So, you’ve been chosen as your best friend’s Best Man or Maid of Honor, how exciting! But, with great honor comes great responsibility. It’s your job to give a speech to remember for the happy couple’s night to remember. We’ve compiled just a few tips for your speech to get those creative juices flowing:
Get Anecdotal
Think back onto all of the funny, crazy, heartwarming moments you have shared with your best friend and how you got to where they are today. Is there a special story about how they met their new spouse that deserves telling? What was your first impression of them? How did you become as close as you are today? Think back on all of your crazy, wonderful memories that deserve telling and let them guide your speech!
Love & Laughter
Everybody loves a good laugh, and what better way to get a crowd’s attention than with a joke? Let your inner comedian shine with a clever joke to please your crowd – but be sure to make it personal! Are there any inside jokes worth letting the wedding party in on? For the Best Man, the Best Man speech is usually the most eagerly awaited speech of the night. Keep a couple of jokes up your sleeve if you think the groom might have some fun at your expense. But be sure to remember to keep it lighthearted and fun! Both on and off the dance floor, avoid stepping on toes.
Know Your Crowd
Remember that every crowd is different. While some jokes may fly between you and the bride/groom, they may not go so well with the rest of the family. Be sure to cater to your audience! Are there children? Are there stories that extended family members may not want to know? Are the wedding guests strict and traditional or laid-back and casual? Whatever the case may be, plan on running your speech past someone who knows the crowd well to see if you’re on the right track!
Incorporate Meaningful Quotes
In every relationship – romantic or otherwise – there are those songs, movies, or maybe even books that bring you together. Incorporate some quotes that remind you of your best friend on their wedding day. Is there a saying in their family that resonates with you? What song did they play non-stop while they were falling in love with the person they are marrying? What movies or TV shows brought you together?
We hope these tips were helpful! For more tips, tricks, and inspiration for your wedding speech, check out these sample speeches on Hitched!
Written by Abbey Wagner
