Best Man Speech: Complete Guide with Examples, Tips & Templates

The best man speech is one of the most anticipated moments at any wedding reception. It's your chance to honor your friend, welcome their partner, and create a memorable moment for everyone. No pressure, right?

This guide will help you write and deliver a best man speech that's funny, heartfelt, and perfectly timed.

Best Man Speech Basics

How Long Should It Be?

Aim for 3-5 minutes (450-700 words)

• Under 3 minutes: Feels too brief, like you didn't try
• Over 5 minutes: Attention wanders, especially after drinks
• Sweet spot: 4 minutes

The Structure

Every great best man speech follows this framework:

1. **Opening** (30 seconds)
2. **Your relationship with the groom** (45 seconds)
3. **Stories/humor** (90 seconds)
4. **About the couple** (45 seconds)
5. **Heartfelt moment** (30 seconds)
6. **Toast** (15 seconds)

Writing Your Speech

The Opening

• "For those who don't know me..."
• "I was so nervous about this..."
• "I'm not very good at speeches..."

• A relevant quote
• A humorous observation
• An engaging question
• A brief, funny statement

Example: "When Jake asked me to be his best man, I was honored. Then I remembered all the stories I know about him and realized he may have made a tactical error."

Stories About the Groom

• Funny but not humiliating
• Reveal positive character traits
• Appropriate for all ages present
• Unknown to most guests

1. Set the scene briefly
2. Build to the funny/touching moment
3. Connect it to who he is today

• Ex-girlfriends
• Excessive drinking stories
• Inside jokes nobody else gets
• Anything the groom asked you not to mention

About the Couple

• Welcome the bride to the family/friend group
• Comment on how the groom has changed (positively)
• Share what makes them great together
• Show you support this marriage

Example: "I've known Jake for 15 years, and I've never seen him as happy as he's been since meeting Sarah. She brings out the best in him—and somehow convinced him to finally learn how to cook. For that alone, we should all be grateful."

The Heartfelt Moment

• Express what the groom's friendship means to you
• Wish them well sincerely
• Share hopes for their future

This is the emotional peak. Don't skip it.

The Toast

End with a clear call to action:

"Please raise your glasses to Jake and Sarah. May your love be modern enough to survive anything, and old-fashioned enough to last forever. To Jake and Sarah!"

Best Man Speech Examples

Example 1: The Childhood Friend

"Good evening, everyone. I'm Mike, and I've had the questionable judgment of being Jake's best friend since third grade—when he convinced me that trading my dessert for his homework answers was a good deal. Spoiler: it wasn't.

Over the years, Jake has been there through everything: the time I got dumped at prom, my terrible haircut phase (yes, there are photos), and approximately 500 terrible movies I made him watch.

What I've learned about Jake in all these years is that he's loyal to a fault, he'd do anything for the people he loves, and he cannot be trusted to pick restaurants.

When Sarah came into his life, I noticed something change. Suddenly, Jake was trying new things. He started cooking. He even went hiking—voluntarily. But more than that, he found someone who matches his kindness, challenges him to be better, and laughs at his jokes even when they're terrible.

Sarah, welcome to the inner circle. Please continue whatever magic you're working.

Jake, you've been my brother in everything but blood for 20 years. Seeing you this happy makes my heart full.

Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses to Jake and Sarah—may your adventures together be even better than anything we got up to. To Jake and Sarah!"

Example 2: The College Roommate

"For those who don't know me, I'm Derek, and I was Jake's college roommate—which means I've seen things I can never unsee.

When Jake first walked into our dorm room, he was carrying a mini fridge, a poster of his favorite band, and more hair products than I owned. I knew then he was either going to be my best friend or my nemesis. Thankfully, it was the first one—though he did use all the hot water for four years straight.

Jake is the kind of guy who remembers everyone's birthday, always picks up the phone, and will drive two hours to help you move apartments. Even to a fourth-floor walkup. Without a complaint.

When he told me about Sarah, I could hear it in his voice—this was different. And when I met her, I understood why. Sarah is brilliant, kind, and somehow finds Jake's dad jokes funny. That last one really sealed it.

Jake, you've found someone who makes you better, happier, and slightly more punctual. Sarah, thank you for loving my friend and for finally getting him to dress properly for occasions like this.

Please join me in raising a glass. Here's to Jake and Sarah—may your love story be long, your adventures be many, and your WiFi always be strong. Cheers!"

Dos and Don'ts

Do: - Practice at least 10 times out loud - Time yourself (really, do this) - Make eye contact with the couple - Speak slowly and clearly - Have water nearby - Thank the hosts briefly - End with a clear toast

Don't: - Mention exes, ever - Tell stories only you find funny - Read word-for-word from your phone - Wing it without practice - Drink too much beforehand - Make it about yourself - Go over 5 minutes

Delivering Your Speech

Managing Nerves

• Limit alcohol (one drink maximum)
• Eat something
• Practice breathing: 4 counts in, 4 counts hold, 4 counts out
• Review your notes one final time

• Stand confidently with feet planted
• Look at the couple and friendly faces
• Pause after jokes to let people laugh
• Speak more slowly than feels natural
• If you mess up, keep going—nobody knows your script

Practice Tips

1. **Record yourself**: Use an app like Mic Buddy to hear how you sound
2. **Practice in front of others**: Get feedback before the big day
3. **Time it**: Know exactly how long your speech runs
4. **Practice with notes**: Get comfortable with your cue cards or phone

Notes vs. Memorization

• Opening line (memorized)
• Key story beats
• Transition phrases
• Toast (memorized)

This keeps you natural while ensuring you don't forget anything important.

Day-Of Checklist

• Review speech once
• Confirm with wedding planner when you'll speak
• Check any AV needs

• Light meal
• Minimal alcohol
• Quick review of notes
• Bathroom visit
• Final breathing exercises

• Deep breath
• Confident walk to mic
• Pause before starting
• Deliver with heart
• Enjoy the moment

Conclusion

The best man speech is a privilege. Your friend chose you for this honor because you know him, love him, and can be trusted to make this moment special.

Prepare well, practice thoroughly, and speak from the heart. The couple (and guests) will remember it fondly.

Want to practice until your delivery is perfect? Download Mic Buddy and get instant feedback on your pacing, filler words, and timing.