Congratulations – if you or someone you know has been given the honour of being a Best Man. Amongst other duties, they'll be expected to deliver a speech at the Wedding Breakfast. It can be pretty daunting if you don’t know what to say or how to say it; so here are some tips and advice on the Do’s and Don’ts of Best Man Speeches.

Best Man Wedding Speeches

Best man wedding speeches are generally the most eagerly awaited of all the wedding speeches. Traditionally, best man speeches are light-hearted and grab the audience’s attention with some well placed jokes about the Bridegroom - but remember, you want people to laugh with you, not at you so all jokes and stories need to be suitable for Aunties and Uncles, Granny's and Grandad's, and not forgetting the Mother of the Bride.

Best Man Speeches - Do’s and Don’ts

  1. Know your Bridegroom – As the Best Man, you probably think you know the Bridegroom better than most. But on his wedding day you want to make sure you’re still best friends after your best man speech; so be sure you know the ‘no go’ areas.
  2. Know your audience – You want your wedding speech to be remembered, for the right reasons, and funny stories are part of that, but try to keep it clean. The Bridegroom’s new mother-in-law probably doesn’t want to know about the time he got madly drunk, stole a shopping trolley and raced it round a multi storey car park.
  3. Do your research - Stories and tales for your speech will come from a wide variety of sources. Other friends, work colleagues, past and present, and don't forget those all important family members.
  4. Don’t drink too much - A bit of Dutch courage won't do you any harm, but you only get one shot at a good best man speech, so make sure you’re not too drunk to deliver it.
  5. Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse - Speaking in front of an audience might not come naturally to you and you will probably be nervous, but there is no substitute for rehearsals before the big day. So rehearse your best man speech, then rehearse it again and again.
  6. Get the Bride’s opinion - The Bride will more than likely be very appreciative that you thought to ask her opinion on your best man speech, and she may even surprise you with some stories of her own.
  7. Engage your audience - As the Best Man, it's highly likely you'll know most of those attending the Wedding Breakfast, but how do you keep their attention?  Scan the room; look them in the eye and SMILE.
  8. Be confident - These are your words; you know what you want to say.  Be proud to be the Best Man, and your rehearsals will give you the confidence to give a knock out speech.
  9. Keep an eye on your Toastmaster - The Toastmaster, will let you know when your moment arrives, and will keep their eye on things as you give your speech - making sure you and the rest of the Wedding day stay on time.
  10. Enjoy it - You are centre stage. Everybody, not least the newly married couple, are hanging on your every word.  Add some theatrics if you wish, to help you through, but if you have done your research, and you can capture your audience with a look or two, then you will enjoy  your moment in the spotlight as The Best Man.

Good Luck!