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Best Man Speeches

It has been said that being asked to give a best man speech is much like being asked to kiss the Queen Mother.  It's a wonderful honor to be requested to do so, but no one really wants to do it!  If you have been asked to speak at your best friend's wedding, don't stress over it.  It really isn't as hard as it seems. The best rule of thumb is as long as what you say comes from your heart and you keep it simple and sweet, your speech will go just fine.  

Here are a few Do's and Don'ts to help you get through most best man speeches:  

DO make it personal.  DON'T make the speech embarrassing...either to the couple in general or to the groom.

DO add in a joke or two.  Just remember to keep it clean.  DON'T make it the type of joke at which the bride and groom won't laugh.

DO take time to think about what you really want to say.  DON'T just talk to be talking.  You don't want to upstage the bride and groom.

DO make a point to thank all the people that helped to make this joyous day possible, especially the couple's parents.  DON'T forget their names though.

DO try to relax before it is your turn to speak.  DON'T drink too much before you speech.  You want to be able to keep yourself together during the speech.  

best man speech

Here are a few tips to get you started on writing your best man speech.  

1)  Remember you were chosen by the groom to be his best man.  Relax.  Be yourself and don't try to give some formal speech that just isn't you.

2)  K.I.S.S.  Keep It Simple, Stupid (not to say you are stupid).  You really don't want to deliver just a one-liner, but you also don't want to just ramble on for days.  Your speech should be just long enough to say what you want.  As a general rule, your speech should not exceed 5 minutes. Most people will get bored after that period of time.  

3)  Write your speech in advance and practice.  The sooner the better when it comes to putting your speech together.  This way you will have more time to practice and perfect it.  Once you have done this, your confidence will be boosted and you will feel much better about delivering that speech in front of all the guests.

4)  The first thing you should say in your speech is to introduce yourself and explain to the guests how you know the bride and groom.  Unless the wedding is a very small, intimate affair, it is very likely not everyone knows who you are or how you know the couple.

5)  Don't forget to thank everyone.  It's not necessary (or even a good idea) to tell the parents thank you for "paying for" the wedding.  It would be much better to thank them for helping to make this wonderful day possible.  Don't forget to thank the guests for coming to help the couple celebrate their special day.

6)  Share a few anecdotes about the groom.  This will give every a small peek at the groom's personality.  

7)  Toast the bridesmaids.  Be sure to mention what wonderful friends they have been to the bride and comment on how lovely they look in their bridesmaids dresses.  

8)  Tell a story.  Your ultimate goal is to give your speech a personal touch.  You may want to tell a touching story about the groom or about the couple if you are close with both.  You really can't go wrong with telling a story about how the bride and groom met or how you watched them fall in love.  If you really can't find the appropriate story to tell or aren't familiar enough with the bride to include her in a story, talk about love in general or, on a more personal level, about the groom's feelings toward his new bride.  

9)  Talk about the grooms good qualities.  As an example, you may want to talk about his compassion or just how much he loves his new bride and what a great husband he will be.  Basically, consider yourself a salesman for the groom...you are "selling" him to the bride's friends and family.  Don't forget about the bride.  You certainly would not to give guests the impression you have no idea why this great guy is marrying her.

10) Propose a toast to the couple.  Be sure to wish the couple all the best in beginning their new lives together.  This is, by far, the most important part of your speech.  Speak from your heart and when you're done, raise your glass and toast their happiness together.  

 

 

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