Best Man Speech

[hjshjs]

Hello all.

I've got a best man speech coming up and I'm struggling for what to include. My problem is that I've known the groom pretty much since I was at primary school but haven't really been his best mate until around college days, and then he moved to London not too long after. I really am struggling to think of things to include that we have done together over the years, and it's starting to do my head in. He doesn't want past girl friends mentioned so there's a couple of stories gone there.

There are two best men, and the other guy I assume will be addressing his later life, living in London (where they met), whereas I will be talking about pre London, i.e. Childhood to early adulthood.

What are the rules for best man speeches? Can you only talk about things that you were both around for and experienced together, or can you mention things that you have been told about? For example, I've asked his family members for dirt on him which they have said they will help me with but I'm not sure if I can talk about this stuff unless I was there with him at the time it occurred?

So far I have probably two things that I can think of mentioning at the moment but me talking about them would probably take up about a minute.......if that.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

[jennyjoan]

Think most of the guests do like a short speech so if you manage a few things to say - that would be ok. Good luck HjHJ

[maggiebee]

Agree with JJ - keep it light, funny and short.

[Mamyalynne]

I agree with brevity too, also don;t think it has to be rocking them in the aisles or be nudge nudge anecdotes.

Work on the two things you have already and pad those out.

Good luck, I've just dome my Mother of the Bride speech ready for Sunday, it's not an easy task is it?

[goodgoalie]

You might get a few ideas here, that you could then adapt to fit your situation:
https://www.hitched.co.uk/wedding-speeches/example_best-man_speeches_1/

[ChillDoubt]

Lots of good ones on YouTube, plenty there to give you ideas.

[andy-hughes]

The trick is, keep it neutral, short and sweet.

If there is another BM speech after yours, then you can keep yours to early days.

It doesn't have to be shared experience, although it does help - it can be any funny incidents that have happened in childhood.

Remember, you are not there to humiliate the groom, or god forbid the bride, or anyone else there, so if you are not a professional comedian, don't try and make your speech an audition for a stand-up gig!

Just be nice about your friend, how cool he was as a kid, and how cool he now is as an adult - and they will hear more about that in a minute - you don't have to go on for hours.

Good luck.