Stag do, sorted. Speech, not so much.
If you’ve been putting off writing a few words for your best friend’s wedding, whether it’s a lack of inspiration or a touch of deep-seated cynicism, we’re here to help. Below are our best man speech tips to point you in the right (and safest) direction, so you can stand up on the day feeling ready rather than rattled.
The golden rule is to write from the heart. Think happy, funny and light-hearted memories of your friend, stories about what he was like before he met his other half, and your genuine hopes for the couple’s future. If you’re married yourself, a few jokey lines about married life can go down a treat, just keep them light rather than too personal.
Featured image credit: Alessandro Pellicciari
Top tips for a speech that lands
Introduce yourself early. Somewhere near the start, give your name and explain your connection to the couple. Not everyone in the room will know who you are.
Skip the in-jokes. Anecdotes are gold, but leave out the phrases and songs that only make sense to you and the lads.
Give the bride her flowers. Compliment how she looks, how well the day has gone, and how much work has clearly gone into it. A nod to the wedding party looking well turned out never goes amiss either.
Keep the focus on the couple. Funny stories from your friendship are welcome, but this isn’t the night for a highlight reel of pub escapades, especially with parents in the room.
Mention the parents. Acknowledge the role they played in getting the couple to this point, whether they’re there to hear it or not.
Keep it clean. This isn’t a roast. Ease off the swearing and toilet humour, think of the full range of guests, and steer well clear of any mention of exes. Nothing good ever comes of that one.
Address any hiccups lightly. If something went sideways on the morning or during the ceremony, a light touch reference is fine. No need to dwell.
Be sincere. Talk about the good times with your friend and the couple, and wish them well for the road ahead.
Keep it light. Leave the heavier sentiments to the groom or father of the bride. Think of yourself as the warm-up act.
Go easy on the one-liners. A dodgy joke or two is fair game, just don’t turn it into a stand-up set.
Don’t forget the toast. Raise a glass to the couple at the end, it’s the perfect way to wrap things up.
Follow these best man speech tips and you’ll have the room laughing, the couple smiling, and your nerves nowhere in sight. Now, about that stag do…
