Hi, Friend! Jen Glantz here. I’m a bestselling author, the first ever bridesmaid for hire and have written over 1000 wedding speeches for people all around the world. Let’s talk about best man speech templates.
Being asked to be the best man at a wedding is a huge honor. It’s also a big responsibility, especially when it comes to delivering that all-important speech. I’ve been there, and I know how nerve-wracking it can be to stand up in front of a room full of people and try to strike the perfect balance between humor and heartfelt sentiment. But don’t worry – I’m here to help you nail it.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to craft and deliver a killer best man speech. We’ll explore three different speech templates, dive into essential tips and tricks, and even touch on how to get professional help if you’re really struggling. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll be armed with all the tools you need to knock your speech out of the park.
Resources:
- The #1 Best Man Speech Writing Tool
- Best Man Speech Guide
- Best Man Speech Examples
- Best Man Speech Quotes
TL;DR: Key Takeaways for Successful Best Man Speeches
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick rundown of the most important things to keep in mind:
- Keep it short and sweet – aim for 5-7 minutes total
- Practice, practice, practice to nail your delivery
- Mix humor with sincerity for the perfect emotional cocktail
- Tell personal stories that showcase your relationship with the groom
- Know your audience and keep things appropriate
- End with a heartfelt toast to the happy couple
- Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you’re stuck
Three Fill-in-the-Blank Best Man Speech Templates
Template 1: The Heartfelt Childhood Friend
Good evening everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [YOUR NAME], and I’ve had the privilege of being [GROOM’S NAME]’s best friend for [X] years. In fact, my first memory of him was [CHILDHOOD MEMORY/FUNNY INCIDENT], and that pretty much set the tone for our friendship.
[GROOM’S NAME] has always been the kind of friend who [POSITIVE QUALITY – e.g., “would drop everything to help a friend in need” or “could make anyone laugh on their worst day”]. I remember when [SPECIFIC EXAMPLE OF THIS QUALITY IN ACTION], and that’s just one of countless times he’s shown what an incredible friend he is.
I was there when [GROOM’S NAME] first met [BRIDE’S NAME] at [LOCATION/EVENT]. The moment he saw her, [DESCRIBE HIS REACTION]. And watching their relationship grow has been like watching one of those perfect romance movies unfold – except with more [FUNNY QUIRK ABOUT THE COUPLE].
[BRIDE’S NAME], you’re not just gaining a husband today – you’re getting someone who will [2-3 POSITIVE QUALITIES ABOUT GROOM AS A PARTNER]. Though I should warn you, you’re also getting his [HARMLESS QUIRKY HABIT], but I think that’s a fair trade-off.
To the happy couple: Your love story has taught me that [MEANINGFUL OBSERVATION ABOUT LOVE/RELATIONSHIPS]. May your marriage be filled with [3 POSITIVE WISHES – e.g., “laughter, adventure, and endless Netflix debates”]. And [BRIDE’S NAME], thank you for making my best friend happier than I’ve ever seen him.
Please raise your glasses to [GROOM AND BRIDE’S NAMES]!
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Template 2: The Humor-Focused Friend
Ladies and gentlemen, for those who haven’t met me, I’m [YOUR NAME], [GROOM’S NAME]’s best man and personal bail bondsman – I mean, best friend. Don’t worry, [BRIDE’S NAME], the statute of limitations has expired on most of our adventures.
I’ve known [GROOM’S NAME] since [TIME PERIOD/EVENT], and I can honestly say he’s the most [FUNNY BUT ENDEARING QUALITY] person I know. Like that time when [AMUSING BUT NOT EMBARRASSING ANECDOTE]. But beneath all that [QUIRKY CHARACTERISTIC], he’s also [GENUINE COMPLIMENT].
When [GROOM’S NAME] told me he’d met someone special, I knew this was different. Usually, his idea of romance was [PLAYFUL JOKE ABOUT PAST DATING HABITS]. But when he talked about [BRIDE’S NAME], he actually [SIGN OF BEING IN LOVE – e.g., “used full sentences” or “forgot to check the sports scores”].
[BRIDE’S NAME], I have to thank you. Since meeting you, [GROOM’S NAME] has become [POSITIVE CHANGES – e.g., “less likely to wear socks with sandals” or “actually owns more than one pan”]. You’ve accomplished what his mother and I tried to do for years.
On a serious note, watching you two together makes me believe in [HEARTFELT OBSERVATION ABOUT LOVE]. You complement each other perfectly, like [FUNNY BUT SWEET COMPARISON].
So let’s raise our glasses to the happy couple! May your love continue to grow, your adventures never end, and [FUNNY BUT SWEET WISH FOR THE FUTURE – e.g., “may you always agree on the thermostat setting”].
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Template 3: The Sophisticated Charmer
Good evening, I’m [YOUR NAME]. As [GROOM’S NAME]’s best man and friend of [X] years, I’m honored to speak at this momentous occasion. When I think about [GROOM’S NAME], the word that comes to mind is [ADMIRABLE QUALITY], and that’s been true since [EARLY MEMORY OF FRIENDSHIP].
I’ve watched [GROOM’S NAME] grow from [PAST ROLE/SITUATION] into the remarkable man standing before us today. He’s always approached life with [POSITIVE CHARACTERISTIC], whether he was [EXAMPLE OF PAST ACHIEVEMENT] or [ANOTHER ACCOMPLISHMENT].
The day [GROOM’S NAME] met [BRIDE’S NAME] at [LOCATION/EVENT], something changed. He suddenly became the kind of person who [POSITIVE CHANGE AFTER MEETING BRIDE]. I remember him telling me, “[QUOTE ABOUT FALLING IN LOVE WITH BRIDE],” and I knew right then that this was different.
[BRIDE’S NAME], you possess the rare quality of [COMPLIMENT ABOUT BRIDE] that perfectly matches [GROOM’S NAME]’s [COMPLEMENTARY QUALITY]. Together, you’ve created something truly special – a partnership based on [2-3 QUALITIES OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP].
As someone who has witnessed your journey from the beginning, I can say with certainty that your love is the kind that [POETIC OBSERVATION ABOUT THEIR LOVE]. May your future be filled with [ELEGANT WISH FOR THEIR FUTURE] and [SECOND MEANINGFUL WISH].
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising a glass to [GROOM AND BRIDE’S NAMES]. May their love story continue to inspire us all.
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Additional Best Man Speech Templates
The Classic Chronological Approach
Let’s kick things off with a tried-and-true template that never fails to impress: the classic chronological approach. This structure takes the audience on a journey through your relationship with the groom, from your first meeting right up to the present day. It’s a great way to showcase your friendship while building up to the big day.
Here’s how to break it down:
Introduction (30 seconds): Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the groom. Thank the hosts and guests for being there. This sets the stage and helps everyone understand who you are and why you’re standing up there.
First Meeting (1 minute): Share the story of how you and the groom first met. Was it a hilarious mishap in college? A chance encounter at work? Whatever it was, make it memorable and give people a glimpse into the groom’s personality right off the bat.
Friendship Milestones (2-3 minutes): This is where you really get to shine. Pick two or three significant moments from your friendship and bring them to life for the audience. Maybe it’s that epic road trip you took together, or the time you helped each other through a tough breakup. The key here is to choose stories that highlight the groom’s best qualities while also being entertaining.
Meeting the Bride (1 minute): Now it’s time to bring the bride into the picture. Talk about how you first met her and the positive changes you noticed in the groom after she came into his life. This is your chance to welcome her to the family and show your support for their relationship.
The Couple’s Relationship (1 minute): Share your observations about why the bride and groom are perfect for each other. Maybe they both have a weird obsession with 80s movies, or they’re the only two people you know who actually enjoy doing taxes. Whatever it is, make it clear that you believe in their love.
Advice and Toast (30 seconds): Wrap things up with some words of wisdom for the happy couple. This can be serious, funny, or a mix of both. Then raise your glass and propose a toast to their future together.
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The Humorous Roast (with Heart)
If you’re known for your quick wit and the groom has a good sense of humor, the roast approach might be right up your alley. But be warned – this is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Done well, it’ll have everyone in stitches. Done poorly, and you might find yourself on the receiving end of some icy glares.
The key to pulling off a successful roast is to balance the teasing with genuine affection. You want people to laugh, but you also want them to see how much you care about the groom. Here’s how to structure it:
Opening (30 seconds): Start with a bang. Hit them with a joke right out of the gate to set the tone for what’s to come. Then introduce yourself and your role in the wedding.
Roast 1 (1 minute): Share a funny story about one of the groom’s quirks or minor mishaps. Maybe he’s notorious for getting lost even with GPS, or he once tried to impress a date by cooking and nearly burned down his apartment.
Compliment 1 (30 seconds): Follow up the roast with a genuine compliment. This shows that while you’re poking fun, you truly appreciate the groom’s good qualities.
Roast 2 (1 minute): Another amusing anecdote, but make sure it’s different from the first. You don’t want to harp on the same trait over and over.
Compliment 2 (30 seconds): Again, balance out the teasing with sincere praise. Maybe talk about how the groom has grown or matured over the years.
The Bride’s Influence (1 minute): Humorously point out how the bride has “improved” the groom since they’ve been together. This is a great opportunity to welcome her to the family and show your support for their relationship.
Conclusion (1 minute): Shift to a more serious tone for your final thoughts. Express your genuine happiness for the couple and share a heartfelt observation about their love. End with a toast that includes one last witty remark followed by warm wishes for their future.
Customize your best man speech here >>
The Thematic Approach
If you’re looking for a way to tie your whole speech together in a neat bow, the thematic approach might be just what you need. This template allows you to structure your speech around a central idea that represents the couple’s relationship. It’s a unique and cohesive way to tell their story.
Here’s how to break it down:
Introduction (30 seconds): Start by introducing yourself and the theme of your speech. Maybe the couple are avid travelers, so you’ve chosen “adventure” as your theme. Or perhaps they’re both teachers, so you’re going with “lifelong learning.”
Theme in Friendship (1 minute): Share a story from your friendship with the groom that ties into the theme. If we’re sticking with the adventure theme, maybe talk about that crazy backpacking trip you took together in college.
Theme in Courtship (1-2 minutes): Describe how the theme has played out in the couple’s relationship. Did they meet while studying abroad? Do they have a tradition of trying a new restaurant every month?
Theme in Present (1 minute): Talk about how the theme is still important to the couple today. Maybe they’re planning an around-the-world honeymoon, or they’ve started a travel blog together.
Future Predictions (1 minute): Make some lighthearted predictions about the couple’s future based on the theme. Will they be teaching their kids to read maps before they can walk? Will they retire and become digital nomads?
Advice (30 seconds): Offer some words of wisdom related to the theme. For our adventure lovers, maybe something about always being willing to try new things together.
Toast (30 seconds): End with a toast that cleverly incorporates the theme. “To John and Sarah – may your marriage be the greatest adventure of all!”
Customize your best man speech here >>
Key Points to Remember for All Templates
No matter which template you choose, there are some universal tips that will help you knock your speech out of the park:
Keep it concise. Aim for 5-7 minutes total. Any longer and you risk losing people’s attention. Any shorter and you might not have enough time to say everything you want to say.
Practice, practice, practice. I can’t stress this enough. The more you rehearse, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to deliver your speech. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself, or ask a friend to be your audience.
Know your audience. Remember, you’re not just talking to the bride and groom. You’ve got grandparents, coworkers, and possibly children in the audience. Keep things appropriate for all ears.
Balance humor and sincerity. A good best man speech will make people laugh and tug at their heartstrings. Don’t be afraid to show some emotion – it’s a wedding, after all!
Tell personal stories. Your unique perspective on the groom and the couple is what makes your speech special. Don’t be afraid to get specific and share real moments from your friendship.
End with a heartfelt toast. Your closing words should leave a lasting impression. Raise your glass and offer sincere wishes for the couple’s future together.
Remember, the most important thing is to be yourself. Your friendship with the groom is unique, and your speech should reflect that. Don’t try to force jokes if you’re not naturally funny, and don’t feel pressured to get overly sentimental if that’s not your style. The best speeches come from the heart.
Final Thoughts: Best Man Speech Templates
Crafting and delivering a best man speech is a big responsibility, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to celebrate your friend and his new spouse. By using these templates and tips, you’ll be well-equipped to create a speech that’s engaging, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
Remember, authenticity is key. Let your genuine feelings for the couple shine through, and your words will resonate with everyone in attendance. Don’t be afraid to show some emotion – weddings are emotional events, after all!
As you prepare for this big moment, don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. Whether you use one of these templates, develop your own approach, or enlist professional help, the most important thing is that your speech comes from the heart. Your words will play a big part in making the wedding day even more special for the newlyweds.
And hey, if you’re still feeling nervous, just remember – once your speech is over, you get to enjoy the rest of the wedding! So take a deep breath, raise your glass, and get ready to celebrate. You’ve got this!
Resources:
1-800-BRIDESMAID
The Newlywed
Card Game
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