Best Man Speech Example or Template : Just Follow This Best Man Toast Template for Proven Tips and Ideas on How To Write An Amazing Best Man Speech
I know you are right here because you are looking great tips and ideas to help you write the best ever best man speech for your brother or friend. Just stick with me for just a little while and I will share with you…
- How you can easily and quickly use best man speech templates or examples to come up with a great toast
- How to model your best man speech after great best man speech examples
- Tips and ideas to help make your toast unique and memorable
I once read this quote by Confucius that says that by three methods we may learn wisdom. First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
Learning by imitation is what most of us do. From childhood, we begin to imitate our parents and others which ultimately give birth to experience and reflection.
When it comes to writing a best man speech or toast, you just have to properly copy the examples of those who have gone ahead of you so you don’t end up worrying so much about what to say and what not to say.
Nonetheless, when most wedding speakers find themselves in panic mode and realize belatedly that they don’t have a best man speech or toast ready yet, they just resort to copying the contents of best man speech templates without making the most out of them.
To make the most out of any speech example, you first need to know a few things about it. There are actually two kinds of best man speech examples or templates. Do you have any idea what they are? Ok…let me help you out.
They include:
- Video examples
- Well-written examples
First, video examples come in handy if you are looking to find some creative inspiration or an idea about how to start your best man speech. For example, if you have never made a best man speech before, you should watch a few best man speech videos so you can get an idea about how such wedding tributes are delivered.
And by the way, here are two great examples you can watch and learn from and adapt to your best man wedding speech for the bride and groom. I would urge you to relax and watch them once or twice for additional insights.
Best man examples (speech video#1)
Best man templates (speech video#2)
Second, there are also written best man speech templates or examples. In the next few lines, we are going to look at two of such examples and then analyze the second example so you can figure out what goes into the writing process.
Please note: If you are not a friend of the groom (but his brother), then I would recommend that you scroll down the page for the next example. If you are not pressed for time, however, you can review both pieces for more ideas and tips. Thank you
Here it is:
#1: Best man speech example for best friend
Hello ladies and gents for an occasion such as this I'd like to start by laying down a couple of rules. Firstly, no heckling please. (Tim). And secondly, if you do have a mobile phone … please, leave it switched on; keep yourselves entertained.
I think if you keep your spirits high and your expectations low, everyone will be happy!! As Gareth just said I'm Ashlee and I'm the best man today. I hope your all, enjoying this wonderful wedding celebration today. I know I will once this is over!!
I would like to echo what has already been said and compliment our beautiful bride. I must say that Gemma looks absolutely beautiful today. Gareth is one very lucky man. Surprisingly, Gareth has scrubbed up quite well himself, even if he did copy my outfit…
Can I just give a special mention to our two bridesmaids Kelly & Angelina for helping to get Gemma here today? I am reliably informed that when she woke up this morning and realized she was marrying Gareth she put up a struggle so well done girls…You all so look fantastic
I would also like to thank both sets of parents, Mari & Martin and Julie who have shown great support to the happy couple in the build-up to this special day. You have played an in portent role on this momentous occasion. Thank you
Let us not forget our Ushers for the day, Michele & Christian. I know Gareth was worried about them not being up to such an important task, however after weeks of practicing and a bout of repetitive strain disorder, I am sure you all agree they more than excelled there selves at pointing at chairs today…well done boys
I'd all so like to say a big thank you to mine and Gareth's beautiful children. Noah & Kiki. They have been amazing today…and we are Very proud parents, I can't believe we are at this point in our lives and celebrating their wedding, I was once told that you never truly find out what happiness is until you get married… and then it's too late!
When Gareth asked me to be his best man, naturally I had many questions. What had I done to deserve such an honour? Who had dropped out? Was I really the best he could come up with? Could I turn the job down and still expect an invitation to stuff myself and get drunk at his expense?
In the end, having accepted the role, I'm pretty happy with the way things went today. From a best man's perspective, everything went smoothly. For starters, I got him to the venue on time, He also arrived sober, an achievement which shouldn't be underestimated with his track record… And most importantly in this time of economic uncertainty, I successfully resisted the urge to post the wedding rings to Cash for Gold and do a runner. So well done me…
Gareth is equally impressed, he told me earlier I have done that good a job I have got the gig for his next wedding, which was nice of him…
So…Some of you may look at Gareth sitting here today and think ‘hasn't that lad done well for himself?’
He has married the woman of his dreams, has a good career, but how he still works in travel is Beyond me, when he first started out in travel house he Had a bit of confusion pronouncing places, let me give you a few examples. Lesboss.… The correct term is Lesbos, another one was port of Tourette's, in Ibiza… rally place was port of torrent and how about this one…indianopcilops.… In America To you or me it's Indianapolis
Any away I have a list here….
*drop roll*
Gareth also gave me strict instructions not to talk about certain things.
*Smile*
So There's no way I was allowed to talk about the time he got so badly burnt in Ibiza it took the contents of the girls make up bags to make him look normal again and not forgetting the time he took enough Imodium to plug up India…oh sorry got that wrong that was Gemma.
And there's absolutely no way I was allowed to tell you about The time we got attacked and had to run home from the kebabs shop but he still managed to save his burger but had to go to the hospital with concussion the next morning.
Or the time a friendly stranger gave him somewhere to stay in Cardiff after missing the last train only to realise they weren't that friendly hence their tooth brush doing a lap of the toilet bowl.
And there's Absolutely no way I can tell you about the holiday he took to Mexico where he was caught trying to smuggle fifteen Cartons of fags through customs, and ended up getting very well acquainted with one of the customs officers
So what else I can I tell you about Gareth It's traditional to dish the dirt on the groom's past girlfriends during the best man's speech… but I'm not going to do that. For a start, I think it's wrong – cheap, and tacky. Secondly, how would it make sweet, innocent Gemma feel, having the reputation of the man she loves dragged through the filth of his former sordid little conquests..?
Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, Gareth's never actually had a girlfriend before Gemma, so there's really very little dirt to dish. Not that he didn't try to meet girls, of course – there were years and years of wasting his time on Dodgy pickup lines …speed dating.…
And he even Tried Internet chat rooms but in the end he did meet someone, and that someone was Gemma, and she was rite under His nose the whole time, It started off as friends and then best friends and then blossomed into a wonderful relationship.
I have known Gareth for many years and feel I know him better than most people. I can honestly say I have never seen him happier than when he is with Gemma. I am so pleased that he has found such a wonderful person who he can spend the rest of his life with.
Gareth has been a great friend to me and we've had some excellent times together and I'm sure we'll have more in the future and it's been a Privilege to be his best man today.
You will be happy to know that we are coming to the end of the speeches. I can tell that everybody is having a great time here today and this is mainly down to the weeks and months of planning by Gareth and Gemma. They have done an incredible job to make it such a special day.
I will end with a quote for all you romantics out there.
“Marriage is not about finding a person you can live with, it's about finding the person you can't live without.” Gareth has definitely found that person.
So it now gives me immense pleasure not to mention relief to invite you all to stand once more and raise your glasses in a toast, to love, laughter and happy ever after, to Mr & Mrs Rees
Now, let’s look at…
#2: Best man speech template for brother
Good afternoon. Thank you all for attending this special occasion in honor of Ross and Nicola. First, on behalf of the Maid of Honor and bridesmaids, thank you Ross for your kind words. Just to echo what Ross, has already said, I would like to say that the bridesmaids are looking absolutely stunning and are only outshone, and quite rightly so, by Nicola who I'm sure you'll all agree is looking sensational.
I'd also like to pass on an extra special thanks to the bridesmaids for getting Nicola to the church today – I understand she put up quite a fight!
I’m sure you'll all agree that the wedding was beautiful and the entire wedding party did an amazing job! SO, before I begin my assassination of Ross's character, I would just like to thank ushers, Bob, Dave and Johnny, the Minister, florists, photographers, caterers, and everyone else involved for your hard work in making this day a huge success!
No doubt by now most of you know me as Fraser, however my full name is actually “Fraser would you like a drink!”, so I'd appreciate if you could use this when you come to say hello later on. Now, as you all know, I'm Ross's best man and I'd like to start by thanking Ross for asking me to be part of this special day.
I know they've both put a tremendous amount of effort into the planning of this wedding, especially Nicola, and I can only hope that, apart from this speech, everything else will have exceeded their expectations.– I can only say in my defence that being Ross's younger brother he has played a large part in developing my sense of humour, so if this speech is disappointing, then please feel free to blame Ross!!
Now no body ever pays the groom a compliment, so Ross, I'd like to say you're looking quite dashing today and the lion tamers at Tony and Guy have done a great job of styling the wild beast that is your hair. As you all know, marriage is for better or for worse, which is quite appropriate as Ross couldn't have done any better and Nicola couldn't have done any worse.
No really, Ross has done very well for himself marrying a great girl like Nicola- I mean, you should have seen some his last girlfriend- dogs- all of them, PIG UGLY.pause, Although may I say, how delighted we are to have so many of them here today!
Right, well the first thing a best man is supposed to do is to tell witty anecdotes about the groom, to let the bride’s family discover what type of man their daughter has just married. Now, after having a long think about this I discovered that nothing funny has ever happened to Ross.
Well, what I mean by that is that all his funny stories fall into the “unsuitable category” which I can’t discuss on his wedding day.… I mean, it would be highly inappropriate if I told you about the time Ross was on rugby tour, and after drinking too much cider, opened the window of his 3rd floor room and was sick- all over my father who was standing 40ft below!!!
And I also can’t talk about the time Ross phoned mum at 6am in the morning from America to announce that he was locked up in Jail in South Carolina and needed his mummy to pay his bail– but really, I can’t get into that one, all I can say is that it in an offence to urinate in the streets of America!!
Now, anyway, as I said, I can talk about any of that. So, you're probably all still wondering what type of person Ross is?? Well, the words the words funny, caring, generous and handsome come to mind….he's a decent bloke.
However, BE WARNED!.. Ross HENDERSON is not a forgiving person . Everyone may find this a bit of a shock but Ross still holds a grudge for something I did when I was 4 years old which very almost resulted in me not being his best man today . Now, I don't remember this, but Ross claims that I took his model “Dukes of Hazzard” car- General Lee- which was his prized possession, and that I smashed it to bits with a hammer.
Now, Ross still gives me a hard time about this, and I really don't want him to hold this grudge against me for the rest of our lives, so Ross, I would like to present you with this .… A brand new, General Lee which I hope you and Nicola pass on to your son one day . I just hope for his sake that he doesn't ever damage it , otherwise, I've got a feeling you'll be putting him up for adoption !
Now, I can see you're all getting hungry so Im going to start wrapping this up. Before I sit down though I need to read out one very important message from some people who couldn't be here today.
Now Ross, I know you won’t be wanting me to read this one in front of your new wife, but I promised Crystal and the other girls that I would, so here goes:
“Ross, We hope you still visit us every week and wish you all the best in your marriage. With Lots of Love, The Girls at Sandys Sauna and Massage Parlour in Glasgow” – I think you've got some explaining to do Ross!!!
Finally, some advice for the groom: now, this should be easy for you to remember : married life can be compared to football. All you need to do is be fully committed every week, and make sure you score every weekend. Also, remember playing away from home WILL result in Nicola putting you on the transfer market.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me immense pleasure to invite you all to be upstanding, raise your glasses and join me in a toast to Ross and Nicola. May your love be modern enough to survive the times, but old fashioned enough to last forever,
Ladies and Gentlemen, to the new, Mr and Mrs Henderson, Ross and Nicola!!!!
Please roll up your selves and let’s hit the road running….
Like every writing piece out there, you can infer from both write-ups that both examples have three basic compositions:
- Your opening or introductory remarks
- The body or outline or structure of your groom wedding toast
- The ending or concluding remarks
Beginning with the introductory remarks, we are going to look at each point one step at a time.
First; your introductory remarks. Your introductory or opening lines is more like your words on your first date. On a first date, you definitely have to put a great deal of thought into what you say so that you come across as someone who is witty and fun to be around.
Again, if you want to make a good first impression on your first date, you might want to tell stories that can make that initial experience very interesting.
So it is with your opening lines. Right off the bat, it should be engaging, entertaining, and unique so that the wedding audience will crave for more.
It is not uncommon for best men to start their speeches in this manner:
‘’Good afternoon. Thank you all for attending this special occasion in honor of Ross and Nicola. First, on behalf of the Maid of Honor and bridesmaids, thank you Ross for your kind words. Just to echo what Ross, has already said, I would like to say that the bridesmaids ….’’
While that falls in line with wedding etiquette, there are also varied ways to kick your speech off on a very happy note.
Before we dive into that, I have this mini-assignment for you. I would like you to jot down names of these individuals.
- The bridesmaid or maid of honor
- The groomsmen or other best men
- The name of the groom
- The mom and dad of the groom(this applies if you are the groom’s brother)
You’ve done that, right? Now, what do you want to tell each of those personalities? Taking inspiration from that short extract or the opening lines of both examples, just write down a first draft for your introduction.
Having seen that; let’s look at how to start your speech with a bang.
First, if you have an amazing voice, you can imitate what this guy did by starting off with a well-known song and everyone will join in singing it. Whatever song you go for, just make sure it’s fun and very easy to sing along to.
Second, you can start on a romantic or emotional note. For this to work, you need to weave in at least a love or marriage or even a friendship quote.
Here are three examples you can slot into your script.
- ‘’ Love at first sight is easy to understand; it’s when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle’’- Sam Levenson
- “A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.” – Andre Marois
Third, just start with a story if you really don’t know how to start. This approach works all the time because we all love good stories.
Here’s an example from the second speech.
Well, what I mean by that is that all his funny stories fall into the “unsuitable category” which I can’t discuss on his wedding day.… I mean, it would be highly inappropriate if I told you about the time Ross was on rugby tour, and after drinking too much cider, opened the window of his 3rd floor room and was sick- all over my father who was standing 40ft below!!!
And I also can’t talk about the time Ross phoned mum at 6am in the morning from America to announce that he was locked up in Jail in South Carolina and needed his mummy to pay his bail– but really, I can’t get into that one, all I can say is that it in an offence to urinate in the streets of America!!
Fourth, you may start your speech with why he asked you to be his best man like we saw earlier.
‘’ When Gareth asked me to be his best man, naturally I had many questions. What had I done to deserve such an honour? Who had dropped out? Was I really the best he could come up with? Could I turn the job down and still expect an invitation to stuff myself and get drunk at his expense……?
Now, let’s see
How to Write the Body or Outline of Your Groom Wedding Toast
When you get to the heart of both stories, you will realize that the body of the speech centers on your friendship with the groom.
As you know by now, I am an action taker, so let’s try to put something together about your relationship with the groom.
Here are some questions to help you get out your best ideas onto that sheet of paper.
- When did you first meet the groom? Write down your thoughts here…. (If you are the older brother of the groom, you might want to consider putting down your thoughts about how you felt when he was born.
- What were initial impression(s) when you first met him?
- Do you recall fun and fond memories of the time you’ve spent together? On Vacation? At Sports Events? Weddings? Etc.
- When did you first hear about the bride?
- How has he become a much better person since his wife came into his life?
Writing your answers next to each question ensures that you have some content to help you write down a few ideas about your bonds of friendship. So, just reflect and jot down a few things you recall about the great times you’ve had together.
Finally, let’s look at…
How To Use Best Man Speech Templates To Write Your Closing Remarks
Let’s figure it out by taking cues from both examples:
Here’s the conclusion of the first example:
‘’ I will end with a quote for all you romantics out there.
“Marriage is not about finding a person you can live with, it's about finding the person you can't live without.” Gareth has definitely found that person….to stand once more and raise your glasses in a toast, to love, laughter and happy ever after, to Mr & Mrs Rees
‘’
The closing lines from the second example
‘’ Finally, some advice for the groom: now, this should be easy for you to remember : married life can be compared to football…Also, remember playing away from home WILL result in Nicola putting you on the transfer market.‘’
Those remarks give an indication of how to wrap your speech. But there are of course several ideas that can help you end with a bang as well.
Here they are…
First, if you can actually write a simple advice and then turn into a song everyone can sing along to, then your toast will be an unforgettable experience.
Second, if this is Christian wedding, you can end your tribute with a prayer or a few words words of wisdom from the bible.
Third, you may end by dedicating to the couple a poem about love.
P.S: Most best men do this...Have you ever considered it? Want to write and give a great best man wedding speech but can't seem to get started because you don't know the exact words to use or where to start?
Or not too sure if what you intend writing will be well received by the guests?
Let's help you make the groom and your family and friends proud and let the wedding guests say great things about your speech.
Here’s what one nervous person called Glen sent over after the wedding was over.
Hey Dan, I just wanted to thank you once again for the speech you wrote with me. My goal was met afterward, I was told by many "what a beautiful speech" and received a standing ovation. I couldn't have done this without you. God Bless Dan!- Glen, U.S.A
Want to know how he did just that? He got on board our wedding speech program and one of our talented speech consultants helped him out.
Want to get on board? You should by first filling out this form.
This is a letter someone sent to us after we've helped him with his tribute(You can click on the image to read it)
Ok, Is This Offer For Me?
- Yes, if you are expecting nothing less than a very special, beautiful, unique, and memorable speech.
- Yes, if you are overwhelmed by the pressures of work and don’t have the time to put together a very meaningful speech, so you can have peace of mind
- Yes, if you want the groom and your family, children, friends, and wedding guests to shower you with very sincere compliments…just imagine how you will feel
- Yes, if you are not good with words and you feel you’re not a natural writer and you are struggling to find the right words but still want to give a great speech.
- Yes, you get so scared anytime you’re asked to say something before an audience and you really want to save yourself from any form of embarrassment on his big day.
- Yes, if you are not too eloquent or not too sure if you are on the right track.
- Yes, if you absolutely hate speaking in public or feel this is not your thing but you want to make your friend or brother feel very proud
- Yes, if you have a day or less to the wedding and you are worried that you might make some horrible mistakes
- Yes, if you are a good speaker but you still want someone to look over or review what you've come up with!
Wedding not too far away? Or happening in less than 24 hours? Trust me, we can deliver! it doesn’t matter if your speech is today, tomorrow, next week, next month, next year,... we can make things work for you
Just imagine leaving your entire presentation in the hands of skilled wedding speech consultants who will take away your pain of spending hours thinking hard and long about what to say and what not to say.
This is another letter someone sent to us after his wedding.(You can click on the image to read it)
Also, envision being patiently guided to say something that will leave a favorable impression on the mind of your listeners.
And also imagine the thrill and feeling of excitement and pride you’re going to experience when the audience leaps onto their feet and screams and shouts and even sing your praises.
Won’t you love that? I hope you do...
Ok, I am Interested, What’s the Cost?
You simply pay what you want after you’ve got your beautiful speech.
Why? As you know, the current health and economic crisis has caused severe hardships for most people.
Precious lives have been lost, jobs wiped out and families displaced, leaving everyone wondering what the future holds.
Yet, some couples are still getting married and asking friends and family to give speeches like never before.
Nonetheless, not everyone could afford our services even before the pandemic suddenly hit us.
So, we have dropped our normal rates so you can simply pay what you want after you have got your beautiful speech.
Please note: When life gets back to normal, this offer will be scrapped for good.
So, please take advantage of it now even if the big day is in the future.
Even though we are going through this crazy time, if you do a poor job at it, your speech will be captured on video, and the groom, your friends and family, and other viewers will forever remember what you said and would not attribute your poor performance to the fact there was a deadly disease in town.
So, please take advantage of it now even if the groom's big day is in the future by simply paying what you want after you get your beautiful speech.
Oh Ok, How Then Do I Get Started Since I Want To Get On Board Right Away?
Ok, here’s how it works
All you have to do RIGHT NOW is to click on this link to receive an easy-to-fill-in questionnaire via email. Check your email a few hours after you’ve submitted your request for your questionnaire.
So,
- After that, we will send you a very short questionnaire to fill out via email! You only have to check your email a few hours after you have made your request.
- Then, you fill out the questionnaire sent through your email and please have it sent back to us…
- We will confirm receipt of it…If something is not too clear, we will ask you to clarify….
- If not, we will send you a wonderful draft in a couple of hours if this on very short notice….If not, after a few days
- Then, you look it over and tell us if you are okay with it or you want to amend or edit or revise it till you are happy with it--although we always get it right even with the first draft.
- There will be an opportunity to give feedback and ask for edit….
Please note: The information collected through the questionnaire is only for the purpose of writing your speech. I wouldn't even need it if I could read your mind. So, your information is very confidential and no one will know about it.
Just a reminder of what you pay after it’s duly completed.
You simply pay what you want after you’ve got your beautiful speech.
Why? As you know, the current health and economic crisis has caused severe hardships for most people.
Precious lives have been lost, jobs wiped out and families displaced, leaving everyone wondering what the future holds.
Yet, some grooms are still getting married and their family and friends have to say something about them.
Nonetheless, not everyone could afford our services even before the pandemic suddenly hit us.
So, we have dropped our normal rates so you can simply pay what you want after you have got your beautiful speech.
Please note: When life gets back to normal, this offer will be scrapped for good.
So, please take advantage of it now even if the wedding day is in the future.
Even though we are going through this crazy time, if you do a poor job at it, your speech will be captured on video, and your friend or brother, family and friends, and other viewers will forever remember what you said and would not attribute your poor performance to the fact there was a deadly disease in town.
So, please take advantage of it now even if the wedding day is in the future by simply paying what you want after you get your beautiful speech.
Please note: Your speech draft comes with a proven and simple tip to master your speech or remember your speech just as you want it without carrying a paper with you.
Just see what someone said about that great tip that's proven to calm your nerves and help you speak with purpose, poise, and clarity!
''Hi Dan,
The speech went very well, I modified it a bit and practiced it as you suggested (great advice). Thanks for all your help and if I need a prepared speech again I’ll definitely contact you.
All the best,
Matt''
Please note: Don’t fill out this form if you’re a dishonest individual. This offer is for a limited time.
So, CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED NOW TO GET YOUR GREAT SPEECH NOW BY FILLING OUT A QUESTIONNAIRE---you only pay after your beautiful speech has been delivered. So, you can have peace of mind and not lose money. The risk is on us!
You don't have to worry about paying our per speech for now.
Forget about money and let’s write something for you. We believe in the values of honesty and integrity and we think you should be happy with our work first.
So, Here Are The Benefits You Get When You Get On Board!
- A great speech written by our wedding speech consultants that reflects what you want to say exactly
- We coach you on how to use your voice to make your speech very exciting.
- We show you a simple but often overlook strategy to rehearse your speech even if you have a very poor memory. This method is used by great speakers like Obama and was used by Abraham Lincoln and his compatriots
- The most effective way to get your entire speech into your head without memorizing your speech. Guaranteed to help you even if you have a very poor memory or your memory is like a goldfish…most of our clients still wonder where we got this idea from. This ensures that you don't read off a sheet of paper...
Just see what someone said about that great tip that's proven to calm your nerves and help you speak with purpose, poise, and clarity!
''Hi Dan,
The speech went very well, I modified it a bit and practiced it as you suggested (great advice). Thanks for all your help and if I need a prepared speech again I’ll definitely contact you.
All the best,
Matt''
- Ways to include humor in your speech and what it takes to do so
So, CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED NOW TO GET YOUR GREAT SPEECH NOW BY FILLING OUT A QUESTIONNAIRE---you only pay after your beautiful speech has been delivered. So, you can have peace of mind and not lose money. The risk is on us!
Remember, you have to see your speech first before you pay. So, you can relax and let us sweat it out at our expense!