Hey, Friend! Jen Glantz here. Being the best man is a huge honor, but it also comes with the responsibility of delivering a memorable speech. As the best man, you are not only a witness to the couple’s union but also a storyteller who gets to highlight their journey, celebrate their love, and entertain the guests. Whether you aim to make the audience laugh, shed a tear, or reflect on the beauty of the bride and groom’s relationship, choosing the right quotes can help set the perfect tone and make your speech truly special.
This comprehensive guide offers 150 of the best quotes for a best man speech, covering a wide range of themes. From love and marriage to friendship and humor, these quotes will help you craft a speech that is both impactful and unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for wisdom to impart, a dash of humor to lighten the mood, or a heartfelt sentiment to express your admiration for the couple, you’ll find the perfect words here.
Ready to nail your best man speech? Let’s dive in!
The right quote can set the tone for your entire speech, whether it’s humorous, sentimental, or a mix of both. It helps the audience understand the kind of relationship you share with the groom and what they can expect from your toast.
A well-chosen quote can also captivate the audience’s attention and make the speech memorable. It serves as a hook that keeps everyone engaged from the start.
Quotes reflect your unique bond with the groom and create an emotional connection. Whether you’ve been friends since childhood or met in college, the perfect words can encapsulate your friendship.
When selecting a quote, consider the overall mood you want to create. Are you aiming for something that will make everyone laugh? Or do you want to bring a tear to the bride’s eye? The tone of your quote will guide the rest of your speech.
For example, a humorous quote like “Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right and the other is the husband” can lighten the mood. On the other hand, a more sentimental quote such as “A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences” sets a heartfelt tone.
Engaging the audience is crucial for a successful speech. A well-chosen quote can serve as a hook that grabs everyone’s attention from the start. Make sure your quote is relatable and resonates with the audience.
Consider using a quote from a popular TV show or movie that many people will recognize, like “You’re my lobster” from Friends. This can help create an instant connection with the audience.
You can also choose a quote that is universally understood, such as “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies” by Aristotle. This philosophical perspective on love will resonate with most people.
Your relationship with the groom is unique, and the quotes you choose should reflect that bond. Whether you’ve been best friends for decades or bonded over a shared hobby, select words that encapsulate your friendship.
If you have a long history together, you might choose a quote that highlights the enduring nature of your relationship, like “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine” by Maya Angelou.
For a friendship forged through shared experiences, a quote like “Good times and crazy friends make the best memories” can highlight the adventures you’ve had together.
With so many quote options out there, how do you narrow it down? Consider these key criteria when selecting the best man speech quotes for your toast:
Personal connection is paramount when choosing a quote. Select words that resonate with the couple’s relationship and shared experiences. The more personal the quote, the more meaningful it will be.
For example, if the bride and groom are high school sweethearts, a quote like “In high school, you find your tribe. In marriage, you choose who you want to run with for the rest of your days” would be fitting.
Also ensure the quote fits the wedding’s atmosphere and the couple’s personality. A light-hearted quote might be perfect for a casual backyard wedding, while a more formal black-tie affair might call for something elegant and timeless.
Balance humor and sentimentality depending on the couple’s preferences and the overall mood you aim to create. A mix of both can keep the audience engaged and entertained.
Humorous quotes like “Love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener” can elicit laughter, while sentimental quotes such as “Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile” tug at the heartstrings. The right blend will depend on your own style and the couple’s tastes.
Don’t forget about originality! Avoid overused quotes and opt for something unique and personal instead. Original quotes can make your speech stand out and feel more genuine.
Brevity is key when it comes to quotes in a best man speech. Opt for concise and impactful words rather than overly long or complex sayings. Short quotes are easier to remember and deliver, making them more effective in your toast.
Aim for quotes like “You don’t marry someone you can live with—you marry someone you cannot live without”. It’s short, sweet, and to the point.
Clarity is also important. Ensure the quote is easy to understand and doesn’t require lengthy explanations. The audience should grasp the meaning instantly.
Don’t forget to factor in your audience when selecting quotes! Choose words that will resonate with a broad range of attendees. Consider the diversity of the guests and select quotes that have universal appeal.
A quote like “Where there is love, there is life” by Mahatma Gandhi is relatable to people of all ages and backgrounds.
At the same time, avoid quotes that could be offensive or controversial. Stick to words that are appropriate for all ages and backgrounds. When in doubt, run your speech by a trusted friend or family member for a second opinion.
Best man speech quotes generally fall into five main categories: funny, sentimental, inspirational, romantic, and philosophical. Each type serves a different purpose and can help you craft the perfect speech for the occasion.
Humorous quotes are a great way to lighten the mood and get the audience laughing. They can also help calm your own nerves by breaking the ice. Just be sure to choose quotes that are appropriate and won’t offend any guests.
Some examples of funny best man speech quotes include:
Ps. check out our funny best man speech guide for more tips
Sentimental quotes are perfect for expressing the emotional bond between the couple and evoking feelings of love and happiness. They often focus on the enduring nature of true love and the beauty of finding your soulmate.
Some examples of sentimental best man speech quotes include:
Inspirational quotes encourage the newlyweds as they start their life together and offer insight into what makes a strong, lasting marriage. They often focus on themes of partnership, dedication, and growing together.
Some examples of inspirational best man speech quotes include:
Romantic quotes celebrate the love between the bride and groom and describe the depth of their devotion. They are often poetic and full of imagery, painting a picture of a beautiful, passionate relationship.
Some examples of romantic best man speech quotes include:
Philosophical quotes provide deep insights into the nature of love and offer a thoughtful perspective on marriage. They often come from great thinkers and writers throughout history.
Some examples of philosophical best man speech quotes include:
Now that we’ve looked at the different categories of best man speech quotes, let’s see how they stack up against our selection criteria:
Humorous quotes generally fit well with most wedding atmospheres, adding a touch of levity to the proceedings. They balance humor with lightheartedness, ensuring they don’t offend. However, it’s important to know your audience and tailor the jokes accordingly.
For example, “Love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener” would get a laugh at most weddings. But a joke comparing marriage to a prison sentence might not go over as well, especially if the couple or their families are more traditional.
Sentimental quotes are deeply emotional and resonate with the essence of love and marriage. They are heartfelt and sincere, providing a touching moment in the speech. However, too much sentimentality can become cloying, so use these quotes sparingly for maximum impact.
“In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours” by Maya Angelou is a beautiful expression of devotion that would work well in any speech. Pair it with a personal story about the couple’s love for each other for extra poignancy.
Inspirational quotes offer wisdom and encouragement as the newlyweds begin their life together. They are uplifting and motivating, putting marriage in a positive light. Use them to transition into advice or well-wishes for the couple’s future.
“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person” gives a realistic yet hopeful perspective on the work and rewards of marriage. It could lead nicely into a toast wishing the couple a lifetime of falling more deeply in love.
Romantic quotes celebrate the couple’s passion and devotion. They are poetic and expressive, adding beauty to the speech. However, some romantic quotes can come across as trite or overly sappy, so choose them carefully.
“Love recognizes no barriers” by Maya Angelou is a simple yet meaningful quote that could work for any couple, especially one that has overcome challenges to be together. Use it to highlight the strength of their bond.
Philosophical quotes provide a deeper perspective on love and marriage. They are thought-provoking and insightful, elevating the speech beyond just jokes or memories. However, avoid quotes that are too esoteric or hard to understand in a short speech.
“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies” by Aristotle beautifully expresses the idea of soulmates. It could be a good choice for a couple who are philosophy buffs themselves or want their ceremony to have a more serious tone.
Quick Resources:
1. “To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” – David Viscott
2. “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin
3. “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” – Audrey Hepburn
4. “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” – Aristotle
5. “A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.” – Dave Meurer
6. “True love stories never have endings.” – Richard Bach
7. “There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage.” – Martin Luther
8. “Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” – Franklin P. Jones
9. “The greatest marriages are built on teamwork, mutual respect, and a healthy dose of admiration.” – Fawn Weaver
10. “Marriage is the golden ring in a chain whose beginning is a glance and whose ending is eternity.” – Kahlil Gibran
11. “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” – Walter Winchell
12. “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'” – C.S. Lewis
13. “Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there.” – Unknown
14. “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” – Elbert Hubbard
15. “Friends are the family you choose.” – Jess C. Scott
16. “True friends are never apart, maybe in distance but never in heart.” – Helen Keller
17. “Friendship is the only cement that will ever hold the world together.” – Woodrow Wilson
18. “There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t yet met.” – William Butler Yeats
19. “A true friend is someone who is there for you when he’d rather be anywhere else.” – Len Wein
20. “Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there.” – Unknown
21. “Marriage is not just spiritual communion, it is also remembering to take out the trash.” – Joyce Brothers
22. “The secret of a happy marriage remains a secret.” – Henny Youngman
23. “A good marriage is like a casserole: only those responsible for it really know what goes in it.” – Unknown
24. “Marriage is a relationship in which one person is always right, and the other is the husband.” – Unknown
25. “By all means, marry. If you get a good wife, you’ll become happy; if you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.” – Socrates
26. “I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.” – Rita Rudner
27. “Marriage is like a deck of cards. In the beginning, all you need is two hearts and a diamond. By the end, you wish you had a club and a spade.” – Unknown
28. “A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers.” – Ruth Bell Graham
29. “Marriage is a workshop… where the husband works and the wife shops.” – Unknown
30. “Love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener.” – Pauline Thomason
31. “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” – Audrey Hepburn
32. “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” – Mignon McLaughlin
33. “A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.” – Dave Meurer
34. “The secret to a happy marriage is if you can be at peace with someone within four walls, if you are content because the one you love is near to you, either upstairs or downstairs, or in the same room, and you feel that warmth that you don’t find very often, then that is what love is all about.” – Bruce Forsyth
35. “Marriage is a mosaic you build with your spouse. Millions of tiny moments that create your love story.” – Jennifer Smith
36. “The highest happiness on earth is the happiness of marriage.” – William Lyon Phelps
37. “Love one another and you will be happy. It’s as simple and as difficult as that.” – Michael Leunig
38. “Marriage is not about age; it’s about finding the right person.” – Sophia Bush
39. “A good marriage is one where each partner secretly suspects they got the better deal.” – Unknown
40. “Marriage is the most natural state of man, and the state in which you will find solid happiness.” – Benjamin Franklin
41. “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou
42. “Where there is love there is life.” – Mahatma Gandhi
43. “To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.” – Mark Twain
44. “Love is when the other person’s happiness is more important than your own.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
45. “In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities.” – Janos Arany
46. “Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” – Robert A. Heinlein
47. “Love is not something you feel. It is something you do.” – David Wilkerson
48. “True love is eternal, infinite, and always like itself. It is equal and pure, without violent demonstrations: it is seen with white hairs and is always young in the heart.” – Honore de Balzac
49. “To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow—this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.” – Elizabeth Gilbert
50. “We loved with a love that was more than love.” – Edgar Allan Poe
51. “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” – Dr. Seuss
52. “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.” – Nicholas Sparks
53. “If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk through my garden forever.” – Alfred Tennyson
54. “I am nothing special, of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts, and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough.” – Nicholas Sparks
55. “I saw that you were perfect, and so I loved you. Then I saw that you were not perfect and I loved you even more.” – Angelita Lim
56. “Love is like the wind, you can’t see it but you can feel it.” – Nicholas Sparks
57. “In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.” – Maya Angelou
58. “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.” – Pablo Neruda
59. “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.” – Nicholas Sparks
60. “To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” – David Viscott
61. “May your love be modern enough to survive the times and old-fashioned enough to last forever.” – Unknown
62. “May your love be like the wind, strong enough to move the clouds, soft enough to never hurt, but always never-ending.” – Unknown
63. “May you live all the days of your life.” – Jonathan Swift
64. “A good marriage is a contest of generosity.” – Diane Sawyer
65. “May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.” – Irish Blessing
66. “May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.” – Irish Blessing
67. “May your life together be full of love, and your love be full of life.” – Unknown
68. “May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.” – Irish Blessing
69. “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” – Eden Ahbez
70. “Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.” – Dalai Lama
71. “Here’s to love, laughter, and happily ever after.”
72. “Here’s to the groom with the bride so fair, and here’s to the bride with a groom who’s so rare.”
73. “May your love be modern enough to survive the times and old-fashioned enough to last forever.”
74. “To the couple who deserves the best, I wish you nothing but a life of happiness and love.”
75. “Here’s to the past, for all that you’ve learned. Here’s to the present, for all that you share. Here’s to the future, for all that you look forward to together.”
1. “[Groom], I’ve been by your side through thick and thin, and I’m honored to stand by you once more on your wedding day.”
2. “I’ve known [Groom] for [length of time], and I can honestly say I couldn’t have asked for a better friend.”
3. “When [Groom] first told me about [Bride], I knew she must be someone special to have captured his heart.”
4. “[Bride], you look absolutely stunning today. [Groom] is one lucky man!”
5. “I remember the first time [Groom] introduced me to [Bride]. It was clear from the start that they were perfect for each other.”
6. “Love is not about finding the perfect person, but learning to see an imperfect person perfectly. [Bride] and [Groom] have mastered this art.”
7. “[Groom], I’ve watched you grow and mature over the years, and I’m so proud of the man you’ve become.”
8. “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. May you continue to fall in love with each other every day.”
9. “To [Bride] and [Groom], may your love be modern enough to survive the times, but old-fashioned enough to last forever.”
10. “[Bride], thank you for making [Groom] so happy. We’re thrilled to welcome you into our family.”
11. “Marriage is not about finding someone you can live with; it’s about finding someone you can’t live without. And that’s exactly what [Bride] and [Groom] have found in each other.”
12. “[Groom], I’ve seen you tackle countless challenges over the years. With [Bride] by your side, I know you can overcome anything.”
13. “True love is not just about the magical moments. It’s about being there for each other through the ups and downs, the laughter and the tears.”
14. “If you want to know the true measure of a man, look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals. [Groom], you’ve always treated everyone with kindness and respect, and that says everything about your character.”
15. “[Bride], you’ve brought so much joy and laughter into [Groom]’s life. Thank you for being his perfect match.”
16. “A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.”
17. “I’ve never seen [Groom] happier than he is with you, [Bride]. You truly bring out the best in him.”
18. “May your love be like the wind: strong enough to move the clouds, gentle enough to never hurt, and always present.”
19. “[Groom], you’re not just my best friend; you’re the brother I never had. I’m so grateful to have you in my life.”
20. “[Bride] and [Groom], as you start this new chapter in your lives, remember that love is not about possession; it’s about appreciation.”
21. “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.”
22. “[Groom], I’ve watched you fall in love with [Bride], and it’s been a joy to see you so content and fulfilled.”
23. “Marriage is a mosaic you build with your spouse. Millions of tiny moments that create your love story.”
24. “[Bride], you’ve been such a positive influence on [Groom]. Thank you for loving and supporting him unconditionally.”
25. “A successful marriage is not about finding the right person; it’s about being the right person. [Bride] and [Groom], you bring out the best in each other.”
26. “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. [Bride] and [Groom], your souls have truly found their other halves.”
27. “[Groom], I’ve been honored to stand by your side today and witness you marry the love of your life.”
28. “The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved. [Bride] and [Groom], may you always feel loved by each other and those around you.”
29. “[Bride], I’ve seen how much you care for [Groom], and I know you’ll continue to be a source of love and support for him.”
30. “The beauty of marriage is not always seen from the very beginning but rather as love grows and develops over time.”
31. “[Groom], I’ve watched you overcome so many obstacles. With [Bride] by your side, I know you can conquer anything.”
32. “Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”
33. “[Bride] and [Groom], may your love be like a flame: eternal, unbreakable, and the light of your lives.”
34. “A good marriage is where both people feel like they’re getting the better end of the deal.”
35. “[Groom], you’re not just my friend; you’re my family. I’m so happy to see you marry the love of your life today.”
36. “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”
37. “[Bride], you’ve brought so much happiness into [Groom]’s life. Thank you for being his partner, his lover, and his best friend.”
38. “The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.”
39. “[Groom], I’ve seen you at your best and your worst, and I can say with certainty that [Bride] is the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”
40. “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
41. “[Bride] and [Groom], may your love be like the ocean: vast, deep, and always in motion.”
42. “The art of marriage is not just finding the right person, but being the right person.”
43. “[Groom], I’ve been by your side through all of life’s ups and downs, and I’m so happy to be here today as you marry your soulmate.”
44. “Love is not about how many days, weeks, or months you’ve been together. It’s about how much you love each other every single day.”
45. “[Bride], welcome to the family. We’re so thrilled to have you as a part of our lives.”
46. “A great marriage isn’t something that just happens; it’s something that must be created.”
47. “[Groom], you’ve found your perfect match in [Bride]. Cherish her, love her, and never take her for granted.”
48. “True love stories never have endings. [Bride] and [Groom], this is just the beginning of your epic love story.”
49. “Marriage is not about expecting your partner to change; it’s about loving them for who they are.”
50. “[Bride] and [Groom], may your love be strong enough to withstand any storm and grow even stronger with each passing year.”
51. “Love is patient, love is kind. [Bride] and [Groom], may your love for each other always embody these qualities.”
52. “[Groom], I’ve watched you grow and change over the years, but one thing has remained constant: your big heart and your capacity for love.”
53. “A perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other.”
54. “[Bride], thank you for loving [Groom] unconditionally and for bringing so much joy into his life.”
55. “Love is friendship set on fire. [Bride] and [Groom], may your friendship continue to be the foundation of your love.”
56. “[Groom], I’ve seen the way you look at [Bride], and I know that your love for her is true, deep, and eternal.”
57. “A successful marriage is falling in love many times, always with the same person.”
58. “[Bride] and [Groom], may your love story be filled with more laughter than tears, more joy than sorrow, and more love than you ever thought possible.”
59. “Love is not finding someone to live with; it’s finding someone you can’t live without.”
60. “[Groom], you’ve found your other half in [Bride]. Cherish her, respect her, and love her always.”
61. “Marriage is not a noun; it’s a verb. It isn’t something you get. It’s something you do. It’s the way you love your partner every day.”
62. “[Bride], you’ve brought out the best in [Groom]. Thank you for loving him and supporting him through everything.”
63. “Love doesn’t make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”
64. “[Groom], I’ve seen you overcome so many challenges. With [Bride] by your side, I know there’s nothing you can’t handle.”
65. “A good marriage is one where each partner secretly suspects they got the better deal.”
66. “[Bride] and [Groom], may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing day, month, and year.”
67. “Love is not about possession; it’s about appreciation.”
68. “[Groom], you’ve found your soulmate in [Bride]. Hold onto her, cherish her, and never let her go.”
69. “The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more.”
70. “[Bride], thank you for being [Groom]’s rock, his partner, and his best friend.”
71. “Love is like the wind: you can’t see it, but you can feel it.”
72. “[Groom], I’ve watched you fall in love with [Bride], and it’s been a joy to see you so happy and content.”
73. “Marriage is not about finding the right person; it’s about being the right person.”
74. “[Bride] and [Groom], may your love be a source of strength, comfort, and joy for each other always.”
75. “True love is not a fairy tale. It takes work, dedication, and a willingness to grow together. [Bride] and [Groom], you embody all of these qualities and more.”
Choosing the right quotes is just the first step. To really make them shine in your best man speech, keep these additional factors in mind:
The best quotes are ones that feel specific to the couple and your relationship to them. Look for ways to connect the quote to your own memories and experiences together.
Use quotes as a segue into personal anecdotes that highlight the couple’s love story or your friendship with them. This makes your speech more engaging and relatable.
For example, you could use “Good times and crazy friends make the best memories” to kick off a funny story about a wild adventure you had with the groom back in college, showing how far you go back and how much you’ve been through together.
Don’t be afraid to modify quotes to better fit the couple’s unique story. This adds a special, personal touch to your speech and shows how much thought you’ve put into it.
If the bride and groom are fans of “The Office,” for instance, you could adapt a Michael Scott quote like: “Love is the water of life. [Bride] and [Groom] are soup snakes for life. They’re like a famous quote by Wayne Gretzky.” It’s silly but specific to them.
In addition to choosing the right quotes, you also need to nail the timing and placement within your speech. Quotes can be used in different ways to enhance the flow and impact of your toast.
Starting your speech with a powerful quote can grab attention and set the tone right away. An engaging opening line makes the audience eager to hear more.
Consider a short and sweet quote like “True love stories never have endings” by Richard Bach. It’s a nice way to kick things off on a romantic, hopeful note.
Sprinkling quotes throughout your speech can help emphasize key points and keep the audience engaged. Use them as transitions between different stories or sections of your toast.
For example, you could share a couple of funny memories of your friendship with the groom, then use a quote like “A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you” by Elbert Hubbard to transition into more sentimental reflections on how much his friendship means to you.
Closing your speech with a memorable quote can leave a lasting impression on the newlyweds and the audience. A quote can be the perfect lead-in to your final toast and well-wishes for the couple.
Try ending with something like “Never above, never below, always beside.” It sums up what you hope for them as a married couple—that they will be equal partners, supporting each other through all of life’s ups and downs.
The best quotes in the world won’t land if your delivery is off. Practicing ahead of time is key to nailing the right timing, tone, and emphasis.
Rehearse your speech multiple times, paying attention to pacing and inflection. Practice pausing for effect before and after key quotes. The more you run through it, the more confident and natural you’ll feel on the big day.
As you practice, get feedback from trusted friends or family. They can let you know if any quotes feel out of place or need more context. Constructive criticism will only make your speech stronger.
Consider doing a trial run in front of a few people who know the couple well. They can give you a sense of how the quotes are landing with the intended audience.
Even the most well-intended quotes can fall flat if not used properly. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
Too many quotes can make your speech feel disjointed or impersonal. Aim for no more than 2-3 thoughtfully chosen quotes for a toast of average length. Quality over quantity!
Make sure you understand the full context and meaning behind each quote. Using a saying that sounds deep but doesn’t actually fit can come across as inauthentic or confusing.
If there’s any uncertainty about what a quote is trying to express, pick a different one. The last thing you want is the couple or the guests scratching their heads as they try to figure out how the quote relates to them or to marriage in general!
Ready to put pen to paper? Keep these actionable tips in mind as you write your best man speech:
Ensure quotes are smoothly integrated into your speech, maintaining a natural flow. Avoid just dropping them in without any lead-up or connection to the rest of your words.
Here are a couple of ways to seamlessly work in a quote:
Rehearse your speech multiple times to ensure confident delivery. Make eye contact and use appropriate gestures to engage the audience. Remember—it’s not just what you’re saying, but how you say it.
A few presentation tips:
As you set out to craft your toast, remember:
Ultimately, the right quotes can elevate a good best man speech into a truly great one—the kind the newlyweds will remember for years to come. So choose your words wisely, speak from the heart, and raise your glass to the happy couple. Cheers!
And if you find yourself in need of some personalized support as you navigate the responsibilities of being best man?
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