Best man speech

[BigDunc'sFod]

I've only ever had to give one best man's speech, for one of my friends.

I'm not a great talker, but here is what I did:

I set out some key points I wanted to include:
- Welcoming everyone
- Mention bride and groom (the older brother that I never had.. or wanted!)
- Talk about early days (when we were kids)
- Poignant memory (I ended up talking about how he stood up for me against some bullying kids)
- Talk about last couple of years (he'd let me stay at his place for a good 6 months when I was waiting for my visa, for example, I'd be working 16 hour days and get home to some dinner in the fridge with post-it note)
- How he met future wife (uni course... his mum never thought he would get to Uni)
- Wife's qualities (lovely, makes him smile, genuine, etc.)
- How he changed (for the better!)
- Future relationship and hopes
- Sign off with a toast

I basically had a list like that on paper and just ad-libbed it all. I got a lot of compliments after, he was in tears as was his Dad (wtf!?), but most people just said they could tell it all came straight from the heart and it was one of the best speeches they'd heard.

I personally don't think it was funny at all (though it was helped by a kid running in front of me without any pants), but for me it was all about saying how much I appreciated his friendship, and how I was happy that he'd found someone he could build a life with.

Basically, if you're not naturally hilarious I'd steer clear of gimmicks and just try and approach it with what comes naturally. He'll love it regardless (well, so long as you don't say anything too offensive!)

 

[Muggins]

Great post mate.

 

[icburns]

- Sign off with a toast

Presumably with cheese on?

 

[bluemeanie]

I've got to play piano at my gf's sister's wedding in a few weeks. Not looking forward to it- I've got a fear of doing a Les Dawson while she walks up the aisle. I'd prefer to do a speech tbh

 

[Dixies60]

The speach my best man done at my wedding was brilliant.

One gag he said, There has been a bit of a mis understanding about where they are going on their honeymoon, I heard Lisa say they were going to Dubai ( or whenerever ) but i heard Neil at the bar saying he was going to Bangor ( bang-her )

 

[PaddyG]

Just did one today! short and sweet

 

[aussie_watto]

Ive done 3 of them and have a 4th coming up in November!

Always introduce yourself to the crowd because there will be people there you don't know or they don't know you by name.
Compliment the bride and bridesmaids on looking smashing and amazing (this will get you in good steed if you attempt to bang them later too), i done one introduction with "as best man i believe it is my duty to step up and hold the fort should you not be able to and when i saw "bride" I was hoping you wouldn't turn up so i could marry her! You and the bridesmaids look amazing "bride", another good opening joke is "bride" put your hand on the table, now "groom" put your hand on top of hers. Now remember this moment because that will be the last time you have the upper hand in this relationship!!
Thank the parents for raising them to be the people they are.
Make a funny joke about how they met (one of ours was at a nightclub so i said when the 2am lights came on not only did they not run away after seeing each other they actually exchanged the CORRECT mobile phone numbers AND answered the call the next day!!!).
Rip on the groom with a few funny stories about you both from the past.
Propose a toast and wish them a happy life together ( joke i used was stay married because i don't want to have to do this for you again).
Remember: WHAT HAPPENS AT THE BUCKS PARTY STAYS AT THE BUCKS PARTY DON'T MENTION IT IN THE SPEECH!!, NEVER TALK ABOUT EX GIRLFRIENDS!!, just be genuine as everybody will get into with you!!

Hopefully that helps

 

[mrblobbysdad]

short speeches are good. Any pictoral evidence of the man making a mess of himself often get a few giggles. good luck