BEST MAN’S SPEECH: HOW TO GET IT RIGHT?
Are you the best man at your best friend’s wedding and wondering how to make your speech? This speech is usually given by someone very close to the bride and groom, such as a family member or friend, who is usually the best man. As the best man, you will know the bride and groom inside out. As a person who is important to the couple, you will be able to convey all the necessary emotion without any problem in a successful speech that will remain in everyone’s mind without any doubt!
The content of a wedding speech
What to say and not to say when giving a speech at a wedding? There is no right answer to this question! As best man, you should simply be yourself. There is nothing like authenticity, naturalness, in short: sincerity. There is no need to try to get laughs at all costs. Nor is there any need to push the emotional button too hard. This will only make the speech heavy and it will sound false. Instead, simply express what you feel. Recount amusing anecdotes and happy memories.
But be careful: don’t tell everything and anything! Of course, it is out of the question to reveal to everyone the confidences that the bride and groom have shared with you or to say certain things that could hurt them. Also, remain clear in what you say to avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretation of what you say.
When to give a speech during the wedding?
Slip in your speech while tasting the cheese? Beware of the flop! The guests will probably not be listening to you as they are out taking a break or chatting with each other.
You can make your speech during the wedding ceremony without any problem, provided you synchronise it with the priest or the mayor depending on the situation. The vin d’honneur is also an opportunity to make your speech (before or after), but there is no guarantee that everyone will be there.
What about dessert? Not really, because this part of the evening is special and a bit intimate for the newlyweds. The best time to give the wedding speech is when you sit down at the table, during the time when each guest sits down before the food is served. This time of the dinner is ideal for creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the bride and groom and their guests to feel at ease. So, don’t hesitate: give your speech just before the meal!
Is there a recommended length of speech?
A wedding speech should not go on for hours! It should last at least 5 minutes, and in any case, less than 10 minutes. A speech of 5 to 8 minutes is therefore more than enough, as you have to take into account the people present.
Keep in mind that you are making your speech at mealtime. Everyone is hungry and eager to try the delicious food on the menu. Also, you may not know everyone and some people, even if you do, may not be part of your group of friends. Also consider the children in the room, who may become impatient and make noise, making your speech unlistenable. The caterer is also waiting to serve the food to all the tables.
Finally, think about the bride and groom themselves! A speech, even if it is only 5 minutes long, can be very long! Be dynamic, pace your speech by making it incisive, for an effective speech! Do not exceed 8 minutes, otherwise you will lose the attention of your listeners. You can follow the following plan that everyone knows: introduction, development and conclusion. And of course, keep it natural.
Making a successful best man speech: summary
In short, a wedding speech should preferably be given before the meal, be sincere and short. Test your speech in front of other people before the wedding, rehearse it so that you are comfortable with the diction. The best man’s speech should be heartfelt to convey emotions to his listeners. And if you don’t like public speaking, take a deep breath and have a sip of champagne before you speak! Or instead of a speech, why not read a poem or make a film full of little messages?
In any case, the choice of the wedding domain where the reception will be held is essential: it must take into account good acoustics so that the best man’s speech can be heard.
