Best Man Speeches

Following on from our new series about weddings around the world (see the latest here: A Portuguese Wedding) we thought it would be fun to look at a topic which puts fear into many a man's heart – writing a best man's speech.

The best man is one of the key players in any wedding. He organises the stag party, is often MC at the wedding reception, and usually makes the last speech at the wedding breakfast. The best man's speech has many functions: to thank people, to talk about the bride and groom, and to toast the bridesmaids. But don't worry, if you've never written a best man's speech before, there's lots of help out there.

Free best man speech tips

Most people agree that writing a best man speech is all about balance. You want it to be funny, but equally it should not be offensive or clichéd.

The BBC has some excellent tips on getting it right:
BBC - h2g2 - Tips for Best Man Speeches

And don't get absolutely plastered before delivering the speech!

It's also worth having a look at the Confetti website. Confetti offers a free best man's speech checklist, advice on planning a stag party and much more.

They also sell a comprehensive guide to composing a winning best man's speech, including advice and ideas for a professional performance and full-length sample speeches and toasts. At £5.99 this is small money for such an important occasion.

Just as we're collecting wedding anecdotes from around the world, we're also interested if you have any best man's speech anecdotes. Please visit our friendly discussion forum if you have any for us.
British Expat Forum

You can also read more about planning weddings at clickwedding.com