Writing the Best Man’s Speech

Delivering a great best man’s speech is just one part of your duties as best man on your mate’s big day. Unfortunately it’s not quite as fun as organising the bucks party, particularly if the idea of public speaking makes your stomach drop, but by following a few key rules, you can deliver a brilliant speech that showcases your comedic wit and elicits tears of the right kind.

1. Keep it Short

Nothing kills wedding vibes more than a long, drawn-out speech. Sure you may have plenty of stories to tell about your best mate, but let’s be honest, none of the guests probably care. They just want to be entertained and get on to the next course of the evening. So keep your speech short, simple and to-the-point for maximum effectiveness.

2. It’s Not About You

Many best men start by explaining how they met the groom for the first time, which is fine, as long as it doesn’t turn into a speech about your life story. Remember it’s not about you. It’s not even about your friendship with the groom. It’s about the couple, so be respectful of that and keep the focus on them.

3. Don’t Get Drunk

We know an open bar makes it that much easier to get hammered, and alcohol can certainly help with public speaking nerves, but if you’re giving the best man’s speech, staying sober is the way to go. Long speeches kill wedding vibes, but a drunk best man can ruin the entire wedding. You will not only embarrass yourself, but the couple as well. If you must have a few drinks, keep it to a minimum – at least until the speech is over.

4. Be Thankful

Expressing gratitude to the bride and groom, their family, and anyone else who made the big day possible, is always a good thing. It’s easy to include in your speech and will win you major brownie points.

5. Be Tasteful with Your Jokes

The best man’s speech is not the time to make distasteful jokes about the bride, how the groom is “whipped” or about love and marriage in general. Definitely do not mention divorce, sex or ex-girlfriends. It’s good to make the crowd laugh, but avoid controversial topics and inside jokes no one would care about except you and the groom.

6. End by Raising a Glass to the Couple

Always end the speech by toasting the couple and expressing to your mate know how happy you are that he’s found the one. This can be in the form of a quote about love, or you can keep it simple and say it in your own words.

Making a great best man’s speech doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re nervous, remember to practise in front of a mirror before the big day. The important thing is to be yourself, be sincere and try not to insult anyone.

The upside of being best man is that you also get to organise the bucks party. So before you sit down to write your best man’s speech, why not plan an awesome bucks party for your mate with Bucks Cruise Sydney? Book with us today for a legendary bucks your mate will not soon forget!