Giving a Best Man Speech

During the wedding reception, the best man often serves as the master of ceremonies. He typically starts the toasts by raising his glass in a salute to the couple. At some weddings, his best man speech may be the only toast.

As honorary MC, the best man is supposed to give a pleasant and sincere message. That means creating a tribute to the couple that includes both wit and sentiment. Here are a few tips on how to give a best man speech.

Speaking tips

Stand up before you begin speaking. Planning what you want to say in advance. Unless you give speeches all the time, don’t do it off the top of your head. Rehearse your best man speech a few times before the wedding. If you are concerned you might forget what you wanted to say, write at least a few key phrases from your best man speech on a small note card. Put it in your pocket and refer to it as needed.

While you and the groom may have a history together that includes some heavy duty partying, this is not the time to talk about it. A personal story about a shared experience with the couple, perhaps including something humorous, is appropriate. If you can’t come up with an...