Best Man duties: stag do – wahey!, speech writing – not so much. If you’ve been putting off writing a few words for your best friend’s wedding, whether through a lack of inspiration or maybe some deep-seated cynicism, we’re here to help you through. We’ve come up with a few general tips to guide you in the right (and safest) direction when it comes to writing your Best Man Speech. As always, it’s better to write a speech that comes from the heart – happy, funny and light-hearted memories of your best friend, anecdotes about what he was like before he met the love of his life (just stay away from the ‘ex’ issue completely, it’s not worth it) and your genuine hopes for the couple for the future. If you’re married you might want to throw in a few jokey tips about what it’s like to be married (if you want to stay married, don’t make them too personal).
Tips!
- Remember to introduce yourself to everyone somewhere near the beginning of the speech – your name and your relationship to the groom/couple.
- Try not to make it too in-jokey, anecdotes are great, but leave out the phrases and odd songs that are probably hilarious to you and the lads, but that most people won’t get.
- Compliment the bride on how she looks, how great the day has gone so far, and how everyone appreciates all the work she’s done to create such a special day. Also mention about the bridesmaids looking lovely/scrubbing up well.
- Don’t write a speech about your pub escapades with the groom, by all means tell some funny anecdotes (remember his parents will be there!) but remember that the speech should be centred on the couple and the day.
- Mention the parents, and what a good job they did getting the bride/groom to where they are now, whether the parents are there or not.
- Keep it clean – It’s not a roast, so the less swearing and ‘toilet’ jokes the better really, think of the younger and older guests, and don’t embarrass your hosts by embarrassing their guests. Again we’ll say stay completely away from ex partners of either the bride or groom, nothing good can come of it.
- If something went wrong on the morning/at the ceremony, allude to it, but don’t make too much of a big deal out of it.
- Be sincere, speak about the great times you’ve had with the groom, the couple and/or their family and wish them everything for the future.
- Keep it light – Although you want to be genuine and sincere, one or two more serious sentiments can be spoke about, but mainly leave it to the groom/father. Think of yourself as the fun and slightly corny entertainment beforehand.
- Dodgy one-liners are okay to use, but keep them to a minimum.
- Don’t forget to toast the couple at the end!
And if you’re worried about the nerves getting the better of you or need some one-on-one guidance, Irish company Great Speech coach people to improve and enhance their public speaking skills. They can help you control your nerves, give one-to-one coaching, organise rehearsals in the wedding venue and can help with content and structure. Find out more here!
Main image by Clique Photography
