The Parts of a Bestman Speech

The bestman speech is a tradition at every wedding, and like all traditions, it has developed a set of rules and standards that are expected of anyone giving the speech. Traditionally, the best man's speech consists of some good-natured humorous jabs at the expense of the bride and groom, as well as some more formal elements such as thanking the bride and groom, thanking the bridesmaids, the reading of messages from those unable to attend, and the formal toast. The best man's speech is usually the last speech in the traditional wedding format.

This speech is an example of a traditional best man speech, with its component parts labeled so that you can see how they're organized and how they interact.

INTRODUCTION

This introduces the speaker to the audience, and even his relationship to the groom (friend, brother, etc).

"Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. I'm sure you'll all agree that the lovely service this afternoon was quite a moving experience. So much so, even the wedding cake was in tiers! The jokes don't get much better than that, so you might as well laugh anyway. I'm the best man, and for those of you who don't know me I am Nick's brother, Martin."

THANKS AND CONSIDERATIONS

This is a traditional component of the speech in which the best man thanks the newlywed couple for gifts and compliments. Often this is coupled with a toast.

"First off, I would like to thank Nick and Maria on behalf of the bridesmaids for their gifts and compliments. Also on behalf of the bridesmaids and ushers, I would like to thank Nick for his particularly kind words. As I am sure you will agree, the bridesmaids look absolutely wonderful today, so lets hear it for them."

THE HISTORY OF THE GROOM AND/OR THE COUPLE

This section is usually the core of the humor in a best man's speech. It often recalls the beginning of the friendship or relationship between the best man and the groom, and also delves into the groom's life.

"Well first, I thought it would be appropriate for me to give the people who don't know Nick a little bit of background about him. He was born on June 1st, 1975 - a fantastic year by all accounts.

After some good years at school and college, Nick got a job in the technology support department of an Insurance company, where he still works today. During this time he spent most evenings surfing the internet, and it was during this time that he met Maria on a MUD. By this I thought Nigel meant he'd met Maria mud wrestling, but I soon learned that a MUD was a virtual chat room where you can meet other people from across the world. And from there blossomed lots of interstate visits between New York and Oregon, and a wonderful relationship began which is why we are all here today...."

TELEGRAMS

This is a traditional component of the best man's speech. It is usually a recitation of the content of messages sent from those who could not attend. It is often called "telegrams" though is more often these days a set of emails or letters.

"Ok, now I have a few messages to read....
[Real or humorous messages would be read here]"

THE TOAST

The toast can be funny or heartfelt, and comes at the end of the speech with a brief introduction, and then a formal toast. This can be a piece of poetry, something traditional, as in the case of Irish toasts, or something prepared by the best man.

"Nick, we have had some excellent times together and I know that we will continue to do so in the future. You have been a great brother to me over the years. You are one of the kindest, most generous and unselfish people I have ever known, and it is genuinely a great honor to be your best man.

And Maria, although I haven't known you for long, for the time I have you have been sweet and kind, and from all the laughter I hear when you and Nick are together, I'm sure you'll make a wonderful couple.

Finally on behalf of the bride and groom I would like to thank everyone for sharing their day, particularly those who have traveled to be here.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to invite you all to stand and raise your glasses in a toast to Nick and Maria - the newlyweds!"

The toast often addresses both the bride and groom individually, and then as a couple. Traditionally it also speaks to what a good couple they appear to be, and will continue to be.

This speech is a good example of a traditional structure, and can be used as a template for building other speeches that will be specific to your situation.