I delievered one this summer that was pretty well received. I didn't use any note cards, or read it just spoke from the heart about some topics I had outlined in my head. I used one joke which was well received but you have to know your crowd. I did follow the maid of honor's toast which she read about a 4 page hand written document while virtually sobbing. You'll want to follow that if possible.

Here was the format I used:

Thanked everyone for coming out to share special day

Thanked Bride and Groom for giving me the honor to stand up in their wedding

Inserted very short joke (Bride is from California, Groom is from Kentucky and they live in Colorado so the crowd was about 40% CA, 40% CO and 20% KY. My joke was "As many of you may know I'm from KY and I have to say I'm a little bit out of my element here tonight, this is the first wedding I've been to where there hasn't been a shotgun present." Everyone laughed so I guess it went over well.

Talked briefly and in general terms about all the good times we've had

Talked briefly and in general terms about getting through some bad times and tragedies together (His father had committed suicide)

Talked about how good of a man he was and how good of a husband he would make

Complimented the bride and told her how happy I was for my best friend and that she must be a wonderful lady (I've only met her a few times they live in Colorado) because I've never seen my friend as happy as he was.

Closed with thanking them again for the honor and asked everyone to raise their glass in celebration of their happiness.

Just do this:

 

[video=youtube;9htmQU7p-CQ]

^So you're saying a "mic drop and walk away" isn't the appropriate way to end?

 

Seriously though, thanks for the advice.

As long as you do this you're ok.

That would be pretty funny...although it would kind of depend on the crowd. I think it would be hilarious, but I've got a good number of relatives who would NOT appreciate that at all. Kind of on a related note, I went to a wedding once where the best man was the groom's younger brother, and his entire speech was about how, "yeah, getting married to a girl might make you think the groom isn't gay, but I'm not really convinced". It was HILARIOUS...but I think I was one of only a dozen people who thought it was funny at all. Ended up being pretty awkward as a result.

Try this for awkward. Last summer while in DC my wife and I were discussing with another couple our best man speeches at our respective weddings. I have no idea what my brother said at mine and nobody else does either. However, at their wedding, the best man revealed the fact that the bride and groom had sex on their first date. Needless to say it made for some odd discussions and atmosphere.

I've been in 15 weddings and the best man 4 times. I've learned two things.

 

1. Make the speech shorter than you think is best.

2. Nine times out of ten the best man's toast is 50x better than the ramblings of the Maid of Honor.

Try this for awkward. Last summer while in DC my wife and I were discussing with another couple our best man speeches at our respective weddings. I have no idea what my brother said at mine and nobody else does either. However, at their wedding, the best man revealed the fact that the bride and groom had sex on their first date. Needless to say it made for some odd discussions and atmosphere.

 

:lol: Wow...that'd be interesting, haha.

Just do this:

 

[video=youtube;9htmQU7p-CQ]

 

Just don't pull a Ted Mosby.

I've been in 15 weddings and the best man 4 times. I've learned two things.

 

1. Make the speech shorter than you think is best.

2. Nine times out of ten the best man's toast is 50x better than the ramblings of the Maid of Honor.

 

You've got me bested in the the total weddings category. We're tied for best mansmenship. For what it's worth, I only thought I really got the toast done well once....for my brother's wedding. And spot on about the best man's toast versus the maid of honor.

Gave my first Best Man's Speech over the summer and I thought it went great. A little pressure but there's a really good chance that yours will be better than the Maid/Matron of Honor because they will cry, make it too personal, (saw one sing a song...I still shake my head), or go way to long.

 

Say something about the Bride!

 

 

Any time any one thinks it's a good idea to sing a song it's painful IMO. Saw a bride sing a song to the husband once, I dunno I just don't think singing is the best route but maybe that's why I'm single.

What every you do, do not mention anything about shacking up with the brides sister after the rehersal dinner.....it doesnt end well...trust me...

Any time any one thinks it's a good idea to sing a song it's painful IMO. Saw a bride sing a song to the husband once, I dunno I just don't think singing is the best route but maybe that's why I'm single.

 

I was at a wedding where the bride's sisters sang a song that went over really well. Think it's a matter of whether they can carry a tune or not. :lol:

Just do this:

 

[video=youtube;9htmQU7p-CQ]

 

I've only watched this four times now. :lol:

Just do this:

 

[video=youtube;9htmQU7p-CQ]

That is awesome.

Six times. :lol: He even has his thumb up just like Pullman talking into the megaphone. :lol: