Short Best Man Speech or Toast: Here’s An Easy-To-Follow Guide to Writing a Short and Sweet Best Man Wedding Speech for Your Brother or Friend

After going through these easy-to-digest tips and tricks on how to write a short best man speech or toast, you won’t have to worry about what to say about the groom and the bride on their wedding day.

 

Just give me a few minutes of your time and I will walk you through everything you need to know about…

• How to write a short best man wedding toast even if you don’t know what to say and what not to say
• How you can model your wedding tribute after amazing best man speech templates
• How to write a very memorable best man toast even if you have no idea where to start from

 

When it comes to writing a great best man wedding speech, nothing beats a well-composed toast that truly captures the love story of the bride and groom in a very short amount of time.

 

Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority of best men rather do a terrible job when they are asked to asked to say what they know about their friend or brother within a reasonable time frame.

You can’t blame them because with so many things competing for their attention, squeezing some time to say what needs to be said succinctly can be a real struggle.

 

If you find yourself struggling to come up with great ideas for your best man speech toast, then I have good news for you.

The good news is you first have to come up with a solid pre-writing plan and stick to it from start to end if you really want your short groom speech to resonate with the wedding audience.  

 

Here’s How to Go about It.

First off, you have to figure out where to get good ideas. A quick internet search will yield several results. But most of the stuff you will find is average at best.

To save time and effort, you just have to head over to a video sharing platform like youtube.com and just watch a couple of videos like those you will find below to immerse yourself in the experience of speaking before a group of people so to speak.

 

Best Man Wedding Speech Example Video#1

Best Man Wedding Toast Template # 2

 

Next, you have to pick a style for your presentation which will undoubtedly influence the theme and tone of your remarks. For example, if you are known to be a naturally funny person, then you should think about making a funny best man speech. Another option would be to make it emotional if you wear your heart on your sleeves.

 

If you have no speaking style in mind, you can settle on a narrative piece where you get to talk about how you met the groom, how your friendship has evolved over the years, memories of spending time together, as well as when you first met the bride.

 

If you are a master storyteller, you can possibly weave together a very beautiful speech using a combination of two or more styles which will make your groom wedding speech very unforgettable. On the whole, you just have to go with something that you are comfortable with and not what you think it’s trending because your words are a reflection of how you are.  

 

Having seen that; here are two short and hilarious best man speech examples. Now, I would like us to read through them very carefully. Afterward, we will break the second example down bit by bit so we can figure what goes into writing a great best man wedding toast.

 

The first example is by a friend to another friend. If you are the brother of the groom, you may scroll down to read the second sample. If you can make some time to read both examples, that would be great.

 

Here you go:

 

Short Best Man Speech for a Friend Example/Template

 

“Good afternoon everyone – for those of you that don’t know me, my name’s Scott and after all these years it’s nice that Steve has finally admitted that I’m the best man!

I hope you’ve all had a lovely time so far and continue to have a fantastic time as the day and evening goes by – I’d also like to apologise in advance if I, in any way, ruin that in the next five minutes.

 

Talking of five minutes, it’s often said that the best man’s speech is the worst five minutes of the groom’s life – I’m also told (by reliable sources) that the worst five minutes of Laura’s life comes later on when all the guests have gone home!

 

I know from personal experience that it’s a difficult task choosing a best man, I’m still not sure about my choice four years on eh Steve?! But with Steve, like most things in life, it became more difficult as time went on – his first choice was his funniest friend but unfortunately he said no, so then he thought he’d choose his cleverest friend but again, unfortunately the offer was declined.

 

At the third attempt he turned to his most handsome friend but sadly it was a no yet again and at this point as you can imagine Steve was getting pretty desperate – that’s when my phone rang! And, to be honest, hearing Steve’s quivering little voice on the phone I decided I couldn’t possibly turn him down for a fourth time!

 

As part of my job today I get the task of saying a few words about today’s main man – I can honestly say that he’s one of the most handsome, most funny men you’ll ever meet and I’m proud to call him my friend. So if you if bump into him today – where’s Lloyd? Today is his birthday so please buy him a drink – happy birthday Lloyd!

 

Now, I was asked by Steve and Laura to be careful with any content that may be a little risqué and, in particular, remove any innuendos – so I just wanted to reassure you both that I’ve been through it carefully and vetted it but if I do come across anything I’ve missed I’ll whip it out as quickly as I can!

 

In all seriousness I’ve known Steve now for around 18 years since I interviewed him for a job as a 16/17 year old – he turned up late, with the very popular ‘curtain’ hairstyle, proudly wearing his Arsenal tie and he somehow managed to convince me that I’d found a gem. I’d like to point out that several times over the first few years I was given the opportunity by the HR department to get rid of him, but somehow those eyes were still convincing me otherwise.

 

Now because most of the stories I could tell about Steve over the years would no doubt incriminate myself, again I decided to be careful about what I would say – so I definitely won’t be telling you about the times he used his ‘one phone call’ to tell me he couldn’t make it to work, I definitely won’t be telling you about his love of urinating in public places when under the influence (in particular on my neighbour’s car!) and I definitely won’t tell you about the time I got a call from head office to say that Steve had some charges for extras against his room whilst away on a training course – he swore blind, as he does when under pressure, that it was for a cigar but it wasn’t for him.

 

If I’m honest the cigar sounded a little pricey at 20 quid – I’ll leave it up to you to decide what you think he thought would make his stay away from home a little more exciting!

So you can tell by looking at Steve that not a lot has changed really – although unlike most people he’s actually lost weight over the years I’ve known him, quite a lot to lose at one point as I recall Steve?! And over those years I think it’s fair to say we’ve got into a few scrapes and one way or another we’ve always been there for each other when things have been tough – I’m proud to call you my friend and long may it continue!

 

Now, despite what I said before things have definitely changed for him since he got together with Laura 5 years ago, particularly over the last 18 months when their daughter came along – he’s a brilliant Dad and I’m sure that he’ll be a brilliant husband too!

I’m also impressed that he’s chosen to whisk Laura away on honeymoon in the UK – North Wales isn’t it Steve?…oh ok, I obviously got confused when he said he was going to Bangor for two weeks after the wedding!

 

I could honestly stand here and take the mick out of Steve all day long but I could definitely do with a beer now – although I do just want to impart one last bit of wisdom on you Steve… so, if Laura could just place her hand on the table, palm down… etc.

How does that feel Steve? I can personally guarantee you that will be the last time you ever have the upper hand so make the most of it while you can!

 

On behalf of the bridesmaids, Claire and Isla, I would like to thank Steve & Laura for asking us to be a part of your special day – I genuinely hope, and I know that you will be very happy together, please look after him Laura because he struggles to look after himself at times!

So if I could ask you all to join me in a toast – TO THE HAPPY COUPLE, THE BRIDE AND GROOM, STEVE AND LAURA!!”

Now, let’s switch over to our next example:

 

Short Best Man Speech For a Brother

Hello everyone… one second! Rock, paper, scissors.

I guess I'm going first then!  Wow what a great couple of speeches we have just heard. Well done to Steve and Paul.

So… introductions! My name is Chris and for those of you who don't know me I'm Steve's long suffering older Brother. First things first, I would just like to draw your attention to the 5 full shot glasses in front of Steve, this is because Steve has a big mouth and can't help getting involved.

This is a preventative measure to ensure this doesn't happen. If Steve interjects at any point then his forfeit is to ‘do a shot’.  Claire I apologise if this effects ‘later on’, but needs must!

 

But before I start with the customary duty of giving Steve an uncomfortable few minutes, it is part of the official duty of one of the best men to thank the father of the Bride Paul on behalf of the bridesmaids for his kind words, a for having them play a part in this special day. I have to say they all look wonderful and have done an excellent job.  And the ushers – what good looking chaps they are, they must have great parentage!

 

Indeed the bridesmaids are only eclipsed by Claire herself, who, I'm sure you'll all agree looks absolutely stunning. Now I did ask for a microphone for this speech but was told one was not available. So if you struggle to hear me at the back, the silence from the front should reassure you that you are not missing out on anything!

 

I would like to start by talking about Steve's early love life!!  Now before any of you think this is a big NONO at a wedding.  I have cleared it with Clare a she is fine with it.  At Junior School Steve was ‘desperate’ for a girlfriend so would ask pretty much the whole school to go out with him every day. 

 

Until one fateful day a girl said yes: Shelley Elson was her name, Steve was instantly besotted. Being 8 and in love every time we went anywhere, on holiday, day trips away.… He would have to bring Shelley back a prezzie! 

 

This went on for about 2 months, until one day Shelley got tired of this over affection and dumped him at school by bringing everything he had ever bought her and Dumping it in the middle of the school playground. (Pause to see if Steve interjects!)  I bring this up today because I just want to let you know Steve that the staffs have been warned not to group the presents in a big pile. 

 

In case you have a panic attack!  I would like to add though, Clare, that this did make Steve put up a bit of a guard in future relationships but you have well and truly smashed that down!  So well done to you Clare, you now have a completely besotted wet blanket as a husband.

 

I knew Clare's Effect on Steve was instant because we actually met her!!  Not only met her, but within 2 weeks of them going out he couldn't wait to show his beautiful girlfriend off, and also couldn't help mentioning her age to all his mates several times, I think the only time he was kept quiet, but only for a couple of seconds was when I worked out that Clare was closer in age to my first born Olivia than himself.

 

But of course  I would like to point out though that age is but a number and Clare you are so much more mature than my little brother ever will be, and have domesticated him beyond mine and Helens’ imagination. 

The amount of times Helen and I would be watching x factor or some other sat night dross.  Our minds would wander after a glass of vino or two a I would say something like.  ‘When is Steve gonna (sing in style of boy zone)” find a girl settle down when is he gonna marry” ‘  then Helen would normally rudely interrupt by saying ‘Fi a GIRL are you sure?!!’  Anyway I digress a Helen you owe me a tenner!

 

Anybody that knows Steve will also know how much of a show off he is, Clare I seriously don't know how you manage to live with his constant need for messing around.  I remember on the return from my stag do to Budapest in 2007 I nearly thanked Steve for such a great stag do and nearly wished HIM good luck with HIS wedding he took over it so much. To be honest though Steve, I have never minded that one bit. I used to try and compete with you, but as hard as it is to admit as a big brother, you have always been light years ahead of me on entertainment. 

 

You make fries wherever you go.  You have that charisma and likability that escapes most people. You are a great listener (believe it or not). You have always been there for Mum and I, and a whole host of others, including most importantly the beautiful lady by your side today. 

From the two of yours ingenious ‘pitch black hide and seek games’ to your catching each other out, Clare's Gym drive springs to mind! To your travelling around the globe on amazing holidays, you 2 are made for each other.  And I am looking forward to seeing what other big life memories you can make together.

 

Now that was all far too mushy a sincere so I would like, before I end today, a pass you over to the 2 best man Nathan!! I would like to ask a question. Did anybody know that Steve is a rapper??

 

Well he is! Now people this is before Eminem, Snow even Vanilla Ice, yes Steve was busting lyrics back in the day before any of them, going under the pseudonym ‘Stylish Steve’, the rap itself went something like ‘I was walking down the street one day a then I saw a toad’, then something about the toad going on the road.  Lyrical genius, but the best bit was his sign off that he did after every rap, kind of like the rap version of jerry springer's final thought. 

 

Steve if you would like to stand up and give us that sign off as a fitting end for this speech.

“He's cool I'll second that, he's cool he's the king of the rap. Stylish Steve!”

(Get Steve to do a shot for talking)

Thanks everyone I think that sums him up.  He talks about himself in so many extra persons there, talk about loving yourself!!  But Claire I know his ego moved over big time when you walked into his life. 

Congratulations to you both, Steve it has been an honour being one of your best men.  Love you brother, and Love you Claire, welcome to the family!

 

I don’t know about you. But, I really like the second example because it sounds authentic and funny. At this point, you might be wondering how both writers came up with both funny groom speeches. You can also make it without trying so hard if you just follow this fail-proof idea.

 

The trick is to first figure out the foundation on which both templates reside. Reading through  both thoroughly gives an indication of its structure (which are both similar in tone and content)

 

They include these eight (8) bullet points: Attached to them are very short references and illustrations from both examples as well as mini-assignments to help you jot down your ideas with ease.

 

 

Ok…Let’s dive right into it…One step at a time.

• Greetings/Salutation

Here’s an excerpt: “Good afternoon everyone – for those of you that don’t know me, my name’s Scott…’’

Mini-assignment: I think that’s so easy to write. So, I won’t comment any further on this one.

 

• Your introductory remarks

 

Here are a few lines: ‘’ …

I would like to start by talking about Steve's early love life!!  Now before any of you think this is a big NONO at a wedding.  I have cleared it with Clare a she is fine with it…’’

 

Now, your mini-assignment: How would you like to start your groom speech? Start with a song? How about a story about your friend or brother? Just write it down.

• Compliment the groom

 

Comment: You can compliment him on choosing an amazing life partner.  Otherwise, you can change a rather embarrassing story into something funny.

 

Here’s an example:

‘’… I would like to start by talking about Steve's early love life!!  Now before any of you think this is a big NONO at a wedding.  I have cleared it with Clare a she is fine with it.  At Junior School Steve was ‘desperate’ for a girlfriend…’’ 

 

Let’s try our hands on another mini-assignment: Do you have a few embarrassing stories you would like the wedding guests to know about your friend or brother?

Wait a minute…Do you mind clearing it with the bride and groom first? Whatever it is, just make sure you make the most out of those stories else your friend or brother will be deeply embarrassed.

 

Your assignment: Just write down a memory or two about the groom.

Next…

• Compliment the bride and groom together

 

Let’s first preview this snippet:

‘’ I knew Clare's Effect on Steve was instant because we actually met her!!  Not only met her, but within 2 weeks of them going out he couldn't wait to show his beautiful girlfriend off, and also couldn't help mentioning her age to all his mates several times, I think the only time he was kept quiet, but only for a couple of seconds… ‘’

 

Here’s something you can ponder about: Grab your pen and notepad and write down how the couple complement each other. You can use that as a starting point to write about the bride and groom.

 

Now, let’s look at another idea:

• Thanking the bride and groom for including you in their wedding plans

Comment: I think you can easily pour your feelings into heart-felt words when you have to thank them for including you in their wedding and plans.

 

Let’s look at another tip…

• Thanking the bridesmaid and say a few nice words about them

 

Please see an example below:

‘’ Indeed the bridesmaids are only eclipsed by Claire herself, who, I'm sure you'll all agree looks absolutely stunning.‘’

 

Your mini-assignment: Please write down a few words of gratitude to the bridesmaid for their help and support and compliment them if you will.

• Thanking the groomsmen for supporting you and the groom throughout the wedding planning process

 

Comment: Write down their names and state why you are thanking them or simply say you are forever in their debt.

 

Finally, let’s look at what we’ve all been waiting for:

• Talk about your relationship with the groom

Having witnessed the groom go through life all these years, it can be hard to know what to add to your groom speech and what not to say because you have so many wonderful memories about him.

 

To make things a little bit easier, you just have to reflect and provide answers to these questions:

• How long have you known the groom?
• How and when did you meet him?(not applicable if you are the brother of the groom…you just have to say you are his younger or older brother)
• What has your friendship been like over the years?
• What are some fond memories you have about him
• How he’s gotten better since the bride came into his life?
• How has your brother or friend been a blessing in your own life?

 

Here, once again, is your mini-assignment: Can you use answers to those questions to write a rough first draft?  Just give it a try and let me know how it goes.

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,

1)CLICK HERE  NOW TO GET STARTED NOW TO GET YOUR GREAT SPEECH NOW BY FILLING OUT THIS QUESTIONNAIRE---you only pay after your beautiful speech has been delivered. So, you can have peace of mind!

1. 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.
2. Then, you fill out the questionnaire sent through your email and please have it sent back to us…
3. We will confirm receipt of it…If something is not too clear, we will ask you to clarify….
4. 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
5. 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.
6. 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!