It has been said being asked to be the best man is a little like being asked to kiss the Queen Mother. It's a great honor, yet nobody wants to do it! This feeling is mostly due to the best man having to get up in front of a large crowd and toast the bride and groom.
There's pressure to do it right and not mess up their big day. However, it's not as hard as it looks. To write a great toast, a little creativity is required, a little patience, some hard work, and some ingenuity.
You were important enough to be requested as best man in their wedding. So, believe in yourself. You have the ability to say the words to wish them the best. best man speech
Before You Begin.
First, write down your thoughts freely, about the bride and groom. Think about your relationship to them.
How do you know them?
Why were you chosen as best man?
How do you describe the bride and the groom?
Think of the first five adjectives which come to mind.
How was the groom before meeting the bride?
How has he changed since meeting her?
What circumstances caused them to meet?
What was your first memory of the groom telling you about her?
If you are married, think about marriage advice you've received or learned.
Are there amusing anecdotes illustrating who the bride and/or groom is?
Read sample wedding toasts and highlight those particularly appropriate for you.
Having done the above, it's time to craft everything into a heartfelt, and entertaining,toast.
Beginning.
Begin by introducing yourself. Not everyone, in the room, knows who you are. Try this, "Excuse me everyone, could I have your attention, for a moment. I want to take a few moments to say some words about our bride and groom. I'm John Doe, David's best man and longtime good friend (or brother, son, etc.)."
To get everyone's attention, insert a quick joke here, or a quote about marriage. Before getting too far into the speech, be sure to thank the people hosting. Traditionally, this is the parents of the bride. If the bride and groom pay for the wedding, simply say, "Everyone here is so delighted to be here today, on this joyous occasion." best man speech
Middle.
At this point, Your notes, from research, really come in handy. Tell a funny story, centered around the bride and/or groom (it should be "funny" not humiliating!). Give thoughts on love and marriage. Tell the story, of how they met. Talk about the changes you've seen them make through their relationship.
Often, you know the groom better. So, be sure to make the toast balanced. Remember, speak about each of them. Don't talk too long, as nobody wants to hear you ramble. However, do offer interesting details.
Please, avoid ex-girlfriend stories! Make the toast as if your kid sister were in the room, daughter, or grandmother! Above all, if you show sincerity, and your words come from the heart, it's harder to go wrong. best man speech
Closing.
Often, it's good to wrap up the toast with a wish, traditional toast, or blessing for the bride and groom. At this point, you raise your glass. Then, you make a resounding congratulations, cheers, l'chaim or salud. Don't forget, drink to your own toast!
It is suggested to write your toast on a notecard or two (remember, keep it brief!).Practicing it a few times. You don't want to read straight from the card. Also, you may wish to let a trusted friend here your toast. This gives you some feedback.
Tips - Best man speech.
After making the toast, it's time to relax. Enjoy the wedding and support your friends. These are a few tips for delivering the toast.
Remember, being nervous is okay. But, be sure to speak loudly and clearly. In some cases, there is a microphone. If so, remember to enunciate. There is not much worse than listening to five minutes of mumbling nonsense.
You're nervous, okay. But, don't drink too much before the speech. You think a drink or two helps loosen you up, but mostly it makes you look like a fool.
Don't read (or look like your reading) directly from the card. These words are supposed to be heart-felt. They are not a scripted response. Paraphrase what you've written and get the general sentiment across. Of course, have your notes handy, if needed. But, remember to make eye-contact when speaking.
Didn't your mother always tell you to stand up straight? This is especially true when toasting.
Backup plan.
If all else fails and you lose your notes, or choke, there's nothing wrong with a simple "Congratulations (bride's name and groom's name). I look forward to the day when we're all together celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary. Cheers!" or a favorite toast of yours.