Quick Tips for Writing a Last-Minute Best Man Speech

Quick Tips for Writing a Last-Minute Best Man Speech



Quick Tips for Writing a Last-Minute Best Man Speech 

So, the wedding is in a few days (or even tomorrow), and you’ve suddenly realized you haven’t written your best man speech. Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not doomed! Whether you’ve been procrastinating or simply didn’t have the time, you can still write a memorable and meaningful best man speech with just a little bit of focused effort.

Here are some quick tips to help you pull together a solid last-minute best man speech:

1. Focus on Three Key Points


A great speech doesn’t have to be long or complicated. Keep it simple by focusing on three key points:
- A Personal Story: Choose a funny or heartwarming story about the groom that highlights your relationship and his best qualities.
- Compliment the Couple: Talk about the couple’s relationship, what makes them a great match, and how happy you are for them.
- Toast the Future: End with a positive and celebratory toast wishing them a happy life together.

With these three points in mind, you’ll have a basic but effective structure to follow.

2. Keep it Short
When you’re tight on time, brevity is your best friend. Aim for about 3-5 minutes. A short, heartfelt speech is often more impactful than a long, rambling one—especially if you haven’t had time to refine every detail.

A quick outline:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and how you know the groom.
- Body: Share your personal story, talk about the couple, and lead into your toast.
- Conclusion: Wrap up with a few kind words and the final toast.



3. Use Humor (But Don’t Overdo It)


Humor is a great way to engage the audience, especially at a wedding, but since you’re pressed for time, it’s better to **stick to what feels natural**. Avoid trying to be overly clever or funny, as forced jokes can easily fall flat. Instead, focus on a lighthearted, funny memory or observation that reflects the groom’s personality.

For example, “I knew [Groom] was the one for [Bride] when he started folding his laundry...without being asked!”

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4. Be Authentic


Since you’re working on short notice, the best approach is to speak from the heart. Don’t worry about trying to write the “perfect” speech. Instead, focus on being genuine. People will appreciate a speech that feels honest and sincere, even if it’s not flawlessly polished.

Think about how much the groom means to you, what you admire about the couple, and how you’re excited to see their future together.



5. Practice (Even Just a Little)


You may not have time to rehearse in front of a mirror a hundred times, but try to run through your speech a couple of times. Even if it’s just reading it out loud once or twice in front of your phone or a mirror, this will help you get comfortable with the flow and timing.

If you can, record yourself and play it back to see how it sounds. This quick practice will boost your confidence and ensure you don’t stumble over your words.



6. Write It Down


Since you’re crunched for time, write down your speech or at least create bullet points on a small index card to use as a guide. This way, even if you get nervous, you’ll have a reliable outline to fall back on. There’s no shame in using notes!



7. Toast with Confidence


No matter how much time you had to prepare, the most important part of your speech is how you deliver it. Stand up straight, speak slowly and clearly, and make eye contact with the couple and guests. When you get to the toast, raise your glass with confidence and smile—everyone is rooting for you!



Final Thoughts


Writing a best man speech at the last minute can be nerve-wracking, but with these quick tips, you can still craft a speech that’s heartfelt, funny, and memorable. Stick to a simple structure, focus on authenticity, and don’t forget to practice at least a little. In the end, it’s the thought and sincerity behind your words that will resonate most with the bride, groom, and guests.

Good luck, and cheers to delivering an awesome best man speech!


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