When you are honoured with the title of “Best Man” at a wedding, it’s not just about looking dashing in a well-tailored suit and standing next to the groom (or bride – lots of brides-men this season!) during the ceremony. One of your most important duties is delivering a memorable wedding speech that pays tribute to the couple and adds a heartfelt touch to their special day. Writing a wedding speech as the best man can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can create a speech that leaves a lasting impression. In this guide, we will take you through the essential steps to craft a memorable wedding speech.
Start Early and Plan Ahead: The key to a great wedding speech is preparation. Start writing your speech well in advance, allowing time for revisions and practicing your delivery. Rushed speeches often lack the personal touch and heartfelt sentiments that make a wedding speech special. Begin by gathering your thoughts and brainstorming the key points you want to include. Reflect on your relationship with the groom, your experiences together, and the qualities that make the couple special.
Structure Your Speech: A well-structured speech is easier to follow and more engaging for the audience. Your speech should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start with a warm and friendly greeting, introduce yourself, and express your gratitude for being chosen as the best man. In the middle, share stories, anecdotes, and personal experiences that illustrate the couple’s journey together. Finally, conclude your speech by toasting the newlyweds and offering your best wishes for their future.
Personalise Your Message: Make your speech unique and personal by sharing heartfelt anecdotes and stories that reflect your relationship with the groom and your experiences with the couple. These personal touches will help create an emotional connection with the audience. Be mindful of the stories you choose to share, ensuring they are appropriate, light-hearted, and reflect the couple in a positive light.
Keep It Light and Positive: While humour can be a wonderful addition to a wedding speech, be cautious about overdoing it. Keep your jokes light, in good taste, and free from any potential embarrassment. Avoid inside jokes that only a few guests will understand, as this can alienate the rest of the audience. Your speech should celebrate the couple and their love, so maintain a positive and uplifting tone throughout.
Share Words of Wisdom and Inspiration: In addition to personal stories, offer words of wisdom and inspiration. Reflect on the qualities that make the couple’s relationship strong, and share your hopes and well-wishes for their future together. A touch of advice or a heartfelt quote can add depth and meaning to your speech.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Once you’ve written your speech, practice it multiple times. Read it aloud to yourself, in front of a mirror, or to a trusted friend or family member. This will help you refine your delivery, work out any stumbling points, and become more confident in your speech.
Be Mindful of the Length: Aim for a speech that lasts around 5-7 minutes. While you want to share your thoughts and feelings, you don’t want to drone on and risk losing the interest of the audience. Keep your speech concise and to the point.
Raise Your Glass for a Toast: End your speech with a heartfelt toast to the couple. This is a symbolic gesture that marks the beginning of their journey as a married couple. Raise your glass, look at the newlyweds, and offer a heartfelt wish for their happiness, love, and a long and joyous life together.
Don’t Forget to Thank: Before you step away from the microphone, express your gratitude to the guests for being part of the celebration and thank the couple for entrusting you with the role of best man.
In conclusion, writing a wedding speech as the best man is a significant honour, and with careful preparation and a heartfelt approach, you can create a memorable and touching speech that adds a special touch to the wedding day. Personalize your message, keep it light and positive, offer words of wisdom, and practice your delivery to ensure that you confidently deliver a speech that the couple and their guests will cherish for years to come.
Jo Pyman is an award-winning UK-based Wedding planner as well as the founder of One Curious Dream Wedding Planning Agency who plan and coordinate weddings throughout the UK and overseas.
If you’d like to enquire further about my wedding planning services, I welcome you to book in a free, no-obligation consultation here.
Alternatively, you can reach me at [email protected] or 0800 772 0765.
Why not keep up with all things behind the scenes at One Curious Dream on Instagram, where you’ll find lots of wedding inspiration and ideas?
