Best Man Speech: How to Be Funny Without Being a Jerk

## Introduction

Being asked to be the best man is an honour, but it comes with the nerve‑wracking job of toasting the newlyweds. Tossing out a few dad jokes won’t cut it. A great best‑man speech reads like a rom‑com: there’s a plot, it mixes humour with heartfelt admiration, and it leaves everyone smiling. Your mission is to celebrate the couple, make guests laugh in the right places and avoid cringe‑inducing missteps.

## Plan and Prepare (But Don’t Over‑Rehearse)

The best speeches start long before the wedding day. Jot down stories, jokes and quotes that highlight who the groom is and why he and his partner are perfect together. Practise in front of a mirror or a few friends so you don’t mumble or rush, but don’t memorise every word—no one wants to watch a robot read from cue cards. A little rehearsal goes a long way; too much and you’ll sound like Siri.

## Hook the Audience Early

Your opening line sets the tone. Start with a witty one‑liner (“I’m honoured to be the groom’s second choice”) or a sentimental quip that signals where you’re going. Avoid inside jokes; if only four people get it, the other ninety‑six will stare at you blankly. Aim for universal humour—if you have to explain it, cut it.

## Tell a Story, Don’t Ramble

A winning toast has a beginning, middle and end. Share a short story about your friendship with the groom: how you met, a misadventure you survived together and why he’s matured into someone worthy of his partner. Pick one or two anecdotes and tell them well. Keep the speech under five minutes; think Netflix special, not director’s cut. Resist the urge to list your shared history—this is about the happy couple, not your highlight reel.

## Mix Humour with Heart

Humour is your friend, but use it wisely. Poke gentle fun at the groom’s golf swing or your own questionable dance moves, but steer clear of roasts. Self‑deprecating humour goes down better than taking shots at others. Skip mentions of exes and expletives—no one wants a profanity‑laden trip down memory lane. Ground your jokes in moments everyone can relate to, then pivot to genuine compliments about the bride or groom’s spouse. Ending on a heartfelt note ensures your toast is balanced and memorable.

## Avoid the Big No‑Nos

There are a few cardinal sins: don’t bring up ex‑partners (ever), don’t swear, and definitely don’t wing it. Off‑the‑cuff speeches often turn into rambling monologues. Save the shots for the dance floor; giving a toast while tipsy is a recipe for slurred regrets. Skip obscure references and inside jokes. Combining humour with sincerity and sticking to your plan will keep your toast on track.

## Wrap‑Up & Call to Action

With planning, practice and a good mix of jokes and sentiment, you’ll deliver a toast that makes the couple feel loved and has the guests cheering. If you’d rather immortalise your words in a polished film, we can help. Visit www.cinesentiments.com to learn more about our pre‑recorded wedding message services.