Being asked to be the best man is an honour, but it also comes with one big task that can make even the most confident oke nervous, giving a speech. Whether you are standing in front of 30 or 300 people, your best man speech is your moment to show your love for the groom, make people laugh, and leave everyone feeling more connected to the couple.
If you are not sure where to begin, don’t stress. This blog post will guide you through everything you need to know to write a heartfelt, funny, and memorable best man speech that South African wedding guests will love.
What is the Purpose of a Best Man Speech?
A best man speech is not just about making jokes or sharing embarrassing stories. It is about celebrating the groom, welcoming the bride, and honouring their relationship. Your job is to strike a balance between humour and sincerity, while keeping the couple and their guests in mind.
Your speech should:
- Compliment the groom without roasting him too hard
- Show appreciation for the bride or partner
- Thank guests and their families
- Share a personal story or memory
- End with a sincere toast to the couple
How to Structure Your Best Man Speech
Here is a simple and effective structure to follow.
1. Introduce Yourself
Start by introducing yourself and how you know the groom. Keep it short, friendly, and confident.
Example: “Good evening, everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Sipho, the proud best man and longtime friend of the groom. We have known each other since varsity, and I have had the privilege of witnessing his journey from a carefree student to the man we are celebrating today.”
2. Thank the Wedding Party and Families
Briefly thank the people who made the day possible, especially the parents and the bridal party.
Example: “Let’s take a moment to thank the bride’s and groom’s families for hosting such a beautiful celebration today, and to the bridal party for making everything look effortless.”
3. Tell a Light, Funny Story
This is your chance to add a bit of humour and personality to your speech. Choose a story that reflects the groom’s character, and try to keep it clean, especially if family and older guests are present.
Example: “I remember the time we got lost on a hiking trip in the Drakensberg. He brought two-minute noodles and no lighter, but still somehow managed to convince us he had it all under control. That’s always been him, confident, optimistic, and a little bit unprepared.”
4. Compliment the Bride
It is important to show appreciation for the bride. Keep it genuine and respectful.
Example: “And then he met [Bride’s Name], and everything changed. Not only did he start arriving on time, but he even upgraded his wardrobe. But more than that, we saw him become softer, more grounded, and more in love than ever before.”
5. Share a Sentimental Moment
This adds emotional depth to your speech. Talk about a moment when you realised their relationship was something special.
Example: “I remember the first time I met them as a couple. It was clear from the way he looked at her that this was different. There was ease, trust, and joy, and it was obvious to everyone around them.”
6. End with a Toast
Wrap things up with a heartfelt wish or quote and raise a toast to the couple.
Example: “To a lifetime of laughter, deep love, and shared snacks at midnight. May you always find your way back to each other, no matter what. To the bride and groom!”
How Long Should a Best Man Speech Be?
Keep it between 3 and 6 minutes. Short enough to keep guests engaged, but long enough to leave a meaningful impression.
What Not to Include in Your Best Man Speech
Even if you are tempted, avoid the following:
- In-jokes no one else will understand
- Exes of any kind
- Crude humour or stories that might offend guests
- Talking too much about yourself
- Rambling without a point
Remember, the speech is for the couple, not a comedy show.
Best Man Speech Delivery Tips: Calm Nerves and Wow the Crowd
- Practice: Read it out loud multiple times. You’ll sound more natural and confident if you know your speech well.
- Keep Notes Nearby: Use cue cards or a phone with bullet points if you are nervous. No shame in having a backup plan.
- Speak Slowly and Clearly: Nerves can make you rush. Take a breath, pause after jokes, and make eye contact with the audience.
- Stay Sober (Until After): Save the drinks for after your speech. You will thank yourself later.
Inspo: Quick One-Liners and Quotes to Include
Need a little something extra? Here are a few quotes and one-liners you can work in:
- “Love is not about how many days you’ve been together, it’s about how much you grow together.”
- “May your love be modern enough to survive the times, but old-fashioned enough to last forever.”
- “Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes… and guiding him with love.”
Final Words
A best man speech is your opportunity to honour the groom and his partner in a way that is memorable, meaningful, and true to your relationship. You don’t have to be the funniest or most poetic speaker in the room. You just need to be real, thoughtful, and genuine.
Take the time to reflect on your friendship, speak from the heart, and celebrate their love in your own way. Whether you are standing up at a vineyard wedding in Stellenbosch or a backyard braai in Pretoria, the love and words you share will mean everything.
💬 Need help writing your own speech?
Keep an eye on The Bridal Plan blog for speech templates, printable cue cards, and groom’s guides for the full wedding party.
Follow us on Instagram @thebridalplan.sa for inspiration, planning tips, and bridal freebies.
