The best man's speech

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Stuart Leal Photography at Studio 48 Stuart Leal photography

Content

A thank you to the groom or bride - for the toast to the bridesmaids on behalf of the bridesmaids.
An amusing story about being best man and the difficulties he has had getting the groom organised.
Some amusing anecdotes about the groom that came from their friendship together over the years.
Personal congratulations to the groom on his choice of a bride and best wishes for the couples’ future happiness.
Reading emails, cards and other messages of good luck.

Helpful Hints

Remember that not everyone at the wedding will know the groom as well as you do, so avoid “in” jokes or “in” stories. Your speech must have general appeal to both close friends and new acquaintances.

Do’s

Stay sober and avoid the temptation of a little “Dutch courage”
Remember to comment how beautiful the bridesmaids look - and be sure you know all their names.
Rehearse your speech beforehand - several times.
Remember to take your cue cards with you to the wedding.
Read the emails and messages beforehand so you can censor any inappropriate ones, not get tongue tied and ensure there aren’t any difficult words or names. Try to find out a little background on the senders of the telegrams first so that you properly introduce them - for example this one is from the bride’s best friend in America who....

Don’ts

Tell dirty jokes or filthy stories. They are definitely inappropriate at a wedding and they can spoil an otherwise perfect day.
Tell stories about the groom’s past girlfriends, love life or the upcoming honeymoon. This is not the time for these subjects.
Speak for more than five minutes or you risk boring your audience.
Try to score a point over the groom. This is his day not the best man’s. The best man’s role is purely to do everything possible to make the day perfect for the bride and groom.