Interested in referencing some best man speech examples? If you’re a best man who is feeling the pressure of that upcoming speech, these examples will help to ease your pain.
As a professional best man speech writer, I work with men just like you to avoid embarrassment and instead, deliver speeches that have the couple and their guests craving more.
This post is organized by best man speech example types. For instance, if you’re looking to deliver a funny best man speech, reference the funny examples.
But keep in mind, these examples should be used as inspiration. Your ultimate goal is to write a personalized and custom speech. So while it may be tempting to copy and paste these examples, try to rework the lines to make them unique to your story.
Best Man Speech Introduction Examples
Every solid best man speech begins with an opening line. Don’t overthink it. This part is actually pretty simple and straight-forward. You want to introduce yourself and your connection to the couple.
Examples:
Good evening, everyone. My name is Ted and I’m John’s best friend and former college roommate.
Hello, everyone. I’m Charles, the groom’s oldest and funniest brother.
Welcome! I’m Jake and I’ve known the groom since we were in Kindergarten.
Examples of How to Tell Stories About the Groom
Every good best man speech will include a couple of funny, heartfelt, or entertaining stories about the groom.
Here are some writing prompts you can use to come up with these stories:
When have you laughed the hardest with the groom?
How has the groom always been there for you?
Why are you friends with him?
What are some memorable moments from trips you’ve taken together?
When have you had the most fun together?
How did you have fun as kids or throughout college?
What do you bond over together?
Examples of How to Talk About His New Spouse
While the majority of your speech will focus on the groom, it’s important to include a few lines about his new spouse.
Here are some examples of how you can write a section for their partner. Remember, edit these ideas to make them your own.
I remember the first time I met Julie. I thought she was the sweetest woman...and then I saw her down a Heineken faster than Jared. That’s when I knew she was the woman for him.
No one deserves to have a loving, dedicated, and loyal partner more than Dave. This is why I’m so happy to know that he gets to spend the rest of his life with Tim—the kindest and most warm-hearted person.
Today, while this is a true celebration, is also a hard day for me. It’s the day when I have to finally come to terms with the fact that I’m no longer Jason’s true best friend. That title has now been passed to Gina. While I’m a bit envious, I couldn’t be happier that she’s the one taking this title from me. To be honest, it was never even close. Gina makes him laugh harder, smile often and is there for him always.
Examples for How to Close Your Best Man Speech
The last line of a speech is arguably the most important. It’s what people will remember. It’s what brings everything full-circle.
It’s the emotion that you leave in the room when the microphone is no longer in your hands.
The best closing lines usually touch on something you had mentioned earlier in the speech.
You’ve seen this storytelling technique used in your favorite books and movies.
You know how at the beginning of a movie you see that kitchen knife on the counter, almost purely decorative. But then, during the fight scene in the kitchen during the final 15 minutes, you remember it and that’s when the lead character uses it to save his life.
Isn’t it so much more satisfying because you saw the knife earlier?
Aim to achieve that same emotional impact with your last line.
Here are some examples:
I wish you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and plenty of Heineken.
Cheers to my best friend and his new best friend!
Here’s to spending your life with the person who loves you most.
Funny Best Man Speech Examples
Looking to give a funny speech? Humor and playfulness are often expected in the best man speech and I welcome it. But with my stamp of approval comes a warning: understand what’s actually funny for the wedding reception.
Unlike the bachelor party or your typical happy hour with the guys, the room will be filled with a mixed crowd from little nieces and nephews to grandparents.
Avoid any questionable material such as cursing or that story when the groom was super drunk.
Instead, focus on stories that are universally funny in a PG-13 kind of way. Then, tie each story around a theme so it has a larger meaning.
For example, maybe you tell the story about when you two got caught in the rain on Vespas while traveling throughout Italy during your college semester abroad. Then the story comes full circle by saying something like this:
Justin has always thrived in those unplanned and seemingly challenging situations. In fact, he actually makes them more fun and it’s for that reason that I know no matter what storms his marriage may weather, he will thrive through them all and they will have fun...together.
Best Man Rehearsal Dinner Speech Example
Will you be giving the best man speech at the rehearsal dinner instead of the wedding reception?
The best man rehearsal dinner speech tends to be a bit shorter than the wedding reception speech. I recommend keeping this to three minutes or shorter.
Here’s an example of a rehearsal dinner speech outline you can follow:
Introduce yourself and your connection to the groom/couple
Acknowledge how it feels to be celebrating with the couple before their big day
Comment on 1 - 3 nice things about the groom’s future spouse
Tell one short and funny story about the groom
Tie that story back to a larger theme about the groom and why he’ll have a strong marriage
The closing line for the toast
Need more help than just these examples?
I’ll work with you to write a completely custom best man speech. It will sound like you. The groom will love it. And I’ll prep you with some public speaking tips to make sure you have that extra dose of confidence before the mic is in your hands.