Best Man Toast Examples: Crafting the Perfect Wedding Speech

Delivering a best man toast is both an honor and a challenge. As the best man, your speech should blend humor, sentimentality, and sincerity, all while keeping the audience engaged. It’s your moment to toast your best friend and celebrate their new journey in marriage. Whether you’re struggling with where to begin or how to deliver the perfect punchline, this guide will provide you with best man toast examples and tips to help you nail the speech.

Table of content:

• What Makes a Great Best Man Toast?
• Tips for Writing the Best Man Toast
• Best Man Toast Examples
  • Example 1: The Childhood Friend
  • Example 2: The College Roommate
  • Example 3: The Brother
  • Example 4: The Best Friend
• Final Tips for Delivering the Perfect Best Man Toast

What Makes a Great Best Man Toast?

A great best man toast combines humor, heartfelt moments, and a deep connection with the groom. Your role is to shine a light on the groom, share a few memorable stories, and wish the couple a happy future. Here are some key elements to include:

1. Warm Welcome: Greet the guests and thank the couple for including you in their special day.
2. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and explain your relationship with the groom.
3. Personal Stories: Share a meaningful or funny story that illustrates the groom’s character or your bond.
4. Compliments to the Couple: Acknowledge the bride or groom’s partner and share why you think they make a great couple.
5. Heartfelt Wishes: Offer some advice or well wishes for the couple’s future.
6. Toast: Close with a celebratory toast to the newlyweds.

Tips for Writing the Best Man Toast

Writing a best man toast doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these tips to create a memorable and well-received speech:

1. Keep It Short and Sweet

While it’s tempting to pack in all the jokes and stories you’ve collected over the years, try to keep your speech to about 5 minutes. Focus on key moments that highlight your relationship with the groom.

2. Strike a Balance Between Humor and Heart

While humor is a great way to engage the audience, balance it with sincerity. Compliment the couple and express your heartfelt happiness for them. Remember, it’s a wedding toast, not a roast.

3. Personalize Your Speech

Avoid generic phrases or jokes. The best man toast should reflect your unique bond with the groom and offer personal insights into his personality and relationship with the bride or partner.

4. Rehearse and Be Confident

Once you’ve written your speech, practice it several times. Rehearse out loud to get comfortable with your pacing and delivery. Confidence will help make your speech shine.

5. Stay Positive and Avoid Embarrassment

Weddings are joyful occasions, so focus on the positives. Avoid overly embarrassing stories or anything that could make the couple or guests uncomfortable.

Best Man Toast Examples

Now that we’ve covered the basics of writing a best man toast, let’s dive into some examples you can use as inspiration.

Example 1: The Childhood Friend

”Good evening, everyone! For those who don’t know me, I’m Mark, and I’ve had the pleasure of knowing the groom since we were kids. We’ve shared many adventures, from backyard football games to late-night study sessions that never really involved much studying.

Seeing [Groom’s Name] today, standing here with [Bride’s Name], I can’t help but feel incredibly proud. I’ve watched him grow from a kid who used to ‘borrow’ my bike without asking into the kind, caring, and loyal person he is today. [Bride’s Name], you’ve found yourself a true gem, and it’s clear you two are perfect for each other.

So, here’s to a lifetime of laughter, love, and happiness. Let’s raise our glasses to the newlyweds—cheers!”

Example 2: The College Roommate

”Hello, everyone! I’m Dave, the groom’s college roommate, and I’m here to tell you that living with [Groom’s Name] for four years was like living with a tornado in human form—always full of energy, always up for an adventure, and never able to keep a clean room for more than a day.

But when [Groom’s Name] met [Bride’s Name], something shifted. Suddenly, he was missing from late-night hangouts because he was ‘busy’ or had ‘plans,’ which we all knew meant he was smitten. And honestly, I couldn’t be happier for him. [Bride’s Name], you’ve brought out the best in him, and it’s clear you two are meant to be.

Let’s raise our glasses to love, laughter, and happily ever after—cheers!”

Example 3: The Brother

”Good evening, everyone! I’m Tom, [Groom’s Name]‘s older brother, and I’ve had the privilege of watching him grow from an annoying little brother who would steal my clothes to the incredible man standing here today.

[Groom’s Name], I’m proud of the person you’ve become, and I’m even more proud that you’ve found someone as wonderful as [Bride’s Name] to share your life with. The two of you complement each other perfectly, and I know that together, you’ll create a beautiful life filled with love and joy.

So, let’s raise our glasses to my brother and his amazing new wife. May your love continue to grow with each passing day—cheers!”

Example 4: The Best Friend

”Good evening, everyone! I’m Mike, the groom’s best friend, and I’ve known [Groom’s Name] since high school. We’ve been through it all—good times, bad decisions, and everything in between. But through it all, I’ve always admired his loyalty and his ability to make everyone around him feel valued.

When [Groom’s Name] met [Bride’s Name], I could tell right away that she was different. She made him happier, more grounded, and even a little more organized, which was no small feat! Together, they make an incredible team, and I couldn’t be happier to celebrate this day with them.

To [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and late-night Netflix binges—cheers!”

Final Tips for Delivering the Perfect Best Man Toast

1. Stay Relaxed: It’s natural to feel nervous, but try to stay calm and relaxed. Remember, everyone is there to celebrate, not to judge.
2. Engage with the Audience: Make eye contact with the couple and the audience. It will make your speech feel more personal and connected.
3. Pace Yourself: Don’t rush through your speech. Take your time, and give the audience moments to react to your jokes or heartfelt words.
4. End with a Strong Toast: Conclude with a clear, enthusiastic toast to the couple. Raise your glass high and encourage everyone to join in the celebration.

By following these tips and using the examples provided, you’ll be well on your way to delivering an unforgettable best man toast. Remember, the key is to be genuine, keep it lighthearted, and celebrate the couple’s love and happiness.

Happy writing, and cheers to the happy couple!

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