Wedding tips: free best man speech examples and ideas

Most people are not thrilled about giving a speech, but what’s a best man to do? Should you spout off a few humorous lines, use a casual and conversational tone, or give a formal presentation? Much of the decision will depend on the crowd and the style of the affair. There is a basic format that will help you create and deliver a great speech whichever style you choose:

INTRODUCTION

Introduce yourself and briefly explain your relationship to the groom. Humorous: “Hi, I’m Danny. I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time. After all these years, John finally admitted that I’m the best man.”

Casual: “Hello everyone. I’m happy to be here today. In case you don’t know me, my name is Danny. John and I go way back.”

Formal: “Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for being a part of this very special day. For those that don’t already know me, my name is Danny. I am John’s closest friend.”

SAY THANK YOU

-You need to thank the guests for attending.

Humorous: “I want to thank you for coming. I have to admit, some of you clean up pretty nice.”

Casual: “Thank you all for being here today to celebrate this special day with John and Jen.”

Formal: “I would like to take a moment to thank each of you for being here to share this very special occasion with John and Jennifer, especially those who have had to travel a great distance. Your presence here today has helped make this a very memorable occasion.”

-Also, thank the guests for wedding gifts.

Humorous: “The kids asked me to thank you guys for all the loot. I’ve got dibs on the new blender from Aunt Martha.”

Casual: “John and Jen asked me to thank all of you for your generous gifts.”

Formal: “On behalf of John and Jennifer I would like to take a moment to express appreciation for each of the lovely wedding gifts they received.”

-Thank the bride’s parents (or whomever) for the reception.

Humorous: “Great party, Jack and Helen. Thanks for footing the bill. I’m amazed how far people will come for free food and booze.”

Casual: “Let’s all remember to thank Jack and Helen for this terrific reception.”

Formal: “I would especially like to thank Jennifer’s parents, Jack and Helen, for their hospitality today. Everything is just beautiful.”

ABOUT THE GROOM

Say a few lines about the groom. Tell the crowd his nickname from third grade, or crack a few jokes. For a more formal setting, give a bit of a biography.

Humorous: “I hate to admit it, but John did have love interests before Jen. He really loved Sherry… not to mention cognac, wine, vodka…”

Casual: “John and I have been friends since sixth grade. He has always been there for me, and I’m sure he’ll always be there for Jen.”

Formal: “John was born on May 1, 1980, in a small suburb just north of Chicago. He was well liked and did very well in school. John and I first met in 1987 when we played on opposing baseball teams.”

ABOUT THE BRIDE

Say something nice about the bride.

Humorous: “Doesn’t Jen look stunning today? Yeah, but John just looks stunned.”

Casual: “I met Jen about two weeks after John did. I liked her right away. She’s a warm, caring person, and I couldn’t have picked a better wife for my buddy John.”

Formal: “John and I are dear friends, but I feel very lucky to call Jennifer my friend as well; I hope my friendship with both of them will continue for many years to come.”

A FEW WORDS OF WISDOM

Here you can say something funny, borrow a quote from a love story, quote an old Proverb, or even make up a sentiment of your own.

Humorous: “Everything will be fine as long as John remembers to keep saying those three little words: ‘you’re right, Jen.’”

Casual: “You don’t marry someone just because you think you can live with them… you marry them because you know you can’t live without them.”

Formal: “Never forget those things worth remembering, and never remember those things best forgotten.”

INTRODUCE THE BRIDE AND GROOM

Humorous: “Now I want everybody, or at least those that still can, to stand up. Here’s to John and Jen.”

Casual: “Here’s to a healthy, happy life together. Everyone please stand and drink a toast to John and Jen Smith.”

Formal: “I’d like to express my congratulations to John and Jennifer. I know they will have a wonderful future together, and I thank them for allowing me to be a part of this special day and a part of their lives. Please stand and join me in a toast to the happy couple. It gives me great pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs. John Smith.”

COMBINE STYLES

Most occasions don’t require complete formality, so you may want to blend the different styles to create a more relaxed presentation.

Try a formal introduction, a few casual lines, a couple of jokes, and a formal closing. Here is a sample:

Good afternoon. Thank you all for being here today. John and Jen appreciate your generosity. I would also like to thank Jack and Helen for allowing each of us to be a part of this special occasion.

Some of you may not know me. My name is Danny. I’m John’s best friend, just don’t tell anybody.

But, seriously, I met John in second grade. We played football together in high school and went to the same college. He will be the best man at my wedding some day. He’s the kind of person you would trust with your life, or in this case, your daughter.

When I met Jen, I knew right away why John fell in love with her. He couldn’t have asked for a more perfect match. She makes John’s eyes light up and has a knack for making everyone feel wanted and welcome.

Jen is a great woman and she deserves a great husband. Thank goodness John married her before she found one.

Anyway, I’m very happy to see two of my favorite people getting married for better or for worse. John couldn’t do any better and Jen couldn’t do any worse.

John and Jen, I hope your love is modern enough to get you through each day, and old fashioned enough to get you through a lifetime together.

Will everyone please stand and raise your glass for a toast? I give you Mr. and Mrs. John and Jen Smith.

-Just be creative, have fun, and don’t forget to smile.