May 9, 2008
Follow a format for a great best man speech
If you're the best man, you have a pretty hefty responsibility: the best man speech. It only takes a little preparation and thought, though, to deliver a speech that's funny, moving and memorable.
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- The intro. Your introduction should be basic and straightforward, and
should thank the families for the wedding reception.
- The groom and you. Describe your relationship to the groom. "Sometimes the
best man will know the groom's family, so they can personalize that by
saying something like 'Thanks for all the free food I used to take from the
fridge,'" Grace says.
- That fateful day. Tell the story of how the bride and groom met. "Some
people may not even know the story," Grace says. "The goal of this part is
to make everyone say 'Awwww.'"
- Make him blush. Now it's your turn to poke fun at the groom by sharing an
embarrassing story about him. "Be very careful, though. The goal is not to
embarrass the groom in a biting or sarcastic way," Grace says. "Do it in a
fun way to bring out an endearing aspect of the groom."
- Change is good. This part of the speech helps the groom redeem himself
after the anecdote above. Describe how the groom has changed -- for the
better -- since he's met his bride.
- Cheers. End your speech with a toast to the couple and their new life together. Just like the rest of your speech, your toast should be sincere and heartfelt. "Make sure everything comes from the heart," Grace says.
-- Tribune Media Services
Copyright © 2008, The Virginia Gazette
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