A best man plays many roles in the lead-up to a wedding and on the big day, but perhaps none is as important or anticipated as his speech. Writing a speech that’s personal, heartwarming, and memorable is a challenge, but getting it right is crucial. While it may only be a few minutes of time, it's something the happy couple will cherish forever, especially if there’s a videographer!
Every great speech has a beginning, a middle, and an end, but often, it’s the beginning that’s the hardest to write. The opener gets everyone’s attention, connects with them emotionally, and sets the tone for what’s to come. So, it should be impactful but not cheesy, personal without being cliche, and lighthearted or witty. That’s a lot to fit in a few choice words!
We know how hard this can be, so we’ve created this list of 25 memorable openers for your best man speech…
Humorous Openers
- They say the best man’s speech should be like a good suit – well-tailored, appropriate, and never borrowed from someone else.
- Ladies and gentlemen, they say the best man’s speech is the most anticipated part of the evening. Well, I hope to be at least more entertaining than the wedding favours!
- For those of you who don't know me, I'm [Your Name], the best man, and for those who do know me... I apologise in advance.
- Ladies and gentlemen, before I begin, I'd like to ask everyone to please lower your expectations. After all, I'm the best man, not the best speaker.
- Before I start, let's give a big round of applause to today's real stars—the bartenders!
Sweet and Heartfelt Openers
- I'd like to start by congratulating [Groom] on his excellent taste in both friends and partners.
- They say that behind every great man is a great woman. In [Groom]'s case, she's standing right next to him.
- Ladies and gentlemen, love is patient, love is kind, and tonight, love is the reason we’re all here to celebrate [couple's names].
- As the best man, it’s my job to make this speech as unforgettable as the love story we’re celebrating today.
- As the best man, my job is to give a speech that’s memorable, heartfelt, and funny. Let’s see if I can achieve at least two out of three.
Tongue-In-Cheek Openers
- I’d like to start by saying that today is a magical day. Not just because of this beautiful wedding, but because [Groom] finally found someone who thinks his jokes are funny.
- As the best man, it's my duty to tell you about [Groom]'s impeccable character and endless virtues... but I’ve only got three minutes.
- As the best man, I have the privilege of telling you all about [Groom]’s most embarrassing moments... but I promised his mum I'd keep it PG.
- I’m honoured to stand here today and talk about [Groom], the man who never fails to surprise us... usually in the most unexpected ways.
- They say that marriage is a partnership where one person is always right and the other is the husband. Let’s toast to [couple's names]!
Surprising Openers
- Today, we celebrate the love between [couple's names] and my chance to finally tell all those embarrassing stories.
- Ladies and gentlemen, I'm here to talk about love, friendship, and the time [Groom] did something so embarrassing that I can’t wait to tell you all.
- Ladies and gentlemen, I've been best friends with [Groom] for many years, and during that time, I've learned three important things about him... but I’ll only share the good ones tonight.
- Today is a celebration of love, laughter, and a lifelong commitment... and the perfect time for me to share all of [Groom]’s secrets.
- As the best man, I have the honour of saying a few words that I promise don’t come from a YouTube tutorial. Click here to like or subscribe—whoops, I don’t know where that came from!
Short & Sweet Openers
- As the best man, my job is to make sure this speech is memorable, just like [Groom]'s stag do, so let's start by showing you all those photos.
- They say the best man’s speech should be heartfelt, humorous, and, most importantly, short. So, let’s get started!
- They say that behind every great man is a great woman. In [Groom]’s case, she’s beside him, ensuring he doesn’t mess this up.
- Before I start, I’d like to remind you all to keep your phones on and ready – you don’t want to miss recording any of [Groom]'s reactions to my stories.
- I'm honoured to be here today, and I promise to keep this speech as short as the groom’s list of good dance moves.
Set The Scene With A Great Opener
You can use any one of these openers for your speech as is, or you do one better and personalise or change them to suit the groom’s personality. After all, you’ve likely known him a while, thrown him an epic stag do, and stood beside him as he tied the knot, you should know a lot about him!
Whichever opener you choose or are inspired by, it should set the stage for what’s to come - a five to ten-minute speech that explains your relationship to the groom and includes an anecdote about your friendship (this can be as nice or naughty as is suitable), compliments the bridesmaids and bride, and a quote, meaningful one-liner or toast to round it all off. That’s all there is to it!
Find more wedding party advice on Guides for Brides!
