Closing
- End with a simple toast: “Here’s to [Bride] and [Groom], may your life be filled with laughter and love.”
- Keep it short, but put your heart into it. Everyone wants to raise their glass, not sit through a 5-minute conclusion.
Why this is important: The ending is what ties everything together and brings it to a celebratory peak. It signals that it’s time for everyone to raise their glasses and join in celebrating the couple. A clear and concise toast leaves everyone with positive feelings.
Tips and troubleshooting: Make sure the toast is practiced and flows smoothly. Keep it short and avoid trying to add last-minute jokes or stories. The key here is sincerity and brevity—give everyone the signal that it’s time to celebrate together, and they’ll love you for it.
For a real example, watch this funny and brief best man speech video:
100 Examples for Best Man Speeches
To help you even more, here’s a collection of 100 examples of best man speech lines, toasts, and anecdotes you can mix and match or just use for inspiration:
- “The first time I met [Bride], I knew she was the one because she laughed at [Groom’s] terrible jokes.”
- “[Groom] and I have been friends since the first day of school. He was the guy who shared his lunch with me when I forgot mine. Today, he’s found someone to share his life with.”
- “[Groom] is a lot of things—loyal, kind, and stubborn enough to run a marathon because he lost a bet. But I think [Bride] would agree that he’s also a genuinely good man.”
- “When I asked [Groom] what he loved most about [Bride], he said, ‘She makes every day feel like an adventure.’ Seeing them together, I get it.”
- “To [Groom]: I’m proud of you, man. To [Bride]: Good luck—you’re going to need it. Just kidding, love you both!
- “The thing about [Groom] is, he’s always been the guy who’s there for you. Whether it’s 3 AM and you’re broken down by the side of the road or you just need someone to talk to, he’s always ready to help. And now, he’s found someone who’s just as amazing to share his life with.”
- “I knew [Groom] had met someone special when he voluntarily gave up his fantasy football weekend to go on a surprise date. [Bride], you’re a miracle worker.”
- “The first time [Bride] met [Groom’s] family, I remember she brought homemade cookies. It was over right then. Not only did she win their hearts, but [Groom] couldn’t stop raving about how ‘perfect’ she was. He knew from the very beginning, and honestly, so did all of us.”
- “To [Groom]: Remember when we used to dream about finding ‘the one’? Well, you found her, my friend. And she’s even better than we ever imagined.”
- “[Groom] always said he wanted someone who would make him laugh every single day, and that’s exactly what [Bride] does. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so happy, and it’s all because of you.”
- “Seeing the way [Groom] looks at [Bride], it’s pretty obvious—he’s head over heels. And [Bride], we can all see that you bring out the very best in him.”
- “The day [Groom] met [Bride] was the day he stopped using the phrase ‘I don’t do mornings.’ For her, he’d do anything, and that speaks volumes.”
- “When [Bride] came into [Groom’s] life, he suddenly became a much better dresser. I think I speak for everyone when I say, thank you, [Bride].”
- “To [Bride], thank you for making one of my best friends an even better person. And [Groom], congrats on finding someone truly extraordinary.”
- “To [Groom]: May your coffee be strong, and your marriage even stronger. To [Bride]: Good luck handling this one. Just kidding—you two are perfect together!”
- “[Groom] always had the wildest sense of adventure, and now he’s found someone who matches that energy. Together, there’s no doubt you’ll have a lifetime full of incredible experiences.”
- “I never thought I’d see the day when [Groom] would willingly attend a pottery class. But for [Bride], he’s ready to be Mr. Arts and Crafts.”
- “To [Groom]: You were always the guy who pushed me to take chances. Today, you’ve made the best decision of your life by marrying [Bride].”
- “The way [Bride] and [Groom] care for each other—it’s inspiring. And I mean that in the least cheesy way possible. They’re just genuinely meant for each other.”
- “When [Groom] started making his own pasta sauce from scratch, I knew he was serious about [Bride]. She’s brought out the best version of him.”
- “To [Bride]: You’re the perfect mix of sweet and fierce, and you’ve got [Groom] wrapped around your finger—but in the best way.”
- “They say love is about finding someone you can share everything with, and for [Groom], that’s definitely [Bride]. They’re each other’s biggest fans.”
- “One thing I love about [Groom] and [Bride] is how they’re always laughing, no matter what. Their joy is infectious, and I know they’ll keep that spirit alive for the rest of their lives.”
- “To [Groom]: Here’s to the adventures ahead, the wild moments, and the quiet ones too. You found someone who’ll make every single one of them better.”
- “When I first saw [Groom] and [Bride] together, it felt like they’d been a team forever. They just fit perfectly.”
- “The first time [Groom] talked about [Bride], I could tell she was different. He didn’t just tell me about her—he couldn’t stop smiling while he did.”
- “[Bride], thank you for giving [Groom] something I could never provide—true love and a reason to grow up. Just kidding, but really, thank you.”
- “To [Bride], you’re the kind of person who can light up any room, and now you’ve lit up [Groom’s] entire world.”
- “To [Groom]: You found someone who makes you laugh and loves you even when you’re at your worst—hold onto her forever.”
- “One of the best things about [Bride] and [Groom] is how they’ve always got each other’s backs. They make being in love look easy.”
- “Seeing [Bride] and [Groom] dance together, it’s clear that they’re not just in love—they really, truly like each other, too.”
- “To [Groom]: You’re lucky to have [Bride], and I think we all know that. But honestly, [Bride], you’re lucky too—because no one can make you laugh quite like this guy.”
- “I remember when [Groom] told me he’d met [Bride], and it was like he’d found something he didn’t even know he was looking for.”
- “[Bride] brings out the best in [Groom], and that’s saying a lot because he was already a pretty great guy.”
- “To [Bride] and [Groom]: May your journey together be filled with love, laughter, and plenty of bad puns, courtesy of [Groom].”
- “I always knew [Groom] would end up with someone amazing, and [Bride] is everything and more. To see them together is to understand what true love really looks like.”
- “To [Groom]: You’ve found the one who gets your weird sense of humor, and that’s all we can really ask for in life, isn’t it?”
- “They say opposites attract, but I think [Groom] and [Bride] are proof that sometimes the best match is someone who’s just like you—funny, kind, and amazing.”
- “To [Groom]: Thank you for being my friend all these years, and thank you for bringing someone as wonderful as [Bride] into all our lives.”
- “It’s not often you meet two people so perfectly matched that you can’t picture them with anyone else. That’s what [Bride] and [Groom] are—a perfect fit.”
- “The day [Groom] introduced me to [Bride], I could tell this was different. He was happier than I’d ever seen him, and it’s easy to see why—[Bride] is incredible.”
- “To [Groom]: May your life be full of endless joy, and to [Bride]: May you always have patience for [Groom’s] questionable karaoke choices.”
- “One of the greatest things about [Bride] is that she’s not just [Groom’s] partner—she’s also his best friend.”
- “The love between [Groom] and [Bride] is the kind that makes you believe in happy endings, and I’m honored to be here celebrating with them today.”
- “When [Groom] and [Bride] are together, they bring out a kind of light that makes everyone else want to be near them.”
- “To [Bride], thank you for making my friend happier than I’ve ever seen him. To [Groom], you did good, buddy.”
- “To [Groom] and [Bride]: May you always look at each other like you do today—with love, admiration, and just a little bit of mischief.”
- “Love is a beautiful thing, and [Groom] and [Bride] are proof that when it’s right, it’s simply meant to be.”
- “The way [Groom] and [Bride] make each other smile—it’s what we all hope to find in a partner.”
- “To [Bride] and [Groom]: Here’s to laughter, adventures, and a lifetime of making amazing memories together.
- “To [Groom]: You’ve always been my partner in crime, and now you’ve found someone who’s willing to take on that role for the rest of your life. Lucky guy!”
- “I knew [Groom] was serious about [Bride] when he actually started getting to places on time. She’s had a good influence on him already.”
- “The way [Groom] and [Bride] look at each other is the kind of love we all dream about. It’s real, and it’s beautiful.”
- “To [Groom]: You found your perfect partner, someone who makes you laugh, shares your dreams, and always has your back.”
- “To [Bride] and [Groom]: May your marriage be full of love, laughter, and countless inside jokes.”
- “When I see [Groom] and [Bride] together, I see two people who were always meant to find each other.”
- “To [Bride] and [Groom]: May you always find adventure in the smallest of things and always see the good in each other.”
- “To [Groom]: You’ve always been a great friend, and now you’re going to be an even better husband. [Bride], you’ve got yourself a keeper.”
- “They say good things come to those who wait, and [Groom] certainly waited to find someone as amazing as [Bride].”
- “To [Bride] and [Groom]: You are proof that true love is worth the wait.”
- “The way [Bride] makes [Groom] smile says more than words ever could.”
- “To [Bride] and [Groom]: May your love grow stronger with each passing day, and may your life together be filled with joy.”
- “I’ve seen [Groom] at his best and at his worst, and it’s clear to me that [Bride] is the reason he’s always striving to be better.”
- “To [Groom]: You’re one of the most genuine people I know, and now you’ve found someone who loves you for it.”
- “To [Bride]: You make [Groom] the happiest I’ve ever seen him, and I’m so glad you two found each other.”
- “The love between [Bride] and [Groom] is the kind that makes everyone around them smile.”
- “To [Groom]: You found someone who loves you for all that you are, and that’s the best gift of all.”
- “May your marriage be filled with all the love, laughter, and joy in the world. To [Bride] and [Groom]!”
- “To [Groom]: You’ve found your perfect match in [Bride], and I know you’re going to be an amazing husband.”
- “[Bride] and [Groom], you two are made for each other, and it’s easy to see how much you care about one another.”
- “To [Bride]: You have made [Groom] happier than I ever thought possible, and I’m so happy to celebrate with you today.”
- “May your days together be filled with love, your nights with peace, and your lives with happiness.”
- “[Bride] has brought out a side of [Groom] that I never knew existed—one that’s even more amazing than I thought possible.”
- “May you always be each other’s rock, and may you always know that you have a friend in me.”
- “To [Bride] and [Groom]: May your life together be as happy and joyful as this day.”
- “I have no doubt that [Bride] and [Groom] will have a marriage filled with love and laughter.”
- “To [Groom]: You’ve always been there for me, and now you have [Bride], who will always be there for you.”
- “The love you share is an inspiration to us all, and I’m so happy to be a part of this special day.”
- “To [Bride] and [Groom]: May you always see the best in each other, even on the hardest days.”
- “The best part of today is knowing that [Groom] and [Bride] have found their forever.”
- “To [Groom]: You’ve found your true love, your partner in crime, and the one who makes every day better.”
- “The way [Groom] looks at [Bride] says it all—she’s his everything, and I couldn’t be happier for you both.”
- “May your love story be one for the ages, filled with laughter, adventures, and, most importantly, each other.”
- “To [Bride]: You’ve got a great man by your side, and [Groom], you’ve got an amazing woman to share your life with.”
- “To [Groom] and [Bride]: May your love be as deep as the ocean and your adventures as endless as the stars.”
- “The best thing about today is that [Groom] and [Bride] get to start the rest of their lives together.”
- “May your marriage be full of love, your home full of laughter, and your hearts always full of joy.”
- “To [Bride] and [Groom]: You two are proof that soulmates really do exist.”
- “The love you share is something special, and I know it’s going to grow even stronger as time goes on.”
- “To [Groom]: You’ve always been a great friend, but I know you’re going to be an even better husband.”
- “To [Bride] and [Groom]: You’ve found the kind of love that’s rare and beautiful, and I’m so happy for you both.”
- “May your marriage be like a great wine—improving with age, and always a pleasure to share.”
- “To [Groom]: You’ve found someone who makes every day brighter, and I know you’ll always make her smile.”
- “May your love be the kind that never stops growing and your happiness the kind that’s always shared.”
- “To [Bride]: Thank you for making [Groom] the happiest I’ve ever seen him.”
- “To [Groom]: You’ve found your forever love, and I’m so proud to be here today to witness it.”
- “To [Bride] and [Groom]: May you always find joy in the little things and love in every moment.”
- “The love that [Groom] and [Bride] share is something to celebrate, today and always.”
- “To [Groom]: You’ve found someone who loves you as much as you deserve, and that’s saying a lot.”
- “To [Bride] and [Groom]: May your journey together be full of love, laughter, and endless adventures.””
Fill-in-the-Blank Templates
I don’t know about you, but I love a good template.
So, I came up with these tried-and-true templates to get you started on your best man speech.
Template 1: Classic Humor with Heart
“Hello everyone, I’m [Name]. I’ve known [Groom] for [years], and honestly, it’s amazing to be standing here today. I remember the time [insert funny but appropriate story about Groom], and that’s when I knew this guy would always be in my life.
When [Bride] came into the picture, everything just clicked. She’s smart, funny, and more importantly, she keeps [Groom] in check! Let’s raise a glass to the happy couple, and to a lifetime of love, laughter, and endless adventures.”
Template 2: Short and Sentimental
“Hi, I’m [Name]. I’ve been friends with [Groom] for a long time, and it’s an honor to be his best man today. Seeing [Groom] and [Bride] together, it’s obvious how much they love each other—they bring out the best in each other.
Let’s all raise our glasses to [Groom] and [Bride]—may your life be filled with happiness and your love grow stronger every day.”
Template 3: The Storyteller
“Hello everyone, my name is [Name], and I’ve known [Groom] since [specific time]. Today, I want to share a story that really shows who [Groom] is as a person. [Tell a story that highlights Groom’s character—something funny, endearing, or impressive].
When [Bride] came along, it was clear that she was the missing piece. Together, they make an incredible team, and I can’t think of anyone better for my friend. So, let’s all raise our glasses to [Bride] and [Groom]—to a lifetime of stories and adventures.”
Template 4: Sentimental with a Touch of Humor
“Good evening, everyone. I’m [Name], and I’ve had the privilege of knowing [Groom] for [years]. I’ve seen him at his best and his worst, and I can confidently say that [Bride] brings out the best in him every single day. They’re a perfect match—not because they’re perfect, but because they’re perfect for each other.
[Add a light-hearted joke or observation here]. Let’s all raise a glass to [Bride] and [Groom]—may your love grow stronger every day, and may you always laugh together, even through the tough times.”
Template 5: Straightforward and Heartfelt
“Hi everyone, I’m [Name]. It’s truly an honor to stand here today for [Groom] and [Bride]. I’ve watched [Groom] grow over the years, and meeting [Bride] has been the highlight of that journey.
Together, they complement each other in the most beautiful way. [Groom] is lucky to have found someone so caring, smart, and loving. And [Bride], you’ve got yourself a genuinely great guy. Let’s all raise our glasses to their love—may it be eternal, adventurous, and full of laughter.”
Do’s and Don’ts Table
To help you do all the right things while avoiding all the wrong things, check out this handy do’s and definitely don’t do table:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Keep it short and sweet | Overstay your welcome—keep it to 5-7 minutes |
| Add humor (as long as it’s appropriate) | Embarrass the groom with anything inappropriate |
| Compliment both partners | Make inside jokes nobody else will understand |
| Prepare ahead of time | Improvise unless you’re an experienced speaker |
| Speak clearly and confidently | Rush through or mumble |
Checklist: Don’t Forget These Essentials!
Save this quick checklist for “your” big day:
- Introduce yourself: Make sure everyone knows who you are and how you know the groom.
- Tell a great story: Share a funny or touching memory about the groom—nothing too embarrassing.
- Compliment the bride/partner: Mention something specific that shows how great they are.
- Talk about the couple: Keep it light and positive about how great they are together.
- Get sentimental: A line or two to tug on the heartstrings.
- Make a toast: Keep it simple but heartfelt.
- Keep it short: Aim for 5-7 minutes, max. Nobody wants to listen to a novel.
Final Thoughts: Best Man Speech
Being the best man is an honor, but it’s also your chance to shine and show how much you care about the couple.
A well-crafted speech can make a wedding even more memorable—not just for the bride and groom, but for everyone in attendance. Stick to these steps, use the examples and templates as inspiration, and most importantly, just speak from the heart.
You’ve got this!