Need help writing a best man speech? I got you. Here is a good jumping off point to get you started in writing your speech.
Opening Hook (30-60 seconds)
- Introduce yourself and your relationship to the groom
- Open with a light joke, quick icebreaker, or a genuine statement of how honored you are- nothing too embarrassing
Establish Your Credibility
- Briefly explain how you know the groom (childhood friend, college roommate, brother, coworker, etc.)
- This gives context for the stories you’re about to tell
The Story/Stories (the heart of the speech)
- Pick a story that show the groom’s character — funny, but ultimately affectionate
- Good stories reveal something true about him (his loyalty, his humor, his persistence) rather than just being embarrassing for shock value
- Keep any “roast” material light — the audience includes grandparents and the bride’s boss
The Turn — Introducing the Bride
- Pivot from “groom stories” to talking about the couple
- Share how you saw him change (for the better) once he met her, or a moment you realized she was “the one” for him
- This is where you can include a story of how they met, if you know it well, or your first impression of her, maybe things the groom has said about her.
What They Mean Together
- A sincere observation about their relationship — why they work, what you admire about them as a couple
- This is the emotional peak of the speech, so let it be genuine rather than jokey
The Toast
- A clear, direct final line that transitions into raising a glass
- Keep it short and quotable — something like “please raise your glasses to [names]”
- Make sure everyone knows this is the cue to stand and toast
Timing guide: Aim for 3-5 minutes total. Long speeches lose the room — better to leave people wanting a little more than checking their watches. THIS IS NOT A 21ST speech….
FORMAT ONE:
Hi everyone, I’m [Your Name], Jake’s brother — and today I get to stand up here as his best man, which honestly feels like the natural next step in a lifetime of him roping me into things.
Because Jake and I weren’t just brothers growing up, we were mates. We got into all sorts of mischief together — the kind of stories our parents are still finding out about — and through all of it, the good times and the harder ones, Jake has been right there beside me. That’s just who he is. He shows up.
So when he met Jess, I noticed something straight away. His whole face would light up when he talked about her. And I want to be clear — I had never seen that before. Not like that. It was like watching my brother become the best version of himself, right in front of me.
Jake and I used to mountain bike together — it was our thing. And one of the best things I’ve gotten to witness is watching Jess come alongside him and take it up too. Not because she had to, but because she wanted to be part of his world. Watching the two of them out there together, mucking around, laughing, genuinely becoming best friends — it’s been amazing to see. That’s not something everyone gets, two people who are partners and best mates at the same time.
Jess, I always wanted a sister, and I could not have asked for a better one. You’ve brought out something in Jake I’d never seen before, and you’ve become someone I’m proud to call family in your own right.
Jake, you’ve found someone who challenges you, laughs with you, and brings out the best in you — and that’s rare. Hold onto that.
So if everyone could raise a glass — to Jake and Jess. May you keep lighting each other up the way you do, keep finding new adventures to take on together, and keep being each other’s best mates for the rest of your lives. Cheers!
FORMAT TWO:
“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, I stand before you as the best man to say a few words about the happy couple.
First of all, I’d like to start by saying how honoured I am to be standing here today, celebrating the marriage of my best friend and his beautiful bride. I have known the groom for many years now, and I have to say, I’ve never seen him as happy as he is today.
To the bride and groom, I’d like to say congratulations on your wedding day. You both look amazing and radiant, and I know that you are going to have an incredible life together.
I have to say, I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time. I remember when the groom first met the bride, and he couldn’t stop talking about her. He said he had met his soulmate, and he knew she was the one.
As the best man, I have to tell you all a little story about the groom. When we were younger, we used to play footy together, the groom was always the first one to jump in and encourage the team. I knew then that he was a loyal and dedicated friend, and I’ve seen him apply that same loyalty and dedication to his relationship with the bride.
To the bride, I want to say that you are the best thing that has ever happened to our friend. You make him a better man, and we can all see how much he loves and adores you.
To the groom, I want to say that you have found your match in the bride. You have met your soulmate, and I know that you will continue to make each other happy for years to come.
So, ladies and gentlemen, let’s raise a toast to the bride and groom. May your love continue to grow and flourish, and may you always be each other’s best friend and confidant. Congratulations to the newlyweds!”
